Sharing insight into Bible passages

Each week the Village News now features a different Bible passage (or other thought-provoking message relating to faith) so that readers can share their insight and/or opinions.

This new, interactive section allows those of various denominations and faiths to participate equally and respectfully, sharing their individual thoughts, commentary, viewpoints and/or insight on particular Biblical verses and themes.

In addition, the Bible passage selected for the following week will be publicized so that readers can e-mail their comments to be included.

All comments and insight shared will also go on the newspaper’s Web site (www.thevillagenews.com) so it can be reviewed and commented on further.

If you would like to recommend Bible passages for this discussion venue, please e-mail us at [email protected].

Divinity of Jesus

John 1:1-3

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”

This particular Bible verse has a lot of emphasis on how the Word was an influence on the world from the very beginning. Theologians believe the Word is Jesus Christ, so what does this say about Christ and his divinity?

Pastoral commentary

Faye Hall

Of the Christian Science Church says:

“This passage correlates to the first chapter of Genesis where God is seen as the Creator of everything and ‘it was very good.’ From the Greek word ‘logos’ the Word has two meanings here. It is the expression of God inwardly in the mind and outwardly in speech. Jesus was the outward expression of the Word and the Christ is the inward expression.

“Jesus’ life revealed the innermost character of God while showing what God is like and how man can be more like God. This one passage explains that God is the eternal creator who made all that is made, while also illustrating the Father united to the Son, Christ Jesus.”

Readers’ commentary

Jo Anne Moran says:

“Focus does not have to be on the Word. At times, transcendent power can operate through more subtle and indirect paths.

“I think too much focus is placed by people on ‘the Word.’ Unexpected, catastrophic or unexplainable events are typically said to be the ‘will of God’ and references to global issues are easily found in ‘the Word’ by people who wish it to be that way.

“It is my belief that ‘the Word’ itself has no direct impact on events in today’s society. It is always the choices made and the acts taken by the human race that create our present and shape our future.”

Francis Nestor says:

“To be influenced by this verse, one must believe the world could not possibly exist without some sort of divine force driving and controlling the entire universe.

“God meant for us to control our own lives upon birth, and while God gives direction, I don’t think Jesus’ divinity has an influence on the world or has the same impact that it did 20 years ago.

“Jesus Christ has been an inspiration for many to become better people, but in today’s society, when so many children don’t even know what the word ‘Christ’ means or why Jesus was such a revolutionary man of his time, one can barely call his influence ‘divine’ anymore.”

Sarah Perez says:

“To me, the verse says that Christ and God are one and the same being. John was trying to explain Christ’s existence before He took the form of man as Jesus.

“Being one with God, He was involved in the creation of the world and today He is still here with us if we believe in Him.”

Next week’s

passage for discussion

The Rapture

“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

The rapture is a highly controversial topic in that it speaks of being taken up to be with Christ. However, it leaves people with questions on how those who will be taken are selected and what happens to those who are left behind. What does that rapture really mean for Christians?

To comment on any of the above, e-mail [email protected].