Sharing the Story of God With Clarity

Introduction

We Are Called: Adventures into the Unknown

We are Called to Share the Story of God With Clarity

Today: Super Bowl

Inside the Huddle - this is what you’d find

Formation: West Right Slot

Protection: 72 - who you’re supposed to block

Rout Concept: Z Bingo U Split Can it with 58 Lexus Apple 314 Hammer

Snap Count: Dummy snap count on 1

Ready Break

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHLrXMPBQ9s

Like the reporter, unless you would have spent hours studying the play book, have played football, have no idea what that means or what to do

Notice the look on the reporter’s face: Confusion

Special language only they understand; has to be interpreted into plain, clear language

From the cultural bubble of the football team to the common experience and understanding of everyone else.

If you want them to understand, be a fan, and maybe want to play the game, have to interpret it; talk clearly and plainly about it.

Going Away Message

John 16:25–33 ESV

“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Part of Last Supper narrative, on the way to the Mt of Olives.

Jesus Taught in Parables and Figures of Speech

Parables

Story using common life experiences as metaphors for truth.

One of the most effective means of communicating. Effective = engaging

Most of Jesus parables relate to the kingdom of God - Life as God intended and his rule over it.

Matthew 13:35 ESV

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”

Mark 4:33–34 ESV

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

The parabolic question: Who am I in this story?

Figurative Sayings/Proverbs

Words and phrases used in a non-literal way to create an effect, make people think, or get a response.

Certain language we use in different environments.

What has meaning to us, means nothing to someone else.

Both Have to be interpreted

15: Mataphor of the vine and branches

In a Little While

Cf 16ff. 16:16 - In a little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, you will see me.”

Talking amongst themselves: What is he saying?

30 - you knew what we were talking about.

I've been telling you about the Father and his Kingdom using parables but plainly I tell you now...

Follows Jesus' pattern of speaking in parables and figures of speech publicly and explaining things to his disciples later.

Speaking Plainly

Common/Contextual Language

I Came From God

Into the world

I’m going back to my Father

Clarity Draws People In

I came to the world from the Father and now I'm leaving the world to go back to the Father.

We no longer doubt you (we trust you)

Finally! There it is. It makes sense now. We get it - you came from God.

Express belief for the first time

Don’t need to constantly question/interrogate/test you or your knowledge to figure out who you are any more.

This back and forth dance we’ve been in for 3 years of hearing you talk about things with the crowds and scratching our heads and you having to explain it to us later is over!

Great Timing!

Do You Really?

Crossing the bridge from doubt to trusting he is who he says he is - shallow end of the pool

KOG - figures of speech; painting this big picture

Here's what's going to happen - clarity of speech.

You’re Going to Need More Than That Very Soon

Giving You A Heads Up

I’m leaving. Things are going to change quickly.

Jesus is prepping them for what they will encounter and is speaking clearly so they don't miss it.

You’ll be Scattered

Run to your home towns, homes

You will desert me but I’ll be fine - not alone

So you won’t be ashamed when it happens - I love you regardless

From Here On, Your Life Won’t Be Easy

This is a transition from where we're learning about things and now you have to go do it.

The Father loves you and because you love and trust me, believing I came from him, he loves you. You can speak with him directly.

I won’t be with you but you’ll have the Father

Because they loved him and believed in him, the Father also loved them.

In our relationship; in the midst of disease you will know shalom/eirene

I've told you this so you will have Shalom - Wholeness. Well-being, friendship, loyalty, love, restoration/reconciliation

Paul - similar to zoe (life)

2 Peter 3:14 - the perfect well-being of being remade in God’s image. This is what salvation means and it takes in the whole person.

Rom 14:17 - God's kingdom is peace - his rule and reign; life as he intended with him and one another. This is what God has called us to. Broadly, the normal state of all things (life as God intended).

What would have happened had Jesus not spoken clearly, plainly, in a culturally aware way throughout his 3 years publicly and with his disciples?

Potential Consequences of Jesus NOT Speaking With Clarity/Plain and Contextual Language

Every generation and every follower of Jesus has to interpret and share the story of God and teaching of Jesus for our day.

Many churches are doing that - not compromising, but adapting. And they’re

Yet many more churches and Christians approach sharing the story of God like a football team calls plays in the huddle.

We have the language of our playbook - insider language

Not the bible but the way we talk about our theology, doctrine, way our faith, expressions and and practice of it.

It’s not understandable to the common experience and understanding of everyone else - confusing

Miranda - I had to learn the Christian language when I became a Christian. I'm afraid to say something the wrong way. It's happened to me. I have learned over 15 years this language. Some of us longer. Don't know any other language to use. Takes training, repetition, coaching, practice.

Our playbook doesn’t necessarily answer questions people are asking or the life issues they face. It’s an unnecessary barrier.

One that not many are willing to try and get over.

We are called to learn how people talk about things and talk about the things of God from a new playbook with plain words that address the life questions and issues that people outside of our team experience.