JC et al.--Living in Truth 11

Grace is Pro Bono, Bono is Pro-Grace

 

 U2--Yahweh

Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkEQS5SJZPU

Lyrics:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Yahweh-lyrics-U2/87C1BB5463F0EB8248256F20000624DA

“It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma….You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics; in physical laws every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It's clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe. I'm absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that "as you reap, so you will sow" stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff….That's between me and God. But I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I'd be in deep s---. It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity.” Excerpt from the book Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas (2005). Retrieved from: http://www.thepoachedegg.net/the-poached-egg/2010/09/bono-interview-grace-over-karma.html

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“Behold I am making all things new….I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost….Behold I am coming quickly, and my reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end….And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.”  Jesus Christ, Revelation 21:5-6; 22:12,17 NASB

Member Care: Pearls and the Perils--Introductory Devotional

Named, Known and Called
Dr. Cynthia Eriksson, Fuller School of Psychology, USA

This encouraging devotional, given 19 February, 2009, set the stage for the three lectures that followed at Fuller’s Integration Symposium. Cynthia Eriksson shares her journey as a missionary with mental health training and as a psychologist in missions. Using the interaction of Jesus and Peter in John 21: 15-19, she encourages us to live in the freedom of who we are and the freedom of who we are called to be. Her healing words are especially addressed to those of us in leadership: like Peter our frailties are not so much obstacles as they are a means to experience God’s grace, relationship, and call to lead.

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We think you will hear some very helpful comments by Cynthia as she intertwines her own life experiences with those of Peter’s. Her devotional and the opening remarks to the Symposium are about 37 minutes, and available to download for free in audio and video formats at:

http://www.fuller.edu/academics/school-of-psychology/integration-symposium-2009.aspx

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Reflection and Discussion

1. Summarize Cynthia's main point in one sentence. How does it apply to your life practically?

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2. List two charactersitics of Peter that are similar to your own characteristics. Are these areas we need to change or are they more like weaknesses that we need to live with?

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3. What are you thoughtts on Cynthia's assertion that Peter could still be called to lead in his broken state? How might this apply to your own leadership?