Azusa Pacific University

The Truth

Permalink Kevin Mannoia 1:03 pm on May 14, 2012
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The first thing you think of when somebody tells you they are seeking the truth is that they are looking for information that is correct. Your mind assumes that truth is simply a piece of data, or a belief, or theory that is correct. But then along comes Jesus saying, “…I am the truth.” It sounds odd. It doesn’t fit your assumption about what truth is. But it does affect how you approach the idea of truth. Is it a piece of information, or is it a person?

Generally we get to know information using our analytical and cognitive ability to decide whether it is correct or not. And we start from a skeptical mindset. But when presented with a person, we start from a very different place. We want to know them; we spend time with them; we hang out; we inquire. All in an effort to know them in a relational way. Jesus’ claim to be the truth sets the frame of reference of anyone who pursues knowing truth. It is a relationship with a person, not an analytical skepticism about a piece of information. Knowing Jesus opens the world of information to meaning and understanding.

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Embrace the Present

Permalink Kevin Mannoia 11:23 am on May 7, 2012
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So many times in the Bible, Jesus uses the words “I am” to refer to himself. “I am the gate,” “I am the way,” “I am the life.” Of course that’s reminiscent of when God called Moses, remember? God said, “tell them ‘I am’ has sent you.” Always the present tense. God is not bound by time. Those who walk with Christ are also not bound by the constraints of time…well, at least not in respect to embracing the fullness of life. You still have to plan for the future, and you still have to live with consequences of the past. But walking with Jesus gives you the ability to embrace the present. Living in the past will invariably cause a deep sense of guilt – over what you did or should have done. Living in the future will easily result in anxiety – worrying about what may happen and whether you’ll perform properly. BUT, living in the present brings fullness of life, because God is in the present. Embracing the moment may mean facing the pain, or seeing the joy; it may mean appreciating mercy and grace, or being thankful for salvation. Whatever the present circumstance is, you can be sure that Christ is in it with you – because God is present, “I am.”

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Buttons and Levers

Permalink Kevin Mannoia 1:17 pm on April 30, 2012
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It’s amazing how much energy we spend trying to make things happen just the way we want. We push and pull, strive and work – all in an effort to make things perfect, to come out the way we have planned. And when they don’t, we are hurt or wonder which button we forgot to push or level we didn’t pull to create just the right outcome. But every time I look at the tapestry in the back of the Cathedral in Los Angeles, I see the same Jesus — kneeling. Not pushing buttons and pulling levers, but in surrender to the circumstances that will come. It seems that God is not as interested in what you make happen as He is how you handle what does happen. Don’t misunderstand – I am not suggesting that you stop planning for your future! Keep leaning forward in your job, school, vocation. But don’t assume that you can completely figure out exactly the right buttons and levers to use to be fulfilled. Following Christ really is a disposition of the heart – surrendered to the circumstances and letting His peace be your foundation and joy.

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