Cheap Grace:
“We proclaim Christ and Him Crucified.” Why is this important and why does your pastor say this ‘all the time’? [Proclaiming Christ Crucified]
Paul wrote in his first letter to the church in Corinth: 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (ESV)
2 And I, when I came to you, brothers,[a] did not come proclaiming to you the testimony[b] of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
The reason that Paul wrote in this ‘hyperbole’ [how could a man with the equivalent of 2 PhDs. by age 21 ‘choose to know nothing’ ] was likely to point the listener to this: “If you remember ANYTHING that I ever say in my sermon- never forget the crux of all that is ‘The Gospel’ the center of all
James 1:22, 1 Corinthians
Often, we think of older people as being smarter, wiser, and generally more mature, but this is not always the case. Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger gives a number of examples that shatter this generalization, offering an alternative to age as the primary factor in one’s level of maturity. Ordinary Grace shows how maturity is a result of circumstance and does not necessarily correlate with age.
A Grace Disguised written by Jerry Sittser, is one of the most heart felt and transparent books I have ever read. The idea that our purpose and who we are is shaped through our suffering and loss, puts one in perspective to understand that our pain lies a blessing, even at times we don't understand. Jerry Sittser, a husband, son, and father of four is a true witness to what its like to experience loss and even feel hopelessness in times of despair. In the fall of 1991, him and his families lives were changed forever. Driving back home from a Native American reservation in rural Idaho, an incoming car driving extremely reckless and fast, jumped its lane and smashed head-on into their families mini-van. Rescuing his daughter Catherine and two sons David and John, Jerry Sittser had to endure seeing the lives of his wife Lynda, mother Grace, and four year old daughter Diane flash before his eyes (Sittser, 1998 pg. 26). Three generations instantly gone without any signs or warnings. Letters of comfort that was sent by mail frequently asked Jerry the question, “Why did this have to happen to your family? Y'all were the ideal family to model. If bad things can happen to good people like the Sittser’s then we’re all in trouble (Sittser, 1998 pg. 30).” In this book Jerry Sittser highlights many different aspects of how to differentiate our view of loss from both a carnal and spiritual perspective. Yes, its no debate that loss is a terrifying and dreadful event to experience, but
Timothy II was composed around the time of A.D. 67 during Paul’s second imprisonment in Rome for reasons unclear. During Paul’s prison sentence, he wrote Timothy II to his companion Timothy back in the city of Ephesus which is now modern day Greece. Throughout European cities, there was a sudden growth of heretic communities with beliefs that went against the teachings and ideals of official Church Doctrine. Therefore false teachers began to stress these flawed beliefs upon Church communities casting a dark cloud upon the remaining faithful believers. As a dark cloud loomed upon Timothy, Peter wrote Timothy II which was more of and informal friend to friend type letter to serve as a letter of direction. Through this letter “Paul reminds Timothy
The Alias Grace novel takes place in the 19th century in Ontario, Canada. The setting of the novel is based on murder, gender and feminism during that time. In the novel, Margaret Atwood touches upon various gender role issues that women faced in the mid 19th century by reviving the life of the 16-year-old Grace Marks, who was convicted of murder. Using Grace’s perspective, Atwood reflects the gender stereotypes of the patriarchal society in the novel. While facing limited opportunities in defining themselves independently, women are expected by men to act and look in certain ways and are looked down upon as objects. The constructed gender-biased identity illustrated in the novel, positions women as the fragile, weaker sex and leaves men with all the power and free of any moralities.
The passage also has a specific context, which will be laid out in this paper. Context Paul was writing to the Corinthian’s in
Arrived in New York and after settling wherever he could. Peter became acquainted with the various communities and people who lived there. Peter had a vision and he shared it wherever he went… people talked up Dorothy and her quest. Peter knew he had to meet this woman and when he did. It was almost serendipitous! Again, In All is Grace, A Biography of Dorothy Day, Dorothy’s recounts her meeting Peter Muiner with affection and admiration.” “His face seen as weathered beaten as is clothing. However, the visit wasn’t down- and- out and his welcoming smile. His whole manner communicated gentleness, vitality and intellectual energy. When he spoke, his calloused hands you're as lively as his thoughts. ‘I am Peter
The first letter to the Corinthians as a whole alternates between responses to reports and answers to questions from the church, and 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 is found in the beginning of Paul’s first response to reports dealing with factions and divisions within the body of believers.
In this passage of the second letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses several concerns. He is addressing the situation of a man who has sinned not only against himself, but against the Corinthian Church as well. He explains why he wrote a letter rather than bringing sorrow upon them. Paul is sensitive to the Lord’s leading, and in love, writes to the church encouraging them to discipline this man in love for the purpose of restoring him. He urges the Corinthians to be obedient and love the man through forgiving and encouraging him. Paul shares with them his trust in the Lord for the outcome of this matter and how burdened he was for restoration to take place. He warns them of the need to not allow Satan a foothold through this
Paul wrote to the Romans from Corinth during his three month stay. Paul was on a missionary trip passing through the east and was on his way to Rome. It was one of two letters; One to Rome and the other to Ephesus. They must have already had churches started in Rome because “We can safely assume that the church was not planted by an apostle”(Schreiner pg.11). The Church was most probably started by Jewish Christians.
Paul is often considered one of the most influential people of all times. He was able to go from being in a very bad state of mind religiously, to completely transforming and being gifted with a second chance by God. God wanted him to pass his message along so everyone would hear. Through his childhood and personality, it is evident that Paul was raised in an atmosphere in which he could thrive in educationally, and exhibit beneficial characteristics like his great knowledge. This was all important and made a difference in the way he was able to pass on the message of the Gospel by using past wisdom and by receiving a good education.
As with most other Pauline attributed documents, 1 Corinthians is believed to be a single document that addresses salient topics and rationalizes Paul’s view of faithfulness to Christ with Corinth citizens. The newly founded church of Corinth was in correspondence with Paul requesting his answers to questions they posed on topics ranging from marriage to the resurrection of the dead; the latter being one of the most highlighted in 1 Corinthians. Paul’s assurance of resurrection illustrates a concern for Corinth as he admonishes their disbelief in resurrection of the dead with a series of explanations as to why such doubt would render the faith of Christ “in vain”. Given the context of the time, Paul’s correspondence with Corinth clearly
Paul’s final request towards the people of Corinth is found in his second letter (2 Corinthians). The last chapter however is similarly a conclusion, or overview of the letter. Although there are some differences throughout the translations, Paul’s final message/warning is evident and clear.
The first letter to the Christian community was sent from Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, though Paul was the main author. Paul was writing to them to clear up their misunderstandings about the return of Christ, also considers it as instructions in holy living. Paul wrote about his longing to visit the church in Thessalonica but
Paul is the author of the book of Titus. The book of Titus was written around the years 63-65 A.D. The letter was addressed to Titus who was a gentile and a companion of Paul. Paul called Titus his “True son”. Titus along with First and Second Timothy are called Pastoral Epistles. The reason for being categorized that way is because the letters emphasizes the reason for having leaders within the church. (Votaw, Clyde W. pg.130-38) The book 's theme is instructions to Titus on how to run the churches in Crete and to encourage Titus in faith. The first readers of this letter would be Titus, some of the leaders within the Crete churches, Zenas and Apollos who Paul gave the letter to give of Titus. Paul and Titus most likely visited Crete