I’m speaking this weekend at the National Hispanic Preachers & Leaders Conference in Daytona Beach, Florida. I’m flattered that they’re letting me speak, even though I’m not Hispanic!
I was assigned 3 classes on 1 John 3:16-18, with the assigned title “By This We Know Love.” Since I prefer doing textual exposition, three classes on three verses is not the easiest for me.
I had to turn in subtitles for each of the classes a few weeks ago. I chose these:
- Love is written with a cross.
- Love is shown with a towel.
- Love is pronounced with deeds. (That last one sounds better in Spanish)
Getting into the preparation, I became dissatisfied with the second title. I really wanted to use John 13 in the third lesson, but I had kind of locked myself into using it in the second lesson. I’ll have to remember to spend a little more time in topic development next time before choosing a title.
With each lesson, I chose a summary statement. They are:
- “The cross teaches us that love is a choice.”
- “The towel teaches us that love is service-oriented.” (Better way to say that in English? Can’t think of something that means the same as “servicial” in Spanish)
- “The manger teaches us that love is active.”
The last one could have been “the cross” instead of “the manger.” But I’ll include the whole imagery of the Word becoming flesh, not just the death on the cross, so hopefully it will work.
Any last-minute suggestions? Any illustrations or applications that you think just have to be made here? The lessons are done, but I never finish tweaking. I’d love any input.
If I understood Spanish, I’d be tempted to drive over (c. 65 miles) and hear your presentations! The approach seems very “sound” (in the sense of “healthy”). I’m sure you will relate each of these to Jesus’ invitation to us to “take up your cross and follow me.” Cross bearing is not suffering a stroke or a cancer; it is a deliberate choice for us to accept through self-denial.
Why don’t you give at lest the gist of each of these presentations on your blog? I think it would be very instructive and inspirational.
Watch this Youtube video of Tony Campolo telling the “Birthday Party for Agnes” story. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWlMV-UmueM
I’ve both shown the video as well as retold the story (giving credit to Campolo) when speaking about the servant-love Jesus calls us to in the Gospel of John. You would need to retell the story in Spanish but I think its a great illustration.
Grace and Peace,
Rex
Jerry,
I’d love to meet you sometime. I’ll see about posting some more on this in the future.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
Good suggestion, Rex. I had heard that story and had forgotten it. Found a transcript here:
http://www.tonycampolo.org/doc/crystalcathedral/The_Kingdom_of_God.pdf
Awesome.
Sounds great.
I hope you have a safe trip and great time.
Always praying for you and your ministry.
Thanks Kinney!