Claimed, gathered and sent

How did we get to this postmodern post Christian era? Take a look below. The Classical view was humanistic/sacred whereas the Modern orientation was scientific/secular. “Modern science requires only one ontological level, the physical,” [1] beginning and ending with sensory perception. Science’s indices are space, time, matter or energy, which are convertible. [2] Being one planed, “…to speak of anything in science as having a different ontological status—as better, say, or more real—is to speak nonsense.” [3] Modernism defined knowledge by what could be learned by study of physical objects. “…there is … only one kind of entity in the world ... physical objects; and … only one kind of knowledge … the kind that natural scientists have.” [4] Impressive achievements wrought by technology, demonstrated the truth they proposed. Postmodernity reacts to Modernity in recognizing Enlightenment rationalism’s failure, “call[ing] into question the ideals, principles, and values that lay a...

Belonging to Christ as “a bride in relationship to her loving and caring bridegroom (Eph 5:25-32) [1] is my most cherished image. Though “bride,” is absent from the passage, its meaning “is a profound mystery … I am talking about Christ and the church” (Eph 5:32). Having been under loved and well loved, this interconnectedness with Christ is richer, dearer as my husband ministers love to me. “Christ loved … and gave himself up for her” (Eph 5:25). “It was on the cross that our Lord gave himself up for his bride … all the more telling, since ekklesia is feminine.” [2] Encouraging my education and vocation, Ray lovingly sacrifices. Christ’s “mak[ing] her holy, cleansing her …washing with water” (Eph 5:26), loving her as is, but transforming her as “separate for himself a people for his own possession” [3] is profound. Paul possibly “was alluding to the purification of the bride before the marriage ceremony (Ezek 16:9).” [4] His “radiant church” (Eph 5:27a) “in unsullied sp...

This is a powerful article about suffering. Looking at God from Ground Zero by Carolyn Custis James September 11, 2007 | Memory fades. Time and distance work gradually on us until the unbearable images of 9/11 and the ensuing nightmares finally release their grip—at least for those of us who didn’t suffer personal losses. We’re sleeping peacefully through the night again. Air travel may be fraught with long lines, delays, and inconveniences in the aftermath of 9/11. But once the cabin door slams shut and the plane rolls onto the tarmac, we’re back to reading books again, dozing off for in-flight naps, and laughing out loud over comedy re-runs. We’re no longer nervously assessing other passengers or having our blood run cold at every thump of turbulence or unfamiliar noise. Sometimes a fading memory can be a blessing. Sleepless nights and fear of flying can be debilitating. Sometimes, however, fading memories take away too much from us. We may be feeling better. But have we t...

These are some observations regarding Paul's conversion in Acts. Acts contains elements of conversion and call in each passage. Ananias doubted Paul’s status until God’s revelation (Acts 9:13). Paul only received the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands on him (Acts 9:17). Paul was baptized, demonstrating belonging to Christ (Acts 9:18). If strictly a calling, he would have previously been baptized. Acts 22:16, “…be baptized and wash your sins away” indicates conversion, the significance of which Paul teaches in Romans 6:3, 4; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:4-6 and Colossians 2:12. Each passage implicates new life in Christ. Baptism’s presence signifies conversion. Paul’s commissioning is also intrinsic to the pericopes. God tells Ananias of Paul’s work (Acts 9:15). Paul immediately started preaching in the synagogues (Acts 9:20). God sends Paul to the gentiles (Acts 22:21). God appoints Paul as a servant and witness (Acts 26:16). Could this indicate conversion (servant) and ...

Being “born in Tarsus , an important city of Cilicia ,” [1] would insure that there was Greco-Roman influence in Paul’s life. He was born a Roman citizen, through his father, which: Assured certain privileges, among them the right to appeal to the imperial court (Acts 25:11, 21; 25:32; 28:19). Paul’s use of Greek confirms his origin as a Hellenistic Jew of the Dispersion, at home in the urban culture of the Greco-Roman world. Paul’s loyalty to his ancestral faith remained a mark of pride. [2] Paul took great pride in his Jewish heritage. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless (Phil 3:4-6). His family was evidently very pious since he was sent to Jerusalem as a youth to study under Gamaliel (see Acts 22:3). A ...

To many non-Christians, the church seems irrelevant. Dan Kimball speaks to this issue regarding the post-modern generation. “People in emerging generations are open to discussing … truth. But they're looking for conversation, not a lecture, and facts, not rhetoric.” [1] To speak the language of today’s seekers, one must learn the language. Daniel Hill desired to understand younger, unchurched people. “For Hill, whose day job is ministering on staff with Willow Creek Community Church 's Axis outreach, Starbucks provides a context to build meaningful relationships with postmodern, Gen-Next twentysomethings who are far from God.” [2] God given intellects give us creativity in outreach. [1] Dan Kimball, “I Like Jesus … Not the Church,” Outreach and Evangelism Today, 14 March 2007, n. p. Online: http://www.christianitytoday.com/outreach [14 March 2007]. [2] Brett Lawrence, “Starbucks Spirituality,” Leadership Journal, Fall 2002, ...

“Sacred Scripture indicates … how deeply related are the knowledge conferred by faith and the knowledge conferred by reason…” [1] Rejecting reason denies being made in God’s image as intelligent beings. Reason without faith denies God’s plan, rejecting fellowship with him. “Intelligence enables everyone, believer and non-believer, to reach ‘the deep waters’ of knowledge (cf. Prov 20:5).” [2] Credo ut intellegam ("I believe in order to understand') and intellego ut credam ("I understand in order to believe") need to be kept in tension. Through faith, we understand who we are and where we fit in. Life can be intolerable without faith. God’s plans are “plans to prosper … not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jer 29:11). “Most reflective believers with a theistic orientation realize that the truth of God’s existence is not immediately obvious.” [3] Anselm, a “reflective believer,” [4] stood “… in a long line of thoughtful believers w...