The 10-Minute Rule #LeadersAreReaders February 2024

The months of February and March are quite packed for me but I still managed to find time to read. First, it's due to necessity. If I don't read, I can't do my work and ministry efficiently. Secondly, it's due to habit. Since reading books is a part of my life, I can't imagine a day without reading, especially the Scriptures, even if only for a few sentences. Thirdly, it's due to a principle that I've practiced since last year: the 10-Minute Rule. Namely, starting to read from a book for at least 10 minutes every day. My aim is at least 10 minutes, but usually, I end up reading longer than that.

I find that this rule is helpful because it is achievable and a good way for me to jump-start my mind's engine! Plus, if I don't feel like I want to read (which is rare), I can just endure the 10 minutes and close the book! So, would you like to try a 10-Minute Rule? If it's too hard, try 5 minutes; you have to at least try. Reading books 1) keeps me inspired by other people’s thoughts and if I read the Scriptures, by God's thoughts, wow!; 2) gives me a different perspective; 3) restores my ability to be more discerning with my time; 4) encourages me to spend time with lasting benefits; 5) opens the creative flow as concepts and ideas appear in my mind; and many more. Pick a book, set the timing to 10 minutes, and read!

NOTE: Currently, I'm exploring Roman Catholicism. The book on the Eucharist by Bishop Robert Barron is inspiring, and as I examine the Scriptures and some traditions regarding the argument for transubstantiation, I find myself more inclined to this interpretation. Jimmy Akin, Trent Horn, Joe Heschmeyer, and especially Scott Hahn and Brant Pitre have argued very well on this subject. However, in the case of a book by Father Frederick William Faber on Purgatory, I still find myself skeptical. As I heard half a dozen arguments by Catholics to defend the doctrine of purgatory, I came to my initial suspicion that it is more philosophical rather than Scriptural. By the way, a debate between Trent and James White on this subject is interesting.

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #The10MinuteRule #ReadingIsLiving #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper (2018) by Brant Pitre, Audiobook

I believe in "the holy catholic Church" as the Apostle's Creed puts it. Thus, I'm part of the catholic, universal Church but not a Roman Catholic. I'm not pro-Catholic but not anti-Catholic either. I believe they are among the most committed and sincere Christians I ever met. There are many strengths and weaknesses in each true Christian denomination but the beauty of Catholicism, to me, is their rich traditions and reverence for the Eucharist or the Holy Communion.

Basically, there are four (4) views about the Eucharist (Greek: eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving): 1) Consubstantiation. According to this view, the bread and wine maintain their physical identities and the real presence of Christ’s body and blood co-exist with these elements during communion; 2) Memorialism. This view suggested that the bread and wine are merely symbols of the body and blood, designed to commemorate His death and resurrection; 3) Reformed. This view - hybrid from the first two - recognized the spiritual presence of Christ in the elements as well as the commemorative purpose of the sacrament.

But the fourth view, offered by the Roman Catholic, is 4) Transubstantiation. It simply means that the bread and wine during communion literally transform into the body and blood of Christ. The appearances of bread and wine remain the same but Christ is present as substance. In this regard, I think the Catholics read the Scripture more literally than many others (not necessarily the correct way, depending on the context). And this is what Dr. Brant Pitre labor to explain in this wonderful book. He examines the Old Testament and ancient Judaism on the words and deeds of Jesus to reveal the amazingly Jewish roots of the Eucharist. He explains skillfully the New Exodus, the Eucharist as the New Passover, the New Manna from Heaven, and the mysterious New ‘Bread of the Presence' in the Tabernacle and Temple of God. To me, this book is the most convicting argument for the transubstantiation view so far. Love it!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #RomanCatholic #TheEucharist #JewishRoot #BrantPitre #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.