Jews Critical Thinking Example

Focus on proper ministry priorities.

Solution oriented not problem oriented.
Practice forbearance and forgiveness.
6 Discussion (Johannine literature)
The struggle for Christian unity has been demonstrated in almost all of the gospels of the New Testament. According to Johannine literature, the struggle climaxes in the letters from John and in the book of Revelation. Jews were considered insiders while gentiles (non-Jews) were considered outsiders. Additionally, there was a partition between the Jews that believed in Christ and those that disputed that He was the Messiah. According to the Jews, salvation was entitled only to them and not for the gentiles. They claimed that they are sanctified and united with God through circumcision. To them, salvation was not for the “uncircumcised”. This issue was a great source of division and conflict in the early church. One of the most sensational images of being an outsider in the Johannine writings was the reference of “false Jews”. The Johannine writings symbolize the conflicts and loyalties in the communities described in the book of Revelation. There are community members (consider themselves insiders) who stand in opposition of the “false Jews” (outsiders) who are subscribers to the “synagogue of Satan”. The Gospel of John, especially, placed Jesus in conflict with the Jews and the believers in conflict with the synagogue (Pope Paul VI 1). The opponents are “deceivers” who speak with ungodly spirit just like that one found in the antichrist described in the book of Revelation. Eventually, the community’s conflict is with Satan as it was with Jesus in the Gospel of John. The community in the book of Revelation is one of “witnesses” just like the beloved disciple (John) and the believers of the letters (1, 2, 3 letters from John). Who through faith and love have become conquerors just as Jesus conquered. A point of contention in the world past and present is the Lordship or Kingship of Jesus Christ. Some Jews did not believe in the Kingship (messiah) of Christ while others did. Earlier on, it led to the crucifixion of Jesus. This contention has led to the persecution and death of many Christians over the centuries and eventually disunity among Christians. Many Jews were appalled with the designations for Jesus. The similarities of the description and designation for Jesus in the Gospel of John and Revelation are indeed striking. Jesus is the “Lamb of God” (Senior & Collins 517) “Son of man”, “Son of God”, “Word of God” and “King” or “King of kings” (Senior & Collins 520). In Johannine’s writings Jesus is the “faithful witness” who “loved and freed us from sins by His blood” and “the one who comes”. Johannine metaphors of light, water and life are attached to Jesus in Revelation (Johnson 573). Essentially, apocalyptic is a revelation literature but it also provides an interpretation of history. Apocalyptic has proliferated in many Jewish and Christian writings. The book of Revelation has invited many misunderstandings by claiming to offer a “revelation from Jesus Christ” and making known “what is going to happen shortly”. The apocalyptic genre has drastically shaped the views of the world, hence has been a source of conflict. The apocalyptic counseled fidelity for those wavering in their convictions. It encouraged endurance to those holding firm in obedience to God. It promised reward to those facing martyrdom. It pronounced judgment for those persecuting the faithful. Therefore, the apocalyptic played a critical role in the struggle for Christian unity. It can be overcome through acceptance and respect for each other’s believes and interpretations. The possible ways of overcoming the textual monuments to division in contemporary ministry involve realizing the love and grace of God. First and foremost, the ministry should address issues as they arise. It is common to minimize or even deny existence of division in the church. The longer the division goes unchecked the more difficult it becomes to resolve it, leading to mistrust and alienation in everything. Secondly, focus should be on the proper ministry priorities. The church should not lose focus on leading outreach, teaching and equipping. Focus should be on what God commissioned us to do. Thirdly, the ministry should be oriented on finding solutions and not dwelling on the problem. Everyone should be willing to look for a solution and work towards implementing the solution. Finally, every individual should practice forbearance and forgiveness. Christians should have the humility to defer and become servants, instead of insisting on their ways and rights. They should develop the forbearance to forgive and tolerate other’s insensitivity and immaturity rather than being easily offended (DeLashmutt 1).

Works cited

DeLashmutt, Gary. Overcoming divisions in the church. 1340 Community Park Dr., Columbus OH 43229 (614) 823-6500.
Johnson, Luke Timothy. TheWritings of the New Testament. 3rd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2010. Print.
Pope Paul VI, Second Vatican Council. Dei Verbum: Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. Vatican Archive. 7 Dec. 2011. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.
Senior, Donald and Collins, John. Catholic Study Bible. Oxford: Oxford University, 2010. Print.