LONGWOOD, FL-In the times when Jesus walked the earth, humanity was treated to a whole host of miracles-walking on water, healing lepers, turning water to wine, and the raising of Lazarus, to name a few. Perhaps even more miraculous was the impetus that drove Him to stay on course, walk by faith as a man, live with constant temptation, and dwell with difficult people. According to Dan Darling, author of Jesus' Core ValuesÉDiscover His Humanity ($13.99, paperback, 1-60034-698-7), the key to embarking on our own spiritual pilgrimage is found in understanding Jesus' hidden values, the core ideals at work in His human (not divine) nature.
"The book visualizes Jesus' humanity and purpose in a whole new light," says Darling, a full-time minister. "It makes you think more about Jesus' humanity and how that can affect [your] life." Integral to such a thorough and conclusive examination of the life of Jesus is a journey deep into the resources of Scripture, upon which Darling has relied heavily to strengthen his thesis.
Learning about Jesus' "human side" apart from His "divine side" will strengthen our growth as Christians by teaching us to know God as both friend and master. Jesus, total deity and total man at the same time, possessed certain foundational pieces of intrinsic value that moved, motivated, and caused Him do what He did. If we can also discover this, it will become an example after which to pattern our Christian lives. By uncovering the hidden drive and human essence that motivated Him to not "let this cup pass," we too can be like Christ in our humanity.
Dan Darling is the director of www.corevaluesministries.com. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Florida and have two grown children and one grandchild.
Xulon Press, a part of Salem Communications Corporation, is the world's largest Christian publisher, with more than 3,900 titles published to date. Retailers may order Jesus' Core Values through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. Salem Communications is the country's leading Christian communications company with interests in radio, Internet, and magazine publishing.
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2007