So, is it just me (probably not), but does anyone else think that the improper interpretation of Scripture leads us astray in our ability to truly worship God and understand Him better? I mean, people have so many presuppositions about what they read, and the unfortunate lack of intellectual ability doesn't help things. Now, don't get me wrong. I suffer from these problems as well, but does anyone else get tired of them after a while?
I am also amazed at people I know who seem to encapsulate everything they do and believe into a theological system that sets all the boundaries for life and practice, but also opening a door to intellectual and spiritual arrogance. If I have learned anything, it is that the pursuit of knowledge is one of the most rewarding experiences in this life. It allows a person so much more freedom in discussing and thinking about the big questions of life. However, I don't wanna go Gnostic or anything and begin to worship the idea of perfection through knowledge. What a bad idea that would be!
But anyway, back to the main point. Have you ever thought that there may be just one way to do things. If there is a right way to do everything, then why don't we ever do it? Why don't we do the things we are supposed to do? The biblical answer: SIN! So, in order to figure out what we should do, it would probably be wise to read the Bible. I mean, if it is from God you would probably think it is important for life and godliness. That would be correct. So, it is probably a good idea to understand Scripture properly, with a heart of humility and an engaged mind.
Lord, help me to understand your Word, so that I might allow it to change and guide my life. Truly, your Word last forever. Help me. Please, help me!
Think on That!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
War of the Worldviews
"When you go to college, your faith will be tested. Its just going to happen. In today's time and culture, you are going to have to give a defense for your faith. Your just going to have too"
- Ambiguous Friend
Recently, I attended a discipleship weekend for a youth group at a local church. The subject for the weekend was the Bible. We discussed questions regarding relevance, truth, influence, sufficiency, information, etc.... Needless to say, It was an AWESOME weekend. But, one thing nudged against me through the whole experience.
The incredible, weighty idea that our youth and college students need to understand and know the rational arguments for their faith. In short, they NEED Apologetics. This especially hit me in a couple of ways.
First, I was challenged in my lessons to make sure that the young men I had understood the sufficiency and essential nature of the Bible. I also was challenged to make an appeal to them regarding the arguments for the importance of the Bible in culture.
Second, I was challenged by the youth minister, whom the aforementioned quote is from. I was especially intrigued by the statement of giving a defense, specifically in the culture in which we live today. IS THAT EVER TRUE! Too many students walk into their first philosophy class, their first religion class, as a Christian only to emerge with a disregard for their faith. AND, too many students have little access to a influential, academic Christian mind that can lead them to the answers they need. In short, too many youth do not have the answers. Too many people do not know the answers. Too many Christians don't know, and too many students suffer the consequences.
So, my heart and the challenge I received was even stronger. We (Local church) must have a defense. We must know the Word. We must live the Word. We must commit ourselves to a greater field of knowledge than just Sunday school lessons and quasi pop-culture Christian self-help books. We just have too. We must become acquainted with the storiees, truths and creeds of history, philosophy, theology, and science. We must engage our minds. We have too, WE MUST! The future (Life of the teenagers mind and eternity of their soul) is at stake. Please tell me, what's more important than that?
Think on That!
- Ambiguous Friend
Recently, I attended a discipleship weekend for a youth group at a local church. The subject for the weekend was the Bible. We discussed questions regarding relevance, truth, influence, sufficiency, information, etc.... Needless to say, It was an AWESOME weekend. But, one thing nudged against me through the whole experience.
The incredible, weighty idea that our youth and college students need to understand and know the rational arguments for their faith. In short, they NEED Apologetics. This especially hit me in a couple of ways.
First, I was challenged in my lessons to make sure that the young men I had understood the sufficiency and essential nature of the Bible. I also was challenged to make an appeal to them regarding the arguments for the importance of the Bible in culture.
Second, I was challenged by the youth minister, whom the aforementioned quote is from. I was especially intrigued by the statement of giving a defense, specifically in the culture in which we live today. IS THAT EVER TRUE! Too many students walk into their first philosophy class, their first religion class, as a Christian only to emerge with a disregard for their faith. AND, too many students have little access to a influential, academic Christian mind that can lead them to the answers they need. In short, too many youth do not have the answers. Too many people do not know the answers. Too many Christians don't know, and too many students suffer the consequences.
So, my heart and the challenge I received was even stronger. We (Local church) must have a defense. We must know the Word. We must live the Word. We must commit ourselves to a greater field of knowledge than just Sunday school lessons and quasi pop-culture Christian self-help books. We just have too. We must become acquainted with the storiees, truths and creeds of history, philosophy, theology, and science. We must engage our minds. We have too, WE MUST! The future (Life of the teenagers mind and eternity of their soul) is at stake. Please tell me, what's more important than that?
Think on That!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Dedicating "My Mind" 101
Ok, since we are talking about dedicating the mind, here's a pop-quiz.
1. When was the last time you looked in a dictionary?
2. What is an Atlas?
3. Can you do easy calculation in your head (no 2+2 stuff either)?
4. Do you memorize poems, scripture verses, or quotes from landmark novels?
5. Do you read (And not just magazines, flash-in-the-pan novels, or Internet sites; but solid, fundamental works)?
I am painfully aware that most of us do not use our minds as much as we should, and few of us are overconscientious about not using it enough. But, maybe there is a weightier issue? Do you know what it means to "use your mind". It's not working through logic analysis in conversations (although that would be helpful), or even thinking you have to do "hard work". To "use your mind" is really to engage your life in such a way that you draw immense fulfillment from harvesting, and then utilizing various degrees of knowledge every day. Simply put, its just thinking of the best thing to do or say, and then doing it. Now, you may be asking or thinking, "it's not that easy". Let's see!
Its not that this is easy, its just that most people are too hasty to take the time to invest in something that would pay back full dividends. The hardest part of the initial journey may just be gathering the information. However, after becoming conversant with a few subjects, you will quickly find yourself wanting to gain new information. Now, what seems to be, and probably is the hardest part of the process is relating the information you receive to someone else in a winsome and persuasive manner. Knowing what to say is half the battle, knowing how to say it though will win you the war. Most people struggle with these concepts because they don't know how to communicate. So here is a step-by-step process for using your mind.
1. Read, and take notes on what you read.
2. When in a conversation, ask questions instead of make statements. Asking questions causes the other participant to clarify their statements, while allowing you control of the conversation.
3. Be honest in your assertions. Make a valid case for what you are saying, or just say "I don't know."
4. Keep track of any ideas you were not familiar with.
5. Read, Read, Read, and look up new ideas that you were interested in from previous conversations.
Remember, this is just a rough skeleton. There could be a lot more to each point. Half the battle is just getting motivated enough to use your mind, but when you do start to use it, the world becomes a whole new place. I guarantee it will change your life. Who knows, it might change someone elses life too. So..........., what are you waiting for. Get out there and read!
Think on That!
1. When was the last time you looked in a dictionary?
2. What is an Atlas?
3. Can you do easy calculation in your head (no 2+2 stuff either)?
4. Do you memorize poems, scripture verses, or quotes from landmark novels?
5. Do you read (And not just magazines, flash-in-the-pan novels, or Internet sites; but solid, fundamental works)?
I am painfully aware that most of us do not use our minds as much as we should, and few of us are overconscientious about not using it enough. But, maybe there is a weightier issue? Do you know what it means to "use your mind". It's not working through logic analysis in conversations (although that would be helpful), or even thinking you have to do "hard work". To "use your mind" is really to engage your life in such a way that you draw immense fulfillment from harvesting, and then utilizing various degrees of knowledge every day. Simply put, its just thinking of the best thing to do or say, and then doing it. Now, you may be asking or thinking, "it's not that easy". Let's see!
Its not that this is easy, its just that most people are too hasty to take the time to invest in something that would pay back full dividends. The hardest part of the initial journey may just be gathering the information. However, after becoming conversant with a few subjects, you will quickly find yourself wanting to gain new information. Now, what seems to be, and probably is the hardest part of the process is relating the information you receive to someone else in a winsome and persuasive manner. Knowing what to say is half the battle, knowing how to say it though will win you the war. Most people struggle with these concepts because they don't know how to communicate. So here is a step-by-step process for using your mind.
1. Read, and take notes on what you read.
2. When in a conversation, ask questions instead of make statements. Asking questions causes the other participant to clarify their statements, while allowing you control of the conversation.
3. Be honest in your assertions. Make a valid case for what you are saying, or just say "I don't know."
4. Keep track of any ideas you were not familiar with.
5. Read, Read, Read, and look up new ideas that you were interested in from previous conversations.
Remember, this is just a rough skeleton. There could be a lot more to each point. Half the battle is just getting motivated enough to use your mind, but when you do start to use it, the world becomes a whole new place. I guarantee it will change your life. Who knows, it might change someone elses life too. So..........., what are you waiting for. Get out there and read!
Think on That!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Reflections
I AM BACK!
After a much extended break, one that really took too long, I am back, hopefully in rare form. It is my goal to rework my blog site in the coming weeks, so hopefully things will look more professional, and not as plain. There are some very promising plans in store, so I hope you visit often if you are a follower or just a passerby.
SEE YOU SOON!
C.L.
After a much extended break, one that really took too long, I am back, hopefully in rare form. It is my goal to rework my blog site in the coming weeks, so hopefully things will look more professional, and not as plain. There are some very promising plans in store, so I hope you visit often if you are a follower or just a passerby.
SEE YOU SOON!
C.L.
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