Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Trinity, by Jason Byassee

Conclusion

1. The Trinity shows us that creation and redemption cannot be pulled apart so easily. The Son who redeems and the Father who creates are one God, and each works as the other works. This opens space for us not only to see in a divine light what scientists see as they pass on wisdom about the cosmos. It also allows us to see Christ resplendent throughout his creation. Every act of sacrifice, every ounce of beauty, even the sheer, seemingly ordinary act of being there, is a reflection of the God who makes all things and redeems them in Christ. Here Christians stand to learn as much from poets as from scientists.

- What are the challenges to seeing “Christ resplendent throughout his creation?”
- How might poets guide us into such wisdom and insight?

2. The Trinity says God is one of us, the least of us, to save us. The place to look for God is not in philosophical proofs or through a great big telescope. It is in the flesh of one Jesus of Nazareth. The Trinity says that how we think of “God” and the identity of this one Jew can never be pulled apart from one another.

- What is the value to you of Jesus being fully human?
- What is the value to you of Jesus being fully God?

3. Gandhi said if you want to know who the real Christians are, ask the poor. Have we given the poor the pride of place that Jesus commands? I sometimes wonder if we grouse about the absence of evidence for God precisely because God has so deeply identified with people we don’t want anything to do with—the lesser neighbor, the poor, the one who annoys us the most. Jesus’s identity and the church, and the poor, are one.

- How does this speak to our individual/societal norms and attitudes?

4. There is no salvation that is not corporate, that does not include Christ in his people, his poor, the ones you don’t like, the ones who most don’t like you. This is why discipleship is a difficult and rigorous way. It includes a cross. It is also why discipleship is worth it. It is the way Jesus walked before us and walks with us, and the way he is using us to make all things new. God is ecstatic, going outside himself. He commands us to do the same. And as hard as that way is, it is profoundly good.

- Salvation that is utterly inclusive includes “discipleship is a difficult and rigorous way.”  Why is the bearing of the cross necessary?

5. And these three we’ve described in this little conclusion—the one who creates, the one who redeems, the one who reconciles, these three are one. Their love for one another is unfathomable. It creates worlds, calls the Jews, redeems in Christ, and draws all people back to God. Our task in life is to become part of this company of fathomless mutual care. And to invite all others to as well. That’ll do for a lifetime, won’t it?

- In what ways have you become “part of this company of fathomless mutual care” over your lifetime?
- How has your involvement shaped your faith and your life?

6. What opportunities for growth has our Panera Study Group offered you over the years?

7. Is there interest in the continuation of this group with new leadership next fall?

8. What else might we talk about today during our final session with Pastor Mark?