Week 2 - Additional Post
Just a couple of things that struck me in the Simply Christian reading. I thought I would reflect on them for my own benefit (and possibly the readers, as well).
In part two, Wright points out something in the life of Jesus that was always there for me to know, but something I just never put together. In retrospect, it feels silly that I didn't put this together. There was a disconnect between Jesus- the man and Jesus- The Lord. Wright outlines that Jesus was not "aware" of his divinity, but was aware that he did have a job to do. In my head, for years, I guess I just pictured Jesus and God going over the "gameplan" in heaven before Jesus' earthly birth, never it occurred to me that Jesus was born and lived in some fashion as a normal human. His relationship with God and awareness of his calling was, in my understanding, something that was divine yet Jesus developed the calling through prayer and knowledge of the scripture. To quote Wright "What it means to speak about Jesus being both truly divine and truly human." This small section took me by surprise. I enjoyed reading through it, it interesting to try to imagine how Jesus felt about himself. His feeling of divine purpose had to feel weird- I think of myself and trying to figure out God's plan. I listen for his voice and try to follow obediently, but Jesus felt it in the deepest part of his being- not to just be some kind of missionary or take on pastoral care, but to be the SAVIOR OF ALL... no biggie? Incredible.
Another section of the book highlights how some of the questions we ask God or about God can't be answered entirely because there are some things that we can't truly comprehend. Even the greatest minds born into this world could not encompass such a big God! It comparing apples and oranges or colors and shapes. The language of God's creation is far too complex for a simple minded human to understand. When I try to build a box for God to live in, He often breaks the mold. This boxing is not necessarily a good thing but it is part of the human curiosity. Even people that don'y necessarily believe in God, when asked 'What would you ask God if you ever met Him?' Most of them would say without hesitation "What is the purpose of this life?" or "Why did you create the Universe in the way you did?" I believe these questions point to a curious man-kind. One that want to KNOW, but never will in their lifetime. In conclusion, I will continue my quest to know God more intimately and also whole-heartedly pursue His love(s), but I will also accept that God is too big, too perfect, too loving - I should let God be God: Creator, Savior, King and Friend.

 Week 2

 1. Which aspect of God's character most draws you to worship?
 - The area of God's character that MOST draws me to worship is God as savior. This question is difficult to answer with total certainty because God has so many wonderful characteristics. Each area has a path in and out of my heart, tugging on my heart. I think God as savior takes me to a depth of connection (overlapping on the Trinity) that brings me to my knees in thankfulness and praise. It's the area that I find Jesus, dying on the cross so I can be in relationship with God, this relationship is intimate and unlike anything attainable through another earthly being. The word 'propitiatory' is used to describe the cross (32). Propitiatory meaning to be made favorable, inviting us into communion, giving us the opportunity to meet with the living God. - Just amazing.
- An area I think needs a fresh retelling is God as creator. I know personally this is something I struggle with. I sometimes forget that God created everything, and I just don't stop to "smell the roses". Sometimes I need to be reminded that God even created the people of Walmart and that Jesus loves them just as much as he loves me! The celebration of creation will never go out of style as long as creation exists, it will always be topical to any generation. Resounding in the wonders and beauties that God has created; His masterpiece, is something that deserves not only our attention but our praise

NeverClaim - Creator
^ This song came on while I was typing that post- convenient!


2. How do you think differently about why Christ came, what his resurrection was all about, or what our eternal destiny is?
- The thing that stood out most in this area where the author talks about the Cross being Triumphant. "He will reign until he has put every enemy under his feet."

I Corinthians 15:24-25
²⁴ Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. ²⁵ For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 

This reminds me that God is not only a God of love and mercy, but of justice and triumph. One day, all the evil of this world will be brought to justice - knowing that gives me reason to stand in awe of God and his power. The spiritual battles that are fought everyday will be won and the war will be over.
This thought wasn't completely groundbreaking, but it just serves a reminder that we may not see all the evil of this world being brought to justice but one day..

Week 1...
The section that truly moved me was the idea that a worship song is a place within itself. A place that people can enter and meet with an intimate and loving God.


In what ways have you seen God be the "subject of the sentence" or the "object of the sentence" in your own worshiping life?
This question makes me think of a time not too long ago (Jan 2012) that I had began to do worship in the small group my wife and I attend. Especially in my first few months; I was always really nervous before worship. I wanted to play well, not embarrass myself too bad and provide worship where people can meet with God. After looking at my heart during that time, I made it less about providing a place for people to worship and more about putting on a good sounding show. My heart wanted to worship Jesus and when I engaged in worship on my own, I did that. But my head would get so wrapped around not messing up during my set that I lost sight of why God wants us to worship. Even as a worship leader, I was concentrating too much on the music and not on Him.
The truth is, I was far too self-conscious about my skill level, I wasn't having fun while I worshipped. Since then I've learned to not only gain some confidence in my playing ability but also to perform more naturally, finding more enjoyment playing worship because I make it less about how I play and more about how well the group responds to the Holy Spirit. When I embrace my imperfection as a musician, my passion for Jesus and worshipping Him is able to shine through.

In what ways have you seen "embedded theology" at work in your own life? In what ways have you chosen to do "deliberative" theology, and what experiences triggered that choice?
I'm a youth leader, I hear a lot of embedded theology from the kids in my group. A lot of "My Grandma told me..." or "I heard..." usually their statements or beliefs are not from the bible but from a relative or some kind of folklore they heard growing up. However, the time I felt most moved to begin deliberative theology was during a small group session last year. In our group, a question was asked and a lot of the answers were "growing up my Mom always told me.." few people had biblical answers to give, most relied on how they were brought up for all their answers. These were "seasoned christians" having trouble outlining biblical principles. This challenged me to begin my deliberative theology, it's an on-going study/project. I challenge myself to develop concrete beliefs and make it a point to note why I believe it (using scripture).

Respect the mustache!

This is me... in disguise. I aspire to one day (God willing) grow a mustache that magnificent; for the time being, construction paper will have to suffice!