Pull up a pew and join the Christian chat thread, continued...

[EddSimcox]

Church chat and all related things... weak coffee, dodgy tunes, rubbish attitudes... and the uplifting, inspirational, and hilarious too.

It's great, isn't it, Dragon and slipper. Shows God's character of reckless grace in a way which makes the religious leaders upset and prickly. Grace is unfair by its very nature, it doesn't count points or wrongs. When we ask for it it's freely available. I love this God!

I think grace is extended to all, but obviously some turn away from it, but that's a free will thing and actually a sign of grace as well, otherwise there would be a forcefulness in the narrative which isn't part of God's character. So yes, he longs all to be with him and not perish, and because he is just everyone is given the choice - whatever that may look like.

Love the prodigal son parable too. Another demonstrating God's longing for reconciliation and forgiveness :)

I have just re-read Ruth Etchells The Judas Tree and it always makes me want to cry.

Hi all. I read the bcp. This morning's nt reading from Luke was the parable of the unjust steward. Could anyone famili er with it please explain it to me? Especially as it goes into saying you can't serve God And Mammon.

I think 'you can't serve two masters, God and Mammon' is fairly straightforward in itself. It's the way it sits after the parable that makes it a bit confusing.

The parable portrays the steward as dishonest and unreliable, but successful in using money to benefit himself. Then it says that money isn't what counts, in the long run. That you should use unrighteously obtained money to look after friends, as that will do you more good in the long run.

It isn't an easy one, that's for sure. I think it's about not prioritising money, but if you have some use it for good works. Maybe.

Yes, I think you're right; but the Bcp has been working through Luke (all good stuff) and this is a bit opaque. In tandem, the ot reading is going through Judges. Which is interesting, but not necessarily in a good way

Having a stressful shift tonight at work. I took a few minutes out for a cuppa and read from the Bible this:

"Rejoice in the Lord always.I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts, and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:4-7.

Indeed!

Hello all, it's been an exhausting week here, in and out of hospital with bump. But I'm home now and very thankful. I've been praying on that Phillipians verse as I'm so anxious about this pregnancy.

I'm sad I'm going to miss church tomorrow as I'm on bed rest, but last week's talk on Exodus was tricky to follow and I wasn't under the weather, so I'd stand little hope this week I suspect!

That's tough, Mrs T. How long will you be on bed rest do you think?

How many weeks are you MrsT? Take it easy x

Praying for you Mrs T. Don't overdo it!

Hello all.

Dropping in to introduce myself! I'm fairly new at posting but have been reading MN for years and years. Mum to four living children, survivor of innumerable battles with MH and physical difficulties, and a convert to Catholicism.

Have had a proper pig of a week, capped off with the work day no one ever wants to have - with a large amount of colleagues missing, and it being retail! I dug in and got through it, as the people I work with are fab, but also because I used some data at lunchtime to send out a prayer SoS!

I don't have a fat lot of time online, and in fact have very recently decided to cut it drastically because life is so full on. But I'm hoping to be able to pop in and have a chat from time to time!

Hope things pick up, bunting!

Thanks pickle! Life is bonkers, but in many ways it's better than it's ever been. Turning 40 was my coming-of-age!

Welcome FloralBunting! Sorry about your tough week, hope it gets better this week :)

Hello MrsFT, how are you now? I too love the Philippians passage.

If anyone wants an interesting read, I've been reading amazon.co.uk/Phoebe-Paula-Gooder-ebook/dp/B072F24XKN/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1529924871&sr=8-2&keywords=phoebe+paula+gooder Phoebe by Paula Gooder]] which is an imaginative telling of the story of the church leader Phoebe, from the book of Romans. Really evokes something of the first century atmosphere and what the fledgling Christians were facing.

We're so comfortable in the modern west...

Aaagh sorry link fail

Hello

Very old former member of the Christian Prayer Thread here. Just found this thread and I'd love to join in. (I have tried to get on the Christian Prayer Thread a few times, but it moves so fast these days!! It's like trying to jump on a moving merry-go-round!)

So, I've been a Christian for 30+ years, though had various ups and downs along the way. Currently married to dh who isn't a Christian, with 2 boys, one of whom has just finished A levels, so we are now crossing off the days to results day. I am also looking after my parents, who both have dementia. I have been so blessed, as I have now managed to put together a team of carers to help to look after them, and have three wonderful Christian ladies in place. After a rather chaotic 18 months or so, I feel as if I can take a mini step back, and take a breath . . .

So, hello everyone!

NQGU, Hallo, how wonderful to ‘see’ you. Would you be able to come to the meet-up in London on the 21st July. We are planning to meet in the café of the Friends Meeting House, opposite Euston Station. How wonderful it would be to see you again.

Hello DO. Will message you.

In the meantime, please can anyone recommend a Bible app for the phone? I'd really like a daily reading, perhaps with some thoughts/ideas for further reading. Or maybe a Bible in a year app, with a daily reading (though like DO I'm very happy to skip through the long lists of names/begats!) Or perhaps both!

Hello notquite, I remember you from years back! Welcome!

I use the You Version. It has loads of different study plans including bible in a year plans, lots based on varying subjects etc. I really rate it.

I use that too, glaad to hear you can also have it on the phone. I just have it on the iPad and use it mainly for Bible Reading. For daily prayer and meditaion I use the readings from Creighton University. It’s a Jesuit University and so quite Roman Catholic slanted with an emphasis on Saints days etc. But I find it gives me a whole new vision on the Bible and I have had emails back when I have raised things with people.

Hi everyone, I am an occasional poster on here. Just wanted to ask has anyone been to Wintershall? I went to see The Life of Christ. I can't get it out of my mind!! It was amazing.

Keep slipping off the thread here on planet baby waves at everyone. His eyes are stable for now :-) I see lots has been happening and will try and have a read and catch up. Have been thinking of you folks xxx

Hello everyone and newbies, nice that you are here!
@Madhairday I loved your last post on the tribal thread, so eloquent 😀

Thankyou, dragonnoodle. That's really kind and encouraging how are you?

Great to see you doublegloucester, bless you on planet baby, hope all is well.

Hello daffodil, good to see you too. I haven't heard of wintershall I'm afraid.

It's tooooo hot. 😎♨️🥞