Sunday, May 3, 2009

CONGRATULATIONS

Dear Nathan, Tim and Timothy:
I don’t know if you all will read this last blog, but just in case I wanted to wish the graduates “the best” in their lives and ministries. May our God go with you guys anywhere you will go to serve Him and glorify His name.
For Tim I hope you have a great summer!. I enjoyed and learned a lot from all of you guys. Thank you very much!
Blessing of our Lord!
YSIC
Ana

Ch. 11- Ana

Chapter 11

1. What do the author's state is the primary purpose of the Book of Revelation? How do you respond to this view?
According to the author, the book of Revelation’s primary purpose is to talk about the present and ‘The End’ times. He states God is active in world’s history and His ultimate purpose is to reach victory and put the universe under His control.
I agree that God is active and will continue be active in world’s history as His Word talks about the present, future but also the past. If past Scriptural prophesies had been exactly fulfilled, we can be absolutely sure that future prophesies will be as well, even when we don’t fully understand them. Now, I don’t agree with the author’s statement (in his words) that God will “conform the universe to His purpose, under His control.” God is already in control of the universe, the Scripture shows us in Job that Satan ‘asked for permission to temp Job’, so; even when we don’t fully understand why He allows certain things to happen, He is still in control. If He wouldn’t He wouldn’t be sovereign and almighty, He wouldn’t be God, but HE IS GOD! He was, He is and He will always be in control. Alleluia!.


2. What literary form, often employed by intertestamental Jewish writers, is also used in the book of Revelation? Why is this significant to the study of Revelation?
Intertestamental Jewish use Apocalyptic literary form as it occurs in both the Old and New Testament. This is a “distinct literary genre” that utilizes visions and symbolism as in the case of the book of Revelations.

3. How do you think world events could affect someone’s view of the millennium?
It can affect in different ways depending of their believes, personality, knowledge about the ‘End Time’ and faith, I believe. I heard some people feeling scare with the idea that the End is coming, I seen others rejoicing and working earnestly, there are others who might see it with disbelief since so many people had “predict” the Last Day and nothing had happened; or because many had heard for years and years that we are living in the end times but live seems to go on, as in the case of Y2K. Now the generalized view appears to be skepticism. There is still many people who deny that a “loving God” could judge people in such a terrible way. I am not sure about our Christian churches but I personally don’t hear many connecting the two things nor rejoicing for the Second Coming. Maybe a serious and deep study of Scripture compare with the current world events might prepare Christians first to properly respond to the imminent Return of our Lord but also to reach earnestly to others who desperately need the hope and faith that we have. It definitely needs to start with each of us first.

Ch 11. Npenland

1. What do the author's state is the primary purpose of the Book of Revelation? How do you respond to this view?
Revelation states that God's people are living in between the times. Scott sees Revelation as an example of the type of prophetic writings which address and alludes to events of the author's own time and also the future. He believes is addresses the experiences of Christians living at the end ofthe first century, during the time of persecution by Emporer Domition.
I personally am weak in studying Revelation. I know that John is addressing specific churches, but I am not sure what alludes to the 1st century and what is directed towards teh end times.

2. What literary form, often employed by intertestamental Jewish writers, is also used in the book of Revelation? Why is this significant to the study of Revelation?
Scott describes the literary form as philosophical orientation. This is significant because we are left to answer when the events are going to occur. Whether they be in the first century or at the end times.

3. How do you think world events could affect someone‟s view of the millennium?

I think people look at world events in the present and try to predict when the millennium is going to begin. They see Tsunamis and earthquakes or any other natural disaster and predict that Christ is coming soon. There is also alot of emphasis on the Middle East and Israel. The political nature and role in different wars. Some look at these to try to determine when the millennium will begin. I am not sure if this is what they wanted, but I tried to answer the best I could.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

1. What are the three different ways the early church has responded to the social order in which it lived?

We are to enter into our culture, but to rise above it. We are refuse to comprimise Christ to the society around us. Third is the attempt to transform a culture. These are three different ways in which Christians have tried to reach the culture around them. Each has its unique attributes and each could work in the right context.

2. St. Paul said that he became "all things to all men" for the purpose of spreading the Gospel. What are the limits to this approach in being a Christian witness?

All things must not be contrary to Scripture. A person can integrate themslef into a culture or society as long as they don't comprimise what the Bible teaches as sin. This also includes causing someone else to stumble. The Christian Witness must realize that their purpose is for Christian Witness and keep their focus upon that.

3. Regarding the apostles, Scott says "The hostile, negative reaction they experience from society is to be expected." (P. 267) Question: What kinds of negative reaction do you experience from this current society?

I think that the media is one of the biggest avenues for negative reaction. It seems that Hollywood is looking for someone who claims to be a believer who is willing to go onto a reality show so they can document them sinning. Their claim is that the "Christians" are no different than the rest of society. Another area is when a person has had a bad experience in the church (Maybe by no fault of the church at all). Many people complain just for the sake of complaining.

4. Scott states; "The state, on the other hand, does not know of the lordship of Christ but still serves Him unconsciously and against its will." (P. 287) Question: What action can we take to help change the state for serving Christ and following God‟s Will?

Portraying our faith as real and showing others how it affects us on a daily basis is a start. It seems that the church secludes themselves and talks about the Lord to each other, but not to those who don't believe. The society must be taught what serving the Lord is and what His will is. They will not know if they have not been told.

Ch. 10 - Ana

Chapter 10

1. What are the three different ways the early church has responded to the social order in which it lived?
I believe the first thing was, as Jesus said, that we are in the world but no part of it, our citizen is in heaven and obeying to God our priority. Second we should give to society of state what belongs to them and to God what belongs to Him. And third we should denounce and rebel against anyone who what’s to take God’s place in our lives. That’s what the early church did and that is what we should do.

2. St. Paul said that he became “all things to all men” for the purpose of spreading the Gospel. What are the limits to this approach in being a Christian witness?
I believe the limit is to do something sinful that others do to feel accepted by them and supposedly sharing the Gospel. I should add that doing this will be confusing for them but most than anything else denying the Scripture since we ought to be doers of the Word before we become witness of the Word.

3. Regarding the apostles, Scott says “The hostile, negative reaction they experience from society is to be expected.” (P. 267) Question: What kinds of negative reaction do you experience from this current society?
I had experience people at work and even family and friends making fun of me, people walking away when I started to share the gospel, friends getting separated from me or not inviting me to their gatherings, I had lost friends that I have had for years, I had people at work expressively telling me not to talk about religion and I was also defied by someone who assure me he was going to get me out of that absurd religion.

4. Scott states; “The state, on the other hand, does not know of the lordship of Christ but still serves Him unconsciously and against its will.” (P. 287) Question: What action can we take to help change the state for serving Christ and following God‟s Will?
I am not sure I understand this question, but according to the Scott, our responsibility is to respect and obey the state as long as its goal is to create peace and order which is God’s will; but since the state can also be used by the devil, if the state would required from us to do something that “clearly” is against Scripture we should remember our first allegiance is to Christ and the Scripture.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Ch. 9 UP IN HERE!

1. How does the church today mimic the church described in the chapter? How does it not?

The church today mimics the church in the chapter in many ways. One particular way is in the way that both the church in the chapter and today’s church is in relationship with Christ. Those who are called the church in the chapter and in today's church are called that as a result of this relationship. Without a relationship with the God of the universe through His son Jesus Christ one cannot be considered as part of the church in the sense that it was addressed here.

2. Define the Church
The church as defined by http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=435 (I am in agreement) is as follows: There is only one church, or the unity of the church. Every Believer in Jesus Christ is a member of the church of Jesus Christ (I Cor. 12:27; Rom. 15:7). Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18). Every believer in Jesus Christ is a priest (I Pet. 2:5,9). In the church, as in marriage, the man is to reflect the headship of Christ and the woman is privileged to portray the submission of the church to her Lord. A New Testament church is one that expresses the life of Christ in a tangible way.
1. How does the church today mimic the church described in the chapter? How does it not?
Again, I think these are pretty weak questions that are so broad that cannot be answered without going through the entire chapter. To ask for the church as a whole is almost impossible to describe. Are they talking about the Southern Baptist realm, or all Christian denominations. Even to go with one denomination would be pretty difficult since each church is autonomous. Anyway, most churches try to mimic the ministries and sacraments that are described in Scripture. Each church may have a different interpretaion of passages, but hold to their beliefs based on their interpretation. Again, I don't think this is very good question, I hope I gave enough reasons and answered sufficiently for you all.

How do you Define Church?

The Church is the body of Christ. Made of many parts coming together to work for one purpose (1 Cor. 12). The Church is also the Bride of Christ, submitting to the Lord and waiting for his guidance and Love (Eph 5). Most of all it is God's followers. Not a building, or place to worship, but a community that is committed to the Lord.