Man! I’m reading scripture in a whole new light now because of two things I’m studying lately:

1) the word “doulos” in Greek is improperly translated “servant” when it should properly be translated “slave” (i.e. “I am a SLAVE of Christ”) It was used 124 times in the New Testament, and it has radical implications of our identity in Christ (a servant is hired and has the right to quit – a slave is owned and has no rights outside his masters decree)

2) In all existing books of the Old Testament and all existing books of extra-biblical Jewish writings dating form the beginning of Judaism until the 10th century AD in Italy, there is not a single reference of a Jewish person addressing God directly in the first person as Father! The first rabbi to ever refer to God as “Father” directly was Jesus. So when Jesus prayed to “His Father” it was a radical departure from tradition. what’s even more radical, is that He tells us (His disciples) to pray “OUR Father…”

Understanding these two perspectives of who I am in Christ is helping me read the bible through a whole new set of lenses!

#clarity