The past few weeks have been filled with travel but also with reading and study. I'm taking a break from my reading in John to focus on another question. For quite some time I have been bothered by Christians missing opportunities because they are waiting on God to show them the right answer. I've witnessed virtual paralysis in decision making in many cases. I've also watched many people be hurt as well intentioned Christians played the trump card of God-told-me. They have used it for everything from divorce to leaving church to moving to another city.
And so I'm spending time with the question of "How do I discern God's will for my life?" This has led to another question of "Does God even have a specific will for each person?" This had led to the question of "Is the future predetermined or do we have total free will?" This has led to questions about the nature of God.
It all started out as a simple question that has now grown into a huge cloud that shadows all of life. Stay tuned.
Showing posts with label future. Show all posts
Showing posts with label future. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Mark 13; What We Do Know
A few years ago I had the chance to attend a synagogue in New York City. It was a very enjoyable and enlightening experience. After everyone had left, I was blessed to sit and visit with the rabbi. As we talked, I asked him questions about something I had been reading that dealt with the "end times". His response was wise. Rather than engage in the conversation he simply said, "Let's talk about what we do know rather than what we don't."
As Jesus talked to his disciples he gave them some insights into the future with a special focus upon Jerusalem. Since I don't live in Jerusalem and have to worry about fleeing from it, that section does not really grab me. Otherwise the primary message I seem to walk away with is A) there are major world events to come and B) I should be alert regarding my spiritual life so that I am prepared to testify about Jesus under any circumstance. That is what we do know.
It is popular to play with the conjecture and debate the future. It is much more difficult to accept the challenge and live prepared.
As Jesus talked to his disciples he gave them some insights into the future with a special focus upon Jerusalem. Since I don't live in Jerusalem and have to worry about fleeing from it, that section does not really grab me. Otherwise the primary message I seem to walk away with is A) there are major world events to come and B) I should be alert regarding my spiritual life so that I am prepared to testify about Jesus under any circumstance. That is what we do know.
It is popular to play with the conjecture and debate the future. It is much more difficult to accept the challenge and live prepared.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Luke 22:7-13; Predicted
Just when I can get comfortable with the future not being "set", Jesus explains what will happen in the future with exact precision. His apostles carry out his plans due to his instructions about what would happen.
So are there multiple options for the future or is there only one? Perhaps that question is the wrong one. Perhaps the question should be how am I using the opportunities facilitated to me by the future? Am I willing to follow the lead of Jesus in my future? Am I willing to be obedient to him as I proceed?
His apostles did and the world was forever changed because of it. My turn?
So are there multiple options for the future or is there only one? Perhaps that question is the wrong one. Perhaps the question should be how am I using the opportunities facilitated to me by the future? Am I willing to follow the lead of Jesus in my future? Am I willing to be obedient to him as I proceed?
His apostles did and the world was forever changed because of it. My turn?
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