In the near future I would like to process through the idea of the parable of the talents (the paradigm that this has to do with Christian fruit production) and Jesus' model of discipleship. Specifically how he provides for us, works in us, and produces through us. And how this dispels the myth that we are responsible to bear fruit in our own power and way.
The kingdom of God demands of the believer to come to Christ, for he gives us rest. The kingdom of this earth demands we weary ourselves to 'produce'. Take a look around, see the hurting people. Are they fruitful? The church is full of hurting people. Are they fruitful? The church in this country is shrinking. Have you noticed? Studies are showing this, and we demand that our people continue in the same path that has produced hurts/wounds/burn out/and apathy. People do not go to church and are not rejecting the cross because of this 'produce' mentality.
Jesus demands we 'abide' in him, HE is the vine that will produce. Come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Who said this? Are you serious? You can't possibly be serious. Don't you know how much there is to do out there??? Oh, wait, You're the one in charge of bringing a lost world to Yourself? You mean to say I'm not in charge? I'm simply to rest in you and let you do the work through me? My, how refreshing.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Processing Part II: Clarifying for the Masses
Another interesting tidbit about Jewish culture in the ancient world, and quite possibly today but I am uncertain if this still happens, is the children would be raised for the potential to be discipled. In preparation for discipleship parents would have their children memorize the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) which are the five books of Moses, and in some cases children would memorize the entire Old Testament. Their goal was to be prepared in case a rabbi would choose them to be his disciple. Rabbi's would choose the brightest, the cream of the crop, and to be chosen as a disciple was a high honor. For the most part, depending on the rabbi, when a child was chosen for discipleship, the rest of their life would have been taken care of in each and every way imaginable. It would be the equivalent of Billy Graham coming up to Brian Mackey and stating, "I want to disciple you, Brian. You'll travel with me, all your bills will be paid for, you'll have a generous salary, plus a retirement package that will exceed any expectation as well as have enough left over to provide for your grand kids grand kids. Your ministry will be enormously bigger than my own. Let me be your mentor." Well of course this would be a high honor. Of course there was a little dramatic flair on the part of the authors as I just get excited about the idea.
So apparently there are some doctors reading my blog. Perhaps their PhD stands for Pretty Hot Dad, however, they don't have kids yet. So I'm not certain what they studied. But now I have to back track to explain some parabolic ramblings. :)
The parable of the talents . . .many have preached this parable teaching the idea God distributes gifts (talents) and expects us to use our resources (time/talent/treasure) wisely and bear fruit. Verse 24 of Matthew 25 reveals an interesting insight into the character of the 'master'. Doesn't seem to describe the way the Lord gives gifts through His Holy Spirit. Something must be happening here. Also verses 29-30 do not seem to describe our Lord as evidenced through the ministry of Jesus while on this earth. There must be another message regarding the parable of the talents OTHER than the prosperity message regurgitated in American churches, trying to find biblical evidence that God is wanting to multiply our net-worth and we should take what we have been given and grow our portfolio.
Remember, this is a society that had a mindset of limited goods, there was just enough to go around and anyone who is going to increase in their socio-economic standing would do so at the expense of someone else. Verses 16-17 would have been understood by the ancient mindset to be frustrating, a reason for anger, not applause, as the slaves were taking advantage of their peers to increase the amount of talents they had been given. This was not a reason for praise, but scorn to the ancient mindset. There was only so much and they increased what they had. They took advantage of others to increase what they had. So no one is sitting back thinking to themselves, "I had better pull out my PDP (personal development plan) and figure out some fresh ways to bring glory to the kingdom by expanding what I have." No, it would have made the listener angry.
So what is this parable about? Quite possibly the kingdom of heaven. Verse 24 seems to indicate the man never knew his Master. Do we see his explanation of Christ as true in his words? "I knew you to be a hard man."(NIV) Really? The one who healed, provided food free of charge in abundance, restored sanity to the demoniac, calmed waters, walked upon them? This is a hard man? No, this man didn't know the true Master. This is why he is cast out into utter darkness, not because his portfolio was lacking, but because he didn't know Christ (Matthew 7:23). It seems to make more sense not only contextually in the passage, but also in the biblical scope that the parable is referring to the kingdom of heaven and not to a way to increase ones talents, or stewardship, or any other Americanized version of prosperity we have cloaked over this passage.
Verse 29, everyone who has a piece of the kingdom of heaven through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, more will be given. Isn't this true? With Christ, when we die we get God! Even now, with Christ, Paul says all the riches of the kingdom are ours. There is salvation that is past, present, and future. We were saved, we're being saved, and one day we will be glorified and have an experience far beyond anything we could think, ask, or imagine in this life. Conversely to the one who does not have Christ, everything they thought they had will be taken from them and God will say, "Depart from me I never knew you."
So apparently there are some doctors reading my blog. Perhaps their PhD stands for Pretty Hot Dad, however, they don't have kids yet. So I'm not certain what they studied. But now I have to back track to explain some parabolic ramblings. :)
The parable of the talents . . .many have preached this parable teaching the idea God distributes gifts (talents) and expects us to use our resources (time/talent/treasure) wisely and bear fruit. Verse 24 of Matthew 25 reveals an interesting insight into the character of the 'master'. Doesn't seem to describe the way the Lord gives gifts through His Holy Spirit. Something must be happening here. Also verses 29-30 do not seem to describe our Lord as evidenced through the ministry of Jesus while on this earth. There must be another message regarding the parable of the talents OTHER than the prosperity message regurgitated in American churches, trying to find biblical evidence that God is wanting to multiply our net-worth and we should take what we have been given and grow our portfolio.
Remember, this is a society that had a mindset of limited goods, there was just enough to go around and anyone who is going to increase in their socio-economic standing would do so at the expense of someone else. Verses 16-17 would have been understood by the ancient mindset to be frustrating, a reason for anger, not applause, as the slaves were taking advantage of their peers to increase the amount of talents they had been given. This was not a reason for praise, but scorn to the ancient mindset. There was only so much and they increased what they had. They took advantage of others to increase what they had. So no one is sitting back thinking to themselves, "I had better pull out my PDP (personal development plan) and figure out some fresh ways to bring glory to the kingdom by expanding what I have." No, it would have made the listener angry.
So what is this parable about? Quite possibly the kingdom of heaven. Verse 24 seems to indicate the man never knew his Master. Do we see his explanation of Christ as true in his words? "I knew you to be a hard man."(NIV) Really? The one who healed, provided food free of charge in abundance, restored sanity to the demoniac, calmed waters, walked upon them? This is a hard man? No, this man didn't know the true Master. This is why he is cast out into utter darkness, not because his portfolio was lacking, but because he didn't know Christ (Matthew 7:23). It seems to make more sense not only contextually in the passage, but also in the biblical scope that the parable is referring to the kingdom of heaven and not to a way to increase ones talents, or stewardship, or any other Americanized version of prosperity we have cloaked over this passage.
Verse 29, everyone who has a piece of the kingdom of heaven through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, more will be given. Isn't this true? With Christ, when we die we get God! Even now, with Christ, Paul says all the riches of the kingdom are ours. There is salvation that is past, present, and future. We were saved, we're being saved, and one day we will be glorified and have an experience far beyond anything we could think, ask, or imagine in this life. Conversely to the one who does not have Christ, everything they thought they had will be taken from them and God will say, "Depart from me I never knew you."
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Processing
I think I'm going to process more of what I'm learning on here as opposed to putting down what happened during the day. That is, after all, why I started back up with my blog after about two years of non-bloggness. To have a place to jot down things that I'm hearing the professors say, discussions with other students, wife, etc. and to process those thoughts.
I'm finding I really enjoy studying historical-cultural data from the ancient middle east. It is fascinating as it opens up the world of the Bible so much more. Reading the Bible is like hearing an old radio broadcast; reading the original languages is like watching hi-def color tv. It adds so much texture and nuance to the text of Scripture. Learning the culture and seeing the Bible through the eyes of the original audience and their paradigm helps to add this texture and nuance. I am fascinated by it.
For example, ancient Israel had a paradigm that the worst thing that could happen to you was to be publicly shamed. It was the absolute worst thing; so for Jesus to go not once, but twice to his hometown and both times he was rejected is enlightening. The first time they tried to kill him, the second time they got uproariously angry. The text reveals on his second trip he was amazed at their unbelief. He was publicly shamed in his hometown. Have I been shamed by others? Yes. Jesus understands this first hand. Hebrews states this is one of the reasons he is a high priest who understands what we have gone through.
Also it was a culture of limited goods. They believed there was only so much to go around and if someone succeeds it would be at the expense of someone else. Upward socio-economic movement was not an option, for to move up financially meant someone else had to decrease financially. The idea of prosperity and the abundance mentality would be foreign to the ancient Hebrew mindset. The american dream was not in their paradigm. So when we read Scriptures like the parable of the talents, we miss the fact that the lord was an unscrupulous and ruthless slave owner. He had his slaves take advantage of their peers to take their 10 and 5 talents and increase the goods. We look at the parable of the talents as a reason to be good stewards and Jesus is trying to point out that to take advantage of others for gain is atrocious. We are missing the point because we don't understand the mentality and context of the Scripture.
Alright, I get to go pick up three of my babies from school. Until next time . . .
I'm finding I really enjoy studying historical-cultural data from the ancient middle east. It is fascinating as it opens up the world of the Bible so much more. Reading the Bible is like hearing an old radio broadcast; reading the original languages is like watching hi-def color tv. It adds so much texture and nuance to the text of Scripture. Learning the culture and seeing the Bible through the eyes of the original audience and their paradigm helps to add this texture and nuance. I am fascinated by it.
For example, ancient Israel had a paradigm that the worst thing that could happen to you was to be publicly shamed. It was the absolute worst thing; so for Jesus to go not once, but twice to his hometown and both times he was rejected is enlightening. The first time they tried to kill him, the second time they got uproariously angry. The text reveals on his second trip he was amazed at their unbelief. He was publicly shamed in his hometown. Have I been shamed by others? Yes. Jesus understands this first hand. Hebrews states this is one of the reasons he is a high priest who understands what we have gone through.
Also it was a culture of limited goods. They believed there was only so much to go around and if someone succeeds it would be at the expense of someone else. Upward socio-economic movement was not an option, for to move up financially meant someone else had to decrease financially. The idea of prosperity and the abundance mentality would be foreign to the ancient Hebrew mindset. The american dream was not in their paradigm. So when we read Scriptures like the parable of the talents, we miss the fact that the lord was an unscrupulous and ruthless slave owner. He had his slaves take advantage of their peers to take their 10 and 5 talents and increase the goods. We look at the parable of the talents as a reason to be good stewards and Jesus is trying to point out that to take advantage of others for gain is atrocious. We are missing the point because we don't understand the mentality and context of the Scripture.
Alright, I get to go pick up three of my babies from school. Until next time . . .
Monday, November 01, 2010
Bible Memorization Pt. 2
I found this blog online that was quite motivating. This whole spiritual formation thing is on my brain lately so here is a little more refreshment for the soul. I'll link the blog a the very bottom in order to give credit where credit is due.
“Why Memorize Scripture” by John Piper
November 1, 2010 by ltlo
First, a few testimonies: I have it third hand, that Dr. Howard Hendricks of Dallas Seminary once made the statement (and I paraphrase) that if it were his decision, every student graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary would be required to learn one thousand verses word perfect before they graduated.
Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, wrote, “Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That’s where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization” (“Spiritual Formation in Christ for the Whole Life and Whole Person” in Vocatio, Vol. 12, no. 2, Spring, 2001, p. 7).
Chuck Swindoll wrote, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified” (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994], p. 61).
(For the rest of the article, please visit http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/resources/why-memorize-scripture)
This Week’s Memory Verse: Matthew 7:13-14
Enter by the narrow gate.
For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
http://transparentfreedom.com/2010/11/01/why-memorize-scripture-by-john-piper/
“Why Memorize Scripture” by John Piper
November 1, 2010 by ltlo
First, a few testimonies: I have it third hand, that Dr. Howard Hendricks of Dallas Seminary once made the statement (and I paraphrase) that if it were his decision, every student graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary would be required to learn one thousand verses word perfect before they graduated.
Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, wrote, “Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That’s where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization” (“Spiritual Formation in Christ for the Whole Life and Whole Person” in Vocatio, Vol. 12, no. 2, Spring, 2001, p. 7).
Chuck Swindoll wrote, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified” (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994], p. 61).
(For the rest of the article, please visit http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/resources/why-memorize-scripture)
This Week’s Memory Verse: Matthew 7:13-14
Enter by the narrow gate.
For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
http://transparentfreedom.com/2010/11/01/why-memorize-scripture-by-john-piper/
Bible Memorization
I remembered that one of the challenges that was given to the speaker that he shared today was to memorize Colossians 3. I have some friends in Laramie who are very good at being disciplined to memorize Scripture; so good they motivated me and inspired me to do that same.
Colossians 3 ESV
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Chris is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Chris is all, and in all.
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with one another an, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
Colossians 3 ESV
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Chris is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Chris is all, and in all.
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with one another an, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
Spiritual Life Conference
Common Ground is the name of chapel services on campus here at Seminary. Today and tomorrow is Spiritual Life Conference. Keith Meyer spoke and mentioned how Dallas Willard has had a profound impact on his life and ministry. He shared some quotes I thought would be apropos to post here as a reminder and encouragement. They are as follows:
1) The greatest enemy of intimacy with God is service for him.
2) In tribulation, even though I may "go down with the ship, I only fall into the Father's hands.
3) The Father wants to give us rest.
4) 2 Peter 1 is the strongest passage regarding spiritual formation.
Chris is at a Q&A with him now and I pray she receives wonderful nutrition for her soul. It is one of those things that seems to always gets put on the back burner, soul care that is. He made the point not to make the mistake of setting aside soul care thinking seminary training and my gifts/strengths will suffice or even compensate. He suggested to cultivate soul care now. I find that avoiding soul care has no immediate impact, however when 'life' happens and I find myself running to soul refreshment and nutrition I wish I would never have left the disciplines that nourish and sustain my soul.
In my Theology & Mentoring class, one of the professor's recommended a book on the spiritual disciplines Adele Calhoun titled Spiritual Disciplines Handbook. It contains probably over 50 different types of spiritual disciplines along with all kinds of resources to refresh and sustain the soul. I'm very excited to take November and December and plan out 2011's goals for soul care and spiritual formation.
Tonight is another session for the Spiritual Life Conference. I look forward to feasting again. Possibly more to share this evening. In the meantime I have a paper for Church History to write, and my paper for Hermeneutics to edit and do the second draft. Cheers.
1) The greatest enemy of intimacy with God is service for him.
2) In tribulation, even though I may "go down with the ship, I only fall into the Father's hands.
3) The Father wants to give us rest.
4) 2 Peter 1 is the strongest passage regarding spiritual formation.
Chris is at a Q&A with him now and I pray she receives wonderful nutrition for her soul. It is one of those things that seems to always gets put on the back burner, soul care that is. He made the point not to make the mistake of setting aside soul care thinking seminary training and my gifts/strengths will suffice or even compensate. He suggested to cultivate soul care now. I find that avoiding soul care has no immediate impact, however when 'life' happens and I find myself running to soul refreshment and nutrition I wish I would never have left the disciplines that nourish and sustain my soul.
In my Theology & Mentoring class, one of the professor's recommended a book on the spiritual disciplines Adele Calhoun titled Spiritual Disciplines Handbook. It contains probably over 50 different types of spiritual disciplines along with all kinds of resources to refresh and sustain the soul. I'm very excited to take November and December and plan out 2011's goals for soul care and spiritual formation.
Tonight is another session for the Spiritual Life Conference. I look forward to feasting again. Possibly more to share this evening. In the meantime I have a paper for Church History to write, and my paper for Hermeneutics to edit and do the second draft. Cheers.
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