Linus - Saint and Sinner. Just like all of us
http://lutheranforum.org/blogs/linus-van-pelt-apostle-and-heretic
This article is an interesting read that brings forth the dynamics that are displayed within the Peanuts Christmas special and the Peanuts Halloween Special. Linus does display the fact that we can easily fall into false beliefs (Halloween, when he preaches the Law that no doubt can be seen, heard, or spoken) and also speak a truth to people (Christmas, when he preaches the Gospel to Charlie Brown and tells all the true meaning of Christmas). We as individuals can easily be led astray but we should also be able to hear and understand the true calling that God is calling us to live out.
We can do this by engaging in God's Word that has been shared to those who have gone before us. We can read through the Bible and be reminded of the bigger picture. We can also engage these Words within a community, to learn from one another and share the insights that echo from the whole message of God's Word. As we reflect upon the whole Bible, we can understand that God is calling us to be disciplined not for our own sake but those around you. That you may have good and healthy relationships with God (your creator, sustainer, and redeemer) but also with those around you. You are called to live this life for God and for those around you.
However, when we fall victim to only thinking of our own beliefs and what we see and hear. We are limiting ourselves to the vast understanding that God is revealing to us within the whole Bible. For it is only by gathering together and hearing the Word within a community that we can hear the prophet speak among us but also help everyone in their beliefs. Yet we must also be aware of false prophets, those who would lead us astray towards their own beliefs and understandings. Linus demonstrates that within our lives, we can be right about some things and wrong about others. Yet as we gather and share, we also can begin to help one another understand the Truth that God has given to us.
This article is an interesting read that brings forth the dynamics that are displayed within the Peanuts Christmas special and the Peanuts Halloween Special. Linus does display the fact that we can easily fall into false beliefs (Halloween, when he preaches the Law that no doubt can be seen, heard, or spoken) and also speak a truth to people (Christmas, when he preaches the Gospel to Charlie Brown and tells all the true meaning of Christmas). We as individuals can easily be led astray but we should also be able to hear and understand the true calling that God is calling us to live out.
We can do this by engaging in God's Word that has been shared to those who have gone before us. We can read through the Bible and be reminded of the bigger picture. We can also engage these Words within a community, to learn from one another and share the insights that echo from the whole message of God's Word. As we reflect upon the whole Bible, we can understand that God is calling us to be disciplined not for our own sake but those around you. That you may have good and healthy relationships with God (your creator, sustainer, and redeemer) but also with those around you. You are called to live this life for God and for those around you.
However, when we fall victim to only thinking of our own beliefs and what we see and hear. We are limiting ourselves to the vast understanding that God is revealing to us within the whole Bible. For it is only by gathering together and hearing the Word within a community that we can hear the prophet speak among us but also help everyone in their beliefs. Yet we must also be aware of false prophets, those who would lead us astray towards their own beliefs and understandings. Linus demonstrates that within our lives, we can be right about some things and wrong about others. Yet as we gather and share, we also can begin to help one another understand the Truth that God has given to us.
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