From the forthcoming participatory study guide to Philippians, by Bruce Epperly:
The way of Christ differs markedly from the way of Caesar, who was also worshipped as a deity. Christ’s peace is based on non-violence and inclusion, while Caesar’s peace is based on the sword and subjugation.
(Used by permission.)
I have used John 4 in many ways, especially in discussing various methods of teaching. But something struck me more forcefully this morning than it has before–the tension between tradition and innovation. It is not that Jesus denies all tradition and favors innovation, which one could conclude based on the living water vs. well water…
Well, my prospective, perhaps presumptive garden, that is. One of the important elements to understanding stories in the Bible, parables included, is our perspective. In Christian circles, when we hear “the sower went forth to sow,” (Matthew 13:3), or perhaps “a farmer went out to sow his seed,” we generally see ourselves in the role…
The man was a good Christian. Any of us would be quite pleased to have his reputation for faith and Christian charity. He was part of a study group I led, and we were discussing witnessing. “I’m afraid to put a fish symbol on my car,” he said. “I might do something that’s not Christlike,…
We’ve completed the first two lessons of Bob Cornwall’s study guide (Ephesians: A Participatory Study Guide) in my Sunday School class. I planned to write some notes earlier, but I’ll try to catch up. These first two lessons complete the first chapter of Ephesians. There’s quite a lot of material just in the first couple…
You foolish Galatians! Who put you under a spell? Was not Jesus the Messiah clearly portrayed before your very eyes as having been crucified? 2 I want to learn only one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the actions of the Law or by believing what you heard? (Galatians 3:1-2, ISV, from…
This week’s lectionary (RCL) texts for this week (Proper B11) form an interesting set, complete with the occasional weird cut-off for the scripture. For example, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a chops off the last part of Nathan’s message to David, the part about both the eternal covenant and the potential for God’s discipline. As I read this,…
Christ’s peace is the kingdom of God, both future and present. Jesus didn’t establish the kingdom on abstract principles (non-violence or inclusion) but on specific acts in history. Some of those events exhibit a vulnerable and humble love for all. Some of those events, however exhibit love for all in authoritative, kingdom-present-now (i.e.. miraculous) power. His life culminates in his crucifixion and resurrection. It is BOTH events that firmly establish his present and future reign. For me, the quote not only turns specific events into abstract principles, it also misses half of the equation.
And while it only establishes a proximate, temporary peace, cities like Atlanta and Kansas City need Caesar’s sword. It is a failure of love to leave the poor and vulnerable prey to thieves and murderers.