- Jul 11, 2008
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If you are not a fan, are there other introductory courses for enquires you would recommend?
And what about follow-up courses?
And what about follow-up courses?
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I'm not a fan, because Alpha tends to be light on sin and on God's holiness. Pastor Chris Hand (Crich Baptist Church, UK) wrote: "Alpha simply has no grasp of the holiness of God and of his wrath against sin. It has no concept of man having offended God. This explains why Alpha curiously answers the question ‘why worry about sin?’ by listing four consequences of sin. The consequences are true enough. But is all man-centred. They are the consequences for us. Surely the fact that we have offended against God is sufficient reason in itself to worry about sin… Alpha’s analysis simply does not go anything like far enough." I have heard far better reports of the "Christianity Explored Course". Christianity Explored Ministries The original course is based on Mark's gospel.If you are not a fan, are there other introductory courses for enquires you would recommend?
And what about follow-up courses?
Ah, I remember that book, I read it years ago and liked it.As far as alternatives are concerned. While its not a course as such, John MacArthur's book The Gospel According to Jesus IMO is well worth a look.
I really like the Alpha Course, the videos are great. It has been a while since I have looked at it, so I can't remember every theological detail. But for people exploring faith for the first time, it comes highly recommended.If you are not a fan, are there other introductory courses for enquires you would recommend?
John McArthers doctrine (Calvanism) is repulsive.As far as alternatives are concerned. While its not a course as such, John MacArthur's book The Gospel According to Jesus IMO is well worth a look.
A follow-up question, what would you include in a 'Beta' Course?
I don't remember that book being Calvinistic, but it was a very long time ago that I read it, and my perspective is quite different now.John McArthers doctrine (Calvanism) is repulsive.
I don't remember it being calvinistic either.I don't remember that book being Calvinistic, but it was a very long time ago that I read it, and my perspective is quite different now.
I was a group leader for the alpha course several years ago and shared our results in the past. All of the men in our group came to faith and we had other occurrences too. One was delivered from a gambling and alcohol addiction. Another was healed and reconciled with his family. One found a job and moved to another state. Many were homeless and that's no longer the case.
I held a prayer session after each meeting with my co-leader and another and went through their requests and lifted up the group. I was also a den mother of sorts and brought desserts or other treats to the sessions. The personal touch coupled with a non intrusive approached was the difference. I treated them the way I was received at the synagogue.
While we discussed the questions the way it unfolded differed. The church provided a catered meal for the duration and we ate together. The consistency of care and bonding made them feel welcome. I spent more time demonstrating Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to move their hearts. We were conduits for His will.
~bella
Thanks for your comments. It does seem to differ from church to church. In a sense any framework including Preaching that allows the Gospel to be presented would when there is Prayer and where the Holy Spirit is at work result in people being drawn to Jesus Christ.