Does the Bible really matter?

Here is a question to ponder, "Does the Bible really matter?" If the answer is no, why spend so much time studying it. If the answer is yes, why not take it more seriously. A headline in the Wichita Eagle on March 29, 2010 states "Agriculture, Humane Society agendas clash". The first line reads "An escalating conflict in the United States pits . . . " That is the real issue. How is conflict resolved on a larger social scale when the conflict is based on conflicting priorities?

If the Bible really matters, then it becomes a priority. The study of the Bible, and the change of perspective associated with such study, will create a place for dialogue in the midst of disagreement, for compassion in the midst of conflict, for action in the midst of apathy. Priorities give order to our lives. When the priorities are at odds and their is no common ground, the result is chaos.

Does the Bible really matter? It's not just a theoretical question!

Giving Thanks

Today in Philippians we began with the question, "What is Philippians about?" Based on our discussion on Wednesday, the "correct" answer for today was not "joy", "Epaphroditus" or "Timothy" but to model a relationship that should be emulated. As we moved through the prayer section it became obvious that we too quickly skip over important information to get to the "hot topic" area. Paul begins with the word "Eucharistw", I give thanks. As Maundy Thursday fast approaches, it is important to remember that the Eucharist derives from giving thanks. Is it possible to worship at Easter by giving thanks for the provision God has made? Do we rush through the important information to get to the "sound bite"? Is Easter about the miracle of resurrection or is it about God working what we in our weakness could not?

Just a quick Easter moment.

Spiritual Blessings: Are they that important?

Well, I've returned to the classroom and opened the Bible again. I've spent several weeks on Paul prepping the class before we turn to Ephesians and Philippians. But this week we got to Ephesians chapter 1. It is interesting as I have looked at the outlines the students provided. Some have no structure, thus their reading of the letter has no structure. Words and ideas flow from words and ideas one after another, just like the skulls coming down in the Path of the Dead in LOTR 3. Others had structure, but it seemed artificially or imported from another source. But some actually struggled with the idea and incorporated an outline that was informative to me the outside reader. All that to say that where you start does determine where you end up!!!

But back to blessings. Ephesians 1:3-14 is the passage in question at the moment. It was frequently called a EULOGY from the Greek term to speak a good word. Later, when scholars started to realize Paul may have actually maintained some Jewishness started to call it a BERAKAH, from the Hebrew term to speak a good word. WOW!!! But what are the blessings???

Well the topic of discussion is either GOD as the acting subject or IN HIM where God is the place of the blessing. The whole passage serves to act as a starting point for the discussion of Ephesians. The starting place is God and God's actions to provide and bless humanity.

The blessings?

v. 4 We are "Holy and Blameless" in other words, Clean

v. 5 We are now Sons and Daughters, in other words, Family

v. 7 We are redeemed in His Grace, in other words, set free

v. 9-10 We are provided understanding of God's plan, in other words Christ in and over all

v. 11 We have an inheritance, in other words, we are trusted by God

v. 13 We possess the seal, in other words, we are marked by God as his own through the Spirit

The reason?

v. 6 to the praise of his Glory

v. 12 to the praise of his Glory

v. 14 to the praise of his Glory

So the question remains, is Ephesians about us or about God? That is the question!

Take a Survey on the Bible

My professional organization, the Society for Biblical Literature, is conducting a survey as part of a Grant to start a Website. Please encourage your friends to take a moment and complete it.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NH3V5ZZ

Thanks,

More posts coming soon as I start a class on Paul, Ephesians, and Philippians!!!