Personal Theory of Communicating Biblical Truth - Term Paper Example

Personal Theory of Communicating Biblical Truth al affiliation: Introduction Communication is a continuous and ever on-going process especially in the bible. The Old Testament reveals God’s characteristic nature of communication through words, deeds and his very own presence. During the Old Testament, God revealed his presence through the use of signs and symbols. The understanding of God’s revelation was through dreams, divination, omens and sign and symbols such as rain, thunder and fire. This is derived from Duet18, 10; Lev19, 26; 1 Sam15, 23). The signs and symbols form a basis of God’s channels of communication ( Duvall & Hays, 2001). In the New Testament, Jesus Christ remains the medium and the message of the communication of God. The word says that in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God (KJV). The meaning of this is that Jesus was with the father from the beginning. The incarnation of God can be described to be the language of expression that was used to convey his total love for the humanity. Incarnation is thus viewed to be a manifestation of the self-communication of our God (Wiggins, 2012). Biblical principles of Communication In 1 Tim. 4: 12-16 (Lawrence & Bredfeldt, 1998, p. 214), Paul focuses on reliability as a recipe of success. notably, reliability purifies motives, reputation, passion and most importantly warmth. Biblical communications seem to have two levels. They include God’s communication with man, and the other one is man’s communication with other God and other human beings. Therefore, the interpersonal communication of God to man is what is referred to as a revelation (Lawrence & Bredfeldt, 1998). The Bible has presented to Christians many principles of communication. These principles are key in helping believers to be communicators who glorify the Lord and therefore will form my personal theory to communicating the biblical truth; ( Pastor Dennis & Grimes, 2001) Purity of motives The real reason for teaching or ministering plays an imperative role in fulfilling or achieving inappropriate ends (Lawrence & Bredfeldt, 1998, p. 215). It speaks about where many words exist then transgression is unavoidable but the wise restrain their lips. The above biblical text clearly teaches us that we need to be very careful of the words that we talk. The Holy-Spirit should be our guide and our helper so that we do not utter words that will spear-head conflict in our communication. Evidently, this principle may be real in the classroom setup. Suppose a lecturer brings up the topic of debate in the classroom about “divorce in our Society”. Certainly, this can be a sensitive issue as well as a complex issue. Normally, different students will have different positional stands over the issue depending on their background, parents experience and others may be firm on what the Old Testament holds while others on what the New Testament elucidates. Such a topic may bring various stands that may even bring hostility in responses being given. For those who are impatient and intolerant of other people’s views may end up uttering words that may prove offensive to others, and this may lead to conflicts. Thus, this principle may be applied to ensure that everyone contributing is sensitive while presenting their ideas so that the debate is meaningful and informative. Warmth and friendliness The word of God in Philippians 2:4 clearly admonishes us that we should not merely pursue our personal interests, and we should consider the interest of others by building friendship (Lawrence & Bredfeldt, 1998, p.216). This verse is teaching believers that they should not be self-centred in anything that they do especially if what they do involves several people in it. Thus, we should incorporate other people’s view before decision-making. In a classroom environment, this can be evidenced through decisions meant for the class collectively. For example, there is an educational trip for theologian students who have been asked to choose a study area so that the university funds the travel. Suppose they have been asked to choose between a travel to Egypt or Israel. This discussion will lead to different debates before reaching upon an agreement. For instance, if there is a group of the most vocal students who have been privileged to pay visit to Israel and they are selfishly calling for the trip to be in Egypt; while the majority of class is for Israel then this can be termed to be selfish desires. This principle, therefore, calls for consideration of the majority’s decision. The selfless act of considering others is what promotes this principle. Passion According to Lawrence and Bredfeldt (1998, p. 219), passion allows for emision of important truths that constrict conviction and generate exitement. The bible states in Proverbs 15:1 that a gentle response turns away wrath. This scripture thus counsels us to be of humble hearts, and we turn away from pride that may be lead us to being rude hence engineer conflict. During a class-set up; these situations may arise more often than not. For example one student steps on another in class by mistake as he was passing. If a student is short-tempered, he may end up speaking rudely or abusing the offender. Such words may provoke an exchange of words if the other party is not self-controlled. Therefore, if the other party is not wise in responding, then conflict is bound to emerge. This situation promotes this principle by encouraging choice of words and being patient when answering thus avoids conflicts. Clarity of structure Thinking requires a structure and people demand the same. The biblical reference of this principle comes from the book of Proverbs 15:28 which states that the heart of the righteous ponders on how to answer. Hence, this calls for people to know the scripture that fit different situations. Through this, one will be able to strengthen a brother/sister. A sister class somewhere who is undergoing different situations in their lives. The principle is applicable in a situation like where a fellow classmate may have done something that leaves them feeling guilty, down-casted and condemned. If the person is born again, he/she can be reminded that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; for those who live and walk not in the dictates of flesh, but after the dictates of the spirit(Romans8:1). If the person is a sinner, then they can be reminded of John 3:16 (KJV). The bible says that “For God so loved the world that he gave His only beloved son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” It is us knowing the right word for the right moment that will help uplift someone’s spirit. Giving appropriate answers for the right moment will be a boost to a lowly person. Hearing a matter before answering In the book of proverbs 18:13 states that whoever gives an answer before he hears then it’s a folly and shame to him. This word is meant to encourage those in authority, individuals or group that they should not be quick to judge. But they should be attentive to listen and hear all the facts that pertain a particular issue so that that they have all the necessary facts at hand before responding to it. Having facts is meant to impede jumping in conclusions without facts. This principle can able applied in a class environment in a case where there is some misunderstanding between two students. Both of the students might be having same type of a bag one misplaces theirs and claim the other is belongs to him. This confusion can be a conflicting situation and if the people judging it are not cautious to understand the facts about the two bags, they may end up giving a biased and uninformed conclusion. Therefore, it is always wise to get the necessary facts over a situation before hurriedly concluding wrongly. Clarity of presentation The Bible teaches that let no unwholesome word should come from your mouth but only such a word that is good for edification as lifted from Ephesians4:29. Such discipline will help us as Christians in our communication. The word of God encourages us to embrace speaking of positive words to one another in different situations. It cautions us about using words that may end up tearing down or crushing the person, one is addressing. This example can explicate the classroom practicability. If a fellow student is discouraged about of mathematics then it happens that among the units registered for the semester; includes Business mathematics. It will be wise for you to boost their morale and confidence by encouraging them that they will succeed instead of mocking their poor results. Therefore, after spotting one’s weakness, one is expected to help the student by encouraging them that they can succeed in that subject and take time to help them out for their betterment. Stimulating interest to hook, involve and equip people The fruit of the Holy Spirit are clearly listed in the book of Gal. 5:22-23 and they include; love, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These fruits are key in a Christian life and therefore should be evident in the manner you communicate or the way you live your life. In a class scenario, this may be depicted by the way you treat others and the way you talk to others. It should show that the fruit of the spirit dwells in you. This principle can be evidenced if a fellow students wrongs you, do you forgive? Through forgiveness, you symbolise love. If there is chaos among your classmates, do you pursue to restore peace? This act will represent peace. When angered by a fellow student, do you lose your temper and fight or abuse them? If not, this will be an evidence of the presence of self-control. Speaking with style Evidently, this involves using vivid words, powerful actions, vocal variety, visual display and most importantly eye contact. The bible is very clear and categorical when it comes to the issue of humility. In proverbs 27:2 it says you should not praise yourself with your mouth. This verse cautions us not to be of a proud look because it is among one of the things that God hates. Also 1 Peter5:6 says that we humble ourselves before the Lord and He will lift us up (NIV). This principle admonishes us that we should dis-attach ourselves from earthly behaviors like bragging because they do not please God. The classroom illustration of this is that there are students who have originated from very affluent families and therefore they live the best kind of lives. Being blessed is good and what God wants for us all is to know that he makes things beautiful at His own appointed time in every person’s life. Therefore, those students whose families are wealthy should not brag in a way that will make the others feel jealous and inadequate. Bragging may also come in the form of embracing fellow students of the same social class because you think they are better-off than others. This attitude and behaviour is of the proud and not the humble and should not encouraged. Value for listeners The bible in Ephesians 4:15 references about speaking the truth in love. Certainly, this verse teaches us that we should not exaggerate or give any false information. But we should hold onto the truth at all times so that we bear not any false witness over anyone (Lawrence & Bredfeldt, 1998). Therefore, if one wants life, he needs to abide in the truth of the word of God. A real classroom situation is where a lecture administers an exam to students. As soon as the exams kickoff the lecturer notices a paper that falls with written notes on it. The lecturer asks the students around whose paper it belongs to, but they are adamant to report the student. When the friends to the exam violator notices one of the students is about to spill the beans over the owner of that paper, they all turn against him and accuse him falsely that he is the one. Such frantic efforts to bear false witness led to the detrimental cancellation of the student’s result. People should embrace the truth so that so that justice is achieved in everything. Respect for listeners This principle urges brethren to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak and be patient with all men (1 Thess 5:14). This verse advises us on how to handle different people over different situations. The unruly are to be warned about their behaviour, the weak to be charged and strengthened to be exercised with all men. The application of this principle in a classroom situation will encompass fellow students/lecturers advising the unruly students; to turn from their unacceptable behaviours. Also by all the students who are giving up on their education to be boosted and encouraged through positive words. Hence, such words can motivate them to weak to believe in themselves and get the courage to soldier on with their academics and achieve their dreams. Reference Duvall, S., & Hays, D. (2001). Grasping Gods Word (A Hands-on Approach to Reading, interpreting and applying the Bible). Michigan: Zondervan,Grand Rapids. Lawrence, R., & Bredfeldt, G. (1998). Creative Bible Teaching. Chicago: Moody Publishers. Pastor Dennis, & Grimes, S. (2001, January). Let’s Communicate Biblically! Retrieved November 10, 2014, from www.teachinghome.com/custserve/jf01/jf01-columns.pdf Wiggins, K. (2012). Teaching Methods(A guide to dynamically teaching the Bible to large Group of People). Read More