Outside the Pigeon Holes

I love the discussion and analysis here , in a brilliant post on Brian Mclaren's website , of the varying definitions of churchy words that get thrown around in inter-denominational discussions...I believe wholly that there is sin, that God has wrath and there is judgment, but what that loo ks like to me (through much of my own journey through the Spirit's teaching and God's 'refining fires') may differ greatly from that of my fellows. I believe that God's wrath is much more restorative than it is punitive and that sin has much more to do with 'love-breaking' than law-breaking....I believe Jesus teaches a way of living that is much more challenging to walk than the simplified 'black and white' thinking I was raised with. Yes, there is a time and a place for that, but I have come to understand that it isn't nearly as often as I once thought. #lethispeoplethink . 

A couple of months ago, I sent this question in to Brian McLaren. His response follows... YAY!  Here's the Q: As one who has walked in charismatic circles, I'm sure you have heard the adage 'God never goes against his word'. This is usually said when teaching people how to discern a 'prophetic word' or inklings that are received in prayer. I have employed this guideline myself, but as I transition from a literal, constitutional reading of Scripture to your suggested 'library' reading, this 'rule' becomes harder to apply. I don't want to throw out the baby with the bathwater and walk away from the 'prophetic' lifestyle ('prophetic' as in truth from God - not as in fortune-telling) because it's too subjective. But at the same time, I want to work out how to move in this way with integrity. My spiritual life, my relationship with Papa, has been enriched by a more conversational approach to my prayer life. I enjoy ...