"Fact or Fiction?" That's the title of a three-part sermon series I will deliver the last three weeks of June. After watching the national news media go ballistic about the "discovery" of the Judas Gospel a few weeks ago, and in light of the voluminous sales of "The Da Vinci Code" and the opening next week of the movie version, I thought it would be good to address the major questions these media promotions are asking. There are, in my opinion, three major queries being raised and I will attempt to address one each week in the series. Here are the questions:
First, is Jesus Christ really the Son of God and the Savior of the world--or is he not? The historic creeds of the church declare he is, but how do we know? How has God revealed to us the nature of His Son? What of the so-called Gnostic gospels, and how we understand the myriad images they present of Jesus?
Second, is the Bible the Word of God--or is it not? It would be helpful if we Christians knew more about how we got our Bible. Did it just drop out of heaven one day leather bound and in gold leaf? Why do we consider a document from antiquity, the Bible, our sole source of authority for contemporary life and theology?
Third, is the Church the Body of Christ--or is it not? For many people, the church (especially the institutional church) has a credibility problem. Some suggest the church has a hidden agenda which is self-serving. How do we see ourselves as servants of Jesus Christ--and simultaneously servants of the church?
It should be fun. Talk later.
LM
First, is Jesus Christ really the Son of God and the Savior of the world--or is he not? The historic creeds of the church declare he is, but how do we know? How has God revealed to us the nature of His Son? What of the so-called Gnostic gospels, and how we understand the myriad images they present of Jesus?
Second, is the Bible the Word of God--or is it not? It would be helpful if we Christians knew more about how we got our Bible. Did it just drop out of heaven one day leather bound and in gold leaf? Why do we consider a document from antiquity, the Bible, our sole source of authority for contemporary life and theology?
Third, is the Church the Body of Christ--or is it not? For many people, the church (especially the institutional church) has a credibility problem. Some suggest the church has a hidden agenda which is self-serving. How do we see ourselves as servants of Jesus Christ--and simultaneously servants of the church?
It should be fun. Talk later.
LM
posted by Lee McGlone | 7:00 AM
7 Comments:
I think it was Ghandi who said he had no problem with Jesus, rather his problem was with Jesus followers who did not resemble Him or His actions.
#3 on your list really strikes me as the central question for us as the living body. We in the church could use a cold shower, we need a wake-up call. Maybe all the hulabulooh around these things is starting to jar us as believers?
One of the reasons these Hollywood movies and books are striking a chord has much to do with church relevance and connection with the culture at large. Few people I talk with have a struggle with Jesus (understandably in their limited knowledge of who he truly is - they might struggle more if they knew what he really talked about), but more so with a disconnect on how the church manifests who He is and what He called us to be in this world.
When people see the children of God being true lightbearers in a dark corridor they will then engage so many other areas of spirirtual truth. Matthew 5:14-16 is so crucial for our current situation.
I also recommend the 7-week study during our Sunday School hours, The DaVinci Code Deception, led by Darrell and Susan Omanson beginning June 4. This will open up more discussion and enable one to converse more easily with their friends about these topics.
Hey Scott, is Pastor Lee going to be commenting on feedback? Just curious? It would be fun to get more people in the church engaged in conversing via his blog. Who knows what it might stir up...
Will this be held at the same hour as the Family Sunday School?
Yes, the class will be held at both Sunday School hours: 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.--both in the Parlor.
A cup of what?
It looks like a free forum ... guess that is why I see Scott's name on the list of comments.
Why give the Code soooo much attention? Attention gives credance...if that is how you spell it. Just cool it and get more serious about the Truth book. I see that, as usual for a preacher, control is of essence and HE must approve all comments. That's no way for the truth to be told to others.
Bob G
Okay? I am a little confused by this comment. Evidently Christ's example of cultural context is once again thrown out the window. Does Bod G understand the original intent of the Parable? Arguably the most oft used and effective arsenal in Christ's connection to the people in communicating the TRUTH book to his listeners. A parable to his audience was literally meant to "throw alongside of" I see Pastor Lee's connection in throwing alongside of our culture a connection point - hence the Code. As far as the ["Just cool it and get more serious about the Truth book." statement.]
That always sounds great, but please frame it in practical terms - what do you mean by that? How do you get more serious about the TRUTH book? Just because Lee is using a cultural connection point to move people closer to Christ is not somehow being serious strikes me as ill informed.
["I see that, as usual for a preacher, control is of essence and HE must approve all comments. That's no way for the truth to be told to others."]
Not really sure what Bob G is saying with all this? Evidently he doesn't know Pastor Lee. Control freak and Pastor Lee do not go together.
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