Willy Wonka and God

A very interesting take on Willy Wonka and God.

http://waiterrant.blogspot.com/2005/02/oompa-loompas-chocolate-and-question.html

The Shepard's House

The guys who live in the Shepard's House are going to try and start some discussions as well. Here's the link to their blog:
http://theshepardshouse.blogspot.com

Spiritual Growth

When does the greatest spiritual growth occur? When we study individually? Or when we study and learn with others? How do we balance these two important practices? And how do they overlap and become entwined?

Saw this and thought it was interesting

http://www.miltonglaserposters.com/news/pub_10.htm

 

I saw this article somewhere and I thought it was interesting. Some of the points are ok, but I really liked Number 10. He talks about being honest, and I think he explains it in a way that anyone, Christian or Not-yet-a believer, can understand.

First Step

I'm going to start this out with a few verses that have struck a chord in me lately.

Acts 18:9-11

9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on
speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack
and harm you, because I have many people in this city." 11 So Paul stayed for a
year and a half, teaching them the word of God.(NIV)

Living in a city like this, going to a school with 26,000 other kids, going to classes and hearing professors talk about the failures and problems with religions, it is easy to get discouraged and feel overwhelmed by the secular society. But by living in a Christian community, one that is constantly evolving and changing, we are able to remember that we aren't alone. There are reinforcements just around the bend.

Matthew 6:19-end talks about a radical lifestyle that we, as Christians, should have. We should be completely centered on God, he should be our top priority. Verse 19 is a familiar section talking about earthly treasures and Heavenly treasures. I think that it is too easy for us to lie to ourselves and forget about earthly things that we treasure. For us to really be focused on God, we need to ask ourselves "What is my heart seeking? Has it become more important than God?" And we need to answer these questions honestly, even though it will be tough. It's hard to look at yourself and and say "I treasure my car more than I treasure God" or "I treasure books and studying more than God." Personnally, I find myself being captivated by my laptop more than I should. And it's tough to realize that I treasure my laptop more than God. It seems silly, but when I wake up in the morning, what do I go to first? My Bible? No, my laptop. But it's something I work on everyday, and I'm making progress.

Welcome!

Welcome to Pondering Points!

I'm Sam, and this is the newest of my three blogs. Since I am a part of a Christian Community, I am constantly learning about my faith, my life, and living in community with other believers. I want this blog to be a spot to discuss ideas and thoughts and conversations and arguments that arise in life, and I want you, the readers, to comment. Mainly because there are a lot of you and I'm sure you have lots to say.

That's enough for now, hope to hear from you soon!

Sam