Universal Life ChurchOne Hundred Questions that Jesus Asked and YOU must answer.
One of the bigger mistakes people make in reading Scripture is that they read it as a spectator. For them Scripture is a collection of stories and events that took place thousands of years ago. True enough, we are reading historical accounts. But, truth be told these ancient stories are our stories. We are in the narrative. You are Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Deborah, Jeremiah, Ruth, Peter, Paul, Magdalene, Mother Mary, and, if you are prepared to accept it, you are also Jesus. As the narrative we read unfolds, we are in the story. We cannot simply watch what others say or do or answer. For what Peter and Magdalene and others did, we do. Peter denied and ran. So do we. Magdalene loved and never gave up, should should we. Magdalene had a sinful past and a promising future, so do we. Peter was passionate and had a temper so do we. But Peter also loved the Lord and ultimately gave his life for the Lord. So can we. Jesus suffered and died but rose again and ascended to glory. So have we and so will we.
The scriptures are our own story. We are in it. To read scripture as a mere spectator looking on is to miss the keynote. Scripture is our story.
In the light of this keynote there emerges another very important and powerful key to unlocking the text. The key is simply this: Answer the Question! Among the many things Jesus did, he asked a lot of questions! And whenever you read the Gospels and Jesus asks a question, answer it! Do not wait to see what Peter or Magdalene, or the Pharisees or the crowd say for an answer. You answer the question, in your own words. This brings Scripture powerfully alive.
So twenty years ago Bishop John Marshall, Bishop of Burlington VT. and later Springfield Mass compiled a book: But Who Do You Say That I Am? In the book he collected and listed all the questions Jesus asked in the Gospels. And he encourages us to answer the question. He also listed questions asked by others in another section of the book. Bishop Marshall in listing the question gives extra verses for context and adds brief commentaries. However, I would like to list just the raw questions. I will give the verse reference so you can look it up. But I encourage you to print this list and take it to prayer. Read it slowly, perhaps over days or weeks. I have attached a PDF version of the List here: 100 Questions that Jesus asked and YOU must answer. Ponder each question. Answer each question prayerfully and reflectively. This is not the complete list of questions but it is surely food for thought. Now, answer the questions:
100 Questions that Jesus asked and YOU must answer:
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Tuesday, February 19, 2013
ULC Questions from Jesus in the bible
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Kind Words from the ULC Seminary
Dearest Amy,
When I am low and wondering if God will
answer my prayers, your words and confidence in me, lifts my heart, my
spirit is rekindled and I go forward once more.
Thank you
Monday, October 15, 2012
Become an Ordained Minister
Hi Rev. Amy at ULC:
I am really grateful that I found your ministry! It is so unique and open and free-flowing! I am sure you will understand my story briefly:
I am middle-aged, and began going back to church in the late 1990s, earned a couple of Bible degrees, etc. and have done ministry work in Alzheimer's care, elderly shut-ins, troubled youth, etc. Currently doing pet ministry, as I also am very involved in animal rescue, shelter work with animals.
I went to some really dysfunctional churches and kept quitting organized religion, meaning, I continued studying the Bible, going to Bible studies, taking courses, but stayed away from churches for years until coming back several years ago. I found some contemporary charismatic churches, with the stadium style worship, with rock & roll music. It was really refreshing and now I attend 2 churches, do volunteer work with the churches, and can even go out and eat dinner with the pastor and others.
What kept me from the churches was the Do's and Don'ts and the persecution, of just being "single" they thought if you were single, you were a sinner, and I was not out there like the world, but they thought that and made comments, and also they didn't like divorced people, etc. It was awful, to try and go to a place of worship when they criticize and judge a person right at the church.
BUT, with ULC & its seminary, is a new wave of church mentality, to not judge (in the Bible), to respect others, and do what's right. I feel great to now belong to ULC & am planning education thru your seminary. I am really looking forward to the Biblical Egyptology course, as I like biblical archaeology, and read & study it constantly.
Thanks for a great ministry and great people there.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Universal Life Church from Rev. Short
Your gift to the universe is your timing. God gives you the message to deliver at the most uncanny times. Today, you have taken the frustration out of my heart. You are a great blessing to me and so many others.
Thank you with all my heart.
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