Untwisting Scriptures and offering the Living Water, to help others (especially those who have been abused) experience the joy to be found in Jesus Christ
A while back when I (Rebecca) was talking with some former ATI members (Bill Gothard’s Advanced Training Institute), I thought about the devastation, confusion, and even anti-Christianity that has resulted from this homeschooling program. I said aloud to myself, “Bill Gothard certainly has left a tremendous amount of destruction in his wake.” Then I added …
In March I was privileged to speak at the Awaken Network’s conference on abuse. My topic was Biblical bitterness, showing how in the Bible “bitterness” refers to one who has been poisoned and is grieving, and “bitterness” also refers to one who is doing the poisoning. Both are called “bitter,” but only one is sinful. …
Continue reading “The good news about Biblical bitterness (a short talk)”
It sounds radical, doesn’t it? And as a solid Christian, why would I want to convince anyone that something we’ve always thought of as “sinful” isn’t really sinful? To be clear, I’m extremely opposed to sin! But I believe many in the church of Jesus Christ can end up putting “heavy burdens and grievous to …
Continue reading “Maybe your bitterness isn’t really sinful: a video interview”
This post is Part Three of a larger series on the Biblical concept of bitterness. Parts One and Two were published earlier this month, covering the “root of bitterness” in Hebrews and the “gall of bitterness” in Acts. Update October 2016: The topic of bitterness is addressed at length in the new book Untwisting Scriptures that …
Continue reading “Bitterness in the Bible? It’s not what you thought it was”
In this series, I’m addressing the concept of bitterness in the Bible, how it is used to shame and blame victims of abuse who are seeking help from their churches. The first post in this series addressed the “root of bitterness” in Hebrews, explaining how it isn’t unforgiveness, as it’s often presented to be, but is …
Continue reading “The “gall of bitterness” in Acts — it isn’t resentment”
This kind of bitterness is not a “secret root” within the heart of Christians that Christians should constantly be searching their hearts for, or asking others to point out to them, the way so many preach.
Part 1 in the Series: Competent to Examine Jay Adams and His Nouthetic Counseling I have posted about “nouthetic counseling” (later rebranded to be called “Biblical counseling”) more than any other tagged topic on this blog. But this series will examine Jay Adams’ writings themselves, drawing from the work of Valerie Jacobsen on her Facebook …
Pastor: We’re holding this meeting today to talk about ways that we as a community of believers are going to get involved and act as Jesus would to the world of sex trafficking. Member #1: That’s great—I’ve been hoping we could get involved! Our community has been ripped apart by sexual abuse. It even occurs …
Continue reading “A “We Care About Sex Trafficking” Initiative parable, by anonymous guest writer”
Religious Pharisees will tell believing children of God, “No matter what you’re suffering, your greatest problem is your own sin.” The ones I have known meant it this way: Oh? You just heard that your child, or spouse, or parent is dead? Well, that’s very sad, but your greater problem is your own personal sin. …
Continue reading ““Your greatest problem is your own sin” (guest post by Valerie Jacobsen)”
Last week I received a letter from my friend Ana. The first part of her first question read: In the Reformed/Gospel-centered movement, the focus seems to be on how sinful and wicked and powerless we all are and how comforted and relieved we should be when we look to the cross. It seems like the …
Continue reading ““Look to the cross more”: a response to the “gospel-centered” movement”