OASIS for Faith Seekers

For people seeking faith that makes sense, we offer OASIS.

Many people have faith questions they dare not ask because they are unwelcome and often perceived as dangerous. Many people never say what they are thinking out loud for fear of being labeled a heretic doomed to hell. Over the course of your faith journey, what were some of the questions you knew were risky to ask?  What were some of the thoughts you dared not speak lest you pay the price?

Without a space that allows freedom – and encouragement – to ask questions and voice ideas, a person may feel isolated and distanced from God and faith communities.  Sometimes, given no outlet to question or speak, and no alternatives to entertain, people just walk away from faith and community.  This is tragic.

CrossWalk provides OASIS for wanderers in the desert seeking faith.

What has your journey been like?  How has your faith evolved as you’ve dared to ask questions and say things out loud?  What was one of your last breakthroughs or big stretches?

Who do you know that might be on the journey and could really benefit from the OASIS we offer?  

At such a time as this, how important is CrossWalk as an OASIS for those wanting to explore their faith further?  How important is CrossWalk’s role in stretching thought and declaring shalom wherever needed, even when it requires risk?  

CrossWalk has barbequed several “sacred cows” over the years.  Which ones were most meaningful to you?  Why?

Captain Cornelius and Peter the Apostle

This week we are looking at a remarkable story about two people who were open to new visions of God and life (Acts 11). Both required risks to move forward.  Both discovered new experiences and expressions of faith because they took the risk the invitation required.  To go against the way it had always been done. To challenge what the Bible said. To overcome prejudice. To choose grace and inclusion.

Some exceptional quotes to consider:

Disciples are never punished by the state simply for violating this or that law, although for purposes of legality an indictment will be based on one or another specific law. They are punished because they threaten the entire system. The true offense is the disciple’s very existence. 

– Gene L. Davenport

Being people of faith while believing differently is a threat to some.

A church that does not provoke crisis, a gospel that does not disturb, a word of God that does not rankle, a word of God that does not touch the concrete sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed – what kind of gospel is that? Just nice, pious considerations that bother nobody – that’s the way many people would like our preaching to be. Those preachers who avoid every thorny subject so as not to bother anyone or cause conflict and difficulty shed no light on the reality in which they live. – Oscar Romero

CrossWalk, as OASIS, is provocative.

Discipleship does have its costs – anyone who has dared to bring the gospel to bear on his or her own life knows that. Whether we feel it or not may be a good litmus test for discerning if we are truly following on his path or pursuing a false trail. – Jeane DeCelles

CrossWalk has faced the costs and paid the price in saying yes to God.

Consider adversity as an incitement to take another step. 

– Neil Douglas-Klotz

CrossWalk will continue to take another step.

Will you help support us so we can?