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October 2013: Ten Thousand Pieces of Crumbling Faith
October 2013: Ten Thousand Pieces of Crumbling Faith
October
20
2013
I remember talking in high school youth group about what it would mean for our faith if part of the Bible wasnt trueif one of its stories hadnt occurred in history. The answer we landed on was that we would still have faith. Yet before even taking a breath, we added on that its sure nice we dont have to worry about that because the whole book is true. Phew that was a close one. Solid as a rock. As long as the ten thousand different ideas and qualifications that made up that rock all held true. Inevitably, though, this list of a thousand beliefs that I thought to be faith has slowly fallen apart. My Christian university taught me that some parts of the Bible dont seem to have really happened. That a whole lot of really good science points to evolution. I made close friends who know and experience Christ in ways I never have. Some continued on page 2
continued from page 1 as I have released my white-knuckled grip on those vapors.Yet paradoxically, by walking by faith, I have been able to see more clearly. I dont have faith because it makes sense. I have faith because the story of Christ is the most beautiful story I know. I have faith because parts of scripture arent historically true, yet God uses them to speak truth. I have faith because the more I look, everything is pointing to Christ. I have faith because of all the saints, past and present, who help point my gaze toward Christ. I have faith because the same God who called me by name seven years ago still listens when I call out to Him. I have faith because I have leaned into Christ and discovered an abundant life like nothing else. I have faith because I see in God a love that is not restrained by anything. Anything. I have faith because in the crazy, illogical, countercultural act of placing my trust in God I have found a peace that passes understanding. I dont have faith because it makes sense.Yet I have faith.
of these friends are gay. I voted for a president that four years earlier I would have told you wasnt the one a Christian ought to vote for. I took a class that taught postmodern philosophy something I had been warned about because it undermined absolute truthand I loved and embraced it. Almost every piece of the rock of my faith has crumbled apart; some pieces are still in the process of falling off. My faith did not make sense. What I had thought was faith was really only belief in a list of criteria. Following Jesus, for me, had been about believing and knowing that a whole host of things were true. Suddenly, these things werent as true as I thought they were.Yet as the ten thousand pieces of my faith have fallen away and continue to do so, something more sturdy has remained. Something more ancient. A rock, a cornerstone tried and true, leaned into through the ages. On Christ the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. As almost everything that I used to call faith has fallen apart, I now see more clearly the center of all thingsChrist. I see Jesus in my literature classes, in reading Plato and Dostoevsky and Marx. I see Jesus in people who dont call on His name. I see Him more clearly in the church, in the mountains, in pain, in joy, in suffering and forgiveness. I see Jesus more clearly in myself. Suddenly Jesus is showing up in all kinds of places I didnt know he was allowed to be. I dont walk anymore by sight, because everything I was looking to for truth has slipped away,
Prayer Requests
Cadence & her mother Crystal Healing, and support. Stacey Campbells Son Judah Healing from a spinal injury. Trevena MacLeods mother Good recovery and no infections. Lori Knox-Nelsons Father Healing from cancer, lifted spirits & support for him and his family. Bernices Son Cory & His Wife Healing from staff infection & MRSA. Comfort, peace & support. 12 week old Baby Miles He is in desperate need of a heart transplant. His parents have been at the hospital with him in Vancouver & have given up their rental home in Kelowna. Wayne Simmons sister Healing and relief from blurred vision in one eye. Jack McAskill Healing & recovery from surgery and complications, lifted spirits & support. Donna MacDonald Healing, comfort and ease of pain. Lifted spirits and support. Lori McDonalds friend Jen Healing from cancer, lifted spirits & support for her and her family. Karen Gallants grandson Oliver Healing and support for him and his family.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD - Sunday, Oct. 27 3:30-4:30 At the Farm Centre See Dede for more information.
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Fri. Nov 8, 6:45pm to 10:15pm Sat. Nov 9, 8:45am to 1:45pm $15/person through October 28th $20/person after October 28th
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Dr. Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs present the Love & Respect Marriage Conference - a dynamic, high energy, practical seminar designed to help couples and singles achieve the relationship of their dreams. Based on Ephesians 5:33 and the three groundbreaking principles taught in Dr. Eggerichs best seller Love and Respect, Emerson and Sarah bring a message that imparts revolutionary insights on how to achieve a brand-new level of intimacy and friendship. Couples learn to: 1. Cage the Crazy Cycle 2. Fuel the Energizing Cycle 3. Reap the Rewarded Cycle
A OVER N O I L L MI S E I COP D! L O S
Ive never laughed so hard! l Singles friendly! So simple, and it works. l Men love this conference!
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