The God Who Is There: On Biblical Truth

Frank Viola and Leonard Sweet should read The God That Is There again, especially pages 177 and page 179.  To save them a trip to their book shelf, or library, or bookstore,  let me quote the book for them.   I hope they will rewrite the Jesus Manifesto, to reflect the true inspiration of God.  The truth is more important than a false unity.
"The scriptures are important, not because they are printed in a certain way nor bound in a certain kind of leather, nor because they have helped many people.   This is not the basic reason for the Scriptures being overwhelming important.  The bible, the historic Creeds and orthodoxy are important because God is there, and finally, that is the only reason they have their importance."177

Biblical truth and spirituality is not a relationship to the word god, or to the idea God.  It is a relationship to the One who is there.179

Schaffer, Francis A The God That is There (Chicago: Inter Varsity Press, 1968), 177 and 179.

 I recommend the following book to guard yourself against the rise of heretics in the postmodern age:"The Three Essential Books In One Volume:  Francis A Schaffer Trilogy."  

1079 – April 21, 1142 Abelard: Christ Showed us Grace

On the rocky shore of Cedar Key Florida, at low tide, I saw two crabs walking backwards. It was a spectacular morning, around four AM and the full moon was still lighting the beach.

I looked closer and saw that the crabs were kin. The mother was busy scolding her offspring and did not pay attention to me, the weather, or anything else.

"Why in the world, child, do you not walk as the other creatures do-forward instead of backward?" she complained.

"Mother, dear," replied the little Crab, "do but set the example yourself, and I will follow."

Abelard:
"Through this unique act of grace manifested to us - in that his Son has taken upon himself our nature and persevered therein, in teaching us by word and example even unto death - he has more fully bound us to himself by love; with the result that our hearts should be enkindled by such a gift of divine grace, and true charity should not now shrink from enduring anything for him." (Placher 145)

Application: Example is the best precept.

1179 Wheres Waldo? He's in Rome at the Third Lateran Council.

The poor took comfort from the church, when the church was closed.

The poor took comfort when the parishioners were not in sight.

The church had forgotten the words of Jesus (Matt 19:21)²¹"If you want to give it all you've got," Jesus replied, "go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me."

Bishops dereliction of Jesus's mission was caused by a need for Global dominance and a need for security assured in being a Roman Empire.

POV: Quran on Christians

Quran on Christians: 4:167 Lo! those who disbelieve and hinder (others) from the way of Allah, they verily have wandered far astray.
4:168 Lo! those who disbelieve and deal in wrong, Allah will never forgive them, neither will He guide them unto a road,
4:169 Except the road of hell, wherein they will abide for ever. And that is ever easy for Allah. 4:171 O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One God. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender. 4:172 The Messiah will never scorn to be a slave unto Allah, nor will the favoured angels. Whoso scorneth His service and is proud, all such will He assemble unto Him; 4:173 Then, as for those who believed and did good works, unto them will He pay their wages in full, adding unto them of His bounty; and as for those who were scornful and proud, them will He punish with a painful doom. And they will not find for them, against Allah, any protecting friend or helper.

481-511 Clovis and the Germans Convert

Clovis was frustrated by the news of a Holy Lord who held eternal victory. He had put his fortunes on the backs of German Gods, but now he heard of a new Gospel... but this made him tear his hair out: "Bolderdash, how can the One God create heaven and earth from nothing? Questions I have many, but faith I have one. *Jesus Christ, Clothida says thou art the Son of the Living God, and thou canst give victory to those who hope in thee. Give me victory and I will be baptized. I have tried my Gods and they have deserted me. I call on thee. Only save me. And thy saints will become our new Gods."

Interlude: Dogs eat the Scraps

The wall, the shroud between Gentiles and Jews came down when Christ died for humanities' sins. He first came to the Jews the lost sheep of Israel. He was a leader for the prodigal sons who had grown away from their father. Jesus could not be contained only to the Jews, the Gentiles would be healed as well.

Matthew 15:26-27 (The Message)

26He said, "It's not right to take bread out of children's mouths and throw it to dogs."

27She was quick: "You're right, Master, but beggar dogs do get scraps from the master's table."

The trend of exclusive rights to Christ continued when the Christians became the majority tribe. But, this trend had allready been broken from the birth of our Saviour when Magis showed up to celebrate.

Sheenm Fulton J. Life of Christ New York: Doubleday 1970.