Center Church
By: Timothy Keller
Introduction: Theological Vision
The purpose of this book can be understood by reading its introduction. Tim Keller depicts how churches often miss out on ministering to their communities for lack of good theological vision. What is theological vision? Its the middle place between Doctrine (teachings about God) and Ministry (the service of a community) in many ways theological vision will determine whether a particular Churches Doctrine can be understood by a people group, or whether that Churches ministry will be received by the culture they are seeking to serve. Theological vision is not simple to develop, it requires hard work, and a particular patience for listening and learning on behalf of the Church. But it is undervalued by most churches and is likely "THE" reason many churches fail to relate to, serve well, love affectionately, know intimately, and share in, the culture and community of the people they are supposed to be serving. Good Christian Theological Vision will include Doctrine derived from the Bible, reflection on the current culture of one's community, a godly understanding of reason, and constant consideration of where and how a particular culture can and should be challenged and or affirmed.
Center Church
By: Timothy Keller
Part 1: Gospel Theology
Chapter 1: Gospel
The Gospel is not everything. Its not a moral code, or ethical teaching, it is not a pragmatic logic or method of accomplishing something. Rather the Gospel is a message of salvation. It is "the good news" and is to be shared as a result of its goodness. Since the fall of man Genesis 3:17-19 sin has brought God's curse on the entire created order. Because of this we are physically, socially, and psychologically alienated from God and our selves at birth. The hope brought by the Gospel is that Jesus Christ being God (John 1:1-14) died on the cross for all sins (John 1:29; 5:21; 10:28 Hebrews 9:15). Now any and all who will receive him are forgiven of their sin (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10). This is the only promise ever delivered to man for the salvation of sin and the restoration of right relationship with God and our selves (Ephesians 1:13,14,18; ). The Gospel must never be mistaken as a way for us to get to God, it is and will always be about God coming down to earth, taking the weight of sin, abolishing it, and delivering that freedom of abolished sin to those who will receive him. Since this is true of the Gospel, no religion can bring about the salvation that Christianity offers, because no religion offers salvation the way Christ offers salvation. There is no mono theistic religion (belief in one God) in which a "personal God" comes down from heaven to save his people or suffer the consequences of there unholiness. This is the distinction that is Jesus Christ, this is why the Gospel is good news
Center Church
By: Timothy Keller
Part 1: Gospel Theology
Chapter 2: The Gospel is not a Simple Thing
Introduction:
This chapter is extremely doctrinal. I can't help but feel a bit disabled in my present knowledge of the information being shared in this chapter. In order to reflect everything that Tim Keller is teaching. In addition to my thoughts and reflections on this chapter I felt it every bit of necessary to provided a summary and outline explaining the chapters key points. I was weary about sharing this information as a part of my original post, because my goal in writing these chapter summaries, is not to rewrite the chapter but to communicate with as few words as possible what was taught in them. But in the case of ths information it's not a great idea to reword to much of what is being said. Simply put "don't go fixin what ain't broke."
Thoughts & Reflections:
Man, I both enjoyed and disliked this chapter. There was a lot being said and I knew that for the purposes of writing this blog I wouldn't be able to fit all of the information being communicated into my post. Center Church is a very deep and rich book aimed at equipping its readers with every detail necessary to understand the inter workings of the Gospel, this world, culture, history, God, and much more. Being such, the understanding articulated in these pages leaves one feeling less than adequate to readily comprehend it. I have reviewed this chapter a total of six times now three in audio and three in print. This is no complaint I have already read this book all the way through and thoroughly enjoyed it. But the mental stamina necessary for enjoying this work of truth, is not equivalent to that necessary for sharing this truth as accurately as Keller does. I am particularly encouraged by this thought, it is to me a sure sign that The Lord is not only shaping my heart but my mind!
Summary:
The Gospel is not simple. It can be communicated simply and understood simply (Romans 10:9). But to fully know all that the Gospel is, is in it self very complicated. Through out the Bible both harmony and variance in the ways the Gospel message is portrayed are found. In the Gospel of Matthew the emphasis is on the coming Kingdom of God, the new socioeconomic order of this kingdom, and other things concerning the nature of God's heavenly Kingdom both in heaven and on earth. John on the other hand gives emphasis to the eternal life, a relationship with the Lord, and cultivating/experiencing His love daily. Paul's letters and epistles, present different aspects that neither of these Gospels clearly reveal. In them we find a familiar theme, that justification through salvation by faith alone will expose one to the redemption of Jesus' blood shed on the cross. Each of these differences are equally important to the essence of the Gospel message, but they are not mere interchangeable truths. The Kingdom of God is not a reference to eternal life in Christ, and justification through salvation by faith alone is not the same thing as having eternal Life.
Here is an excerpt from the text. "In Galatians 1:8 Paul condemns anyone who preaches a Gospel other than the one we preached to you. In 1 Corinthians 15:11 he takes pains to show that the Gospel he declares is the same as that preached by Peter, John, and the others." "Whether then it was I or they, this is what we preached, and this is what you believed (1Corinthians 15:11)" "It would be impossible for Paul to condemn a false Gospel and affirm the preaching of Peter as the Gospel without assuming a consensus body of Gospel content."
The second part of this chapter explains how these themes are discovered. When studying the Bible. Scholars must take into account the language in which all 66 books were originally written. There are two ways this can be done. The first is a synchronic approach also called the Systematic Theological Method or STM, this method focuses on the structure of a language at a particular time in history. Through the synchronic method we find a story less order. Mainly comprised of the topics a given text includes i.e. the gospel narratives can be read as God, sin, Christ and faith. The synchronic approach falls short By failing to provide narrative or context by which to apply the topics observed. We know that the Bible can be read synchronically because it has a single author, God. The second is a diachronic approach also called the Redemptive Historical Method or RHM, this method reveals the way in which a language and its meaning change as a result of life experiences. Through the diachronic method we find what the bible says as a whole by stages in history, the plotline of a story, or the narative overview of the bible itself. Diachronically we see the Gospel message presented through out all of scripture: God's creation, the fall of man, and God's reentry into history to create a new people for Himself, and eventually about a new creation that emerges out of a marred and broken world through Christ. the "We believe we can read the Bible this way because God used human beings to reveal his revelation - and because as hope-based creatures we respond to the beauty of narative."
There is no one standard outline found in the Bible to describe the Gospel. When we compare John, The Synoptics (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), with Paul we find variance in the descriptions of the Gospel message, but also find that the essence of the Gospel remains the same. That is that Christ offers redemption through substitution for our sins.
- Compare Matthew 25:31-46 (Kingdom) and John 10:17-31 (Eternal Life)
- With John 3:16, 17
- See that these words Kingdom and Eternal Life are not synonyms. These terms convey different aspects of God's salvation.
- Matthew along with the other synoptic Gospels (Mark and Luke) use the word Kingdom in reference to God's salvation because the writers were concerned with the future of new life in Christ.
- The synoptics give a "more external and corporate emphasis", revealing the actual "social and behavioral changes that the gospel brings."
- "Money is not made and Idol" - Mark 10:17-31
- "The hungry, naked, and homeless are cared for" - Matthew 25:31-46
- John on the other had puts great emphasis on the individual and inward parts of living in the Kingdom of God!
- The Kingdom of God is not an earthly sociopolitical order - John 18:36
- Together John and the Synoptic writers show complementary parts of a whole that is the Gospel.
- Paul uses both Kingdom, and Eternal Life, but spends more time focussing on the concept of justification. This is not a different Gospel, but again another part of the whole.
- "Jesus takes the curse of the Law (legal penalty for sin), so that we can receive the blessing of Christ obedience" - Galatians 3:13-14
- Simon Gathercole reveals that the variations between The Synoptics, John, and Paul are not contradicting. At the heart of all of these descriptions of the Gospel the message remains "redemption through substitution." This is the Gospel.
- "In Jesus God substitutes himself for us, and on our behalf pays the debt."
- Mark the disciple- Mark 10:45
- John the disciple - John 12:20-36
- Paul the apostle - 1 Timothy 2:6
- "Defeats the evil powers"
- Paul the apostle - Colossians 2:15
- John the disciple - 1 John 3:8
- "Bears the curse and divine wrath"
- Matthew the disciple- Matthew 27:35
- Paul the apostle - Galatians 3:13
- John the disciple - 1 John 2:2, 4:10
- "Secures for us Salvation by grace, not by our works."
- Paul the apostle - Ephesians 2:8-9
- Paul the apostle - 2 Timothy 1:9
- "Becomes for us an exemplar."
Conflicting modification on October 28, 2013 at 1:19:00 PM:
Center Church
By: Timothy Keller
Introduction: Theological Vision
The purpose of this book can be understood by reading its introduction. Tim Keller depicts how churches often miss out on ministering to their communities for lack of good theological vision. What is theological vision? Its the middle place between Doctrine (teachings about God) and Ministry (the service of a community) in many ways theological vision will determine whether a particular Churches Doctrine can be understood by a people group, or whether that Churches ministry will be received by the culture they are seeking to serve. Theological vision is not simple to develop, it requires hard work, and a particular patience for listening and learning on behalf of the Church. But it is undervalued by most churches and is likely "THE" reason many churches fail to relate to, serve well, love affectionately, know intimately, and share in, the culture and community of the people they are supposed to be serving. Good Christian Theological Vision will include Doctrine derived from the Bible, reflection on the current culture of one's community, a godly understanding of reason, and constant consideration of where and how a particular culture can and should be challenged and or affirmed.
Center Church
By: Timothy Keller
Part 1: Gospel Theology
Chapter 1: Gospel
The Gospel is not everything. Its not a moral code, or ethical teaching, it is not a pragmatic logic or method of accomplishing something. Rather the Gospel is a message of salvation. It is "the good news" and is to be shared as a result of its goodness. Since the fall of man Genesis 3:17-19 sin has brought God's curse on the entire created order. Because of this we are physically, socially, and psychologically alienated from God and our selves at birth. The hope brought by the Gospel is that Jesus Christ being God (John 1:1-14) died on the cross for all sins (John 1:29; 5:21; 10:28 Hebrews 9:15). Now any and all who will receive him are forgiven of their sin (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10). This is the only promise ever delivered to man for the salvation of sin and the restoration of right relationship with God and our selves (Ephesians 1:13,14,18; ). The Gospel must never be mistaken as a way for us to get to God, it is and will always be about God coming down to earth, taking the weight of sin, abolishing it, and delivering that freedom of abolished sin to those who will receive him. Since this is true of the Gospel, no religion can bring about the salvation that Christianity offers, because no religion offers salvation the way Christ offers salvation. There is no mono theistic religion (belief in one God) in which a "personal God" comes down from heaven to save his people or suffer the consequences of there unholiness. This is the distinction that is Jesus Christ, this is why the Gospel is good news.
Center Church
By: Timothy Keller
Part 1: Gospel Theology
Chapter 2: The Gospel is not a Simple Thing
Introduction:
This chapter is extremely doctrinal. I can't help but feel a bit disabled in my present knowledge of the information being shared in this chapter. In order to reflect everything that Tim Keller is teaching. In addition to my thoughts and reflections on this chapter I felt it every bit of necessary to provided a summary and outline explaining the chapters key points. I was weary about sharing this information as a part of my original post, because my goal in writing these chapter summaries, is not to rewrite the chapter but to communicate with as few words as possible what was taught in them. But in the case of ths information it's not a great idea to reword to much of what is being said. Simply put "don't go fixin what ain't broke."
Thoughts & Reflections:
Man, I both enjoyed and disliked this chapter. There was a lot being said and I knew that for the purposes of writing this blog I wouldn't be able to fit all of the information being communicated into my post. Center Church is a very deep and rich book aimed at equipping its readers with every detail necessary to understand the inter workings of the Gospel, this world, culture, history, God, and much more. Being such, the understanding articulated in these pages leaves one feeling less than adequate to readily comprehend it. I have reviewed this chapter a total of six times now three in audio and three in print. This is no complaint I have already read this book all the way through and thoroughly enjoyed it. But the mental stamina necessary for enjoying this work of truth, is not equivalent to that necessary for sharing this truth as accurately as Keller does. I am particularly encouraged by this thought, it is to me a sure sign that The Lord is not only shaping my heart but my mind!
Summary:
The Gospel is not simple. It can be communicated simply and understood simply (Romans 10:9). But to fully know all that the Gospel is, is in it self very complicated. Through out the Bible both harmony and variance in the ways the Gospel message is portrayed are found. In the Gospel of Matthew the emphasis is on the coming Kingdom of God, the new socioeconomic order of this kingdom, and other things concerning the nature of God's heavenly Kingdom both in heaven and on earth. John on the other hand gives emphasis to the eternal life, a relationship with the Lord, and cultivating/experiencing His love daily. Paul's letters and epistles, present different aspects that neither of these Gospels clearly reveal. In them we find a familiar theme, that justification through salvation by faith alone will expose one to the redemption of Jesus' blood shed on the cross. Each of these differences are equally important to the essence of the Gospel message, but they are not mere interchangeable truths. The Kingdom of God is not a reference to eternal life in Christ, and justification through salvation by faith alone is not the same thing as having eternal Life.
Here is an excerpt from the text. "In Galatians 1:8 Paul condemns anyone who preaches a Gospel other than the one we preached to you. In 1 Corinthians 15:11 he takes pains to show that the Gospel he declares is the same as that preached by Peter, John, and the others." "Whether then it was I or they, this is what we preached, and this is what you believed (1Corinthians 15:11)" "It would be impossible for Paul to condemn a false Gospel and affirm the preaching of Peter as the Gospel without assuming a consensus body of Gospel content."
The second part of this chapter explains how these themes are discovered. When studying the Bible. Scholars must take into account the language in which all 66 books were originally written. There are two ways this can be done. The first is a synchronic approach also called the Systematic Theological Method or STM, this method focuses on the structure of a language at a particular time in history. Through the synchronic method we find a story less order. Mainly comprised of the topics a given text includes i.e. the gospel narratives can be read as God, sin, Christ and faith. The synchronic approach falls short By failing to provide narrative or context by which to apply the topics observed. We know that the Bible can be read synchronically because it has a single author, God. The second is a diachronic approach also called the Redemptive Historical Method or RHM, this method reveals the way in which a language and its meaning change as a result of life experiences. Through the diachronic method we find what the bible says as a whole by stages in history, the plotline of a story, or the narative overview of the bible itself. Diachronically we see the Gospel message presented through out all of scripture: God's creation, the fall of man, and God's reentry into history to create a new people for Himself, and eventually about a new creation that emerges out of a marred and broken world through Christ. the "We believe we can read the Bible this way because God used human beings to reveal his revelation - and because as hope-based creatures we respond to the beauty of narative."
There is no one standard outline found in the Bible to describe the Gospel. When we compare John, The Synoptics (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), with Paul we find variance in the descriptions of the Gospel message, but also find that the essence of the Gospel remains the same. That is that Christ offers redemption through substitution for our sins.
- Compare Matthew 25:31-46 (Kingdom) and John 10:17-31 (Eternal Life)
- With John 3:16, 17
- See that these words Kingdom and Eternal Life are not synonyms. These terms convey different aspects of God's salvation.
- Matthew along with the other synoptic Gospels (Mark and Luke) use the word Kingdom in reference to God's salvation because the writers were concerned with the future of new life in Christ.
- The synoptics give a "more external and corporate emphasis", revealing the actual "social and behavioral changes that the gospel brings."
- "Money is not made and Idol" - Mark 10:17-31
- "The hungry, naked, and homeless are cared for" - Matthew 25:31-46
- John on the other had puts great emphasis on the individual and inward parts of living in the Kingdom of God!
- The Kingdom of God is not an earthly sociopolitical order - John 18:36
- Together John and the Synoptic writers show complementary parts of a whole that is the Gospel.
- Paul uses both Kingdom, and Eternal Life, but spends more time focussing on the concept of justification. This is not a different Gospel, but again another part of the whole.
- "Jesus takes the curse of the Law (legal penalty for sin), so that we can receive the blessing of Christ obedience" - Galatians 3:13-14
- Simon Gathercole reveals that the variations between The Synoptics, John, and Paul are not contradicting. At the heart of all of these descriptions of the Gospel the message remains "redemption through substitution." This is the Gospel.
- "In Jesus God substitutes himself for us, and on our behalf pays the debt."
- Mark the disciple- Mark 10:45
- John the disciple - John 12:20-36
- Paul the apostle - 1 Timothy 2:6
- "Defeats the evil powers"
- Paul the apostle - Colossians 2:15
- John the disciple - 1 John 3:8
- "Bears the curse and divine wrath"
- Matthew the disciple- Matthew 27:35
- Paul the apostle - Galatians 3:13
- John the disciple - 1 John 2:2, 4:10
- "Secures for us Salvation by grace, not by our works."
- Paul the apostle - Ephesians 2:8-9
- Paul the apostle - 2 Timothy 1:9
- "Becomes for us an exemplar."
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