In the Person of Christ the Servant

In the Person of Christ the Servant PDF Author: Deacon Dominic Cerrato
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781502534866
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 342

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Book Description
Since its implementation in 1968, the diaconate has been struggling to find its voice within the larger Church. Its suppression as a permanent part of the three-fold hierarchy for over 1000 years has left the order theologically impoverished leading to confusion as to the role and mission of the sacred office. This book is a response to the International Theological Commission and indeed the Church herself, to develop a more refined theology of the diaconate using Pope John Paul II's Personalism and Theology of the Body. The unique aspect of Deacon Cerrato's contribution is that it grounds diaconal theology in the interplay between divine and human love. Where other theological approaches tend to reduce deacons to their function, to what they do; a personalist approach roots deacons in who they are, Christ the Servant. In this regard, diaconal service is not doing something, but instead giving Someone. This contextualizes the diaconate in terms of a salvific gift-of-self that wills the good of another for the sake of the other. Using Pope John Paul II's approach to Scripture, Deacon Cerrato takes these insights to explore what it means "to serve at table" (Acts 6: 2-3). Finally, in what he calls the Establishment Hypothesis, Deacon Cerrato shows how all of these insights lead to a more integrated and organic understanding of Holy Orders. Endorsements: What Deacon Cerrato has accomplished is to pioneer a more creative approach to diaconal identity beyond the ready ecclesial documents which, while indispensable, do not contain all that the faith-filled intellect wants to ponder and receive from the truth of the diaconal mysteries. Let this work of Deacon Cerrato open your imagination and coax us all to think anew. Deacon James Keating, Ph.D. Director of the Institute of Priestly Formation The Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in its opening line tells us that "the origin of the diaconate is the consecration and mission of Christ, in which the deacon is called to share." Sophisticated philosophical language can tell us what this means; but the lived reality is what deacons are called to do. Deacons are not simply church decorations understood by their functional placement at the altar. They share in the very servanthood of Christ our Savior. We are grateful that Deacon Cerrato has given us such a thorough and engaging study of the theology of the diaconate. Most Rev. Jeffrey Monforton, Bishop of Steubenville This book thankfully focuses on the "what" or essence of the mystery of Christ the Servant. Service is always relationship, ministry is Christ's relationship with those in need. Cerrato plumbs the depths of Scripture, Patristics and takes advantage of certain philosophical currents to unfold the deeper mysteries of Christ the Servant, present and engaged in what is today called the Permanent Deacon. This work has opened up and advanced new vistas for a deeper understanding of the mystery of Christ the Servant actualized in ordained ministry. Deacon Stephen Miletic, Ph.D. Professor of Scripture, Franciscan University of Steubenville

In the Person of Christ the Servant

In the Person of Christ the Servant PDF Author: Deacon Dominic Cerrato
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781502534866
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 342

Get Book Here

Book Description
Since its implementation in 1968, the diaconate has been struggling to find its voice within the larger Church. Its suppression as a permanent part of the three-fold hierarchy for over 1000 years has left the order theologically impoverished leading to confusion as to the role and mission of the sacred office. This book is a response to the International Theological Commission and indeed the Church herself, to develop a more refined theology of the diaconate using Pope John Paul II's Personalism and Theology of the Body. The unique aspect of Deacon Cerrato's contribution is that it grounds diaconal theology in the interplay between divine and human love. Where other theological approaches tend to reduce deacons to their function, to what they do; a personalist approach roots deacons in who they are, Christ the Servant. In this regard, diaconal service is not doing something, but instead giving Someone. This contextualizes the diaconate in terms of a salvific gift-of-self that wills the good of another for the sake of the other. Using Pope John Paul II's approach to Scripture, Deacon Cerrato takes these insights to explore what it means "to serve at table" (Acts 6: 2-3). Finally, in what he calls the Establishment Hypothesis, Deacon Cerrato shows how all of these insights lead to a more integrated and organic understanding of Holy Orders. Endorsements: What Deacon Cerrato has accomplished is to pioneer a more creative approach to diaconal identity beyond the ready ecclesial documents which, while indispensable, do not contain all that the faith-filled intellect wants to ponder and receive from the truth of the diaconal mysteries. Let this work of Deacon Cerrato open your imagination and coax us all to think anew. Deacon James Keating, Ph.D. Director of the Institute of Priestly Formation The Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in its opening line tells us that "the origin of the diaconate is the consecration and mission of Christ, in which the deacon is called to share." Sophisticated philosophical language can tell us what this means; but the lived reality is what deacons are called to do. Deacons are not simply church decorations understood by their functional placement at the altar. They share in the very servanthood of Christ our Savior. We are grateful that Deacon Cerrato has given us such a thorough and engaging study of the theology of the diaconate. Most Rev. Jeffrey Monforton, Bishop of Steubenville This book thankfully focuses on the "what" or essence of the mystery of Christ the Servant. Service is always relationship, ministry is Christ's relationship with those in need. Cerrato plumbs the depths of Scripture, Patristics and takes advantage of certain philosophical currents to unfold the deeper mysteries of Christ the Servant, present and engaged in what is today called the Permanent Deacon. This work has opened up and advanced new vistas for a deeper understanding of the mystery of Christ the Servant actualized in ordained ministry. Deacon Stephen Miletic, Ph.D. Professor of Scripture, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Slave

Slave PDF Author: John F. MacArthur
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 140020318X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 241

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Book Description
A COVER-UP OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS... Centuries ago, English translators perpetrated a fraud in the New Testament, and it’s been purposely hidden and covered up ever since. Your own Bible is probably included in the cover-up! In this book, which includes a study guide for personal or group use, John MacArthur unveils the essential and clarifying revelation that may be keeping you from a fulfilling—and correct—relationship with God. It’s powerful. It’s controversial. And with new eyes you’ll see the riches of your salvation in a radically new way. What does it mean to be a Christian the way Jesus defined it? MacArthur says it all boils down to one word: SLAVE “We have been bought with a price. We belong to Christ. We are His own possession.” Endorsements: "Dr. John MacArthur is never afraid to tell the truth and in this book he does just that. The Christian's great privilege is to be the slave of Christ. Dr. MacArthur makes it clear that this is one of the Bible's most succinct ways of describing our discipleship. This is a powerful exposition of Scripture, a convincing corrective to shallow Christianity, a masterful work of pastoral encouragement...a devotional classic." - Dr. R. Albert Mohler, President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary "John MacArthur expertly and lucidly explains that Jesus frees us from bondage into a royal slavery that we might be His possession. Those who would be His children must, paradoxically, be willing to be His slaves." - Dr. R.C. Sproul "Dr. John MacArthur's teaching on 'slavery' resonates in the deepest recesses of my 'inner-man.' As an African-American pastor, I have been there. That is why the thought of someone writing about slavery as being a 'God-send' was the most ludicrous, unconscionable thing that I could have ever imagined...until I read this book. Now I see that becoming a slave is a biblical command, completely redefining the idea of freedom in Christ. I don't want to simply be a 'follower' or even just a 'servant'...but a 'slave'." - The Rev. Dr. Dallas H. Wilson, Jr., Vicar, St. John's Episcopal Chapel, Charleston, SC

From Hero to Servant to Mystic

From Hero to Servant to Mystic PDF Author: Scott P Detisch
Publisher: Liturgical Press
ISBN: 0814644937
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 168

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Book Description
From Hero to Servant to Mystic addresses both the initial and ongoing formation of priests by tracing three significant stages in how their spiritual lives unfold. Fr. Scott Detisch offers seminarians, priests, spiritual directors, and clergy personnel directors a way of understanding the whole gamut of spiritual growth and development in priests by focusing on three major clusters of energies within men—the Hero, the Servant, and the Mystic. By recognizing the difficulties that may arise within the inner life and outer world of a priest, Detisch offers helpful methods for navigating through those challenging periods. By applying these energies to their spiritual lives, priests will experience a different form of relationship with the person of Christ—the Hero, who offers his life for Christ; the Servant, who ministers with Christ; and the Mystic, who lives his life in Christ.

Following Jesus, the Servant King

Following Jesus, the Servant King PDF Author: Jonathan Lunde
Publisher: Zondervan Academic
ISBN: 0310322685
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 322

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Book Description
"This book presents a biblical theology of discipleship that gives the “big picture” of God’s relationship with humanity. It surveys God’s interaction with humankind from Eden, through the sequence of the biblical covenants, and on into the fulfillment that comes in Jesus. Throughout, the twin themes emerge—one of God’s demand of righteousness and another of his prior, enabling grace. Discipleship to Jesus stands in relation to its Old Testament precedents, preserving continuity in the grace/demand interplay. Jesus’ ministry to Israel is the fulfillment of the interactions between God and his people, assuming the roles of righteous King and gracious Servant. Faithful discipleship to Jesus the King, therefore, must always involve responding to his bracing call for righteousness, but doing so in the ongoing experience of the Servant’s prior, enabling grace. This book provides an understanding of Jesus that will facilitate ongoing experiences of transforming grace, which in turn will enable faithful discipleship. As such, it presents a view of Christian discipleship that is grounded in an informed Christology of Jesus, the Servant King."

Through the Needle's Eye

Through the Needle's Eye PDF Author: David Servant
Publisher: Shepherd Serve
ISBN: 0962962597
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 273

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Book Description


On Being a Servant of God

On Being a Servant of God PDF Author: Warren W. Wiersbe
Publisher: Baker Books
ISBN: 144120038X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 144

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Book Description
Sometimes people lose sight of the core of their ministry. They feel overwhelmed by the needs that surround them on a daily basis. Wise and beloved pastor Warren Wiersbe invites ministry leaders to listen in on thirty short "armchair chats" to encourage and strengthen them for service. He shares what he wishes he had known about ministering to others when he began his own Christian pilgrimage. "Ministry," he says, "takes place when divine resources meet human needs through loving channels to the glory of God." With this new edition of a classic book, which includes a foreword by Jim Cymbala, the next generation of ministry leaders can take advantage of Wiersbe's years of wisdom.

Servants of the Servant

Servants of the Servant PDF Author: Don N. Howell Jr.
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1498273041
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 314

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Book Description
Leadership is a subject that has gained impressive visibility in the past two decades. The number of books, monographs and articles, as well as seminars, devoted to the development of one's leadership skills has been almost exponential growth. This study is an attempt to forge a full-orbed theology of Christian leadership grounded in the teaching of Scripture. What emerges from tracing the theme of leadership through the biblical record is a servanthood pattern, one that is wholly distinct from prevailing secular models. Our exposition begins with the biblical language of the servant, the term of choice for those great leaders used of God to further his saving purposes in the world. Eleven Old Testament and five New Testament leaders are profiled. The portrait of Jesus Christ focuses on three motifs that governed his training of the twelve for kingdom ministry. The Pauline letters are mined for those convictions that governed Paul's practice of leadership, both of his mission team and of the faith communities that emerged from that mission. The treatment of each leader, from Joseph to Paul, begins with a series of preliminary questions and concludes with a mini-profile that correlates the biblical data with these questions. The final chapter offers a summary profile of the servant leader, one whose character, motives and agenda align with the divine purposes. Though designed as a textbook for upper level college and seminary courses on leadership, the book's readable format is ideal for churches and parachurch organizations in their leadership training programs. The author's prayer is that this work will serve as a catalyst to call God's people back to Scripture and thereby raise up a whole new generation of authentic servant-leaders.

Cross-Cultural Servanthood

Cross-Cultural Servanthood PDF Author: Duane Elmer
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 0830874836
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 214

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Book Description
With careful biblical exposition and keen cross-cultural awareness, Duane Elmer offers principles and guidance for avoiding misunderstandings and building relationships in ways that honor people in other cultures.

Understanding the Diaconate

Understanding the Diaconate PDF Author: W. Shawn McKnight
Publisher: CUA Press
ISBN: 0813230357
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 329

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Book Description
What is a deacon? More than fifty years since the restoration of the permanent diaconate by the Second Vatican Council, the office of deacon is still in need of greater specificity about its purpose and place within the mission and organizational structure of the Church. While the Church is more than a social reality, the Church nonetheless has a social reality. Our understanding of the diaconate therefore benefits from a theological discussion of the divine element of the Church and a sociological examination of the human element. Understanding the Diaconate adds the resources of sociology and anthropology to the theological sources of scripture, liturgy, patristic era texts, theologians, and magisterial teachings to conclude that the deacon can be understood as “social intermediary and symbol of communitas” who serves the participation of the laity in the life and mission of the Church. This research proposes the deacon as a servant of the bond of communion within the Church (facilitating the relationship between the bishop/priest and his people), and between the People of God and the individual in need. Thus authentic diaconal ministry includes a vast array of many concrete contexts of pastoral importance where one does more than simply serve at Mass.

The Gospel According to Jesus

The Gospel According to Jesus PDF Author: John MacArthur
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310291364
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 306

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Book Description
The first edition of The Gospel According to Jesus won wide acclaim in confronting the "easy-believism" that has characterized some quarters in evangelical ChristiaOver the past 50 years, a handful of books have become true classics, revered world-wide for their crystal-clear presentation of the Gospel and lauded for their contribution to the Christian faith. These extraordinary books are read, re-read, and discussed in churches, Bible study groups, and homes everywhere. John MacArthur's The Gospel According to Jesus is one of those books. In The Gospel According to Jesus, MacArthur tackles the idea of "easy believism," challenging Christians to re-evaluate their commitment to Christ by examining their fruits. MacArthur asks, "What does it really mean to be saved?" He urges readers to understand that their conversion was more than a mere point in time, that, by definition, it includes a lifetime of obediently walking with Jesus as Lord. This 20th Anniversary edition of MacArthur's provocative, Scripture-based book contains one new chapter and is further revised to provide Christians in the 21st century a fresh perspective on the intrinsic relationship between faith and works, clearly revealing why Jesus is both Savior and Lord to all who believe. nity. This expanded edition deepens the debate over "lordship salvation" and the biblical understanding of faith and works in adding a new chapter.