Continuing the Conversation
April 20, 2009
Our conversation Sunday was framed around the question, “why this – why now?” In other words, Paul has just written one of his longest letters (1 Corinthians) which whole-heartedly concentrates on the issue of congregational behavior. His entire letter has been grounded in a “thesis” statement of sorts found in 1:10 when Paul urges the church to “get rid of divisions and be united in mind and thought”. At first glance, it seems rather odd that Paul would end this letter with an extensive dissertation on the importance of Jesus’ resurrection. Wouldn’t it make more sense to end this letter in chapter 13 with an exhortation to “love one another”? Why not write a separate letter about the resurrection and its significance?
It almost seems as if Paul is suggesting that our faith in the resurrection is intimately linked with our communal behavior. Hmmmmm………
Fun and encouraging conversation Sunday. Thanks everyone! And a special “thank you” to those of you who reassured me that I’m not the only one who has grown somewhat hesitant to use the phrase “saved” in its various evangelical shapes (i.e. Jesus Saves, We’ve been Saved, etc.).
hi – great thoughts/post. perhaps he carrys on to talk about the resurrection because it makes it all big picture – our lives are MORE than just how we get along and who is nice to me type things – but it is about God and his plans and purpose and ways and he gave all and made the way for us to know him and WOW the power demonstrated and the might and wonderfulness of God – it makes it less relational, if that makes sense… it puts our eyes on Him… i find i dont behave for behaviour sake, but i behave, i live my life obeying God and allowing him to shape me, because of who he is and what he has done and his greatness, his goodness, his grace etc…. bit of a ramble there…. esp as i havent been part of this coversation before…