A Day In The Journey

In contemplation of the sermon topic this morning, I thought I'd pose a few questions. The sermon is one in a series regarding true discipleship. Not the fill in the workbook and memorize some verses discipleship, but true, transformation as disciples of Christ. The spur for this study is a book entitled Choose the Life by Bill Hull. It's an excellent book that will entirely change the way you view what it means to be a believer--to be a disciple. Right now we're examining "Relationships and the Life," particularly what it means to foster an "environment of grace." Hull contends that an enviroment of grace is one that fosters trust--it is an environment where it is safe to be real and vulnerable, where you trust that you won't be hung out to dry for a mistake, where you mistake will be confronted honestly but with love to help you get up and move on with experience. The environment of grace is important because grace leads to trust which leads to communication which leads to vulnerablity/humility which leads to allowing another to help you grow. So, the questions are: have you had in your life (whether in church or out) an experience with an evironment of grace? would you say that your current church experience reflects, or is seeking to reflect, an environment of grace? how would your church experience be different or better if an environment of grace were fostered? how would your personal walk be affected by said fostering?