When thinking of a position to take on creation it takes reflection on two parts: one’s natural understanding and experiences of the world as well as an understanding of those experiences in a context as a being of creation and a witness of testifying to creation as a created being. As a created being, the natural world is an obvious observation and often reconciling of how it all began or came to what it is in our present experiences is a difficult and often confusing task. In fact, preparing to take a ‘position’ on it is difficult for me – as I am not fully able to completely understand all the research and refutes of each major position that has been presented within the world of secular and faith based convictions and thoughts. For the sake of my attempt to find a personal value in this arena, my current persuasion is of a ‘day-age’ position.
Interpretation of ‘YOM’
One thing I have learned when studying the Word of God is that interpretation of the language can be difficult at times as an understanding of literary forms can be troublesome when attempting to discover the sender’s intended meaning either symbolically or literally (or both). In Genesis, the word ‘day,’ provides this dilemma for me. My initial interpretation is that it is a literal day – 24 hours, as God separating the light from the darkness and my natural observation and experience testifies to a 24 - hour day divided by the light and darkness. Could ‘YOM,’ or ‘day’ be a generic word to describe other amounts of time? My inclination is to say ‘maybe’ and wonder of other scriptures will provide hints to this inquiry. Psalm 90:4, the writers says, “For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it passes,” seems to me like a symbolic interpretation, as well as 2 Peter 3:8 when a day with the Lord is referenced with a 1,000 years. I do not interpret those passages in a literal sense, but one that affirms God’s majesty and eternality. My symbolic interpretation of ‘day’ and my understanding of my natural experience almost seem to conflict at that point – then to add an explanation of prehistoric creatures gets it spinning in different directions. My attempt to reconcile my understanding is to accept that each day is symbolically referenced as a period of time longer than our 24-hour experience because in accepting this it can then attempt to reconcile discoveries of life existing prior to 6,000 years ago.
Theistic Evolution
Another position that I am persuaded to along with a progressive creation perspective is that evolution is apparent in living organisms. Evidence for animal and plant life seems respectable and can hold weight to counterarguments. Perhaps the main question is if humans are part of this evolutionary process – and I hold that humans are not a species of primates. I think that using what contemporary science says about the high percentage of DNA and similarities of humans and great apes only seem to point to the obvious and that is humans are different – and have always been. I think that when God said “"Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds,” (Gen. 1:24-25) he created a separate species and in His image in vv. 26-27 was an exclusive part of His creation, perhaps the culmination of His work and everything prior was setting the stage for the main attraction – the subjects that His Word and Spirit were intended for: human beings.
So What Now?
I think that the debate about creation serves a great purpose like many other great works of people. The brilliancy of the human mind and its endeavors towards the quest for knowledge are truly spectacular, and for some, attempts to reconcile the mysterious and affirm us in the here and now. As a focus in faith and evangelism – this topic may be of high value of those who feel they need such an answer to a mystery. I am in no way minimizing the great research and work that many have given to this topic, but on a personal value scale I do not hold it as a “make it or break it” topic for affirming my salvation and belief in God. Instead of looking to Genesis for a hint of scientific inquiry for justifying human life, I hold that the culminating work of God in Genesis was to create man in His own image (vv.26-27) and give him authority and intimate relationship with his Creator, serves a unique purpose on the intended meaning of the sender – which is the beginning of purpose and how that purpose was postponed due to sin only to come back to which once was - a fulfilled promise to those who trust in this purpose – something that is excluded in the lens of scientific inquiry.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Growth Reflection on taking an online Epistles course
Spiritual Transformation Reflection Principles
1. Prayer: I find it refreshing to read Paul’s prayers, always other focused and kingdom focused. Many times in collective prayer I have overlooked the focus of the kingdom and growth of an enlightened heart for prayer requests of the ‘here and now,’ i.e. finding a job, focus in school. If anything, I do not think these are wrong to ask of God, but definitely not something to habitually focus on. Realizing this, I have usually shifted my thoughts in my prayers to open with praise for being able to come to Him, a check in of my emotional state, prayers for the spiritual and physical needs of others and for His strength to help sustain and guide me, ending with praise and thanksgiving once more.
2. Handle with care/Sensitivity of others in speech: It is either you felt you said too much or said too little, in the context of meaning to help others, but somehow missing the point. James gives a description of how the words we use can bring blessing or cursing. I have felt God tugging on my heart to at times take a step back and listen to others before giving advice or ‘prescribing a scripture.’
3. Appealing in Love: This goes along with #2 as instead of the ‘prescribing 2 scriptures and call me in the morning approach,’ to focus on the story and the short and long term needs that might be expressed. Walk with someone in the circle of their pain providing a sense of care with a balance of word and deed.
4. 1 Peter 5:7 “…casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” This passage brings me to tears at times because life is full of schedules, deadlines, expectations and just has many rough and difficult spots. I take this as a reminder to bring it to Jesus, not just because I need to, but because He wants it. This also reminds me that is okay to take a ‘silent prayer’ with my eyes closed focusing on imagery that reminds me of Him (except for when driving!).
5. Running the race with endurance. Going along with #4. I enjoy endurance sports, running, cycling and triathlons. In fact, training for events not only takes physical discipline, but also a mental awareness of when to speed up, gearing for terrain and even when to slow down. Slowing down (or walking in a marathon or getting off of your bike on a hill) does not mean your are giving up, it is just being aware of your present state and preventing a total burnout (which can be a major setback in finishing). In a sense of personal spiritual growth and in ministry this parallel has helped me to assess where I am at. It also reminds me to take a step back and make sure that the Holy Spirit is taking the lead instead of pushing a personal proposition on my own terms and strength.
Ministry/Discipleship Principles Reflection
1. Intercessory Prayer: It was joyful to reflect on Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1 as he prays for God’s people to recognize the blessing and inheritance of their faith and to grow to mature in wisdom and revelation. This has helped me to share an understanding with new believers that prayer is much more than material asking, but on a continuum of transformation of lives by an enlightened heart from God.
2. I got a chance to share with my cousin who considers himself an Agnostic – but has been studying with a JW friend about God, faith and what the scripture says about Jesus. We talked about Colossians 1 and discussed Romans and Hebrews as well as referenced our world today, sharing struggles and hardships. All in all, it ended up being a 4 hour conversation and I could sense that he was open to wanting to believe in something. This course has helped me to share with greater insight and feel more confident and comfortable when doing so.
3. Encouragement through reminder. I think of 2 Peter 1:12-13 when Peter considers it right to ‘stir’ up by way of reminder to practice excellence in serving God. My church is comprised of many ‘20 somethings’ that need plenty of encouragement and support in various areas: school, family, careers, relational, marriage, sexuality, etc. It is okay to ‘stir’ up and encourage through reproof, reminding them that growth in Christian virtue is not in mediocrity.
4. Danger! I think one thing that is a distraction to most of the young folks of this generation is the cultural relativist, build-a-god, feel better influences in educational and media forums. The focus on Jesus gets fragmented and misguided by cultural rhetoric and false teachers who are powerful and charismatic. Reading the scriptures and how these teachers are expected helps greatly in discerning when something just does not seem right. It is important to read scripture and pray for an enlightened heart!
5. I have struggled with understanding the whole ‘elect saved’ vs. the ‘free will saved’ and I think at some point this affected my view of reaching people, especially the ones who did not ‘appear’ to be wanting to grow or mature, but profess. Scripture does give description on how to discern – but does not really give a time frame per say, and at times I have struggled with my codependency on ‘pushing’ for change. For some brothers and sisters in my sphere of influence this has been for a few years now (reminds me of Hebrews, when the writer mentioned some were ‘stuck’ at conversion). I guess what has helped me in this area is that 1) the timeline for growth is not up to me 2) Be obedient and serve, everyone has a story and a need --Just do it.
1. Prayer: I find it refreshing to read Paul’s prayers, always other focused and kingdom focused. Many times in collective prayer I have overlooked the focus of the kingdom and growth of an enlightened heart for prayer requests of the ‘here and now,’ i.e. finding a job, focus in school. If anything, I do not think these are wrong to ask of God, but definitely not something to habitually focus on. Realizing this, I have usually shifted my thoughts in my prayers to open with praise for being able to come to Him, a check in of my emotional state, prayers for the spiritual and physical needs of others and for His strength to help sustain and guide me, ending with praise and thanksgiving once more.
2. Handle with care/Sensitivity of others in speech: It is either you felt you said too much or said too little, in the context of meaning to help others, but somehow missing the point. James gives a description of how the words we use can bring blessing or cursing. I have felt God tugging on my heart to at times take a step back and listen to others before giving advice or ‘prescribing a scripture.’
3. Appealing in Love: This goes along with #2 as instead of the ‘prescribing 2 scriptures and call me in the morning approach,’ to focus on the story and the short and long term needs that might be expressed. Walk with someone in the circle of their pain providing a sense of care with a balance of word and deed.
4. 1 Peter 5:7 “…casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” This passage brings me to tears at times because life is full of schedules, deadlines, expectations and just has many rough and difficult spots. I take this as a reminder to bring it to Jesus, not just because I need to, but because He wants it. This also reminds me that is okay to take a ‘silent prayer’ with my eyes closed focusing on imagery that reminds me of Him (except for when driving!).
5. Running the race with endurance. Going along with #4. I enjoy endurance sports, running, cycling and triathlons. In fact, training for events not only takes physical discipline, but also a mental awareness of when to speed up, gearing for terrain and even when to slow down. Slowing down (or walking in a marathon or getting off of your bike on a hill) does not mean your are giving up, it is just being aware of your present state and preventing a total burnout (which can be a major setback in finishing). In a sense of personal spiritual growth and in ministry this parallel has helped me to assess where I am at. It also reminds me to take a step back and make sure that the Holy Spirit is taking the lead instead of pushing a personal proposition on my own terms and strength.
Ministry/Discipleship Principles Reflection
1. Intercessory Prayer: It was joyful to reflect on Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1 as he prays for God’s people to recognize the blessing and inheritance of their faith and to grow to mature in wisdom and revelation. This has helped me to share an understanding with new believers that prayer is much more than material asking, but on a continuum of transformation of lives by an enlightened heart from God.
2. I got a chance to share with my cousin who considers himself an Agnostic – but has been studying with a JW friend about God, faith and what the scripture says about Jesus. We talked about Colossians 1 and discussed Romans and Hebrews as well as referenced our world today, sharing struggles and hardships. All in all, it ended up being a 4 hour conversation and I could sense that he was open to wanting to believe in something. This course has helped me to share with greater insight and feel more confident and comfortable when doing so.
3. Encouragement through reminder. I think of 2 Peter 1:12-13 when Peter considers it right to ‘stir’ up by way of reminder to practice excellence in serving God. My church is comprised of many ‘20 somethings’ that need plenty of encouragement and support in various areas: school, family, careers, relational, marriage, sexuality, etc. It is okay to ‘stir’ up and encourage through reproof, reminding them that growth in Christian virtue is not in mediocrity.
4. Danger! I think one thing that is a distraction to most of the young folks of this generation is the cultural relativist, build-a-god, feel better influences in educational and media forums. The focus on Jesus gets fragmented and misguided by cultural rhetoric and false teachers who are powerful and charismatic. Reading the scriptures and how these teachers are expected helps greatly in discerning when something just does not seem right. It is important to read scripture and pray for an enlightened heart!
5. I have struggled with understanding the whole ‘elect saved’ vs. the ‘free will saved’ and I think at some point this affected my view of reaching people, especially the ones who did not ‘appear’ to be wanting to grow or mature, but profess. Scripture does give description on how to discern – but does not really give a time frame per say, and at times I have struggled with my codependency on ‘pushing’ for change. For some brothers and sisters in my sphere of influence this has been for a few years now (reminds me of Hebrews, when the writer mentioned some were ‘stuck’ at conversion). I guess what has helped me in this area is that 1) the timeline for growth is not up to me 2) Be obedient and serve, everyone has a story and a need --Just do it.
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