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Wondering Pilgrim

~ the ramblings of a perambulent and often distracted sojourner

Wondering Pilgrim

Tag Archives: Paul

Credentials

09 Friday Feb 2018

Posted by wonderingpilgrim in Personal, Spirituality, theology

≈ 3 Comments

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Corinthians, credentials, Paul

pexels-photo-567633A new ambassador stands before the Prime Minister and formally hands over an introductory letter sealed with the mark of his own government.

A hopeful business recruit emails her CV and academic record to a prospective employer.

A starry-eyed couple meet over coffee, swapping life stories in an effort to test the polarities of magnetism between them – will they continue to attract or will repulsion render this a one-off encounter?

There are varieties of ways for presenting credentials.

The Apostle Paul somehow does it in reverse. Having defended himself against charges of misrepresenting himself as an apostle with the authority to guide the church in Corinth, he presents his concerned hearers as his very credentials! Living witnesses to growth in Christ are all the credentials he and they require of each other! See 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Paul has a refreshing turn of phrase for cutting through conflict hiding behind formalities and red tape that bind rather than liberate!

Tall poppy rights

01 Thursday Feb 2018

Posted by wonderingpilgrim in Personal, Spirituality, theology

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Corinthians, human rights, Paul, workers rights

tall poppiesVisitors to Australia are sometimes mystified by the Australian egalitarian penchant for “lopping the tall poppies,” i.e. ridiculing those who, by virtue of excellence in their field, may be at risk of showing a tendency to rise above the crowd either in attitude, eccentric behaviour or even failure to meet popular expectation. We quickly cut them down to size! This may not be as prevalent as multicultural diversity has had several generations now to exert its influence.

Do tall poppies have rights? The average Aussie would say “Of course!” and quickly spring to the defence of those being unfairly maligned in the media. After all, everything must pass the “pub test” (consensus arrived at in a crowd discussion at a public bar as the days’ politics are reviewed.)

In today’s text from 1 Corinthians 9:1-15, the apostle Paul vigorously defends himself against charges that his leadership is wanting and that he is not worthy of any benefit he is receiving due to his role. It looks like a pay dispute! He appeals not so much for his rights but lays out the evidence of his experience and motivation for spending his life in service to the church. For this, he is prepared to lay aside his rights lest they become an obstacle. He makes no claim except for his human need to eat. I think most Aussies would say “Fair enough!” and also rise to his defence.

Lenten Voices: On Her Majesty’s Service….

20 Friday Feb 2015

Posted by wonderingpilgrim in Personal

≈ 1 Comment

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agent, ambassador, Christ, Corinthians, Kingsman, Lent, movies, Paul, reconciliation, spy

Kingsman_The_Secret_Service_posterKingsman: The Secret Service – is a rip-roaring enjoyable spy spoof lightly touching on some tangible everyday challenges – climate change, bullying, coming of age, redemption.

The genre, of course, draws on unflinching, totally dedicated, sacrificial service, epitomised by agents given to Her Majesty’s Service (or His Majesty, when the Kingsman private spy agency was born). The Apostle Paul appeals in the same way to the recalcitrant Corinthians, calling on them to emulate his ambassadorship and the “James Bond” lengths to which he is prepared to go that they and others will be reconciled to God and one another.  They and all who follow the Way of Christ, he summons to be his protégés.   See 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10. 

The Lenten journey is focused on reconciliation – and it takes ambassador-like dedication to ensure application and accomplishment.

Spanning pain and love

04 Friday Apr 2014

Posted by wonderingpilgrim in Personal, Spirituality

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cross, Paul, Romans 8

 

From Wikimedia Commons

From Wikimedia Commons

Romans 8:1-27 is its own commentary

It speaks cosmologically of the restoration of all creation and how the followers of Christ are called to emulate him in, as N.T. Wright says, standing “between the pain of the world and the love of God,” not as a wall or barrier, but the span of a bridge, or a linking arm.

This ultimately is what the cross of Christ stands for. It is transformed from a shameful and cruel instrument of execution to a symbol of transforming love.

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