"Is Jesus God?"
Summer 2003 Bible Study
Chapter 5
"Is Jesus God?"
Summer 2003 Bible Study
Chapter 5
| "St. Joan of Arc Bible Study is an open and growing group that meets for fellowship and to discuss the Bible and other faith-centered literature. Our informal study group draws from biblical scholarship, historical perspectives, current events and personal reflections. We welcome honor and respect the personal ideas and spiritual journeys of all who join us." |
A quick greeting from Bob.
A masterful presentation by a first-time facilitator stimulated lots of
inspired discussion. Here follows the overview.
Chapter 5
Examining the teaching of Jesus within the framework of the "new story."
"The task is to understand Jesus and his message in the context of the
Spirit of God being actively present in all places at all times in a
universe that has existed for at least twelve billion years" p68
Jesus made a radical departure from beliefs of the time by preaching a
message of love and that God should not be feared.
"Jesus made clear that there were clear, unmistakable signs: when people
act or see others act in ways that are good, truthful, loving, forgiving,
just, and merciful they should realize these are the signs of God's Spirit
present and active in human interactions." p71
Morwood points out that these acts may or may not be accompanied by
religious language. He also points out that there is a need for religious
language and a need for claiming the "truth" in order for the movement to
spread.
" For Jesus, peacemakers are "sons and daughters" of God. He taught that
people who give to those who ask, who pray for those who persecute them are
also "sons and daughters of your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:45)
" This should be the heart of the Gospel message Christianity shares with
the world today. The good news is that in everyday, decent human interaction
all people encounter the sacred, the Spirit of God at work All people, not
just Christians, are people in and through whom the Spirit acts so that
God's rule might be established. All people are God's people" p73
SALVATION
"The foundational religious insight and conviction of Christianity became:
when we live in love, we live in God and God lives in us" p76
PENTECOST
Who are we and what does it mean to the world?
In the last two pages, 79-80, Morwood points out what this understanding
could mean for the world, If we really believe that we are: "God's work of
art, temples of God's Spirit, the Body of Christ, God's sons and daughters,"
then what a tremendous effect on life and world that could be.
Possible small group discussion questions
Wow, thanks Harlan and Bob! Sure wish we could have been there. The good
news is that Raymond's soccer team won and finished their season undefeated
and Raymond scored one of his teams goals with a header on a corner kick!
Don't miss next week when we will discus chapter 6, God Raised Jesus
Privileges for next week.
The teaching of Jesus
"We can continue to understand the experience of Pentecost as the granting
of the Spirit in a special way OR we can understand it in the belief that
God's Spirit has never been absent from any aspect of creation. In this
understanding Jesus did not send the Spirit. No, his life and death led his
followers to the realization that they shared the same Spirit he had and
they were now being challenged by that awareness to witness to the spirit in
their lives as courageously as Jesus did" p78
Then it was treat time! Mind-rending decisions to be made: what shall we
choose - the creamy cheesecake with the luscious marble topping, the smooth
cheesecake with the fruit topping, or the chocolate laced cheesecake with
the caramel topping? Nearly paralyzed with delight, all members eventually
met their destiny, neatly clearing the treat tray.
Shanti-blue
Rik Murray
(612) 872-8694
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