I often wonder if...........

I often wonder which disciple I would have been if I was one of Jesus original twelve. In class Monday as we talked about Judas and Peter, it amazed me at how awful these "men of God" followed him. I mean one helped the chief the priest and scribes capture Jesus and then the other practically spit in his face by denying him. I often wonder would I be one of these guys. It seems as though in my life I tend to see little bit of characteristics from both of these individual types. I might not deny Jesus with my mouth, but I do deny him with my life. People might hear my proclaim I am a Christian, but according to the way they see me living sometimes, I have never known him.

It amazes me that in our society today preachers, teachers, or just your normal run of the mill Christians can mess up one time and their lives be over. In recent years we have seen many preachers come under fire for ethical decisions they made(or didn't) and most of the time we do not see those preachers rebound.(except Jim Baker of course) See what amazes me about Peter is that he did rebound. That day changed Peter's life forever, as we know from scripture he went on to be one of the most influential preachers of all time. WOW! Maybe I do want to be like Peter, hopefully though I can use my past denials and move on.

That's thick headed

As I read the portion of reading on page 183 and 184 in the DJG, I was left kind of with a "duh" moment. It amazes me to think that the disciples (the ones Jesus called out) watched as Jesus healed the sick and undemonized(?) the demon possessed and still were confused on the reality of his diety. I guess it is easier for me to look at Jesus and automatically know who he is based on the knowledge I have of what is to come. But I always have to remind myself that the disciples did not have a NASB to read up on what is to come. I don't know if any of this makes sense, but I am just astonished how they could see a "man" heal and cleanse without magic and not know he is of God. Because of the bible I know that later on Peter will confess him to be Jesus the savior and Son of God, but what kept him from realizing that earlier? Why would Judas betray the one who is empowered by God? I know it is a lack of understanding, but I would also be inclined to say it is a lack of faith.

God said don't do that. I think.

I am not the most legalistic person in the world, however I do have times of finger pointing's and " I can't believe he did that(s)" I find it interesting that Garland makes it a point to talk about the Priest way of living, which is in their mind is right. My favorite quote so far is on page 116 were he address the Priest legalistic thinking and lack of God centered thinking. It is reassuring to know that I do have to be a flashy Christian (negative sense) to be a follower. Garland said the priest didn't like Jesus because he was against all the flash with no bang and I agree with that. I like to know that in my showings of weakness, God does not abandon me.

As you are going.......

As I read this week I often caught myself having "oh yeah" moments, particularly on page twenty four of the commentary. I would like to think that I have a good grasp on what the gospel truly is and the significance it holds. However, after reading this section I have realized that "pop-culture" has put a spin on what the gospel's meaning currently consist of. This chapter helped me peel back the layers of loving bunnies and treating mother nature right. Garland says, "the gospel has to do with God's redemptive action in Jesus, which reveals God's love for humans and judgment on human sin and satanic evil." WOW! That made me think for a minute, the fact that God took/takes action for those who are far far from perfect. It amazes me that God can not be held down by mans lack of understanding as it pertains to his Son.

I never knew that.

I enjoyed the assigned reading for the last class and the class to come. I especially enjoyed the history lesson(and embarrasment because I did not know half the words) in the DJG and the detail in which the author(s) used to describe the different groups and systems. Knowing the make-up in which groups like the Pharisees where based upon and their basic place in history will allow me to better understand "the world in the text." I had recently forgottten that backgound study is crucial to be able to successfully exsposit text and understand the meaning to the readers then and to readers now. I also enjoy the readings in the Burridge book, I think his example of Winston Churchill was brilliant. It is easier for me to being to comprehind the four pictures of Jesus when I compare them to an example such as this. I enjoyed the bits of Bible "trivia" in the first chapter about which book was probably written first and the comparing and contasting of content. This book will surely be proven helpfull in the study of Christ's life.(or I want my money back on the book.)