Tuesday, April 24, 2012
3/13 - Jesus Death
Jesus death and the events surrounding it are simply miraculous. Every time I study them, or learn about them, or listen to a sermon on them I am brought back to the incredible power, usually somehow with nuance. His gift is amazing. His sacrifice is ultimate. The torture and ridicule he took, the betrayal he endured, and his fantastic character though it all is almost unbelievable because I can't imagine anyone besides him doing the same.
SO WHY IS IT SO EASY TO FORGET?
I just don't get it. I should be living life with this message in my heart, living zealously for him in a way that shows the world the power of his sacrifice. But that is rare, because I am constantly forgetting. I am constantly self-seeking.
Lately I have been called to defend a God that lets the world be so hard. I do this with diligence, but it gets hard after a while. Why IS it so hard. If it's so astounding to me, then why do I act as if it's boring and trivial? I lack such discipline sometimes. I wish it was easier to WANT to live in light of this revelation more, but frankly, my flesh is weak.
And that's why God's grace and forgiveness is so amazing in the first place.
SO WHY IS IT SO EASY TO FORGET?
I just don't get it. I should be living life with this message in my heart, living zealously for him in a way that shows the world the power of his sacrifice. But that is rare, because I am constantly forgetting. I am constantly self-seeking.
Lately I have been called to defend a God that lets the world be so hard. I do this with diligence, but it gets hard after a while. Why IS it so hard. If it's so astounding to me, then why do I act as if it's boring and trivial? I lack such discipline sometimes. I wish it was easier to WANT to live in light of this revelation more, but frankly, my flesh is weak.
And that's why God's grace and forgiveness is so amazing in the first place.
3/6 Reading - A Gospel Today
Sometimes I see Christians living in America as similar to the Jews living under Roman rule. We both endure persecution for our beliefs, and have a lot to say about the evils of the society we live within.
I wonder, if there was a gospel of Jesus coming to give teachings to Americans, Christian and non-Christian alike, what would he say? Here is a list of topics I think he might address, relevant to today, but like what is presented in the Gospels:
I wonder, if there was a gospel of Jesus coming to give teachings to Americans, Christian and non-Christian alike, what would he say? Here is a list of topics I think he might address, relevant to today, but like what is presented in the Gospels:
- The fragmentation of the church - Jesus set up a church through Peter, but what is the church today? Broken over controversy
- Hyprocrisy in condemnation of sins (especially of the sexual sin (especially of heterosexual vs homosexual sin)) a la the woman caught in adultery in John 8.
- Churches/church members and wealth/money - Nothing much would change from his original message, in my opinion!
- Our "worship" of our ingenuity/technology/science
- Atheism is relatively new in its popularity. Instead of rebuking false gods, I wonder what Jesus would say about no god, and explaining god away with science.
- American comfort and the resulting apathy.
- Our government could be considered very similar to Rome in many ways, I wonder if Jesus would regard it similarly.
- Gluttony? Kind of going with the comfort and apathy ideas, this is much more of a problem now than in the first century AD.
- Maybe there would be healings for diseases that are relatively new today or recognized differently such as eating disorders, HIV/AIDS, anxiety disorders, and who knows, maybe even some demon casting
- Performing miracles that are meaningful to us today, and a believable as miracles, not explainable on earth.
- I'm sure there is much more.
Monday, April 23, 2012
2/28 Text
Time for some Borg... I hope I don't get assimilated. Budum tch!
Borg often seems.... disappointed in who Jesus was on earth. As such, his eschatology is a little disappointing too. He talks so much about how disappointed the early Christians were when he didn't come back right away. However, I think that they were still wallowing a bit in their view of the Messiah and his purpose. They were still hoping for freedom from Rome! But His plan was much greater and for all people. We just have to be patient.
Now Borg seems to want to continue to put Jesus in a box in the future too, and limit who he is, since it seems like he doesn't think that Jesus is the Son of Man in the Second Coming. I feel like the Bible is full of references to Jesus coming back himself, but Borg refuses. How much of the Bible can you ignore! That's a very limited vision he has of Jesus. Why would be even be lovable when he is so limited? Well, I guess he wouldn't be. In fact..... he would be a bit disappointing. Little faith leaves you disappointed!
Borg often seems.... disappointed in who Jesus was on earth. As such, his eschatology is a little disappointing too. He talks so much about how disappointed the early Christians were when he didn't come back right away. However, I think that they were still wallowing a bit in their view of the Messiah and his purpose. They were still hoping for freedom from Rome! But His plan was much greater and for all people. We just have to be patient.
Now Borg seems to want to continue to put Jesus in a box in the future too, and limit who he is, since it seems like he doesn't think that Jesus is the Son of Man in the Second Coming. I feel like the Bible is full of references to Jesus coming back himself, but Borg refuses. How much of the Bible can you ignore! That's a very limited vision he has of Jesus. Why would be even be lovable when he is so limited? Well, I guess he wouldn't be. In fact..... he would be a bit disappointing. Little faith leaves you disappointed!
2/21 Text - My Greatest Mentor
In response to 435-452 of Strauss
I like to think of Jesus as my greatest mentor, because I aspire to be something that Jesus also was: a teacher. As a pre-teacher in an education program, I am taught all sorts of methods for how to be a teacher and to do it well. But Jesus never had that, and he was an amazing teacher. What did he use to teach? A whole host of things!
Jesus used lots of stories and parables. He got people thinking by using metaphors, riddles, and paradoxes. He used proverbs a lot. Jesus taught to people from what he knew, and what they knew. He taught grounded in the culture he was in, but wasn't exclusive of other cultures.
How do he teach? He taught with authority! He taught with grace and justice. He was slow to anger, and in fact, he was of the greatest moral fiber in every aspect of this teaching, so you could say taught to all the fruits of the spirit. He promoted integrity. He gained a deserved respect and treated his followers well. He protected his flock, but was not afraid to stretch them at all. He gave everything for them.
These are all of the makings of a truly great teacher when it comes down to it. It's not the specific strategy you use with a student, your ability to plan a lesson, or how well you can grade work that makes a good teacher. These things are not what are really important. It's the character and attitude that drives you to care for and serve your students. If you teach like Jesus, you will teach them well, with respect, integrity, and a dedication to their holistic wellbeing and growth.
I like to think of Jesus as my greatest mentor, because I aspire to be something that Jesus also was: a teacher. As a pre-teacher in an education program, I am taught all sorts of methods for how to be a teacher and to do it well. But Jesus never had that, and he was an amazing teacher. What did he use to teach? A whole host of things!
Jesus used lots of stories and parables. He got people thinking by using metaphors, riddles, and paradoxes. He used proverbs a lot. Jesus taught to people from what he knew, and what they knew. He taught grounded in the culture he was in, but wasn't exclusive of other cultures.
How do he teach? He taught with authority! He taught with grace and justice. He was slow to anger, and in fact, he was of the greatest moral fiber in every aspect of this teaching, so you could say taught to all the fruits of the spirit. He promoted integrity. He gained a deserved respect and treated his followers well. He protected his flock, but was not afraid to stretch them at all. He gave everything for them.
These are all of the makings of a truly great teacher when it comes down to it. It's not the specific strategy you use with a student, your ability to plan a lesson, or how well you can grade work that makes a good teacher. These things are not what are really important. It's the character and attitude that drives you to care for and serve your students. If you teach like Jesus, you will teach them well, with respect, integrity, and a dedication to their holistic wellbeing and growth.
2/14 Text - Miracles
Regarding 4 Portraits.
"reason" and reasonable faith
---
How can we believe in miracles?
How can we not?
If we can't see it, how can we believe it?
If we can't believe it, how can we see it?
There are no miracles today, why would there be ever?
My life and existence are miraculous, why would miracles ever stop?
I look for miracles but don't find any.
Miracles always happen for me when I'm not looking.
Jesus couldn't have done them.
Jesus would be no one without backing his claims.
Must have been magic.
Must have been God.
The laws of nature and absolute
God created nature and exists outside of it.
He simply can't have done it.
He must have done it.
"reason" and reasonable faith
---
How can we believe in miracles?
How can we not?
If we can't see it, how can we believe it?
If we can't believe it, how can we see it?
There are no miracles today, why would there be ever?
My life and existence are miraculous, why would miracles ever stop?
I look for miracles but don't find any.
Miracles always happen for me when I'm not looking.
Jesus couldn't have done them.
Jesus would be no one without backing his claims.
Must have been magic.
Must have been God.
The laws of nature and absolute
God created nature and exists outside of it.
He simply can't have done it.
He must have done it.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
2/7 - Jesus the Jew
Regarding Two Visions
I think that its very interesting that people would want to take Jesus outside of his own ethnic lens, but that is exactly what people do. Some take him and put him in a Roman lens or in other Mediterranean cultures. This historical lens distorts the message of Jesus though. Sure he opened up salvation to the gentiles, and essentially condemned the old religion, but that was as a Jew, fulfilling Jewish prophecy, not something else.
N.T. Wright argues that what Jesus did and said MUST have made sense in a Jewish context because he gained Jewish followers based on a message who's relevance would only make sense in a Jewish theological and sociopolitical context. Jesus message was one of release from bondage, and the Jewish people wanted out from under Roman rule. God just had a grander plan for His people... for all His people, but that doesn't make it any less Jewish. Jesus life, message, and works are more of a fulfillment of Judaism, not something from outside of the Jewish tradition!
I think that its very interesting that people would want to take Jesus outside of his own ethnic lens, but that is exactly what people do. Some take him and put him in a Roman lens or in other Mediterranean cultures. This historical lens distorts the message of Jesus though. Sure he opened up salvation to the gentiles, and essentially condemned the old religion, but that was as a Jew, fulfilling Jewish prophecy, not something else.
N.T. Wright argues that what Jesus did and said MUST have made sense in a Jewish context because he gained Jewish followers based on a message who's relevance would only make sense in a Jewish theological and sociopolitical context. Jesus message was one of release from bondage, and the Jewish people wanted out from under Roman rule. God just had a grander plan for His people... for all His people, but that doesn't make it any less Jewish. Jesus life, message, and works are more of a fulfillment of Judaism, not something from outside of the Jewish tradition!
4/3 Personal - Passion Week
Today in church, we had the pleasure of having the NW regional pastor for the North American Baptist Conference, Rev. Rick Weber, come and speak to us about Palm Sunday. The theme of the sermon was that not everything was as it seemed. His example: On Palm Sunday, so many years ago, Jesus was heralded into Jerusalem, to an innumerable amount of people supporting him, and hoping for him to be king. The Jews were so determined to be free of foreign rule and be saved, so they were Messiah-crazy. Here was the one, but he was not what the leaders wanted or imagined. He was disrupting the status quo, and thought he was so dangerous that they wanted to kill him. Within days the thousands cheering for him and hailing him were calling for his crucifixion.
I'm not even sure what to do with this all the time. It's a story I've known for a very long time, but when I really get into it, it's always staggering. Who Jesus was, what temptation he faced, what he did for everyone corporately and personally. It's astounding. I am once again reminded of the power of his sacrifice.
I'm not even sure what to do with this all the time. It's a story I've known for a very long time, but when I really get into it, it's always staggering. Who Jesus was, what temptation he faced, what he did for everyone corporately and personally. It's astounding. I am once again reminded of the power of his sacrifice.
2/21/12 Personal - On Music
In church this week, we had a really interesting interesting service about how we worship. Throughout the last decade, I have experience a lot of services and experiences trying to move away from worship services that focus solely on music, but instead using alternative forms of worship. Other services have shared on how you can worship God throughout your daily life, outside of the church. I have found these to be beneficial and enlightening, but the service I just attended was a treat.
This service was on how special music is as a form of worship. Coming from a church that has struggled with quality and content of worship through music, this sermon was especially touching. It talked on the special qualities fo music to touch heart, mind, and soul in ways that nothing else can.
I have noted myself on many occasions how much of a gift music is in communing with and praising Jesus. Music is a deeply complex and beautiful machine and media, encompassing some of the most beautiful and interesting concepts of art and science. We take the feelings evoked by the music and use it to enhances the words we put to it. What a wonderful gift we have to be able to sing and make sounds of joy and praise to our creator and redeemer.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
4/17/12 - The Broken
This last week, I saw the George Fox U. conceived, written, and performed play The Broken about the relations between missionaries, locals, and transnational corporations in Papua New Guinea. It gave me a lot to think about, but I'm not sure exactly how to organize my thoughts. So I guess, I won't. Here are my thoughts:
- Where on earth does Jesus fit here? Why is it so complex? PNG is one of the most Christian nations in the world, but has a lot of their cultural heritage mixed in with that. But long before the Christians came to PNG, they were a society trying to live like Jesus in many ways. Now, "an eye for an eye" was the law there, in the most literal sense, but they are also very giving people. If you ask, they will give, without question. Then we brought Jesus to them, and they are in some ways worse off then before because of tense relations between natives and nonnatives.
- Are multinational companies evil? Are they evil in other countries? I think that megacorps are very dangerous. I don't believe a company can be evil or good per se, because they are made up of many different people. Some have more power, knowledge, and influence then others, so their capacity for good and evil, as well as knowledge and wisdom to do either varies. Therefore they are probably both. The problem is, with so many working parts, its easy to be part of, buy from, or benefit financially from companies that do a lot of evil things, and that is amplified by globalism. One company might have great policy here in the U.S., but what effect are they having on the inhabitants of the countries they gather resources from. Are we "helping" them when we change their culture, and modernize them? Is that what they really want? Just because a government wants the money involved doesn't mean that it's right for the people. If Jesus was a corporation... how would he act? Corporation comes from "corpos" or body, and Jesus says how the body of Christ should act, so I guess, corporations should act as the church does (or rather should). An ideal we will never see, I suppose.
- Why do Christians build fences? In the play, they were so eager to lean on the Lord to provide for them financially, but after some rape issues, they didn't trust God at all with their security. The security they hired resulted in separation, suspicion, and eventually deaths. This opposed their mission entirely! What's the point? How can Christians do more good than harm in the cultures that are still largely secluded from the world.
4/10/12 - Reflections on "The Case for Christ"
I have spent a lot of time in recent days watching arguments unfold about the life of Christ, and the validity of Christianity as a whole. This has largely taken place on the internet on discussion boards and blogs. It has been quite interesting to watch these arguments unfold between Christians, people of other faiths, agnostics and atheists. In all of it I've found that some people can be really open and accepting on both sides, and, again, on both sides there are some really loudmouthed close-minded people, with hard hearts. It was within this mindset that I reviewed the movie.
I was fairly critical of this movie. I have been seeing many well thought out questions for and arguments against Christianity from those opposed to it, and I feel like they would not take well to this film. The arguments that the film presented were good, but they were also narrow and biased. They weren't in any ways offensive, but they didn't many oppositions, and gave flimsy responses to them in many cases. This was a little bit disappointing for a movie that was on the hard evidence for Christ and Christianity. I think that we need to be a little more open to the criticisms and questions that non-believers have. When you don't respect heir valid questions and concerns, we do them, and ourselves, a disservice. In an apologetic work like this (even if presented like a documentary), you must do your best to provide real answers to real criticisms. You don't have to agree, you can tell them they are wrong, but you can't ignore them.
I was fairly critical of this movie. I have been seeing many well thought out questions for and arguments against Christianity from those opposed to it, and I feel like they would not take well to this film. The arguments that the film presented were good, but they were also narrow and biased. They weren't in any ways offensive, but they didn't many oppositions, and gave flimsy responses to them in many cases. This was a little bit disappointing for a movie that was on the hard evidence for Christ and Christianity. I think that we need to be a little more open to the criticisms and questions that non-believers have. When you don't respect heir valid questions and concerns, we do them, and ourselves, a disservice. In an apologetic work like this (even if presented like a documentary), you must do your best to provide real answers to real criticisms. You don't have to agree, you can tell them they are wrong, but you can't ignore them.
3/6 - Personal - On debates with Christian friends(?)
Recently I got into a fight with a Christian friend, on a public forum on the internet. I would say debate, but it got personal really quick. I have had feelings that her brand of Christianity could be hurtful and unloving at times, and something that she said really set me off this time. However, instead of responding in anger, I decided to try and provide a gentle rebuke through a questions, that was really more to understand than anything. The topic? She was arguing that it is worthless to try and debate theology or the bible with someone who disagrees with you. I asked if she really thought that this was worthless as it could be an opportunity to minister to others. Unfortunately this got her very angry, again on a public internet forum. Thus, many angry long rants were posted about my question, and though I tried to back up my reasoning, more than anything I was just trying to apologize over and over.
This has been a very difficult thing for me. I just don't know how to be most like Christ here. On one hand, I want to show her love and forgiveness, but it is always taken the wrong way and as an affront. On the other hand, I want to be able to provide accountability and have good honest discourse about things we may disagree on. Unfortunately, it always seems to be the wrong way to do things.
I don't know what Jesus would do here. He rebukes those who don't show loves, so he might have done that. But overall, he loves and forgives. I should try to do that.
This has been a very difficult thing for me. I just don't know how to be most like Christ here. On one hand, I want to show her love and forgiveness, but it is always taken the wrong way and as an affront. On the other hand, I want to be able to provide accountability and have good honest discourse about things we may disagree on. Unfortunately, it always seems to be the wrong way to do things.
I don't know what Jesus would do here. He rebukes those who don't show loves, so he might have done that. But overall, he loves and forgives. I should try to do that.
3/13 - Personal - On relating to the LDS church
I frequent a forum/topical posting site called Reddit, in which many different types of discussions happens. Some are lighthearted, and others get very serious and heated. One board that has a strange and difficult mixture of the two is the Christianity board. You can tell that the people here are struggling between their passion and perceived truth and the need to be respectful. Well... mostly. Some people are very meek. Some get very angry if you don't respond with their idea of what respect is. And some people are just angry and self-righteous (including, sadly, those who are promoting what they thing are Christian arguments.)
Lately, there has been a bit of a struggle between the Christians and the LDS church on the board. Despite the board being open to Christians of all denominations, as well as Jews, Muslims, people of other faiths, and nonbelievers, some of the LDS members feel persecuted. They don't feel that this is an okay place because many Christians there won' accept them as Christians. This is a difficult issue for me! The want to be accepted Christians because they say that they believe in Christ as our savior as we do. I know they believe in a Jesus but they don't believe in my Jesus, and their corruption of who Jesus is, I think costs them their salvation. Many other Christians pointed this out.
What troubles me is the WAY that some of them did it. Now many LDS member were more upset than perhaps they should have been, as some were calmly and clearly saying why they disagreed. Others, however were much more belligerent and used hateful and condemning language. I know that allowing them to be incorrect does them no good, but I don't see how to do it when there are so many just yelling at them. I wonder how Jesus would handle the situation, for both the Christians acting like Pharisees and to the Mormons who are corrupting who he is, and spreading a twisted version of cut Christianity to millions.
Lately, there has been a bit of a struggle between the Christians and the LDS church on the board. Despite the board being open to Christians of all denominations, as well as Jews, Muslims, people of other faiths, and nonbelievers, some of the LDS members feel persecuted. They don't feel that this is an okay place because many Christians there won' accept them as Christians. This is a difficult issue for me! The want to be accepted Christians because they say that they believe in Christ as our savior as we do. I know they believe in a Jesus but they don't believe in my Jesus, and their corruption of who Jesus is, I think costs them their salvation. Many other Christians pointed this out.
What troubles me is the WAY that some of them did it. Now many LDS member were more upset than perhaps they should have been, as some were calmly and clearly saying why they disagreed. Others, however were much more belligerent and used hateful and condemning language. I know that allowing them to be incorrect does them no good, but I don't see how to do it when there are so many just yelling at them. I wonder how Jesus would handle the situation, for both the Christians acting like Pharisees and to the Mormons who are corrupting who he is, and spreading a twisted version of cut Christianity to millions.
3/20 Personal - LGBT and J Sandwiches
I recently read a couple of blog posts from an agnostic blogger (http://www.danoah.com/2011/11/im-christian-unless-youre-gay.html, http://www.danoah.com/2012/04/a-teens-brave-response-to-im-christian-unless-youre-gay.html, and many more from this blogger in response to the original post.) In his blog post he detailed some very astute observations and concerns about Christians and how they relate to the world.
He was frustrated because he likes the message and vision of the church but he is quick to point out that we fail so quickly to love those who are not like us. The post is called I'm Christian, Unless You're Gay, but is really about the "I'm Christian, Unless" part. The LGBT community is just one of the biggest and most pertinent areas. What I love about this article is that he isn't yelling at us. He is pleading with us to live by our message. He sees, and if you look, you will see too, that we have a tendency to draw lines around our Christianity, ended at difference and discomfort. It might be safe to say that most Christians, but if not that, many Christians feel uncomfortable around and about homosexuality and transexuality. He says that this often leads us to stop giving the Christian message, and stop doing Christian actions. We stop loving when its uncomfortable.
Is this like Jesus? No. He loved unconditionally around the very most uncomfortable people in society. This blogger's original post has touched many Christians with his gentle, but firm message. The second link is a response detailing how a closet-homosexual boy was tasked to read the original article and respond for school. His mother, upon finding the assignment began screaming at him as she felt entirely attacked by the message of the article. He ran away from home and did the assignment from his friend's house, uncovering himself as homosexual. He detailed how much this meant to him, and how this message of how to love gave him the strength to live freer, and to encourage others to love. He was going to stand up to his parents, not matter how they reacted. He sent this to his teacher, and to his mom. His mom was so shocked by this, that she didn't know what to do, and decided to give the article another read, this time from a more understanding perspective. It changed her perspective, and her life. It enabled her to discover how greedy she had been with her love, and helped her start to learn to love her son, despite her beliefs. No, this response in praise of this calling for Christians to love was not from the son, it was from the mother, and there are many more stories like it.
This is the most important thing for Christians today, I think, as we deal with a culture hostile towards Christianity. We are becoming more and more hypocritical every day. It is so easy for us to judge, to point fingers, to hoard God's love for those that we feel are more deserving because they are more like us. But we are all sinners and we are all undeserving. Who are we to judge and withhold God's love? That is not our calling. I know that that is a problem, because my life experiences have taught me well how to judge and separate, but I often feel ill prepared to reach out and love. I can do it though. I am committed to learning to be more Christ-like. Everyday, I understand more that the people I don't want to like, and don't feel comfortable around, are the exact sort of people that Jesus would go and love. All he would have for me is a stern rebuking. I can can ignore it and say it is too hard, but that will only bring me more toil and struggle. I can trust him and obey, and that, I am promised, will bring blessings.
He was frustrated because he likes the message and vision of the church but he is quick to point out that we fail so quickly to love those who are not like us. The post is called I'm Christian, Unless You're Gay, but is really about the "I'm Christian, Unless" part. The LGBT community is just one of the biggest and most pertinent areas. What I love about this article is that he isn't yelling at us. He is pleading with us to live by our message. He sees, and if you look, you will see too, that we have a tendency to draw lines around our Christianity, ended at difference and discomfort. It might be safe to say that most Christians, but if not that, many Christians feel uncomfortable around and about homosexuality and transexuality. He says that this often leads us to stop giving the Christian message, and stop doing Christian actions. We stop loving when its uncomfortable.
Is this like Jesus? No. He loved unconditionally around the very most uncomfortable people in society. This blogger's original post has touched many Christians with his gentle, but firm message. The second link is a response detailing how a closet-homosexual boy was tasked to read the original article and respond for school. His mother, upon finding the assignment began screaming at him as she felt entirely attacked by the message of the article. He ran away from home and did the assignment from his friend's house, uncovering himself as homosexual. He detailed how much this meant to him, and how this message of how to love gave him the strength to live freer, and to encourage others to love. He was going to stand up to his parents, not matter how they reacted. He sent this to his teacher, and to his mom. His mom was so shocked by this, that she didn't know what to do, and decided to give the article another read, this time from a more understanding perspective. It changed her perspective, and her life. It enabled her to discover how greedy she had been with her love, and helped her start to learn to love her son, despite her beliefs. No, this response in praise of this calling for Christians to love was not from the son, it was from the mother, and there are many more stories like it.
This is the most important thing for Christians today, I think, as we deal with a culture hostile towards Christianity. We are becoming more and more hypocritical every day. It is so easy for us to judge, to point fingers, to hoard God's love for those that we feel are more deserving because they are more like us. But we are all sinners and we are all undeserving. Who are we to judge and withhold God's love? That is not our calling. I know that that is a problem, because my life experiences have taught me well how to judge and separate, but I often feel ill prepared to reach out and love. I can do it though. I am committed to learning to be more Christ-like. Everyday, I understand more that the people I don't want to like, and don't feel comfortable around, are the exact sort of people that Jesus would go and love. All he would have for me is a stern rebuking. I can can ignore it and say it is too hard, but that will only bring me more toil and struggle. I can trust him and obey, and that, I am promised, will bring blessings.
4/3/12 - In Class
From Max Lucado, "No wonder They call Him the Savior"
On the left, a passage from the chapter "Alive". On the right, my thoughts on what Jesus might be thinking or praying.
Marching. Unstoppable.
Uproar. Distress.
Prisoner. My choice.
Hushed. Respect.
Pilate. Changed.
"Innocent!" Goodhearted.
Bedlam. Disappointing.
"Barabbas!" Blessed.
Riot. Calmness.
Despair. Grace.
Christ.
Bare. Humbled.
Rings. Endurance.
Wall. Cold.
Back. Strength.
Whip! Peace.
Back. Courage
Whip! Forgiveness
Slash. Why?
Scourge. How?
Tear. Fair?
Bone. Agony.
Moan. Human.
Flesh. Mortality
Rhythm. Gift?
Silence. Next?
Whip! Again?
Silence. More?
Whip! Exhausted
Silence. Done.
Whip! Please.
Thorns. King.
Stinging. Ironic.
Blind. Physically...
Laughter. Blind
Jeering. Broken
Scepter. Earthly...
Slap. Deserved?
Governor. Commit.
Distraught. Blessing.
(Almost.) Fallen
Eyes. Sight?
Jesus.
Decision. Appointed.
Power. Yes.
Freedom? No.
Threats. Bounce.
Looks. Petty.
Yelling. Sad.
Weak. In body.
Basin. Refreshing.
Water. Thankful
Swayed. Grace.
Compromise. Real?
Blood. Stronger.
Guilt. Forgiven.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
2/28/12 In Class
Describe a time when you feel that you pleased God.
What led you to that state?
How did it make you feel?
I feel that one of my gifts is to be able to a good listener and advice giver to those who want it. Though I don't always feel like a great fount of wisdom, there have been many instances in which people have come to me when they have needed support, whether they have known me for a long time, or barely at all.
When I am able to engage people on this level, I feel really in tune with God, and I definitely feel Him guide me through these conversations, as people can get themselves into to really sticky situations. I feel that through God, I am able to be an advocate for His truth, and I can use a bit of His divine wisdom, whether gathered through experience, the Word, or from the Holy Spirit to help others.
When I open up, listen, and help others, I feel that I am truly pleasing God. Even though many times people are going through difficult things, I feel at peace after sharing some wisdom and bringing some comfort into their lives.
What led you to that state?
How did it make you feel?
I feel that one of my gifts is to be able to a good listener and advice giver to those who want it. Though I don't always feel like a great fount of wisdom, there have been many instances in which people have come to me when they have needed support, whether they have known me for a long time, or barely at all.
When I am able to engage people on this level, I feel really in tune with God, and I definitely feel Him guide me through these conversations, as people can get themselves into to really sticky situations. I feel that through God, I am able to be an advocate for His truth, and I can use a bit of His divine wisdom, whether gathered through experience, the Word, or from the Holy Spirit to help others.
When I open up, listen, and help others, I feel that I am truly pleasing God. Even though many times people are going through difficult things, I feel at peace after sharing some wisdom and bringing some comfort into their lives.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
3/6/12 In-class
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say? They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on on the ground with his finger.
What was Jesus writing with his finger?
Maybe Jesus was writing down their sins for them to see. It is possible that he could see the sins of their hearts and put them out for all to see, just as they were doing to the woman. If they were in violation of the law, what did they deserve? There were often objections to what Jesus said, but when he said, "Whoever has not sinned, cast the first stone," everyone simply left. Perhaps some of them ran, perhaps in fear or shock. Maybe he put their names there as well, or perhaps scripture. His knowledge of scripture was unmatched, and so perhaps he was writing scripture that pertained to their sins as well.
You know what else I think he was writing? I think he was forgiving them. He forgave the woman, so why not them as well? It would be very powerful to write "Jorge, you have lusted after this woman." But wouldn't it be even more powerful if it said, "Jorge, you have lusted after this woman, and I forgive you." Who knows, but that seems like something he might do.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Life of Christ 2.14.12
Consider the problems of the world today. What are some pragmatic things that you would expect a messiah to fix?
One of my first thoughts would be to try and clear up the giant mess in the Middle East, but the Jews also expected that of Jesus, and that is simply not what happened, so perhaps that is out until He comes back. I would think that a messiah would focus on the obvious evils of greed and corruption by those leading the most powerful corporations and governments. He or she would rebuke the loose spirituality of the world, in which many believe in all sorts of roads to God. The messiah would also rebuke the idea that humans have the power to have all knowledge through empirical means, as this fallacy ignores many important truths that can not be reached by science.
How would the world respond to Jesus in the flesh if He showed up tomorrow?
The world is so big and messy. I have a feeling that hardly anyone would recognize Jesus. Sure He would be very different, but there are a lot of weirdos with strange ideas, and that's exactly who He was. Only those with a very pure faith would recognize Him for who He was. I'm not even sure that I would recognize Him at first, if at all, without His help. I think a lot of the world would rebuke him. If He caused enough of a ruckus, there would likely be a huge defamatory media stir that would quickly write him off.
Read Romans 8:1-17
What is the main idea of this passage?
This passage is talking about our new nature in Christ with the Holy Spirit. Only because of our redemption through Christ are we able to rise above our sin.
What does it mean when Paul states, "There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus"?
We are really good at not being able to follow the law, which means we are condemned. Our human nature, or our flesh, which is that of a sinful being, is tainted and doesn't follow the law. Jesus makes us of the Spirit, which is out of sin.
Why can't those who are in flesh please God?
Our flesh leads us towards sin, which is in violation of God's being. When we sin, we do not show, but reject God's love, and instead serve ourselves. This is not pleasing to God.
In our modern world, what are some things of the flesh and some things of the spirit as mentioned in verse 5?
Things of the flesh could be just about anything. We live in a consumer society. We take and take and take, acquiring pleasures of the flesh. Service to others in God's love would be something of the Spirit.
One of my first thoughts would be to try and clear up the giant mess in the Middle East, but the Jews also expected that of Jesus, and that is simply not what happened, so perhaps that is out until He comes back. I would think that a messiah would focus on the obvious evils of greed and corruption by those leading the most powerful corporations and governments. He or she would rebuke the loose spirituality of the world, in which many believe in all sorts of roads to God. The messiah would also rebuke the idea that humans have the power to have all knowledge through empirical means, as this fallacy ignores many important truths that can not be reached by science.
How would the world respond to Jesus in the flesh if He showed up tomorrow?
The world is so big and messy. I have a feeling that hardly anyone would recognize Jesus. Sure He would be very different, but there are a lot of weirdos with strange ideas, and that's exactly who He was. Only those with a very pure faith would recognize Him for who He was. I'm not even sure that I would recognize Him at first, if at all, without His help. I think a lot of the world would rebuke him. If He caused enough of a ruckus, there would likely be a huge defamatory media stir that would quickly write him off.
Read Romans 8:1-17
Romans 8
Life Through the Spirit
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life[d] because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of[e] his Spirit who lives in you.
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,[g] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
What is the main idea of this passage?
This passage is talking about our new nature in Christ with the Holy Spirit. Only because of our redemption through Christ are we able to rise above our sin.
What does it mean when Paul states, "There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus"?
We are really good at not being able to follow the law, which means we are condemned. Our human nature, or our flesh, which is that of a sinful being, is tainted and doesn't follow the law. Jesus makes us of the Spirit, which is out of sin.
Why can't those who are in flesh please God?
Our flesh leads us towards sin, which is in violation of God's being. When we sin, we do not show, but reject God's love, and instead serve ourselves. This is not pleasing to God.
In our modern world, what are some things of the flesh and some things of the spirit as mentioned in verse 5?
Things of the flesh could be just about anything. We live in a consumer society. We take and take and take, acquiring pleasures of the flesh. Service to others in God's love would be something of the Spirit.
Why I Love Jesus, and Pray For Redemption of the Church Body
The following video, Why I Hate Religion, and Love Jesus, has become enormously popular (over 19 million views) on the internet. I have heard it brought up a lot, but I hadn't seen it, so I thought I would watch it today to see what I think. Before I watched it, I was thinking that the message might be a little frustrating to me, but also that he may have some good thoughts, as I've seen some of his videos before.
My presumptions turned out to be correct.
The views presented in this video are very timely to the new culture of my generation. We are become decreasingly aligned with religion while, as a whole, we are becoming more spiritual. There is a lot of validity in that movement, in some ways. Religion has failed at integrity over time, as sins have lead to many failures and tragedies, both on a major historical sense, and in an everyday sense in our overal interactions with culture at large. My generation values holisticness and integrity more than ever before, and this means that they just aren't happy with a church that doesn't practice what it preaches.
The problem, of course, it that it does, and this video doesn't acknowledge it. Sure, the millions of people in the church across the world haven't always been perfect individually or corporately, but we aren't God; we are human. The thing is, even in the video, he says he loves the church, the Bible, and Jesus, and doesn't fully separate religion and Jesus. Critics of the video found the same thing, and some were angered by the fact.
A prominent Atheist made an angry response, rightfully pointing out how the two weren't really separated. He quoted a lot of scripture which pointed out how Jesus in fact set the church up to be his hand in the world, spreading the Good News until He comes back. How true that is!
A LACI speaker last night brought up the same thought, in the light of cultural redemption. He argued that God created man to live in culture. We fell, and that culture became imperfect, but Jesus came back to redeem us. This redemption is for all, and so, though accepted individual, the redeemed are here to transform our culture through the Good News and with God's love. Eventually, it will be consummated by the last coming and the new Kingdom on earth. Therefore, all our religion is is a group of people living out what Jesus wanted, and then identified as a group. Sure, our generation could reject the formal church, but they will find living for Jesus too difficult, if not impossible, on their own, and will turn to social groupings instead. What do they have? A church, or a formal religion. I see this as more of a variation on the sectarianism we already have. Some people decide that they are frustrated with the supposed sins or faults of an established church, and go off the bring their own.
I believe that instead, we should be fulfilling Christ's mission by redeeming culture, including the culture of our own churches. We don't need more splits; the church is diluted enough as it is. What we need is to call on peace and wisdom from God, so that we can reconcile our differences and attempt to stand as a united, rather than broken, universal church. As many such efforts are being made today, we continue to fracture while cultures around the world learn to work together. My opinion is this: our mission today (and throughout history since Jesus) should be redemption within the church, and the redemption of the greater culture we live in.
Many videos, articles, and comments have been made in response to the original video, often by personable and trendy persons from my generation. Here is one that resonates with me, even though it is from the Catholic church. As a Baptist, and a Christion seeking a less broken church, this fresh face from a Catholic is refreshing, and his defense of the church seems spot on and necessary to me.
My presumptions turned out to be correct.
The views presented in this video are very timely to the new culture of my generation. We are become decreasingly aligned with religion while, as a whole, we are becoming more spiritual. There is a lot of validity in that movement, in some ways. Religion has failed at integrity over time, as sins have lead to many failures and tragedies, both on a major historical sense, and in an everyday sense in our overal interactions with culture at large. My generation values holisticness and integrity more than ever before, and this means that they just aren't happy with a church that doesn't practice what it preaches.
The problem, of course, it that it does, and this video doesn't acknowledge it. Sure, the millions of people in the church across the world haven't always been perfect individually or corporately, but we aren't God; we are human. The thing is, even in the video, he says he loves the church, the Bible, and Jesus, and doesn't fully separate religion and Jesus. Critics of the video found the same thing, and some were angered by the fact.
A prominent Atheist made an angry response, rightfully pointing out how the two weren't really separated. He quoted a lot of scripture which pointed out how Jesus in fact set the church up to be his hand in the world, spreading the Good News until He comes back. How true that is!
A LACI speaker last night brought up the same thought, in the light of cultural redemption. He argued that God created man to live in culture. We fell, and that culture became imperfect, but Jesus came back to redeem us. This redemption is for all, and so, though accepted individual, the redeemed are here to transform our culture through the Good News and with God's love. Eventually, it will be consummated by the last coming and the new Kingdom on earth. Therefore, all our religion is is a group of people living out what Jesus wanted, and then identified as a group. Sure, our generation could reject the formal church, but they will find living for Jesus too difficult, if not impossible, on their own, and will turn to social groupings instead. What do they have? A church, or a formal religion. I see this as more of a variation on the sectarianism we already have. Some people decide that they are frustrated with the supposed sins or faults of an established church, and go off the bring their own.
I believe that instead, we should be fulfilling Christ's mission by redeeming culture, including the culture of our own churches. We don't need more splits; the church is diluted enough as it is. What we need is to call on peace and wisdom from God, so that we can reconcile our differences and attempt to stand as a united, rather than broken, universal church. As many such efforts are being made today, we continue to fracture while cultures around the world learn to work together. My opinion is this: our mission today (and throughout history since Jesus) should be redemption within the church, and the redemption of the greater culture we live in.
Many videos, articles, and comments have been made in response to the original video, often by personable and trendy persons from my generation. Here is one that resonates with me, even though it is from the Catholic church. As a Baptist, and a Christion seeking a less broken church, this fresh face from a Catholic is refreshing, and his defense of the church seems spot on and necessary to me.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Guilt
Describe a time when you feel that you disappointed God with sin. What led you to that state? How did it make you feel? What punishment do you think it warranted? Did you ask for forgiveness? Were you forgiven?
There are many things in my daily life that I feel are disappointments. Just one example is all of those little moments of selfishness that come out in quick decisions throughout the day. I should have let this person go before me. I should have done this favor for him. I should have held the door open for her. I should have taken the time to see how he was doing. I shouldn't have avoided her. That kind of thing.
Realizing moments where I choose selfishness over loving and serving someone makes me feel guilty because I feel like I am not using my gifts from God for his glory, but for my comfort. Thankfully, I am covered by grace, and I don't need to hang on to this guilt, but I try and repent, and make an effort to improve myself for Him, so that next time, I can show someone love and be a light rather that being selfish.
One more thing: If you had a group of friends to be in a posse, who would they be and why?
Uhhhhhhhhhhhh, ummmmmmmmm. People who inspire me, so probably a group of some random people at Fox and from home, that are in a similar place in life to me, and demonstrate characteristics of living that life that I want to emulate.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Here comes Mayan Jesus.
Write a story about if John the Baptist showed up on Dec 23, 2012
Dialogue real & relevant, what would be condemned, who would be condemned?
On the 12th of December, in the 2012th year of our Lord 21,
A man appeared in Pioneer Courthouse Square, amongst the drug addled and homeless. Instantly, their hearts were lifted and one stood up. He said "He is here! Hey guys, that's Jesus! He is here!"
Some stoop up and danced, while others doubted and said "Great! Yet another Messiah."
Some men, women, and children, dirty and disheveled decided to follow Him.
He entered the Pioneer Mall, a place of great wealth and trading. Within moments, He and His followers were halted by the security, who asked for Him and his lot to remove themselves immediately.
-----
I've stared at this for 2 weeks, and..... I just don't know how to write it. It feel wrong. I hate to give up, but I can't figure out how to not be sacrilegious.
Dialogue real & relevant, what would be condemned, who would be condemned?
On the 12th of December, in the 2012th year of our Lord 21,
A man appeared in Pioneer Courthouse Square, amongst the drug addled and homeless. Instantly, their hearts were lifted and one stood up. He said "He is here! Hey guys, that's Jesus! He is here!"
Some stoop up and danced, while others doubted and said "Great! Yet another Messiah."
Some men, women, and children, dirty and disheveled decided to follow Him.
He entered the Pioneer Mall, a place of great wealth and trading. Within moments, He and His followers were halted by the security, who asked for Him and his lot to remove themselves immediately.
-----
I've stared at this for 2 weeks, and..... I just don't know how to write it. It feel wrong. I hate to give up, but I can't figure out how to not be sacrilegious.
N.T. Wright: Hero of the Modern Church?
After finally reading some N.T. Wright, I find that I can really appreciate his perspective.
The other day in LACI, we had a speaker discussing the trends that anthropologists and the like were noticing regarding the new generation. One of the big markers of the new generation is a desire for decompartmentalization and holisticness, as well as an increased spiritualism. N.T. Wright's writings on knowing the spiritual and historical Jesus seem to reflect the cries of the new generation. While he is not necessarily speaking to this generation, he is critiquing the typical separation of the historical and spiritual aspects of Jesus.
As our generation moves towards holistic understanding of things, less and less Christians (and non-Christians) are willing to accept Jesus in incompatible roles. What Wright tries to do in this article in the "Knowing Jesus: Faith and History" chapter is to encourage readers not to study Jesus in separate contexts, but to try and see how these contexts fit together to either reconcile discrepancies or to, at the very least (as often is the case with studying God) to wrestle with them.
I do not think that Wright is encouraging Borg's approach, however, as Borg seems to take the different facets of Jesus, and instead of wrestling and reconciling them, he just denies some. As I've previously said, this makes Jesus easier to be comfortable with, but Jesus isn't comfortable and putting him in a box doesn't help anyone.
The other day in LACI, we had a speaker discussing the trends that anthropologists and the like were noticing regarding the new generation. One of the big markers of the new generation is a desire for decompartmentalization and holisticness, as well as an increased spiritualism. N.T. Wright's writings on knowing the spiritual and historical Jesus seem to reflect the cries of the new generation. While he is not necessarily speaking to this generation, he is critiquing the typical separation of the historical and spiritual aspects of Jesus.
As our generation moves towards holistic understanding of things, less and less Christians (and non-Christians) are willing to accept Jesus in incompatible roles. What Wright tries to do in this article in the "Knowing Jesus: Faith and History" chapter is to encourage readers not to study Jesus in separate contexts, but to try and see how these contexts fit together to either reconcile discrepancies or to, at the very least (as often is the case with studying God) to wrestle with them.
I do not think that Wright is encouraging Borg's approach, however, as Borg seems to take the different facets of Jesus, and instead of wrestling and reconciling them, he just denies some. As I've previously said, this makes Jesus easier to be comfortable with, but Jesus isn't comfortable and putting him in a box doesn't help anyone.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Borg: You will not be assimilated.
On "God and Jesus", Marcus Borg
As a very logic minded person, Borg's theology is very tempting, and it frankly frightens me a little bit. It would make things so much easier, to put God into a smaller box, but the implications of that box would mean no salvation in my eyes, so I must run for the hills.
Borg's box does not include much of the mystery of Jesus and God. He really wants to be able to rationalize it, as do I. But we are simple humans, and I am willing to accept on faith that there is more to God that I can understand. I feel that Borg combines some of the early church heresies by claiming that Jesus was not devine (or fully man) before he died, and then either became divine after death, or not at all. He is the anti-Gnostic, denying ALL mystery of God!
He says "I want to emphasize that as a Christian, I think these affirmations about Jesus are true. But they are true as metaphors. The recognition that this metaphorical language is crucial. When we do not see this, we take the language literally. Unfortunately, this has often happened within the Christian tradition. Very early on, we metaphorized our history, and since then we have often historicized our metaphors, with their rich resonances of meaning."
Poor Borg. While he thinks we have boxed up God taking what Jesus said seriously, he thinks we are missing out on beautiful metaphors. This is very eloquent and nice to think about, until you realize the limits you are putting on God. If what Jesus says is taken literally, the mystery of God becomes so much more beautiful.
Faith is hard to have. For some more than others. I have faith that Jesus said what he meant, and meant what he said. It is when we water it down that we begin to struggle as a church.
As a very logic minded person, Borg's theology is very tempting, and it frankly frightens me a little bit. It would make things so much easier, to put God into a smaller box, but the implications of that box would mean no salvation in my eyes, so I must run for the hills.
Borg's box does not include much of the mystery of Jesus and God. He really wants to be able to rationalize it, as do I. But we are simple humans, and I am willing to accept on faith that there is more to God that I can understand. I feel that Borg combines some of the early church heresies by claiming that Jesus was not devine (or fully man) before he died, and then either became divine after death, or not at all. He is the anti-Gnostic, denying ALL mystery of God!
He says "I want to emphasize that as a Christian, I think these affirmations about Jesus are true. But they are true as metaphors. The recognition that this metaphorical language is crucial. When we do not see this, we take the language literally. Unfortunately, this has often happened within the Christian tradition. Very early on, we metaphorized our history, and since then we have often historicized our metaphors, with their rich resonances of meaning."
Poor Borg. While he thinks we have boxed up God taking what Jesus said seriously, he thinks we are missing out on beautiful metaphors. This is very eloquent and nice to think about, until you realize the limits you are putting on God. If what Jesus says is taken literally, the mystery of God becomes so much more beautiful.
Faith is hard to have. For some more than others. I have faith that Jesus said what he meant, and meant what he said. It is when we water it down that we begin to struggle as a church.
Ruminations on John Amstutz' Sermon on Going!
Hey coach?
Yeah?
Hey how come I'm on the bench? I want to be out on the court.
You tell me! I want you out there on the floor.
Well then why am I not out there? Why aren't you using me?
Again, you tell me! I told you to go, but you just stood there.
Well, yeah... but I feel like you've been ignoring me.
Really? Because I'm constantly keeping my eye on the whole team. I really want us all to play.
Ok.
So why don't you go in?
Well, I... I don't think I'm ready yet.
Sure you are.
But what if I fail? What if I don't make the shot?
It will be okay. I got you. We trained for this, and I'll help you along the way.
But failure is real, and I don't want to.
Last time I played, I only made 11 out 12 baskets. And come on, I'm your coach. If you don't make it, its not always your fault. And we'll get through it.
But...
Son, all authority in the school and on this court has been given to me. Therefore, go out there and make some shots for me, using everything I have taught you. Surely I am always here on the sideline, till the end of the game. Get out there. I have faith in you.
But....
---
Our faith in ourselves can be so tiny. I would fear playing, even with the confidence of a coach. I fear the Great Commission, even with the strength and faith of One much greater than I.
I want to be better.
Yeah?
Hey how come I'm on the bench? I want to be out on the court.
You tell me! I want you out there on the floor.
Well then why am I not out there? Why aren't you using me?
Again, you tell me! I told you to go, but you just stood there.
Well, yeah... but I feel like you've been ignoring me.
Really? Because I'm constantly keeping my eye on the whole team. I really want us all to play.
Ok.
So why don't you go in?
Well, I... I don't think I'm ready yet.
Sure you are.
But what if I fail? What if I don't make the shot?
It will be okay. I got you. We trained for this, and I'll help you along the way.
But failure is real, and I don't want to.
Last time I played, I only made 11 out 12 baskets. And come on, I'm your coach. If you don't make it, its not always your fault. And we'll get through it.
But...
Son, all authority in the school and on this court has been given to me. Therefore, go out there and make some shots for me, using everything I have taught you. Surely I am always here on the sideline, till the end of the game. Get out there. I have faith in you.
But....
---
Our faith in ourselves can be so tiny. I would fear playing, even with the confidence of a coach. I fear the Great Commission, even with the strength and faith of One much greater than I.
I want to be better.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Skuvbalon
Prompts: How do you feel about the "garbage" that has come your way so far in life? Which happens more often- the garbage influences your view of God, or your view of God influences your view of the "garbage?"
There has been a lot of garbage. Lots and lots of garbage. From having to deal with early deaths and close betrayals, many have told me that I've already had to deal with too much. But I am a firm believer that God would not let us be tortured with more than we could handle. I am often encouraged by the faith that Job shows when God allows Satan to utterly destroy everything He holds dear on the earth, from the trivial to the most dear. Still He hung on to God, because what else is there. I feel the same way. Rarely do struggles make me want to reject God, though it does happen, and I certainly question Him, but I hold onto Him and trust. Each difficult experience has been manageable because I know that something good will always come from it, and this has been shown to be true every time, even if it takes a long time to see how. God works in amazing ways, and when it comes down to him, my trust of him allows me to see each bit of garbage as a blessing in disguise... eventually..... with a lot of difficult processing.... but hey, I'm not perfect at all.
Romans 12:9-16
How does this passage related to your responses to life's challenges?
What connections could you make between the life (and birth and death) of Jesus and this passage?
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.
This is very difficult to do when things get difficult, but that is what I try to do. I think the most difficult part is the "loving your enemies" part. I can often trust God to get me through difficult things, but that does not mean that I do not harbor resentment, and have a difficult time with forgiveness. Jesus, on the other hand, with the insult of every sin against God (himself) ever, got the ultimate punishment for the ultimate forgiveness. Wow. He is the ultimate embodiment of this passage.
There has been a lot of garbage. Lots and lots of garbage. From having to deal with early deaths and close betrayals, many have told me that I've already had to deal with too much. But I am a firm believer that God would not let us be tortured with more than we could handle. I am often encouraged by the faith that Job shows when God allows Satan to utterly destroy everything He holds dear on the earth, from the trivial to the most dear. Still He hung on to God, because what else is there. I feel the same way. Rarely do struggles make me want to reject God, though it does happen, and I certainly question Him, but I hold onto Him and trust. Each difficult experience has been manageable because I know that something good will always come from it, and this has been shown to be true every time, even if it takes a long time to see how. God works in amazing ways, and when it comes down to him, my trust of him allows me to see each bit of garbage as a blessing in disguise... eventually..... with a lot of difficult processing.... but hey, I'm not perfect at all.
Romans 12:9-16
How does this passage related to your responses to life's challenges?
What connections could you make between the life (and birth and death) of Jesus and this passage?
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.
This is very difficult to do when things get difficult, but that is what I try to do. I think the most difficult part is the "loving your enemies" part. I can often trust God to get me through difficult things, but that does not mean that I do not harbor resentment, and have a difficult time with forgiveness. Jesus, on the other hand, with the insult of every sin against God (himself) ever, got the ultimate punishment for the ultimate forgiveness. Wow. He is the ultimate embodiment of this passage.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Musings on "Seeing Jesus"
I find the culture clash between "American" or "contemporary" or "secular" culture and "Christian" culture. This is the focus of my Liberal Arts and Christian issues class, and the difficulty of the topic is probably one of the main reasons that so many students and professors find it frustrating to different degrees.
This chapter started to touch on some of the ways that our secular culture has severely distorted our understanding of Jesus, and therefore how we should live as Christians. After reading this chapter, I have realized something a little disappointing about modern church as I have experienced. We often have sermons that just teach on solid points based off of a few verses, but rarely do we even discuss the context, meanings, or lenses in which the text can be or should be read. This is probably one of the reasons that I personally struggle so much with reading the Bible. I just don't always get the context. I don't always know what is to be taken literally, which is metaphorical, which is supposed to be applied to everyone, or which is only applicable at the time. It is all well and good to learn some of that in college courses, but what I would like to see is a little more academic approach given by the church, so that church members can be more knowledgeable.
Discussion afterward:
takethezeppelinJan 16, 2012 09:09 PM
I totally agree with your assessment about context (or lack thereof, in many sermons). One of my favorite authors, John Green, has an opinion that has essentially turned into a mantra: no text can be thoroughly understood without its context. I think applying a little -- just a little, but still -- academic thought to sermons would make people pay more attention, ask more questions and understand their faith, their Bibles and their God more clearly.
I am curious, though, of your opinion on the other side of this argument. That is, what part (or which parts) of the Bible/gospel stand on their own? On the one hand, I one hundred percent believe a contextual understanding of the Bible is beneficial. On the other hand, something about the gospel clearly speaks to thousands, to millions, who read and believe without any context at all. If context is important, *how* important is it? And is it "more" important for understanding different parts of the text (law, history poetry, epistles, etc.)?
Brendon Perkins Jan 16, 2012 10:02 PM
On it's own? Oh plenty of the wisdom stands alone, but, probably from my background in education, I think that we need to learn how to properly read the Bible. I believe that God accomplishes this when His followers study, teach, and learn together, and of course through the Holy Spirit.
What I read had a lot to say about how the ideas of secular society infect our viewpoints so that misunderstand a lot of the Bible in some pretty critical ways. I believe that sin and the resulting corruptions of society have clouded our minds throughout history, leading to continual heresies, schisms, disagreements, great wrongs and confusion within and outside of the church.
This chapter started to touch on some of the ways that our secular culture has severely distorted our understanding of Jesus, and therefore how we should live as Christians. After reading this chapter, I have realized something a little disappointing about modern church as I have experienced. We often have sermons that just teach on solid points based off of a few verses, but rarely do we even discuss the context, meanings, or lenses in which the text can be or should be read. This is probably one of the reasons that I personally struggle so much with reading the Bible. I just don't always get the context. I don't always know what is to be taken literally, which is metaphorical, which is supposed to be applied to everyone, or which is only applicable at the time. It is all well and good to learn some of that in college courses, but what I would like to see is a little more academic approach given by the church, so that church members can be more knowledgeable.
Discussion afterward:
takethezeppelinJan 16, 2012 09:09 PM
I totally agree with your assessment about context (or lack thereof, in many sermons). One of my favorite authors, John Green, has an opinion that has essentially turned into a mantra: no text can be thoroughly understood without its context. I think applying a little -- just a little, but still -- academic thought to sermons would make people pay more attention, ask more questions and understand their faith, their Bibles and their God more clearly.
I am curious, though, of your opinion on the other side of this argument. That is, what part (or which parts) of the Bible/gospel stand on their own? On the one hand, I one hundred percent believe a contextual understanding of the Bible is beneficial. On the other hand, something about the gospel clearly speaks to thousands, to millions, who read and believe without any context at all. If context is important, *how* important is it? And is it "more" important for understanding different parts of the text (law, history poetry, epistles, etc.)?
Brendon Perkins Jan 16, 2012 10:02 PM
On it's own? Oh plenty of the wisdom stands alone, but, probably from my background in education, I think that we need to learn how to properly read the Bible. I believe that God accomplishes this when His followers study, teach, and learn together, and of course through the Holy Spirit.
What I read had a lot to say about how the ideas of secular society infect our viewpoints so that misunderstand a lot of the Bible in some pretty critical ways. I believe that sin and the resulting corruptions of society have clouded our minds throughout history, leading to continual heresies, schisms, disagreements, great wrongs and confusion within and outside of the church.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Friend Spotlight #2
My last post on friendship and Jesus got me thinking a lot, and I would like to highlight another friendship that has meant a lot to me. This is my tribute to Danielle Buchanan.
Most of my friendships start with pleasant acquaintanceship. This one, however was somehow salvaged from silly drama and misunderstandings through a good portion of K12 education. (What was God thinking when He decided that puberty would be a stage of life?) I think it speaks to both of our characters that we moved beyond silly squabble and into a meaningful friendship.
Danielle is just one of those friends who doesn't know it, but is occasionally wise beyond her years. (I've had this said about me as well, and I often just refuse to believe it.) One of the things that I look for in a friend is the ability to listen and empathize, but Danielle does what the numerous self-involved won't. She asks. People who take the time to really ask the meaningful questions about your life are the ones who REALLY listen like it's important and take this to give wisdom in return.
Now let me bring this back to Jesus. I could give all the credit to ourselves for the quality of our conversations and the impact we have in each other's lives, but I really think the credit goes to Jesus. Our friendship is a reflection and action of Jesus' love, and I believe that a lot of the good that we do for each other comes from us listening to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to work through us in each other's lives. Having such a meaningful relationship requires a lot of mutual trust, respect, compassion, and integrity. For these things, I would like to add Danielle to the list of people who fit the role of "Best Friend in Life" from the previous assignment.
Most of my friendships start with pleasant acquaintanceship. This one, however was somehow salvaged from silly drama and misunderstandings through a good portion of K12 education. (What was God thinking when He decided that puberty would be a stage of life?) I think it speaks to both of our characters that we moved beyond silly squabble and into a meaningful friendship.
Danielle is just one of those friends who doesn't know it, but is occasionally wise beyond her years. (I've had this said about me as well, and I often just refuse to believe it.) One of the things that I look for in a friend is the ability to listen and empathize, but Danielle does what the numerous self-involved won't. She asks. People who take the time to really ask the meaningful questions about your life are the ones who REALLY listen like it's important and take this to give wisdom in return.
Now let me bring this back to Jesus. I could give all the credit to ourselves for the quality of our conversations and the impact we have in each other's lives, but I really think the credit goes to Jesus. Our friendship is a reflection and action of Jesus' love, and I believe that a lot of the good that we do for each other comes from us listening to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to work through us in each other's lives. Having such a meaningful relationship requires a lot of mutual trust, respect, compassion, and integrity. For these things, I would like to add Danielle to the list of people who fit the role of "Best Friend in Life" from the previous assignment.
Jesus the Friend
Part 1: My best friend in life.
Nick Culbertson has been a best friend of mine through thick and thin for as long as I can remember. (Not really, but as long has been important, a.k.a middle school.) His friendship has meant more to me than most. Friends come and go, but Nick has been a constant in my life to some degree pretty much since I've met him, even though we've come from kind of different walks of life. Throughout our friendship, we have only grown more close, as we've come to change each other in small, but important ways and to absorb some of the better (and maybe worse) qualities from each other. Our friendship takes less effort than many others, because we generally get along. Of course, it wouldn't be a good friendship if we didn't challenge each other and take on each others' burdens, but we can do that with civility and grace. Nick has shown me a constancy and integrity that I find to be rare, and that is what I appreciate most.
Part 2: Philippians 2:5-13
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a human being,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
What does being like Jesus mean?
This passage brings up one of the most difficult to understand and emulate about Jesus. After stating His glory and power, it acknowledges how He refused to use it for His benefit but instead became a servant to others and to die for us. It's an astounding and impossible example.
What did Jesus do for you? How does that make you feel?
Jesus gave up much more than I have, and certainly more than I would be willing to give up as a selfish sinner. Although it makes me feel guilty, it also makes me feel loved.
Write about your current relationship with Jesus.
I am not perfect with relationships, and my relationship with the Savior can be strained just like any other. He's always there, but I'm sometimes vacant. Jesus was an outcast, and sometimes I treat him like that too, because I don't always want to talk to him either. Not always, but sometimes.
I also get busy. Ugh. I complain a lot about relationships in which one person does all the work. And yet, I'm ont he wrong side of that all the time with Jesus. He's always there, and always cares, but I let myself be too busy. Part of the reason I have this blog in the first place is to give myself some time with Jesus. Sure this blog is reflective, but it's also relational. [Ed. note: This post was written originally in my primary blog.]
I love Jesus, but no matter what, he will always love me better. I guess that's what happens when I'm human, and he is the embodiment of love.
Nick Culbertson has been a best friend of mine through thick and thin for as long as I can remember. (Not really, but as long has been important, a.k.a middle school.) His friendship has meant more to me than most. Friends come and go, but Nick has been a constant in my life to some degree pretty much since I've met him, even though we've come from kind of different walks of life. Throughout our friendship, we have only grown more close, as we've come to change each other in small, but important ways and to absorb some of the better (and maybe worse) qualities from each other. Our friendship takes less effort than many others, because we generally get along. Of course, it wouldn't be a good friendship if we didn't challenge each other and take on each others' burdens, but we can do that with civility and grace. Nick has shown me a constancy and integrity that I find to be rare, and that is what I appreciate most.
Part 2: Philippians 2:5-13
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a human being,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
What does being like Jesus mean?
This passage brings up one of the most difficult to understand and emulate about Jesus. After stating His glory and power, it acknowledges how He refused to use it for His benefit but instead became a servant to others and to die for us. It's an astounding and impossible example.
What did Jesus do for you? How does that make you feel?
Jesus gave up much more than I have, and certainly more than I would be willing to give up as a selfish sinner. Although it makes me feel guilty, it also makes me feel loved.
Write about your current relationship with Jesus.
I am not perfect with relationships, and my relationship with the Savior can be strained just like any other. He's always there, but I'm sometimes vacant. Jesus was an outcast, and sometimes I treat him like that too, because I don't always want to talk to him either. Not always, but sometimes.
I also get busy. Ugh. I complain a lot about relationships in which one person does all the work. And yet, I'm ont he wrong side of that all the time with Jesus. He's always there, and always cares, but I let myself be too busy. Part of the reason I have this blog in the first place is to give myself some time with Jesus. Sure this blog is reflective, but it's also relational. [Ed. note: This post was written originally in my primary blog.]
I love Jesus, but no matter what, he will always love me better. I guess that's what happens when I'm human, and he is the embodiment of love.
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