Hello

[Erik]

Hi Everyone.

My name is Erik. I'm from Monterey (Pacific Grove) and am looking for some new friends. I've called into the daily radio show about 7 or 8 times over the last few years.

I'd also love to hear where others in Monterey go to church on the weekend. I have trouble making Salinas and Santa Cruz on weekdays because of my family wanting me home (plus we have a 3-year-old and babysitting is expensive).

My wife recently started pretty much refusing to go to the church we've been attending for the last 5 years, so while I am still wondering about the possible work God might want me to do in that church, it looks like the decision to move churches has been made for me.

I'm tired of fakeness, of easy offense, of caring more about appearance than substance, of people's belief that they've got Christian doctrine completely nailed down and any other thoughts are near heresy.

Erik

[selah]

Hi Eric, Thanks for starting this thread. I was so moved by the prayer of Jesus in John 17, that when I heard Steve Gregg's conversation with a caller the other day, I sent the following email to my Christian contacts. I hope you got a chance to hear this conversation from TNP, and I pray you find fellowship where unity in Jesus is everyone's first love.

When I became a Christian, I committed to learn to keep the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17:21, 23. Then today I heard a radio conversation that I simply must share with others. The conversation was hosted by Bible teacher, Steve Gregg from http://thenarrowpath.com/

If you are interested, click on http://tnp.theeggbeater.net/ After clicking on 20100204 dated 2-4-10, click on the timeline at 32:30 (32 1/2 minutes into the program) and listen at least until 49:20.

Question: Here is a paraphrased portion of the question that the caller posed for Steve Gregg:

Two men have different theological views (or Biblical principles), how should they treat each other?

Answer: The answer included this comment (paraphrased):

When Jesus founded His church, he put a man from the far left and and a man from the political far right together, that would be Matthew the tax collector and Simon the zealot. That is like putting Rush Limbaugh and Barack Obama in the same church and asking, “Can you guys love each other or not?”

As a conclusion to the conversation, Steve suggested, "The Waining Authority of Christ in the Church," by A W Tozer (found within the book entitled, God Tells the Man Who Cares). I googled the book and found it here. http://www.amazon.com/dp/0875095089?tag ... GZYM7VQWZ0&

What do you think? I think we should fulfil Jesus' prayer of John 17:21, 23. Wow!

Thank you. I pray our Father blesses you in Jesus' name!

selah*

[steve]

Getting and reading the book "God Tells the Man Who Cares," like any of the books that collect Tozer editorials, is a very worthwhile thing to do. The editorial, "The Waning Authority of Christ in the Churches," is the final editorial in that book. If anyone just wants to read that piece by itself, you can find it here: http://www.awtozerclassics.com/articles ... /86408.htm

[selah]

Getting and reading the book "God Tells the Man Who Cares," like any of the books that collect Tozer editorials, is a very worthwhile thing to do. The editorial, "The Waning Authority of Christ in the Churches," is the final editorial in that book. If anyone just wants to read that piece by itself, you can find it here: http://www.awtozerclassics.com/articles ... /86408.htm

Thanks Steve. for posting this. It is convenient to read now

[darinhouston]

This is one of the most convicting (and most frustrating) collections I've ever read.

By the way, the book was (last I checked) out of print, so I'm glad they brought it back (I sent a number of requests to the publisher, so, perhaps I helped bring it back?). I originally had to find it through inter-library loan, and have bought used copies from Amazon to give to pastor friends (who if I'm charitable I must assume didn't read it, or else I can't imagine them not taking much of it to heart).

It's a collection of essays originally published in "Alliance Magazine". Most of that content is now available online at:

http://www.cmalliance.org/resources/arc ... ne?q=tozer

Another excellent article from the book is "Pragmatism Goes to Church."

http://www.cmalliance.org/resources/arc ... 0church%22

[darinhouston]

I'm reading "off and on" the following book you may be interested in...

"So You Don't Go To Church Anymore" by Jake Colsen. An ebook is (or was when I last checked) available of a draft version online for free...

http://www.jakecolsen.com/contents.html

[darinhouston]

I can't help myself, I love this guy so much...

Another Tozer article from Alliance Weekly...

"We Must Be Still To Know..."

http://www.cmalliance.org/resources/arc ... 20still%22

[Erik]

Thanks for the reading suggestions!

Any more thoughts about the things I mentioned?

[darinhouston]

Sorry, we did get a bit off topic here -- I do think the book I mentioned would help you with your frustration over the types of churches you're finding. I'm presently in the "church-seeking" mode myself, and know how difficult that can be. I have come to realize there's no perfect place and am looking for at least a right "spirit" of learning and growing and community. Beyond that, I'm looking for a church with at least some level of support for my kids (16 months and 4 yrs). Oh, and close to home.... On the babysitter question, if you find a church with child care (most do), or where they accept children in the pews (few do these days) you shouldn't need a babysitter.

Wish I had more help for you. On particular churches in your area, I'm in TX so can't help much there.

[TK]

Getting and reading the book "God Tells the Man Who Cares," like any of the books that collect Tozer editorials, is a very worthwhile thing to do. The editorial, "The Waning Authority of Christ in the Churches," is the final editorial in that book. If anyone just wants to read that piece by itself, you can find it here: http://www.awtozerclassics.com/articles ... /86408.htm

Devastating. I am sending this to every Christian I know. We could all use some devastation now and then.

TK