BookPastor >> "Reordering the Trinity" (Rodrick K. Durst)

A fascinating overview of the Trinity as well as some thought-provoking perspectives on the Trinity, This review was first published at Panorama of a Book Saint on Dec 4th, 2015.

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TITLE: Reordering the Trinity: Six Movements of God in the New Testament
AUTHOR: Rodrick K. Durst
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2015, (pages).

The Trinity is one of the most misunderstood, misrepresented, and misinterpreted doctrines in Christianity. Some say that it is about three Gods. Others claim one God but errs on the side of reducing God into one mode at a time. That is why Durst begins this book with Dorothy Sayers's observation to describe the general confusion among many people:

"The Father is incomprehensible, the Son is incomprehensible, and the whole thing is incomprehensible. Something put in by theologians to make it more difficult." (Dorothy Sayers)

Spurred by one of his students' paper on the Trinity with an Asian perspective, Kurst begins an active interest in studying the Trinity in the New Testament's "triadic occurrences." He nuances the multi-dimensional order of Father-Son-Spirit and then expands with a variety of combinations of how the Trinity is presented in the New Testament. In doing so, he attempts to fill in the biblical sources and theological framework which he feels was lacking in his student's paper. He makes three observations about Scripture reading by people. Firstly, Christians typically "affirms the plain sense of the Scripture." Secondly, Christians tend to interpret according to what they "expect to see" rather than to see the Word for what it is saying. Thirdly, people tend to see the Trinity is one order: Father-Son-Holy Spirit, and in the process thinks of the Trinity mainly in this hierarchical order.

Durst asserts that according to the New Testament, we need to go beyond all of these conventional ways of thinking. The more than seventy New Testament references to the Trinity describes more than just one or two orders of the Triune Godhead. The theological method he uses is the one proposed by Millard Erickson to review the order of the Triune Godhead; to develop historical theology followed by applications toward pastoral theology and mission.

Midweek Meditation: "Caring Friendship"

Henri Nouwen (1932-1996)

"Real care is not ambiguous. Real care excludes indifference and is the opposite of apathy. The word 'care' finds its roots in the Gothic 'Kara' which means lament. The basic meaning of care is: to grieve, to experience sorrow, to cry out with. 

I am very much struck by this background of the word care because we tend to look at caring as an attitude of the strong toward the weak, of the powerful toward the powerless, of the ‘haves’ toward the ‘have-nots.' And, in fact, we feel quite uncomfortable with an invitation to enter into someone’s pain before doing something about it. Still, when we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not-knowing, not-curing, not-healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is the friend who cares." (Henri Nouwen)

BookPastor >> "The Parables of Jesus" (James Montgomery Boice)

This review was first published at Panorama of a Book Saint on Nov 25th, 2015.

conrade

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TITLE: The Parables of Jesus
AUTHOR: James Montgomery Boice
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2016, (272 pages).

Parables are unique, especially those told by Jesus. Used to cast alongside important truths, parables are meant to be clear for those with ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts to understand. It is simple enough to understand at first read, but contains fresh insights on the spiritual life when read again. Studying it is even more rewarding. This book gives us a deeper insight to the things we thought we already knew. Since it was first published in 1983, this book has become a classic. It categorizes all of Jesus' parables into five categories.

1. Parables of the Kingdom
2. Parables of Salvation
3. Parables of Wisdom and Folly
4. Parables of the Christian Life
5. Parables of Judgment

The author is James Montgomery Boice, who died in 2000, and who had previously served as pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia for 32 years. Originally created as sermons to be preached, he had never thought it would be published in a book of this nature. Thankfully, it has been published for the benefit of people beyond the confines of the pulpit. Bible study groups can use it. Church groups can learn from it. Even pastors and preachers can learn a lesson or two from it and share it with their congregations.

Midweek Meditation: "I Am a Christian"

When I say that ‘I am a Christian’, I am not shouting that I am clean living.
           I’m whispering ‘I was lost, but now I’m found and forgiven.’

When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I don’t speak of this with pride.
           I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not trying to be strong.
           I’m professing that I’m weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not bragging of success.
           I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not claiming to be perfect.
           My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I still feel the sting of pain.
           I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not holier than thou,
           I’m just a simple sinner who received God’s good grace, somehow!

(Adapted from Carol Wimmer)

BookPastor >> "IF" (Mark Batterson)

This review was first published at Panorama of a Book Saint on Nov 24th, 2015.

conrade

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TITLE: If: Trading Your If Only Regrets for God's What If Possibilities
AUTHOR: Mark Batterson
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2015, (304 pages).

If a word can launch a thousand thoughts, a book can surely create boundless imaginations. Using one word, author and pastor Mark Batterson helps bring us away from the "if only" of past regrets toward the "what if" of future possibilities. Believing on the need to renew the mind and to be filled with good thoughts, Batterson believes that this one word "if" can change our perspective of life. Basing this book on the eight chapter of Romans, which he calls the "Great Eight," he distills ten "ifs" that add up to limitless possibilities. Central to it all is Romans 8:31 which says: "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

It is very much Batterson's positive thinking equivalent for his followers. Loosely based on Romans 8, the author distributes 30 chapters of stories, narratives, anecdotes, and tips over four major parts. The first part is about past regrets often denoted by the "if only." If only things were better. If only I had done that. These two words "if only" can usually be mind-crippling. It makes us forget the grace and mercy of God. It makes us feel guilty with self-condemnation. Very quickly, the second part of the book is a defying voice against the impossible circumstances. Instead of being fixated on the things of the flesh, we can choose to focus on the things of the Spirit. We can pledge to dig deeper into God's Word rather than to become distracted by anxieties and cares of the world. We can make a beeline for the Cross. We can choose not to let fears dictate our lives. We can choose to live as children of hope. Part Three tighten the screws of optimism by helping us turn outward to blessing others; to look beyond our self-needs; to bear fruit for Christ; etc. Some of the "what ifs" in this section is particularly powerful. Like:

Video: Simple Reconnecting

This video clip reminds me once again that we do not need to fly our family to far away places or to travel to expensive locations in order to spend time as family. Neither do we need sophisticated equipment or digital gadgets to just remain in touch. The truth is, vacations, equipment, technology, and all that social media jazz are often distractions from the real need: Connection.

Watch this video and see how the initial moments of discomfort and weirdness give way to hugs, kisses, and most importantly, expressing our truest feelings for one another. Family is closer than we think. It is also most economical and effective.



It's a nice video, albeit made by an insurance company.

There's some behind the scenes video here.

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Midweek Meditation: "Prayer of Abundance"

This is a meaningful prayer about how we ought to save, to spend, to give, and to live with a conscience. Taken from Mark and Lisa Scandrette's book, "FREE: Spending Your Time and Money on What Matters Most."

I know that I am cared for by an Abundant Provider. 
     I choose to be grateful and trusting. 
I believe I have enough and that what I need 
     will always be provided. 
I choose to be content and generous. 
     I know that my choices matter for myself, for others 
           and for future generations. 
Help me to live consciously and creatively, celebrating 
     signs of your new creation that is present and coming. 
Creator, who made me to seek the greater good of your 
     kingdom, 
Guide me to use my time, talents and resources 
     to pursue what matters most. 
Teach me to be free, 
     to live without worry, fear or greed in the freedom of your 
     abundance. 
Give me my daily bread, as I share with those in need. 
     Thank you for this precious gift of life!1 
Amen and amen. 

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