The reading of scripture, therefore the understanding of scripture, changes as one ages, or as one matures in the faith; hopefully the two are synonymous.
When a new reader approaches scripture it is often with a focus on individual texts.
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AI is not a species, a sentient being, a self-conscious entity; humans are, computer programs aren’t. AI is artificial intelligence – it is not a living intelligence, that is the domain of people. Any ‘so-called’ intelligence that is accrued by AI is due to the intelligence of people. And yet we talk as though AI were a person, a being. How? By referring to ourselves as human as though we were somehow a separate species, alongside AI.
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It is not hard to argue that at the core of all ministries is the heartbeat of the shepherd, the pastor. These were the words, sage words, of my first pastor – who was himself primarily an evangelist, as well as being a good pastor.
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To tell you the truth I don’t know, and nor does anyone else. It is equally likely that there is no other sentient being/life form (comparable to ours) in the vast tracts of the universe as there is. We just don’t know. Anything else is speculation, or hope, or … but it isn’t science. The chances are as unlikely as some say they are likely.
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“And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.” NRSV
The notion, even the mere mention, of good works causes a nervous theological tic in many Protestants. They are instantly suspicious works are being imported into a grace only theology of salvation.
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Contrary to the proverb, crime does pay - otherwise it wouldn’t be so lucrative or prevalent. Some people make enormous sums of money from crime; they are often hidden behind walls of impunity, rarely prosecuted. They may not sleep well but they do tend to live well. Their consciences may be troubled but not, it seems, enough. Their children rarely know what it is dad does, and what they don’t know isn’t hurting them. For their wives/partners ignorance is bliss as well a life of ease and luxury.
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Who is the greatest asked the disciples, with themselves in view no doubt!? I say this because the young are driven by the toxic combo of comparison and competition. Their metrics are fame, numbers, and finances. The disciples are indicative of any group of young men, particularly if they are in some position of privilege/advantage. For instance, in the case of sports, music, fresh out of university, corporate ladders – anywhere younger people jostle for prominence; the need to be noticed and do better than the competition. It’s very human, and in some circles, it is encouraged. All very Darwinian, except that we are not animals, despite our behaviour.
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Matthew paints a picture for us in Matt 21 that points to the inevitable confrontation Jesus had with the chief priests and elders. If he had been hesitant, or felt the time to have been previously unpropitious, that time was over; he now speaks and acts unequivocally.
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The theme of this book had been percolating with me for some time: it is the growing disquiet in regards to the models of leadership the Western church sees as normative, even preferred, that appears to run contrary to what makes a good leader from a biblical perspective.
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I urge you to view the movie, Jesus Revolution; you will not be disappointed. It certainly gives pause for, do it again Lord. Jesus Revolution captures the essence of the 60’s – both in what happened and to whom and through whom it happened - with no glitz nor glamour.
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It is not uncommon to hear people talk about how the universe speaks to them and brings things together for their betterment. For instance: “Dreams are the messages that the Universe sends us.” “The Universe Speaks, Are You Listening? 111 High-Vibrational Oracle Messages on Love, Healing, and Existence to Unlock Your Inner Light.” And so forth.
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This blog will not satisfy everyone as it is selective when it comes to describing the fear of God. My focus is through the lens of its impact upon people who saw the Lord, in one form or another. I am not trying to describe the hidden glory of God in Christ, revealed in his life of descension and humility from equality shared with God. And, what of Solomon’s statement, “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 1.7) That also is for another day.
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Anxiety is an increasing worry. It is being reported at record levels, which suggests it is being talked about more freely, as well as increasing in incidence. Doctors are treating it more than ever, prescribing medication to dull its edge - what else are they going to do, when people demand an answer? Public personalities are talking about it, which helps legitimise it, or at least give voice to the many that suffer from it – things are less mysterious when in the light. None of this goes near explaining it.
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Fear, I’m afraid, is not something you can live free of. It comes in all shapes and sizes, not all being detrimental to your well-being. Some fears are lifesaving – such as the fear you sense when close to a precipitous ledge or the fear you feel when danger looms. These fears can be lifesaving - they warn, and therefore protect us.
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It is hard to find words to adequately describe Daniel. He was at once: in exile, an aristocrat, handsome, a smart student and wise administrator, an interpreter of dreams, an apocalyptic prophet, and might we add, a survivor.
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Paul’s prayers, you’d think, are of significance. Maybe none more so than the prayers he prayed for the nascent community in Christ in Colossae (southwest Turkey today). 1.3-14
To begin with, he was thankful for their faith in Christ and their love for all the saints. This, he said, was due to the hope laid up for them beyond the fragile borders of this world – in heaven. Their hope was not in better conditions but in a better world. They were long-sighted, therefore patient. 1.3-8
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Recently my wife and I heard some excellent teaching by a couple on marriage. They were charming and disarmingly honest, their weaknesses were not hidden, nor were their tough relational seasons shied away from. Scripture was their inspiration and foundation. The likelihood of them doing the journey, long term, is high. I’d be surprised, even though nothing surprises me, if their marriage failed.
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George Orwell’s prescience about language, therefore expression, becoming state-controlled is proving eerily uncanny….
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I am dismayed at the folly of believers airing their grievances (petty or otherwise) to the media, the world, about God’s church. What are we thinking? Or more to the point, we aren’t thinking!…
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