Bottom lines up front:
*Rules always assume a relationship.
*God's rules didn't establish his relationship with Israel; they were confirmation of his relationship with Israel.
*God's plan, beginning with Abraham, always included us.
Everybody understands rules. We are either under them or establishing them. We are either enforcing them or breaking them. Here's why I like talking about "rules" in the context of religion; because ALL FAITHS agree that obedience is what determines "good standing." A good Muslim, Jew or Christian is one that follows the "rules" of the faith.
Here's a harsh truth: Most Christians, Jews, and Muslims are nominal; that is, "by name" only. Because most people, regardless of faith are better at BELIEVING rather than BEHAVING. We are always looking for loopholes in the system. "Catholics have found ways to justify birth control. Only a percentage of Muslims pray with their faces to the ground five times a day. Just a small number of Protestants show the type of kindness, love, and forgiveness that Jesus modeled" (Starting Point, p. 54).
I have friend who is a Muslim who wanted to come to our Sunday Church gathering. He said, "Is it okay that I come if I'm not a Christian." I replied, "it's okay. Most of the people in Church are NOT Christian anyways..." And I'm the first person I think of when I hear the word "nominal." Because after pasto ring for nearly a decade, I eventually became a Christian. I finally prayed with my wife instead of praying for my wife. I finally chose God's love over my shame. I finally had the freedom to admit I needed a savior and stop listening to the voices of "it's not that bad. Your'e not that bad. You don't really have a testimony because your story is not that hardcore. You're a good church kid who never strayed too far from the bath. So your story is boring..." And on and on the lies that kept me in a state of nominalism. By name only, but not completely sold on the implications of Christianity.
All that to say - Rules always assume a relationship.
In a family model, obeying rules don't "get us in," but exist because "we are in."
In the club model, obeying rules precede relationship (i.e. Membership). We obey, then we "get in" the club.
In the neighborhood association model, you can buy your way in, not obey the rules and still stay in, but feel like you're not in the club. It's a complex one.
God doesn't follow a club or neighborhood association model. That's why all the commands in the Bible only apply to Believers. The blind can't follow, because they can't see. It isn't until HE grands the blind man sight that he can pick up his mat and go off dancing and tell others of Jesus.
Section one:
1. In general, how do you respond to rules? Do you tend to keep them or break them?
I follow the rules best when people are looking. For the most part, because I have an operative conscience, I typically give into conviction and obey the rules when nobody is looking.
2. What were the most important rules for you growing up? Which rules are still important to you?
Look both ways before crossing the street, eat with your mouth closed and bring your virginity to the alter. My dad taught me all these things when I was very young and I can remember vividly exactly when, how and why he said them.
3. Which model, family or club, best represents your understanding or experience of rules and relationship in religion?
Family. I never felt once that if I didn't obey my parents, that I would be kicked out. Same goes with God. I've always felt secure in Christ.
Section two:
1. What value do the Ten Commandments have today?
Extreme value. They are the word of God and if repeated in the New Testament, should be applied today. Since keeping the Sabbath predates the law, it has always applied as God's standard operating procedure; namely, rest when the work is done.
2. Have you considered that God declared a relationship with the people of Israel before giving the Ten Commandments? What do you think of this?
Yes. Because he's God he knew who he would choose to bless the nations, when and why etc.
3. What rules do you think matter most to God?
Love the Lord and Love thy neighbor.
Section three:
1. Is there a connection between the way God accepted Abraham, accepted Israel, and accepts us? Explain. Yes. By grace, through faith...
2. Is it easier to see God as a rule maker or a parent with boundaries? Why?
Parent with boundaries. If a parent is loving, he or she sets boundaries out of love and protection.
3. What would change if you really saw yourself as a child of God?
I would crawl into my fathers lap and feel loved instead of shame. I would reject the lies of not being worthy to be in the family and I would listen to my loving father say, "I see you as my child, not a shameful, sinning, loser who continually walks into the same sin over and over and over.
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