A new beginning...

I haven't written a blog in a long time. That's because this blog was suppose to be for me to write and organize my thoughts regarding spiritual issues, stories, and experiences. To say that the presence of spiritual practices have been few and far between (and also a huge struggle) in my life lately would be an understatement.

However, things have really been turning around for me. I've really started to get connected with some guys at Belmont who are solid in their faith, and who are open to exploring spiritual issues and questions with me. These guys have provided a ton of support and understanding as I've been sorting out things in my life. It's incredible how in such a short period of time things can get so twisted and tangled up, but also begun to be cleaned up and straightened out. I guess it's a statement for the blessings the Lord places in our lives.

So I'm happy to report that I've started a bible study of Romans 5-8, will be helping to start/attend a small group hopefully this Thursday, attending church at Crosspoint this Sunday, and have found a great friend to serve as an accountability partner and spiritual conversationalist with. Needless to say things have been coming together rather quickly, but it really has been exciting.

Enough with the updates though, the purpose of this blog is to provide a place to write down, organize, and share my spiritual walk. As I mentioned above, I've started a Bible Study of Romans 5-8. The study is called A Christ Powered Life. It takes and breaks down the words and concepts that compose each verse, asks questions, and shows how the each verse creates a chain link that builds to provide an overall concept.

This morning I was reading Romans 5:3-5 and found this really interesting. In verse 5, when the Bible talks about pouring out his love into our hearts, the original text is referring to the form of love "agape". This specific form of the love in the Hebrew language means: "unconditional", "love for others", "selfless love"...

So why exactly is that interesting? Well, the study talked about in the culture at the time, this word was actually used very seldom until the time of the New Testament. Then Jesus, and I guess ultimately his followers, breathed life into the word. It's strange to think about how something like "selfless love" is so unnatural. It sort of gives the concept of "selfless love" being a gift a new perspective.

Sure someone might have such a deep relationship with another person that causes them to have this type of love, for instance a parent to their child. The scripture, however, is talking about this type of love being poured into our heart, and God is pouring this type of love into us, so that we love everyone in this manner. That is something that truly defies our nature and is a gift straight from the Holy Spirit.

So tomorrow and the rest of the week, I'm going to try to exercise this type of love for all people. When someone says something hurtful, or more likely frustrating, I'm going to try to remember this gift of "selfless love" that I've been given. I actually exercised this practice tonight, and it really is incredible how much different you a handle situations when you think about this type of love we are given for everyone...