quote:
No. I think the question for the church to answer is how to demonstrate the reality of the risen Christ in the world.
(Please forgive my interjections)
--The statement is excellent gospel truth.
--Matthew, demonstrates the reality of the risen Christ as a King-Royal, amongst other excellencies, the son of David/Abraham royal.
--Luke, demonstrates our Christ begotten through all humanity, as a humiliated yet perfect, just, and righteous man. He repeatedly calls Christ the Son of Man, albeit of a virgin.
--They both go beyond wine and brandy, depending on the level that one demonstrates the reality of the risen Christ in an evil Darwinistic world.
Thus, if I am risen with Christ in Luke's perspective: methinks, I'd demonstrate exceeding compassion, patience toward men, longsuffering, gentleness, etc. My empathy would reach to man's lowest and most miserable state; his hunger, nakedness, etc., as would Christ the physician.
If I be risen with Christ in Matthew's perspective: my quickened spirit would rule with love; governing the faculties, affections, will, etc. I would courageously lead myself and others like a lion; trample my sinful nature, zealously pray, and have the hearts of men close to my own.
If I be risen with Christ in Mark's gospel, I'd be strong, humble, busy, occupied, and straitway doing the ministry, like a young ox or calf set to the plow: redeeming time, saving souls, watching, waiting, etc. What a fool (for Christ) I'd be to get the job done.
If I be risen with Christ in John's gospel, I'd be metaphysically atuned to the Son of God: my eagle's eye, my meat, my drink, my ongoing resurrection, growing and rejoicing in life amidst the melancholy world, a world which like a vision of John, will soon be destroyed when the Lamb-like Son of God returns as the true God, etc.
Thus, the gospel-objective is, as you well say: to be risen with Christ -- to demonstrate the risen Christ in all redemptive power feasible.
™ Version 4.2
