Decking the Halls

Here at 2471, we never fail to have the holiday spirit (commercialism, that is...). So while we have been studying for exams, we put up lights in our main living area (we have some m&m lights, hershey's kisses lights, and running lights). Tyler also provided us with a prelit Christmas tree from Big Lots. John has yet to supply anything (though I'm sure he will), and Uche acts as the Grinch, speaking against the m&m lights (and he hung the running lights in the hall). And finally, Darth Tater runs about bringing holiday cheer to all.

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When an exegetical, textual critical paper is worthy to be turned in

I recently wrote and turned in a paper on the story of the woman caught in adultery. Today I received back the paper, uncertain of what my grade would be. In light of this paper I now have a couple new critera for determining when a paper is worthy to be handed in. Read these two paragraphs and I think you'll understand.

“When [the religious leaders] heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court” (John 8:9). The Scribes and Pharisees gambled, believing they had a sure bet and a sure case—this time they most certainly had Jesus cornered with no way out—they believed they had the upper-hand. Jesus played them at their own game, and He beat them. The words of Kenny Rogers’ song, The Gambler never rang more true: “If you're gonna play the game, boy, ya gotta learn to play it right. You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, Know when to walk away and know when to run.”[1] The Pharisees knew that all they could do is “fold ‘em” and “walk away.”

Baylis’s comments here are insightful:

Apparently each of the Pharisees was weighing in his mind the risk of pursuing his hypocrisy further. For a Pharisee to defend himself as a guileless witness, when it was obvious to all involved that he was not, would be to subject himself to the possibility of receiving her punishment. To abandon his own claim as a valid witness would be tantamount to a confession that he was malevolent. The Pharisees had attempted to trap Jesus, but now they were trapped by the same Law. So each Pharisee, in his desire to avoid the very stones he had suggested for another, overcame his pride and walked out of the temple area…. The older ones, who would have been especially familiar with the Scriptures, recognized more quickly their guilt under the very Mosaic Law by which they had proposed to convict another.[2]

Unlike passages such as Mark 16:9-20 and 1 John 5:8a, which are most certainly not Scripture, the pericope adulterae is in a unique class. Though this popular story is not Johannine, there does not appear to be sufficient evidence for excluding it from Scripture and refusing to preach it for the edification of the Body. If exposited in its traditional context, this passage yields fruit as it reveals Jesus as the Prophet like Moses but far greater than he (Deuteronomy 18:15), rather than being ripped from its author’s intended meaning and suited to merely be another teaching concerning Jesus’ mercy toward individuals (though it is this, it is so much more). If we are faithful to this text’s true meaning, then perhaps the next generation will hear Christocentric sermons preached upon this text, and perhaps its name will be changed to Pericope Christi Prophetae.

[2] Baylis, “The Woman Caught in Adultery: A Test of Jesus as the Greater Prophet,” 182-183.

[1] Kenny Rogers, Sing365, October 2005 [on-line], Accessed on 25 October 2005, Available from http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/The-Gambler-lyrics-Kenny-Rogers /97FD2791E39C726448256951000BE2A7, sing365.com; Internet.

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A Couple Thoughts and Another Paper...This is how I Spend My Time!

Working as a valet at an expensive condo has given me an appreciation for some of the better things of life (not that I will ever participate in most of them). I have found that Luxary cars are seriously much better than cheap ones (though the features of heated seats, a great steering radius, and the really nice fake-wood steering wheels are hardly worth $30,000+ more for something to get you from point A to B).

In taking up people's groceries (I work in a 21 floor building), I have often noticed that many of them have fresh, seasonal flowers. The flowers are pretty, they generally smell good, and they add a "homey" touch to the environment when put in a vase. The flowers last about a week (I'd assume, not being an expert on flowers) and only cost $4-$10. I personally think that this is a nice touch and one that I hope that my future wife (should she exist) will partake in. Is this just a waste of money? I personally don't think so. I don't think that our houses need to be trash heaps that smell like B.O. Flowers can help.

Here's my interlude between my two thoughts. I'm writing another paper (I'm not sure how many this is on the semester, but its far too many, and this isn't my last one). This paper is on the Epistle of James. I personally think that this book may be the most underrated, forgotten and misunderstood gem of the New Testament (except maybe preaching relevant, applicational sermons from Revelation). The book of James is usually seen as the Proverbs of the New Testament. A lot of people have called it a 'string of pearls,' believing there is little if any theme to James. Even Martin Luther didn't like it. However, thanks to recent scholarship (especially Peter Davids) many have seen that James is a unified book. The theme? James is seeking solidarity and unity in the community of Christ, emphasizing real, practical faith. This is a message very necessary for the modern/postmodern church in the West! Though James is not often explicit in central Christian themes (Deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith alone, amillenialism...oh wait, that's not central), these themes clearly underlie the letter. I hope that my paper will show this.

My final thought comes from weeks ago. In Ministry of Leadership class we had a discussion on what you would do (as a pastor) if you had a rich person in your congregation--and his mere tithe (10%) would be more than 20% or so of your church's budget. This question was sprung on us in class, so I didn't really have time to think through my answer until after class as I rode home with Uche, but the class seemed to think that this congregant (or any) should not give any more than 10% of your budget, and that he should give the rest to a missions organization, or something like that.

I personally disagree. I think as the pastor I would rejoice. Praise God for His provision! While it may be argued that his/her giving may cause others to feel that they don't have a need to give, or it may cause people to feel a reliance upon this one person, or that this person is special and should get his/her way in the church, I think this is flawed, anti-New Testament thinking. We should be willing and able to teach are congregants to think differently. It is not how much you give, but that you give as God directs you (2 Cor. 8-9). The church must also know that while you have this blessing it is to be used, for God is giving it. Should God take it away, then you may have to stop some of the programs/organizations you are giving to. The Lord gives for ministry, and the Lord takes away. We are to be wise and obedient. And this person, as well as the congregation and leadership, must realize that money doesn't speak in the New Covenant. This person is not to get special treatment, but rather is just another brother/sister in Christ. This person has been clearly given the gift of giving. Thus, he/she should be allowed to give radically.

I personally think to ask this person to give somewhere else is an attempt at avoiding confrontation. I also think that you, as the pastor, will have to answer to God as to why you did not use His financial blessing when He supplied it. I've searched my heart, and from what I can tell, my motives are pure on this one--I'm not after the money (and I personally doubt that I will ever deal with this where I hope to pastor!). This can be a great opportunity for sanctification and learning in the church. Also, I would hope that someone pulling in 7 or more figures isn't only giving 10%. I'm not going to make stipulations, but nobody needs $6 million a year to live. Be radical. Give to the church. Give to missions.
What would you do?

And here's a bonus thought: "Cousins is cousins, all the way down the line." (You don't want to know).

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Driving Christian, Sam's Club, and the Ascension of Christ

Today I completed my editing of my ascension paper. I'd like to write more about the implications of the doctrine than I did in my paper, but due to time and length constraints (I'm thankful that Dr. Moore allowed me a few extra pages upon my request), I couldn't write everything I would've liked to write. However, if you would like to read this paper, please email me at ltservinghim@hotmail.com and I will gladly send you a copy. Just for a brief attention getter, here's my final paragraph.

It is a shame that such a central Christian doctrine has been given such little attention in contemporary churches. In a world that needs a celebratory church that lives with confidence and assurance the gospel she preaches, a church that understands and proclaims the lordship and kingdom of Christ, and a church that knows there is an Advocate and Protector lovingly guiding her and pleading on her behalf, the neglect of the centrality of the ascension will not do. We must preach the exclusivity and finality of Jesus’ work; and “His ascension…was necessary for the completion of His work.” It is not too late to regain an appreciation and exalted vision of the ascension, for the Son of Man remains enthroned above, “at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”

So today Tyler and I were heading up to Indiana on 65N. To get onto 64W and 65N we had to merge with the usual 6:00 Louisville traffic. I noticed something that I have paid little attention to before--people are inconsiderate, self-centered drivers. While I have noticed this before, it really struck me of how much of a problem this really is. When I was seeking to merge to get into the one lane of traffic that takes you where you want to go, I put on my turning signal and noticed that people would speed up to keep me from getting into their lane, practically tail-gating the car in front of them. Now, I can understand not letting someone into the passing lane who is just speeding along and trying to get a better spot, but when it comes to getting into a necessary lane, this is plain rude. It is not rude that it happend to me--I have seen this happen many times to drivers, and usually truckers are the only ones to let someone over. (By the way, I managed to get over by forcing myself into the lane once, and another time a trucker let me in).

This wouldn't be a big deal, except that it happens far too often. Now, I can't expect too much better from the world--they're unregenerate and have not experienced nor have the love of Christ in them. However, this is an exhortation to my fellow Christians. As Christians, we ought to let others in our lane when necessary. Seriously, how much time do you lose by letting someone in? 2 seconds? I hope that my brothers and sisters in Christ are already doing this. This is part of what it means to love your neighbor as yourself--and it is a sin to fail to do this, and it is a righteous act to do it. I'm not saying to stop and let the whole line of traffic in front of you, but rather to be courteous. People ought to be able to tell Christians by our driving as well. It is sad that so many Christians take so lightly their actions behind the wheel. Sin is sin and love is love, whether it is in an automobile, at the grocery store, work, or on seminary property.

So where were Tyler and I going? Sam's Club! We went and got a membership at Sam's. That may be the greatest store on the planet. Everything is in bulk. It is generally cheaper. And you feel like you are a part of something special when you shop there. This store shouts--"America!" (I'm not saying that this American mentality is good, I'm just saying that is generally the American mentality). Everything is bigger at Sam's. And they have such great stuff too! The place is like sensory overload! I actually had trouble deciding what I would buy because there was just so much, and it all looked appealing.

Okay, so Tyler and I actually went for Mystic Chai. Only Sam's sells it and it is cheap (like $6.50 for 2 lbs. of dry chai mix). It tastes as good as the chai you get from a coffee house. It actually pays both for itself and the Sam's membership fee! We bought two!

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