Three phases of a Life of a Christian

Post by **Alys Sterk** » 21 May 2020, 21:20

Twylla wrote: ↑06 May 2020, 12:51 Not everyone finds God as a result of being in crisis. I dedicated my life to God as a child and I grew up in a Christian home. I have never faced any of the horrible situations that the people in this book faced. I have had my ups and downs in life, but my life has never been in ruins. When I was growing up and people would come to our church with flaming testimonies, I always felt like my testimony somehow wasn't as powerful. But as an adult, I think living a life close to God with a grateful heart demonstrates God's grace as powerfully as finding God in a crisis. I am grateful for the life God has given me.

I can definitely identify with feeling inadequate with the "flaming testimonies," as you put it. I think some of the most powerful scenes in movies I've seen and books I've read are when the characters question where God was in all of this (loss of a child, concentration camps,etc).

Post by **Mallory Porshnev** » 21 May 2020, 21:28

This is not something I can relate to. It seems to me there are many more phase in a person's life than that. Also, why must we face crises in order to be considered Christians?Why is everything about suffering?

angiedeeh1 · Post by **angiedeeh1** » 22 May 2020, 01:02

Facing a crisis, receiving grace, and returning grace, the phases of life mentioned in the book, seem almost too simple. I've been trying to think about my own life, and if my life could be summed up like that and I think maybe, yes. I think maybe in the good moments, in the days where things are going well and there's no major drama, those are the days that I may most often be receiving grace. Grace is an unearned gift of love, undeserved blessings from God, or even those around us. I think I can safely say that I don't deserve much of any of the good things I've been given, especially that which God has given. As a friend, a mother, a daughter, etc., I hope I have given or shown grace whenever possible. But when I'm not giving or receiving, am I facing a crisis? It feels like a stretch to say yes, but it may be so. Although those crises are probably not as big a deal as maybe I think they are at the time, I think in terms of this author's classifications, it makes sense. I couldn't find toilet paper for the last two months and that was almost a crisis until by the grace of God, my Amazon shipment finally came.

Tonika632 · Post by **Tonika632** » 22 May 2020, 01:33

Becccccca+98 wrote: ↑21 May 2020, 17:48
Maconstewart wrote: ↑07 May 2020, 12:47 I don't believe that crisis is a prerequisite to finding God's grace or Christianity.
That's true. I don't think that a crisis is a prerequisite, but I do think that when we do go through a major crisis we are more likely to recognize God's grace; compared to when you're not in a crisis. I guess maybe when we're faced with a crisis, we appreciate God's grace more and as such are more likely to recognize it.

True. I have seen many people turning his head to God to help them even that they have never shown some kind of faith. It's never too late...

Tonika632 · Post by **Tonika632** » 22 May 2020, 01:36

angiedeeh1 wrote: ↑22 May 2020, 01:02 Facing a crisis, receiving grace, and returning grace, the phases of life mentioned in the book, seem almost too simple. I've been trying to think about my own life, and if my life could be summed up like that and I think maybe, yes. I think maybe in the good moments, in the days where things are going well and there's no major drama, those are the days that I may most often be receiving grace. Grace is an unearned gift of love, undeserved blessings from God, or even those around us. I think I can safely say that I don't deserve much of any of the good things I've been given, especially that which God has given. As a friend, a mother, a daughter, etc., I hope I have given or shown grace whenever possible. But when I'm not giving or receiving, am I facing a crisis? It feels like a stretch to say yes, but it may be so. Although those crises are probably not as big a deal as maybe I think they are at the time, I think in terms of this author's classifications, it makes sense. I couldn't find toilet paper for the last two months and that was almost a crisis until by the grace of God, my Amazon shipment finally came.

I think we all don't deserve some things we received, but who is perfect among us? And that toilet shipment cracked me up

gayscott · Post by **gayscott** » 22 May 2020, 02:55

There are many phases in the life of a Christian. I have faced tis particular series. I was faced with a life shattering crisis and God gave me the grace to make it through. He also gave me the strength to return grace to the people who caused the crisis. God is good.

Oyedeji Okikioluwa · Post by **Oyedeji Okikioluwa** » 22 May 2020, 04:36

I agree with the author on the three phases. And one of the things I noted overtime is that instead of Christians returning the grace to others. They use the grace received to mock, abuse and compare themselves with others who are yet to receive the grace.

Sydney Nyamasoka · Post by **Sydney Nyamasoka** » 22 May 2020, 05:25

Sushan wrote: ↑02 May 2020, 22:36 According to the author, there are three phases in the life of a Christian; Facing a crisis, Receiving grace, and returning grace to others.

What is your opinion about this? Have you ever done it? Is it practical?

Three phases as regards grace. It's interesting because it brings out the subject of giving. Cheerfully giving as one freely received from God. Rescued from troubles of all sorts, struggles with sins, and in turn having a spiritually discerning mind that is filled with empathy and helping others not because of any merit but because of apparent need.

It is practical. Imagine if the entire human race had such an approach.

This is an important aspect the author brought up. Thanks for bringing it up again for discussion.

Sunday diamond · Post by **Sunday diamond** » 22 May 2020, 09:45

Sushan wrote: ↑02 May 2020, 22:36 According to the author, there are three phases in the life of a Christian; Facing a crisis, Receiving grace, and returning grace to others.

What is your opinion about this? Have you ever done it? Is it practical?

Yes it's really true, Though I'm not consciously aware of this fact, but it's a fact in my subconscious mind. I can say all the genuine men of God I've actually passed through these 3 stages and that made them useful gems on pulpit and elsewhere. I've personally witness this and I'm still in the business of continuous experience of crises-to-grace, and next is returning the grace. Generally for everyone, you can't give What you have not.

Snowflake · Post by **Snowflake** » 22 May 2020, 11:03

Sushan wrote: ↑02 May 2020, 22:36 According to the author, there are three phases in the life of a Christian; Facing a crisis, Receiving grace, and returning grace to others.

What is your opinion about this? Have you ever done it? Is it practical?

I agree that this is a pattern that can happen in the lives of many people. However, I don't think they are the only phases or the only way to experience the Grace of God or life as a Christian. There are many paths in life.

LyorBoone · Post by **LyorBoone** » 22 May 2020, 12:51

Maconstewart wrote: ↑07 May 2020, 12:47 I don't believe that crisis is a prerequisite to finding God's grace or Christianity. His most gracious act was giving His son's life as payment for humanities sins. That was given before any of us were even conceived.

We are able, and many do, accept that act of grace and become part of God's family of believers. Some go through life without any major crisis in their life. Others of us have seen our share. But, God is there with His grace and forgiveness for both groups...willingly and freely.

I agree with you there. These 3 phases feel more like the Christian response to a crisis, but phases often spark imagery of a cycle. I don't think every Christian passes through these phases in a 1, 2, 3 motion over and over again. I there are plenty of difficult situations out there looking for a someone to fall victim. Two of these phases apply to a Christian suffering a personal crisis. The third phase is how Christians responds to another's crisis. However, there is more to the Christian life than dealing with a crisis.

Nama Winnie · Post by **Nama Winnie** » 22 May 2020, 14:35

Maconstewart wrote: ↑07 May 2020, 12:47 I don't believe that crisis is a prerequisite to finding God's grace or Christianity. His most gracious act was giving His son's life as payment for humanities sins. That was given before any of us were even conceived.

We are able, and many do, accept that act of grace and become part of God's family of believers. Some go through life without any major crisis in their life. Others of us have seen our share. But, God is there with His grace and forgiveness for both groups...willingly and freely.

I was perusing through the comments and yours resonated with my thoughts. That statement would surely make a person who hasn't gone through a crisis, but shows others grace feel unworthy of sharing. it's like you phrased it, "A prerequisite"

I wish everyone would just share goodness and good vibes all he time as opposed to just after God's grace comes through for them.

And what of the people whose lives are filled with misfortune? Are they excused in wickedness just because they'll feel especially denied of this grace?

Katherine Smith · Post by **Katherine Smith** » 22 May 2020, 17:42

I think that the three phases of a Christian life are seen in every story of the Bible especially in the New Testament. I think that these guidelines can be achieved, but like everything else it requires hard work and determination. I also believe that it can be harder for some than others due to things like addiction or abuse. I think that for most people the hardest part of their journey is returning grace to others.

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 22 May 2020, 18:58

Alphonsius wrote: ↑02 May 2020, 23:54 I really felt touched by the three phases the author outlined. That is: Experiencing crisis, Receiving grace, and returning grace to others.

Yes, it is a nice fact to be highlighted and when used in a practical manner, will make the world a better place

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 22 May 2020, 19:27

B Creech wrote: ↑03 May 2020, 11:32
Sushan wrote: ↑02 May 2020, 22:36 According to the author, there are three phases in the life of a Christian; Facing a crisis, Receiving grace, and returning grace to others.

What is your opinion about this? Have you ever done it? Is it practical?
I agree with the author on the three phases. I have faced much crisis' in my life and God has given me grace to get through all of them, even those of my own making! I have to confess I don't return grace to others as much as I should, and I hate to admit that! Christians are on this earth to carry out God's work and to show love and compassion to everyone. Thanks for bringing this aspect of the book up!

Showing grace to others has not to be in large scale or even consciously done. Even the smallest things matter. And even the small help anyone gets can be considered as God's grace (according to their own beliefs)