Stickman Theology

I'm reposting this after reading the draft because its all about what I just wrote. I obviously need to get that book back out!! ok.....this is one of those 5 star reads. I think it's going to be one of those books that I tell everyone is at the top of my "must convince you to read it, no matter how obnoxious I seem." I hate the paradigm shift phrase....hate it. But can't think of what else to call it. It's 180 degree thinking. Which looks a lot like repentance. See the truth, agree with God, turn and go the other way.
Here are a few quotes...

The primary thesis of this study is this; Spiritual maturity is determined by our ability and willingness to depend upon Christ for our personal holiness.
Comparison;
Stickman and Strongman

The difference between the two is not in what they face but, rather, in how they face it.
The strongman will face his trials by applying the appropriate Biblical principles, expressing his committment and marshalling his will power. The stickman will immediately acknowledge his weaknesses and inabiltiy to meet his trials in the way he would like to and will call upon God's help and trust the consequences to Him.
Which of these characters represents your idea of spiritual maturity? (trick question!)
Strongman is a myth, and stickman is as good as it gets.
The armor of God; Ephesians 6:10-18
Who or what makes it possible for us to stand firm against the devil?

1)We make it possible by doing everything, (such as praying, studying, believing, etc)to put on the armor, or
2) The armor makes it possible and that is why we value the armor.
The premis of this study is based upon the second answer.
The first (we make it possible) focuses upon us and the hero or the villain in our sturggle with sin. The second answer focuses upon God, our true Hero , as we, the stick men run to him for help.

Do you know why we never feel safe in community with others?
People really think we are supposed to be the heroes of our own life stories, strong men whose personal weaknesses can and will be judged in a negative manner. Therefore, it is not safe to reveal who we really are or to admit to being wounded or weak.
However, if our goal is to develop a Christ centered fellowship, then we need to change our thinking. Christ must become the Hero of all our stories and we must become the damsels in distress, praising our Savior by telling the details of how we endangered ourselves and how He is rescueing us.

Stickman Theology by Terry Ewing Ok...enough said.