Memory Verse: As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. Ecc 11:5
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Ecc 11:1
This verse starts the theme of sharing: share Christ with the world; share what we have with others.
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. Pr 22:9
Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Is 58:7
If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee. Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. Deut 15:7-11
Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. Ecc 11:2
Let our hospitality be liberal and generous be without boundaries.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Pr 3:27
We should give out of love, not from obligation. Very few people ever regret doing a good thing.
If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. Ecc 11:3
Mal 3:10 - God will pour out a blessing on those that return to God what is His.
Full clouds represent life and blessing through rain. We are to be full clouds that shower blessings on others.
Matthew 25 - We are to be a conduit rain rain on the parched ground.
A tree is best measured when it is down - Carl Sandburg
What you take to grave with you is what meets you in the judgment. There are two ways in life: north or south. There is no changing teams when your life falls.
People typically die the way they live - sometimes there is a freak wind storm that blows a tree away from where it had been leaning, but most of the time a tree falls the way it has lived.
He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. Ecc 11:4
There are times when we should be discriminating in our giving. While we should give, we should make sure it is not blown away by the wind. We should observe the wind. No pearls before swine. Matt 7:6
As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. Ecc 11:5
Why does the wind blow? Temperature, pressure, earth rotation, terrain, convection, beating of birds wings: all those things affect the wind.
Like the wind, the way God's spirit works is unpredictable.
In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. Ecc 11:6
Be generous at all times. Sometimes we reserve our generosity just for young because they are in their morning. We should give whether someone is in the morning or evening of their life.
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men. Hos 10:12-13
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 2Cor 8:1-2
Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: Ecc 11:7
The sun is indirectly the source of all life on the earth. Seeing the light gives life.
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. Matt 6:22
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. - Mal 4:2
Jesus in the sun of righteousness, the light of the world. It is good to behold the light of the world.
But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. Ecc 11:8
We should rejoice in the blessing of giving. Make the most of this life because there is a time coming when we can't.
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Ecc 11:9
This verse begins the conclusion and should be the first verse of chapter 12.
"Youth is wasted on the young" - George B.
Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. Ecc 11:10
Because judgment is coming put away evil. But we can be happy and righteous at the same time through God's grace.
God Bless!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Dead Flies and Snake Charmers: More Life Under the Sun - Lesson 11
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. Ecc 10:1
Hershey's makes chocolate in huge vats. One day a rat fell into chocolate vat. What is remembered?
A dead fly introduces decomposition and it gives off a stink. A fly is like a moment in a lifetime.
A person can be known for their integrity and everything but they do one thing wrong and that will be what is remembered forever. It is similar with some presidents. A good reputation is a great thing: guard it.
Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. John 12:3
Mary had done a good thing, a great ointment and the disciples gave it a stink.
Have some taken the fragrance of Christianity and made it stink by a wrong representation? Some of us are those dead flies.
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. verse 2
"According to the ancients the left is carnal and the right is truth and favor." The right side = God's hand, right way; The left side = wrong way, wrong side.
Solomon is not talking about anatomical things; he is talking about our nature. Matthew 25: the sheep and goats. Goats are on the left.
Matt 6:3 If you are doings good things from the motive of love don't let your carnal side capitalize on the good things that your right is doing.
A wise man is motivated by right reasons; a fool by bad reasons.
Jacob and Esau were motivated by different reasons.
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil:... Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: Pr 12:20-22
Fear of consequences makes someone non-criminal, not ethical.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
The habits of the mind change the mind. So external actions affect your mind which affects your actions.
Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool. Verse 3
The way some process decisions is a foolish process. They are unlucky and they stumble all the way.
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. Verse 4
If you are on the spot because your employer is upset with you, stay there and he will get over it. If a ruler looses his temper with you, don't loose yours.
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
People who are wise and dignified are suddenly at a low station; and vice versa. Napoleon and the French Revolution. It happens among employers. Peter principle - do well and they move up, until they don't do well.
This reminds me of Haaman.
He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
The Lord is like a wall/hedge about us, and whoso breaks through shall be bitten by the serpent.
Pr 26:27
Absolom; Haaman; others who built a trap for others and ended up in their own trap.
This works positively too. Bless those who curse and the Lord will bless you.
If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. Verse 10
Sharp chainsaw chains
Education is important; Make your mind sharp and it will help you all your life.
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. Verse 11
"A serpent may bite without hissing first" - watch your step before you go.
Sometime you have to listen to people who have nothing to say to charm or help them
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. Verse 12
There is no virtue in being crude. Being kind and being gracious is a virtue.
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? Verse 13, 14
Ecc Chapter 5
Even a fool is wise when he is silent Pr
Let our words be few.
Matt 12:34 Out of the heart the mouth speaks
The fool talks too much and works too little. A fool doesn't know much and so he talks much to cover up his little knowledge. The words of a wise man come from thinking before saying
God is in heaven; you are on earth: let your words be few.
James 3:2-3, 8-10
Why do people talk so much when they have nothing to say? Pride, etc.
Living in this sinful world you cannot control everything. We still trust in God even though some things bad may happen to us.
God is to be the denominator in our life.
"who can tell" - You don't know what's going to happen. This is a call to live in view of the fact that we don't know the future. We really don't know what's going to happen. Our Father in heaven knows what we need. This leads not to irresponsibility or negligence rather trust.
The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city. Verse 15
For a fool a lot of work is harder because they don't approach it with wisdom.
Lazy man's load - Doing things the wrong way because that is what seems right to you.
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! Verse 16, 17
not against young leaders; against those that act like young leaders
"son of nobles" - educated by nobles, well trained
Not against feasting, but at proper time
By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
God Bless!
Hershey's makes chocolate in huge vats. One day a rat fell into chocolate vat. What is remembered?
A dead fly introduces decomposition and it gives off a stink. A fly is like a moment in a lifetime.
A person can be known for their integrity and everything but they do one thing wrong and that will be what is remembered forever. It is similar with some presidents. A good reputation is a great thing: guard it.
Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. John 12:3
Mary had done a good thing, a great ointment and the disciples gave it a stink.
Have some taken the fragrance of Christianity and made it stink by a wrong representation? Some of us are those dead flies.
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. verse 2
"According to the ancients the left is carnal and the right is truth and favor." The right side = God's hand, right way; The left side = wrong way, wrong side.
Solomon is not talking about anatomical things; he is talking about our nature. Matthew 25: the sheep and goats. Goats are on the left.
Matt 6:3 If you are doings good things from the motive of love don't let your carnal side capitalize on the good things that your right is doing.
A wise man is motivated by right reasons; a fool by bad reasons.
Jacob and Esau were motivated by different reasons.
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil:... Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: Pr 12:20-22
Fear of consequences makes someone non-criminal, not ethical.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
The habits of the mind change the mind. So external actions affect your mind which affects your actions.
Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool. Verse 3
The way some process decisions is a foolish process. They are unlucky and they stumble all the way.
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. Verse 4
If you are on the spot because your employer is upset with you, stay there and he will get over it. If a ruler looses his temper with you, don't loose yours.
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
People who are wise and dignified are suddenly at a low station; and vice versa. Napoleon and the French Revolution. It happens among employers. Peter principle - do well and they move up, until they don't do well.
This reminds me of Haaman.
He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
The Lord is like a wall/hedge about us, and whoso breaks through shall be bitten by the serpent.
Pr 26:27
Absolom; Haaman; others who built a trap for others and ended up in their own trap.
This works positively too. Bless those who curse and the Lord will bless you.
If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. Verse 10
Sharp chainsaw chains
Education is important; Make your mind sharp and it will help you all your life.
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. Verse 11
"A serpent may bite without hissing first" - watch your step before you go.
Sometime you have to listen to people who have nothing to say to charm or help them
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. Verse 12
There is no virtue in being crude. Being kind and being gracious is a virtue.
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? Verse 13, 14
Ecc Chapter 5
Even a fool is wise when he is silent Pr
Let our words be few.
Matt 12:34 Out of the heart the mouth speaks
The fool talks too much and works too little. A fool doesn't know much and so he talks much to cover up his little knowledge. The words of a wise man come from thinking before saying
God is in heaven; you are on earth: let your words be few.
James 3:2-3, 8-10
Why do people talk so much when they have nothing to say? Pride, etc.
Living in this sinful world you cannot control everything. We still trust in God even though some things bad may happen to us.
God is to be the denominator in our life.
"who can tell" - You don't know what's going to happen. This is a call to live in view of the fact that we don't know the future. We really don't know what's going to happen. Our Father in heaven knows what we need. This leads not to irresponsibility or negligence rather trust.
The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city. Verse 15
For a fool a lot of work is harder because they don't approach it with wisdom.
Lazy man's load - Doing things the wrong way because that is what seems right to you.
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! Verse 16, 17
not against young leaders; against those that act like young leaders
"son of nobles" - educated by nobles, well trained
Not against feasting, but at proper time
By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
God Bless!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Can we know what is truth? Part 1
I haven't blogged anything since Monday and that was just a placeholder about the search. The reason is that all this week I have been wrestling with the issue of knowing: can we know for sure what is truth? This may seem like a very basic question to a Christian whose beliefs are based on knowledge but I have run across a philosophy that states the following:
a) for the concept of truth to be authentic objective truth it must be objectively known b) an observer is inherently and immutably subjective and therefore, can’t objectively know the truth (for a variety of reasons) therefore, c) there is no truth. While that philosophy may sound like a plausible and rational argument it has a flaw:
a) an observer is inherently and immutably subjective and therefore, can’t objectively know the truth with certainty. b) objective truth, whether objectively known it or not, exists. Therefore, c) it is irrelevant that the objective truth must be objectively known for an observer to knowingly and knowledgeably coexist (interact, participate, benefit...) with the truth.
Epistemological certainty, while interesting to talk about, is a) immutably a subjective concept in the first place, primarily because it is a product of linear or two-dimensional thinking (meaning, our belief that certainty is the inverse of uncertainty belies our limited understanding of the matter to begin with), and more importantly, b) completely unnecessary for us to participate meaningfully with truth itself. I believe the belief of objective truth is necessary but that is not to say that I am certain. The opposite of uncertainty (or, doubt) is not certainty. The three things that will survive from this world into the next are “faith, hope and love”, not epistemological certainty, and this is, I believe, for a very sound and specific reason: Certainty is not a phenomenological incarnation, whereas faith is.
The Bible affirms that we can know truth (see John 8:32, 1 Ti. 4:3, 1 Jn. 2:20-21) but only through faith.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 11:1-3, 6
The Bible in that passage points out that for a knowledge of God there must be a faith that He (God) is. Faith is the evidence of things not seen. Epistemological certainty then is contrary to the principles of the Bible. We cannot KNOW that God is; we have to believe that one faith. "No man hath seen God at any time..." 1John 4:12 Christianity is at its core a relationship with someone we can't see. That is why we must base our beliefs on faith. For faith that is seen is not faith.
God is the ultimate truth. And since we are subjective beings we cannot comprehend or grasp the fullness of our objective God. For if God is God and we are not God then how can we comprehend God? We cannot know that truth is truth except by faith.
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. Ex 33:20
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1Co 13:12
We know only through faith now. But "...when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." 1John 3:2 "As He is" - without being limited to our view through faith we shall know God as He is. Does this verse and 1Co 13:12 mean that after the second coming we will know God objectively? I don't know...
We all have faith in something: A child has faith in its parents before it has the ability to test that truth empirically. Even adults attribute the basis for some of their knowledge to so called "authorities" in a given field of study. This is true because one simply does not have the time or resources to evaluate all of his/her knowledge empirically and exhaustively.
Let me make something clear about our beliefs being based on faith: It is not faith without evidence. "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ..." 2Pe 1:16 There is power in Christ and we should bear evidence to that in our lives. When 3000 were baptized at Pentecost they their faith had the evidence of changed men standing before them. But they still believed through faith.
This is a post in progress as I need to come to more solid views on this. But I needed to post something otherwise I would go crazy. ;)
God Bless!
a) for the concept of truth to be authentic objective truth it must be objectively known b) an observer is inherently and immutably subjective and therefore, can’t objectively know the truth (for a variety of reasons) therefore, c) there is no truth. While that philosophy may sound like a plausible and rational argument it has a flaw:
a) an observer is inherently and immutably subjective and therefore, can’t objectively know the truth with certainty. b) objective truth, whether objectively known it or not, exists. Therefore, c) it is irrelevant that the objective truth must be objectively known for an observer to knowingly and knowledgeably coexist (interact, participate, benefit...) with the truth.
Epistemological certainty, while interesting to talk about, is a) immutably a subjective concept in the first place, primarily because it is a product of linear or two-dimensional thinking (meaning, our belief that certainty is the inverse of uncertainty belies our limited understanding of the matter to begin with), and more importantly, b) completely unnecessary for us to participate meaningfully with truth itself. I believe the belief of objective truth is necessary but that is not to say that I am certain. The opposite of uncertainty (or, doubt) is not certainty. The three things that will survive from this world into the next are “faith, hope and love”, not epistemological certainty, and this is, I believe, for a very sound and specific reason: Certainty is not a phenomenological incarnation, whereas faith is.
The Bible affirms that we can know truth (see John 8:32, 1 Ti. 4:3, 1 Jn. 2:20-21) but only through faith.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 11:1-3, 6
The Bible in that passage points out that for a knowledge of God there must be a faith that He (God) is. Faith is the evidence of things not seen. Epistemological certainty then is contrary to the principles of the Bible. We cannot KNOW that God is; we have to believe that one faith. "No man hath seen God at any time..." 1John 4:12 Christianity is at its core a relationship with someone we can't see. That is why we must base our beliefs on faith. For faith that is seen is not faith.
God is the ultimate truth. And since we are subjective beings we cannot comprehend or grasp the fullness of our objective God. For if God is God and we are not God then how can we comprehend God? We cannot know that truth is truth except by faith.
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. Ex 33:20
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1Co 13:12
We know only through faith now. But "...when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." 1John 3:2 "As He is" - without being limited to our view through faith we shall know God as He is. Does this verse and 1Co 13:12 mean that after the second coming we will know God objectively? I don't know...
We all have faith in something: A child has faith in its parents before it has the ability to test that truth empirically. Even adults attribute the basis for some of their knowledge to so called "authorities" in a given field of study. This is true because one simply does not have the time or resources to evaluate all of his/her knowledge empirically and exhaustively.
Let me make something clear about our beliefs being based on faith: It is not faith without evidence. "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ..." 2Pe 1:16 There is power in Christ and we should bear evidence to that in our lives. When 3000 were baptized at Pentecost they their faith had the evidence of changed men standing before them. But they still believed through faith.
This is a post in progress as I need to come to more solid views on this. But I needed to post something otherwise I would go crazy. ;)
God Bless!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Search is now working
Google has decided that my site can be indexed so the Google search on the right-hand side of my blog is now working. Make sure to select finallybrethren.blogs rather than Web so that you see the results from my blog. Also, you can now search for certain things in Google and get my blog!
This is likely the only post for today, I studied something of a personal nature this morning.
God Bless!
This is likely the only post for today, I studied something of a personal nature this morning.
God Bless!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Redbooks: Our search for Ellen White
Sponsored by the Pacific Union College's Dramatic Arts Society (DAS), Redbooks: Our search for Ellen White has caused a huge stir in the Online Adventist community. The play "explores the Seventh-day Adventist community’s relationship with its founder, Ellen G. White."There are a number of related blogposts on this with varying opinions yet with a common thread all through them. Here are some or them:
“Red Books: Our Search for Ellen White” to Premiere at PUC
Red Books and the Mosaic of Adventism
Ellen White, Hip-Hop and Courageous Conversations
What Do We Do with Ellen White?
More on Ellen White
The Story of Adventism
Before I go any further, the third act of the play was dialogue. You cannot have a one-way dialogue, it is then a diatribe. ;) So, if you disagree with something you read finish the post and write me a comment. I should also say I haven't seen the play so I can't comment directly on it, only as I understand it through the accounts I have read.
To spare you having to read those posts here is what I believe the common thread is: There is something wrong with the historic (traditional, conservative, however you want to put it) view of Ellen White and there needs to be a change. Now hang with me, you can read the whole posts for context using the links above but here are some quotes without context to back up my claim:
"...We’ve come to that place of confidence where we can take some heavy-hitting cynicism and iconoclasm coming from within, where we don’t look down upon our students and laity to the point that we need to resort to censorship or other oppressive measures to keep the appearance of ecclesiastical/theological unity, where we don’t need to defend every attack or ridicule hurled at Ellen White or our views of her. The church is mature enough be self-critical about the way we relate with our most revered cultural and historical icon—Ellen White." - Julias Nam/Progressive Adventism
"...How can we learn to accept Ellen White for who she was, "messy and enigmatic," completely human and thus imperfect and sinful, as well as called and inspired by God to do ministry in her time and place?" - Richard Doss/P. Richie's Place
"...there is a four-generation relationship to a prophetic figure like White.
The first generation in a new religious movement led by a charismatic person appreciates the spiritual gifts displayed in that person and at the same time recognizes them as a human being. The second generation puts the person on a pedestal after they are gone. The third generation tears down the pedestal and the fourth generation is left with nothing but a misunderstood and ill-defined wound or void.
If this is true (and I think it is, in one way or another) about the role of Ellen White and her legacy in the Adventist movement, then it is more largely true about the history of the movement altogether. What is the story of Adventism as you have heard it? What generation are you in?" - Monte Sahlin/Faith in Context
"Eryck and his crew have masterfully laid bare our inability to talk openly and honestly - without fear of banishment - about our diversity of opinion regarding our common roots. This inability to openly dialogue has led to tragic consequences, especially in the 1970s on our campus, Pacific Union College. " - Jon Thorton/Continuous Dialogue
Now, is it possible there is something wrong with the historic (Seventh-day Adventist) view of Ellen White? Quite likely. But I think there is a larger issue here and that is methods of Biblical interpretation. In a post here there is a record of a chat session between some of the characters in the play and some friends(?). I am not quite sure who exactly was involved. But what was interesting to me was a phrase used a few paragraphs
"Luke: Yes Matt, a prophet can be outdated because of the principle of the Incarnational Gospel. The gospel reaches people, society, where it is. Thus her message was for that time and place."
The idea of the "Incarnational Gospel" is something new to me. I did a bit of searching and wasn't able to find much on it. I was able to find something on it here and from that I can determine that the idea basically means that the gospel changes to fit the culture (time and place) that it finds itself in. This brings up the obvious question of what truths or beliefs are open to change when they are contrary to culture? How much variation should there be between a western Adventist Christian and a middle eastern or far eastern Adventist Christian? And what determines the amount of leeway that there should be?
This all though points to how you interpret scripture as being the real question at hand. It is really not about Ellen White (although it is the subject in this discussion), it is not about music, it is not about our styles and ways of worship: it is about how we, who claim to believe in the Bible, interpret that book. That is the question. I will submit to you that all the other beliefs hand off of our interpretation of the Bible. I can believe that the Bible is a fairy tale but I still believe in it. I can believe that the Bible only has good comments for some practical life issues but I still believe in it. The only difference is my system of how I apply those words to my culture and to me.
So when it says in 2 Chronicles 20 "Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper" that means different things to different people depending on how you read the Bible.
I guess my conclusion on the play and the debate is that unless Adventism can agree on how to interpret the Bible there will never be agreement on the other issues. You can have discussions and assemblies but until the principles you are working off of are the same the conclusions of necessity will be different. "He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?" Luke 10:26 - How readest thou?
One thing I do want to add before I finish is that often a misunderstanding comes through lack of contact. Walls get built and sometimes the event that created the need is long past but they remain erected out of tradition and stigma against the other side. This is true of both parties in this case. But take a look at the verse using whatever method of interpretation that you believe in and come and see.
"Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see."
Come and see - to those who haven't ever read anything from Ellen White or for those who haven't read anything in a while I would say, come and see. Take some time and read something from Steps to Christ or the Desire of Ages. I think that you will find, as I have, that Ellen White was inspired and that her writing is inspired and relevant for modern times.
God Bless!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
The Parable of the Two FTP Clients
I was sitting at breakfast this morning when some things I have been thinking about came together. I thought of The Parable of the Two FTP Clients. I will explain what FTP Clients are for those who don't know, but this is kind of a Devotional for Techies (Tm) ;).
I use two FTP Clients for my work. Now FTP is File Transfer Protocol, basically a way to put files on web servers, and the client is a program I use to transfer files using that method. I have two of these programs: one called FTPVoyager; one called FileZilla. They are both good programs.
When someone transfers files using FTP there is something called a timeout. This means that after a certain time the connection will timeout and be dropped or closed. FTPVoyager has something nice that it will do. It will send a command called NOOP (NO OPeration). This command does nothing except return a response. However that response is very useful. It keeps the connection from dropping. FileZilla on the other hand doesn't do this and the connection can and does eventually drop.
Now, you may be saying "What in the world does this have to do with anything spiritual?" Here it is: When we become Christians Christ opens a connection with us: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:" John 15:5a what happens after that is largely up to us. So as we continue in our Christian walk we will eventually timeout and drop our connection to Christ unless we make sure to refresh our connection.
Now, how often should we refresh our connection? "Pray without ceasing" 1Th 5:17. I heard a story about a Godly old man who gave this counsel: "How often do eat? That many times a day study God's word. How often do you take a breath? That often pray." I must say the Lord has more for me in this area but it is critical that we keep that connection. That connection is how the Lord can work in us and through us to the blessing of ourselves and others.
Let me know if you like it (or don't get it ;))!
God Bless, even the techies!
I use two FTP Clients for my work. Now FTP is File Transfer Protocol, basically a way to put files on web servers, and the client is a program I use to transfer files using that method. I have two of these programs: one called FTPVoyager; one called FileZilla. They are both good programs.
When someone transfers files using FTP there is something called a timeout. This means that after a certain time the connection will timeout and be dropped or closed. FTPVoyager has something nice that it will do. It will send a command called NOOP (NO OPeration). This command does nothing except return a response. However that response is very useful. It keeps the connection from dropping. FileZilla on the other hand doesn't do this and the connection can and does eventually drop.
Now, you may be saying "What in the world does this have to do with anything spiritual?" Here it is: When we become Christians Christ opens a connection with us: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:" John 15:5a what happens after that is largely up to us. So as we continue in our Christian walk we will eventually timeout and drop our connection to Christ unless we make sure to refresh our connection.
Now, how often should we refresh our connection? "Pray without ceasing" 1Th 5:17. I heard a story about a Godly old man who gave this counsel: "How often do eat? That many times a day study God's word. How often do you take a breath? That often pray." I must say the Lord has more for me in this area but it is critical that we keep that connection. That connection is how the Lord can work in us and through us to the blessing of ourselves and others.
Let me know if you like it (or don't get it ;))!
God Bless, even the techies!
Whatever your hand finds to do - Lesson 10
Lesson 10 - Whatever your hand finds to do - Ecclesiastes chapter 9
Solomon is sharing his life experiences. "All is vanity" - this is his experience.
Chapter 1:1-11 is Solomon's statement that all is vanity.
Chapter 1:12-6 is Solomon's arguments and evidence for his opening statement.
Chapter 7-12 is Solomon's practical advice and guidance for how to live in this life of vanity.
Stan Alpert in 1998 was in downtown Manhattan on a dark night oblivious to the fact that the streets were deserted and there was a black Lexus following him. He was taken hostage and held for 26hrs. His captors decided to let him live for some unknown reason and he was released without lasting harm.
Who were the hostage takers: Gang members
The motive: Motives were money
Why Stan: because he was there
It was the Eve of his 38th birthday. He spent his birthday in captivity. Later he went on to write a book called the Birthday party.
When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it. Ecc 8:16-17
For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. Ecc 9:1
Anything awaits them. Stan would agree.
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. Ecc 9:11-12
"that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God" - How fair of an assessment is this in verse 1? "Anything awaits them:" is that true?
To say, however, that we are in God’s hands doesn’t, of course, mean that we will never have pain, suffering, or tragedy in this life. The most faithful of all Christians can never be sure of what will await them “under the sun.”
All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. Verse 2-3
There is one fate for everyone: death Solomon is being truthful
Comparisons:
Good - Wicked
Clean - Unclean
Him that sacrificeth - him that sacrificeth not
The good - the sinner
He that sweareth - he that feareth an oath
But in each of those comparisons they die.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12
Death is inevitable: Is Solomon pessimistic or realistic?
Did God intend for us to deal with death? We cannot accept death as a fact. Often we create doctrines to provide comfort for us. Death is an enemy; death is the result for sin.
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. verse 5
This is a realistic view; not a pessimistic view.
"The only difference between human beings and animals are that human beings are animals that can think and talk" - story of teacher.
Solomon is dealing with the view that we can see, not the view knowing of a sure resurrection. How do we deal with life under the shadow of death?
How can we live in light of death? Knowing that we are headed toward death we can still enjoy the relationships and experiences in our lives.
We all die, solomon is telling the truth but what is Solomon's point?
Solomon is focusing just one aspect, just what can be seen. There is an eternal difference, but there is a present reality
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28-29
Everyone is going to be resurrected but not to all the same reward.
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Daniel 12:1
There is life beyond the fate that Solomon speaks about and what we do in this life will affect how we live in the next.
But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up: So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. Job 14:10-12
Solomon's point is that this life is the opportunity that we have to make decisions to determine the fate of what happens after death.
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Ecc 9:5
Two things are for sure: Taxes, coming always on April 16 or 17, and death ETA: unknown! Now is our opportunity to make good decisions.
"...Annihilation was a cold and chilling thought" - William Miller
Solomon gives us one perspective on death, but we don't have to grieve as those with no hope.
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. Ecc 9:7-9
What is the point of this passage? Hedonism? Can you justify a materialistic lifestyle?
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12
The life we live now we are accountable for.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 2Pe 3:10-11
Is Solomon here just talking to the wicked? Is he lying here?
God wants us to enjoy life now but to take thought of the future. God has given us taste buds: Enjoy your food. God has given some wives: Enjoy them. Solomon is looking at one side of the coin. Solomon is trying to get one point across.
The Source of True Happiness.--There are persons with a diseased imagination to whom religion is a tyrant, ruling them as with a rod of iron. Such are constantly mourning over their depravity and groaning over supposed evil. Love does not exist in their hearts; a frown is ever upon their countenances. They are chilled with the innocent laugh from the youth or from anyone. They consider all recreation or amusement a sin and think that the mind must be constantly wrought up to just such a stern, severe pitch. This is one extreme. Others think that the mind must be ever on the stretch to invent new amusements and diversions in order to gain health. They learn to depend on excitement, and are uneasy without it. Such are not true Christians. They go to another extreme. The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of happiness, the height and depth, the length and breadth of which are immeasurable. It is Christ in us a well of water springing up into everlasting life. It is a continual wellspring from which the Christian can drink at will and never exhaust the fountain. 1MCP p. 48
We can still enjoy life. "Enjoy the moment" - we can worry so much about the future to not enjoy the present.
Bad things do happen. Life is both good things and bad things - life is not life without bad things to give us perspective on the good things.
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 2Co 6:2
However important the decisions we make, the most important one of all is the one for Christ, the one in which responding to the Holy Spirit, we choose to die to self and live for Him. Have you made that decision yet? Just going to church, or even believing in Jesus, isn’t making that decision, the one that—more than any other—will decide how you’ll spend eternity.
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Ecc 9:10
Do what you can now because there is a time coming when you can't.
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Ecc 9:11
None of us know when our time will come.
For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. Ecc 9:12
"but time and chance happeneth to them all" - we never know when death comes, but it comes to all.
Eat, Drink, Be merry with your wife, - but Solomon already told us it is all vanity. So, is there no place for that vanity? Solomon talks about two extremes: enjoy life but watch out. We are not to be so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly good. We don't abandon the things of life when we have this focus, it just puts them in perspective.
There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:1-5
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. Psalm 103:14-16
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
We have these promises to cling to when time and chance happen to us.
The Father's presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. Whatever comes to him comes from the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Nothing can touch him except by the Lord's permission. All our sufferings and sorrows, all our temptations and trials, all our sadness and griefs, all our persecutions and privations, in short, all things work together for our good. All experiences and circumstances are God's workmen whereby good is brought to us. MH 488-489
There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Ecc 9:14-15
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me: There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. Ecc 9:13-18
What is the fear of the Lord?
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; Ecc 12:1 - Solomon missed that in the beginning of his life.
Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. Ecc 9:18
When Solomon was faithful to God he needed no weapons of war. When he turned away from God and trusted in his weapons he made shipwreck of his faith.
We naturally neglect that which is truly valuable. We look at the outside and don't see the wisdom someone may have inside.
To Stan Alpert it just didn't make sense. What had he done to deserve this? With his life in a balance hanging before him he asked these questions. And when he was released why? Why should they have let him go?
What about us? God has given us a chance today to life another day of life
In summary:
Life ends eventually
After life that is it
So while I are here
I will live with everything I have
this life is the only chance I have to live for God
Eternal existence or eternal non-existence are the only post-death options. Death comes to all but eternal death does not come to all.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
The believing part of that verse is right now, today, while we still have life under the sun.
Solomon is sharing his life experiences. "All is vanity" - this is his experience.
Chapter 1:1-11 is Solomon's statement that all is vanity.
Chapter 1:12-6 is Solomon's arguments and evidence for his opening statement.
Chapter 7-12 is Solomon's practical advice and guidance for how to live in this life of vanity.
Stan Alpert in 1998 was in downtown Manhattan on a dark night oblivious to the fact that the streets were deserted and there was a black Lexus following him. He was taken hostage and held for 26hrs. His captors decided to let him live for some unknown reason and he was released without lasting harm.
Who were the hostage takers: Gang members
The motive: Motives were money
Why Stan: because he was there
It was the Eve of his 38th birthday. He spent his birthday in captivity. Later he went on to write a book called the Birthday party.
When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it. Ecc 8:16-17
For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. Ecc 9:1
Anything awaits them. Stan would agree.
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. Ecc 9:11-12
"that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God" - How fair of an assessment is this in verse 1? "Anything awaits them:" is that true?
To say, however, that we are in God’s hands doesn’t, of course, mean that we will never have pain, suffering, or tragedy in this life. The most faithful of all Christians can never be sure of what will await them “under the sun.”
All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. Verse 2-3
There is one fate for everyone: death Solomon is being truthful
Comparisons:
Good - Wicked
Clean - Unclean
Him that sacrificeth - him that sacrificeth not
The good - the sinner
He that sweareth - he that feareth an oath
But in each of those comparisons they die.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12
Death is inevitable: Is Solomon pessimistic or realistic?
Did God intend for us to deal with death? We cannot accept death as a fact. Often we create doctrines to provide comfort for us. Death is an enemy; death is the result for sin.
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. verse 5
This is a realistic view; not a pessimistic view.
"The only difference between human beings and animals are that human beings are animals that can think and talk" - story of teacher.
Solomon is dealing with the view that we can see, not the view knowing of a sure resurrection. How do we deal with life under the shadow of death?
How can we live in light of death? Knowing that we are headed toward death we can still enjoy the relationships and experiences in our lives.
We all die, solomon is telling the truth but what is Solomon's point?
Solomon is focusing just one aspect, just what can be seen. There is an eternal difference, but there is a present reality
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28-29
Everyone is going to be resurrected but not to all the same reward.
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Daniel 12:1
There is life beyond the fate that Solomon speaks about and what we do in this life will affect how we live in the next.
But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up: So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. Job 14:10-12
Solomon's point is that this life is the opportunity that we have to make decisions to determine the fate of what happens after death.
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Ecc 9:5
Two things are for sure: Taxes, coming always on April 16 or 17, and death ETA: unknown! Now is our opportunity to make good decisions.
"...Annihilation was a cold and chilling thought" - William Miller
Solomon gives us one perspective on death, but we don't have to grieve as those with no hope.
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. Ecc 9:7-9
What is the point of this passage? Hedonism? Can you justify a materialistic lifestyle?
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12
The life we live now we are accountable for.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 2Pe 3:10-11
Is Solomon here just talking to the wicked? Is he lying here?
God wants us to enjoy life now but to take thought of the future. God has given us taste buds: Enjoy your food. God has given some wives: Enjoy them. Solomon is looking at one side of the coin. Solomon is trying to get one point across.
The Source of True Happiness.--There are persons with a diseased imagination to whom religion is a tyrant, ruling them as with a rod of iron. Such are constantly mourning over their depravity and groaning over supposed evil. Love does not exist in their hearts; a frown is ever upon their countenances. They are chilled with the innocent laugh from the youth or from anyone. They consider all recreation or amusement a sin and think that the mind must be constantly wrought up to just such a stern, severe pitch. This is one extreme. Others think that the mind must be ever on the stretch to invent new amusements and diversions in order to gain health. They learn to depend on excitement, and are uneasy without it. Such are not true Christians. They go to another extreme. The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of happiness, the height and depth, the length and breadth of which are immeasurable. It is Christ in us a well of water springing up into everlasting life. It is a continual wellspring from which the Christian can drink at will and never exhaust the fountain. 1MCP p. 48
We can still enjoy life. "Enjoy the moment" - we can worry so much about the future to not enjoy the present.
Bad things do happen. Life is both good things and bad things - life is not life without bad things to give us perspective on the good things.
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 2Co 6:2
However important the decisions we make, the most important one of all is the one for Christ, the one in which responding to the Holy Spirit, we choose to die to self and live for Him. Have you made that decision yet? Just going to church, or even believing in Jesus, isn’t making that decision, the one that—more than any other—will decide how you’ll spend eternity.
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Ecc 9:10
Do what you can now because there is a time coming when you can't.
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Ecc 9:11
None of us know when our time will come.
For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. Ecc 9:12
"but time and chance happeneth to them all" - we never know when death comes, but it comes to all.
Eat, Drink, Be merry with your wife, - but Solomon already told us it is all vanity. So, is there no place for that vanity? Solomon talks about two extremes: enjoy life but watch out. We are not to be so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly good. We don't abandon the things of life when we have this focus, it just puts them in perspective.
There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:1-5
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. Psalm 103:14-16
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
We have these promises to cling to when time and chance happen to us.
The Father's presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. Whatever comes to him comes from the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Nothing can touch him except by the Lord's permission. All our sufferings and sorrows, all our temptations and trials, all our sadness and griefs, all our persecutions and privations, in short, all things work together for our good. All experiences and circumstances are God's workmen whereby good is brought to us. MH 488-489
There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Ecc 9:14-15
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me: There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. Ecc 9:13-18
Two types of Wisdom - intelligence; heavenly Wisdom, that is the fear of the Lord
What is the fear of the Lord?
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; Ecc 12:1 - Solomon missed that in the beginning of his life.
Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. Ecc 9:18
When Solomon was faithful to God he needed no weapons of war. When he turned away from God and trusted in his weapons he made shipwreck of his faith.
We naturally neglect that which is truly valuable. We look at the outside and don't see the wisdom someone may have inside.
To Stan Alpert it just didn't make sense. What had he done to deserve this? With his life in a balance hanging before him he asked these questions. And when he was released why? Why should they have let him go?
What about us? God has given us a chance today to life another day of life
In summary:
Life ends eventually
After life that is it
So while I are here
I will live with everything I have
this life is the only chance I have to live for God
Eternal existence or eternal non-existence are the only post-death options. Death comes to all but eternal death does not come to all.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
The believing part of that verse is right now, today, while we still have life under the sun.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Too Much Education?
Yesterday I took the first part of my GED test. There are 8 or 9 other people taking the test with me. Only 2 of them are under 20 I think. The rest are all adults. The oldest is maybe 40-45. It is kind of sad to think about the appalling odds these people face. Without a diploma they won't be hired many places. Many are followed by the stigma of failure for their whole life. All this makes me think of my post yesterday and I wonder is there ever a time when you can have too much education?
If being educated give options, then why not be in school all your life? Why not give yourself as many options as possible. Our lesson study now is the book of Ecclesiastes. In chapter 7 there is a verse that speaks of wisdom:
For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it. Ecc 7:12
"Wisdom gives life to those who have it" - that makes it the better defense. There is a sense that education gives a better life to those that have it. But there is also a sense that unless you are wise your knowledge does nothing for you. It is wisdom that is the defense not knowledge. So can you become wiser with education? Or should you become wiser with education? I think that true education should make you wiser. It should be a defense and a life-giver to you.
When I think of wisdom I think of Proverbs 2. It speaks of wisdom in such personal terms. It talks of seeking and searching for wisdom as though wisdom is something that comes through diligence. It seems that wisdom is something that comes from education! Here is the first 11 verses of Proverbs 2:
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: Proverbs 2:1-11, Proverbs 2
Notice the source, "the Lord giveth wisdom." The at the center of gaining wisdom is the fear of the Lord. If I want wisdom I must fear God. I don't want to preach a prosperity gospel here but I do believe that the Lord blesses those who bless (honor) Him. And yes, there are lots of exceptions to that: ungodly people who do well, and godly people who do poorly. But if the Lord is the source of wisdom and wisdom is a defense then the Lord is my defense.
So, how much formal education do you need to get wisdom? I have run out of time so that question will have to wait for now.
God Bless!
If being educated give options, then why not be in school all your life? Why not give yourself as many options as possible. Our lesson study now is the book of Ecclesiastes. In chapter 7 there is a verse that speaks of wisdom:
For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it. Ecc 7:12
"Wisdom gives life to those who have it" - that makes it the better defense. There is a sense that education gives a better life to those that have it. But there is also a sense that unless you are wise your knowledge does nothing for you. It is wisdom that is the defense not knowledge. So can you become wiser with education? Or should you become wiser with education? I think that true education should make you wiser. It should be a defense and a life-giver to you.
When I think of wisdom I think of Proverbs 2. It speaks of wisdom in such personal terms. It talks of seeking and searching for wisdom as though wisdom is something that comes through diligence. It seems that wisdom is something that comes from education! Here is the first 11 verses of Proverbs 2:
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: Proverbs 2:1-11, Proverbs 2
Notice the source, "the Lord giveth wisdom." The at the center of gaining wisdom is the fear of the Lord. If I want wisdom I must fear God. I don't want to preach a prosperity gospel here but I do believe that the Lord blesses those who bless (honor) Him. And yes, there are lots of exceptions to that: ungodly people who do well, and godly people who do poorly. But if the Lord is the source of wisdom and wisdom is a defense then the Lord is my defense.
So, how much formal education do you need to get wisdom? I have run out of time so that question will have to wait for now.
God Bless!
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
The True Purpose of Education
What is the true purpose of education? Why do we spend the first 12-20 years of our life in formal schools and then quite likely not step foot into a formal schooling environment ever again? And why do we learn such a broad range of topics for a life that will spent dealing with a very narrow range of topics?
Why should a plumber be required to study the great literature of the 18th century when they will never use it again? Why should the art historian be required to study trigonometry, a subject that they will very likely never use after their formal schooling is over?
And why is it that some with little formal education go far while others with great education sort-of fizzle out? Their education just didn't quite get them where it was billed to take them. Does it really matter what formal education a person receives or is it really a myth that you get farther if you are educated formally?
So, what is the purpose and method of true education? And while were asking the questions what is true education? These questions are vital to knowing why I am doing what I doing.
So, what is true education?
The true object of education is to restore the image of God in the soul. In the beginning, God created man in his own likeness. He endowed him with noble qualities. His mind was well-balanced, and all the powers of his being were harmonious. But the fall and its effects have perverted these gifts. Sin has marred and well-nigh obliterated the image of God in man. It was to restore this that the plan of salvation was devised, and a life of probation was granted to man. To bring him back to the perfection in which he was first created, is the great object of life,--the object that underlies every other. It is the work of parents and teachers, in the education of the youth, to co-operate with the divine purpose; and in so doing they are "laborers together with God." 1 Cor 3:9 Christian Education p. 63
But isn't there a practical side to education too? My family was talking to a medical doctor one time and he asked us what the true purpose of education is. My sister replied something to the affect of "to better serve the Lord." He agreed that was the the true purpose of education at a religious level, but insisted that there was another answer. He finally told us that he believed the true purpose of education was to give you options. If you know how to change the oil in your car you have an option some other people don't. If you can diagnose your own health problems you have an option some other don't, etc.
I haven't decided yet if I completely agree with that answer but it is not too far off the mark. If we go back to the formal education question we can soon see that if you have a sellable degree you have the option not to work at the GoldenArches or as a "paper or plastic" questioner. It does give you options you didn't have before. But how much of our education is really adding options to our lives? When I learn the basics of good grammar so that I don't "went to town" I "go to town" does that add options to my life? And how does specialization in this day and age play into this? Do you have to learn as much in all the areas of study if you are going to be specialized in one area only.
I have to stop for today.
God Bless!
Why should a plumber be required to study the great literature of the 18th century when they will never use it again? Why should the art historian be required to study trigonometry, a subject that they will very likely never use after their formal schooling is over?
And why is it that some with little formal education go far while others with great education sort-of fizzle out? Their education just didn't quite get them where it was billed to take them. Does it really matter what formal education a person receives or is it really a myth that you get farther if you are educated formally?
So, what is the purpose and method of true education? And while were asking the questions what is true education? These questions are vital to knowing why I am doing what I doing.
So, what is true education?
The true object of education is to restore the image of God in the soul. In the beginning, God created man in his own likeness. He endowed him with noble qualities. His mind was well-balanced, and all the powers of his being were harmonious. But the fall and its effects have perverted these gifts. Sin has marred and well-nigh obliterated the image of God in man. It was to restore this that the plan of salvation was devised, and a life of probation was granted to man. To bring him back to the perfection in which he was first created, is the great object of life,--the object that underlies every other. It is the work of parents and teachers, in the education of the youth, to co-operate with the divine purpose; and in so doing they are "laborers together with God." 1 Cor 3:9 Christian Education p. 63
But isn't there a practical side to education too? My family was talking to a medical doctor one time and he asked us what the true purpose of education is. My sister replied something to the affect of "to better serve the Lord." He agreed that was the the true purpose of education at a religious level, but insisted that there was another answer. He finally told us that he believed the true purpose of education was to give you options. If you know how to change the oil in your car you have an option some other people don't. If you can diagnose your own health problems you have an option some other don't, etc.
I haven't decided yet if I completely agree with that answer but it is not too far off the mark. If we go back to the formal education question we can soon see that if you have a sellable degree you have the option not to work at the GoldenArches or as a "paper or plastic" questioner. It does give you options you didn't have before. But how much of our education is really adding options to our lives? When I learn the basics of good grammar so that I don't "went to town" I "go to town" does that add options to my life? And how does specialization in this day and age play into this? Do you have to learn as much in all the areas of study if you are going to be specialized in one area only.
I have to stop for today.
God Bless!
Friday, March 2, 2007
That is the question
Yesterday, I had the opportunity meeting with my boss and a potential employee for an interview/planning session. My boss was asking open ended questions to this person such as, how can you advance our goals and interests, how can we fulfill your needs, etc. One question caught my attention. It was “What is your passion or why would you be passionate working here, what would motivate you?” The person answered with fine answers but the question came home to me, “Why am I passionate about what I am doing; what is it that motivates me?”
This question came home to me in a week when I am talking to several schools that are trying to make me passionate about their programs. They are trying to motivate me to see their college or university as the best option for me. And they are not above turning my arm with gifts and flattery to help me see that I am so good I need a top program like theirs. But with each college there is a different motivation: some point to the scholastic, learning for the sake of knowing; some to the practical, learning for the sake of making money; some to the personal, learning to advance who I am and what I want to be.
But what is my motivation right now as I work as a web programmer, and as I seek to extend my knowledge, why am I doing this? Is it for the money, that I make and what the further education would increase? Or for the ability to say I have a job and the sense of security and responsibility that it gives me? What about the different things that money can buy, is it for those things that I do this? Why do I do what I do? That is the question, as is said.
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.
And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31
As I was thinking about this those verses in Mark popped into my mind and I realized this has to be the motivation of the Christian. How much of my heart do I need to love the Lord with? All of it. That leaves no room for loving anything else. Now then, how can I love my neighbor as myself? True love for God is always reflected in love for others.
And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' … Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' Matthew 25:33-45
My love for God is expressed in kindness (love) to my fellow man. So, when I am true Christian I will be an aid and assistance to others. This is the gospel in street clothes as some like to call it. “Be the change you want to see in the world” Gandhi. This is the second commandment and the way I show that I keep the greatest commandment.
What does this mean for me? Going back to the question in the beginning, what is my motivation, why am I passionate about web programming, or why should I be? When I stand on the sea of glass will my Lord say to me “well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of thy Lord?” Or will he say “since you didn’t do the good things unto the least of thy brethren, you didn’t do it to me?!” What do I want him to say?
I am not asking this to put a fear trap on myself, but to make me think about why I am doing what I am doing. That is the question.
God Bless!
This question came home to me in a week when I am talking to several schools that are trying to make me passionate about their programs. They are trying to motivate me to see their college or university as the best option for me. And they are not above turning my arm with gifts and flattery to help me see that I am so good I need a top program like theirs. But with each college there is a different motivation: some point to the scholastic, learning for the sake of knowing; some to the practical, learning for the sake of making money; some to the personal, learning to advance who I am and what I want to be.
But what is my motivation right now as I work as a web programmer, and as I seek to extend my knowledge, why am I doing this? Is it for the money, that I make and what the further education would increase? Or for the ability to say I have a job and the sense of security and responsibility that it gives me? What about the different things that money can buy, is it for those things that I do this? Why do I do what I do? That is the question, as is said.
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.
And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31
As I was thinking about this those verses in Mark popped into my mind and I realized this has to be the motivation of the Christian. How much of my heart do I need to love the Lord with? All of it. That leaves no room for loving anything else. Now then, how can I love my neighbor as myself? True love for God is always reflected in love for others.
And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' … Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' Matthew 25:33-45
My love for God is expressed in kindness (love) to my fellow man. So, when I am true Christian I will be an aid and assistance to others. This is the gospel in street clothes as some like to call it. “Be the change you want to see in the world” Gandhi. This is the second commandment and the way I show that I keep the greatest commandment.
What does this mean for me? Going back to the question in the beginning, what is my motivation, why am I passionate about web programming, or why should I be? When I stand on the sea of glass will my Lord say to me “well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of thy Lord?” Or will he say “since you didn’t do the good things unto the least of thy brethren, you didn’t do it to me?!” What do I want him to say?
I am not asking this to put a fear trap on myself, but to make me think about why I am doing what I am doing. That is the question.
God Bless!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
A time to die
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
I found something interesting today called The Death Clock (deathclock.com). "The Internet's friendly reminder that life is slipping away..." I put in my numbers and I have a death date of Sunday, June 25, 2062. It is kind of a morbid message, and yet it shouldn't be. As Christians we should never fear what is beyond the grave. There should be something different about our outlook knowing that we don't face cold, pure annihilation at death.
We have a hope, a hope that burns within our heart. Hope in the coming of the Lord. How much more of the song do you need before you recognize #214 "We have this hope." It should be our song. That hope is our beacon, our guidepost. Without it we would not be Seventh-day Adventists: We believe in that soon coming, that glorious hope.
Something it makes you think about is the value of time. We only have so much time left, and while it may not be the amount specified in the Death Clock, it is finite. Even if we may not make much money for our time, our time is valuable. How much is time with your parents, your spouse, your children, and your friends worth? I think of something a friend of mine told me: "Thank you for taking this time with me. It is the thing you can give me that no one else can."
Something interesting that I noticed is the mode field on that site. I assume that it is speaking to the mode of living. There are 4 options: sadistic, pessimistic, normal, and optimistic. Changing those values greatly affects your estimated lifespan. For example, here is how my projected lifespan changes:
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalm 91:16
It is God's love for us and His working in us that causes this change to happen. He that has begun a good work will complete it in us. He desires to give us life eternal. Even if we don't have a long life here, God has promised to give eternal life to those that endure unto the end. We were not made to die. Death is a foreign thing to a ceaseless God that is the Alpha and the Omega, that is the beginning and the end.
So is there a time to die? Yes, there is. But with God all things are made new, and we have no more tears, no more sorrow, death will die. Death is swallowed up in victory, "O death where is thy sting, o grave thy victory?!" God's love for us will have saved us from ourselves, from the Devil, and to Him. "And so shall we ever be with the Lord. . ."
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor . . ., shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
I found something interesting today called The Death Clock (deathclock.com). "The Internet's friendly reminder that life is slipping away..." I put in my numbers and I have a death date of Sunday, June 25, 2062. It is kind of a morbid message, and yet it shouldn't be. As Christians we should never fear what is beyond the grave. There should be something different about our outlook knowing that we don't face cold, pure annihilation at death.
We have a hope, a hope that burns within our heart. Hope in the coming of the Lord. How much more of the song do you need before you recognize #214 "We have this hope." It should be our song. That hope is our beacon, our guidepost. Without it we would not be Seventh-day Adventists: We believe in that soon coming, that glorious hope.
Something it makes you think about is the value of time. We only have so much time left, and while it may not be the amount specified in the Death Clock, it is finite. Even if we may not make much money for our time, our time is valuable. How much is time with your parents, your spouse, your children, and your friends worth? I think of something a friend of mine told me: "Thank you for taking this time with me. It is the thing you can give me that no one else can."
Something interesting that I noticed is the mode field on that site. I assume that it is speaking to the mode of living. There are 4 options: sadistic, pessimistic, normal, and optimistic. Changing those values greatly affects your estimated lifespan. For example, here is how my projected lifespan changes:
- Sadistic: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
- Pessimistic: Saturday, April 20, 2041
- Normal: Sunday, June 25, 2062
- Optimistic: Thursday, August 11, 2072
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalm 91:16
It is God's love for us and His working in us that causes this change to happen. He that has begun a good work will complete it in us. He desires to give us life eternal. Even if we don't have a long life here, God has promised to give eternal life to those that endure unto the end. We were not made to die. Death is a foreign thing to a ceaseless God that is the Alpha and the Omega, that is the beginning and the end.
So is there a time to die? Yes, there is. But with God all things are made new, and we have no more tears, no more sorrow, death will die. Death is swallowed up in victory, "O death where is thy sting, o grave thy victory?!" God's love for us will have saved us from ourselves, from the Devil, and to Him. "And so shall we ever be with the Lord. . ."
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor . . ., shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Making Decisions
Making decisions is something everyone does their whole life. Making decisions is something everyone does, most of the time without thinking consciously. But at certain points in everyone's life they make very important decisions. Not like what to have for breakfast, although that is an important decision ;), but things like where do I go to college, whom do I marry, what job to except, where to move, etc. Those decisions have to made with more care than the daily decisions that I referenced earlier because they are more affecting.
The choice you make will affect you and others longer than the chose of whether to eat in the living room or in the kitchen. And when you come to those important decisions it is more imperative that you make a good or best decision. If you choose to eat in the living room as opposed to kitchen in most cases even if you made the "wrong" choice. Whereas in the marriage example, if you make the "wrong" choice, your stuck buddy! You have to live with the consequences of that choice for a long time.
So when we come to those important decisions how do we make a good, or the best, decision. I have made a list of 5 steps to making a Godly decision.
1. The Word of God
Psalms 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Whenever the Word of God specifies the course there is no need for any other counsel. Oftentimes what we are wondering is already answered in the Bible we just don't know it is there. This is the first step and many times may be the only step.
When we come to the Word we must be willing to accept whatever it has to teach us. If we do not have a spirit of willingness to do what it says we can be lead astray by our own desires and preferences. If we want to God to lead we must be willing to go where He wants us to go.
2. Godly Council
Proverbs 15:22 “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.”
Godly counsel is directly connected to the Word of God. The ideal Godly counselor will point us to the Word and give us counsel based on the Word. Again, we must be willing and open to accept what counsel we receive. But, I would caution that we must be good Bereans (Acts 17:10-11) and search the scripture for ourselves to know if the counsel is right.
3. Inner Conviction
John 14:26 “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything”
The Holy Spirit will guide us into the truth and will reinforce those things that we have been learning. The Holy Spirit has the duty of convicting and impressing upon minds the Truth; we know that He does this and we believe that He does this in the work of evangelism. But I believe He does the same kind of moving upon us personally, helping us to make Godly decisions.
4. Godly Provision/Circumstances
Exodus 17:6-7 “Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink." And he called the place Massah and Meribah… saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?"
Acts 8:1 On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
God uses providence to guide us. If I want to go to further my education at Yale but I don't have the money and I ask the Lord to guide and someone gives me $10,000 that is a providential guiding from the Lord. There are many ways for this to work, not just monetary, but in all the talent areas. The Lord might give you wisdom at a test or skill at a job interview.
Let's suppose I have a job offer in another state on the other side of the country. But I have aging parents and they have needs that require me to live near them. If they die that is a circumstance that supports me moving somewhere. As we go through the process of asking the Lord for guidance we should make sure to note the providences and circumstances He sets along the way.
5. Peace
Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,”
The final step in my list is peace. When God leads He gives a peace that passes all understanding. His peace is a peace that only comes by being in the Lord's will. He has a plan for each of us and there is nothing better than to know that you are following the Lord's plan for you.
So as you make those important decisions remember to seek God's will. He desires to show us His plan for each decision. Remember the 5 steps I have found in God's word to coming to a Godly decision.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11
God Bless!
The choice you make will affect you and others longer than the chose of whether to eat in the living room or in the kitchen. And when you come to those important decisions it is more imperative that you make a good or best decision. If you choose to eat in the living room as opposed to kitchen in most cases even if you made the "wrong" choice. Whereas in the marriage example, if you make the "wrong" choice, your stuck buddy! You have to live with the consequences of that choice for a long time.
So when we come to those important decisions how do we make a good, or the best, decision. I have made a list of 5 steps to making a Godly decision.
1. The Word of God
Psalms 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Whenever the Word of God specifies the course there is no need for any other counsel. Oftentimes what we are wondering is already answered in the Bible we just don't know it is there. This is the first step and many times may be the only step.
When we come to the Word we must be willing to accept whatever it has to teach us. If we do not have a spirit of willingness to do what it says we can be lead astray by our own desires and preferences. If we want to God to lead we must be willing to go where He wants us to go.
2. Godly Council
Proverbs 15:22 “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.”
Godly counsel is directly connected to the Word of God. The ideal Godly counselor will point us to the Word and give us counsel based on the Word. Again, we must be willing and open to accept what counsel we receive. But, I would caution that we must be good Bereans (Acts 17:10-11) and search the scripture for ourselves to know if the counsel is right.
3. Inner Conviction
John 14:26 “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything”
The Holy Spirit will guide us into the truth and will reinforce those things that we have been learning. The Holy Spirit has the duty of convicting and impressing upon minds the Truth; we know that He does this and we believe that He does this in the work of evangelism. But I believe He does the same kind of moving upon us personally, helping us to make Godly decisions.
4. Godly Provision/Circumstances
Exodus 17:6-7 “Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink." And he called the place Massah and Meribah… saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?"
Acts 8:1 On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
God uses providence to guide us. If I want to go to further my education at Yale but I don't have the money and I ask the Lord to guide and someone gives me $10,000 that is a providential guiding from the Lord. There are many ways for this to work, not just monetary, but in all the talent areas. The Lord might give you wisdom at a test or skill at a job interview.
Let's suppose I have a job offer in another state on the other side of the country. But I have aging parents and they have needs that require me to live near them. If they die that is a circumstance that supports me moving somewhere. As we go through the process of asking the Lord for guidance we should make sure to note the providences and circumstances He sets along the way.
5. Peace
Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,”
The final step in my list is peace. When God leads He gives a peace that passes all understanding. His peace is a peace that only comes by being in the Lord's will. He has a plan for each of us and there is nothing better than to know that you are following the Lord's plan for you.
So as you make those important decisions remember to seek God's will. He desires to show us His plan for each decision. Remember the 5 steps I have found in God's word to coming to a Godly decision.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11
God Bless!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Single Women and their place in the Bible
I have launched on a mini study of the role and place of single women in the Bible. This may sound strange coming from a guy but I have been reading a book that is taking a very unique view of women in the Bible and I want to find out the truth of the thing.
Here are some reference pages I used in my study:
http://christian-dating-service-plus.com/ ?! - the content is fine, the name is not what I am looking for
http://www.ninetyandnine.com/ - good list
So from those we get this list:
Damaris (Acts 17:34)
Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42)
Euodias and Syntche (Philippians 4:2)
Lydia (Acts 16:13-15, 40)
Martha and Mary and Lazarus’ sisters, (Luke 10, John 11 and 12)
Mary (Romans 16:6)
Mary Magdalene (Matthew 27, Mark 16, and John 19)
Phoebe (Romans 16:1,2)
Susanna (Luke 8:2,3)
Note: those are only NT examples, here are the OT examples I can think of:
Miriam, most likely (Ex 15:20-21, Num 12:1-15, 20:1)
Queen of Sheba (2Chr 9:1-12)
Huldah (2Ki 22:14-20, 2Chr 34:22-28)
Noadiah (Neh 6:14)
I am sure I am leaving out someone but I can't think of any more that I know are single. Now, of the the NT list only Dorcas, Lydia, Mary and Martha, and Mary Magdalene really have very much of a story. The others are just mentioned in passing or very briefly.
For the OT all except Noadiah have sufficient info to study and come too some conclusions. What those conclusions will be I will have to finish later.
God Bless!
Here are some reference pages I used in my study:
http://christian-dating-service-plus.com/ ?! - the content is fine, the name is not what I am looking for
http://www.ninetyandnine.com/ - good list
So from those we get this list:
Damaris (Acts 17:34)
Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42)
Euodias and Syntche (Philippians 4:2)
Lydia (Acts 16:13-15, 40)
Martha and Mary and Lazarus’ sisters, (Luke 10, John 11 and 12)
Mary (Romans 16:6)
Mary Magdalene (Matthew 27, Mark 16, and John 19)
Phoebe (Romans 16:1,2)
Susanna (Luke 8:2,3)
Note: those are only NT examples, here are the OT examples I can think of:
Miriam, most likely (Ex 15:20-21, Num 12:1-15, 20:1)
Queen of Sheba (2Chr 9:1-12)
Huldah (2Ki 22:14-20, 2Chr 34:22-28)
Noadiah (Neh 6:14)
I am sure I am leaving out someone but I can't think of any more that I know are single. Now, of the the NT list only Dorcas, Lydia, Mary and Martha, and Mary Magdalene really have very much of a story. The others are just mentioned in passing or very briefly.
For the OT all except Noadiah have sufficient info to study and come too some conclusions. What those conclusions will be I will have to finish later.
God Bless!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Lesson 8 from Ecclesiastes quarterly
Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Ecclesiastes 7:29 - Memory verse for this week
You can get the lesson quarterly in pdf form for this weeks lesson here or here for the teacher's version.
You can find the entire chapter here courtesy of BibleGateway.com.
This is not a formal "article" just some notes that I have typed up for preservation's sake of our discussion and my thoughts.
Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found. Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Ecc 7:28-29
Solomon cannot figure out women. This is not a text against women, Solomon is not a woman hater. cf. Ecc 9:9, Pr 1-9
And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. Ecc 7:26
Solomon is bemoaning the extra wives that he had. Not women in general, but not being true to his first wife. That is what he is saying.
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Ecc 7:20
That is a lot like Paul, Rom 3:23, All have sinned...
All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ? Ecc 7:15-16
Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Ecc 7:29
God made us good; but we have messed it up. Yet, God has a plan for us to save us. John 3:16
Man was made upright flies in the face of evolution. Evolution man gets better; creation men becomes degraded.
A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. Ecc 7:1
A good name has something to do with a good reputation. CD Brooks' father sent him to college. His father didn't have much money to give him but he gave him a good name.
When we become a Christian we get a good name. Jacob had his name changed from trickster to overcomer, Prince with God.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Rev 2:17
God is going to give us a new name. In the 10 commandments, what is third commandment? Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Third Commandment is not in the New Testament; the fourth is. Cursing, and swearing, what does that really mean? When a woman gets married he takes her husband name; we take Christs name when we become a CHRISTian. We should represent his name well.
When a saved person dies when they are safe. When a Christian dies their battle is done; when someone is born they have 70 years of fighting before them.
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. Ecclesiastes 7:2-4
How can it be better to be at a funeral? We try to not think about death. We take the body away quickly, cover it with flowers, etc. We are headed toward death from birth. This life is to prepare for death. The goal is to die well, with no regrets.
In Florida, don't go to your own funeral: Alisa/Allison Matreya a 27-year-old said she had been diagnosed with cancer. Finally she had someone call and say that she was in hospice. She faked the whole thing so that she could go to her funeral and hear what people would say about her. "I knew I had to leave so I thought this would make it easier," she said.
Some people live for parties. You loose the purpose of life.
Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. Amos 4:12
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. John 11:33-35
Why did Jesus weep? The others were weping; he wept for their mourning.
Prepare to meet your God every day. Jesus said he that "seeks to save his life shall loose it;and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it." Take up your cross daily.
Suicide is the dumbest thing you can do. Most suicide's awake in a lost condition. It permanently seals bad conditions. Death is the beginning of the real life.
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. Ecc 7:5-6
The rebuke of the wise man makes a better person.
Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. Ecc 7:7
Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Verse 8
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb 12:2
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Rev 1:8
If you let him write on your life, he will finish it.
Prayer of patience?: "Dear God grant me patience right now!" Here is the patience of the saints. Eternal life is given to the patient.
Heb 6:12, Mat 24:13, Rom 2:7, Jam 5:11
Patience and endurance; when Moses delayed his coming off the mount the people needed patience. There are many who start well as a Christian and they loose patience.
There once was an oyster whose story I tell,
Who found that some sand had got into his shell.
It was only a grain, but it gave him great pain
For oysters have feelings although they're so plain.
Now, did he berate the harsh workings of fate
that brought him to such a deplorable state?
Did he curse at the government, cry for election,
And claim that the sea should have given him protection?
No- he said to himself as he lay on a shell,
Since I cannot remove it I shall try to improve it.
Now the years have rolled around, as the years always do.
And he came to his ultimate destiny: stew.
And the small grain of sand that had bothered him so
Was a beautiful pearl all richly aglow.
Now the tale has a moral, for isn't it grand
What an oyster can do with a morsel of sand?
What couldn't we do if we'd only begin
with some of the things that get under our skin.
- Anonymous
A pearl is garment of patience that endures an annoyance.
Patience= saved; proud=lost
The Devil was destroyed by his pride.
Pro 16:19, 27:2, Mat 23:11-12
Self-praise in their conversation; What were the disciples arguing about before the last supper?
Mark 9:33-34
We should not give preference to face, or race, or place
The operative word in the chapter is wisdom/wise, used 13 times
What brings wisdom? Humble heeds counsel wise. Pr 11:2
Can God learn anything?
Pr 15:33 Humility connected with wisdom.
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. Verse 10
Good old days; these are the good old days. Someday I will look back and say these were the golden years. The past is not always better.
The depression were the "Good old days"
Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the Excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. Verse 11, 12
Is inheritance good of bad? It is frequently not a good thing to those who don't know how to work.
A fool and his money will soon be parted. Did Solomon get an inheritance? Yes, from David, second only to Rehoboam.
Money as a defense - when a poor person is convicted of some crime without attorney, the rich have the defense of good lawyer.
Samuel's sons took bribes.
Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? Verse 13
A young tree grows as it is bent. Some people wait until they are too late in life to be saved
Leopard changes his spots.
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. Verse 14
Matt 5:45 Jesus blesses and tries everyone. There will be ups and downs all through a persons life.
God is a God of the valleys and the God of the mountains. God is with us on the mountaintops and the valleys. When Jesus came off the mount of transfiguration he met the boy with a demon.
All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. Verse 15
Why do bad things happen to good people? Longest reigning king Manasseh. He repents in his old age and God forgives him. Why did that happen? Their blood was seed. Samson, more at death than in life.
Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ? Verse 16
Did the pharisees have the artificial righteousness? Pray to be seen, give to be seen. Do not be overly righteous.
When we are too smart to learn
Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? Verse 17
Jeremiah 17:9
Whose hearts are wicked? The human heart, every heart. But are there some people who are given up to wickedness, more wicked than others? There are some who are struck down for their exceeding wickedness that their wickedness not increase: Ananias and Sapphira; Nadab and Abihu, etc.
Are there varying degrees of sin? There are varying degrees of punishment so there must be varying degrees of sin.
Do not multiply wickedness - Barnes translation?
It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. verse 18, 19
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Verse 20
All have sinned
Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. Verse 21, 22
Don't become distracted or upset about those that gossip about you. People don't mean everything they say. People have become so upset with what everyone says. If you throw mud you loose ground. Don't give someone a piece of your mind you could ill afford to loose.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Is there anything left we can trust?
This is a post in progress, as most of mine are. This post will talk about ways in which we can show the Bible to be true.
The Bible is true to itself - when rightly understood it has no contradictions, no conflicts of statement.
The Bible is true when it speaks about the natural and physical world - it was scientifically accurate far before the secular science "discovered" the things the Bible already stated. Examples: The world is round; the wind circles the earth in courses (that is the atmosphere) Ecc; others... Health principles
The Bible is true in it's prophetic statements - Every one of the Bible's time prophecy's have been fulfilled on time. All of it's prophecy's of the Messiah, of Christ, have been fulfilled right on time.
The Bible is true because of the change that it says will occur in the life will occur in the life when someone follows Christ.
The historical statements of the Bible can be verified by non-religious sources - cf. Michael Hasel's presentation at GYC 2005
The problem with proving the Bible is that the Bible says it can't be proved. It's a little like creation in the Bible: it doesn't prove creation, it states it. The Bible doesn't prove itself; it states that it is.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 11:6
This brings up something that those of modernity often throw at Christians in particular and those of a religion in general: that Christianity requires faith and science doesn't. I just want to say here and now, "read my lips: they both require faith." For you to believe the Bible with all of it's proofs is as plausible and possibly more so than to believe science with all of it's proofs.
Communism was the acid test of secularism. One of it's basic philosophies was that there is no God. But it failed! It came to the test and it could not provide the utopia that the rationalist said it could. Not that I have anything against rationalists or thinking, Christianity is not a religion of bury-your-head-in-the-sand people. But the principles of thinking found in the Bible, those very principles are being used in a non-religious way and that is a recipe for disaster.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
I will continue this post on further mornings.
God Bless!
The Bible is true to itself - when rightly understood it has no contradictions, no conflicts of statement.
The Bible is true when it speaks about the natural and physical world - it was scientifically accurate far before the secular science "discovered" the things the Bible already stated. Examples: The world is round; the wind circles the earth in courses (that is the atmosphere) Ecc; others... Health principles
The Bible is true in it's prophetic statements - Every one of the Bible's time prophecy's have been fulfilled on time. All of it's prophecy's of the Messiah, of Christ, have been fulfilled right on time.
The Bible is true because of the change that it says will occur in the life will occur in the life when someone follows Christ.
The historical statements of the Bible can be verified by non-religious sources - cf. Michael Hasel's presentation at GYC 2005
The problem with proving the Bible is that the Bible says it can't be proved. It's a little like creation in the Bible: it doesn't prove creation, it states it. The Bible doesn't prove itself; it states that it is.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 11:6
This brings up something that those of modernity often throw at Christians in particular and those of a religion in general: that Christianity requires faith and science doesn't. I just want to say here and now, "read my lips: they both require faith." For you to believe the Bible with all of it's proofs is as plausible and possibly more so than to believe science with all of it's proofs.
Communism was the acid test of secularism. One of it's basic philosophies was that there is no God. But it failed! It came to the test and it could not provide the utopia that the rationalist said it could. Not that I have anything against rationalists or thinking, Christianity is not a religion of bury-your-head-in-the-sand people. But the principles of thinking found in the Bible, those very principles are being used in a non-religious way and that is a recipe for disaster.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
I will continue this post on further mornings.
God Bless!
Finally, Brethren, and this time I mean brethREn
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