I previously posted a homework assignment from one of the bible courses I took. Here is another...
New Testament: The Gospels and Acts
November 19, 2015
Question #1
Why is John 1:1 so important?
"In the beginning was the
Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
"Meet people where they are" is a modern saying
that is demonstrated in John 1:1. Part
of the ministry reflected in John 1:1 is the intention to reach the Gnostic
community. I believe the mark of a good
communicator is the ability to create common ground between various
parties. John utilized Gnostic language
and phrasing as a means to make the "good news" of Christ relatable
to his audience and he did so without disavowing, adulterating or compromising
the core truth. John 1:1 is integral
because it is a practical example of how understanding ones neighbor is the
ground upon which ministry is built - evoking a sense of oneness.
The concept of oneness is quite interesting. In my mind, the idea of seemingly separate
entities encompassed in one is a little paradoxical. How can one being have three distinct
identities or manifestations? John 1:1
is a prominent bible verse because it establishes divine identity - Christ's
oneness with The Most High. With human
understanding, I see the fullness of God in the fullness of a family. A family is one entity yet it is an entity
that contains two or more people. Like
the triune nature of God (father, spirit,
and son), the basic makeup of a family is man, woman, and child. The Father, spirit, and son emanate from one
mind, one heart, and one body -The Most High.
And as creations made in the image of The Most High, a family reflects
the same through the unique expression of each member.
John 1:1 sets a foundation for interconnectedness, relationship. It gives way to God's intangible and tangible
reality. If God is the great equalizer,
then what dictates the experience of oneness among all peoples (the human
family)? With the lyrics of Bob Marley's
One Love in mind, I believe love is the common ground. A good communicator allows her/his own
prejudices to be in submission to love. Love was with us in the beginning and will
stand until the end. It is not bound by
time, space, or matter. It functions
within one body (Jesus) yet transcends it and becomes "the comforter"
and common ground of many (the universal church). Love is the beginning truth. Truth is with God. Love as the only truth is God. As we grow in
understanding of The Most High, we are continually equipped to understand one
another and the veil of separation (racism, classism, ageism, sexism, religious
extremism etc.) is rent.
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