Found words of Peter in vv68,69 really reassuring, given the tense situation. It acknowleges that there are, and will continue to be, details about Jesus and how everything fits together, that we don't understand. We need to have that childlike faith that doesn't require a complex set of answers.
The other angle to these verses is to take care when engaging in some intellectual religious debate about complex issues, not easily answered. While God can bring about a conversion in any situation, the example of Jesus' ministry would suggest that it mostly occurred via signs and wonders, testimonies and displays of love and compassion.
My experience has shown me that the pursuit of knowledge and development of an "arsenal" of convincing arguments, can be detrimental to overall effectiveness, by negating or overlooking the importance of these other methods. Furthermore, it has been said, that anyone who can be argued into something, can just as easily be argued out of it.
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An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
4 comments:
Here! Here! Mike .... my sentiments exactly.
When I was first considering Christianity, 5 years ago, I would spend a lot of time talking to GOD and listening. I did't own a bible. I read very little. Instead, I built relationship with our Lord. In this time, HE said one thing to me which was both profound and comforting .... "Let go of the need to Understand".
That simple phrase gave me so much freedom in Christ and suddenly, I understood!
Nothing or no-one can ever really satisfy our deepest needs and longings... except Jesus. We need to "come to him" to find the bread that will never leave us hungry. This applies as much to those within the church as those who don't yet know Jesus.
v35: Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."
John 4:39-40 "The scriptures point to me but you refuse to come to me to receive this life."
Mike, your final words (Furthermore, it has been said, that anyone who can be argued into something, can just as easily be argued out of it) reminded me of a verse from 1 Cor.
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. 1 Cor 2:4-5
Have you checked out Katie's blog recently? If not I encourage you to click on the link on the right hand side of this blog called "Katie's Adventures" and read her latest post. How is Jesus expressing his love through your life today?
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