Bring Bibles.
We'll begin with images that we receive (through TV, Internet, advertising) of what "The Good Life" comprises. -->; You'll want to make some notes prior to Sunday, as you consume these media.
Then we'll figure out if these visions of The Good Life have anything to do with The Abundant Life that our Bible stories describe. Is the Good Life the same as The American Dream? Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream"?
Is there agreement? Where?
Disagreement? How?
Mountaintop experiences: What are they like? Had one? Two? Can one live on the mountaintop?
What does Deuteronomy 30:15-20 have to do with living? With Living Well?
On Sunday, we'll look at these verses in class, but you are wise to look them up prior: John 3:1-21, Matthew 4:6-21, Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 17:11-19, Luke 19:1-10, John 9:1-41, Luke 8:4-18, Luke 8:40-56.
We'll end up with your BEST IDEAS and BEST PRACTICES on how to live, in Oprah's words, "The Best Life Now" but as followers of Jesus.
Thanks, Gang. This could be pretty important. Bring your Bible.
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Here are Caleb's comments from Colombia:
ReplyDeleteWe're back from being out of town for 3 weeks--that's why I was gone for a while.
Marc, this is A LOT of different passages to read. So, I only read Deut,John, and the two Matt readings. Maybe I'll do the other Luke ones later this week. Not. :)
In the media and popular culture I see a "good life" looking like MORE--more stuff, more leisure time, more sports, more money, more staying young and looking good, and less work.
Good life is when it's always the weekend, when you inherit a butt-load of money and never have to work, when you just play and own lots of things and hang out with friends and never notice the hard things in the world.
In these passages I hear God saying that following Jesus will mean giving away the things that distract you or that might make you addicted. It might mean leaving family or friends to go off somewhere far away. It can't be done without the spirit and actually learning God's word. My brother, Ascher, said it'd mean having some of what we want but not all of it--so other folks who are poor can have more of what they need. I think he's right (for a change!)
I think it's okay to watch TV or even own a flat screen as long as you don't get so wrapped up in it that you stop working hard, serving other people, and helping out with making the world better. If you do forget those things, then I guess even a TV can be a tool of Satan. That's freaky language (lots of folks here in Colombia talk about Satan alot and my parents and I aren't into that) but to me Satan just means a distration from what God is asking us to do. But that language--even if it is in the Bible, is too weird for me.
Miss you guys, Caleb
Hi Caleb,
ReplyDeleteThank you for you response! I really like your and Ascher's comments and am glad that you could discuss the readings together. Don't worry about not reading all the passages - we didn't either - (Note to Marc - we are not college students!)
Unfortunatley, I didn't get to read them till this evening. Marc was sick and I ended up scrambling around before class and forgot to check the blog. I promise to do that more faithfully in the future.
We decided to continue the conversation next week since we didn't get to finish discussing the Best Practices and Best Ideas for a good life. Be thinking on that some more and stay tuned for more info from Marc.
You should know that we think of you every week as we gather and that you and your family are a frequent touch point of our conversations. It is always great to get your comments - so thank you for joining us in spirit.
On a side note , a stated high -point of yesterday's class was having a candle and everyone playing with the wax at the end. I have a feeling that you would've been right in there with your friends, scorching your fingertips and making wax balls. So, perhaps next time when you do your lesson, light a candle and think of us and make a wax ball. :)
Love to all,
Beth
Caleb,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your "Good Life" thoughts. I sure think that you got it right. I hope that you are finding more and more "good life" where you are.
We still miss you guys.
Take care,
Nancy