A few introductory pictures:
madi and i - we were hanging out at southpoint with some girls friday night
my friend lauren and i before the Tech game
how madi and i feel about that same Tech game
Meat of the Post:
So i guess one of the side effects of college is that i start to think about things a lot. i have a lot of free time that i don't want to fill up with reading textbooks, so i think about other things. So here are a few of the questions i've come up with and sort of but not really started to think through:
So i guess one of the side effects of college is that i start to think about things a lot. i have a lot of free time that i don't want to fill up with reading textbooks, so i think about other things. So here are a few of the questions i've come up with and sort of but not really started to think through:
a) if our glorification of God comes from our receiving and believing His grace, how does that manifest itself in our day-to-day lives rather than in huge displays like a mission trip or something?
b) the Trinity is made up of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit who are all distinct but are truly unified as well. how do we talk about them as if they aren't three different, separate but still agreeing beings? CAN we do that as limited humans?
c) how can i be salt to the earth and a light in the darkness while i'm in class?
this is one of the things that has led me to think that institutionalized learning is not personally for me, not that i'm dropping out. i realize i've been given a really cool opportunity to learn on this high of a level, and i'm staying here unless i feel an unquestionable pull away or i graduate.
anyways fam....
mom, glad to hear your voice again!
dad, how's the snoring? you HEALED!? :] BIIFSL
cj, miss you buddy! hope soccer's going well. keep digging into the Bible to find the sweet truths God has for you.
jilly, i miss you sweet bottom! can't wait to see you in colorado!
chriser, i'm very glad you're enjoying your activities and company over yonder in C Springs. :]
kath has an exam at 8am tomorrow if ya'll will pray for her; she's in the library studying now after our Bible study. (rather, her Bible study for Craige that i go to :] )
OUCH CHARLIE!
2 comments:
Some quick answers (due to limited space) which are probably right because of who is writing them:
a) I would be hesitant to say we glorify God by receiving and believing in His grace. The closest I would get to saying that would be that God is glorified when we believe in the truth of the Word which is God. Assenting to truth manifests itself in our lives in that we therefore strive to do all things perfectly, or as well as we can manage, whether that be washing the dishes or loving your brother.
b) In general conversation I do not think it is necessary to speak about the separate beings of the trinity rather than a single God. Christianity is a fiercely monotheistic religion and this can be lost in conversations with people unfamiliar with trinitarian doctrine. Essential (as in "essence" not required) trinitarian tenets can be talked about by referring to God who existed from eternity (Father), became incarnationally united with and continues to exist in the flesh (Son), and which resides in believers as his temple (Holy Spirit).
c) You can be salt of the earth and a light in the darkness by being a witness to Truth (with a capital T) in the midst of ignorance and folly. This involves natural truths as well as divinely revealed truths. The latter is obviously known only be believers but the former can be deduced by anyone. This is why institutionalized learning important. The knowledge acquired by mankind is passed down through education. I would also be wary of discounting education just because it isn't 'christian.' Practically all truth can be deduced through reason. Attempting to do so, and recording the effort, was the great accomplishment of Thomas Aquinas. If you have a couple years to spare, try reading his "Summa" sometime.
Have a great night!
-Chris
from Dad
Chris answered well. I would add that we can "glorify" God, who is gracious to us, by simply reflecting that grace in love, forgiveness, compassion, courage, kindness, honesty and all that. I also think people should avoid overly tri-partinizing the Trinity. I have known some who love Jesus most, and some who love the Spirit most. This leads to imbalance. I'll grant we can and should "relate" more easily to Jesus, since he became man, but only carefully. And you can be serious salt and light just by helping friends realize from whence truly comes happiness and contentment and fulfillment. College kids often mistake the source of these. And don't see Burn Before Reading. I give it 1 star at most. We miss ya bear.
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