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Author: Bo Simeroth
Publisher: Author House
ISBN: 1463486987
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 120
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Book Description
The objective of this book is to help you know Jesus better by a thoughtful and thorough consideration of his death on the cross. Whether you are on a search for who Jesus is, or are desiring to draw nearer to him, or both, this book is aimed at assisting you. Pondering the cross not only turns our hearts more toward Jesus, but it also causes our minds to see the infinite wisdom behind such an event. It is this divine wisdom which offers powerful evidence that the cross was the plan of God from the very beginnings of humanity. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus have always been, far and above, the central events of the Gospel. Concerning the resurrection Paul says to the Corinthians, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile.” Jesus’ return from the dead and his many appearances to hundreds of disciples was the overwhelming proof that he truly was Messiah, Lord, Savior, and the Son of God. Without discounting the resurrection even a little bit, it was the cross, however, where Jesus fulfilled his calling from the Father. Jesus always had a choice. His prayer in Gethsemane showed his desire to not have to face the cross, as well as his willingness to do the Father’s will. If Jesus had said, “No, I’m not doing it,” then evil would have won and his mission would have failed. He had to be the lamb before he would become the king. (In chapter three this idea is more thoroughly considered.) Thus, the necessity and centrality of the cross to Jesus’ entire mission is a key fact of the Christian message. He was born to be crucified. Additionally, underneath the message of the cross lies a powerful testimony to the event being part of a divine plan that is beyond human wisdom. As C. S. Lewis points out, the perfect gift of His life, His perfect submission, perfect suffering and perfect death “were only possible because He was God.” This is what these readings are focused upon – the divine perfection of the cross. In preparing these devotional readings it was my goal to not only focus on the facts of the cross, but, more so to focus on the “deep magic” of the cross as C.S. Lewis calls it. It dawned on me that the cross of Jesus is a point in human history in which infinity breaks into the finite, in which the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Evil have their “showdown,” in which the realm of Spirit intertwines with the realm of nature in such a way that we all stand in awe. From this perspective the cross becomes the center of all human history. The meaning of the cross becomes so rich and so deep that it can only be from the wisdom of God. As one looks into the depth of meaning that the cross conveys, it is like looking at a finely cut gem stone with its many facets. Every slight change in viewing angle reveals new reflections, added beauty, richer depth, and greater complexity. Meditating on the cross of Jesus is like this. There is a depth of wisdom, a richness of meaning, and a spiritual “logic” that can only be conveyed in paradox. Paradox is always something that seems to defy human logic and natural processes. It challenges our mind to go beyond its boundaries. The event of Jesus’ crucifixion certainly fits that description. In the first reading I discuss further this concept and its implications. This book is a series of devotional readings designed to speak to the heart of the reader as well as the head. I would suggest that you set aside about an hour’s time to read one devotional and spend the rest of that time in prayer and meditation in the context of the thoughts of the reading. I know that you will be blessed in doing so. The book also lends itself to a group study as well, using each chapter reading as your weekly discussion topic. You might also consider, in the early part of the calendar year, reading and meditating upon one devotional a week leading up to Good Friday. This could be a way of bringing your attention into focus upon the cross during the weeks prior to our yearly celebration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. However, you choose to use this book, I know it will expand your appreciation and inner knowledge of what Paul calls “the unsearchable riches of Christ” and help you “see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things” (Eph 3.8, 9).
Author: Bo Simeroth
Publisher: Author House
ISBN: 1463486987
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 120
Get Book Here
Book Description
The objective of this book is to help you know Jesus better by a thoughtful and thorough consideration of his death on the cross. Whether you are on a search for who Jesus is, or are desiring to draw nearer to him, or both, this book is aimed at assisting you. Pondering the cross not only turns our hearts more toward Jesus, but it also causes our minds to see the infinite wisdom behind such an event. It is this divine wisdom which offers powerful evidence that the cross was the plan of God from the very beginnings of humanity. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus have always been, far and above, the central events of the Gospel. Concerning the resurrection Paul says to the Corinthians, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile.” Jesus’ return from the dead and his many appearances to hundreds of disciples was the overwhelming proof that he truly was Messiah, Lord, Savior, and the Son of God. Without discounting the resurrection even a little bit, it was the cross, however, where Jesus fulfilled his calling from the Father. Jesus always had a choice. His prayer in Gethsemane showed his desire to not have to face the cross, as well as his willingness to do the Father’s will. If Jesus had said, “No, I’m not doing it,” then evil would have won and his mission would have failed. He had to be the lamb before he would become the king. (In chapter three this idea is more thoroughly considered.) Thus, the necessity and centrality of the cross to Jesus’ entire mission is a key fact of the Christian message. He was born to be crucified. Additionally, underneath the message of the cross lies a powerful testimony to the event being part of a divine plan that is beyond human wisdom. As C. S. Lewis points out, the perfect gift of His life, His perfect submission, perfect suffering and perfect death “were only possible because He was God.” This is what these readings are focused upon – the divine perfection of the cross. In preparing these devotional readings it was my goal to not only focus on the facts of the cross, but, more so to focus on the “deep magic” of the cross as C.S. Lewis calls it. It dawned on me that the cross of Jesus is a point in human history in which infinity breaks into the finite, in which the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Evil have their “showdown,” in which the realm of Spirit intertwines with the realm of nature in such a way that we all stand in awe. From this perspective the cross becomes the center of all human history. The meaning of the cross becomes so rich and so deep that it can only be from the wisdom of God. As one looks into the depth of meaning that the cross conveys, it is like looking at a finely cut gem stone with its many facets. Every slight change in viewing angle reveals new reflections, added beauty, richer depth, and greater complexity. Meditating on the cross of Jesus is like this. There is a depth of wisdom, a richness of meaning, and a spiritual “logic” that can only be conveyed in paradox. Paradox is always something that seems to defy human logic and natural processes. It challenges our mind to go beyond its boundaries. The event of Jesus’ crucifixion certainly fits that description. In the first reading I discuss further this concept and its implications. This book is a series of devotional readings designed to speak to the heart of the reader as well as the head. I would suggest that you set aside about an hour’s time to read one devotional and spend the rest of that time in prayer and meditation in the context of the thoughts of the reading. I know that you will be blessed in doing so. The book also lends itself to a group study as well, using each chapter reading as your weekly discussion topic. You might also consider, in the early part of the calendar year, reading and meditating upon one devotional a week leading up to Good Friday. This could be a way of bringing your attention into focus upon the cross during the weeks prior to our yearly celebration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. However, you choose to use this book, I know it will expand your appreciation and inner knowledge of what Paul calls “the unsearchable riches of Christ” and help you “see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things” (Eph 3.8, 9).
Author: Clive Calver
Publisher: Biblica
ISBN: 1934068802
Category : Spiritual life
Languages : en
Pages : 169
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Book Description
Many Christians acknowledge that they love Jesus but are disillusioned about their spiritual condition. They come to Christ to drink from the well of his new life, yet find that their thirst remains. Why has the Christian life not met their expectations for spiritual growth and how can they satisfy this craving for their Christian walk to have a deeper impact? Do you desperately yearn for a deeper relationship with God? Clive Calver —pastor, preacher and longtime church statesman —can relate. As a young preacher and fairly new Christian, he felt deeply frustrated in his efforts to experience spiritual transformation. Then it dawned on him that Jesus ' death on the cross achieved two things: how to die and how to live. Crucified love was God 's gift to us; resurrected life with Christ was his purpose for us. For far too long we have been presented with a version of the Christian faith that majors on what we get rather than on what we give. The cross has been portrayed as the place where Jesus died for us and where we receive from him but rarely as the location of our joint crucifixion with him. The uncomfortable truth is that Jesus calls us to share his cross. "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). Fortunately, we don 't have to be some kind of a "Super Christian" to allow God 's power to work through us. Calver shows how a number of ordinary believers have discovered the paradoxical fulfillment of the crucified life as they die to self and serve God and other people. By "dying to live," you too can know the joy of resurrection.
Author: Murray J. Harris
Publisher: Penn State Press
ISBN: 9780853645801
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 1126
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Book Description
The reputation of the NIGTC series is so outstanding that the appearance of each new volume is noteworthy. This book on 2 Corinthians is no exception. Master New Testament exegete Murray J. Harris has produced a superb commentary that analyzes the Greek text verse by verse against the backdrop of Paul's tumultuous relations with his converts at Corinth. Believing that Scripture cannot be understood theologically unless it has first been understood grammatically, Harris provides a careful, thoroughgoing reading of the text of 2 Corinthians. He gives special attention to matters of translation, making regular references not only to the standard modern English translations but also to influential older versions such as "The Twentieth Century New Testament" and those by Weymouth, Moffatt, and Goodspeed. His close attention to matters of textual criticism and grammar leads to discussions of the theology of 2 Corinthians that show the relevance of Paul's teaching to Christian living and church ministry. Other notable features of the book include a comprehensive introduction in which all the relevant literary and historical issues are discussed, an expanded paraphrase of the letter that conveniently shows Harris's decisions on exegetical issues and indicates the flow of Paul's argument, a chronology of the relations of Paul, Timothy, and Titus with the Corinthian church, and an excursus on Paul's "affliction in Asia" (1:8-11) and its influence on his outlook and theology.
Author: James H. Cone
Publisher: Orbis Books
ISBN: 160833001X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 225
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Book Description
A landmark in the conversation about race and religion in America. "They put him to death by hanging him on a tree." Acts 10:39 The cross and the lynching tree are the two most emotionally charged symbols in the history of the African American community. In this powerful new work, theologian James H. Cone explores these symbols and their interconnection in the history and souls of black folk. Both the cross and the lynching tree represent the worst in human beings and at the same time a thirst for life that refuses to let the worst determine our final meaning. While the lynching tree symbolized white power and "black death," the cross symbolizes divine power and "black life" God overcoming the power of sin and death. For African Americans, the image of Jesus, hung on a tree to die, powerfully grounded their faith that God was with them, even in the suffering of the lynching era. In a work that spans social history, theology, and cultural studies, Cone explores the message of the spirituals and the power of the blues; the passion and of Emmet Till and the engaged vision of Martin Luther King, Jr.; he invokes the spirits of Billie Holliday and Langston Hughes, Fannie Lou Hamer and Ida B. Well, and the witness of black artists, writers, preachers, and fighters for justice. And he remembers the victims, especially the 5,000 who perished during the lynching period. Through their witness he contemplates the greatest challenge of any Christian theology to explain how life can be made meaningful in the face of death and injustice.
Author: Anthony Hanson
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 0567585468
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 247
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Book Description
This book has its starting point in the paradoxical descriptions Paul often gives of his own ministry. Why does he seem impelled to use paradox? And why do these depictions of his ministry seem so close to his language about the atoning work of Christ? In answering these questions Professor Hanson argues that Paul has largely transferred to the apostolic ministers the character of the citizens of the kingdom which he knew from his acquaintance with the teaching of Jesus. In an important extension to the main argument, Professor Hanson examines how the theme of the paradox of the cross fared at the hands of Paul's immediate successors up to the time of Ignatius of Antioch, and asks how far Paul's depiction of the apostolic ministry can throw light on questions of ministry today.
Author: Anthony Tyrrell Hanson
Publisher: Burns & Oates
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 258
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Book Description
This book has its starting point in the paradoxical descriptions Paul often gives of his own ministry. Why does he seem impelled to use paradox? And why do these depictions of his ministry seem so close to his language about the atoning work of Christ? In answering these questions Professor Hanson argues that Paul has largely transferred to the apostolic ministers the character of the citizens of the kingdom which he knew from his acquaintance with the teaching of Jesus. In an important extension to the main argument, Professor Hanson examines how the theme of the paradox of the cross fared at.
Author:
Publisher: Forward Movement
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 12
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Book Description
Author: Robin M. Jensen
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674088808
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 281
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Book Description
The cross stirs intense feelings among Christians as well as non-Christians. Robin Jensen takes readers on an intellectual and spiritual journey through the two-thousand-year evolution of the cross as an idea and an artifact, illuminating the controversies—along with the forms of devotion—this central symbol of Christianity inspires. Jesus’s death on the cross posed a dilemma for Saint Paul and the early Church fathers. Crucifixion was a humiliating form of execution reserved for slaves and criminals. How could their messiah and savior have been subjected to such an ignominious death? Wrestling with this paradox, they reimagined the cross as a triumphant expression of Christ’s sacrificial love and miraculous resurrection. Over time, the symbol’s transformation raised myriad doctrinal questions, particularly about the crucifix—the cross with the figure of Christ—and whether it should emphasize Jesus’s suffering or his glorification. How should Jesus’s body be depicted: alive or dead, naked or dressed? Should it be shown at all? Jensen’s wide-ranging study focuses on the cross in painting and literature, the quest for the “true cross” in Jerusalem, and the symbol’s role in conflicts from the Crusades to wars of colonial conquest. The Cross also reveals how Jews and Muslims viewed the most sacred of all Christian emblems and explains its role in public life in the West today.
Author: Slavoj Zizek
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262265818
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 321
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Book Description
A militant Marxist atheist and a “Radical Orthodox” Christian theologian square off on everything from the meaning of theology and Christ to the war machine of corporate mafia. “What matters is not so much that Žižek is endorsing a demythologized, disenchanted Christianity without transcendence, as that he is offering in the end (despite what he sometimes claims) a heterodox version of Christian belief.”—John Milbank “To put it even more bluntly, my claim is that it is Milbank who is effectively guilty of heterodoxy, ultimately of a regression to paganism: in my atheism, I am more Christian than Milbank.”—Slavoj Žižek In this corner, philosopher Slavoj Žižek, a militant atheist who represents the critical-materialist stance against religion's illusions; in the other corner, “Radical Orthodox” theologian John Milbank, an influential and provocative thinker who argues that theology is the only foundation upon which knowledge, politics, and ethics can stand. In The Monstrosity of Christ, Žižek and Milbank go head to head for three rounds, employing an impressive arsenal of moves to advance their positions and press their respective advantages. By the closing bell, they have not only proven themselves worthy adversaries, they have shown that faith and reason are not simply and intractably opposed. Žižek has long been interested in the emancipatory potential offered by Christian theology. And Milbank, seeing global capitalism as the new century's greatest ethical challenge, has pushed his own ontology in more political and materialist directions. Their debate in The Monstrosity of Christ concerns the future of religion, secularity, and political hope in light of a monsterful event—God becoming human. For the first time since Žižek's turn toward theology, we have a true debate between an atheist and a theologian about the very meaning of theology, Christ, the Church, the Holy Ghost, Universality, and the foundations of logic. The result goes far beyond the popularized atheist/theist point/counterpoint of recent books by Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, and others. Žižek begins, and Milbank answers, countering dialectics with “paradox.” The debate centers on the nature of and relation between paradox and parallax, between analogy and dialectics, between transcendent glory and liberation. Slavoj Žižek is a philosopher and cultural critic. He has published over thirty books, including Looking Awry, The Puppet and the Dwarf, and The Parallax View (these three published by the MIT Press). John Milbank is an influential Christian theologian and the author of Theology and Social Theory: Beyond Secular Reason and other books. Creston Davis, who conceived of this encounter, studied under both Žižek and Milbank.
Author: Bob Sorge
Publisher: Bob Sorge
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 173
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Book Description
Kneel again in blood and water, and revisit the hill where the two of you first met. Understand the great paradox of the cross—He suffered so we never have to, and He suffered to show us how. His cross will make sense of your sufferings. Your faith will be strengthened as you believe God for your own resurrection! This is the most profound writing on the cross I have ever read. The magnitude of this book is almost beyond my ability to describe—it’s a treasure of truth. Don WilkersonCo-Founder, Teen Challenge
