Life of Christ Seminar

I wasn't sure what to expect when I walked into the Maddox at 3 pm on Friday. I had heard what other classes had done in the past. I have to say I was alittle nervous and wasn't sure how good I would do. When Dr. Foster gave us the assignment, I was at a lost of words. I had no clue on how to start a project like this. I mean Jesus said awhole of things. Me saying awhole of things sounds kinda dumb, but it was all I could think of. So to put this all in a format and to work as a "Church" was a difficult task. I was glad this was a class project, because immediately people started throwing out ideas and dividing Jesus' saying into catagories. This really help me to develop ideas and have a starting point. I loved the group I was in. Not only did we get our work done, but honestly I actually got to know people in my group who I didn't know anything about. I was very much impressed with the class as far as remember what Jesus said. I was amazed at how people were just quoting Jesus from memory. It encouraged me and made me realize that the minister majors at Williams know the bible. That was a big deal to me. I have only been a christian for three years and I honestly don't know all of Jesus' sayings as well as I should. So being in a group helped.
After we started working I started to remember Jesus' saying. I think my group work really well together. All of ours ideas and memorization came together to provide the parables for the project. I thought we came together pretty well as a class to put this project all together. I thought the way we spilt into groups and then came back as a whole class work well. We all got to voice our opinon and put our thoughts together. I thought the outline we choose was good and it seemed to flow pretty well. I thought maybe a few people tried to rule the project alittle to much, but it showed leadership on their part. So I can't really complain on that. All in all the project was kinda hard, but we came together as a class to present the sayings of Jesus' in a proper outline, that made sense and flowed. I learned alot, and again was amazed by my fellow class mates on their knowledge of the scriptures. The one thing I learned the most was that I need to improve my knowledge and memorization of scripture. The seminar was enjoyable and I would probably do it again.
Adam Godwin

Nothing to do with a Temple

I enjoyed Garland's last remarks about Mark 11: 22-25. Jesus is trying to get the point across to the disciples that the effectiveness of prayer has nothing to do with the temple. The jews at this time viewed the temple as a holy place. Jesus wants to get across to the disciples and people they when he dies on the cross, access to God is opened for all. Through death on the cross a true house of prayer is opened, that is not man-made and has no limitations. I think we could use this in our churchs today. I think we put to much importance on the fact that Jesus only works in the church or only answers prayer or moves if we are in a church. The temple of God, isn't a building but God himself. I think we need to realize God isn't only in church, but with us all the time. God can do whatever he wants and answer prayer even if you're not in a church. I think we lose focus on this sometimes, and put to much importance on a building, instead of God. I hope this makes sense.
Adam Godwin

Who Jesus Is

January 24, 2007

In this weeks reading of Garland, I learn a few new things. I thought it was very interesting that every demon that Jesus dealt with seemed knew who he was. They knew Jesus was the son of God and they knew the power he had. They seemed to know that God was there to remove the demons from the person possessed. Most of the people at that time didn't know who Jesus was. They didn't know he was the son of God and had the same authority that God had. Most of the rulers and authories at this time didn't think Jesus could perform miracles because he wasn't God. But as we know Jesus is God and has the power to perform miracles. Though the demons seemed to be aware of what Jesus could do and who he was. I also thought it was neat that in one case of Jesus dealing with men possessed by a demon, that he moved the demon into a pig. I had never heard or read this before. It was neat to know he transfered the demon from the men and put it in a pig.Adam Godwin

Discipleship

Feb13, 2007

In Mark 8:34-9:1, Jesus gives the demands of discipleship for the disciples. I think these verses also are meant for us as christ followers. These are the things we must do to be disciples of Christ. The first is we must deny ourselves. Garland goes into full detail of the true meaning of denying one's self. It's not part-time work, but work to be lived out. We must deny everything, and put Jesus first. Deny our will, but let God's will be done. Second is to take up our cross. To carry the cross means to put your life on the line. Garland states it as "to be willing to join the ranks of the despised and doomed" Taking up the cross is known as "self-sacrifice" Thirdly Jesus tells them to follow his ways, not their own ways. Garland explains this by saying that Jesus doesn't want the disciples to simple be at awe of Jesus' work. He wants them to follow out and live as Jesus. Through reading this I better understand Jesus' view on discipleship through the book of Mark.Adam Godwin

The Gentile Woman

In Mark 7: 24-30, it tells the story of Jesus dealing with the Gentile woman. The woman "begged" Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. In the old testament the Gentiles were said to be a "wealthy and godless oppressor of Israel". The Gentiles were also viewed as "unclean". So questions are proposed to if Jesus will help this woman or not. Through debate between her and Jesus, we find out that Jesus does remove the demon from the little girl. I think this story is amazing. Garland gives a great detail on the passage. He says that Jesus compares the women to a dog. The women seems to understand the mircales that Jesus can perform. She is okay with being compared to a dog. She isn't asking for alot, just that Jesus would show his power "for a little dog". She knows God is the bread of Life. She seems to understand that better than the disciples who watch Jesus feed the five and four thousand. She really just wants her child healed and will do whatever it takes for that to happen. She is showing how we should be humble. She is willing to humble herself, to being compared to a dog, just for Jesus to grant this small request. The woman also shows great Faith, by knowing after Jesus said you're daughter is healed, that her daughter really was healed. She didn't need Jesus to go to her house to prove to her, she had faith Jesus did what he said. I think we as christians should be humble like this woman and be willing to be compared to a dog, just so we can be granted a small request from a mighty and powerful God.
Adam Godwin