Comments for Meditations from Zion

Comment on Conversion in a Vacuum by irmbrown

irmbrown — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:46:30 +0000

Amen.

Comment on Conversion in a Vacuum by Jan

Jan — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:56:24 +0000

Luke 10:27 Such a simple phrase, but with such impact and so many do not listen with all their being. This world has much to draw us away from this path. We must be strong in our belief of our faith. Without this I think that I would never be able to accomplish anything.

Comment on Do you have an appointment? by Chris Covington

Chris Covington — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:36:50 +0000

I’ve heard this predetermination argument-it’s scary.
I agree… God’s not going to keep anybody out who wants Him.
When we reach out to God…we’re in, we’re heirs

Comment on One in Heart and Mind by Jessica Stan

Jessica Stan — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:41:40 +0000

When I was in college I met in the mornings with two guys: Chris Haw and Jonathan Hartgrove. The three of us prayed together and discussed scripture together. Both of them were very interested in the concept of living in community and were fascinated by my experience because I grew up living in community.

Both men live communally. Jonathan wrote a book called The New Monasticism and Chris coauthored a book with Shane Claiborn entitled Jesus for President.

I saw the dark side of community – the way it can demand you relinquish aspects of your independent identity (or your family’s identity) for the good of the group; how community can become the end in itself instead of Jesus being the end; how being driven from community can crush and confuse your children; how invasive people can be, and judgemental, and controlling.

I have never wanted to live communally, but I do want community and relationships. What would the disciples community look like today with social networking systems and so many people throughout the world who consider themselves christians? And what would the church look like if we honestly tried to meet the needs of the individuals in our churches?

If only the Christian life were easy.

Comment on Courage to Speak by Ken Kendall

Ken Kendall — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:33:55 +0000

Wow! This is very inspiring to all of us to live courageously. Thank you.

I write a blog about how men can courageously change and love their wives better. I think you might like it. Check it out if you have a chance.

http://whatsheneedsfromyou.wordpress.com

Thanks,

Comment on Barabbas was the First by irmbrown

irmbrown — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:38:42 +0000

I had read some additional information about Barabbas as well and was surprised to find that his name was Jesus … as you say. But I don’t believe he was Jesus as in “Jesus of Nazareth.” Probably, in the Aramaic, it was Joshua anyway.

If it’s orthodox to believe that there was a Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified, died, and rose again, then you are correct, I am orthodox. Whether there was a “Barabbas” rebel is more likely in question… and little to support his existence.

In any case, I am intrigued by the juxtaposition of one prisoner set free and another prisoner sacrificed for the sake of other. That is the point. That is what the story speaks to me.

Thanks for taking the time to write a comment.

Comment on Barabbas was the First by Roland E Bouchard

Roland E Bouchard — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:18:47 +0000

I suspect that your (orthodox) view of “[Jesus] Barabbas” and/or “(Jesus) Christ” is not as simple as you suppose. There Is Much more to ‘Barabbas’ than as you posit…

Among other things, His name Was indeed “Jesus”, -written in the original Greek Gospel according or attributed to Matthew (27:17) but removed or omitted from the Latin ‘translation’ of the same text and most of the subsequent ‘translations’ thereafter.

Moreover, ‘Barabbas’ is not a surname (any more so than is “Christ”, -it is What He was called. It actually is an Aramaic appellation, -the meaning of which is: Bar = Son + Abbas = Father (as in ‘the Father of us all’ or ‘God’).

Thus, it was This “Jesus” -who was called (the) “Son of God” who was ’set free’.

Roland, -a reluctant iconoclast.