The latest edition of Group Magazine has a relevant article by Steve Merritt. I'd like to quote from sections of it:
Reducing our complex, intricate, and ever-changing world into a couple of categories is a blatant oversimplification. Recently I heard Philip Yancey do the same--but when he said it, the only thing blatant about it was its naked truth. Yancey said, "There are two kinds of people in the world: those who admit they are needy and those who don't." . . .
1. Good leaders admit their need. There are many levels of admitting need. The kind of admission I think Yancey was talking about is one that takes place at a person's core. Sometimes a youth [leader] is fortunate enough to be in a fellowship where it's okay to struggle. . . . Good youth [leaders] aren't needy, but they're able to admit their need.
2. Good youth leaders foster an environment where young people can be real. Modeling a genuine walk with Christ is the first step in developing an atmosphere where others feel free to share their own needs and personal battlefields. It's important to note that openness and vulnerability aren't the central goals. Our focus must be to lead others into a dependent relationship with Christ, not to celebrate how real we're being.
Steve Merritt, "Two Kinds of People," Group Magazine 32 4 (May/June 2006): 46.
12 May, 2006
10 May, 2006
Sunday and Acts 1
Sunday
Quiet Time - Gifts
Evening Assembly - Gifts, Acts 1
Flagpole - Needs
------------------------
Isn't it interesting that God gifts his people according to what is needed. The charge in Acts one, is that the followers of Jesus will be his witnesses, in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. To accomplish such a mission they would need help, they would need something beyond sheer will power and luck, they would need Divine Assistance. Does that not happen in the promise in the continuing presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit? Sure, Jesus had ascended into heaven, but He didn't leave his disciples to merely guess how to go about spreading his message, he empowers them for the task.
2000 years later, God operates in the same manner. He gifts according to His need. The same Spirit that indwelt Peter and the others, is the same Spirit who resides in our hearts seeking our submission to the kingdom reign of Christ in our lives. Christ still empowers His people for his mission. Tom Cruise may call it, Mission Impossible, but our God views it as Mission Possible.
Quiet Time - Gifts
Evening Assembly - Gifts, Acts 1
Flagpole - Needs
------------------------
Isn't it interesting that God gifts his people according to what is needed. The charge in Acts one, is that the followers of Jesus will be his witnesses, in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. To accomplish such a mission they would need help, they would need something beyond sheer will power and luck, they would need Divine Assistance. Does that not happen in the promise in the continuing presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit? Sure, Jesus had ascended into heaven, but He didn't leave his disciples to merely guess how to go about spreading his message, he empowers them for the task.
2000 years later, God operates in the same manner. He gifts according to His need. The same Spirit that indwelt Peter and the others, is the same Spirit who resides in our hearts seeking our submission to the kingdom reign of Christ in our lives. Christ still empowers His people for his mission. Tom Cruise may call it, Mission Impossible, but our God views it as Mission Possible.
25 April, 2006
Friday
Quiet Time - Abundant Life
Morning Flagpole - Lottery Winner
Class - Paul, Felix, Festus, Agrippa; Acts 21-28
Morning Assembly - Luke the Servant
Let's Talk - The Rest of Life
Evening Assembly - Life Abundant
Evening Flagpole - Fulfillment
Morning Flagpole - Lottery Winner
Class - Paul, Felix, Festus, Agrippa; Acts 21-28
Morning Assembly - Luke the Servant
Let's Talk - The Rest of Life
Evening Assembly - Life Abundant
Evening Flagpole - Fulfillment
Thursday
Quiet Time - Resources
Morning Flagpole - Surplus City; The Warehouse
Class - Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, Silas; Acts 9; 13-20
Morning Assembly - Luke the Observer
Let's Talk - Priceless Stuff
Evening Assembly - Resources
Evening Flagpole - Means
Morning Flagpole - Surplus City; The Warehouse
Class - Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, Silas; Acts 9; 13-20
Morning Assembly - Luke the Observer
Let's Talk - Priceless Stuff
Evening Assembly - Resources
Evening Flagpole - Means
Wednesday
Quiet Time - Little or Much
Morning Flagpole - Feast or Famine
Class - Philip, the Ethopian, Stephen, Acts 6-8
Morning Assembly - Luke the Doctor
Let's Talk - So What?
Evening Assembly - Abundance or Scarcity
Evening Flagpole - Purpose
Morning Flagpole - Feast or Famine
Class - Philip, the Ethopian, Stephen, Acts 6-8
Morning Assembly - Luke the Doctor
Let's Talk - So What?
Evening Assembly - Abundance or Scarcity
Evening Flagpole - Purpose
Tuesday
Quiet Time - Giving
Morning Flagpole - Contribution
Class - Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 4-6
Morning Assembly - Luke the Apostle
Let's Talk - What About Them?
Evening Assembly - Giving
Evening Flagpole - Dreams
Morning Flagpole - Contribution
Class - Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 4-6
Morning Assembly - Luke the Apostle
Let's Talk - What About Them?
Evening Assembly - Giving
Evening Flagpole - Dreams
Monday
Quiet Time - Receiving
Morning Flagpole - Christmas in June
Class - Peter, Acts 2-4; Cornelius, Acts 10-12
Morning Assembly - Luke the Author
Let's Talk - What About Me?
Evening Assembly - Receiving
Evening Flagpole - Wants
Morning Flagpole - Christmas in June
Class - Peter, Acts 2-4; Cornelius, Acts 10-12
Morning Assembly - Luke the Author
Let's Talk - What About Me?
Evening Assembly - Receiving
Evening Flagpole - Wants
Gifts in Acts
This is not an exhaustive list of gifts found in the book of Acts, but these 12 items jumped out me through a recent re-reading of Acts:
1. The continuing presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit (1:5)
2. The continuing of the redemptive narrative seen in the preaching of the book of Acts -- they often begin with the OT and how Jesus fulfills OT hopes.
3. A brand new start -- Acts 2:14-41 (Belief, repentance, baptism, reception of the Holy Spirit). This will model will be demonstrated over and over again through the narrative of Acts is replayed daily in the Church today.
4. Fellowship (aTS 2:42-46). The earliest belivers were together not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally and shared not only their lives but their possessions.
5. Suffering and boldness (Acts 4:29). Peter and John marveled that were considered worthy to receive a beating because of their association and preaching of Jesus. After the early persecution begins, the church prays for boldness to fearlessly preach Jesus.
6. The spread of the Gospel -- We know the story already, how the gospel begins in Jerusalem, and then on to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
7. Paul -- He is just one example of the many lives we read about that were drastically made over because of Jesus. Paul, especially demonstrates the effect that Christ has on even the hardest of hearts.
8. The mystery revealed (cf. Ephesians) -- that is the acceptance of the Gentiles into the fold. They are the sheep of the other pen.
9. The travels of Paul and his companions and his letters -- we see the diffusion of the Gospel, and the creation of many new churches and learn a great deal about Paul.
10. Christ-centered preaching urging Christ-centered living.
11. The unchanging gospel in changing culture (Acts 17). Paul doesn't change the gospel when dealing with a different culture, and neither should we. I believe that Acts 17 provides a great model in how to contextualize the gospel for a different culture.
12. The abrupt ending of the book of Acts -- the point being the work of Christ is not finished. We are to live the mission began by the aposltes, we are a part of the continuing story of Christ. Because we are a part of this redemptive narrative, we are the 29th chapter of the book of Acts.
1. The continuing presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit (1:5)
2. The continuing of the redemptive narrative seen in the preaching of the book of Acts -- they often begin with the OT and how Jesus fulfills OT hopes.
3. A brand new start -- Acts 2:14-41 (Belief, repentance, baptism, reception of the Holy Spirit). This will model will be demonstrated over and over again through the narrative of Acts is replayed daily in the Church today.
4. Fellowship (aTS 2:42-46). The earliest belivers were together not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally and shared not only their lives but their possessions.
5. Suffering and boldness (Acts 4:29). Peter and John marveled that were considered worthy to receive a beating because of their association and preaching of Jesus. After the early persecution begins, the church prays for boldness to fearlessly preach Jesus.
6. The spread of the Gospel -- We know the story already, how the gospel begins in Jerusalem, and then on to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
7. Paul -- He is just one example of the many lives we read about that were drastically made over because of Jesus. Paul, especially demonstrates the effect that Christ has on even the hardest of hearts.
8. The mystery revealed (cf. Ephesians) -- that is the acceptance of the Gentiles into the fold. They are the sheep of the other pen.
9. The travels of Paul and his companions and his letters -- we see the diffusion of the Gospel, and the creation of many new churches and learn a great deal about Paul.
10. Christ-centered preaching urging Christ-centered living.
11. The unchanging gospel in changing culture (Acts 17). Paul doesn't change the gospel when dealing with a different culture, and neither should we. I believe that Acts 17 provides a great model in how to contextualize the gospel for a different culture.
12. The abrupt ending of the book of Acts -- the point being the work of Christ is not finished. We are to live the mission began by the aposltes, we are a part of the continuing story of Christ. Because we are a part of this redemptive narrative, we are the 29th chapter of the book of Acts.
24 April, 2006
An introduction to gifting
“I want to give you something.” Those words make your eyes open and your ears perk up. We love gifts. The anticipation of receiving something especially for me is exhilarating. I may be expecting a certain something or it may be a total surprise, but it is still intriguing. The idea of giving and receiving is what I call “Gifting”. This process is much more than the exchange of items, it envelopes the entire concept of benevolence from a givers view and acceptance and utilization from the receivers view. It involves anything that can be transferred from one individual or group of individuals to another individual or group. The receiving and use of a special talent or skill is also part of the “gifting” process. Resources, regardless of how unique, are special, particularly to those involved in the process of receiving and giving, “Gifting”. We therefore, desire to learn and instill the lifestyle of giving, receiving, resources (great or small), “Gifting”, in our campers through a study of “Gifting” in Acts.
We will first explore what “gifts” are and as many aspects of gifts as we can. As we have just stated, a gift is anything that can be transferred from one individual or group to another. There is more surrounding any particular gift that makes the gift special. The expectation of gifts is a key element as in the fulfillment of a birthday or Christmas gift or it may be unexpected as in the surprise announcements of life ie, “The new car, baby, etc.….” As a result, gifts can be fulfilling or disappointing. What we expected to receive was either less than what the actually gift was and we were fulfilled or expectations were more than the actual gift and we were disappointed. The excitement, therefore, surrounding any gift, is dependent upon the expectation as much as the actually gift.
Next, the receiving of gifts in the “Gifting” process is important. We have an option, we can either accept of reject the gift. Not many of us, if any, have rejected a gift at first sight. We are probably gracious, to some extent, when being a presented a gift and accept it. We then have a choice to either find personal value in the gift or not. Acceptance may be more immediate and then the gift looses value in our eyes resulting in ultimate rejection, or acceptance may be delayed, but when it occurs, may last. It is possible that the gift is found valueless in the short term or the long term and discarded, rejected. The ultimate outcome of receiving a gift is a choice that we alone can truly make based on our value system.
The giving of gifts in the “Gifting” process is a test for a maturing individual. Anyone can and, most likely will accept a gift. How ready and willing are we to give gifts? Our first nature as babies is to receive and what we give results in a lot of sleepless nights, dirty diapers and work for the receiver. However, even in this dismal scenario, we are perceived as giving by bringing immense joy by our very existence. Without knowing or realizing, we are giving, because the receiver perceives what we are as joy and therefore, a gift. Therefore, our gifts are only gifts because of the value system of the receiver, not an overt attitude on the part of the giver. As we “grow up”, hopefully, we mature emotionally, socially and spiritually as well, and our intent of giving changes from ignorance to benevolence. The purpose of our giving in the purest sense should be to benefit the receiver regardless of the reception, expected, perceived or actual. When we can give in this manner without regard to self, but with total regard for the receiver, we can begin to experience the joy of our presence in the eyes of the receiver, just as we did as babies. We will have come full circle in a sense. The common factor is ignorance. In our beginning, it is ignorance of regard for others, in the latter, it is ignorance of regard for self. Another element to consider in giving is the attitude of the receiver. As we mature, regard for others should increase and regard for self should decrease and the response or expected response of the receiver should not affect the giving of the gift, at all. To become Christ-like necessitates us giving of our life and life’s gifts regardless of the short term or long term reception. The more mature we become the more we realize that giving in the gifting process is a gift in itself.
The recognition of the abundance of gifts over the world’s hording nature based in a Scarcity mentality is a reality of the maturing Christian individual. We live in a world culture that bases its economic systems on the finite nature of goods available for consumption. The limited supply of any goods or services, scarcity, necessitates an increase in the value according to the economic systems. This view necessarily carries over into our relationships when we limit our goodwill gestures, gifts, toward each other and use the scarcity mentality to create envy, jealousy, hatred and other less than Godly emotions that ultimately result in antisocial and ungodly actions. The converse of a scarcity mentality is an abundance mentality. This attitude bases itself in the notion that plenty is the rule rather than the exception and the provider of plenty will continue with His provide-ance at just the right time. Two necessary components of the abundance mentality are trust, a total reliance on the provider, and generous giving of whatever is entrusted to the “abundant” receiver. This is not a prevalent or popular attitude in our world culture and has, to my knowledge, never been attempted as a pure economic system. It is, however, a way of life based on a true abundance mentality to be sought after for the maturing Christ-one.
The realization that our gifts are actually resources to be utilized in the pursuit of the fulfillment of God’s purposes is the next step in the “Gifting” process. Gifts are only resources if they are used for their intended purpose. Used for any other purpose they are not resources and subsequently abused gifts. Once a gift is given and received, the continuing value must be ascertained. One of the important considerations when determining value is the Resource value of the gift. A resource is something which is a source of giving over and over until the source is depleted--a re-source. Given this definition implies that a gift can only be a resource if it is used to ''gift" again either partially or wholly. Therefore, a gift received and held, not used to its potential, becomes useless surplus in the life of the receiver. We sometimes call these "White Elephant" or "Gag" Gifts. The appreciation of these gifts at most is as an item in a garage sale and at least, occupying space in a land fill. A true resource, however, has an infinitely more beneficial purpose. Usefulness is the key. A resource possesses unlimited potential if valued for its unique purpose(s). One of the interesting features of this concept of gifting, resource, is that when given it is possible that it takes on a new purpose according to the needs, desires and attitudes of the receiver. This can be good or bad. The cycle begins again and all of the previous attributes of “gifting” come into play all over again. The receiver has to decide whether this gift is a resource or garbage.
The abundant life is the result of properly using the gifts of life in the “Gifting” process. We have explored the various decisions and results of those decisions surrounding this process. The result of making the God-centered decisions is life abundant here and hereafter. This is exemplified in the ultimate life of Jesus Christ and is made possible by His “gifting”. Other examples of this favored life are chronicled in the Book of Acts and in many other biblical references. The key is to accept the lifestyle of the gifted and become a giver through trust in the provide-ance of the ultimate provider.
The final step in the “Gifting” process is to serve and ultimately be served. This is the classic give and receive situation. When we give in the spirit of the ultimate Giver we are more than just benevolent, we are servers. We don’t just place the gift; we decorate and embellish the gift through the selfless act of elegant service. Also in the classical reception, we don’t just get a gift; we are treated to the service reserved for the saints, the Christ-ones who are compelled by the love of God to do nothing less than serve others as they would serve God. When we serve we are the ones that are ultimately served. To paraphrase a popular scripture, it is definitely easier to serve than to be served. Those that are true servants are difficult to serve. They enjoy the serving, giving, infinitely more than being served, receiving. While we have difficulty “gifting” them, God does and will be sure to serve them.
The result of a “Gifted” lifestyle, then, is the realization that the true Christian life is the most selfish lifestyle when one understands the eternal values of the Christ-one’s.
Steve
We will first explore what “gifts” are and as many aspects of gifts as we can. As we have just stated, a gift is anything that can be transferred from one individual or group to another. There is more surrounding any particular gift that makes the gift special. The expectation of gifts is a key element as in the fulfillment of a birthday or Christmas gift or it may be unexpected as in the surprise announcements of life ie, “The new car, baby, etc.….” As a result, gifts can be fulfilling or disappointing. What we expected to receive was either less than what the actually gift was and we were fulfilled or expectations were more than the actual gift and we were disappointed. The excitement, therefore, surrounding any gift, is dependent upon the expectation as much as the actually gift.
Next, the receiving of gifts in the “Gifting” process is important. We have an option, we can either accept of reject the gift. Not many of us, if any, have rejected a gift at first sight. We are probably gracious, to some extent, when being a presented a gift and accept it. We then have a choice to either find personal value in the gift or not. Acceptance may be more immediate and then the gift looses value in our eyes resulting in ultimate rejection, or acceptance may be delayed, but when it occurs, may last. It is possible that the gift is found valueless in the short term or the long term and discarded, rejected. The ultimate outcome of receiving a gift is a choice that we alone can truly make based on our value system.
The giving of gifts in the “Gifting” process is a test for a maturing individual. Anyone can and, most likely will accept a gift. How ready and willing are we to give gifts? Our first nature as babies is to receive and what we give results in a lot of sleepless nights, dirty diapers and work for the receiver. However, even in this dismal scenario, we are perceived as giving by bringing immense joy by our very existence. Without knowing or realizing, we are giving, because the receiver perceives what we are as joy and therefore, a gift. Therefore, our gifts are only gifts because of the value system of the receiver, not an overt attitude on the part of the giver. As we “grow up”, hopefully, we mature emotionally, socially and spiritually as well, and our intent of giving changes from ignorance to benevolence. The purpose of our giving in the purest sense should be to benefit the receiver regardless of the reception, expected, perceived or actual. When we can give in this manner without regard to self, but with total regard for the receiver, we can begin to experience the joy of our presence in the eyes of the receiver, just as we did as babies. We will have come full circle in a sense. The common factor is ignorance. In our beginning, it is ignorance of regard for others, in the latter, it is ignorance of regard for self. Another element to consider in giving is the attitude of the receiver. As we mature, regard for others should increase and regard for self should decrease and the response or expected response of the receiver should not affect the giving of the gift, at all. To become Christ-like necessitates us giving of our life and life’s gifts regardless of the short term or long term reception. The more mature we become the more we realize that giving in the gifting process is a gift in itself.
The recognition of the abundance of gifts over the world’s hording nature based in a Scarcity mentality is a reality of the maturing Christian individual. We live in a world culture that bases its economic systems on the finite nature of goods available for consumption. The limited supply of any goods or services, scarcity, necessitates an increase in the value according to the economic systems. This view necessarily carries over into our relationships when we limit our goodwill gestures, gifts, toward each other and use the scarcity mentality to create envy, jealousy, hatred and other less than Godly emotions that ultimately result in antisocial and ungodly actions. The converse of a scarcity mentality is an abundance mentality. This attitude bases itself in the notion that plenty is the rule rather than the exception and the provider of plenty will continue with His provide-ance at just the right time. Two necessary components of the abundance mentality are trust, a total reliance on the provider, and generous giving of whatever is entrusted to the “abundant” receiver. This is not a prevalent or popular attitude in our world culture and has, to my knowledge, never been attempted as a pure economic system. It is, however, a way of life based on a true abundance mentality to be sought after for the maturing Christ-one.
The realization that our gifts are actually resources to be utilized in the pursuit of the fulfillment of God’s purposes is the next step in the “Gifting” process. Gifts are only resources if they are used for their intended purpose. Used for any other purpose they are not resources and subsequently abused gifts. Once a gift is given and received, the continuing value must be ascertained. One of the important considerations when determining value is the Resource value of the gift. A resource is something which is a source of giving over and over until the source is depleted--a re-source. Given this definition implies that a gift can only be a resource if it is used to ''gift" again either partially or wholly. Therefore, a gift received and held, not used to its potential, becomes useless surplus in the life of the receiver. We sometimes call these "White Elephant" or "Gag" Gifts. The appreciation of these gifts at most is as an item in a garage sale and at least, occupying space in a land fill. A true resource, however, has an infinitely more beneficial purpose. Usefulness is the key. A resource possesses unlimited potential if valued for its unique purpose(s). One of the interesting features of this concept of gifting, resource, is that when given it is possible that it takes on a new purpose according to the needs, desires and attitudes of the receiver. This can be good or bad. The cycle begins again and all of the previous attributes of “gifting” come into play all over again. The receiver has to decide whether this gift is a resource or garbage.
The abundant life is the result of properly using the gifts of life in the “Gifting” process. We have explored the various decisions and results of those decisions surrounding this process. The result of making the God-centered decisions is life abundant here and hereafter. This is exemplified in the ultimate life of Jesus Christ and is made possible by His “gifting”. Other examples of this favored life are chronicled in the Book of Acts and in many other biblical references. The key is to accept the lifestyle of the gifted and become a giver through trust in the provide-ance of the ultimate provider.
The final step in the “Gifting” process is to serve and ultimately be served. This is the classic give and receive situation. When we give in the spirit of the ultimate Giver we are more than just benevolent, we are servers. We don’t just place the gift; we decorate and embellish the gift through the selfless act of elegant service. Also in the classical reception, we don’t just get a gift; we are treated to the service reserved for the saints, the Christ-ones who are compelled by the love of God to do nothing less than serve others as they would serve God. When we serve we are the ones that are ultimately served. To paraphrase a popular scripture, it is definitely easier to serve than to be served. Those that are true servants are difficult to serve. They enjoy the serving, giving, infinitely more than being served, receiving. While we have difficulty “gifting” them, God does and will be sure to serve them.
The result of a “Gifted” lifestyle, then, is the realization that the true Christian life is the most selfish lifestyle when one understands the eternal values of the Christ-one’s.
Steve
23 April, 2006
Starting work for Peak Week 2006
Attention all visual hunters, teachers, cooks, junior staff, and challenge course dudes! Camp is only weeks away, and the man with all of the hats is drafting curriculum.
This year's plan is to work on the book of Acts! We'll particularly be looking at how God gifts his people. So get out your Bibles and get to work on studying one of the most exciting narratives in all of human literature.
Be careful when you read; Luke leaves all sorts of clues in his telling of this great historical drama. Look out for: "the prophet like Moses", the way the early church viewed the use of possessions, the "Godfearers", the "summary statements", the pattern of the Pauline mission, and, yes, you might even want to pay close attention to the sermons!
Are there any similarities between Paul, Peter, Jesus, Elisha, Elijah, and Moses? Luke thinks that there are! Are there any connections between Acts and the gospel of Luke? You might lose count if you try to keep score. Are there any references to the Old Testament in Acts? That's like asking if any scripture gets quoted at Lu-Jo!
Look forward to what is ahead -
Blessings,
Ron
This year's plan is to work on the book of Acts! We'll particularly be looking at how God gifts his people. So get out your Bibles and get to work on studying one of the most exciting narratives in all of human literature.
Be careful when you read; Luke leaves all sorts of clues in his telling of this great historical drama. Look out for: "the prophet like Moses", the way the early church viewed the use of possessions, the "Godfearers", the "summary statements", the pattern of the Pauline mission, and, yes, you might even want to pay close attention to the sermons!
Are there any similarities between Paul, Peter, Jesus, Elisha, Elijah, and Moses? Luke thinks that there are! Are there any connections between Acts and the gospel of Luke? You might lose count if you try to keep score. Are there any references to the Old Testament in Acts? That's like asking if any scripture gets quoted at Lu-Jo!
Look forward to what is ahead -
Blessings,
Ron
30 March, 2006
Camp is around the corner...
I am looking forward to camp, as I am sure ya'll are. I am also looking forward to the discussion we will have here. So, enjoy the early days of Spring, don't forget to set your clock ahead this weekend, and devote yourselves to praying for our week of camp.
04 August, 2005
Anyone out there in blog land?
I know it's sometime still until Camp, but I miss it. I miss the morning coffee over quiet time. I miss the enduring odor emanating in the boys dorm. I was there two weeks this year, so I don't know if the smell was me or my boys! I miss our staff meeting times, and Ron's teaching. I miss breakfast, lunch, dinner, Kanteen. Don't worry about me, I still eat, but it's not camp food. I miss flagpole, and being for a few minutes close enough to God you can almost touch his face. I know flag pole isn't the only place where we can encounter God, but these moments are wonderous.
I miss listening to the tales of the visual hunters. I just miss camp.
I miss listening to the tales of the visual hunters. I just miss camp.
07 July, 2005
The retelling of the Moses story in Acts 7:17-44
The retelling of the Moses story in Acts 7:17-44 is important for grasping the structure of Luke-Acts as a whole in that “Luke has selected and structured the Moses story so that it matches exactly the story of Jesus and his witnesses” (Writings, 224). Johnson goes on to point out that “Moses’ story falls into three stages. At the time when the promises to Abraham were about to be fulfilled (Acts 7:17), Moses is sent by God to ‘visit’ the people (ie., to ‘save’ them). They are ‘ignorant’ of his identity and role, so they reject him a first time and he must flee into exile (7:23-29). While in exile, Moses is empowered by God and sent back to the people a second time. He leads them out of Egypt and through the desert with ‘signs and wonders.’ But they reject him and his words a second time, preferring an idol made with their own hands. As a result, those who reject him this time are themselves rejected (7:39-43)…This is striking enough, but the connection between Jesus and Moses is made absolutely clear. At the heart of the Moses story we find the same sort of kerygmatic statement made elsewhere about Jesus (Acts 7:35-37):
This Moses, whom they refused, saying, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ God sent as both ruler and deliverer by the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. He lead them out, having performed wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up” (Luke Timothy Johnson, The Writings of the New Testament, 224).
A little later in the same chapter, Johnson adds, “The pattern of the Moses story provides the fundamental structure for Luke’s two volume work. In the Gospel, we read the story of God’s first sending of the prophet Jesus to ‘visit’ his people for their ‘salvation’ (Luke 1:68; 7:16; 19:44); of their initial rejection of this salvation, out of ignorance; and of Jesus’ being ‘raised up’ from death. In Acts we find his establishment in power signified by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the sending of his witnesses filled with that Spirit, and the second offer to Israel of salvation ‘in his name’ (Acts 4:12; 5:31). This time, the cost of refusal is separation from God’s people. The pattern also shows us the precise reason the Jerusalem narrative is so dominant and critical: it is in Jerusalem that the first rejection, the empowerment, the second offer, and either acceptance or rejection by the people all occur” (Writings, 225).
Johnson adds, “if Acts gives us Luke’s interpretation of his Gospel narrative, then we can expect to find in his Gospel, with stricter constraints, the same understanding of Jesus as a prophet like Moses” and then provides an example that points us back to the Old Testament prediction of Moses that God would raise a prophet like him. Johnson, cites, Luke 7:11-15, the story of Jesus raising a widow’s son from the dead, and the conclusion of the story in verse 16, “Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has arisen among us!’ And, ‘God has visited his people!’” (Writings, 225). Johnson also alludes to the Transfiguration, and to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and their encounters with Christ and the language used in each case is reminiscent of the language of Moses’ prediction of a coming prophet.
Luke Timothy Johnson, The Writings of the New Testament, An Interpretation. Fortress Press, 1999.
This Moses, whom they refused, saying, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ God sent as both ruler and deliverer by the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. He lead them out, having performed wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up” (Luke Timothy Johnson, The Writings of the New Testament, 224).
A little later in the same chapter, Johnson adds, “The pattern of the Moses story provides the fundamental structure for Luke’s two volume work. In the Gospel, we read the story of God’s first sending of the prophet Jesus to ‘visit’ his people for their ‘salvation’ (Luke 1:68; 7:16; 19:44); of their initial rejection of this salvation, out of ignorance; and of Jesus’ being ‘raised up’ from death. In Acts we find his establishment in power signified by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the sending of his witnesses filled with that Spirit, and the second offer to Israel of salvation ‘in his name’ (Acts 4:12; 5:31). This time, the cost of refusal is separation from God’s people. The pattern also shows us the precise reason the Jerusalem narrative is so dominant and critical: it is in Jerusalem that the first rejection, the empowerment, the second offer, and either acceptance or rejection by the people all occur” (Writings, 225).
Johnson adds, “if Acts gives us Luke’s interpretation of his Gospel narrative, then we can expect to find in his Gospel, with stricter constraints, the same understanding of Jesus as a prophet like Moses” and then provides an example that points us back to the Old Testament prediction of Moses that God would raise a prophet like him. Johnson, cites, Luke 7:11-15, the story of Jesus raising a widow’s son from the dead, and the conclusion of the story in verse 16, “Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has arisen among us!’ And, ‘God has visited his people!’” (Writings, 225). Johnson also alludes to the Transfiguration, and to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and their encounters with Christ and the language used in each case is reminiscent of the language of Moses’ prediction of a coming prophet.
Luke Timothy Johnson, The Writings of the New Testament, An Interpretation. Fortress Press, 1999.
27 June, 2005
Jesus in Acts
"If Luke understands Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's hope and as inextricably related to both God and the Spirit, Luke also understands Jesus to be present and active in the church's witness. Interpreters of Acts have sometimes emphasized the absence of Jesus in Luke's second volume (Conzelmann 1961, 202-206; Zwiep 1997, 182). In obvious and superficial ways, the narrative itself requires Jesus' absence, since following the ascension Jesus can scarcely be present in the same way as he is in Luke's first volume. Some remarkable strands in the narrative undermine that absence, however. In the first verse of Acts, Luke characterizes his first volume as concerning 'the things Jesus began to do and to teach' (AT, emphasis added). The NRSV obscures this phrase with the translation 'all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning,' probably because the translators assume that Jesus is absent from the story of Acts. The continuity of Jesus' activity may well be what Luke asserts here, however. Prior to his ascension, Jesus instructs the apostles (v. 2) and identifies them as his witnesses, which implies that their own teaching and preaching is, in effect, Jesus' work. Jesus enters the narrative only at Paul's conversion, where he charges Paul with persecuting, not the church, but Jesus himself (9:4). The repetition of this charge in the subsequent reiterations of Paul's conversion (22:7; 26:14) gives it greater force. Two further texts reinforce the presence of Jesus. In Acts 9:34, when Peter goes to the ailing Aeneas, he does not cure him in Jesus' name, but announces: 'Jesus Christ heals you.' And in 26:23, at his climactic defense speech, Paul asserts to Agrippa that Jesus is the one proclaiming light to Israel and the Gentiles. These statements scarcely reflect an understanding of Jesus' absence."
Gaventa, Beverly Roberts. Acts. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries (Nashville: Abingdon, 2003), 34-35.
Gaventa, Beverly Roberts. Acts. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries (Nashville: Abingdon, 2003), 34-35.
22 June, 2005
Christology as curriculum
Another possibility is that we might study Jesus for a week as our curriculum.
Sunday: Jesus, completely human
Monday: Jesus, wholly (and holy) God
Tuesday: Jesus and his relationships: with God and with us
Wednesday: Jesus and atonement: (1) covering sacrifice, (2) satisfaction of justice, (3) Christus Victor (Christ victorious over sin), (4) an act of love, (5) new creation.
Thursday: Living a Jesus-centered life
Friday: Jesus and the church
Saturday: Walking with Jesus
Bibliography:
Childers, Jeff W. and Frederick D. Acquino, Unveiling Glory: Visions of Christ's Tranforming Presence, Heart of the Restoration Series, Vol. 3, Douglas Foster, ed.(Abilene: ACU Press, 2003)
Fiddes, Paul S., Past Event and Present Salvation: The Christian Idea of Atonement (Louisville: Westminister/John Knox, 1989).
Lewis, C. S. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (New York: Collier, 1950).
Milligan, Robert. The Scheme of Redemption (St. Louis: Christian Board of Publication, 1869).
Wright, N.T. The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1999)
Yancy, Phillip. The Jesus I Never Knew (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995).
Sunday: Jesus, completely human
Monday: Jesus, wholly (and holy) God
Tuesday: Jesus and his relationships: with God and with us
Wednesday: Jesus and atonement: (1) covering sacrifice, (2) satisfaction of justice, (3) Christus Victor (Christ victorious over sin), (4) an act of love, (5) new creation.
Thursday: Living a Jesus-centered life
Friday: Jesus and the church
Saturday: Walking with Jesus
Bibliography:
Childers, Jeff W. and Frederick D. Acquino, Unveiling Glory: Visions of Christ's Tranforming Presence, Heart of the Restoration Series, Vol. 3, Douglas Foster, ed.(Abilene: ACU Press, 2003)
Fiddes, Paul S., Past Event and Present Salvation: The Christian Idea of Atonement (Louisville: Westminister/John Knox, 1989).
Lewis, C. S. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (New York: Collier, 1950).
Milligan, Robert. The Scheme of Redemption (St. Louis: Christian Board of Publication, 1869).
Wright, N.T. The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1999)
Yancy, Phillip. The Jesus I Never Knew (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995).
21 June, 2005
Gifts and the book of Acts
In thinking about Peak Week for 2006, one possibility that Steve had mentioned came to mind: giftedness. Then these thoughts followed (in the order they are in the text):
God promises gifts (Acts 1.4) and gives what he promises (13.34)
All good gifts are from God (Acts 2.38)
When we give good things, they are given in the name of Jesus (Acts 3.6)
God gives healing (Acts 3.16)
Gifts serve needs (Acts 4.32-37)
Gifts must be given with the right heart (Acts 5.1-11)
God gives the Spirit (Acts 5.32;2.17)
Other godly gifts vary (Acts 6.1-3)
Only God should be given certain gifts (Acts 7.59)
Forgiveness is the greatest gift of all (Acts 7.59-60)
Certain gifts can only come from certain people (Acts 8.18)
God's gifts are not for sale or unholy uses (Acts 8.20)
Our gifts are both an offering and a memorial (Acts 10.4,31; 24.17)
Seeing God's gifts in others can be astonishing (Acts 10.45)
Godly gifts are for every child of God (Acts 11.17;2.17,18)
Godly gifts are meant to be shared (Acts 11.30)
Failure to give what is due is dangerous (Acts 12.23)
When all else fails, God gives us proof (Acts 17.31)
Gifts can be a sign (Acts 19.2,3)
God also gives us jobs (Acts 20.24) and the tools to accomplish them
God, in his grace, gives us an inheritance (Acts 20.32)
It is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20.35)
The word give was not meant to be used with certain prepositions - in or up (Acts 23.21)
God gives life (Acts 27.24)
God uses our hands to do and to give (many citations), which brings up an interesting thought: although the hands of people are described in this book as the ones doing and giving, actually God is doing all of the work and giving all of the gifts.
God promises gifts (Acts 1.4) and gives what he promises (13.34)
All good gifts are from God (Acts 2.38)
When we give good things, they are given in the name of Jesus (Acts 3.6)
God gives healing (Acts 3.16)
Gifts serve needs (Acts 4.32-37)
Gifts must be given with the right heart (Acts 5.1-11)
God gives the Spirit (Acts 5.32;2.17)
Other godly gifts vary (Acts 6.1-3)
Only God should be given certain gifts (Acts 7.59)
Forgiveness is the greatest gift of all (Acts 7.59-60)
Certain gifts can only come from certain people (Acts 8.18)
God's gifts are not for sale or unholy uses (Acts 8.20)
Our gifts are both an offering and a memorial (Acts 10.4,31; 24.17)
Seeing God's gifts in others can be astonishing (Acts 10.45)
Godly gifts are for every child of God (Acts 11.17;2.17,18)
Godly gifts are meant to be shared (Acts 11.30)
Failure to give what is due is dangerous (Acts 12.23)
When all else fails, God gives us proof (Acts 17.31)
Gifts can be a sign (Acts 19.2,3)
God also gives us jobs (Acts 20.24) and the tools to accomplish them
God, in his grace, gives us an inheritance (Acts 20.32)
It is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20.35)
The word give was not meant to be used with certain prepositions - in or up (Acts 23.21)
God gives life (Acts 27.24)
God uses our hands to do and to give (many citations), which brings up an interesting thought: although the hands of people are described in this book as the ones doing and giving, actually God is doing all of the work and giving all of the gifts.
20 June, 2005
Books used for staff development
Some of you asked for bibliographic information on the resources I used for staff development with both junior and senior staff. Here are the main resources:
The information about dealing with high-energy kids comes from:
Glasser, Howard, and Jennifer Easley. Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nutured Heart Approach (Tuscon: Glasser, 1998).
The information about emotional intelligence comes from:
Goleman, Daniel. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More than IQ(Bantam: New York, 1997).
Goleman, Daniel, Annie McKee, and Richard Boyatzis. Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence (Cambridge: Harvard Business School Press, 2002).
The information about desire comes from:
Eldredge, John. Dare to Desire: An Invitation to Fulfill Your Wildest Dreams (Nashville: J. Countryman, 2002).
The information about spiritual growth comes from:
Carotta, Michael. Sometimes We Dance, Sometimes We Wrestle: Embracing the Spiritual Growth of Adolescents (Orlando: Harcourt Religion Publishers, 2000).
All of these books are available through Amazon, or other book dealers. Eldredge's book is on sale at Mardel's.
The information about dealing with high-energy kids comes from:
Glasser, Howard, and Jennifer Easley. Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nutured Heart Approach (Tuscon: Glasser, 1998).
The information about emotional intelligence comes from:
Goleman, Daniel. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More than IQ(Bantam: New York, 1997).
Goleman, Daniel, Annie McKee, and Richard Boyatzis. Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence (Cambridge: Harvard Business School Press, 2002).
The information about desire comes from:
Eldredge, John. Dare to Desire: An Invitation to Fulfill Your Wildest Dreams (Nashville: J. Countryman, 2002).
The information about spiritual growth comes from:
Carotta, Michael. Sometimes We Dance, Sometimes We Wrestle: Embracing the Spiritual Growth of Adolescents (Orlando: Harcourt Religion Publishers, 2000).
All of these books are available through Amazon, or other book dealers. Eldredge's book is on sale at Mardel's.
18 June, 2005
Peak Week completed
Peak Week 2005 was a great and godly success. The campers may be gone, and the staff getting some well-deserved rest, but we hope to keep the blog alive as we move to develop plans for camp next year.
Obviously, posting to the site will be slower at the beginning than it was over the last two months, but that will give us more time to think and research.
God bless all of you for your part in camp. May he continue to bless you as you continue to bless the lives of children.
Grace and peace,
Ron
Obviously, posting to the site will be slower at the beginning than it was over the last two months, but that will give us more time to think and research.
God bless all of you for your part in camp. May he continue to bless you as you continue to bless the lives of children.
Grace and peace,
Ron
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)