Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see” (John 1:46)
In Tasmania, we are aware that there are 2, even 3 distinct business, sporting and cultural regions: the South (Hobart), the North (Launceston), and the NothWest (Burnie, Devonport [& Ulverstone]. 3 Newspapers: The Mercury. The Examiner. The Advocate.
In Jesus time, there was a saying, probably coined by the studious types, living in Judea in the south: “If a person wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south”. There was another saying, originating in the beautiful, rich, abundant farming district of Galilee: “It is easier to rear a forest of olive-trees in Galilee than one child in Judea”.
The Rabbi’s held a general contempt for all that was Galilean. Nathanael possibly felt that the Messiah must come from somewhere more noteworthy than Nazareth. He was wrong.
Like Nathanael we set limits to the power of God. Many Christians do not consider small, aging fellowships are able to produce much fruit. Often they are proven right. But we ought to be cautioned against limiting the power of God. He directs human affairs in judgment, and mercy, and acts in surprising ways. Added to that, this Man, Jesus, is more about substance than image.
Towns and people who try to project a good image, are often, less authentic than the seemingly ordinary places - and people - we meet. Often, country kids say: 'this place is a hole!' But then spend half a lifetime trying to find somewhere with as much community spirit, and fun, as that seemingly dull place they once came from.
Can anything good come ...from where you live? Yes, you - especially if you know the Father, in the same way Jesus did - and does.
Jesus, from Nazareth - he is Our Lord, and Lord of all. Being from Nazareth, he's not going to despise anyone else, now is he?
Monday, January 16, 2006
Conversion of C. H. Spurgeon
Conversion - as experienced in 1849 - by C.H. Spurgeon (born 1834).
This story is such a joy to read. The following is an extract, duly footnoted, and recorded by John Dunn at http://www.newcreation.org.au/books/covers/278.html
One Sunday morning he [Spurgeon] was prevented by a snowstorm from reaching his own church and went into a Primitive Methodist chapel nearby. A simple and not very well–educated shoemaker was the preacher that day. He gave out the text: “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.”
He began thus:
“This is a very simple text indeed. It says ‘Look’. Now lookin’ don’t take a great deal of pain. It
aint liftin’ your foot or your finger; it is just ‘Look’. Well, a man needn’t go to College to learn to look. You may be the biggest fool, and yet you can look. A man needn’t be worth a thousand a year to look. Anyone can look; even a child can look. “But then the text says, ‘Look unto Me ‘.
Many of ye are lookin’ to yourselves, but it is no use lookin’ there. You’ll never find any comfort in yourselves. Some say look to God the Father. No, look to Him by–and–by. Jesus Christ says, ‘Look unto Me.’ Some of ye say, ‘We must wait for the Spirit’s workin’. You have no business with that just now. Look to Christ. The text says, ‘Look to Me.’
Then the good man followed up his text in this way: “Look unto Me; I am sweatin’ great drops of blood. Look unto Me; I am hangin’ on a cross. Look unto Me; I am dead and buried. Look unto Me; I rise again. Look unto Me; I ascend to Heaven. Look unto Me; I am sitting at the Father’s right hand. O poor sinner, look unto Me! look unto Me!”
Spurgeon recalled that in the middle of the sermon the preacher suddenly looked at him sitting under the gallery. “Just fixing his eyes on me, as if he knew all my heart, he said, “young man, you look very miserable.”
Well, I did, but I had not been accustomed to have remarks made from the pulpit on my personal appearance before. However, it was a good blow, and struck right home. He continued, “And you will always be miserable –miserable in life and miserable in death – if you don’t obey my text; but if you obey now, this moment, you will be saved.”
Then lifting up his hands, he shouted, as only a Primitive Methodist could do, “Young man, look to Jesus Christ, Look! Look! Look! You have nothing to do but look and live!”
“I saw at once the way of salvation. I know not what else he said–I did not take much notice of it– I was so possessed with that one thought. I had been waiting to do fifty things, but when I heard that word, “Look!” what a charming word it seemed to me. Oh! I looked until I could almost have looked my eyes away. There and then the cloud was gone, the darkness had rolled away, and that moment I saw the sun; and could have risen that instant, and sung with the most enthusiastic of them, of the precious blood of Christ, and the simple faith which looks alone to Him. Oh, that somebody had told me this before, “Trust Christ and you shall be saved.”
“I thought I could have sprung from the seat in which I sat, and have called out with the wildest of those Methodist brethren, “I am forgiven! I am forgiven! A monument of grace! A sinner saved by blood!” My spirit saw its chains broken to pieces, I felt that I was an emancipated soul, and heir of heaven, a forgiven one, accepted in Jesus Christ, plucked out of the miry clay and out of the horrible pit, with my feet set upon a rock and my going established.
Between half–past ten when I entered that chapel, and half–past twelve when I was back again at home, what a change had taken place in me! Simply by looking to Jesus I had been delivered from despair, and I was brought into such a joyous state of mind that, when they saw me at home, they said to me, “Something wonderful has happened to you,” and I was eager to tell them all about it.
Oh! there was joy in the household that day, when all heard that the eldest son had found the Saviour and knew himself to be forgiven.” Now everything was alive and fresh. He was filled with joy and gladness. The Bible was ablaze with glory and prayer opened for his approaching soul the very gates of heaven. He wrote and signed a covenant between himself and the Lord.
This story is such a joy to read. The following is an extract, duly footnoted, and recorded by John Dunn at http://www.newcreation.org.au/books/covers/278.html
One Sunday morning he [Spurgeon] was prevented by a snowstorm from reaching his own church and went into a Primitive Methodist chapel nearby. A simple and not very well–educated shoemaker was the preacher that day. He gave out the text: “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.”
He began thus:
“This is a very simple text indeed. It says ‘Look’. Now lookin’ don’t take a great deal of pain. It
aint liftin’ your foot or your finger; it is just ‘Look’. Well, a man needn’t go to College to learn to look. You may be the biggest fool, and yet you can look. A man needn’t be worth a thousand a year to look. Anyone can look; even a child can look. “But then the text says, ‘Look unto Me ‘.
Many of ye are lookin’ to yourselves, but it is no use lookin’ there. You’ll never find any comfort in yourselves. Some say look to God the Father. No, look to Him by–and–by. Jesus Christ says, ‘Look unto Me.’ Some of ye say, ‘We must wait for the Spirit’s workin’. You have no business with that just now. Look to Christ. The text says, ‘Look to Me.’
Then the good man followed up his text in this way: “Look unto Me; I am sweatin’ great drops of blood. Look unto Me; I am hangin’ on a cross. Look unto Me; I am dead and buried. Look unto Me; I rise again. Look unto Me; I ascend to Heaven. Look unto Me; I am sitting at the Father’s right hand. O poor sinner, look unto Me! look unto Me!”
Spurgeon recalled that in the middle of the sermon the preacher suddenly looked at him sitting under the gallery. “Just fixing his eyes on me, as if he knew all my heart, he said, “young man, you look very miserable.”
Well, I did, but I had not been accustomed to have remarks made from the pulpit on my personal appearance before. However, it was a good blow, and struck right home. He continued, “And you will always be miserable –miserable in life and miserable in death – if you don’t obey my text; but if you obey now, this moment, you will be saved.”
Then lifting up his hands, he shouted, as only a Primitive Methodist could do, “Young man, look to Jesus Christ, Look! Look! Look! You have nothing to do but look and live!”
“I saw at once the way of salvation. I know not what else he said–I did not take much notice of it– I was so possessed with that one thought. I had been waiting to do fifty things, but when I heard that word, “Look!” what a charming word it seemed to me. Oh! I looked until I could almost have looked my eyes away. There and then the cloud was gone, the darkness had rolled away, and that moment I saw the sun; and could have risen that instant, and sung with the most enthusiastic of them, of the precious blood of Christ, and the simple faith which looks alone to Him. Oh, that somebody had told me this before, “Trust Christ and you shall be saved.”
“I thought I could have sprung from the seat in which I sat, and have called out with the wildest of those Methodist brethren, “I am forgiven! I am forgiven! A monument of grace! A sinner saved by blood!” My spirit saw its chains broken to pieces, I felt that I was an emancipated soul, and heir of heaven, a forgiven one, accepted in Jesus Christ, plucked out of the miry clay and out of the horrible pit, with my feet set upon a rock and my going established.
Between half–past ten when I entered that chapel, and half–past twelve when I was back again at home, what a change had taken place in me! Simply by looking to Jesus I had been delivered from despair, and I was brought into such a joyous state of mind that, when they saw me at home, they said to me, “Something wonderful has happened to you,” and I was eager to tell them all about it.
Oh! there was joy in the household that day, when all heard that the eldest son had found the Saviour and knew himself to be forgiven.” Now everything was alive and fresh. He was filled with joy and gladness. The Bible was ablaze with glory and prayer opened for his approaching soul the very gates of heaven. He wrote and signed a covenant between himself and the Lord.
------------------------------------------------
... I won't go on further with that. Just to comment, that I thought it was profund, humourous and simple. A little less sophisticated philosophical thought, and discussion of religion, and a bit more directness and simplicity, might help us 2006 'complex' people.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Theological Boxes: We seem to like to pidgeon-hole one another. Someone's little test revealed the following about 'yours truly'. Not sure about the 1st one, though I am glad to own much of that category. But I certainly do not hold Wesley's idea of Christian Perfection. Rather, I am persuaded by the Scripture, that P.T. Forsyth's teaching concerning holiness (The Cruciality of the Cross) is far more faithful to the text, and to the revelation of the Cross in the New Testament. So, here it is:
What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm. |
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Australians and the Gospel
Australians and the Gospel
There are a myriad of qualities that each nation, tribe and culture have in common.
Just quickly: human beings everywhere - have a heart that pumps blood, lungs that breathe air, and a mind that thinks, arms and legs to travel and do things. All - generally speaking - sleep, eat, walk, talk, laugh, cry, engage in art, music, literature and so on. They marry, have children, form families, societies, communities, towns, cities, nations and a global community. People also have a sense of eternity, hold spiritual beliefs - they pray, have systems of thought, religions, a rationale for the universe. People enjoy animal life, interaction with birds, fish, and animals. People like to name everything. As we read everywhere on the internet and on TV - they enjoy sexual intercourse. They like to own things, have money, gain power and influence. They feel emotions deeply, they argue, get angry, fight, kill, murder, seek revenge, go to war, discern right from wrong. People pay taxes - in most nations. People die - universally. People sin - universally; that is, they go against conscience, reason and common sense to behave in ways that are harmful to others, and themselves; people act in destructive ways towards society. People seek meaning and purpose for their lives. People can do great things. People can do shocking things. In common - are many small details of life, and 'the eternities'.
What is it about Australians, that is unique?
I am an Australian. Australians have links with the island continent of Australia. Resident Australians obviously live in Australia, and have a common, unique social history, background and identity - which influences the way in which we behave.
Australians and the Gospel
I would like to examine how this uniqueness as Australian people - very mixed and diverse as we are - especially bears upon the way in which we hear, or do not hear - the gospel. The message of Christ Jesus is central to 'the gospel' - the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
There are certain things about Australians, that make us especially receptive to the gospel.
What might they be?
There are social and historical factors, that influence us - so as to be especially unreceptive to the gospel.
What are they?
There are a myriad of qualities that each nation, tribe and culture have in common.
Just quickly: human beings everywhere - have a heart that pumps blood, lungs that breathe air, and a mind that thinks, arms and legs to travel and do things. All - generally speaking - sleep, eat, walk, talk, laugh, cry, engage in art, music, literature and so on. They marry, have children, form families, societies, communities, towns, cities, nations and a global community. People also have a sense of eternity, hold spiritual beliefs - they pray, have systems of thought, religions, a rationale for the universe. People enjoy animal life, interaction with birds, fish, and animals. People like to name everything. As we read everywhere on the internet and on TV - they enjoy sexual intercourse. They like to own things, have money, gain power and influence. They feel emotions deeply, they argue, get angry, fight, kill, murder, seek revenge, go to war, discern right from wrong. People pay taxes - in most nations. People die - universally. People sin - universally; that is, they go against conscience, reason and common sense to behave in ways that are harmful to others, and themselves; people act in destructive ways towards society. People seek meaning and purpose for their lives. People can do great things. People can do shocking things. In common - are many small details of life, and 'the eternities'.
What is it about Australians, that is unique?
I am an Australian. Australians have links with the island continent of Australia. Resident Australians obviously live in Australia, and have a common, unique social history, background and identity - which influences the way in which we behave.
Australians and the Gospel
I would like to examine how this uniqueness as Australian people - very mixed and diverse as we are - especially bears upon the way in which we hear, or do not hear - the gospel. The message of Christ Jesus is central to 'the gospel' - the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
There are certain things about Australians, that make us especially receptive to the gospel.
What might they be?
There are social and historical factors, that influence us - so as to be especially unreceptive to the gospel.
What are they?
Begin Anew
To Begin Anew
"If anyone is in Christ: New Creation!" [2Corinthians 5:17]
This is the new beginning every person needs.
'You MUST be born from above' - said Jesus.
Every human being has in some measure opted to live apart from God. And the outworking of such an opting, is dislocation, disorientation, anguish, angst, guilt, shame, and the temptation to join the massive global conspiracy, to do a 'cover up job' on what is essentially wrong in our lives, and the world in which we live.
G.K. Chesterton, gave the shortest reply to the issue, posed at one time, in this way: 'What is wrong with the world?' He wrote his letter (to the male Editor, at the time): Dear Sir, I am. Signed: G.K. Chesterton.
As a person of faith, he knew that the solution lay with a deep repair-work taking place within the heart of humanity. The repair work, he also knew, flowed from Jesus, at the cross of Calvary.
As we approach the New Year, and begin those resolutions, the greatest resolve, if it can be called that - is to be a person of faith in Jesus Christ, and his work of repair. We call it atonement. That which deals with sin, with the old person of the past. That which makes a person, a new person, a new creature, a part of the new creation, begun in the resurrection of Jesus.
We must be able to say, to have ture faith: 'I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I that live, but Christ who lives in me'.
We mean the old, egocentric, selfish, evil "I" has been crucifed int he death of Jesus. When he died, "I" died. And I have been raised with him, a justified, forgiven, sanctified, new, useful, different person. A new beginning has taken place in this deed of Jesus. My relationship with him now, is the newness of life I need. Kept by grace. Redeemed by grace. Made new by grace - all flowing in the life of faith, to a believer.
Faith is very crucial indeed, for life in 2006. May you launch into January, cleaving to Christ, by faith, and receiving all of his benefits - newness of life, totally. The old has passed away. the new has come
Happy New Year!
Trevor
"If anyone is in Christ: New Creation!" [2Corinthians 5:17]
This is the new beginning every person needs.
'You MUST be born from above' - said Jesus.
Every human being has in some measure opted to live apart from God. And the outworking of such an opting, is dislocation, disorientation, anguish, angst, guilt, shame, and the temptation to join the massive global conspiracy, to do a 'cover up job' on what is essentially wrong in our lives, and the world in which we live.
G.K. Chesterton, gave the shortest reply to the issue, posed at one time, in this way: 'What is wrong with the world?' He wrote his letter (to the male Editor, at the time): Dear Sir, I am. Signed: G.K. Chesterton.
As a person of faith, he knew that the solution lay with a deep repair-work taking place within the heart of humanity. The repair work, he also knew, flowed from Jesus, at the cross of Calvary.
As we approach the New Year, and begin those resolutions, the greatest resolve, if it can be called that - is to be a person of faith in Jesus Christ, and his work of repair. We call it atonement. That which deals with sin, with the old person of the past. That which makes a person, a new person, a new creature, a part of the new creation, begun in the resurrection of Jesus.
We must be able to say, to have ture faith: 'I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I that live, but Christ who lives in me'.
We mean the old, egocentric, selfish, evil "I" has been crucifed int he death of Jesus. When he died, "I" died. And I have been raised with him, a justified, forgiven, sanctified, new, useful, different person. A new beginning has taken place in this deed of Jesus. My relationship with him now, is the newness of life I need. Kept by grace. Redeemed by grace. Made new by grace - all flowing in the life of faith, to a believer.
Faith is very crucial indeed, for life in 2006. May you launch into January, cleaving to Christ, by faith, and receiving all of his benefits - newness of life, totally. The old has passed away. the new has come
Happy New Year!
Trevor
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Not a Good Example
Not a Good Example!
As a Christian, I am in a church community that 'makes something' of a season prior to Christmas, called Advent. Advent means 'arrival', and points us to the arrival of Jesus at his birth, and the arrival of Jesus at his coming-appearing, at the close of history as we know it (the telos), and at the full unveiling (revelation) of the wholly renewed creation, where evil no longar has any place. A thrilling prospect!
One of the most helpful things to learn from John the Baptiser, is that he does not point to himself. He always points away from himself and towards Jesus. He cries out "Look! the Lamb of God. He takes away the sins of the world. I am not worthy even to untie his smelly sandals (or similar)". He is saying: 'Look how great this man Jesus really is.'
John 1:6-8 says:
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
How often the cliche` has been heard in Christian circles: 'we must be a good example to others'. I suggest the best way to do that is to 'not be a good example', but rather, to point to the greatness of Jesus, the Christ.
Set out to be good example, in, and of yourself, and you may find that you are not such a good example. What then?
The Apostle Paul, the Christian Paul, the new man Paul, still called himself the chief of sinners. And he said to imitate his example. And what was that?
Once again, 'we preach not ourselves' but Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
As a Christian, I am in a church community that 'makes something' of a season prior to Christmas, called Advent. Advent means 'arrival', and points us to the arrival of Jesus at his birth, and the arrival of Jesus at his coming-appearing, at the close of history as we know it (the telos), and at the full unveiling (revelation) of the wholly renewed creation, where evil no longar has any place. A thrilling prospect!
One of the most helpful things to learn from John the Baptiser, is that he does not point to himself. He always points away from himself and towards Jesus. He cries out "Look! the Lamb of God. He takes away the sins of the world. I am not worthy even to untie his smelly sandals (or similar)". He is saying: 'Look how great this man Jesus really is.'
John 1:6-8 says:
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
How often the cliche` has been heard in Christian circles: 'we must be a good example to others'. I suggest the best way to do that is to 'not be a good example', but rather, to point to the greatness of Jesus, the Christ.
Set out to be good example, in, and of yourself, and you may find that you are not such a good example. What then?
The Apostle Paul, the Christian Paul, the new man Paul, still called himself the chief of sinners. And he said to imitate his example. And what was that?
Once again, 'we preach not ourselves' but Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Creation, Fall, Redemption, 1,2,3
Creation, the Fall and Redemption [1,2.3]
The way in which we understand the world around us depends largely upon the framework we have for our thinking, and actions. Communism is largely a failed framework for thinking. Atheism is quite popular, (even if failing to make anys sense of the question of purpose).
Hedonism, the pursuit of pleasure is a popular framework for thought. Again it does not address the difficult questions, and is essentially selfish. Also, I understand that - ancient Paganism is seeing something of a resurgence - an attempt to make sense of the world, dabbling with the occult, and yet failing to answer questions about Jesus.
Islam is a system, or framework for thinking, and actions [we sure have been reminded of the actions that flow from faulty thinking!]
The faith and understanding given to us by Jesus, and the Apostles, and built upon the law and the prophets is essentially a threefold framework:
1. Creation.
2. The Fall
3. Redemption
Of course, these 3 are all helpful when considered in relationhsip to Jesus Christ, and seeing His Lordship over each, as Son of God, and Son of Man.
The Eternal Son of God, is the Co-Creator (of Creation), the True Man (without sin and a Man who has not participated in "the Fall"), and the new Adam (the Redeemer) who reverses the horror of the Fall, by becoming a curse - for us. He rises from death, to bless us all in his redemptive power, so that God’s orginal blessing for Creation may be fulfilled.
When we encounter disaster, sadness, and deep disintegration of community within creation, we do well to remember that the Fall was a long fall, a large fall, an horrendous fall, and no small 'oops'. It was a tragic conspiracy to believe the lie, and to call down upon us the judgment of death, the curse of 'thorns and thistles' and 'pain in childbirth' - ways of speaking of the anguish of the curse. Disease, malfunction within creation - all flow from the fall.
There is however a Redeemer - the Creator of the world, and the only One able to 'make all things new'. This Redeemer is our hope. He HAS redeemed - in that Cross. We ever anticipate the grand outworking of his resurrection power.
Creation. The Fall. Redemption.
"This however you must know: I find that God made man simple; man's complex problems are of his own devising". (Ecclesiastes 7:29 - Jerusalem Bible)
Prayer: "Lord we praise you for the framework in which to truly think, and act, in life".
Cheers, Trevor
The way in which we understand the world around us depends largely upon the framework we have for our thinking, and actions. Communism is largely a failed framework for thinking. Atheism is quite popular, (even if failing to make anys sense of the question of purpose).
Hedonism, the pursuit of pleasure is a popular framework for thought. Again it does not address the difficult questions, and is essentially selfish. Also, I understand that - ancient Paganism is seeing something of a resurgence - an attempt to make sense of the world, dabbling with the occult, and yet failing to answer questions about Jesus.
Islam is a system, or framework for thinking, and actions [we sure have been reminded of the actions that flow from faulty thinking!]
The faith and understanding given to us by Jesus, and the Apostles, and built upon the law and the prophets is essentially a threefold framework:
1. Creation.
2. The Fall
3. Redemption
Of course, these 3 are all helpful when considered in relationhsip to Jesus Christ, and seeing His Lordship over each, as Son of God, and Son of Man.
The Eternal Son of God, is the Co-Creator (of Creation), the True Man (without sin and a Man who has not participated in "the Fall"), and the new Adam (the Redeemer) who reverses the horror of the Fall, by becoming a curse - for us. He rises from death, to bless us all in his redemptive power, so that God’s orginal blessing for Creation may be fulfilled.
When we encounter disaster, sadness, and deep disintegration of community within creation, we do well to remember that the Fall was a long fall, a large fall, an horrendous fall, and no small 'oops'. It was a tragic conspiracy to believe the lie, and to call down upon us the judgment of death, the curse of 'thorns and thistles' and 'pain in childbirth' - ways of speaking of the anguish of the curse. Disease, malfunction within creation - all flow from the fall.
There is however a Redeemer - the Creator of the world, and the only One able to 'make all things new'. This Redeemer is our hope. He HAS redeemed - in that Cross. We ever anticipate the grand outworking of his resurrection power.
Creation. The Fall. Redemption.
"This however you must know: I find that God made man simple; man's complex problems are of his own devising". (Ecclesiastes 7:29 - Jerusalem Bible)
Prayer: "Lord we praise you for the framework in which to truly think, and act, in life".
Cheers, Trevor
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
What are hierophants?
What are hierophants?
It is a term, once commonly used by the Greeks. It is regaining currency.
It is a person who interprets, unfolds and explains mysteries.
The Christian - Paul, the apostle, claimed to be a steward of the mysteries of God.
Hierophants - genuine hierophants - are of enormous help to the human race. This is particularly so, where they open the mysteries of God, creation, humanity, life, suffering, wisdom and purpose to human beings. They help us to proceed with a new sense of confidence. The greatest of hierophants - in my opinion - begins with Jesus of Nazareth.
'Never has anyone spoken like this' (John 7:46).
The list of hierophants - then burgeons out. It harks back to Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, David (Psalms) and Moses and Abraham - and then it ranges down through the teachings and peculiar insights of Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus), Peter, John, Luke, Mark, Matthew and so on.
Further on there is the genius of Athanasius, the great (though fallible) Augustine, Luther (although uncouth), Calvin, Wesley, Whitfield, Edwards, Kierkegaard, James Denney, R.W. Dale, P.T. Forsyth, Karl Barth, T.F. Torrance, James Torrance, N.T. Wright, Alister McGrath, Os Guinness, Leslie Newbigin, J.I. Packer, Eberhard Jungel, Geoffrey C. Bingham, Dean Carter, John Piper, Tom Smail, Baxter Kruger, Daniel Shayesteh and the list goes on.
Of course, to be more endearing to many readers, I should also have mentioned Miriam, Mary Magdalene, Timothy's mother Eunice, and grandmother Lois, Phoebe (Paul's fellow worker), Priscilla, Susannah Wesley, and the lovely woman with the 'pair of pig-tails', next to Martin Luther, my mum - Betty, my wife - Lynne, and so many others - not by way of tokenism, but by way of recognition as joint heirs in the grace of life. But... I mentioned those who have helped me most in terms of my reading, and the insights they have given through their teaching.
I wonder who the hierophants are, who have helped you most?
It is a term, once commonly used by the Greeks. It is regaining currency.
It is a person who interprets, unfolds and explains mysteries.
The Christian - Paul, the apostle, claimed to be a steward of the mysteries of God.
Hierophants - genuine hierophants - are of enormous help to the human race. This is particularly so, where they open the mysteries of God, creation, humanity, life, suffering, wisdom and purpose to human beings. They help us to proceed with a new sense of confidence. The greatest of hierophants - in my opinion - begins with Jesus of Nazareth.
'Never has anyone spoken like this' (John 7:46).
The list of hierophants - then burgeons out. It harks back to Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, David (Psalms) and Moses and Abraham - and then it ranges down through the teachings and peculiar insights of Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus), Peter, John, Luke, Mark, Matthew and so on.
Further on there is the genius of Athanasius, the great (though fallible) Augustine, Luther (although uncouth), Calvin, Wesley, Whitfield, Edwards, Kierkegaard, James Denney, R.W. Dale, P.T. Forsyth, Karl Barth, T.F. Torrance, James Torrance, N.T. Wright, Alister McGrath, Os Guinness, Leslie Newbigin, J.I. Packer, Eberhard Jungel, Geoffrey C. Bingham, Dean Carter, John Piper, Tom Smail, Baxter Kruger, Daniel Shayesteh and the list goes on.
Of course, to be more endearing to many readers, I should also have mentioned Miriam, Mary Magdalene, Timothy's mother Eunice, and grandmother Lois, Phoebe (Paul's fellow worker), Priscilla, Susannah Wesley, and the lovely woman with the 'pair of pig-tails', next to Martin Luther, my mum - Betty, my wife - Lynne, and so many others - not by way of tokenism, but by way of recognition as joint heirs in the grace of life. But... I mentioned those who have helped me most in terms of my reading, and the insights they have given through their teaching.
I wonder who the hierophants are, who have helped you most?
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