Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Radical truths.

Sometimes (most times) in our busy, noisy lives, we struggle to find truth and make sense out of life and our purpose for living. I think there is a longing in every heart to know the truth. I have really enjoyed our sermon series at church the past several weeks- all about 'stories that Jesus told'. I have found them to be very 'timely' and full of good applications for living a life that really matters. Our pastor (Pastor Bill Rudd) has a new blog, which offers a bit more insight into the messages.
I have also listened to some really great messages from a couple of other insightful teachers of the truth. One is my former professor of theology, Greg Boyd, who has made me stop and think on more than one occasion. He is a bit more dynamic then some traditional preachers that you may have grown up listening to- he breaks the stereotype most people have of what a preacher looks and acts like. He used to play the drums like no other during the music portion of worship in church, and then swig some Mountain Dew before and during his preaching. I'd encourage you to listen to one or two of his messages, just to see what 'radical truth' sounds like sometimes! Especially check out his message from March 4, 2007- "The Kingdom is a really messy Party". Here is a list of some of the books he's written- which I'm sure you can find through Amazon.com or other websites.
Another spot I can wholeheartedly point you to are the messages linked here. This pastor here (Steve Goold) will tell it like it is- sometimes that's just the way we need to hear it. I have found some really great quotes and encouragement, and yet totally without 'fluff' or a 'nice package' like some people wish they could get their 'fix'. We often think that life is supposed to be 'easy' or comfortable and go our way. We fight the bad stuff that can come at us in all sorts of ways, and somehow buy into the idea that life is about getting to the top- being successful and having it all.
The messages and links I share with you here will challenge that thinking. It will sound so absolutely contrary to what 99% of the world is telling you is true. Yet, in the end, the truths you find in them will be 100% true, and absoultely something that you can believe in and challenge yourself to become more of. So, if you're looking for a little something to shake up your simple way of life, or to stop you in your tracks and ask, "Is there something more to life...am I missing something?", well then, follow the links, and prepare to be changed.
I believe you will find truth, wholeness, contentment and ways to strengthen your faith. There are lots of great messages and links...I hope that these offer you a good start!

4 comments:

jkluginbill said...

Thanks for the great links. I am a first time poster, long-time lurker. Love your message! Keep it up!

Jill said...

I listened to Greg Boyd's sermon and loved it. It was radical truth, but so right on.
Last year I gave his book Letters from a Skeptic to a friend whose brother was really struggling with faith and knowing it was all real.
Great Read.
It reminds me of an easier to understand Case for Christ.
Thanks for the new links. I'm sure I will listen again.
It's good to hear the Word.

Cris said...

I love it when someone isn't afraid to tell it like it is. That's one of the things that I've always loved about Joyce Meyers. She will tell it like it is, but in a respectful out of love and concern, been there done that, kind of way. I will definitely make sure I check out the links. :)

Anonymous said...

WOW!!! I am so loving that I found your blog...what a BEAUTIFUL woman you are! Love this entree and the links and all the messages you give and witness through your blog! LOVE this! Like Jill said too...one of my favorite books is "Letters from a Skeptic" I can't seem to keep it though, and give it away every time I get a new one.
Love ya! xoxo
K