PSALM 32:3-7
"3 When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. [Selah] 5 I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”; and You forgave the guilt of my sin. [Selah]
6 Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
7 You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. [Selah]."
This shows how important it is to be close to God. Keep the accounts short. Keep the lines of communication open. Do your confessing business at a time when the confessing needs to be done, not when the floods come in. There may be a time when it is too late to confess, or at least not profitable - - when you get into the stage of being in the "floods of great waters".
If you’re standing in the swamp when the flood comes, who’s fault is that?
Monday, October 19, 2020
Monday, October 12, 2020
QUESTIONS ABOUT CREATION
When God created the heavens, some other things are there also: darkness, the deep, waters. Did these things come along with the creation, or was there darkness before there was an earth? Before there was a heaven or earth was there nothing? Or was this the place where, in the course of the spiritual dimension, God set the physical dimension to run - - as a new thing? Spiritual always, physical in time. God is everlasting but the creation had a start.
The earth was without form and void, was it empty? Does this mean there were no geologic features (lakes, mountains, seas) - - or does it mean the earth somehow did not coagulative (into a solid physical sphere)?
Where was the deep? On the earth? Outer space? God created light and saw that it was good. Did God "see" anything before there was light. “Seeing” is a tricky concept when thinking of God because we are physical and need eyes to see other things. We have the sense of sight. Once we see them, we have the beginning of an understating of them. This is different from “seeing” in the sense of “understanding”. Here the verb, “to see”, is used as a means to convey to us, who are physical and finite, something which is also finite, but began at some point in the infinite.
If darkness was upon the face of the deep, where was it not? Were there other places that darkness was not upon? If there were such places, what was upon them? (not light because light came after darkness).
God divided the light from the darkness (implying that light and darkness were mixed together). When he did, ". . . the evening in the morning were the first day". This seems to be the start of time. Apparently, God was not satisfied with darkness and water alone because he did not "see" that they, were good. When God created light, he "saw" that it was good.
We as created beings can not know apart from God’s description what precisely occurred at the creation because we were not there before day one. No one was. We have only God’s description to us. Else we can make stuff up like, "Everything came from nothing and gradually established order upon itself to end up as people, who say confidently, 'Everything came from nothing' ".
The earth was without form and void, was it empty? Does this mean there were no geologic features (lakes, mountains, seas) - - or does it mean the earth somehow did not coagulative (into a solid physical sphere)?
Where was the deep? On the earth? Outer space? God created light and saw that it was good. Did God "see" anything before there was light. “Seeing” is a tricky concept when thinking of God because we are physical and need eyes to see other things. We have the sense of sight. Once we see them, we have the beginning of an understating of them. This is different from “seeing” in the sense of “understanding”. Here the verb, “to see”, is used as a means to convey to us, who are physical and finite, something which is also finite, but began at some point in the infinite.
If darkness was upon the face of the deep, where was it not? Were there other places that darkness was not upon? If there were such places, what was upon them? (not light because light came after darkness).
God divided the light from the darkness (implying that light and darkness were mixed together). When he did, ". . . the evening in the morning were the first day". This seems to be the start of time. Apparently, God was not satisfied with darkness and water alone because he did not "see" that they, were good. When God created light, he "saw" that it was good.
We as created beings can not know apart from God’s description what precisely occurred at the creation because we were not there before day one. No one was. We have only God’s description to us. Else we can make stuff up like, "Everything came from nothing and gradually established order upon itself to end up as people, who say confidently, 'Everything came from nothing' ".
Sunday, October 4, 2020
I SAID I NEVER WENT TO ART SCHOOL
On Facebook I showed a painting I recently did in a previous Facebook post where I said I never went to art school. Upon thinking about that I thought, in fact, I did have some art training. My High School was broad enough to offer art classes and I took one. After high school I was heavily into photography and read all sorts of photography magazines. Somewhere, somehow, I took a photography class which allowed me the use of a fully equipped darkroom. I watch many painting shows on PBS which provide instruction. And I did take that Bob Ross class I mentioned in a previous Facebook post.
For some reason I always liked to draw. I progressed in skill because I did reasonably well and no one in by family discouraged me. I don't know if this was a gift from God, or because anyone can do it if they practice enough. But we all must remember: no one person will be a copy of another, all have different motor skills and all see the world differently. Some may be like Picasso, some may be like Grandma Moses. But all are different, all are individual. No one else can be like you.
So, I did come to know different aspects of art which would have been taught at Art School like perspective and composition and selection of subject, if I had gone to Art School.
For some reason I always liked to draw. I progressed in skill because I did reasonably well and no one in by family discouraged me. I don't know if this was a gift from God, or because anyone can do it if they practice enough. But we all must remember: no one person will be a copy of another, all have different motor skills and all see the world differently. Some may be like Picasso, some may be like Grandma Moses. But all are different, all are individual. No one else can be like you.
So, I did come to know different aspects of art which would have been taught at Art School like perspective and composition and selection of subject, if I had gone to Art School.
Saturday, October 3, 2020
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2020
I heard that someone said after the recent presidential debate, “I will not vote for either of them.” Why would you not want to place your influence behind the better of what seems to you two bad options? Why do you not want to influence the future in a way that, if not positive, at least is not so damaging? Not voting means you are allowing others, who like the one you most dislike, to have your vote.
You don’t like either candidate. You think one is directing your ship into the rocks while the other is directing your ship onto a sandy beach. But you will not do anything to avoid the rocks. In effect you are ignoring the destruction of your ship.
People died so you could vote the way you wanted. People died to protect you from those who would prevent you from voting. By not voting you shun thousands of people who have lived and died for you to have a safe place, a safe country, to live.
If you protest by not voting, who’s going to know about your protest? There is nothing to show for it. You could vote for an Independent candidate if there’s one running. I suppose your vote could be seen then. But realize an Independent candidate will not win and you will have lost your influence.
You don’t like either candidate. You think one is directing your ship into the rocks while the other is directing your ship onto a sandy beach. But you will not do anything to avoid the rocks. In effect you are ignoring the destruction of your ship.
People died so you could vote the way you wanted. People died to protect you from those who would prevent you from voting. By not voting you shun thousands of people who have lived and died for you to have a safe place, a safe country, to live.
If you protest by not voting, who’s going to know about your protest? There is nothing to show for it. You could vote for an Independent candidate if there’s one running. I suppose your vote could be seen then. But realize an Independent candidate will not win and you will have lost your influence.
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
UNDERSTANDING TONGUES
One of the purposes of 1 Cor 14 is to describe a responsible use of unknown tongues.
An "unknown tongue" or “speaking in tongues” is speaking via the Spirit in a language unknown to the hearers. This is not merely a foreign language; it is a language unknown to humans. Someone during a church meeting is impressed by to Spirit to "speak in tongues" and most, if not all, do not know what is being said. "Speaking in tongues" is often a point of confusion and contention among Christians.
Verse 14:6 prefers the use of these types of speech to unknown tongues: Revelation, the definition or explanation of a truth from God; Knowledge, the expansion in understanding of the revelation; and Prophecy.
1 Cor 14:3 defines Prophecy as: Edification, the result of revelation and knowledge, Exhortation, the urging to use the revelation and knowledge; and Consolation, the direction and comfort we should obtain from using revelation and knowledge.
Notice this is different from how many usually define Prophecy: a speech that predicts the future.
1 Corinthians 14 (NASB)
3. But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. 4. One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church . . . 6. But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching . . . 9. So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
An "unknown tongue" or “speaking in tongues” is speaking via the Spirit in a language unknown to the hearers. This is not merely a foreign language; it is a language unknown to humans. Someone during a church meeting is impressed by to Spirit to "speak in tongues" and most, if not all, do not know what is being said. "Speaking in tongues" is often a point of confusion and contention among Christians.
Verse 14:6 prefers the use of these types of speech to unknown tongues: Revelation, the definition or explanation of a truth from God; Knowledge, the expansion in understanding of the revelation; and Prophecy.
1 Cor 14:3 defines Prophecy as: Edification, the result of revelation and knowledge, Exhortation, the urging to use the revelation and knowledge; and Consolation, the direction and comfort we should obtain from using revelation and knowledge.
Notice this is different from how many usually define Prophecy: a speech that predicts the future.
1 Corinthians 14 (NASB)
3. But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. 4. One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church . . . 6. But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching . . . 9. So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
Monday, September 28, 2020
ANT WORK
Proverbs 6:8
The Ant provides her food in summer and gathers her food in the harvest.
As you think of it, farmers are like ants and almost all people on the planet need farmers. To make this provision means they have taken forethought to assure food is always present for use. It is there for use in the summer when no other crops are available because the winter’s supply is almost totally gone, and the new supply is presently growing. There will be no food available until the harvest, when the crops ripen and are ready. This means there must be plans to store part of the harvest to eat over the winter and through the sowing and growing season until the next harvest. This has to be done for all future harvests. Additionally, he must gather and protect the seed for planting, and the crops as they grow. He must keep his harvest tools prepared. There is a controlled rate of consumption and a cyclic rate of harvest he must match together. He must be acutely aware, have plans, and follow the plans.
Most all of us need farmers. They grow not only enough for them, but for us too. We don’t even have to think about seed and soil and machinery and tools; we just buy our food whenever we want it, any season we want it. Those unfortunate of us who are homeless still need farmers. Convicted criminals in jail need farmers.
Most of us are not farmers. Very few of us are hunters and gatherers. Let’s face it, if we had to farm, or hunt, or gather, we would starve.
The Ant provides her food in summer and gathers her food in the harvest.
As you think of it, farmers are like ants and almost all people on the planet need farmers. To make this provision means they have taken forethought to assure food is always present for use. It is there for use in the summer when no other crops are available because the winter’s supply is almost totally gone, and the new supply is presently growing. There will be no food available until the harvest, when the crops ripen and are ready. This means there must be plans to store part of the harvest to eat over the winter and through the sowing and growing season until the next harvest. This has to be done for all future harvests. Additionally, he must gather and protect the seed for planting, and the crops as they grow. He must keep his harvest tools prepared. There is a controlled rate of consumption and a cyclic rate of harvest he must match together. He must be acutely aware, have plans, and follow the plans.
Most all of us need farmers. They grow not only enough for them, but for us too. We don’t even have to think about seed and soil and machinery and tools; we just buy our food whenever we want it, any season we want it. Those unfortunate of us who are homeless still need farmers. Convicted criminals in jail need farmers.
Most of us are not farmers. Very few of us are hunters and gatherers. Let’s face it, if we had to farm, or hunt, or gather, we would starve.
Friday, September 25, 2020
WHERE IS THAT SILVER LINNING?
I sometimes struggle with negative thinking in the morning when I wake up. It is a task to stop such thoughts and to think better things. The other morning as this happened I repeated Psalm 23 over to myself. “beside still waters”, “will not fear even in the valley of death”, “my cup runs over”, “ your rod and staff comforts me”, “Goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life”.
Maybe God lets us have these negative times so we can fight against them and build up our resolve and character. The Holy Sprit might be warning, “These are bad thoughts.” We should respond, “These ARE bad, and I will push them out. I will think this other, more positive and constructive thought.” We should think of what is a different, constructive side of this thought. We need to analyze what is wrong about it, but also need to reach for what other thought is contrasting and right. There is always a "silver lining", there is always the "sunny side of the street". There is always something positive.
“Yes, though I walk through the valley of death I will fear no evil.” “Why are you cast down, oh my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, he is your hope.
Maybe God lets us have these negative times so we can fight against them and build up our resolve and character. The Holy Sprit might be warning, “These are bad thoughts.” We should respond, “These ARE bad, and I will push them out. I will think this other, more positive and constructive thought.” We should think of what is a different, constructive side of this thought. We need to analyze what is wrong about it, but also need to reach for what other thought is contrasting and right. There is always a "silver lining", there is always the "sunny side of the street". There is always something positive.
“Yes, though I walk through the valley of death I will fear no evil.” “Why are you cast down, oh my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, he is your hope.
Monday, September 21, 2020
SOME THINGS THAT RESTART
Everything begins in Genesis when God created the universe as we know it. But many things began again, and some things changed after the flood in Genesis chapter nine. Here are a few of the things:
V1: Every beast of earth had to replenish the earth from those that came from the ark.
V2: The control of man was established (or reinstated?) over the animals, birds, fish and insects.
V3: Every animal and plant given to man for food (as modified by clean/unclean dietary laws).
V4: Men are not to eat blood or bloody meat.
V5,6: Capital punishment is instituted.
V7: Man is to multiply and populate the earth.
Vs 8-17: God established the covenant of the rainbow: There will never again be a catastrophic, world-wide flood.
V1: Every beast of earth had to replenish the earth from those that came from the ark.
V2: The control of man was established (or reinstated?) over the animals, birds, fish and insects.
V3: Every animal and plant given to man for food (as modified by clean/unclean dietary laws).
V4: Men are not to eat blood or bloody meat.
V5,6: Capital punishment is instituted.
V7: Man is to multiply and populate the earth.
Vs 8-17: God established the covenant of the rainbow: There will never again be a catastrophic, world-wide flood.
Monday, September 14, 2020
WHAT DO WE DO TO TRAIN OUR CHILDREN SPIRITUALLY?
This is a re-post of a blog I did in 2016, but I think it's worth repeating.
We do the formal things people usually associate with spiritual people: We read directly from the Bible. We did not use devotional books though some, if using the Bible as a direct source, may be worthwhile. We Pray for guidance, protection, and provision from God and for the well being of others. We "Talk of these things while [we walk] in the way", we speak using the concepts we have learned from the Scriptures.
It's very important to be spiritual by example. What does it mean to be Spiritual, how do we know if someone is spiritual? We see what such people teach, they do good work, they witness (they tell others of the existence and providence of God and specially of Jesus.) They care for others. They seek God by reading the Bible, praying, having fellowship with other believers.
We train our children by telling them what good character is. To demonstrate to us they have learned, we make them tell us what a good character is. We make them show good character through their speaking and actions. We encourage them to do good works by telling them what good works are, and by doing good works ourselves.
We endeavor to be good examples because what we talk about and do, the children hear and see. We let them see by letting the Bible show us. After all, how do you know what the Standards are unless you read them? We let the Church show us and let others show us.
We do the formal things people usually associate with spiritual people: We read directly from the Bible. We did not use devotional books though some, if using the Bible as a direct source, may be worthwhile. We Pray for guidance, protection, and provision from God and for the well being of others. We "Talk of these things while [we walk] in the way", we speak using the concepts we have learned from the Scriptures.
It's very important to be spiritual by example. What does it mean to be Spiritual, how do we know if someone is spiritual? We see what such people teach, they do good work, they witness (they tell others of the existence and providence of God and specially of Jesus.) They care for others. They seek God by reading the Bible, praying, having fellowship with other believers.
We train our children by telling them what good character is. To demonstrate to us they have learned, we make them tell us what a good character is. We make them show good character through their speaking and actions. We encourage them to do good works by telling them what good works are, and by doing good works ourselves.
We endeavor to be good examples because what we talk about and do, the children hear and see. We let them see by letting the Bible show us. After all, how do you know what the Standards are unless you read them? We let the Church show us and let others show us.
Monday, September 7, 2020
THINKING OF TRINITY
In John 3 Nicodemus has trouble comprehending the nature of God as we sometimes do. He is coming to Jesus from the teaching “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD”. (Deu_6:4) He definitely would not expect to be standing before, and speaking directly to, God himself. He is questioning who he perceives to be an ordinary man, though a healer, worker of miracles and a radical teacher. Jesus tells him bluntly he must be "born again", a term that is strange to him. He is thinking of natural childbirth. Jesus explains men must be born of water (natural childbirth) AND spirit. He is using natural things to explain spiritual things. Through verses 10 to 21 He tells Nicodemus how men are born again, and Jesus' mission on earth.
We can empathize with Nicodemus. It is hard to conceive of God’s omnipresence except by the Spirit of God. Many invent their own conceptions of God such like the Hindu concept as "all is in God" or "God is in all". But that seems to reduce God to an ether-like force or a huge conglomerate of things: something without a personal will or even a personality.
But we know, because God tells us:
- The Father is the creator, the one who sits on the throne of heaven.
- The Son, he that came in a body to save us.
- The Spirit, the Comforter, the one who lives in all God’s people.
We can empathize with Nicodemus. It is hard to conceive of God’s omnipresence except by the Spirit of God. Many invent their own conceptions of God such like the Hindu concept as "all is in God" or "God is in all". But that seems to reduce God to an ether-like force or a huge conglomerate of things: something without a personal will or even a personality.
But we know, because God tells us:
- The Father is the creator, the one who sits on the throne of heaven.
- The Son, he that came in a body to save us.
- The Spirit, the Comforter, the one who lives in all God’s people.
Monday, August 24, 2020
INDESTRUCTABLE
2 Corinthians 4 speaks of the light that shins in us because of our inward truth which is the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Because this light is in us, we manifest the truth - the news of Jesus. This light cannot be seen by those who are lost – who do not know Jesus; the light is hidden form them. They cannot see it, nor will they be able to see it until they realize that they are sinners, that Jesus died for their sins, that he rose again, and will come again for those who have the inward light. Once they believe this, they too will share our light. How will they know if we do not tell them?
The light that shines is the Word of God – Jesus – in whom we trust as our sufficient sacrifice for sin. Some do not accept this and reject it; they have no light. We have the light in earthen vessels, that is to say: presently earth-bound bodies, so that the power of God can shine through us.
But this does not mean we do not have problems. For we are . . .
- - Troubled yet not distressed.
- - Perplexed yet not in despair (because we have hope of eternity).
- - Persecuted yet not forsaken (because we know God is for us).
- - Cast down yet not destroyed (because they cannot destroy what god will preserve).
- - Delivered to death yet the life of Jesus is manifest in our faith (God is working in us to show others and to bring them to the truth).
Let us share our indestructability with those who will perish.
The light that shines is the Word of God – Jesus – in whom we trust as our sufficient sacrifice for sin. Some do not accept this and reject it; they have no light. We have the light in earthen vessels, that is to say: presently earth-bound bodies, so that the power of God can shine through us.
But this does not mean we do not have problems. For we are . . .
- - Troubled yet not distressed.
- - Perplexed yet not in despair (because we have hope of eternity).
- - Persecuted yet not forsaken (because we know God is for us).
- - Cast down yet not destroyed (because they cannot destroy what god will preserve).
- - Delivered to death yet the life of Jesus is manifest in our faith (God is working in us to show others and to bring them to the truth).
Let us share our indestructability with those who will perish.
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
ARE THEY AMOUNG US
Jude 11
“Woe onto them for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the way of Balaam for reward, and perished after the gainsaying of Core.”
Cane - - The sacrifices of works rather than the sacrifice of blood.
Balaam - - Seeking to become rich in the doing of God's work.
Core - - Putting forward themselves to take the place of God's appointed leaders.
The book of Jude says to rebuke the wrongdoers in the church. Are such among us today? Do we see people expecting rewards for works? Do we see some seeking (and becoming) rich? Do we see some push aside others for their own eminence?
“Woe onto them for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the way of Balaam for reward, and perished after the gainsaying of Core.”
Cane - - The sacrifices of works rather than the sacrifice of blood.
Balaam - - Seeking to become rich in the doing of God's work.
Core - - Putting forward themselves to take the place of God's appointed leaders.
The book of Jude says to rebuke the wrongdoers in the church. Are such among us today? Do we see people expecting rewards for works? Do we see some seeking (and becoming) rich? Do we see some push aside others for their own eminence?
Monday, August 10, 2020
TURNING GOOD INTO BAD
2 Corinthians 2
Paul writes, in verse 11 that, “no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his devices”. Is seems he is speaking of a situation about a person who is being over-punished. Paul might have set this punishment in motion via another earlier letter. The Corinthians went about to chastise this fellow. But Paul says in verse 6, “Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority.” It seems they were continuing to do so. Paul is saying ,”enough”. Overdoing it might cause the man to be overwhelmed; now the time has come to forgive and comfort (verse 7).
The Corinthians were doing a good thing in correcting wrong but once the correction was sufficient Satan took over by pushing them to continue the correction. Satan was encouraging something that was good initially to be run past its useful time so that it becomes bad.
We must be careful we do not overextend our righteous activity so that what was good in us (and against Satan) then becomes bad in us (and against God). We should act properly for God's cause. We must be careful that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Paul writes, in verse 11 that, “no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his devices”. Is seems he is speaking of a situation about a person who is being over-punished. Paul might have set this punishment in motion via another earlier letter. The Corinthians went about to chastise this fellow. But Paul says in verse 6, “Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority.” It seems they were continuing to do so. Paul is saying ,”enough”. Overdoing it might cause the man to be overwhelmed; now the time has come to forgive and comfort (verse 7).
The Corinthians were doing a good thing in correcting wrong but once the correction was sufficient Satan took over by pushing them to continue the correction. Satan was encouraging something that was good initially to be run past its useful time so that it becomes bad.
We must be careful we do not overextend our righteous activity so that what was good in us (and against Satan) then becomes bad in us (and against God). We should act properly for God's cause. We must be careful that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
NOT SITUATIONAL ETHICS
2 Corinthians 1:17
When we purpose things within ourselves it is "yes" or "no". But the purposes or promises of God are "yes"
We make up our minds according to the occasion and decide "yes" or "no" about something. It may be "yes" today but tomorrow the situation may change and it might be "no".
The promises of God are not made up to fit the situation but are decided beforehand. The situation agrees with what God has decreed, or it does not. For us as humans what is today "yes" may well be "no" tomorrow. We waffle and change our minds about the situation. We should make up our minds using God's everlasting principles as our base, and not with facts that change from day to day, or minute to minute.
For example, “Thou shalt not kill” never changes nor does the punishment for it, namely, the death of the killer. This applies to premeditated murder.
A man kills another man with a brick. Today we say he should be hanged: "yes". Tomorrow we look at his background: the brick thrower’s disadvantaged upbringing, he was beaten and abused all his life, he was half crazed with drugs; we reconsider and say he should not be hanged: "no". God's law does not change, period. If a man purposely sheds another man's blood, by the hand of other men must the killer’s blood be shed.
God allows leniency for situations such as accidents, self-defense and wartime battles. But he is not lenient about when the situation includes malice or forethought.
When we purpose things within ourselves it is "yes" or "no". But the purposes or promises of God are "yes"
We make up our minds according to the occasion and decide "yes" or "no" about something. It may be "yes" today but tomorrow the situation may change and it might be "no".
The promises of God are not made up to fit the situation but are decided beforehand. The situation agrees with what God has decreed, or it does not. For us as humans what is today "yes" may well be "no" tomorrow. We waffle and change our minds about the situation. We should make up our minds using God's everlasting principles as our base, and not with facts that change from day to day, or minute to minute.
For example, “Thou shalt not kill” never changes nor does the punishment for it, namely, the death of the killer. This applies to premeditated murder.
A man kills another man with a brick. Today we say he should be hanged: "yes". Tomorrow we look at his background: the brick thrower’s disadvantaged upbringing, he was beaten and abused all his life, he was half crazed with drugs; we reconsider and say he should not be hanged: "no". God's law does not change, period. If a man purposely sheds another man's blood, by the hand of other men must the killer’s blood be shed.
God allows leniency for situations such as accidents, self-defense and wartime battles. But he is not lenient about when the situation includes malice or forethought.
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
LAW MAKES SIN
One Corinthians 15 verse 56
"the sting of death is sin; The strength of sin is the law".
Why is the strength of sin the law? Because if there were no law, every action would be the same; there would effectively be no sin. The law identifies what sin is. Theoretically if you do not know what sin is, you cannot do sin. Take the example of a woman who dresses immodestly for the purpose of raising lust in men: if it were not a sin to incite sin in others and modest dress were not required, then low necklines, split shirts, high skirts, in tight clothes would not be sin. But if there is a dress code, then women who do not follow it are sinning (and the authorities are sinning if they allow it). The Bible says that, “. . . women adorn themselves in modest apparel . . .” (1Tim 2:9) Men are to: "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." (1Col 6:18)
Don't want to be told what to wear or not wear? Do away with the dress code. We might also say do away with "thou shalt not commit adultery" and "he that fornicates is joined unto a harlot sins against their own body"
We can ignore God's laws and his wishes, but we cannot appeal them nor strike them from the law.
"the sting of death is sin; The strength of sin is the law".
Why is the strength of sin the law? Because if there were no law, every action would be the same; there would effectively be no sin. The law identifies what sin is. Theoretically if you do not know what sin is, you cannot do sin. Take the example of a woman who dresses immodestly for the purpose of raising lust in men: if it were not a sin to incite sin in others and modest dress were not required, then low necklines, split shirts, high skirts, in tight clothes would not be sin. But if there is a dress code, then women who do not follow it are sinning (and the authorities are sinning if they allow it). The Bible says that, “. . . women adorn themselves in modest apparel . . .” (1Tim 2:9) Men are to: "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." (1Col 6:18)
Don't want to be told what to wear or not wear? Do away with the dress code. We might also say do away with "thou shalt not commit adultery" and "he that fornicates is joined unto a harlot sins against their own body"
We can ignore God's laws and his wishes, but we cannot appeal them nor strike them from the law.
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
GREAT ENLIGHTENMENT
I pray that most of the population of the United States will at least know they have a choice to make about Jesus Christ. I want them to know that God sent Jesus to earth to die in their place for their sins, that he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, and that if they believe that they have an eternal place with him in heaven, and if they do not they will be eternally separated from God (otherwise known as “Hell”). A person becomes what we call “saved” by acknowledging what Jesus did for them, and asking Jesus to forgive and accept them
But I am not praying for “renewal” or “revival” (though these are certainly worthy to pray for). What I want I would term “Transformation” or “Enlightenment”. For me someone who is “renewed” or “revived” is already saved but has fallen short lately in the way he is behaving or thinking. He needs to have his thinking and acting “renewed” to his saved state. He needs to have his salvation revived as if being resuscitated in an operating room.
So I pray for a Great Transformation, a Great Enlightenment for the people of the United States.
But I am not praying for “renewal” or “revival” (though these are certainly worthy to pray for). What I want I would term “Transformation” or “Enlightenment”. For me someone who is “renewed” or “revived” is already saved but has fallen short lately in the way he is behaving or thinking. He needs to have his thinking and acting “renewed” to his saved state. He needs to have his salvation revived as if being resuscitated in an operating room.
So I pray for a Great Transformation, a Great Enlightenment for the people of the United States.
Monday, July 13, 2020
TOUNGUES OR NOT
One Corinthians 14
For all that people argue about speaking in tongues, this chapter minimizes tongues in favor of prophecy and understanding. It does not prohibit them. The greater need is for understanding.
Although I have never spoken in tongues, I suppose they could be for blessing and giving of thanks as suggested in verses 16 and 17. But any hearers of the speaking would not understand, there is no edification. Perhaps even the speaker does not himself understand, as is said in verse 14. For all that desire to speak in tongues we are supposed to desire more earnestly to edify the church.
Here is how clear speech comes (see verse 6):
- - Revelation - what is revealed by God.
- - Knowledge - what we know from reading the Bible and our experience
- - Prophesying - expounding God's will as he has told it to do you.
- - Doctrine - explaining our own understanding of God's will from Scriptures and life.
Thursday, July 9, 2020
DOORS
I recently made paintings of the front and back doors of the Bedford, Massachusetts house I grew up in.
When I was done, I made an analysis of how these doors were used and who used them. The front door was only for formal occasions and was rarely used. The side door was for general family use and for the reception of visitors and businesspeople. There was a cellar door too but only used for family activities.
I thought of other doors of houses in which I have lived and their uses. Our house in Gotha, Florida had three doors and we used all of them. The front for Family but also for receiving people. The side was for in-and-out access to the car and for play. The back door was for in-and-out and play but also to dispose of trash. Our current house in Windermere, Florida has two doors. The front is for reception and general in-and-out. The back is for family arrival and departure and access to garage.
You can think of our souls having doors too. There is a front door, which might be only for formal users. There might be a back door which may be hidden from most people. It might be only for family, or it might be closed but for a very few special people. It might be heavily guarded and never used by anyone but yourself. Or there might be many doors for other specialized users.
There is another door that is always present, the one God uses. You might not think of it as a door because what and who we are always open to God. God has this right to his door because he is the owner of the house. Most of the time he allows us to live thinking no one sees us, no one knows. But God always sees, and always knows.
God will never break your doors down; He gives you a choice of how you will live. There will be a time, however, when God repossesses your house and you will meet him face-to-face. We do not have the capacity to be fully ready for that day, there will always be some embarrassing mess we should have cleaned up. That is why we need to accept Jesus as our redeemer and trust He will keep his word: that if we believe he died in our place for our sins and rose again and He will receive us into everlasting live with Him. That is a door we can jointly own with God and will never be shut to us.
When I was done, I made an analysis of how these doors were used and who used them. The front door was only for formal occasions and was rarely used. The side door was for general family use and for the reception of visitors and businesspeople. There was a cellar door too but only used for family activities.
I thought of other doors of houses in which I have lived and their uses. Our house in Gotha, Florida had three doors and we used all of them. The front for Family but also for receiving people. The side was for in-and-out access to the car and for play. The back door was for in-and-out and play but also to dispose of trash. Our current house in Windermere, Florida has two doors. The front is for reception and general in-and-out. The back is for family arrival and departure and access to garage.
You can think of our souls having doors too. There is a front door, which might be only for formal users. There might be a back door which may be hidden from most people. It might be only for family, or it might be closed but for a very few special people. It might be heavily guarded and never used by anyone but yourself. Or there might be many doors for other specialized users.
There is another door that is always present, the one God uses. You might not think of it as a door because what and who we are always open to God. God has this right to his door because he is the owner of the house. Most of the time he allows us to live thinking no one sees us, no one knows. But God always sees, and always knows.
God will never break your doors down; He gives you a choice of how you will live. There will be a time, however, when God repossesses your house and you will meet him face-to-face. We do not have the capacity to be fully ready for that day, there will always be some embarrassing mess we should have cleaned up. That is why we need to accept Jesus as our redeemer and trust He will keep his word: that if we believe he died in our place for our sins and rose again and He will receive us into everlasting live with Him. That is a door we can jointly own with God and will never be shut to us.
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
MANAGEMENT GIFTS
1 Corinthians 12, a lesson in management
This speaks of diversity of gifts but same spirit, differences of administrations but same Lord, diversity of operations but the same God. We can say that the Father represents operation, the Son represents administration and the Holy Ghost represents gifts.
Manifestation of the spirit can be in every (Christian) man or woman:
1. word of wisdom
2. word of knowledge
3. faith
4. healing
5. working of miracles
6. prophecy
7. discerning of spirits
8. tongues
9. interpretation of tongues
This is how a whole company or organization could be organized:
Operations - what we should do, where we should go
Administration - how we shall accomplish what the operator directs
Gifts - providing the things and services needed for getting the job done.
God is the manager and the supplier of all we need, and the equipment with which to do it. But he does it in a more meaningful and life-giving way than merely producing automobiles or frozen dinners. He supplies the reasons for being and the abilities to “do life”, to turn our existence into value.
This speaks of diversity of gifts but same spirit, differences of administrations but same Lord, diversity of operations but the same God. We can say that the Father represents operation, the Son represents administration and the Holy Ghost represents gifts.
Manifestation of the spirit can be in every (Christian) man or woman:
1. word of wisdom
2. word of knowledge
3. faith
4. healing
5. working of miracles
6. prophecy
7. discerning of spirits
8. tongues
9. interpretation of tongues
This is how a whole company or organization could be organized:
Operations - what we should do, where we should go
Administration - how we shall accomplish what the operator directs
Gifts - providing the things and services needed for getting the job done.
God is the manager and the supplier of all we need, and the equipment with which to do it. But he does it in a more meaningful and life-giving way than merely producing automobiles or frozen dinners. He supplies the reasons for being and the abilities to “do life”, to turn our existence into value.
Monday, June 29, 2020
SMALL FROM ALTITUDE
When I was working, I flew to many places in the country. As I looked down upon the earth from 35,000 feet the things of men were so small that only the largest buildings were obvious. It would have been difficult to pick out a semi-truck when looking at superhighways. Indeed, I never saw one. If a person were to stand in the middle of an intersection, and you were told where to look, you could not possibly see him. From the sky as the eye wanders over the rest of the earth you realize how insignificant the person would seem. The smallness of that person, that place, becomes astounding. Yet through such a means God saved the world. Think of God, Jesus, being in one human body.
The vantage point of the plane demonstrates a small part of the expanse of Gods comprehension. He comprehends what the human eye in the plane sees, and much more. Think of this single man Jesus who, while in the flesh, has the vantage point of the plane. ". . . and the Word became flesh and dwelt among men."
The vantage point of the plane demonstrates a small part of the expanse of Gods comprehension. He comprehends what the human eye in the plane sees, and much more. Think of this single man Jesus who, while in the flesh, has the vantage point of the plane. ". . . and the Word became flesh and dwelt among men."
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