After having time to read and think about theshort story To Handle the Water and the Soap, if you would like, in the comments below, share with the community your thoughts. Feel free to comment on other’s thoughts as well.
Some questions to consider might be the following:
What aspect of Christ’s character did you find in the story? What aspect of the Christian life did you notice? What thoughts or thoughts came to mind when you read the story? Did you think about other things you’ve come across in your experience in life, such as texts, art works, movies, music, or experiences or conversations you’ve had? Did any scriptures come to mind? How might this story present an encouragement or challenge to you?
I like the illustration of how we get 'dirty' incidentally, just trying to have fun and we slip, and we don't think about it because it's normal to us and doesn't bother us. We need the authority figure reminding us that we need to get cleaned up.
1. I can see connections to all the verses. a) Paul had some prejudices that he didn't even notice, and God had to give him a gentle reminder that his attitude needed some cleanup. He responded well and benefited from the experience. b) Saul needed cleansing, and resisted by making excuses. Except in the end, he never did get cleaned up. c) This one is the most explicit - it talks about cleansing and purifying, about humility (recognize our dirtiness) and we'll be lifted up (cleaned.)
2. a) Christ offered himself to cleanse us, definite connection there. b) Mentions the grace of God keeping us from dirt, seems more to emphasize prevention than washing in this verse. c) "...released us from our sins by his blood" is a reference to this idea. But I think Ephesians 5 was the strongest connection for me.
I loved this story!
I like the illustration of how we get 'dirty' incidentally, just trying to have fun and we slip, and we don't think about it because it's normal to us and doesn't bother us. We need the authority figure reminding us that we need to get cleaned up.
Quiz answers:
1. I can see connections to all the verses. a) Paul had some prejudices that he didn't even notice, and God had to give him a gentle reminder that his attitude needed some cleanup. He responded well and benefited from the experience. b) Saul needed cleansing, and resisted by making excuses. Except in the end, he never did get cleaned up. c) This one is the most explicit - it talks about cleansing and purifying, about humility (recognize our dirtiness) and we'll be lifted up (cleaned.)
2. a) Christ offered himself to cleanse us, definite connection there. b) Mentions the grace of God keeping us from dirt, seems more to emphasize prevention than washing in this verse. c) "...released us from our sins by his blood" is a reference to this idea. But I think Ephesians 5 was the strongest connection for me.