Wally wrote:
>>I think that Burgy has shown incredible courage in posting his personal
>>testimony on this list. I further believe that the rest of us should
>>follow suit. I know that my own cannot be anywhere near as compelling,
>>but I am willing to post if even one other person can agree that this is a
>>good idea --- and maybe even they do not.
BTW: we recently did this in a Stephen Ministry meeting at the church I
attend. The results were truly amazing and make one wonder why we dare not
more be far more open to our neighbors. There are many ways to come to know
the Lord and you must hear those of others to understand his amazing
grace.>>
I appreciate those good words, Wally, although I do not claim any particular
"courage" in the post. What I was getting was off line mail which was
disturbing to me, for it indicated I was seriously upsetting some of my
Christian brothers (and possibly sisters). Somewhere in scripture Jesus says
"if your brother holds anything against you ... ." and it was clear to me
that this was the case. Since there are always lurkers on the list, I choose
to address the list directly.
When I teach Stephen Ministry classes, the act of testimony is part of the
deal, properly introduced and explained, of course. It is also not unheard
of in SS classes, etc. I will teach a class beginning next January on
science, scripture and ethical problems; although Montview Blvd Presbyterian
Church in Denver is generally a "liberal" congregation, it is my intention
to express that testimony at that time, as I have done in other churches.
In early Acts Jesus says to be witnesses; how can we do this unless we tell
people about what has happened in our lives? CS Lewis thought it was worth
doing so, in his book SURPRISED BY JOY.
George has some good reasons why this list is not the place to do it. I
agree that they are good reasons, but I am not convinced they are compelling
reasons, particularly if one feels God's urging to do so. I would not,
myself, urge anyone else to do so -- but I guarantee if someone does I will
read what they have to say with interest.
Thanks again.
Burgy
www.burgy.50megs.com
_________________________________________________________________
MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos:
http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Thu Jul 18 2002 - 00:22:50 EDT