Brown Hawk - Introduction

[Brown Hawk]

I guess I'll start this with a self introdution:

I became a Christian in 1960.

I am now a member of a Southern Baptist Church.

I teach Sunday School to an older men's class (KJV).

I also teach apologetics (Defense of the Faith). Topics include, but are not limited to:

The Bible and Science;

Defending the Bible; and,

Cults and Other Religions.

I don't go to the Religious forum here because most of the people are there to argue and/or put down others. Most don't want to learn, so I don't waste my time. I'll just agree to disagree and go on.

Hawk

[Hack]

Hi folks!:wavey:

I have been a confirmed Christian since 1971, in a Southern Baptist Church.

I currently am a member of an Assemblies of God church.

I have taught Sunday School off and on. I have also been a leader of a Royal Rangers group, and have done some public speaking.

I have an interest in studying the tenets of faith of other faith groups within Christianity and Messianic Judaism, and am interested in things concerning the study of the Church's Hebraic roots.

I am also a person who is for the preservation and continuance of the State of Israel, which I guess would make me a Christian Zionist.

[QNman]

Howdy!

I am saved since 1980.

I was raised Catholic until I was 12, then moved into my grandparents home, who were Baptists (and so, we were too... :whistling:)

I have since transferred to Presbyterian in order to "compromise" with my Catholic wife. We are both quite happy as Presbyterians.

I have taught Sunday School for several years, have been Habitat for Humanity liaison, usher, and various other miscellaneous roles as needed.

I am a lover of history in general, but really enjoy history related to the Bible and to American history.

I tried out the Religious forums here on GT, but as stated, it seemed more a place for atheist trolls to wander, spewing forth their "strong disbelief".

Ahyway, I'm glad to see others gathering here.

[Brown Hawk]

Hi folks!:wavey:

...
I have an interest in studying the tenets of faith of other faith groups within Christianity and Messianic Judaism, and am interested in things concerning the study of the Church's Hebraic roots.

...

A basic book for Christians to read before studying other faiths is "More Than a Carpenter" by Josh McDowell. It goes into both scientific and logical proof of the Bible and Christianity. 60 0f 70 pages in a pamphlet size book.

If you want other books for specific topics, either Christian or othere religions, post a thread or PM me.

Hawk

[CheesyD]

Hello all!

I discovered that Jesus was real in the winter of 2007 (see my blog if interested in how that went down). I was baptized this past summer. Better late than never! :)

My wife and I attend a non-denominational church that focuses on teaching the Bible. We attend a Bible study at our Pastor's house on a weekly basis. I have tons to learn yet but am going as fast as I can. We also did the "Purpose Filled Life" study by Rick Warren.

I enjoy reading Max Lucado and Philip Yancy, among others. I finished the "Left Behind" series awhile ago and found it interesting although I found the writing to be lacking. I have the three prequel books for the series but they'll have to wait until I run out of other things to read, which will be awhile. Currently I'm reading Ted Dekker's "The Circle" (Black, Red, and White books in one).

I look forward to seeing where this forum goes and to learning and sharing with you all.

[Hack]

A basic book for Christians to read before studying other faiths is "More Than a Carpenter" by Josh McDowell. It goes into both scientific and logical proof of the Bible and Christianity. 60 0f 70 pages in a pamphlet size book.

If you want other books for specific topics, either Christian or othere religions, post a thread or PM me.

Hawk

Thanks. However, Messianic Judaism accepts the Messiah as we do. The primary difference is that those folks are Jewish, in culture, in language, in genetics in the case of many, through the actual tribes still in existence. Those others who worship with them are originally from a Gentile culture, such as many Christians are today. If you look at the Hebrew roots of Christianity, the Church was started by people who spoke Aramaic, Greek, and of course Hebrew. Messianic Judaism seeks to return to that time.

Josh McDowell is an excellent author. I have a book of his titled, "The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict" Very thoroughly covers apologetically the Christian faith, and is required subject material in some of the seminaries.

[Hack]

Hello all!

I discovered that Jesus was real in the winter of 2007 (see my blog if interested in how that went down). I was baptized this past summer. Better late than never! :)

My wife and I attend a non-denominational church that focuses on teaching the Bible. We attend a Bible study at our Pastor's house on a weekly basis. I have tons to learn yet but am going as fast as I can. We also did the "Purpose Filled Life" study by Rick Warren.

I enjoy reading Max Lucado and Philip Yancy, among others. I finished the "Left Behind" series awhile ago and found it interesting although I found the writing to be lacking. I have the three prequel books for the series but they'll have to wait until I run out of other things to read, which will be awhile. Currently I'm reading Ted Dekker's "The Circle" (Black, Red, and White books in one).

I look forward to seeing where this forum goes and to learning and sharing with you all.

Welcome to the Faith and the forum.

[Brown Hawk]

Hello all!

I discovered that Jesus was real in the winter of 2007 (see my blog if interested in how that went down). I was baptized this past summer. Better late than never! :)

My wife and I attend a non-denominational church that focuses on teaching the Bible. We attend a Bible study at our Pastor's house on a weekly basis. I have tons to learn yet but am going as fast as I can. We also did the "Purpose Filled Life" study by Rick Warren.

I enjoy reading Max Lucado and Philip Yancy, among others. I finished the "Left Behind" series awhile ago and found it interesting although I found the writing to be lacking. I have the three prequel books for the series but they'll have to wait until I run out of other things to read, which will be awhile. Currently I'm reading Ted Dekker's "The Circle" (Black, Red, and White books in one).

I look forward to seeing where this forum goes and to learning and sharing with you all.

Welcome! And way to hit the ground running.:wavey:

Hawk

[obxemt]

Almost 30 years old. Former full-time police officer, firefighter, and EMT. Currently reserve officer. Lifelong Episcopalian.

I hold a BA in theology with a philosophy minor from a Roman Catholic Benedictine College and will finish my MA in theology from an Episcopal seminary in three weeks. I've been accepted into the PhD program in Systematic Theology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

I am also in the discernment process for priesthood in the Episcopal Church and, if things work out, hope to be ordained in 2-3 years.

I would call my theology "mainline" with a Catholic slant, but it actually tends towards right-wing conservative in the current state of TEC. 30 years ago they would have thought me a flaming liberal. Funny how context changes things. :supergrin:

[Brown Hawk]

Welcome, brother,

I tend to ignore labels like liberal and conservative in things Christian. Long ago I took Pascal to heart:

"In essentials, unity, in non-essentials, charity, in all things, love."

Or as the old joke goes:

The end of the world has come, and in heaven all the people are grouped be denominations. God stand up.

"I've got some good news and some bad news. First the bad news. You were all wrong, and you all know the consequences for being wrong."

As he views the silent and stunned groups,he continues. "The good news is that my son says you're covered." :cool:

Hawk

[obxemt]

Isn't that the truth. Unfortunately, on this side of the "business" (and it is a business - gag) the political labels have taken hold. I can't find the puke smiley, but if I could, I'd put him to work!

[Lone_Wolfe]

Ahhh, so this is the introduction thread.

I'm crowding 50, been "saved" since around 1978 or 79. I put that in parenthesis because I was in and out of various churches until I converted to Catholicism in 2002.

Recent events have caused me to question everything I believe in, but I think deep inside I still do believe.

[obxemt]

If you ever want to chat, we're here and ready to talk!

[Brown Hawk]

Ahhh, so this is the introduction thread.

I'm crowding 50, been "saved" since around 1978 or 79. I put that in parenthesis because I was in and out of various churches until I converted to Catholicism in 2002.

Recent events have caused me to question everything I believe in, but I think deep inside I still do believe.

LW,

Given what you have gone through, I am not suprised.

The suprise to some people is that God doesn't mind the questions, and He understands why they come about.

We are NOT about an unwavering and unquestioning faith. God gives us a LOT of proof, and asks for some things on faith.

Some of my roughest times, I have read through Job, and it has been a help.

Any time you want, we're here. PM's work also.

Hawk

ETA Fixed spelling.

[QNman]

LW,

Given what you have gone through, I am not suprised.

The suprise to some people is that God doesn't mind the questions, and He understands why they come about.

We are NOT about and unwavering and unquestioning faith. God gives us a LOT of proof, and asks for some things on faith.

Some of my roughest times, I have read through Job, and it has been a help.

Any time you want, we're here. PM's work also.

Hawk

Well said, Hawk.

Wolfe, part of the reason for this section's being is so that we Christian's can have meaningful discussions amongst ourselves without the usual suspects turning any question into the "is God real" thread. Some are intentionally blind, and will drag you down with you if they can.

I've been saved since 1980. During that time, there have been moments in my past where I've questioned and even ignored my faith. I think most Christians go through this at some point in their walk, often more than once. If you feel that conversation amongst like-minded folks is helpful, please feel free. No one will mock you or belittle you here. Neither will we judge.

[Lone_Wolfe]

LW,

Given what you have gone through, I am not suprised.

The suprise to some people is that God doesn't mind the questions, and He understands why they come about.

We are NOT about an unwavering and unquestioning faith. God gives us a LOT of proof, and asks for some things on faith.

Some of my roughest times, I have read through Job, and it has been a help.

Any time you want, we're here. PM's work also.

Hawk

ETA Fixed spelling.

Well said, Hawk.

Wolfe, part of the reason for this section's being is so that we Christian's can have meaningful discussions amongst ourselves without the usual suspects turning any question into the "is God real" thread. Some are intentionally blind, and will drag you down with you if they can.

I've been saved since 1980. During that time, there have been moments in my past where I've questioned and even ignored my faith. I think most Christians go through this at some point in their walk, often more than once. If you feel that conversation amongst like-minded folks is helpful, please feel free. No one will mock you or belittle you here. Neither will we judge.

I'm really glad I found this place. I've avoided the public religious forum just for the reasons you mention, QNman. I'm also glad I found this private area because I have some things I'd like to talk about that I wouldn't want out on an open forum. Brown Hawk, I thank you and I do believe I can learn a lot from you people here.

No one will mock you or belittle you here. Neither will we judge
Why can't there be more of that in this world and on this forum.....

[major]

Hello all. I have been a Christian for over 40 years and am a lifelong Southern Baptist. I have a M.A. in Evangelism and Church Planting and assist with church planting efforts in Western Canada for the Canadian Convention of Southern Baptists.

My specific area is northern British Columbia but I have also been all over Alberta and parts of the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. I also went up the ice roads (think "Ice Road Truckers") back in the winter of 2008 where another man and I went far up into the Northwest Territories to carry the Gospel message to First Nations villages near the Arctic Circle.

At present, I am in the U.S. recruiting college students for Current Canada (www.currentcanada.com) for next summer. 4 person teams of students are sent all over Canada on mission for 6 weeks. I will be going with two teams headed to northern B.C. and will spend most of the summer in Canada.

I am thankful that this forum has been created as I tire of constantly being attacked and having to defend every statement made in the religious forum here on GT.

[Hack]

Hello all. I have been a Christian for over 40 years and am a lifelong Southern Baptist. I have a M.A. in Evangelism and Church Planting and assist with church planting efforts in Western Canada for the Canadian Convention of Southern Baptists.

My specific area is northern British Columbia but I have also been all over Alberta and parts of the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. I also went up the ice roads (think "Ice Road Truckers") back in the winter of 2008 where another man and I went far up into the Northwest Territories to carry the Gospel message to First Nations villages near the Arctic Circle.

At present, I am in the U.S. recruiting college students for Current Canada (www.currentcanada.com) for next summer. 4 person teams of students are sent all over Canada on mission for 6 weeks. I will be going with two teams headed to northern B.C. and will spend most of the summer in Canada.

I am thankful that this forum has been created as I tire of constantly being attacked and having to defend every statement made in the religious forum here on GT.

Welcome to the forum. Although we are different organizations, I thank you for your service to God. I pray that much fruit results from it for Him.

[obxemt]

I am thankful that this forum has been created as I tire of constantly being attacked and having to defend every statement made in the religious forum here on GT.

Welcome. At least here you'll just be attacked by fellow Christians. :tongueout:

[QNman]

Hello all. I have been a Christian for over 40 years and am a lifelong Southern Baptist. I have a M.A. in Evangelism and Church Planting and assist with church planting efforts in Western Canada for the Canadian Convention of Southern Baptists.

My specific area is northern British Columbia but I have also been all over Alberta and parts of the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. I also went up the ice roads (think "Ice Road Truckers") back in the winter of 2008 where another man and I went far up into the Northwest Territories to carry the Gospel message to First Nations villages near the Arctic Circle.

At present, I am in the U.S. recruiting college students for Current Canada (www.currentcanada.com) for next summer. 4 person teams of students are sent all over Canada on mission for 6 weeks. I will be going with two teams headed to northern B.C. and will spend most of the summer in Canada.

I am thankful that this forum has been created as I tire of constantly being attacked and having to defend every statement made in the religious forum here on GT.

Welcome, Major. And may God bless you in your efforts abroad.

[Lone_Wolfe]

Hello all. I have been a Christian for over 40 years and am a lifelong Southern Baptist. ........I am thankful that this forum has been created as I tire of constantly being attacked and having to defend every statement made in the religious forum here on GT.

Hi major. If you can forgive my tardiness I'd like to say that I'm glad to see you here too. :wavey:

And I sure understand what you're saying about the attacks in other places....