Bobby,
I had not read your post before including my discussion but as I read through the spec to context most ignored I agree! I often struggle when writing to each myself because I trend towards the opposite, overemphasizing the original application without always drawing towards how it relates to modern day application. However, as our lead pastor often reminds me, we have to take the original application and make it relatable and understandable to any person today. I think my struggle comes from viewing so many sermons and hearing numerous teachings that I feel water down the context or try to link parrallels to current day situations to the point where the intent is left in the dark altogether. Often we forget that the Bible is one continuous story about God rather than a go to "self help" book. Is it the best help? Yes! But we are fighting an increasingly "me" centered culture that first needs to hear how the Gospel directly applies to them, while also teaching non Christians WHY they want to care about the characteristics of God and who HE is. This may sound like a rant but these are the struggles that I navigate, personally.
I had not read your post before including my discussion but as I read through the spec to context most ignored I agree! I often struggle when writing to each myself because I trend towards the opposite, overemphasizing the original application without always drawing towards how it relates to modern day application. However, as our lead pastor often reminds me, we have to take the original application and make it relatable and understandable to any person today. I think my struggle comes from viewing so many sermons and hearing numerous teachings that I feel water down the context or try to link parrallels to current day situations to the point where the intent is left in the dark altogether. Often we forget that the Bible is one continuous story about God rather than a go to "self help" book. Is it the best help? Yes! But we are fighting an increasingly "me" centered culture that first needs to hear how the Gospel directly applies to them, while also teaching non Christians WHY they want to care about the characteristics of God and who HE is. This may sound like a rant but these are the struggles that I navigate, personally.