The Democratization of the Spirit

I think that many of the adjustments that God makes in dealing with people in the Old Testament and New Testament is the role of the Holy Spirit. At the crucifixion, the veil was ripped open and at that point the Spirit became available for all men. This is a radical departure from the role of Spirit in the Old Testament. In the OT, the Spirit rested on only a few people at a time, and these people (usually designated "prophets") had authority in the body. In the Church Age, the Spirit is available to all who follow Christ, regardless of their ability, holiness, or calling. It is easy -- and tempting -- to pay attention to those in whom the Spirit is obvious, and follow their teachings and leadership. But that is not the model of New Testament leadership.

Figuring It Out

It is the classic conundrum of Bible study. I want to strive to understand the Word of God, but I do not want to actually understand it. I have always been comfortable with my inability to grasp the intricate details of doctrinal issues. If I can understand God, then he wouldn't be worth my worship, would he? The key is the striving, not in the understanding.

Book review: Glimpsing Mary

From Beverly Roberts Gaventa book "Mary: Glimpses of the Mother of Jesus." Gaventa is one of the few protestant women who has studied Mary. I love Mary, and found this book enlightening.Referring to the 4 women in the genealogy of Jesus: "None of them fits in with the way things are "supposed" to be. Each of the women is presented as threatening the status quo in some way . . . each is also part of the divine plan."Key traits that Mary presents inthe Gospels: vulnerability, reflection, and witness. "What he have in these glimpses of MAry are some important aspects of what it means to be a disciple of Christ: living with vulnerability, reflecting with care on the advent of Jesus Christ, and witnessing God's actions in the world. In that sense, Mary remains a model for all Christians."