Let me make this very clear, I am not into numerology. I do not think there is a Bible code to be deciphered that when fully understood and applied releases hidden power or reveals dates and times of future events hidden in the scriptures. I do however, believe there is a mathematical equation that, when understood, reveals formulas for the creation of church the way God intended church to be.
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In our quest to comprehend the words and actions that negatively impacted us, many have embraced this simple explanation, hurt people hurt people. Armed with this insight we find it easier to offer grace, easier to forgive because it is easier to work through the offence when there is a reason out of our control and the control of the offender. We accept that we will be repeatedly hurt by hurt people. We see their actions as a result of their life experience not a response to us. We find comfort in the fact that we are Christ-like in our grace and not affected by others who have unintentionally hurt us because they are hurt. If hurt people hurt people, then our forgiveness may not be enough.
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The words shocked me. They were untrue descriptors of me but still I was left wounded. I had uttered the words, “I feel like quitting,” in a private conversation during which I expressed my deepest sadness. What should have remained private was now being revisited in a public forum, entered as evidence in what was no more than a kangaroo court along with other out of context quotes. This truly wasn’t going to end well for me. “You are a quitter. You told me you felt like quitting so you are a quitter.” The mock trial ended and I left for my car. I took my painkillers as I had so many times before so I could endure the hour and forty five minute drive home and began my journey.
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Flyfeelitis (flī– fēl -īdəs): the overwhelming urge to touch one’s zipper to ensure that it is in the up position. The origin of this disease can be traced back to the inclusion of the first zipper in men’s pants however, not all men who wear pants suffer from this disease. Researchers hypothesize that those who suffer from this disease acquired it during a traumatic incident involving the individual being discovered in a public setting with their fly undone. This disease is habitual and although annoying and difficult to cure, it can contribute to avoiding further incidents in which the sufferer is caught with his zipper down.
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If you listen closely you will hear this question echoing through the rooms in every church. If you really open your ears you will hear more than just the words, you will sense the desperation. If you linger long enough you will experience the undeniable nudging of God to do something. If you respond. If your fellow Christ followers choose to act. If your collect of Christ followers makes it their vision. Something new, something fresh, something sacrificial takes over the very being of who we are as individuals and as a collective of people who follow the Son of God.
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