...Nouwen 4-MAT Book Review 1 Nouwen 4-MAT Book Review Quinton Neighbors Liberty University Nouwen 4-MAT Book Review 2 Summary Reaching Out The Three Movements of The Spiritual Life by Henri Nouwen, published on November 20, 2013. The author lays out three dimensions of spiritual movements in the Christian life. Each one proceeding from the previous one to make a simple but profound process for the reader to understand. Explained first as the spectrum of loneliness to solitude. Next, hostility to hospitality, and finally illusion to prayer. The needs of loneliness manifest its in the quest for messianic completeness in other things to fill the void. This has many implications as violence, resentment, and other reactions to having such flawed idols are being used to fill the gap. On the other hand, the author presents Christ as the point of wholeness that we as humans long for. Our innermost selves are filled by this to become receptive to inner talk, the world and others. The immovable wholeness in Christ is the axiom in which the heart solitude provides loving faith filled responses. Going further into solitude is an process of inner stability in Christ, that plants seeds of hospitality instead of the natural hostility our world has created. Hospitality is defined as a biblical term of open freedom of space so that strangers can be invited as friends. Balanced in heart solitude and freedom from attachment to things either material or immaterial makes the space for a good host...
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...5:15-21. Items such as the historical analysis, contextual analysis, it will look at textual boundaries and commentary on each verse including grammar and semantic analysis. Towards the end of the paper there will be a theological summary of Ephesians 5:15-21 will be shown with relevant application for us today will be shown. 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ Historical Analysis In regards to authorship and recipient, there are disagreements in the many opinions of scholars. In the thought of authorship, “a good number of scholars have esteemed Ephesians as “the crown” of Paul’s thought.” However, according to O’Brien, “contemporary scholars, who have claimed that Paul was not the author of Ephesians, have maintained that the writer of the letter used the literary device of Pseudonymity.” Yet O’Brien indicates the external evidences which cannot be denied. Irenaeus quotes Ephesians 5:30, with the introduction ‘as blessed Paul declares in his epistle...
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...Andrew D'Agostino Professor Castro Latin Art History – Final Paper September 22, 2015 Christ the Physician (Miracula Christi) Originally crafted by the German Hendrik Goltzius in the late 16th Century, the painting of Christ the Physician does not fall short of a legendary scene still glorified to this very day. In approximately the late 17th Century, this particular painting was painted once more by an Andean painter. This 65 ½ inch by 43 ½ inch painting of Jesus Christ holding a heart vial, casting out the sins of others, was a prominent reflection piece for Christians during this time period. To the naked eye, undoubtedly the painting is visually appealing but there is much more to explore about Hendrik’s creation. First, the audience viewing the painting recreated by the Andean painter should first be aware of some information with regards to the original painting. Coming from a story in the New Testament, the original painting includes a drawn on frame. On this frame Hendrik tells this story found in the New Testament in Latin text. Contrary to the original, the Andean painter cropped the painting to only include the scene of Jesus Christ casting out sins from a heart vial. Hendrik Goltzius claimed fame back in the late sixteenth century with his infamous ability to engrave. What took Hendrik over the top was his ability to paint as well as he could engrave. In combining his ability to engrave into his paintings he created pieces of work that typically could not...
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...of me going line by line through the text and applying what Paul was saying about living cruciform to my life. The final part was my response in worship. Considering my pre-meditation thoughts and prayer, I was anxious before this exercise, that day had been long and I was worried about not being able to be extremely conscientious during the exercise. Prior to this meditation I read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and prayed that Holy Spirit would illuminate the passage for me, show me how to live cruciform, and where this should happen first. I began my meditation in the Talbot East prayer room but them moved to the second story Talbot garden as the prayer room became filled with people. I...
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...uses the OT to clearly show that Jesus fulfilled the words of the OT prophets. Matthew showed the Jewish the love Christ had for them. Matthew intended to show through his recordings such as the Sermon on the Mount, and a collection of parables spoken by Jesus, as well as the arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ, that Jesus was the true prophesied Messiah for the Jewish people. Luke Luke is that of the gospel genre. Luke is known for being one of the most beautiful books of the Bible. The book of Luke compares Jesus to that of the gospels. His accounts start with a brief insight to the parents of Jesus, the birth of His cousin, and John the Baptist. Luke also records the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, where the birth of Jesus took place, and a genealogical record of Jesus through His mother, Mary. Luke also records some of the more narrative stories of Jesus, displaying His love and compassion for forgiveness, such as The Prodigal Son, The Rich Man and Lazarus, and The Good Samaritan. When Jesus was thirty he was baptized by John. During the last supper Jesus tells peter he will deny knowing him three times. Jesus prays at the Mount of Olives and then is arrested. Peter did deny Jesus three times, and Jesus is taken before Pilate and Herod. Acts The Book of Acts is of narrative and gospel genre. The book begins with a recount of Jesus’ life right...
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...fathers up to current writers. It is an excellent compilation of portions of mostly classic Christian works in devotional format. This devotional book offers a full and a complete overview of all sides of devotional life. It is a great companion to the Scriptures as it has biblical references and study questions as part of each reading. Each chapter gives me an excerpt and some thought provoking reflections by Foster and Smith. Most of the readings are profound and worthy of in-depth reading. It has made me think, contemplate and overall grow in my spiritual journey. In this paper, I will demonstrate why John Calvin is important to be studied in the 21st century. I have chosen his devotional writing as a reflection of my spiritual insights and its application to my spiritual journey. Why John Calvin Many theologians such as Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin and more throughout history have made a big impact on their culture, times, society, and/or religion. One of the theologians that stands out to me is John Calvin, who had a great influence during his time, the early to middle sixteenth century. Calvin is considered by many to have been the father and founder of the Presbyterian and the Reformed Protestant churches. Calvin devoted almost his whole life to promoting both Presbyterian and Protestant Reformation, and he made a significant impact that is still seen today in Christianity. Many also consider Calvin as the father of the modern day grammatico-historical...
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...Justin Kroeger Biblical Worldview Essay BIBL 104 Summer 2014 THESUS In order to live a Christian life, we need a biblical worldview. Our philosophical outlook on life’s inescapable questions can be shaped and formed by the Holy Scriptures found inside the Bible. Paul sets forth the foundations of the Christian faith in the book of Romans, and we will greatly enhance our faith by keeping close to these foundations. Apart from faith, we have no hope in life. If we study Romans carefully, we will never be at a loss to know what we believe as Christians in today’s society. It is not enough to know the gospel; we must also let Gods inspired word transform, shape, mold, form and impact every aspect of our attitudes and the choices we make in our daily lives. THE NATURAL WORLD The book of Romans gives us a good description of the natural world and its fallen state. When Adam sinned, mankind was separated from God. This caused the natural world to spiritually die. In the beginning God created the earth for man to enjoy in abundance, and to have a perfect, direct and intimate relationship with him. Thank God In Romans 1:18 Paul says that “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness”. The teaching in Paul’s letter to the Romans helps me understand the current state of this natural world we live in, we may not be living in a perfect world anymore but we were originally created in God’s...
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...Death 6. Eliot makes the comparison about any Christian who deals with trials 7. Symbolic elements – three trees against the lowly sky – crucifixtion and heaven is lowered. 8. Long, hard journey metaphor for his coming to faith 9. Three trees – three crosses on Calvarly 10. Six hands grabbing for silver metaphor for casting of lots for Jesus’s clothes and Judas’s betrayal In the “Journey of the Magi” T.S. Eliot brings a different perspective of how we have normally viewed the story of the Magi recorded in Mathew. As readers of the story in Mathew we can only assume as Christians that the journey had to be one of happiness and joy considering what we know now. Knowing that they were on a journey to see the infant Christ we can see ourselves taking on this quest with excitement and anticipation. T.S. Eliot takes into the mind of one of the Magi as he narrates their journey. Immediately we are told that they are traveling in the dead of winter and that the journey is long. It is the worst time of year and the weather is not cooperating. We forget that these travelers were in the middle of the greatest event in human history. These men did not have the luxury as people do today to hear and study the New Testament. The poem gives a sense of alienation as the narrator speaks of sometimes regretting taking on this journey. He reflects back on the things he left behind such as summer palaces, and the silken girls bringing sherbet. T.S. Eliot himself...
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...commitments will be carried out. (Corporation, 2002) It is the fiftieth day after the Sabbath of Passover week. It is called the Feast of Weeks. The people were bewildered that day because the disciples were present and they were Galileans and not known to be a well educated. It was the morning of the tenth day after Jesus was lifted to heaven; thousands of pilgrims moved through the streets of Old Jerusalem to the temple are for worship. The prayer of approximately 120 people was interrupted by a deafening roar, as if a tornado was there. The image of wind conveyed that God was being experienced as one who refreshes the chosen people, like water in the dry land they lived in. Wind is a symbol of the Spirit (breath) of God, the source of life, and cleansing judgment (McGrath, 2008). Then balls of fire suddenly appeared, exploded, separated into individual flames, and each person seemed to be on fire. You have embellished this a bit. The image of fire represented the presence...
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...The Applause of Heaven The Applause of Heaven easily becomes a step by step description of how to rebuild the believer’s heart. God is relentlessly in pursuit of his children and He desires to welcome them home with applause. Through the Beatitudes, Lucado hopes to convey this message to rekindle the love inside God’s children. Within the first couple of chapters, Lucado immediately introduces the bi-product of Christ’s reconstruction of the believer’s heart. He begins his series of insights by introducing the idea of the Sacred Delight. This Sacred Delight is a holy joy that comes from God and is the gift received when a person surrenders everything they have come to know and cherish. Lucado recognizes this shift and says it starts with, “a demolition of the old structure and a creation of the anew,” and explicitly interjects that, “the more radical the change, the greater the joy. And it’s worth every effort, for this is the joy of God,” (Lucado, p12). Lucado breaks down what the idea of the Sacred Delight means. He says, “Sacred Delight is good news coming through the back door of [one’s own] heart. It’s what [one had] always dreamed but never expected. It’s the too-good-to-be-true coming true,” (Lucado, p10). Lucado is an excellent narrator and uses his words to truly convey an idea in a multitude of ways. He even goes further than just simple illustrations to explain what makes this Sacred Delight so joyful. “It is sacred because only God can grant it. It is...
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...Relational Practice A Benner, D. (2009). The gift of being yourself (pp. 75-89). Downers Grove, Illinois.: InterVarsity Press. This reading is about the human tendency of 'false self' and the lifestyle of illusion one can lead, perhaps unknowingly. A discussion as to how 'false self' is established sheds insight on how the reader can recognise their own illusions. It is explained that throughout childhood awareness is formed around the basis of the need for love, how to achieve happiness and mostly; how one feels and perceives their person as an individual. In order to cope with the emptiness false self brings, attachments are formed to provide a constant source of nourishment to help sustain the illusion. The writer extends a challenge to accept true identity in God, rather than hide behind the created appearance of who one wants to be. An acknowledgement is made; recognising the illusions in one’s life is not always an easy task due to the longevity and reality of them. Finally, help is offered in the form of Christ. God is constantly yearning for companionship whilst illusions provide a barrier in many lives. The writer emphasises the ease and rest found in living out life in Christ compared to upholding and striving to live behind the illusion of a false self. Yalom, I. (2002). The Gift of Therapy (pp. 17-25). New York: HarperCollins. Irvin Yalom talks extensively about empathy throughout this reading. On entering this chapter the reader is introduced to three vital and crucial...
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...Evelyn Aldana Bibl 104-D31 May 8, 2017 Biblical Worldview Essay The book of Romans teaches us so much information about so many aspects of the Christian life. How we need to view the natural world, our identity as people, our relationships, culture, civilization and so much more is talked about in this book. Romans 1-8 specifically has a lot of information with in it that it is not possible to get the complete meaning of the many things it is explaining without taking a perspective into it. Certain portions of the book take us from our complete inability to take upon in good works, to God’s trust in justifying, sanctifying, and glorifying us by our faith through his grace. The natural world was made by God, yet many will argue and say otherwise. In the New Testament Jesus taught his disciples he is the creator of all things in heaven and on earth. All things that were created through him and for him. Now the Old...
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...Contents Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………1 The Possibility of a Surrendered Christian Life……………….................................................2 Andrew Murray An Example Of Absolute Surrender…………………………………….2 Andrew Murray On How To Live A Surrendered Life…………………………………...3 The Theological Foundation of a Surrendered Life…………………………………………...4 Andrew Murray’s Perspective…………………………………………………………….4 Practical Application…………………………………………………………………………….6 Overcoming Exterior Influences with the use of Practical Theology……………………..7 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………..9 Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………….11 Introduction Considering the exterior influences of contemporary culture, is it possible to live a life totally surrendered to the Lord? Andrew Murray is a palpable example of person who lived a life surrendered to the Lord without compromising or straying from his belief. The exploration of Andrew Murray’s “Absolute Surrender” offers practical application to fulfill the plan of God for believers regardless of exterior influences. Andrew Murray’s convictions suggest that all Christians should approach their life with a wholehearted surrender to God. (Romans 12:2, KJV) “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Exploring the practicability of being totally surrendered to the Lord considering the current...
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...restoration of the environment. The book of Genesis provides us with environmental insight of the creation of the Earth in which God calls it “good.” (Genesis 1:10) Adam and Eve were instructed by God to maintain the garden of Eden as the care takers. From the beginning we see that God intended for Christians to be good stewards over what He graciously has given them. One way to demonstrate obedience to God, is to value the things He values. In demonstrating appreciation for the world we live in we are called to be accountable for it as imitators of Christ. The Bible says, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Some ways to consider making changes for the better of the environment would be recycling, properly disposing personal waste, and using natural resources such as using solar or wind energy. Christians honor God in the way they live, and in doing so it is necessary to consider the world they live in. Whether you are a new believer, or have been living for Christ for years the environmental interest should be a concern for all Christians. The challenge is to change the way of thinking just as it must be done to effectively live like the example Jesus Christ. Instead of engaging in the debate over the environmental crisis one must take the individual accountability with the conviction of the ever present Holy Spirit, and live a Christ-like life. Does this mean Christians need to become radical environmentalist? No, not...
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...Your inheritance in the saints and what is the surpassing greatness of Your power toward us who believe. (Eph. 1:17-19) I bind the spirits of rebellion, stubbornness and doublemindedness far from my husband in the name of Jesus, that he may be free to walk in Your way, and that he may be stable in his ways. (James. 1:8) I pray that You will give my husband fresh insight and inspiration to do his work and that You will renew his strength as the eagle’s. (Isa. 40:31) May you surround my husband with angelic protection in every place he is. (Ps. 91:11) And may You bring victory to him in every place the sole of his foot treads. (Josh. 1:3) May You prosper my husband in every task that he puts his hand to and may he Be fruitful in all he undertakes as he seeks the counsel of wise men and delights and meditates in Your word. (Ps. 1:2) As my husband delights in You, may You give him the desires of his heart. (Ps. 37:3) I bind the spirits of pride, spiritual blindness, self-sufficiency and self-righteousness far from my husband in the name of Jesus, in order that he will give you all the glory for what You are doing in his life. I bind the spirits of philosophy, deception and religious tradition far from my husband in the name of Jesus, so that he will not be deluded or pushed off the path that You have chosen for him. (Col. 2:8) And so that he may attain all the wealth that comes...
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