community

well, honestly, chapter 30 was like listening to a one hour sermon that could have been condensed to 15 min and the main point would still get across. of course, what i got from this chapter is that the main way that Christ would be preached in our everday lives is to be out in the community. if Christ is shown through our lives in us everyday, then that should natually affect our community for the better.

back

It's been awhile since I've posted... I'm back!

Anyways, it's been a crazy weekend. To sort of "piggyback" off of Abe's post, it sometimes hard to imagine Jesus "calling me out" when I read the text of the Sermon of the Mount because when I read Scripture, I sometimes forget to personalize it. To me, one of the themes that Bonhoeffer always seems to emphasize is that the authenticity of our faith is directly linked to how we take it in and follow Christ's example and commands. The implication of course is that the greatest level of "taking something in" is to personalize it - that we have to answer Jesus' call on a deep level.

faith and The Matrix

I liked chapter 27 (hopefully i'm reading the right chapters). Talks about how the calls the disciples received to follow Him is the same as the calls we receive. The illustration and thought that came to mind was from the movie The Matrix. In the movie (not talking about any of the sequels) it's interesting to see where each person first accepts the truth that Neo is "the one." And it is interesting because Morpheus who is the one who follows the idea that Neo is the one and seeks him out and brings him into the real world and begins to train him and everything actually comes to the final realization only after Neo comes back to life and kills Agents Smith. Morpheus actually says "I don't believe it." (or something like it). It's like he was Peter after Christ was crucified. Ok maybe the parrallels aren't completely there but u get my point (hopefully).
Ok I would add more thoughts but it's 11:58 so I just better hit the "publish" button...

kalloiga la llamada

yeah, what the heck does that title mean?
it's hard to logically look to the Bible as Jesus' call for yourself if you look at it as text. But when you choose to believe, you are believing in God's Word as Truth, and in it, Jesus' call to be more than just any other human being going through the motions. being a disciple of Christ demands your soul, your life, your all.

so what is he saying

is what we hear from God today the same as what he has always said. each person interprets what he reads and hears differently. we read it today and the desciples heard it back then. but is it really the same? it is. it's a matter of just hearing something and following with your heart. he also gives us a gift of a new life when we hear and proclaim is calling. to that, we shall be greatful and to continue to listen and serve. keep your eyes peeled, ears open and be ready to act upon the call of God.

wisdom vs. wisdom

In chapter 24, "The Suffering of the Messengers," I'm sure the point of this chapter is to encourage followers to rest steadfast in the wisdom of God and not the world's. The Bible says that the messengers of God's word will have opposition till the end. So, for us that have chosen to follow, it becomes an everyday struggle of relying on our own wisdom and God's wisdom, but we often go towards our own wisdom. The Bible has God's wisdom, so in order to be wise, a disciple must be in his Word.

the message

God has given us the greatest gift, His son Jesus. He sent Jesus for a purpose, and He saved us also with a purpose. We are His messangers, to proclaim to the ends of the earth the good news of Jesus.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. -Matthew 5:14-15

For the glory of God

The messenger are selfless and determined. They are unfazed by the people harassing them as they spread the good news know that they are delivered by God and protected by his hands. The anguish in the process is well worth the outcome. To live an eternal life and to be with the father is enough to keep them going. Looking and people today, there are very few willing to sacrifice and risk as much as they did for anything, let alone anyone. We need to have that passion and desire in order to even come close. They messengers need to be be respected and recognized for what they did. God will come again and we need to be ready like the messengers were and are.

ze apostles

What I'm reminded of in this chapter is the power Jesus imparts over his disciples - power over unclean spirits and over the devil. This often gets forgotten, maybe because of the supernatural sense of it, or is not really taken seriously. And when this power is used by believers, the motives of the 'user(s)' is often put in question. Well, yes, we should make sure people and things are tested. But if this is imparted on all disciples, then we should use it like we mean it. At the same time, I believe Satan definitely wants us to doubt this power and downplay it, cuz that's want he does best. punk.

the harvest

this is a short chapter, but nonetheless an insightful and encouraging one. it is encouraging to know that Jesus is Lord over the "sick and poor" and will not forsake them. they are the harvest, and i pray that i can have more courage be one of the "pickers" so to speak.

we are the vessel

many times we try to hard to be Christians and to evangelize and disciple. but in actuality we need to be patient and wait to be called upon by God. in order to truly serve you must only do what and when he appoints. this is how we can be messengers. and in this task we may not get anything out if it nor get any response. it is a thankless task to be the vessel of God.