Ancient Crossroads.org

Hi, all.

I've been involved with a Bible Study at church -- trying to get involved and be challenged. It's pretty great, all in all. Most of you know that I've joined a new church this past year or two and it's about as great as I could ask. The people are really friendly and very little 'spooky' theology pokes its head out.

Right now we're starting a Bible study on Romans. Andy brought cinnamon rolls that his mother made (his mother is like 80 some years old and is a professional baker -- still!). So, of course, everyone has a sugar rush along with the caffeine from the coffee.

Andy led the study today and, as usual, he impressed me with his viewpoint and his honesty. This guy approaches faith with real humility.

We opened talking about freedom. How most of the people in Rome during this time were slaves -- captured when the Romans expanded the kingdom. We then continued with the first question in our book -- what do people do when there's a cry for help? When freedom is threatened?

I'm sorry to say that sometimes (most times) I'm more worried about my own arse. I don't jump into the fray without thinking. It's just not me. It is something that I'm trying to change, though. When our neighbor needs help, we should do something about it.

We continued talking about Christian community and how we need to open up to each other in order to develop that closeness, that bond. .... Reality must speak here -- there's certain things that will not get brought out in group conversation. I'm sure you get my drift, some of you.

That said, I'm envious of those of you that have that ... confidence.

The Roman church's faith was famous throughout the known world. Why is that? It must have stood out as obvious as a lighthouse in a storm.

So many times it's easy for us to stay in our Christian cocoon. We surround ourselves with Christians and churches and activities. That's good, don't get me wrong. The Christians that I know are very helpful to my growth and faith. The thing is -- we can't stay there and expect to be able to reach others outside the faith.

Going outside of our cocoon -- our comfort zone -- can be freaky. We risk our health, our emotions, and even our faith. Nothing can be more scary or intimidating as a Christian than to venture forth on some errand of faith only to be shot down or screw it up. You can be assured that you will screw it up at least once.

I'm not working up to being a lighthouse -- I'd settle for a pen light. A spark. Just so long as I'm noticed. Just so long as I am not 'just one of the nice people'. Just so long as I'm representing what Christ would have me.

So, that's my long post... Thoughts?

Hello X,

I saw your post and realize that it's been a while and was curious if you had any updates? At the risk of providing "spooky theology" I had a few thoughts but was unsure just what your specific questions were?

Possibly due to my unconventional convictions regarding the Scriptures which you may or may not regard as "spooky theology" I have had difficulty finding a "church home" which will I'd truly feel at home in. I even read the word "Church" and recognize the intended word as the Greek "Ekklesia" meaning "called out gathering or assembly". Ekklesia's equivalent Hebrew word is "Miqra".

I'm not sure that I would characterize the persecuted Messianic Ekklesia, pre-Constantine, as Roman other than in regards to geography. After Constantine I'd agree that and the Messianic Ekklesia became a Roman Church. The trust and sacrificial the former demonstrated among themselves and their neighbors I'd certainly agree served as a tremendous "lighthouse." I'd also agree that there is so much more to being an adopted in-grafted member of Yahweh's Messianic family than being a "nice" person. Learning and living what moire there is to this is IMO a huge topic but one that begins with learning who Yahweh is and deciding whether to trust and rely upon His Word.

I hope that this is helpful or at least serves as a useful beginning

Respectfully,

Theophilus