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Original poster

Christian books - The Purpose Driven Life

75 replies

oxocube · 14/01/2011 20:32

PositiveAttitude, I love it Grin

Am on day 6 as am taking it one day at a time as you (and the author!) suggested and giving a lot of thought to the questions and discussion points it throws up.

I am going through a very difficult time at the moment but am really encouraged by this book. Thanks so much Smile

Anyone else reading this or would like to re-read and share their thoughts as we work through it?

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PositiveAttitude · 23/01/2011 16:27

I am pleased you are getting a lot out of it oxo. I remember how challenging I found it when I did it the first time. I know its American, and covers some basic stuff but I think if you get through that and to the heart of what it is trying to do you will get a lot out of it. As you say, horses for courses.....

Each year now we do it with a certain year group of our youth work. The guy who leads it does it with them every year and says that he gets something different from it each time. (The youth are different every year, he leads it every year IYSWIM)

ChickensFlyingUnderTheRadar · 23/01/2011 16:30

I tried this, and it didn't work for me. I can't make Rick Warren my friend. My bible group has just started 'Life's Healing Choices' and I already want to throw things at the tv whenever he's on it

Original poster
oxocube · 23/01/2011 16:42

I like the fact that it is simple. The only thing I have an issue with is that some of the Bible references are to American versions rather than NIV which is what I mostly use and they seem to really modernise/dumb down the language. Still, the fact that it prompts me to look up references at all is a good thing Smile

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gingercurl · 23/01/2011 17:05

Jaffa - I found out this morning that one of the two churches I that I split my Sundays between is doing E100. I think the first week will be next week. Have you started yet and how are you finding it? I gather that the "E" stands for "Essential" but that is about it. I was handed a leaflet when I arrived at service this morning and am trying to work out the pace at which they will be doing it. I'm a bit confused by it at the moment.

YorkshireCrockpot · 23/01/2011 20:39

I like that it's simple too and easy to read. I like that the bible readings are modernised, I think it works in a book like this to clearly get the points across.

Just read day 4 talking about eternity and that there is more to life than here and now. It asks what one thing should you stop doing and what should you start?
It's easy to think of what I should stop doing- being so materialistic. It really doesn't matter about keeping up with the joneses or how much we earn (or don't!) and what stuff we have. Having trouble about what I should start doing- perhaps being honest with myself and believing in myself that I can do things.

PositiveAttitude · 23/01/2011 22:07

Ginger I started the E100 book a couple of days ago. I am doing it just to give me some structure to my Bible reading again. Its OK, not masses to read, good notes to go with it. Not earth shattering, but ok, so far!

MyrrhyBS · 24/01/2011 07:52

I agree oxocube re: everyone different, and perhaps a few years ago, I'd have got more out of the book. It would be boring if we were all the same!

I am currently reading a book about Julian of Norwich, and am finding that really helpful.

Original poster
oxocube · 24/01/2011 08:19

I found days 13 and 17 very interesting. They talk about the style of worship God desires, basically taking any form as long as it is always sincere and not simply hollow words and so long as God is always the primary focus.

In chapter 17, the author talks about what it means to be part of a church and the need for other Christians. Before I entered into this relationship with God I honestly believed it was enough not to go to church but to pray privately, that I had no need of a church or fellowship. I realise now that this is an aspect of my faith which gives me so much strength - to support and be supported by others who believe the same as I do.

Warren says in chapter 17 that belonging to a church:
identifies you as a genuine believer
moves you away from self-centred isolation
provides a model of Chist's mission in the world
helps to keep you from backsliding
encourages you to spread the gospel .

I found all of these points to be true for myself.

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newlark · 24/01/2011 08:25

I'm only on day 5 - haven't quite been managing to read every day as I'm trying to do other reading/studying. I'm finding I can just ignore the bits where I'm not so keen on his style and am finding it helpful focussing on one aspect at a time. I'm also looking up all the references in my preferred translation (NIV) and looking at the context which gives a bit more depth to it.

MyrrhyBS · 24/01/2011 08:27

I agree with what he says about worship. I think that is the conclusion I came to myself, through reading and studying.

The second is more contentious for me, as being on the autistic spectrum, the fellowship side is always going to be difficult. Having said that, although at times its incredibly difficult, ultimately it is rewarding too. However it can be very taxing on my energy levels and indeed my mental health. I take great comfort from St Paul on this - and try to see it as my "thorn in the size".

Original poster
oxocube · 24/01/2011 08:31

Myrrhy Smile
newlark, I do the same and also prefer NIV

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MyrrhyBS · 24/01/2011 08:32

LOL, that should be SIDE not size!

My preferred bible is NRSV...

Original poster
oxocube · 24/01/2011 08:33

Also re the church as family stuff, the day I really believed myself to be a child of God was a happy one indeed

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MyrrhyBS · 24/01/2011 09:25

I know, its a great feeling :o. And not only that, I've found it put a whole new perspective on my relationship with God, and indeed with being part of the "body of Christ, which is the church", as Paul said...

jaffacakeaddict · 24/01/2011 18:17

Gingercurl - I like the book. I've always found I haven't had an overview of how the old testament fits together and this book will help to make it all a bit clearer. And, for those of you finding the Purpose Driven Life a bit too full on, this book doesn't seem full on at all.

gingercurl · 24/01/2011 21:21

Jaffacake - that sounds good Smile . Am considering ordering it.

Oxo and Myrrhy - I had my two biggest wow-moments regarding my relationship with God about a year after I got married and quite recently in my relationship with my 3yo DS. The Bible uses the images of us as God's children and as the bride of Christ. When I found myself in those relationships myself as a wife and a parent and got an insider's, albeit flawed, glimpse of the depth and breadth the Scripture implies, it blew me away.

MyrrhyBS · 24/01/2011 22:21

Something resonating strongly with me at the moment is Peter walking on the water. How he leaps in with faith, then stops to go "hang on, I shouldn't be doing this" and then he isn't! I'm determined not to let my fears interfere with whatever it is God wants me to do.

Joshua 1:9 is helping "I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Original poster
oxocube · 25/01/2011 06:42

I like that reference Mary Smile Will make a note of it.

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newlark · 25/01/2011 13:39

MyrrhyBS - when I downloaded the sample of the purpose driven life I also downloaded a sample of "if you want to walk on water you've got to get out of the boat" by john ortberg - have you seen that one?

gingercurl - I really agree - being a parent has helped so much in giving me an imperfect glimpse of understanding of our relationship with God as a parent

MyrrhyBS · 25/01/2011 16:26

No I haven't - sounds quite appropriate!

I've just ordered another from the series "30 days with a great spiritual teacher", in paper form not in Kindle.

With the loss of our vicar, there are HUGE stress factors at church and I'm trying to hand it all over to God whilst recognising at the same time I have to do what is necessary in a role which allows spiritual leadership, but no official responsibility. A VERY tricky thing to get right!

PositiveAttitude · 26/01/2011 21:59

Newlark, that book is brilliant!! Well worth a read!!! Easy to read, I like his style and there are lots of snippets from that book that I have quoted and it is a couple of years ago that I read it, so lots has stuck with me.

gingercurl · 28/01/2011 20:08

PA and Jaffa I have now ordered my copy of E100. Hopefully it will arrive soon so that I at least have a chance to look at it before Sunday next week Smile.

YorkshireCrockpot · 30/01/2011 12:56

Just reading chapter 11 today. So far I've found this book really useful and I'm getting a lot out if it. Chapter 11 is about not pigeonholing God for just church or quiet prayer but letting Him in every aspect if your life from taking the bins out, walking the dogs or going to work, everything can be done in Gods name. It's all to do with your frame if mind.
How fantastic! For me this is a work in progress but something to build upon, like rick warren says what can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to him more often during the day? Anyone's thoughts on this or any other aspect of the book?
Looks like it's E100 after this!

newlark · 30/01/2011 14:17

Not getting any further with purpose driven life yet as there have been lots of other things going on (we've had a brilliant guest speaker at church for the long weekend doing lots of special events/talks).

Yorkshire - I've found it really helps to think of everything I do as serving God - particularly when I'm doing something I'd rather not like clearing up breakfast thrown on the floor - I silently say "Thank you for this opportunity to serve my family" and it helps enormously with my attitude and patience with the children.

I'm thinking about doing E100 with a friend - we were chatting last week about doing some bible study together as we both find it quite difficult on our own and we're going to meet tomorrow to look at the E100 book

YorkshireCrockpot · 30/01/2011 14:41

I like that one newlark- that happens ALOT here! Does that mean all Christians houses are nice and tidy and clean I wonder?!?! Wink