In Galatians 5:22-23, the Bible lists 9 characteristics that they call the fruit of the spirit. Using the NIV, I have found an easy way to remember these. They are listed in an easy order, 3 sets of 3, each with an increased number of syllables.
The first set, with 1 syllable: love, joy peace
The second with 2 syllables: patience, kindness, goodness
The last with 3 syllables: faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control
A couple other thoughts on this short passage and concept of the fruit of the Spirit. People can often get this backwords, thinking that if they work hard at showing these characteristics, they will gain the Holy Spirt. In reality, these things are the fruit of the Spirit, just as an apple is the fruit of an apple tree. If you have the Spirit, this fruit will grow in you. It may appear first, as a bud, then maybe an unripe fruit, but will eventually grow into a ripe, delicious fruit that others will enjoy.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The Banner: Understanding Islam
This month Rev. David Feddes wrote and article in the Banner (monthly magazine for the CRC denomination) titled, "Understanding Islam". I respect Rev. Feddes and consider him a brother in much of his preaching and doctrine. So, in commenting on his article I am generally adding to or providing more depth to what he is saying. He did a very good job for the short amount of space he had. There are a few small things that may mis-represent the situation or beliefs as I understand them from my study. His article can be found at http://www.thebanner.org/magazine/article.cfm?article_id=1201. I will quote his article and add my comments after each.
A secondary issue that is eluded to here is the word, "God". While some may argue that "Allah" is the Arabic word for "God", Islam and Christianity are not referring to the same God. Not when you get down to His base charactistics, qualities, or actions. Allah in Islam, is not the same triune God of the Bible. Rev. Feddes brings this out in later paragraphs as well, but not as directly.
Always remember, as Rev. Feddes stated in the article, that all people are made in God's image. Muslims are lost and need a loving neighbor to be used by God to lead them to the truth of the Bible and a loving Father.
"There are two main categoris of African American Muslims: black supremacists and mainstream Sunnis"Based on his description, I'm assuming that he's talking about the Nation of Islam. Most, if not all, Muslims I know would not dream of categorizing the Nation of Islam as Muslim. Because of their overt and obvious denial of one of the central claims of Islam, that Muhammad was the last and greatest prophet. I don't think this is a wise association to make, as we would be equally offended if some Christian cult (e.g. Branch Davidians of Waco, TX) was considered part of Christianity.
"Both teach that idolatry, murder, adultery, stealing, lying, and abortion are wrong. Both agree that family ties, generosity to the poor, hard work, and honest business are good."This is a good list, there's probably many more that could be added. One that is a blaring ommision is that homosexuality is wrong.
"Islam teaches that the books of Moses, the Psalms, and the gospel of Jesus are from God."This is a statement that helps build bridges and find similarities, but I think mis-represents the real picture. For a more realistic picture you could add the phrase at the end of the sentence, "but were corrupted by humans."
A secondary issue that is eluded to here is the word, "God". While some may argue that "Allah" is the Arabic word for "God", Islam and Christianity are not referring to the same God. Not when you get down to His base charactistics, qualities, or actions. Allah in Islam, is not the same triune God of the Bible. Rev. Feddes brings this out in later paragraphs as well, but not as directly.
"People of Christian background who slide from biblical revelation into moral relativism, secularism, or religious pluralism could learn from Islam's clarity of conviction..."Amen, brother Feddes! I believe this is a big reason for the attraction to and growth of Islam. People are getting tired of not having anything to hold on to, and Islam provides straight-forward 'absolutes'.
"Islam aspires to win hearts and shape nations. ... Don't underestimate the challenge."Most Muslims are trained and can defend their faith better than most Christians. Any sincere interaction you have with Muslims will challenge you, but it can also help increase your faith and better understand why you believe what you do. Trust in God, and don't be afraid of a challenge.
"Sharpen your witness by studying more about Islam."Ditto, I have studied and have taught about Muslim beliefs to other Christians in Sunday School and other presentations. I will be teaching again soon, to the Sunday School class at Peoria, IA. I'm looking forward to it.
Always remember, as Rev. Feddes stated in the article, that all people are made in God's image. Muslims are lost and need a loving neighbor to be used by God to lead them to the truth of the Bible and a loving Father.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
It's a visual generation: myth or reality?
There's a interesting trend that has been going on in our churches for some time now. That is the trend for churches to use PowerPoint, pictures, and video in our worship services. It seems to go along with the trend toward contemporary music.
There is a common argument that supporters of that trend tend to use to justify or promote the movement in that direction. The argument goes something like this, "We live in a visual generation, our youth are drawn by videos and visual images. This is the way we can get through to them, this is the way they learn." This argument seems to hold some sway with many people to either accept it, or not know what else to say", because there seems to be some truth in it.
I think, wheather you are for or against this trend, this argument is a poor one, let me explain.
Let me first start with what everyone sees. Yes, we watch our youth and how they are drawn to or impacted by well-done videos or visual presentations of the gospel or Biblical concepts. I do not think anyone can deny the impact of these potentially posative visual experiences on our youth, they can be used (as with most other medium) for good.
However, the argument made is that this is a 'generational issue', meaning that our youth are different than us, that they are persuaded or drawn more by the visual than we were in the past. Is that true, or not? Then, because we assume it to be true, it shapes how we design and conduct our worship of God as a corporate body of the church.
When I first heard this argument, I was drawn in by it, because it seemed to have some truth, but as time went on and I heard others talk about it, I heard both the good that the youth found in it, but also the complaints about it from others. I also drew from my experiences teaching Sunday School. Let me tell you of those.
I taught on the creation/evolution twice, once based on a book (Refuting Evolution, by Dr. Jonathan Sarfati) and once based on the videos (The Answers Video series by Ken Ham). Here's what I noticed. The videos where easy for anyone to come in and get the basic concepts taught, it did open things up for a lot of questions and discussion about the issues. However, the book seemed to get people in deeper into the topic, when we reviewed the topic and had discussion in class after reading the book during the week, the questions seemed to have more depth and understanding. The class with the video had more consistent attendance, and more frequent visitors, because one could stop in and participate without any prior preparation or knowledge. The class with the book required and helped develop more depth of knowledge and understanding.
From this experience and others, I asked myself the question. Is this really a 'visual generation', or is something else going on. I reflected on how I learn. Even recently, I wanted to learn more about the Dead Sea Scrolls. If I try first to purchase and read an in-depth book on the topic, I tend to have a tougher time at it, however, if I start by attending a class or watching a video/DVD I get the big picture first. Once I get the big picture, I find that the video's are not enough, I need more information and depth to truly undersand it. Could a video provide that? Maybe, if it were a several hour/day long, however, a good book which explains concepts, and asks questions, and makes you think (and let's you pause long enough when you need to think) is the only way I've found to get the kind of depth that I want and need.
I also thought back to when I was in high school and college, I recognized that I 'learned better' from videos and visual presentations. But as I grew in my knowledge I went more and more away from that. The video lacks the depth of communication of many things.
I do not believe that this is a 'visual generation' because people of all time learn in the same ways, sometimes it's best from visuals, sometimes it's best from speaking, sometimes it's best from written word. This is not unique to 'this generation', however what is unique to this generation, is our tendency to do whatever it takes to cater to their style, whether or not it works. I think this is due to our fears that our youth will fall away from our faith in Jesus Christ and we're willing to do anything to make them happy so as to not drive them away.
Should we use videos to attract our youth, or adults, to Christ? or should we use speaking (preaching) and the written word (Bible) and biblically-base books? Videos may draw them in and get their attention, but in the end do not teach them depth. All they get is spiritual milk, they do not get the meat. Do we want to build a generation without depth? They will only fall away when they are exposed to other teaching or whim of doctrine. They will get blown away by the wind.
We should use video sparingly, only where it conveys more information than can be conveyed by words (written or spoken). It may seem harder at first, but will help develop better thinking and reasoning skills.
Is it a visual generation? No
Let's build a generation who can think and has a depth to their faith. One who can defend their faith, not one who will abandon ship when the first storm comes along.
There is a common argument that supporters of that trend tend to use to justify or promote the movement in that direction. The argument goes something like this, "We live in a visual generation, our youth are drawn by videos and visual images. This is the way we can get through to them, this is the way they learn." This argument seems to hold some sway with many people to either accept it, or not know what else to say", because there seems to be some truth in it.
I think, wheather you are for or against this trend, this argument is a poor one, let me explain.
Let me first start with what everyone sees. Yes, we watch our youth and how they are drawn to or impacted by well-done videos or visual presentations of the gospel or Biblical concepts. I do not think anyone can deny the impact of these potentially posative visual experiences on our youth, they can be used (as with most other medium) for good.
However, the argument made is that this is a 'generational issue', meaning that our youth are different than us, that they are persuaded or drawn more by the visual than we were in the past. Is that true, or not? Then, because we assume it to be true, it shapes how we design and conduct our worship of God as a corporate body of the church.
When I first heard this argument, I was drawn in by it, because it seemed to have some truth, but as time went on and I heard others talk about it, I heard both the good that the youth found in it, but also the complaints about it from others. I also drew from my experiences teaching Sunday School. Let me tell you of those.
I taught on the creation/evolution twice, once based on a book (Refuting Evolution, by Dr. Jonathan Sarfati) and once based on the videos (The Answers Video series by Ken Ham). Here's what I noticed. The videos where easy for anyone to come in and get the basic concepts taught, it did open things up for a lot of questions and discussion about the issues. However, the book seemed to get people in deeper into the topic, when we reviewed the topic and had discussion in class after reading the book during the week, the questions seemed to have more depth and understanding. The class with the video had more consistent attendance, and more frequent visitors, because one could stop in and participate without any prior preparation or knowledge. The class with the book required and helped develop more depth of knowledge and understanding.
From this experience and others, I asked myself the question. Is this really a 'visual generation', or is something else going on. I reflected on how I learn. Even recently, I wanted to learn more about the Dead Sea Scrolls. If I try first to purchase and read an in-depth book on the topic, I tend to have a tougher time at it, however, if I start by attending a class or watching a video/DVD I get the big picture first. Once I get the big picture, I find that the video's are not enough, I need more information and depth to truly undersand it. Could a video provide that? Maybe, if it were a several hour/day long, however, a good book which explains concepts, and asks questions, and makes you think (and let's you pause long enough when you need to think) is the only way I've found to get the kind of depth that I want and need.
I also thought back to when I was in high school and college, I recognized that I 'learned better' from videos and visual presentations. But as I grew in my knowledge I went more and more away from that. The video lacks the depth of communication of many things.
I do not believe that this is a 'visual generation' because people of all time learn in the same ways, sometimes it's best from visuals, sometimes it's best from speaking, sometimes it's best from written word. This is not unique to 'this generation', however what is unique to this generation, is our tendency to do whatever it takes to cater to their style, whether or not it works. I think this is due to our fears that our youth will fall away from our faith in Jesus Christ and we're willing to do anything to make them happy so as to not drive them away.
Should we use videos to attract our youth, or adults, to Christ? or should we use speaking (preaching) and the written word (Bible) and biblically-base books? Videos may draw them in and get their attention, but in the end do not teach them depth. All they get is spiritual milk, they do not get the meat. Do we want to build a generation without depth? They will only fall away when they are exposed to other teaching or whim of doctrine. They will get blown away by the wind.
We should use video sparingly, only where it conveys more information than can be conveyed by words (written or spoken). It may seem harder at first, but will help develop better thinking and reasoning skills.
Is it a visual generation? No
Let's build a generation who can think and has a depth to their faith. One who can defend their faith, not one who will abandon ship when the first storm comes along.
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