Hey Guys,
I've been studying the concept of the "Great Commission" and really liked this blog. Thought you guys might be interested (or not) and would like to hear any thought you might have. It takes a while to get through, not a quick read. This is just part of a 3 year attempt to boil down what I do and don't believe, in my relationship with the Father and Jesus and what mainstream Evangelical Christianity has taught me. It would be good to have a sounding board and I respect all your opinions. You can share through this email or give me your thoughts next time we get together.
Thanks Joe http://emergingumc.blogspot.com/2010/07/what-is-great-commission-part-i-text.html
Steve posted the definition of participle and Jonathan made a sort of wise crack remark that shows his discomfort with the topic
ReplyDeleteNow my more serious reply ( Although reply #1 actually was a crack that still contained my true feelings).
ReplyDelete1. Discussions that delve into translating original greek, Hebrew and aramaic grammar, hermanetics, cultural envirenment and word usage are less and less interesting to me. They always have as a goal the winnowing out of the ultimate, perfect truth of a passage that we can then announce we have discovered. I think the tighter we hold the humming bird... the more we damage her.
2. I think the historical events, parables, Stories that exhibit truth, Poetry, Letters songs etc. etc of the scriptures reflect the revalation of God of his heart and his purpose. But I no longer think that the Bible on the bookshelf at Borders is as perfect as it was when it was in the heart of the writer 2000 to 5000 years ago in a far distant place and culture. Pretty good... not perfect, and it this makes me love it more for its mystery.
3. I totaly buy in that Jesus is who he said he was. EVERYTHING. (dont squeeze me too tight tho) Total buy in that it is through Jesus we have access to God, his truth and life everlasting. But I'm becoming more of a "universalist" these days in seeing his death as "complete"... "it is finished".
4. Realize that I will never again be allowed to teach or lead in a local evangelical church again but pretty sure my friends still love me.
J
From Joe
ReplyDeleteRemember I did say it was a tough read. You have to push through the "Greek verbs and participles" part. This is what I like about the Blog. Around 4 years ago I started thinking the church is to mecanical, to focused on how and why and not enough on the who. That we had all the answers to all the question and we became programed through our culture to give those answers. But I found myself disagreeing with many of those answers. This is one of those questions (and answers) that I first disagreed with, "What is the great commission?"
So what is the great commission? The answer that I was told is to make disciples and here's how you do that. Teach them to "value" these things. Go to church every Sunday, to get involved in small groups, take training classes, find your gifting and calling, tithe, and of course learn all the right answers. Now I'm being somewhat facetious and I know there is a genuine sincerity for the most part in the church today. But sincere or not the world (the very people we are trying to save) is rejecting this "let me tell you what you need to do" culture.
I think this blog speaks more to my own heart which is we are called to love people to be their friend. To help each other out and accept them. That the church should be a place focused on who's with us right now not on who can we get. Focused on listening not teaching. A place where you're accepted now not you're accepted but we'll make you better. If this was the church it would be bursting at the seems because that's what the world is looking for love, family, friendship and acceptance.
Joe
Steve Said:
ReplyDeleteI actually think we need to stop seeking, trying, and believing-more and just accept the fact that God sent his Son Jesus to Save us all and He completed that on the cross. There is nothing we can do to improve on that. It is done, finished , completed.
Now, how do I become less selfish and a better husband, friend, father etc. That is where the work is for me anyway. I think Romans 5:18-19 says the struggle to be find and be accepted by God is over! I am as close as I can get. If I wasn’t such an idiot when it comes to dealing with people life would be perfect.
All the best,
Steve
Joes other link
ReplyDeleteFurther reading if you're interested (no Greek in this one)
http://frankviola.wordpress.com/2010/10/13/rethinking-evangelism/