Generational Recipe:
In certain cases, but not always – as we share the Christian message with our friends – we could be disappointed to find that it just doesn’t connect!
Doesn’t hit-home!
Ever been there?
Ever experienced the cold shoulders and icy stares?
Well, perhaps, “one” of the reasons why – is because we’re using the wrong string of words!
Consider this, pastor and translator Eugene Peterson hoped to bring the New Testament to life for two different types of people – those who hadn’t read the Bible because it seemed too distant and irrelevant, and those who had read the Bible so much that it had become old hat.
Peterson knew that there was a need in every generation to keep the language of the good news current, fresh, and understandable.
And so, here, in this extract example from The Message, he paraphrases Paul and Timothy’s written letter to all the followers of Jesus in Philippi extremely well:
“Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in THE ONE who makes me who I am.”
Friends, to be honest, this passage needs no comprehensive explanation!
Evidently, as we put these verses into their full context, we begin to realise that whatever conditions that accompany and influence our daily lives – whatever experiences we may face, God will give us all the strength we need.
Certainly, this message delivers a “great deal” of confidence.
But let’s get back to the main component of our two-fold theme!
Admittedly, God is not looking for impressive polished speeches and the latest philosophy, He’s looking for those who admit that they are dependent on Him.
Still, as we share the set of facts or circumstances that surround any scripture and event, let’s make it relevant.
Let’s make sense of the truth in the terminology that our generation understands.
Don’t add details to, or over-stress a point for effect!
Always answer with a gentle and courteous response.
Avoid using Christian lingo!
And so, as we keep the message clear and simple, and allow God to get involved, He will add the extra to ordinary.
Philippians 4:11-13
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