Andrew Purves in The Crucifixion of Ministry takes issue with the theology of WWJD: “What would Jesus do?” He argues that it turns Jesus into a teacher of fixed moral ideas which must be imitated, i.e. a moralist not a Savior. Even with a little help from the Holy Spirit, it sounds like a religion of obedience to moral laws. This is to define Christian activity as something we do in Jesus’ name. But the Gospel is the good news about what Jesus does, not what we do. Our ministry in Jesus’ name derives from and is dependent upon the continuing ministry of Jesus. “The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.” Instead of WWJD we should speak of WIJD – “What is Jesus Doing?” God is acting today through the continuing ministry of Jesus who is present to us through the Holy Spirit. This is the significance of the Ascension.
From VirtueOnline - WIJD? THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ASCENSION:
Hat Tip: Euangelion
BTW, The Crucifixion of Ministry is a great book! I've read it and recommend it.
Hi Barry.
ReplyDeleteOne of the ways of translating God's name YHWH is"
"I Will Be That Which I Will Be"
or:
"I Will Be Whatever I Will Be"
The great I AM.
With One such, a person does not trifle.
Thanks Barry, you're one of God's good soldiers in Christ.
According to Harold Bloom (not a Christian but brilliant scholar nonetheless), the last time God appeared in the Old Testament was when Joshua saw a figure with sword drawn who said to him, "I am the Captain of the Guard, take off your sandals, you are on holy ground."
Whether or not one believes Bloom's interpretation, it's powerful stuff.
I tend to agree with Bloom that this was indeed the Lord of Armies Himself.
May you prosper and grow stronger each day, good soldier in Christ.
Jesus said, "I work and My Father works" --or words to that effect in relation to the Sabbath.
ReplyDeleteWhat does Jesus do? To my way of thinking, the Father's creation continues as people are birthed in Christ, reborn, and they allow His works to be shown in our lives.
Thanks, Barry.