Language

The language of faith I mostly think of as the language of any specific discipline. If you are looking to discuss anything that gets in depth, you'll find that it develops its own vocabulary. Random silly example: tubular. Being that I'm a SoCal gal, I know that that's a word expressing approval/that something is really good - because a wave that forms a tube is extremely good/exciting to surf. It's not that odd that someone raised in a Baptist church in America in a very mixed community and someone raised in a Mennonite church in Canada in a very German/Russian community would have different vocabulary. I'm always happy to explain anything at length, it's one of my favorite things to do. :)

The kingdom of God and the kingdom of Heaven are not *quite* the same as I understand it.

I am in the place where I am more interested in the proof of Noah and the flood as, "Wow, really cool stuff... of course it's true, but isn't it neato that we get more proof? I'm looking forward to getting all the details up in Heaven". My faith is absolutely not in question, my faith keeps me sane some days. But my interest in discovering answers (or attempting to do so) on this side of the Pearly Gates can definitely waver. :) I like discussing though, you keep my brain sharp.

Noooo... actually the Mennonites are sort of viewed as very legalistic but very right on. Like, "Wow, they really have the faith... but there aren't that many of them and I wouldn't want to live that strictly". Always assuming that we discuss other denominations at all, which is not quite true. :) If you want a funny, there was a HUGE difference between going to Baptist summer camp as a teen and going to Methodist summer camp. Baptist summer camp was strictly sex segregated and we were kept busy and/or supervised every minute except the few hours of free time in the afternoon. Methodist summer camp we were largely left to our own devices except a few hours of worship, meals, and activities. And there not only were boys, we had to SIT WITH boys! (My best friend in HS was Wesleyan, which is a conservative sect of Methodism, which is how I got to camp). There are a lot of flavors of God's children!

Speaking more personally about what I study most deeply, it would definitely be the epistles of Paul (Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Phillipians, Ephesians, Colossians) rather than the gospels, although I get rather a lot out of Matthew chapter seven and the entire book of John. I am more interested in letting Christ work through me rather than working myself into Christ... does that make sense? I have heard many a sermon (and COMPLETELY agree) that it is impossible to live the law of the NT without the Holy Spirit working in and through you every second. So, I guess I spend a lot of time in working on getting myself out of the way and surrendering. Indeed, surrender to Him is one of the great themes of advanced evangelical sermons and of my life in the last five years or so. Work on the inner man and the outer man will fall into place. Work on the outer man and all you get is pride.

Happy Saturday Night!