Biblical Framework of Human Condition Before and After the Fall

Biblical Framework The Human Condition Before the Fall Shalom/Peace/Wellbeing

Shalom/Peace Not merely the absence of tension The Lamb and the Lion Lying Together Wholeness state of being unbroken or undamaged Soundness state of being in good condition Completeness state of having all the necessary parts of everyhing Health state of complete physical mental and social well-being - not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Harmony Welfare All creation working together for the good all creation. A good faring for all. All enjoying the common blessings of life Reconciliation Justice - impartial, equity Wellbeing in all aspects of life God s Kingdom

The Human Condition After the Fall Shalom shattered Separation from God s immediate presence Gulf between human beings and our Creator God

Broken Relationships With God With Others WithSelf With Creation The Personal Relationship With God is Broken The Social Relationship with others is Broken God positioned Adam and Eve to be caretakers of the earth, establishing a relationship between the human and His physical creation - Broken God s image provided inherent dignity and worth to live with a healthy self-image and sense of purpose is Broken

The fall not only impacts the vertical relationship with God and our horizonal relationships with one another.. The Fall wounds All humans AND Systems and Structures Economic system Social system Religious system Political system WE ARE ALL wounded by the Fall

Gods Choice of Ministry Partners to Reconcile Brokenness Frail Wounded Broken Human Beings Henry Nouwen For all ministers are called to recognize the sufferings of their own heart and make that recognition the starting point of their service. Weather we try to enter a dislocated world, relate to a convulsive generation, or speak to a dying person, our service will not be perceived as authentic unless it comes from a heart wounded by the sufferings about which we speak. The Wounded Healer

Making ones own wounds a source of healing does not call for a sharing of superficial personal pains, but for a constant willingness to see one s own pain and suffering as rising from the depth of the human condition that we share.

Jesus Saves and Heals Out of His Wounds Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 2:16-18 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-7

Paul Embraced and Normalized A Posture of Weakness When I Am Weak Then I Am Strong 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.9But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ s power may rest on me.10That is why, for Christ s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Safe Space What Christ Has Done What I Must Do For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn/judge the world, but to save the world through Him. Feeling Unworthy to Come into God s Presence

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. FAITH Whoever believes in Him John 3:16 Therefore, come boldly into the throne of Grace, that we can receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need.

Safe Space What I Must Do What Christ Has Done Relying on Christ Alone for Ministry Practices Feeling Burdened and Wearied With Ministry Loads

Lamentations National Catastrophe Safe Spiritual Care in Multiculture and Multifaith Spaces I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.I say to myself, The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. Lamentations National Catastrophe Habakkuk Confronting God Psalm 73 When Wicked are Excelling Psalm 46 - Chaos/Turbulence Habakkuk Confronting God How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But you do not listen! Violence is everywhere! I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. ... Psalm 42 Internal Struggles Psalm 139 - Identity

Be kind and compassionate to , yourself, forgiving yourself, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (Paraphrase)