Posted by j on October 16, 2004 at 11:52:24:
Steve sees intense beauty in things that many overlook. Not only does he observe this goodness, he passionately shares how these things have affected him... ad infinitum... (perhaps sometimes) ad nasaum ;-).
It seems that most of our Bible studies reveals one or two of these "observational gems" varying in profoundness and intensity. For the sake of this thought, though, I will choose an example that is the easiest to explain, although perhaps not one of my favorite examples.
Several weeks ago, we were studying Peter's first sermon as recorded in Acts (If memory serves, we stayed on this topic for a couple weeks). I had read these passages many times in my life as a Christian, so I felt I had a decent grasp of Peter's words. However, as we read the verses, PS explained at great length certain likely implications. One scripture that stands out is at the end of the sermon, Acts 2:38 - 40,
Then Peter said to them, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."
Although we discussed these words at length, I want to point out one specific concept that I had not considered and how it touched me...
Steve pointed out that Peter was speaking to an audience that for the most part, were not the 'religious leaders' or 'spiritual elite,' although these people may have been present. Peter was addressing the common people who felt that perhaps many of the 'greater promises' were for the leaders and elite. In the midst of the crowd were the disciples and other followers of Jesus who were speaking in common languages and when Peter stood up to say that God's gifts and promises were available to all, people's eyes were opened for the first time to this idea.
While this may not jump out at you reading this (as it probably would not jump out at me), PS presented this scenario in such a way, that part of me almost "remembered" the feeling that, yes, I too have been given this gift, regardless of what I have done, or where I was going. The ability for a person to be able to express "though/emotion" in this way is truly a gift, and for that person to focus his life on learning more to be able to share more is amazing. These are some of the things that I love about Steve.
J