Bøger af Rueben P Job

Explore the daily practices of living a prayerful life.

In Three Simple Rules, Rueben Job offers an interpretation of John Wesley's General Rules for today's readers. For individual reading or group study, this insightful work calls us to mutual respect, unity and a deeper daily relationship with God. This simple but challenging look at three commands, "first do no harm, do all the good you can, and stay in love with God," contrasts the simplicity of the phrases with the sharp, counter-cultural nature of Wesley's rules. Table of Contents: Introduction - The World In Which We Live - First Do No Harm - Do All the Good You Can - Stay in Love with God. Excerpt from the book: There are three simple rules that have the power to change the world. While they are ancient, they have seldom been fully put to the test. But when and where practiced, the world of things as they were was shaken until a new formation, a new world was formed. This new creation has happened in the past when these three simple rules were adopted as a way of living. We live in such a fast paced, frenzied and complex world that it is easy to believe we are all trapped into being someone we do not wish to be and living a life we do not desire to live. We long for some way to cut through the complexities, and turbulence of every day life. We search for a way to overcome the divisiveness that separates, disparages, disrespects, diminishes and leaves us wounded and incomplete. We know deep within that the path we are on is not healthy or morally right and that it cannot lead to a positive ending. We fear that there is no way out. This way of living was given to John Wesley in a time much like our own. He took this blue print, fleshed it out, taught it and practiced it. And he has passed it on to us. Now it is up to us to see if we will take it, teach it and practice it until it becomes our natural way of living. A way of living that will mark our life together and our lives as individual Christians. Some already practice this way of living and I believe many more are ready to try it. I invite you to read the following pages to see if you are ready for this radical change of direction that is marked by these three simple rules: DO NO HARM DO GOOD STAY IN LOVE WITH GOD

An interpretation of John Wesley's "General Rules" for today's readers

How to prepare carefully and prayerfully for aging and dying

Questions and conflict about homosexual practice and the church abound. We encounter media reports of same-gender unions and clergy trials. This leads to talk in congregations and district preacher's meetings, in the hallways at district, conference and general church gatherings, and in the deliberations of the Council of Bishops where we hear prayers, questions, and an outpouring of conviction or anguish. We observe The United Methodist Church grappling with issues of importance that divide and confound us. We hunger for our church to engage hard questions and decisions in a spirit of generosity, gracefulness, and mutual respect. This book could change the nature of the conversation. It encourages frank and constructive dialogue that will help us conference together and open ourselves to God's guidance. We seek faithful, fair, just, and loving resolution to issues that challenge our faith community. Finding Our Way: Love and Law in The United Methodist Church is authored by several United Methodist bishops. These writers enunciate and clarify pathways that represent faithful, responsible, and constructive ways forward through the current controversies. Each bishop articulates a prescription for moving through current conflict about homosexual practice, same-gender unions, qualifications for ordination, and maintaining the "good standing" of elders. Go to www.ministrymatters.com/FindingOurWay to read the introduction and to comment. Contents: Frame: An introduction about the guiding vision and theological framework as we seek together to be faithful to God and to our covenants. By Rueben P. Job, retired, from the Iowa Area, and by Neil M. Alexander, who is publisher for The United Methodist Church. Part One: Options Enforce (follow the Book of Discipline): The Discipline interprets scripture and contains the rule of law for UM congregations and elders. When sacred promises are violated, leaders must uphold the spirit and letter of the law and follow the process defined by the Discipline. By Gregory V. Palmer, who serves the Ohio West Area. Emend (work to change the Book of Discipline): The General Conference legislative process must be engaged to emend the Book of Discipline -- or not. This is the responsible and thoroughly United Methodist way of moving through disputes and reaching consensus. By Hope Morgan Ward, who serves the Raleigh Area. Disobey (biblical obedience): Scripture and the sanctity of love are a higher authority than the Book of Discipline. Therefore, the current impasse must be broken by loving acts of conscientious fidelity to higher principles. By Melvin G. Talbert, retired, from the San Francisco Area. Disarm (suspending conflict between personal and social holiness): In many kinds of conflicts, in marriage and in war, the conflicted parties drop their weapons or grievances, agree to a cease fire, and search for a peaceful way to resolve their disagreement. By Kenneth H. Carter Jr., who serves the Florida Area. Part Two: Responses Order (supporting our covenant): Our sacred trust depends on keeping our promises. By J. Michael Lowry, who serves the Forth Worth Area Unity (dwelling in God's church as a family of Christ followers): When two elephants fight, the grass suffers. By John K. Yambasu, who serves the Sierra Leone Area. Diversity (coexisting with differences). By Rosemarie Wenner, who serves the Germany Area and is current president of the Council of Bishops. Part Three: Steps Trust God (discernment): Immerse ourselves in an intense process of prayerful discernment. This approach pleads for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and asks all to open themselves without condition or pre-judgment to the insight and inspiration that comes through deep prayer and listening. By Rueben P. Job, retired, from the Iowa Area.

Now Larger Print for Easier Reading In Three Simple Rules, Rueben Job offers an interpretation of John Wesley's General Rules for today's readers. This simple but challenging look at three commands, "do no harm, do good, stay in love with God," calls us to mutual respect, unity, and a deeper relationship with God. This insightful work is designed for individual reading or group study. "Every year I review the three general rules of the United Methodist Church with those who are being ordained. Now I have a wonderful ordination gift to give them in Bishop Job's, Three Simple Rules, to start and deepen the conversation as they enter a new relationship with the church. Bishop Job has described "by attending upon all the ordinances of God" to be to "stay in love with God." It's a fresh language that speaks especially to long-time Christians and United Methodists." Sally Dyck, Resident Bishop, Minnesota Area "Three Simple Rules is a new catechism for everyone wanting to follow Jesus Christ. These practices for holy living should replace the membership vows in every church! Don't let the title fool you. Bishop Job writes, 'The rules are simple, but the way is not easy. Only those with great courage will attempt it, and only those with great faith will be able to walk this exciting and demanding way.'" John Hopkins, Resident Bishop, East Ohio Area

In Three Simple Rules, Rueben Job offers an interpretation of John Wesley's General Rules for today's readers. For individual reading or group study, this insightful work calls us to mutual respect, unity and a deeper daily relationship with God. This simple but challenging look at three commands, "first do no harm, do all the good you can, and stay in love with God," contrasts the simplicity of the phrases with the sharp, counter-cultural nature of Wesley's rules. Table of Contents: Introduction - The World In Which We Live - First Do No Harm - Do All the Good You Can - Stay in Love with God. Excerpt from the book: There are three simple rules that have the power to change the world. While they are ancient, they have seldom been fully put to the test. But when and where practiced, the world of things as they were was shaken until a new formation, a new world was formed. This new creation has happened in the past when these three simple rules were adopted as a way of living. We live in such a fast paced, frenzied and complex world that it is easy to believe we are all trapped into being someone we do not wish to be and living a life we do not desire to live. We long for some way to cut through the complexities, and turbulence of every day life. We search for a way to overcome the divisiveness that separates, disparages, disrespects, diminishes and leaves us wounded and incomplete. We know deep within that the path we are on is not healthy or morally right and that it cannot lead to a positive ending. We fear that there is no way out. This way of living was given to John Wesley in a time much like our own. He took this blue print, fleshed it out, taught it and practiced it. And he has passed it on to us. Now it is up to us to see if we will take it, teach it and practice it until it becomes our natural way of living. A way of living that will mark our life together and our lives as individual Christians. Some already practice this way of living and I believe many more are ready to try it. I invite you to read the following pages to see if you are ready for this radical change of direction that is marked by these three simple rules: DO NO HARM DO GOOD STAY IN LOVE WITH GOD