Much of our understanding of the Bible is based on teaching, and teaching is based upon doctrine. Doctrine is a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school. In Christianity doctrine is a systematic way men have that describes what the Word of God says about a certain topic. We can think of a doctrine as represented by a window through which we look at a portion of the Word of God. One window may open on one area while another views a different area. Each window looks at a different area; Some windows cover only their own area while other windows overlap the area other windows also view. Some larger windows can include smaller windows.
One doctrine may be about marriage, another about Creation, another about proper and improper conduct.
There are elements within the Word of God that can be taken and used as building blocks for doctrines. Yet doctrines taken individually cannot represent all of what the Word of God says to us. Some doctrines can use one or more elements of other doctrines. It is possible many doctrines linked together can approximate much of what the Word of God says.
The Word of God is always larger than the efforts of men to classify or explain it. Given the limitations of our flesh, God has told us (mankind) more than we can comprehend, understand, or explain.
In the world of technology by comparison: no single man can comprehend fully all the knowledge wrapped up in a microchip. God has made His Word greater than microchips.
Doctrine classifies and simplifies God’s word so that we can understand and apply it to our lives. Trouble comes when doctrines take what God said simply and makes it so complex that men become discouraged or go wrong. Trouble also comes with the notion that God's word is so complex that men must simplify it by doctrine for doctrine can be wrong, either partially or wholly.
Some doctrines help us, and others hurt. We must carefully weigh what each proclaims. To do the weighing we need scales, and the only true scale is the Bible.
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Monday, December 13, 2021
FAITH – MIND OR FEELING
Is our faith a matter of the mind only or is there some feeling mixed in with it? Some charismatics look for the feeling/experience alone. The legalistic look for teaching only from the Bible and refuse feelings. When the Bible says we walk by faith, not by sight, does that mean we must set aside the feeling and recall from our minds what God said in walk that way? What feeling could there possibly be that would be a reason or justification enough to go against God's word? What if I don’t know enough about God’s word to challenge a feeling -- or accept it?
What if sermons can be rated as to worth, say from $1 to $2, When a preacher could preach a $2 sermon, what does it mean when he preaches $1.80 sermon? Do I have to add to it $0.20 from my own storehouse so that it can be a balanced sermon? What if the preacher delivers a $2.00 sermon, do I do damage it when I add $0.20 to it? What if this happens Sunday after Sunday? What about the parishioners who don't have anything to add? What do they do?
The way I define faith, at least religious faith, is very simple: I choose to believe something and do not require any proof. I believe God exists; I do not need to prove it. I believe the Bible is the written word of God; I do not need to prove it . Some choose to believe there is no God. Some believe the Bible is merely the work of men. We all have the agency, the power, to choose what we believe. When your life in the flesh is over (and the day is coming when it will be over) what can you do when you find there is a God, there is life after death and there is a judgment?
What if sermons can be rated as to worth, say from $1 to $2, When a preacher could preach a $2 sermon, what does it mean when he preaches $1.80 sermon? Do I have to add to it $0.20 from my own storehouse so that it can be a balanced sermon? What if the preacher delivers a $2.00 sermon, do I do damage it when I add $0.20 to it? What if this happens Sunday after Sunday? What about the parishioners who don't have anything to add? What do they do?
The way I define faith, at least religious faith, is very simple: I choose to believe something and do not require any proof. I believe God exists; I do not need to prove it. I believe the Bible is the written word of God; I do not need to prove it . Some choose to believe there is no God. Some believe the Bible is merely the work of men. We all have the agency, the power, to choose what we believe. When your life in the flesh is over (and the day is coming when it will be over) what can you do when you find there is a God, there is life after death and there is a judgment?
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
INSTRUCTIONS
The Bible is not the only place to obtain good instructions. We also can get our instructions from other people, godly people, as well as the scripture. God has many ways to teach us, but it is not always easy going. In 2 Timothy 2, Paul told Timothy to be strong in the things he heard from Paul as well as in the grace of Christ Jesus. It is hard to work to keep on the true course. Along the way we must (like Timothy and Paul): endure hardness, keep from entanglement, strive lawfully, suffer trouble, endure all things. As we meet others we should: put them in remembrance, give them a charge, challenge them to study. We all need to shun profane and vain babblings, depart from iniquity. As best we can we need to recover from hurts from bad thinking, we should flee youthful lusts, follow righteousness, avoid ill-conceived questions. We should not strive, but be gentle, meekly instructing others as we have opportunity.
Be cautious of: "words that are to no profit but to the subverting of the hearers, profane and vain babblings". Bad words will eat like a canker. We must be aware so we can identify, avoid, and fight against false teaching. Yet we should not jump down the throat of everyone that says something wrong. We should attempt to achieve a right understanding in line with God's principles.
Then we can be a means of changing those who want to be godly. If they won't change, we should avoid them and take steps to protect the innocent, if necessary.
Be cautious of: "words that are to no profit but to the subverting of the hearers, profane and vain babblings". Bad words will eat like a canker. We must be aware so we can identify, avoid, and fight against false teaching. Yet we should not jump down the throat of everyone that says something wrong. We should attempt to achieve a right understanding in line with God's principles.
Then we can be a means of changing those who want to be godly. If they won't change, we should avoid them and take steps to protect the innocent, if necessary.
Thursday, November 25, 2021
THE IMIGRANTS OF THANKSGIVING DAY
We can be thankful for the Christians who wanted religious freedom and left England to come to this land to gain the liberty. In a way, we can also be thankful for the Church of England which was then repressing them. Were it not for this grouping of churchmen who had grown used to their organization of ecclesiastical power, the other groups – the Pilgrims and Puritans – would not have sought freedom from them. And we can be thankful the emigrating groups were not dominated by those whose sole purpose was to gain riches, control, and power.
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
READING AND LISTENING TO THE BIBLE
There are many ways to go through the Bible beside actually reading it, for example: audible Bibles. Many versions are available at Amazon.com. I recommend any audible version without music or sound effects. I hate those. The “extras” are not needed and distracting. In audio Bibles there are many different readers to choose from.
You have options of many different versions: KJV and others. We are currently using the NKJV (New King James Version). It uses less old English words (like thee and thou). Make sure you use a translation, preferably by a group of people, not a single person. A group keeps individual biases to a minimum.
Commentaries are not needed. God says what he means and knows how to say it. You can understand the Bible for yourself. Sometimes (and not often) it takes a while to catch the meaning. Sometimes after many readings. Sometimes another person’s opinion helps (but remember it is only that person’s opinion). Avoid someone who just paraphrases what he thinks the KJV says; it needs to be a translation from the original Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.
My wife and I have been reading together for 47 years. You must start somewhere. You really can’t get past “Day One” (just starting to read - or - listen). As far as the actual place to start, I started at the gospel of John. As a new Christian the Old Testament was difficult for me. Yet you need the Old Testament to understand the sacrifices, religious seasons and history. A regular reading place (like a room, or the kitchen table) and a regular time are really helpful. We read for 47 years that way.
You have options of many different versions: KJV and others. We are currently using the NKJV (New King James Version). It uses less old English words (like thee and thou). Make sure you use a translation, preferably by a group of people, not a single person. A group keeps individual biases to a minimum.
Commentaries are not needed. God says what he means and knows how to say it. You can understand the Bible for yourself. Sometimes (and not often) it takes a while to catch the meaning. Sometimes after many readings. Sometimes another person’s opinion helps (but remember it is only that person’s opinion). Avoid someone who just paraphrases what he thinks the KJV says; it needs to be a translation from the original Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.
My wife and I have been reading together for 47 years. You must start somewhere. You really can’t get past “Day One” (just starting to read - or - listen). As far as the actual place to start, I started at the gospel of John. As a new Christian the Old Testament was difficult for me. Yet you need the Old Testament to understand the sacrifices, religious seasons and history. A regular reading place (like a room, or the kitchen table) and a regular time are really helpful. We read for 47 years that way.
You will never reach day 17000 without starting at day 1.
Friday, November 12, 2021
DISCERNING THE LEADERS
2 Timothy 3
In first and second Timothy Paul has been instructing Timothy as the new pastor of the Ephesian church. He is warning him of the presence of evil men there who may be influential in the congregation. He tells him to turn away from such people. He reminds him to take the example of the manor of life and leadership Timothy saw in Paul when he was with him.
The descriptions of bad men fit well some of the current day church people. It seems to me that the list can apply equally well to lofty legalists and flamboyant charismatics. Aberrant charismatics are more open and easier to see than those hiding behind a prim, stony exterior. These have the "form of godliness but deny the power thereof". We are warned:
In first and second Timothy Paul has been instructing Timothy as the new pastor of the Ephesian church. He is warning him of the presence of evil men there who may be influential in the congregation. He tells him to turn away from such people. He reminds him to take the example of the manor of life and leadership Timothy saw in Paul when he was with him.
The descriptions of bad men fit well some of the current day church people. It seems to me that the list can apply equally well to lofty legalists and flamboyant charismatics. Aberrant charismatics are more open and easier to see than those hiding behind a prim, stony exterior. These have the "form of godliness but deny the power thereof". We are warned:
". . . evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them . . ."And here was the key for Timothy (and for us):
". . . and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." [2 Timothy 3:13-17]We, like Timothy, should continue in the things we have learned from scripture and from other good and reliable sources. This is how we get to know basic truth, by continuing in things we have learned, tested, and proved. We shun the bad when we discover it as bad, and learn things having come from good sources.
Friday, November 5, 2021
IT IS THE FAULT OF THE KING
In Exodus 20 Moses has performed the miracles in Egypt, crossed the Red Sea, and has come to the foot of mount Sinai to receive the commandments of God. He has gone up to speak with God and has come back down to bring the people of Israel up to hear themselves directly from God. Verses 18 and 19 say: "All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance. Then they said to Moses, ‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die.’"
What they wanted was an intermediary, someone between them and God. They wanted Moses to tell them what God said, they did not want to listen directly to God. Later, in Deuteronomy 17:14 we are told what the people would say: "I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me". Here is another middleman, a man, not God, to lead them. They wanted someone to take responsibility for doing the work of governing. They did not want it for themselves. They wanted to point to the government for the common provision and common security, they did not want to bother themselves. "I can do whatever I want to do but it is the outside government that is responsible". We want the government, parents, to do something for us, yet in other things we want complete autonomous power, we do not want interference.
If there was lawlessness it would be the King's fault, if there was general immorality it would be the King's fault. The King would pay for their health care and their education, the King would be responsible for their mental health.
I perceive this as a general sin: "Let the government do this or that for me; I am not responsible."
God wants people to obey his law. Everyone should obey God’s law within himself. Every man is to know what God's law is and every man should keep the law. He should regulate himself so that he knows and obeys the law. Every man is responsible for his own actions and thoughts. Every man is responsible to administer his actions. Every man must govern himself.
But people do not want God, they want a King, a responsive Big Brother"
Knowledge of God’s law, his requirements, his wishes is readily available to us: it lies within the Bible, largely unread on the coffee table or on a shelf nearby.
What they wanted was an intermediary, someone between them and God. They wanted Moses to tell them what God said, they did not want to listen directly to God. Later, in Deuteronomy 17:14 we are told what the people would say: "I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me". Here is another middleman, a man, not God, to lead them. They wanted someone to take responsibility for doing the work of governing. They did not want it for themselves. They wanted to point to the government for the common provision and common security, they did not want to bother themselves. "I can do whatever I want to do but it is the outside government that is responsible". We want the government, parents, to do something for us, yet in other things we want complete autonomous power, we do not want interference.
If there was lawlessness it would be the King's fault, if there was general immorality it would be the King's fault. The King would pay for their health care and their education, the King would be responsible for their mental health.
I perceive this as a general sin: "Let the government do this or that for me; I am not responsible."
God wants people to obey his law. Everyone should obey God’s law within himself. Every man is to know what God's law is and every man should keep the law. He should regulate himself so that he knows and obeys the law. Every man is responsible for his own actions and thoughts. Every man is responsible to administer his actions. Every man must govern himself.
But people do not want God, they want a King, a responsive Big Brother"
Knowledge of God’s law, his requirements, his wishes is readily available to us: it lies within the Bible, largely unread on the coffee table or on a shelf nearby.
Friday, October 29, 2021
TREATMENT OF WIDOWS
First Timothy 5 speaks of treating people in the church as family. We are not to, “ . . . sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, and to the younger men as brothers, to the older women as mothers, and to the younger women as sisters, in all purity.” We are to be particularly careful of windows. The first in line to be responsible for widows is her family, the most responsible of them being her own children. Following them are her extended family, primarily her nephews. If there are none, the responsibility falls to the church.
However, God speaks very strongly against widows having a life of ease. There is an obvious difference between the woman who "continues in prayers and supplications night and day" (we suppose for food and basic needs) - - and the woman of verse six who lives in pleasure (not having to worry about food and shelter).
In contrast to these is the widow shown in verse 10. This woman has enough to have performed good works, brought up children, lodged strangers, washed less Saints feed, relieved the afflicted, followed good works. Apparently, she had something to work with when her husband died. She spends her time actively pursuing God's work rather than "wandering about from house to house."
Then there is the younger widow. The Bible says it is better for the younger widows to marry, to bear children and guide the house, then to risk a time of idleness where they can learn a and use poisonous tongue.
A conclusion to draw is: do not draw automatic conclusions about a woman who is a widow. Before offering help, whether church or family, we must consider her true situation.
However, God speaks very strongly against widows having a life of ease. There is an obvious difference between the woman who "continues in prayers and supplications night and day" (we suppose for food and basic needs) - - and the woman of verse six who lives in pleasure (not having to worry about food and shelter).
In contrast to these is the widow shown in verse 10. This woman has enough to have performed good works, brought up children, lodged strangers, washed less Saints feed, relieved the afflicted, followed good works. Apparently, she had something to work with when her husband died. She spends her time actively pursuing God's work rather than "wandering about from house to house."
Then there is the younger widow. The Bible says it is better for the younger widows to marry, to bear children and guide the house, then to risk a time of idleness where they can learn a and use poisonous tongue.
A conclusion to draw is: do not draw automatic conclusions about a woman who is a widow. Before offering help, whether church or family, we must consider her true situation.
Saturday, October 16, 2021
RELEVANT REVELATION
I had a recent conversation someone expressed his doubts about the true relevancy of Bible revelation. The book of Revelation says of itself in 1:3: " Blessed is the one who reads, and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it; for the time is near."
He seemed to take the same position that people ages ago took, which was noted by the Apostle Peter in 2 Peter 3:3-4: “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue just as they were from the beginning of creation.’”.
What can we who believe what the Bible literally says is truth? All things do appear to have continued just as they were from the beginning of creation, and Jesus has not yet come down “with a shout, with a loud voice, with the trumpet of the archangel”. This is where we apply faith, just as we did when we believed in Jesus as our savior. We believe He is who He said he is. We believe He did as the Bible says he did. We believe he will come again for Christians, and we forever will be with him.
The problem is: if the book of Revelation is somehow wrong and written by out-of-touch old time zealots years ago, what other books of the Bible are wrong?
We are free to believe whatever we choose, but should we quake with uncertainty every time some other doubter raises an objection? There will always be those who will not believe all that the Bible says. There is no reason to take the word of a man over the word of God. They can, but we won't.
He seemed to take the same position that people ages ago took, which was noted by the Apostle Peter in 2 Peter 3:3-4: “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue just as they were from the beginning of creation.’”.
What can we who believe what the Bible literally says is truth? All things do appear to have continued just as they were from the beginning of creation, and Jesus has not yet come down “with a shout, with a loud voice, with the trumpet of the archangel”. This is where we apply faith, just as we did when we believed in Jesus as our savior. We believe He is who He said he is. We believe He did as the Bible says he did. We believe he will come again for Christians, and we forever will be with him.
The problem is: if the book of Revelation is somehow wrong and written by out-of-touch old time zealots years ago, what other books of the Bible are wrong?
We are free to believe whatever we choose, but should we quake with uncertainty every time some other doubter raises an objection? There will always be those who will not believe all that the Bible says. There is no reason to take the word of a man over the word of God. They can, but we won't.
Thursday, September 30, 2021
QUALIFICATIONS OF CURCH OFFICIALS (AND OTHERS)
I thought I would write some exposition of 1 Timothy 3 which concerns the qualifications of church officials. It speaks of Bishops (Overseers) and Deacons and addresses some qualities they should have. All of us, in fact, should attain these qualities. Upon re-reading the chapter in a couple of different versions I see that it is clear enough so that another reader really does not need my help.
However, we notice in today’s Church that many men (and women) in these positions have come short. (And we ourselves, if honest, know we also are short on these requirements).
This leads me to make a general comment pertinent to most, if not all, human organizations: Church, Government, School Districts . . . They are like ladders starting with a bottom rung leading to the top rung. It is common among men to want the position of top rung. Most start the climb from the bottom and proceed upwards. A few get to start a little further up because of family, wealth, or other reasons. Everyone wants the next rung (or two or three) up. Some are patient and trudge along at a fair, legal rate. Ohers are impatient and force themselves up in an unfair, perhaps illegal rate, pulling the ones above off and stepping on the fingers of the ones below.
On our trip up the ladder, we must keep in mind the qualifications set for us by God in 1 Timothy 3. At the end of our life God does not judge us on the rung we attained, but the manner by which we climbed the ladder. Have we been: blameless sticking to one spouse, vigilant, sober (levelheaded), of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not greedy for money, nonviolent, etc.?
If we have not, we can do better today.
However, we notice in today’s Church that many men (and women) in these positions have come short. (And we ourselves, if honest, know we also are short on these requirements).
This leads me to make a general comment pertinent to most, if not all, human organizations: Church, Government, School Districts . . . They are like ladders starting with a bottom rung leading to the top rung. It is common among men to want the position of top rung. Most start the climb from the bottom and proceed upwards. A few get to start a little further up because of family, wealth, or other reasons. Everyone wants the next rung (or two or three) up. Some are patient and trudge along at a fair, legal rate. Ohers are impatient and force themselves up in an unfair, perhaps illegal rate, pulling the ones above off and stepping on the fingers of the ones below.
On our trip up the ladder, we must keep in mind the qualifications set for us by God in 1 Timothy 3. At the end of our life God does not judge us on the rung we attained, but the manner by which we climbed the ladder. Have we been: blameless sticking to one spouse, vigilant, sober (levelheaded), of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not greedy for money, nonviolent, etc.?
If we have not, we can do better today.
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
QUESTIONABLE SURVEYS
I’m always careful about entities that ask for me to fill out surveys. They may not want what the survey title seems to really ask. It may just be seeking personal information. Maybe that information is your email address or your phone number or other personal information. Maybe all it wants is just to know someone responds at this point of access.
For example, I'm a conservative. The Republican party sends survey requests. Since I am a registered Republican, they already generally know what my opinions might be. The survey questions seem to stroke for emotional responses like (and I exaggerate), "Do you feel the country is going in the toilet?", "Do you think every democrat ought to be replaced next election?" There is always a request for money contributions (the real reason for the survey). I am sure the Democrats to the same.
Other example are: Trump Haters and Trump Lovers. These sites are based on emotional opinions. These sites often want money. They often want your phone number. There is also a possibility they are being used by the opposite side to develop information to harass you. They could be digging for your personal information, phone numbers, addresses and other potentially harmful information that could be harmful.
I personally very rarely open a survey let alone fill out surveys. For one thing they rob me of my time. I stop filling them out as soon as I understand the real purpose is to get donations or to steal personal information. Keep in mind, they already know something about you. They know you have an interest because you contacted them. Whether by phone, or text or email or by your visiting their website they know how to contact you. I think it is best not to respond. If they show a form that asks you to “verify your phone number”, and you see your phone number is already there, it might be a trap. You may have enabled an “autofill” feature on your computer which automatically filled in the phone number field. By filling in the “verify your phone number” field you may be giving a criminal your personal information. Too bad if you have already spent a lot of time completing the survey; just let it go, delete the form, and go about your other business.
For example, I'm a conservative. The Republican party sends survey requests. Since I am a registered Republican, they already generally know what my opinions might be. The survey questions seem to stroke for emotional responses like (and I exaggerate), "Do you feel the country is going in the toilet?", "Do you think every democrat ought to be replaced next election?" There is always a request for money contributions (the real reason for the survey). I am sure the Democrats to the same.
Other example are: Trump Haters and Trump Lovers. These sites are based on emotional opinions. These sites often want money. They often want your phone number. There is also a possibility they are being used by the opposite side to develop information to harass you. They could be digging for your personal information, phone numbers, addresses and other potentially harmful information that could be harmful.
I personally very rarely open a survey let alone fill out surveys. For one thing they rob me of my time. I stop filling them out as soon as I understand the real purpose is to get donations or to steal personal information. Keep in mind, they already know something about you. They know you have an interest because you contacted them. Whether by phone, or text or email or by your visiting their website they know how to contact you. I think it is best not to respond. If they show a form that asks you to “verify your phone number”, and you see your phone number is already there, it might be a trap. You may have enabled an “autofill” feature on your computer which automatically filled in the phone number field. By filling in the “verify your phone number” field you may be giving a criminal your personal information. Too bad if you have already spent a lot of time completing the survey; just let it go, delete the form, and go about your other business.
Monday, August 30, 2021
THE REPROVING DUTY
Some jobs are hard. Second timothy 4 tells us (via instructions addressed to Timothy) to stand firmly and to contend for the faith. We are to reprove, rebuke, an exhort using patience, persistence, and teaching. We are warned that there will be those who will resist and pull away.
Using the new American Standard Bible consider some of the action words found there:
PREACH: to talk or, and correctly interpret, the word of God. Just to be clear, I take the “word of God” to mean the Bible. This does not mean someone’s dream, feeling, hearsay, or what they read in a commentary.
Be PREPARED (be ready): to have read the Bible to have considered what it says, and to have considered how best to explain it either to a believer or someone who does not (yet) believe.
CORRECT: to help another more perfectly understand the meaning of some biblical passages.
REBUKE: to correct a person who, for whatever reason, seems to purposely be misrepresenting what the Bible says.
EXHORT: to encourage others to read the Bible and understand it the best they can; and tell them to tell others and encourage them.
Using PATIENCE: we should realize all are not at the state of development we have achieved, and; some others have developed more than we have.
Even when we do this, we must be aware some, perhaps many, will, “not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”
Sound like today? Sound like some public posting sites?
Using the new American Standard Bible consider some of the action words found there:
PREACH: to talk or, and correctly interpret, the word of God. Just to be clear, I take the “word of God” to mean the Bible. This does not mean someone’s dream, feeling, hearsay, or what they read in a commentary.
Be PREPARED (be ready): to have read the Bible to have considered what it says, and to have considered how best to explain it either to a believer or someone who does not (yet) believe.
CORRECT: to help another more perfectly understand the meaning of some biblical passages.
REBUKE: to correct a person who, for whatever reason, seems to purposely be misrepresenting what the Bible says.
EXHORT: to encourage others to read the Bible and understand it the best they can; and tell them to tell others and encourage them.
Using PATIENCE: we should realize all are not at the state of development we have achieved, and; some others have developed more than we have.
Even when we do this, we must be aware some, perhaps many, will, “not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”
Sound like today? Sound like some public posting sites?
Monday, August 23, 2021
SETTING AND RELIEVING DOUBT
Psalm 11
The first part of this Psalm shows questions of doubt that an enemy is trying to put into a believer. Or perhaps it is a question of doubt the believer himself is asking.
“In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, ‘flee as a bird to your mountain? For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, they have set their arrow on the string to shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?’ ”
These dark questions are what we commonly fear. They suggest: You should retreat, the wicked are working, they do it in secret, no one sees, if the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do?
The rest of the psalm answers the doubts.
“The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes see, His eyelids test the sons of mankind. The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked and His soul hates one who loves violence. He will rain coals of fire upon the wicked, and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous. [Yet] He loves righteousness; the upright will see His face.”
God still reigns in heaven and earth. God sees all; God tries everybody. He hates and will punish the wicked. God sees and will reward the upright.
It is easy to doubt in the dark times, the times of trial. This psalm reminds us God sees, reigns, and takes action against the wicked and for the righteous. To relieve the doubt we must remember He loves righteousness; the upright will see His face.
The first part of this Psalm shows questions of doubt that an enemy is trying to put into a believer. Or perhaps it is a question of doubt the believer himself is asking.
“In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, ‘flee as a bird to your mountain? For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, they have set their arrow on the string to shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?’ ”
These dark questions are what we commonly fear. They suggest: You should retreat, the wicked are working, they do it in secret, no one sees, if the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do?
The rest of the psalm answers the doubts.
“The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes see, His eyelids test the sons of mankind. The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked and His soul hates one who loves violence. He will rain coals of fire upon the wicked, and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous. [Yet] He loves righteousness; the upright will see His face.”
God still reigns in heaven and earth. God sees all; God tries everybody. He hates and will punish the wicked. God sees and will reward the upright.
It is easy to doubt in the dark times, the times of trial. This psalm reminds us God sees, reigns, and takes action against the wicked and for the righteous. To relieve the doubt we must remember He loves righteousness; the upright will see His face.
Monday, August 16, 2021
KIND OR HURTFUL CONSIDERATION
Proverbs 10:32.
"The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness" (being head strong, with stubbornness, self will). The righteous shows kind consideration. He knows what is acceptable because he has studied the other person and knows something of their state. He considers how difficult words would affect him. The wicked also knows the other person but speaks away from the appropriate answer. The wicked could care less about the other, thus he shows hurtful consideration, the desire to oppose.
Verse 11 says, "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked". We know a well is an opening from which something must be drawn out. The good is inside the righteous and must be drawn out. He is not quick with his answer. But the answers are healthful, as water is healthful. If there is any healthful thing with the wicked it is inaccessible because the well is covered. What is obvious to all is the violence that covers his mouth. It is always on top, always presenting to people.
Lord help me - - give me the grace to be a healthful speaker. Please do not let me do damage and violence with my mouth. Give me the grace to be helpful.
"The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness" (being head strong, with stubbornness, self will). The righteous shows kind consideration. He knows what is acceptable because he has studied the other person and knows something of their state. He considers how difficult words would affect him. The wicked also knows the other person but speaks away from the appropriate answer. The wicked could care less about the other, thus he shows hurtful consideration, the desire to oppose.
Verse 11 says, "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked". We know a well is an opening from which something must be drawn out. The good is inside the righteous and must be drawn out. He is not quick with his answer. But the answers are healthful, as water is healthful. If there is any healthful thing with the wicked it is inaccessible because the well is covered. What is obvious to all is the violence that covers his mouth. It is always on top, always presenting to people.
Lord help me - - give me the grace to be a healthful speaker. Please do not let me do damage and violence with my mouth. Give me the grace to be helpful.
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
THE TIME IN COURT WILL COME
Psalm 9:7
“But the Lord sits as King forever; He has established His throne for judgment . . .”
I wonder, if men are not sinful would God not have to set up his throne for judgment? His throne would be for ruling, but it would not have to be for discovering and pronouncing punishment of the wicked. But since there are wicked, God is preparing his throne for a time when they will be brought to account for their transgression of God's will. God will outlast any hope of the wicked covering up, or justifying, or getting past (hoping the deeds will be forgotten) their wicked deeds.
From the time a wicked act is performed, God's judgment throne is ready to pronounce a punishment for the act. The time in court will come.
Let the faithful not forget judgment of wrongdoing is not only for the wicked.
“But the Lord sits as King forever; He has established His throne for judgment . . .”
I wonder, if men are not sinful would God not have to set up his throne for judgment? His throne would be for ruling, but it would not have to be for discovering and pronouncing punishment of the wicked. But since there are wicked, God is preparing his throne for a time when they will be brought to account for their transgression of God's will. God will outlast any hope of the wicked covering up, or justifying, or getting past (hoping the deeds will be forgotten) their wicked deeds.
From the time a wicked act is performed, God's judgment throne is ready to pronounce a punishment for the act. The time in court will come.
Let the faithful not forget judgment of wrongdoing is not only for the wicked.
Monday, July 26, 2021
ONLY ONE THEORY IS TRUE
Faith comes by hearing. In many cases you must hear something to even know what it is. But that is not always true. You could be a man alone living in the jungle and decide for yourself something other than me made all that is outside of me. You could observe that it is well organized, interdependent, and extremely complex. In a natural sense you would be more likely to think that a single power created all. That which surrounds you is so mutually dependent how could it be otherwise? You would not be likely to think that all arouse from nothing millions of years ago.
Today, in these times, outside of the jungle, living with and dependent upon other people, we are told about the “old earth”, billions of years theory - - and we are told about the creator God. We choose between one or the other.
If not informed of an “old earth” you would most likely conclude for yourself there was a creator. The trouble for some people is the creator might tell you, “You can do this but you can not do that.” If you opposed some of those impositions you might shun them and suppose for yourself (and for convenience) a different view: one without the authority. You would invent the “old earth” theory that would require billions of years to evolve that puts the creator conveniently out of sight.
Today, in these times, outside of the jungle, living with and dependent upon other people, we are told about the “old earth”, billions of years theory - - and we are told about the creator God. We choose between one or the other.
If not informed of an “old earth” you would most likely conclude for yourself there was a creator. The trouble for some people is the creator might tell you, “You can do this but you can not do that.” If you opposed some of those impositions you might shun them and suppose for yourself (and for convenience) a different view: one without the authority. You would invent the “old earth” theory that would require billions of years to evolve that puts the creator conveniently out of sight.
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
DOING IS NOT ENOUGH
Being a Christian has nothing to do with what you do. It has to do with what Jesus did. You can do all you want but it will make no difference in the end. It' Jesus who saved you and you must just believe that. If anyone tells you something different, that you need to do something more, you need to mistrust some of the things that he' telling you. The things that other people say and do does not make them a better Christian than you. Knowing that Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead makes you a Christian. All they did, and all you need to do, is that simple fact: believe that Jesus died for their sins and rose again.
Thursday, May 27, 2021
DO THE BRUTISH UNDERSTAND
Proverbs 30
Why does the writer, Auger, start out this way - - to say he is brutish, has no wisdom, understanding or knowledge? Should we ignore what follows after because he has no understanding or knowledge? - - OR - - is it to say that even though he is not a learned man he can still observe that there is a creator and what he has created? Even the uneducated can say that every word of God is pure. Maybe it demonstrates (because Auger "prophesied") that even uneducated men, who are earnestly seeking, will achieve an understanding of God.
"Add not unto his words lest he reprove thee and you be found a liar". We saw a preacher the other night. He seemed to take a verse and apply meaning to it that is not necessarily there. He also went fast with what he was saying so that you did not have time to consider whether he has rightly applied the verse. But if you tuned him out and thought about the verse he quoted, and the meaning he applied from it, you wondered if he is not adding to the word.
There are interesting comparison and contrasts in Proverbs 30. Among them it says there are things never satisfied and do not say it is enough:
1. The grave, everyone will die.
2. A barren womb, it always wants its own children.
3. The dry earth, it soaks up all the water
4. Fire, it consumes all fuel provided.
Auger says: things I do not know - - too wonderful for me:
1. The eagle in the air, how does he fly.
2. The serpent on the rock, how does he move control his body?
3. A ship, in the sea, how does it float?
4. A man with maid.
The earth disquieted and cannot bear:
1. A servant, who Reigns.
2. A fool filled with meat.
3. An odious woman who is married.
4. A handmaid who is heir to her mistress.
Things that are little but are somehow wise:
1. Ants who prepare food in summer, how does it know?
2. Conies, who build houses in the rocks, try and dig them out.
3. Locusts who go by bands, you can’t get just one, or ten of them, you must get them all.
4. The spider, takes hold with hands, look up in the far corner of the ceiling and go after it.
Things that go well and are comely in their going:
1. The lion who is strongest among the beasts.
2. The greyhound.
3. The he goat.
4. A king who cannot be rebelled against.
Why does the writer, Auger, start out this way - - to say he is brutish, has no wisdom, understanding or knowledge? Should we ignore what follows after because he has no understanding or knowledge? - - OR - - is it to say that even though he is not a learned man he can still observe that there is a creator and what he has created? Even the uneducated can say that every word of God is pure. Maybe it demonstrates (because Auger "prophesied") that even uneducated men, who are earnestly seeking, will achieve an understanding of God.
"Add not unto his words lest he reprove thee and you be found a liar". We saw a preacher the other night. He seemed to take a verse and apply meaning to it that is not necessarily there. He also went fast with what he was saying so that you did not have time to consider whether he has rightly applied the verse. But if you tuned him out and thought about the verse he quoted, and the meaning he applied from it, you wondered if he is not adding to the word.
There are interesting comparison and contrasts in Proverbs 30. Among them it says there are things never satisfied and do not say it is enough:
1. The grave, everyone will die.
2. A barren womb, it always wants its own children.
3. The dry earth, it soaks up all the water
4. Fire, it consumes all fuel provided.
Auger says: things I do not know - - too wonderful for me:
1. The eagle in the air, how does he fly.
2. The serpent on the rock, how does he move control his body?
3. A ship, in the sea, how does it float?
4. A man with maid.
The earth disquieted and cannot bear:
1. A servant, who Reigns.
2. A fool filled with meat.
3. An odious woman who is married.
4. A handmaid who is heir to her mistress.
Things that are little but are somehow wise:
1. Ants who prepare food in summer, how does it know?
2. Conies, who build houses in the rocks, try and dig them out.
3. Locusts who go by bands, you can’t get just one, or ten of them, you must get them all.
4. The spider, takes hold with hands, look up in the far corner of the ceiling and go after it.
Things that go well and are comely in their going:
1. The lion who is strongest among the beasts.
2. The greyhound.
3. The he goat.
4. A king who cannot be rebelled against.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
ROCK-AND-ROLL
Some thoughts from Proverbs 28.
Webster’s definition of rock-and-roll: "a style of popular music marked by heavily accented beat and a simple repetition phrase structure". (Sounds like some church music today.)
(Verse 7) "A companion of riotous men is a shame to his father". Since some rock music promotes those who disrespect authority, it can be a groundwork of riotous men. Therefore, we should be careful how we use it. As with anything that requires caution with its use, perhaps there are times we should not even have it around. How many rock-and-roll concerts are there where the Star, every member of the band, the promoters and all the audience have a good walk with God? Even then there should only seasons of rock-and-roll; not rock-and-roll all the time. We should avoid riotous and men and activity.
What is a sample of some of the people at secular rock-and-roll concerts? Loud beer drinkers, sensual dancers, woman that dress to excite lust, men who look for such women, men who exude dominance and violence, litterers, people who can't be quiet and listen, people who think authorities (police, teachers, parents, etc.) are "them", drug users? The beat raises emotional excitement, the loudness numbs the mind; if we add words that veer from God’s word, we could have an irrational mob.
(Verse 9) To want the rock-and-roll, to the point of turning the ear away from the law will isolate us from God. Conversely, to the so enamored of grace (unmerited favor) to think, "rules are not important" is to turn away from the law. This can isolate us from God.
(Verse 10) There are some that cause the righteous to go aside into an evil way. We must be careful of rock-and-roll for that very reason. Although rock-and-roll seems to have originated in the world, not the church, much of “contemporary Christian music” is rock-and-roll based.
We must be diligent to keep in the godly way.
Webster’s definition of rock-and-roll: "a style of popular music marked by heavily accented beat and a simple repetition phrase structure". (Sounds like some church music today.)
(Verse 7) "A companion of riotous men is a shame to his father". Since some rock music promotes those who disrespect authority, it can be a groundwork of riotous men. Therefore, we should be careful how we use it. As with anything that requires caution with its use, perhaps there are times we should not even have it around. How many rock-and-roll concerts are there where the Star, every member of the band, the promoters and all the audience have a good walk with God? Even then there should only seasons of rock-and-roll; not rock-and-roll all the time. We should avoid riotous and men and activity.
What is a sample of some of the people at secular rock-and-roll concerts? Loud beer drinkers, sensual dancers, woman that dress to excite lust, men who look for such women, men who exude dominance and violence, litterers, people who can't be quiet and listen, people who think authorities (police, teachers, parents, etc.) are "them", drug users? The beat raises emotional excitement, the loudness numbs the mind; if we add words that veer from God’s word, we could have an irrational mob.
(Verse 9) To want the rock-and-roll, to the point of turning the ear away from the law will isolate us from God. Conversely, to the so enamored of grace (unmerited favor) to think, "rules are not important" is to turn away from the law. This can isolate us from God.
(Verse 10) There are some that cause the righteous to go aside into an evil way. We must be careful of rock-and-roll for that very reason. Although rock-and-roll seems to have originated in the world, not the church, much of “contemporary Christian music” is rock-and-roll based.
We must be diligent to keep in the godly way.
Monday, April 26, 2021
CLEANING UP
A song said: "open the doors of paradise", meaning the gates of heaven. We want that, but we know we are not worthy. We know: I'm standing outside but I'm too dirty to come in. Lord, I am not fit to enter in - - make me fit. Lord, my mind thinks wrong thoughts - - renew my mind. Lord clean me from my filth - - wash me in the blood of the lamb. Lord, my clothes are ragged and dirty - - give me a wedding garment. If my way is wrong before your eyes, make me to think and feel the right way.
We think that, but for a while we forget:
". . . because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10)
It’s so easy we stumble at it: we must believe Jesus is Lord, that he died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, is in heaven, and will receive us with him when we pass from this physical life. But Christian phrasing sometimes does not make it easy. Christians frequently use words or phrases which they understand among themselves, but which are not understood among non-Christian people, or among new Christian believers. Some of these phrases can become stumbling blocks when unexplained or misunderstood.
Some examples are:
"Born again”, what happens when a person believes that Jesus died for his sins and rose again.
"Saved”, when a person is born again, he is saved.
"Redemption”, when we are saved, we are redeemed from the ultimate consequences of a sinful life (hell, or separation from God).
Sanctification, the lifelong process of overcoming our sinful habits, thoughts and actions.
"The blood of the lamb”, a reference to what Jesus did on the cross and how it could, and can, affect our lives.
We Christians should be sensitive that our hearers understand what we mean and be ready to explain the meaning.
We think that, but for a while we forget:
". . . because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10)
It’s so easy we stumble at it: we must believe Jesus is Lord, that he died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, is in heaven, and will receive us with him when we pass from this physical life. But Christian phrasing sometimes does not make it easy. Christians frequently use words or phrases which they understand among themselves, but which are not understood among non-Christian people, or among new Christian believers. Some of these phrases can become stumbling blocks when unexplained or misunderstood.
Some examples are:
"Born again”, what happens when a person believes that Jesus died for his sins and rose again.
"Saved”, when a person is born again, he is saved.
"Redemption”, when we are saved, we are redeemed from the ultimate consequences of a sinful life (hell, or separation from God).
Sanctification, the lifelong process of overcoming our sinful habits, thoughts and actions.
"The blood of the lamb”, a reference to what Jesus did on the cross and how it could, and can, affect our lives.
We Christians should be sensitive that our hearers understand what we mean and be ready to explain the meaning.
Monday, March 29, 2021
TALEBEARERS
A "talebearer" is one who bears a tail, a story, or "news". In other words, he is a gossip. Proverbs 26 speaks of this type of person in the sense of one who intends to bring bad or disparaging information about another. This is one that meddles in strife that is not his own. He hears something from another and carries the tale to others. The tale does not even have to be true. The damaging news would not spread If it were not for the talebearer. Strife ceases when there are no talebearers. The tales the talebearer spreads bring damage to the one of whom he speaks.
You can tell when you are listening to a talebearer. You can tell who not to listen to when it you know that he is dissembling . He is a person of hatred and deceit. We are not supposed to believe such people.
Except in wartime and against an enemy who would want to forward deceit? In wartime and against an enemy it's called "Propaganda".
You can tell when you are listening to a talebearer. You can tell who not to listen to when it you know that he is dissembling . He is a person of hatred and deceit. We are not supposed to believe such people.
Except in wartime and against an enemy who would want to forward deceit? In wartime and against an enemy it's called "Propaganda".
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
DILIGENCE VS HASTYNESS
Proverbs 22 notes how the thoughts of the diligent tend only toward plenteousness, but the thoughts of everyone that is hasty only to want. The way I have thought of this verse is: the diligent will have plenty, as in abundance, whereas the hasty will have want, as in the feeling he has not enough. In truth the diligent will identify what he wants and what is important. He will have a good idea of what needs to happen in terms of effort and material required to make it happen. He will create a plan, then implement the plan and will obtain all, if not more, than what he envisioned. The hasty just starts off with no idea of material, effort, or cost. He will spend up the little that he had and end with nothing. Perhaps he will be bitter about a dream lost with no idea of why it never became real.
Here is another way: the diligent will think in terms of having plenty, of being well prepared, of allowing for contingencies. While the hasty obsesses over his wants, of what he possesses, of what he perceives to be a need, of making life pleasant for himself.
It is OK to want things, but the wants must be tempered with reason and planning. There is a path to get there, but you must know what the path is and if it’s worth the trip. Once you know that, you must actually start taking steps along the path.
Here is another way: the diligent will think in terms of having plenty, of being well prepared, of allowing for contingencies. While the hasty obsesses over his wants, of what he possesses, of what he perceives to be a need, of making life pleasant for himself.
It is OK to want things, but the wants must be tempered with reason and planning. There is a path to get there, but you must know what the path is and if it’s worth the trip. Once you know that, you must actually start taking steps along the path.
Monday, March 15, 2021
CALLING ON GOD
Psalm 8 . . .
"I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies".
The psalmist calls the Lord.
God answers the call with mighty works.
God delivers the psalmist.
God rewards according to righteousness and clean hands.
God shows himself according to how people act.
The psalmist wars against his enemies but it is God that gives him the capability and the victory.
Give praise to God who delivers.
I need to learn to always call upon the Lord particularly in times of trouble. But also, in times when I cannot balance the checkbook, fix the car or find something. I need to call upon the Lord when I am at a loss for something to do or stalling to start a project. God is not interested only in big troubles but in small ones too. He is always with the Christian, always wanting us to rely upon, call upon him - - and thank him.
"I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies".
The psalmist calls the Lord.
God answers the call with mighty works.
God delivers the psalmist.
God rewards according to righteousness and clean hands.
God shows himself according to how people act.
The psalmist wars against his enemies but it is God that gives him the capability and the victory.
Give praise to God who delivers.
I need to learn to always call upon the Lord particularly in times of trouble. But also, in times when I cannot balance the checkbook, fix the car or find something. I need to call upon the Lord when I am at a loss for something to do or stalling to start a project. God is not interested only in big troubles but in small ones too. He is always with the Christian, always wanting us to rely upon, call upon him - - and thank him.
Monday, March 8, 2021
HOPING FOR MY BOYS
My boys do not find enjoyment in those that talk of nothing deeper than sports, fishing, or cars. This is very pleasing to me. However there is always the danger that they will encounter some who are mentally sharp and interesting, yet wrong. I hope they will come out undamaged and even stronger. They will have to judge between what these will say in what the truth is.
Proverbs 8 says wisdom, personified as a woman, is everywhere addressing mankind. Yet she can be one voice among many and the voice you are listening to at the present moment is the loudest. Consider that in the chapter before (7:10) the opposite of wisdom is also speaking. What *she" says opposes wisdom.
My prayer is they will take time to consider all and choose the right one. Lord , please quicken my boys’ mind, make them sharp for the truth.
Proverbs 8 says wisdom, personified as a woman, is everywhere addressing mankind. Yet she can be one voice among many and the voice you are listening to at the present moment is the loudest. Consider that in the chapter before (7:10) the opposite of wisdom is also speaking. What *she" says opposes wisdom.
My prayer is they will take time to consider all and choose the right one. Lord , please quicken my boys’ mind, make them sharp for the truth.
Saturday, March 6, 2021
USE OF THE WORD “SCIENCE”
I find it irritating the way some people use the word “Science”. Some use the word to establish an atmosphere of authority, to say something you can not argue about. They use phrases like: “Science says . . .”, or "Science now knows. . ." They also use related phrases like: "Research has shown . . .", "Extraordinary new light indicates . . .", "New evidence has shown . . ." , "We now know . . .".
Science involves the use of the scientific method of investigating nature. One observes a phenomenon and forms a theory about its cause. He then devises an experiment to prove the theory. He records the results, and if the theory seems to be proved he writes a paper about the phenomenon, the theory of its cause, and the experiment that is supposed to prove his theory. Others can then repeat the experiment and if the same results occur they can agree that the theory is most likely true. The theory of the structure of atoms is based on such experimental work that is so repeatable it is safe to assume the atomic theory is true. A definition of science I read said it is "the systematic study of the nature and behavior of the material and physical universe, based on observation, experiment, and measurement, and the formulation of laws to describe these facts in general terms."
I have heard the word “science” used as a phrase which I call "self-fulfilling introduction". These statements, “science says” and the like, are intended to give an air of established truth to the content that follows them. The introductory phrases appear to give authority to what comes next, as if to say, "let there be no question about this". They provide appearance of a reliable source, albeit an unnamed and unexplained source. I find this particularly irksome with respect to the topic of evolution vs. creation. Many use “science” to express the pervasive concept of evolution-as-fact. Evolution is not fact, it is an unproven theory that can neither be tested nor repeated. Evolution requires the concept of millions of years. No set of humans have ever actually observed millions of years.
“Millions of years ago everything we see evolved from nothing, or a 'singularity', or a single atom.” Who was there to know this? The concept can only exist in theory. To believe it takes a great amount of faith - - faith that this theory is indeed the truth.
I’d rather believe, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This also takes faith. But I know one who was there, I’ve read his book.
Science involves the use of the scientific method of investigating nature. One observes a phenomenon and forms a theory about its cause. He then devises an experiment to prove the theory. He records the results, and if the theory seems to be proved he writes a paper about the phenomenon, the theory of its cause, and the experiment that is supposed to prove his theory. Others can then repeat the experiment and if the same results occur they can agree that the theory is most likely true. The theory of the structure of atoms is based on such experimental work that is so repeatable it is safe to assume the atomic theory is true. A definition of science I read said it is "the systematic study of the nature and behavior of the material and physical universe, based on observation, experiment, and measurement, and the formulation of laws to describe these facts in general terms."
I have heard the word “science” used as a phrase which I call "self-fulfilling introduction". These statements, “science says” and the like, are intended to give an air of established truth to the content that follows them. The introductory phrases appear to give authority to what comes next, as if to say, "let there be no question about this". They provide appearance of a reliable source, albeit an unnamed and unexplained source. I find this particularly irksome with respect to the topic of evolution vs. creation. Many use “science” to express the pervasive concept of evolution-as-fact. Evolution is not fact, it is an unproven theory that can neither be tested nor repeated. Evolution requires the concept of millions of years. No set of humans have ever actually observed millions of years.
“Millions of years ago everything we see evolved from nothing, or a 'singularity', or a single atom.” Who was there to know this? The concept can only exist in theory. To believe it takes a great amount of faith - - faith that this theory is indeed the truth.
I’d rather believe, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This also takes faith. But I know one who was there, I’ve read his book.
Monday, March 1, 2021
WORKING ADVANTAGES
Psalm 15
The Psalm asks: "who may abide in your Tabernacle" then goes on to say, "he who walks uprightly, has integrity, practices righteousness, speaks truth in his heart, etc." But we know that Christ is our righteousness, and nothing that we do (but what Christ did) gets us past the gates of heaven. Since born again Christians already have secure entrance into heaven, what does “your Tabernacle” mean and how much does "walking uprightly" really matter, is it an advantage? Perhaps it indicates how we can abide with God while still on this earth. The motivation would be wanting to please God. We do right, we abide in the Tabernacle.
Surely it should not mean seeking status for yourself. Sadly, most of the time our motivation comes from the desire for status, pride, or maybe a fear of rejection. Wanting to "abide in the Tabernacle" for the reason of having a self-advantage does not work well. It is in direct competition with other things that want advantage for the self. When you are advantaging yourself for Tabernacle status another worldly advantage opportunity can shove it aside. The flesh easily sees (and wants) things that have more immediate reward.
If you do a good thing and are "walking uprightly" for God's advantage, then it has the potential of lasting, even though you may later slip into works of the flesh. I wonder if doing it for self-advantage ever pleases God. Proverbs 15:9: the Lord loves him who follows after righteousness.
The Psalm asks: "who may abide in your Tabernacle" then goes on to say, "he who walks uprightly, has integrity, practices righteousness, speaks truth in his heart, etc." But we know that Christ is our righteousness, and nothing that we do (but what Christ did) gets us past the gates of heaven. Since born again Christians already have secure entrance into heaven, what does “your Tabernacle” mean and how much does "walking uprightly" really matter, is it an advantage? Perhaps it indicates how we can abide with God while still on this earth. The motivation would be wanting to please God. We do right, we abide in the Tabernacle.
Surely it should not mean seeking status for yourself. Sadly, most of the time our motivation comes from the desire for status, pride, or maybe a fear of rejection. Wanting to "abide in the Tabernacle" for the reason of having a self-advantage does not work well. It is in direct competition with other things that want advantage for the self. When you are advantaging yourself for Tabernacle status another worldly advantage opportunity can shove it aside. The flesh easily sees (and wants) things that have more immediate reward.
If you do a good thing and are "walking uprightly" for God's advantage, then it has the potential of lasting, even though you may later slip into works of the flesh. I wonder if doing it for self-advantage ever pleases God. Proverbs 15:9: the Lord loves him who follows after righteousness.
Friday, February 19, 2021
THE LIAR LAYS IN WAIT
Very windy and cloudy today (19 Feb 2021) yet a lot of birds are flying around. Just as I finished the first sentence the sun came out. That shows man's words mostly stand only for the moment they speak them. Only God's word for sure stands. We hope that most men are true and stand by what they speak - - and repent and confess when they are mistaken.
For those who want to hear something badly enough there will always be a liar to tell them what they want to hear.
The prophets that I journaled of the other day - the ones that said Donald Trump would be the next president - confidently said "Trump will be President". Some may have even said "God said - ", or "God told them - ". It is terrible that they speak this way - - and that so many believed them.
I prayed, God please punish the ones who spoke out knowing that God did not speak to them; show them as liars to the public. How terrible will it be for them at the Judgement to have knowingly spoken lies.
Please show the ones who spoke but were deceived to know and to repent of the deception and to diligently seek to only recognize what is true.
Please cause the gullible ones who believed the lies to see their weakness to believe what they wish would be. Help them to hear, to seek and to test all things whether there be any truth in them.
For those who want to hear something badly enough there will always be a liar to tell them what they want to hear.
The prophets that I journaled of the other day - the ones that said Donald Trump would be the next president - confidently said "Trump will be President". Some may have even said "God said - ", or "God told them - ". It is terrible that they speak this way - - and that so many believed them.
I prayed, God please punish the ones who spoke out knowing that God did not speak to them; show them as liars to the public. How terrible will it be for them at the Judgement to have knowingly spoken lies.
Please show the ones who spoke but were deceived to know and to repent of the deception and to diligently seek to only recognize what is true.
Please cause the gullible ones who believed the lies to see their weakness to believe what they wish would be. Help them to hear, to seek and to test all things whether there be any truth in them.
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
HOME STATE YET EMPTY
[While on Government travel years ago at a Wendy’s in Maynard, Ma. I wrote:]
(Maynard, MA) I have strange feelings being back at my hometown area. I feel useless, valueless. It seems I have no connection here whatsoever. Even the thought of being in the same geographical area as my sister Anne or Uncle Elliot has not changed the feeling.
I had no success calling anyone, even home to Florida. I'll drive back to Acton again. If I have no success there, I'll go back toward Bedford and try Uncle Elliot. From either Acton or Bedford I will try to get hold of my old friends Don or Steve Murphy.
If we (Lizzie, the boys, and I) were to move to a new area I'm afraid of what this type of feeling would do to me: no extended family, no friends, no church. I wonder if I could overcome.
There is a group of families here, 2 or 3 little ones, all less than ten, and four older ones, of which two or three might be teens. They are a talkative group which shows they have confidence to socialize. One of the young ones laughs and jokes with her mother. I suspect their being here together shows evidence of a sound family and, though not here, a good man? I wonder, does an indication of a good man, or men, show godliness?
(Maynard, MA) I have strange feelings being back at my hometown area. I feel useless, valueless. It seems I have no connection here whatsoever. Even the thought of being in the same geographical area as my sister Anne or Uncle Elliot has not changed the feeling.
I had no success calling anyone, even home to Florida. I'll drive back to Acton again. If I have no success there, I'll go back toward Bedford and try Uncle Elliot. From either Acton or Bedford I will try to get hold of my old friends Don or Steve Murphy.
If we (Lizzie, the boys, and I) were to move to a new area I'm afraid of what this type of feeling would do to me: no extended family, no friends, no church. I wonder if I could overcome.
There is a group of families here, 2 or 3 little ones, all less than ten, and four older ones, of which two or three might be teens. They are a talkative group which shows they have confidence to socialize. One of the young ones laughs and jokes with her mother. I suspect their being here together shows evidence of a sound family and, though not here, a good man? I wonder, does an indication of a good man, or men, show godliness?
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
TIE WISDOM TIGHT
Proverbs 7
We are to keep God’s words close to us. Proverbs 7 says: “. . . Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call understanding your intimate friend, So that they may keep you from an adulteress, from the foreigner who flatters with her words.”
Ungodly words are like an adulterous woman: They are very appealing, but they are not right. We might also think of then as groups of people who are off (wrong, distorted) according to true doctrine. For this reason, we are to lay up God’s words, or keep them, bind them up tight to us. To say, "thou art my kinswoman, thou art my sister". Why? to keep us close to God and away from the strange woman.
The "young man" in this chapter is described as simple, he doesn't know much. It is night signifying the absence of God's word. She (the ungodly wisdom) wears the attire of the harlot: she is very appealing to the desires. She is subtle, loud., stubborn, not abiding in her house. She is very crafty and evasive with issues. She picks on minor points attempting to defeat a larger truth. She opposes the traditional ways. She goes outside of her house seeking to win and bring in others. She has "peace offerings", she says she is alright with God.
She has "decked her bed" : she seems to have good things that go on at her worship, things that take skilled craft. They are very appealing. She says "Let us take our fill until the morning" - she wants you at her church until you die (the morning). She says, "The good man is gone" - Christ as the Bible teaches him is not there. She says, "He will come at the time appointed" - he will respond as she has appointed, and not as the Bible says he will. She has fair speech and flattery - she is very skillful with her "logic" Her words appeal to the part of the young man that is looking for a compliment.
Keep wisdom, the kind you find in the Bible, tied close to you. Know what it is. When you know what truth is, you can easily spot the imposter, the adulteress.
We are to keep God’s words close to us. Proverbs 7 says: “. . . Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call understanding your intimate friend, So that they may keep you from an adulteress, from the foreigner who flatters with her words.”
Ungodly words are like an adulterous woman: They are very appealing, but they are not right. We might also think of then as groups of people who are off (wrong, distorted) according to true doctrine. For this reason, we are to lay up God’s words, or keep them, bind them up tight to us. To say, "thou art my kinswoman, thou art my sister". Why? to keep us close to God and away from the strange woman.
The "young man" in this chapter is described as simple, he doesn't know much. It is night signifying the absence of God's word. She (the ungodly wisdom) wears the attire of the harlot: she is very appealing to the desires. She is subtle, loud., stubborn, not abiding in her house. She is very crafty and evasive with issues. She picks on minor points attempting to defeat a larger truth. She opposes the traditional ways. She goes outside of her house seeking to win and bring in others. She has "peace offerings", she says she is alright with God.
She has "decked her bed" : she seems to have good things that go on at her worship, things that take skilled craft. They are very appealing. She says "Let us take our fill until the morning" - she wants you at her church until you die (the morning). She says, "The good man is gone" - Christ as the Bible teaches him is not there. She says, "He will come at the time appointed" - he will respond as she has appointed, and not as the Bible says he will. She has fair speech and flattery - she is very skillful with her "logic" Her words appeal to the part of the young man that is looking for a compliment.
Keep wisdom, the kind you find in the Bible, tied close to you. Know what it is. When you know what truth is, you can easily spot the imposter, the adulteress.
Thursday, January 28, 2021
STRIVING FOR WISDOM
Proverbs 2
It takes a lot of continual effort to get knowledge, understanding and wisdom. These things don't come easy and they don't come quick: it takes work, and it takes work every day. God says to listen, to receive, incline the ear, apply yourself, cry for it, lift your voice, seek, search.
When you seek for silver and search for hidden treasure it's not done in five minutes of idle time after watching a video. To seek you must decide where to go then go there and inspect every rock formation. To search you must do diligent research and then methodically and diligently comb the area, balancing your resources while doing it. It takes time and it takes resources. You must spend something.
So, we have to spend something at God's word. The application of seeking understanding, knowledge and wisdom is to know the right path. God’s word provides the right path. We must seek with the head but be open to the heart. We must be sensitive to the heart but be controlled by the head. We cannot fill the head if we do not attend to the words of the mouth of God. We cannot fill the heart if we refuse to experience what God will give us.
It takes a lot of continual effort to get knowledge, understanding and wisdom. These things don't come easy and they don't come quick: it takes work, and it takes work every day. God says to listen, to receive, incline the ear, apply yourself, cry for it, lift your voice, seek, search.
When you seek for silver and search for hidden treasure it's not done in five minutes of idle time after watching a video. To seek you must decide where to go then go there and inspect every rock formation. To search you must do diligent research and then methodically and diligently comb the area, balancing your resources while doing it. It takes time and it takes resources. You must spend something.
So, we have to spend something at God's word. The application of seeking understanding, knowledge and wisdom is to know the right path. God’s word provides the right path. We must seek with the head but be open to the heart. We must be sensitive to the heart but be controlled by the head. We cannot fill the head if we do not attend to the words of the mouth of God. We cannot fill the heart if we refuse to experience what God will give us.
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
HUMILITY PUTS YOU FORWARD
Proverbs 22:4
God says, "by humility in the fear of the Lord are riches honor in life".
The world says, "put yourself forward and listen to your own standards; To get rich is an honor, for riches and honor are your life".
About humility God says: think of others, do what is right, give others the way when it seems to be their time.
The world says about humility: think of yourself, do for yourself, take your chance, don't let others get in the way or you'll miss out.
About the fear of God, God says: obey God's rules, respect authority.
About the fear of God the world says: Be concerned for yourself. Stick by whatever sort of standards work, as long as they suit your goals. Use the authorities, or get around them, or bribe them; whatever works for you. Maybe kick A-- if you don't like what's going on.
You will get ahead either way, but God’s way lasts beyond this lifetime. How far forward do you want to go?
God says, "by humility in the fear of the Lord are riches honor in life".
The world says, "put yourself forward and listen to your own standards; To get rich is an honor, for riches and honor are your life".
About humility God says: think of others, do what is right, give others the way when it seems to be their time.
The world says about humility: think of yourself, do for yourself, take your chance, don't let others get in the way or you'll miss out.
About the fear of God, God says: obey God's rules, respect authority.
About the fear of God the world says: Be concerned for yourself. Stick by whatever sort of standards work, as long as they suit your goals. Use the authorities, or get around them, or bribe them; whatever works for you. Maybe kick A-- if you don't like what's going on.
You will get ahead either way, but God’s way lasts beyond this lifetime. How far forward do you want to go?
Thursday, January 7, 2021
PRAY FOR LEADERS
These are the US Presidents of my lifetime:
Roosevelt, Franklin D. - 3/04/33 - 4/12/45
Truman, Harry S. - 4/12/45 - 1/20/53
Eisenhower, Dwight D. - 1/20/53 - 1/20/61
Kennedy, John F. - 1/20/61 - 11/22/63
Johnson, Lyndon B. - 11/22/63 - 1/20/69
Nixon, Richard M. - 1/20/69 - 8/9/74
Ford, Gerald R. - 8/9/74 - 1/20/77
Carter, Jimmy - 1/20/77 - 1/20/81
Reagan, Ronald W. - 1/20/81 - 1/20/89
Bush, George H.W. - 1/20/89 - 1/20/93
Clinton, William J. - 1/20/1993 - 1/20/2001
Bush, George_W. - 1/20/2001 - 1/20/2009
Obama, Barack - 1/20/09 - 1/20/2017
Trump, Donald – 1/20/17 – 1/20/2021
The Bible says in1 Timothy 1-4: "First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (NASB)
I am a Republican; did I pray with any consistency for the Republican presidents? No. Did I pray with and consistency for any of the Democratic presidents? No. Once I became a Christian should I have? Yes. Will I in the future change my habits and pray for and about government officials, including president-elect Biden? My intention is that I will. I think other believers should too.
Roosevelt, Franklin D. - 3/04/33 - 4/12/45
Truman, Harry S. - 4/12/45 - 1/20/53
Eisenhower, Dwight D. - 1/20/53 - 1/20/61
Kennedy, John F. - 1/20/61 - 11/22/63
Johnson, Lyndon B. - 11/22/63 - 1/20/69
Nixon, Richard M. - 1/20/69 - 8/9/74
Ford, Gerald R. - 8/9/74 - 1/20/77
Carter, Jimmy - 1/20/77 - 1/20/81
Reagan, Ronald W. - 1/20/81 - 1/20/89
Bush, George H.W. - 1/20/89 - 1/20/93
Clinton, William J. - 1/20/1993 - 1/20/2001
Bush, George_W. - 1/20/2001 - 1/20/2009
Obama, Barack - 1/20/09 - 1/20/2017
Trump, Donald – 1/20/17 – 1/20/2021
The Bible says in1 Timothy 1-4: "First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (NASB)
I am a Republican; did I pray with any consistency for the Republican presidents? No. Did I pray with and consistency for any of the Democratic presidents? No. Once I became a Christian should I have? Yes. Will I in the future change my habits and pray for and about government officials, including president-elect Biden? My intention is that I will. I think other believers should too.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
THE WORD MUST FIRST BE SPOKEN
“Modern” people often say that Paul (or Peter, or James, or John, etc.) wrote as they did because they came from an old culture. They would say the 2000s represent a different culture; so, we do not have to apply their writings to ourselves in the same way. Behind that issue is the assumption that Paul (or Moses, or David, or Elijah, etc.), not God, was the author of these words. They might even say, "We do not have to accept them as scripture because God did not write them" . In contrast, we believe every page of the Bible is inspired by God; they are all his words.
How did the men that God used to select which scriptures were cannon (like a letter from Paul to the Hebrews)? Was it because a man like Paul wrote it and was obvious to those men that Paul was God's tool, he having lived in the time Jesus actually worked and lived? Maybe it was because of who the authors were: Apostles or "blood relatives" of the Lord Jesus. They might have accepted the book of Hebrews because of the sheer logic and brilliance of the writing.
Paul’s days were days when public discourse was oral. Even written words were not dominant because there was yet no printing press. So, all common discourse tended to be local. Yet the fame of Paul was widespread. If this was not a sign of God's working through Paul, at least it is a sign of the magnitude of his importance. Since his words were copied and recopied there had to be something more behind them than a mere letter of a churchman.
We remind ourselves, as the Bible says, that God was:
- manifest in the flesh
- justified in the spirit
- seen of Angels
- preached to the gentiles
- believed on in the world
- received up into glory
At the time of the events of the Bible God was working in real living people who were doing and saying things among other living people. They wrote it down soon after it happened. God worked among people you could have heard with your own ears and could touch. God is working among men in the church today. Although what they write will not be in the Bible.
A book like Hebrews is "high I cannot attain to it". God gives it to us so that we can grow toward it. A piano teacher knows his student cannot do all that he can, yet he still teachers knowing the student someday will. God gives us Hebrews so that we, someday, will improve to higher Heights.
How did the men that God used to select which scriptures were cannon (like a letter from Paul to the Hebrews)? Was it because a man like Paul wrote it and was obvious to those men that Paul was God's tool, he having lived in the time Jesus actually worked and lived? Maybe it was because of who the authors were: Apostles or "blood relatives" of the Lord Jesus. They might have accepted the book of Hebrews because of the sheer logic and brilliance of the writing.
Paul’s days were days when public discourse was oral. Even written words were not dominant because there was yet no printing press. So, all common discourse tended to be local. Yet the fame of Paul was widespread. If this was not a sign of God's working through Paul, at least it is a sign of the magnitude of his importance. Since his words were copied and recopied there had to be something more behind them than a mere letter of a churchman.
We remind ourselves, as the Bible says, that God was:
- manifest in the flesh
- justified in the spirit
- seen of Angels
- preached to the gentiles
- believed on in the world
- received up into glory
At the time of the events of the Bible God was working in real living people who were doing and saying things among other living people. They wrote it down soon after it happened. God worked among people you could have heard with your own ears and could touch. God is working among men in the church today. Although what they write will not be in the Bible.
A book like Hebrews is "high I cannot attain to it". God gives it to us so that we can grow toward it. A piano teacher knows his student cannot do all that he can, yet he still teachers knowing the student someday will. God gives us Hebrews so that we, someday, will improve to higher Heights.
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