Adam Rardin

These first 8 verses are beautiful in implication, demonstrating Jesus and his humble humanity for his mission of love and redemption.

John the Baptist Prepares the Way - Mark 1:1-8 (NIV)
 1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
 2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet:
   "I will send my messenger ahead of you,
      who will prepare your way"—
 3"a voice of one calling in the desert,
   'Prepare the way for the Lord,
      make straight paths for him.' "

4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Mark established his theology of Jesus being the Son of God, divine in right and authority.  By quoting Isaiah, we can see the fulfillment of scripture.  John the Baptist served as a messenger and then steps aside for Jesus to begin his ministry.  The very name of Jesus, Emmanuel, is God with us.  This image is manifested in Jesus' humble humanity that he would submit to baptism and the repentance of sins despite his sinless-existence.  The direction of attention transfers from John the Baptist to Jesus, in essence continuing "the Way" prophesied by Isaiah.

Jesus' humble humanity is further displayed in the immediate temptation in the desert (v.12).  Although the Temptation in the Desert is further described in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13, Mark highlights the apparent suffering Jesus endured during the very next step of his ministry, which would allow him to empathize with Man.  This event would also mark the spiritual battle against Satan that would continue throughout Jesus' ministry.

I don't consider myself a Bible scholar.  However, as a disciple of Christ, I am compelled to study scripture.  As my path continues to unfold before me, I have gain a even deeper appreciation and fervor for the Word of God.  With that in mind, I have began a more "scholarly" approach to the Bible and my time spent in the Word has been very fruitful.
Later tonight, we will begin a new term of Bible study in the Book of Mark.  I have decided to compose some thoughts they arrive in my study.  Consider it a public journal of sorts...

According to the Expositor's Bible Commentary, the Gospel of Mark was influenced heavily by his vicinity to Peter, as Mark served as his transcriber.  Additionally, Mark's motivation to pen this book was kerygematic (a practical proclamation of the full Ministry of Jesus.)  This ministry began with John the Baptist (Mark 1:4; Acts 1:22).  Mark placed priority on the saving facts and theological meanings, as opposed to the biological and historical contents of the other Gospels.  Additionally, this is further apparent by the lack of genealogy or nativity narratives that are present in the other Gospels.

Mark intended this to provide practical application and theology to the early Christian community in Rome, who was undergoing persecution.  His themes bring light to Jesus' humanity and humility to being human despite his divinity.

Swoopo

I'm both intrigued and terrified of Swoopo.com.  For those not familiar with Swoopo, It could be equated as a diabolical spectacle that marries eBay with an online casino.  In application, it's time-sensitive gambling entertainment.  I discovered it upon my roommate's recommendation and we've spent the last couple of hours pondering its complexities.  Although my analytical mind is toying with the idea of trying it out, my heart and wallet are eeking for sanity and sensibility...

After further research of the origins of Swoopo, I learned that since its birth in 2005, they have reported incredible profits ($15.5 million USD in sales in 2007, with $28.3 million in revenues expected this fiscal year) for what could seemingly be made by a couple of friends.  Simple observation of an auction would open a businessman's imagination to the possibilities. It's expected to reach 800,000 registered users by the end of 2009.

The fear lies within the zero-sum gain.  While one individual may receive an impressive deal (like as high as 98% savings on items worth $500-1000 electronic items) all the others in auction are left in the wake of disappointment and lighter wallets.  WhiskeyMilitia.com and SteepandCheap.com have nothing on Swoopo.com!

Example:
I'm observing an auction that is selling 50 bids.  All bids must be purchased in bundles.  Additionally, each bid costs the bidder $0.75/ bid, so 50 bids could be a great deal if one only has to pay a few dollars to win.  In this specific auction, the auction price is already at $3.49.  Since the auction is a Penny Auction, that means 349 bids have been placed.  Considering the $0.75/bid cost, Swoopo.com has already made nearly $262 from a seemingly imaginary item that they have created.  The last auction of this kind ended at the price of $10.94, which means that Swoopo made $1,094 from an item that cost them $50.  It's quite freakishly ingenius!  For those taken in by the allure of consumerist conquest in the online domain, beware because in this auction alone, I've seen nearly 20 people give Swoopo money without any return.  That's money down the drain and subsequently a very foolish idea in this economy.  It's all quite entertaining to watch, though.  So check it out, but bidder beware...

It has been nearly 9 months since my last post.  Since that posting, I've graduated from college, left one job for another, traveled to 4 different continents and started the next chapter of my life after college. 

With all that said, I still strive to educate myself whenever possible, I'm still looking for another job, I still long to travel to my fifth continent, and I still wonder what the next chapter is all about.

A wise person once told me that:  "It is only the Present, in which we experience God's presence."  That is truly the mindset I'm trying to maintain as life options continue to unfold before me.  I entered the winter season unsure of what country and city I'd live in.  For the time being, it appears as though I'll still be in Eugene.  I not going to preoccupy myself with the future.  Instead, I'm going to live for today.  Commune with my present friends, and not worry about the future.  Work the job I have now, with a thankful heart to even have a job in this economic state.  I still have plans and aspirations, but those will unfold in due time. 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

“This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." - Isaiah 43:16, 18-19

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." - Titus 2:11-12

I can trust that God's plan are supremely good, completely rational, most pleasing to Him, most satisfying to me, and ultimately the way to live.  Join me in the Present, let the Past fade away and the Future reveal itself.

UO Degree (1 of 2)

Hi.

There's too little time to fully encapsulate the last few days but I'll try.  God is good.  I'm thankful for the Bolivia team.  I'm amazed how God works, despite my shortcomings.  I'm bruised and battered like so many, but Jesus heals.  I hope it stays sunny.  I don't want to start homework, but I have to if I'm going to get it done.  I'm not failing my classes, like I thought I was.  I may actually graduate on time.  Americanos are awesome.  I'm going to try to have more mornings to ponder and relax.  People make me smile.  Singing is way too much fun.  Where is Winston?  I can't wait for the lunar eclipse.  I'm going for living water and not a broken cistern.  Portland should be interesting.  Never drink "Raspberry Brown" from Lost Coast Brewery.  Did I mention, God is good?  ; )

Valentine’s Day’s roots are in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration commemorated annually on February 15. Pope Gelasius I recast this pagan festival as a Christian feast day circa 496, declaring February 14 to be St. Valentine's Day.

The beginnings of St. Valentines Day in the Christian World were centered around the one of the Greek words for love, "agape" (God’s love for us), rather than Eros (Erotic love, sexuality, and what we think of as being “in love.”) Whether or not you’re in a new relationship or an old one, whether you’ve never been in one or if you just had a breakup, it's good to remember that today is about God’s love for us.

When the world is telling you to focus on hearts and chocolates and flowers and having a Valentine, instead focus on God, who IS love. For today and everyday, we have the best Valentine ever. His love is unchanging, and it will never die out or go away. If you’re feeling lonely this year, remember that. If you’ve got someone who you want to celebrate this now romantic holiday with, have a great time. But take a minute to think about God, and how much more He loves us than any other human ever could.

Mead

Greg and I have had ours eyes on a bottle of Mead that is conveniently located to where we sit.  For those that are not familiar with this sweet substance, let me enlighten you.

Mead (IPA: /ˈmiːd/) is a fermented alcoholic beverage made of honey, water, and yeast. Meadhing (ˈmɛ.ðɪŋ) is the practice of brewing honey. Mead is also colloquially known as "honey wine". A brewery that deals specifically in mead is called either a meadery or a mazery.

We agreed last week that we'd split a bottle next time we had a chance.  Tonight was the night.  It seemed fitting as we had just read about Samson at the Sesh.  Our mead smelled of a honey mixed with alcohol, as one would expect.  The initial taste reminded me of harder alcohol, like vodka but the honey's sweetness was unavoidable.  With its 12.5% alc. by vol. content makes this honey wine mischievously deceiving.  The body resembled solely honey.  I was instantly united with those of the Bible and those of the distant past.  Mead appeared in such greats as Beowulf, or the Golden Age of Aristotle. 

In fact, apparently it was traditional in Europe to supply newlyweds with a month supply of mead, hence leading to the term "Honeymoon".  However, I pulled this little gem from Wikipedia, and the citation is still needed and should be considered with a healthy sense of caution.

Overall, mead was a nice first encounter, but one I don't plan to re-approach until Christmas time.  Perhaps, I'll have it warmed with some cinnamon and nutmeg.  All the guys at the Bier Stein were all big fans, and I left it to them to finish the bottle.

Magiceye

I don't know if anyone remembers the Magic Eye Series...They had these computerized holograms that if looked at just right, whether that meant taking a step back or squinting a little harder, then one could see a 3-D picture of a dolphin jumping through a ring, or a lion roaring loudly.  Anyways, as I was sitting and reading this morning, I realized that I had a Magic Eye-like understanding of the Bible. 

During Seek Week, one of the readings was from 1 Peter.  I had read the chapters of that book more times than I can count in th past.  Even more so, I had read the entire first chapter in its entirety , simply because I like to read around designated verses for context.  Despite that, I read right past a verse about trials.  It wasn't until nearly a week later, at church, when Danny read from 1 Peter again, that it finally clicked with me.  After skimming by this verse nearly 3 separate times, I read it again on my own and it spoke directly to me, where I was at. 

Can anyone else relate to such an occurrence?  It's as though I wasn't squinting hard enough, or my heart wasn't prepared enough for what God wanted to tell me.  I've never been a fan of "checklist faith" in which we're supposed to do this or do that, according to a list prescribed to us.  Instead of telling you that you should read the Bible daily, let me tell you WHY you should read the Bible. 

- If I don't read, I could be missing out on what God wanted to show me that day.
- My temper and patience levels are key indicator.  When they're off kilter, I know I need to be in the Word.
- Reading the Bible is a way to commune with God and allow Him to speak to you through what you read.
- A day with the Bible on your mind, is a better day indeed.
- Daily communion with your creator allows for a proper frame of mind, that allows your mind, heart, and body to be used by God.
- I sleep better, when I have read that day.  It's as though MY trinity, my mind, heart, and body are more aligned, more at peace.
- Like breakfast, it's a great start to the day.
- Reading daily, is just one way to "take up your cross daily".

If you're struggling with trials, how to be holy, submitting to others (including the law), how to treat family, living for God, suffering for your faith, or inner peace, then read 1 Peter.  You may want to even shoot up a prayer for greater Magic Eye understanding.  If not, maybe try just squinting harder...

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