I am attending a seven weeks sharing session to get to know the Bible more intimately. Actually, there are three Bible courses which begin in May. I actually wish they had scheduled them at different times so that one can join both.
I was also interested in the Alpha Course and the Discipleship course. Right now, my hubby is not working and hence, I have a peace of mind to do something on my own. I no longer need to make arrangements for childcare or sit in whatever courses full of worries about my kids at home.
So, before he returns to the rat race, I better make use of this ‘freedom’ to pursue things that I wasn’t able to do previously. My first choice is the Discipleship course but I was afraid I cannot commit a whole year for them so I decided to forget it.
I heard that the Alpha Course is good but I found the topics too basic. Eheh, I am very egoistic. I think my knowledge of the Catholic faith is much deeper and I want something challenging where I can ask ’stupid’ questions without making others froth in their mouths.
I still remember the faces on my RCIA facilitators many years back. We, the cathecuments (sp?) were asked about our thoughts on infidelity. I stood up and said, “Jesus said, if a man looks at a woman with lust, he has already committed adultery in his heart and he must gouge out his eyes because it is better a person goes limbless, eyeless than to go to hell if those parts caused him to sin.”
Priceless. My guts, i.e.
In the end, I decided to stick with Maureen and Ernie who are conducting the Living The Word because they are two of the more inspiring church elders. Maureen is very understanding with my dilemmas as a Catholic convert while Ernie noticed from the beginning that I am terror-merror in sleeping in the spirit because his prayers knocked me out within seconds or maybe 1-2 minutes.
So, here’s to my seven weeks of discovery. I know I am going to enjoy doing this, looking at the Bible in a more lively manner.
May 30th, 2008 at 11:53 am
I was in the Alpha course. Though it may seem basic, see it as an opportunity (through the fellowship session) to share your life with those who are new in the faith.
May 30th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
pablo – WOW, you did? I heard it is formulated by an Anglican pastor? I joined the other course and enjoyed the first session, though I am still very ’stiff’ compared to their charismatic members who can ‘joget’. LOL.
May 31st, 2008 at 12:33 am
Yeah…the course helped to turn my life from a casual Christian to a discipler. I enjoyed the videos of Rev Nicky Gumbel (he’s the one who helped to make this course) of Holy Brompton Church, London (Anglican) and the fellowship / discussion time with group members. The weekend retreat was the highlight with many people experiencing God’s touch and revival in their lives. After joining one session, I was asked to lead in the next. Scary at first but I trusted God to lead me and He did. That was back in 2002. I can’t believe it’s 6 years liao for me.
My church will start with the Alpha Marriage Course for married couples sometime in July. I intend to attend that as well.
The great thing about the Alpha course is that it is recommended by most churches (including yours and mine) and it is bringing revival in many parts of the world. Another course called Beta is deeper and authored by Neil Henderson (if I remembered correctly). That is a good followup, especially for cleansing