Past Whispers For Today

For this to make sense (sort of), yesterday’s post is a lead in. The concept came from a magazine article that asked about “the biggest challenge facing evangelical churches today” and the person being interviewed,Carl Trueman, answered:

How can the church, when it has one or maybe two hours on a Sunday, truly shape people’s minds and characters, when there is so much in the wider culture that is now directly antithetical to Christian ethics and Christian ways of thinking? (“WORLD Magazine”, September 30, 2017, Page 25 printed copy)

The Question and Answer session was an interview in front of students at Patrick Henry College. The topic was Trueman’s book about Martin Luther, as the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation approaches. 

One of the results of the Reformation was the printing of Bibles in common languages and the speakers of those languages reading it on their own. I have personally spoken with people who believe that was – and remains – an error. That only theological training makes a person able to interpret the Bible correctly.

For many, having it in their own language did not open the book for them to read. The majority of the people could not read – that was for the upper class. Today, there should be no educational system that does not teach students the ability to read for themselves.

The Bible was written by a number of different men who tell us over and over it was inspired by God, to carry His word down centuries for us. Paul mentioned the old writings:

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4 KJV)

Paul wrote of them all:

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31 KJV)


Peter speaks of Paul’s writings being equated with scripture:

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:15-16 KJV)


My favorite was written by John – author of several of the Bible’s books:

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31 KJV)

That last is the very same reason I return to this blog and write a bit more, sharing not only what I read – and study – but what I believe. Every once in a while I ask: What do you believe?

Whispers

When I was a child, it was called “Telephone Game.” Wikipedia tells us:

Chinese whispers—known as telephone in the United States—is an internationally popular children's game, in which the players form a line and the first person in the line whispers a message to the ear of the next person in the line, and so on, until the last player is reached, who announces the message to the entire group.

I don’t know if children play it today. If there is a variation of it, I’m certain it’s no longer called Telephone, simply because that word isn’t in use in today’s vernacular.

Words do take on meaning changes across generations, and that’s one of the problems facing explaining why I read a Bible that still uses thee, thou, wouldst, gathereth, etc. I don’t have a problem with those words – my mind translates them as easily as it translates si, nyet, nien, claro que se, por favor and a multitude of other words I’ve read and/or studied.

Years ago I learned that:

Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna. (Reference)

meant the same thing as:

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. (Reference)

Most people who have attended Sunday School for more than a month could tell you that is John 3:16. If they attended for a year or more, they can tell you those were words Jesus said. It would take longer for them to know that they were said in a conversation – even longer to recall He was speaking to Nicodemus, a “ruler of the Jews.”

It takes even longer to get to the point one remembers the following verses:

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:17-18 KJV)

If the verses, even repeating all three, make their way around the “whisper game”, they’ve been known to come out resembling:

Wow, God loves us so much that His Son died for our sins and we are not condemned to hell but will have everlasting life!!

Isn’t that an awesome message? One that everyone can accept simply because love conquers all?
Regrettably, a full reading of the chapter does not leave us with that ending of the “whisper game.” A full reading of the Bible doesn’t, either.

Have you ever taken a walk with someone? Often, you go where they want you to, not your first choice. You discuss with them what you want them to hear, but you are expected to listen to them, too. Direct from them, not through the “whisper game.” Direct conversation – an odd idea when combined with a deity, isn’t it? But there’s a whole book where such conversations take place. A standard set for knowing if the conversation does take place, too.

How do we know we should walk and talk with our God?

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8 KJV)

Go ahead, read the surrounding verses. Read the book. Find out where/when/why it was written. Does it apply today? I believe it does, since God first walked with His creation:

And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. (Genesis 3:8 KJV)

I’ve run out of time – and over my regular word count. I’ll continue tomorrow.

Cantaloupe Rows

Wikipedia Commons

Looks pretty good, doesn’t it? Have you grown a few? A lot? Yesterday I thought about how many we had grown (and given away – not enough to sell, too many to eat) and how many grow around our community. The soil is right around here and it’s nice to purchase local produce. But, a lot of work goes into placing these on our tables.

It’s been on my mind since yesterday’s funeral. A 17-year-old soon-to-be-junior in high school died in an accident on the farm road we use often. I had seen him with his Mom, Dad, and sister at our combined church services July 2. His Dad had been our church’s youth minister several years ago and is now pastor at another local church.

As with every human on this planet, he was unique. No one else has an exact backstory, no one else experienced the same incidents in the same order/timeframe. He took no one’s place, no one can take his place, and he left his mark on hundreds of lives. His Dad told us some of their stories while we grieved, yet celebrated his life.

He worked in cantaloupe fields. To do so, he needed a good shade hat and a hoe. The task is removing weeds down one row, then turn around at the end and remove weeds down the next row, repeating repeatedly. He questioned, “Why?” and was told it allowed the plants to grow good fruit. It was hard to understand when there were only greenery around him and it all appeared to be weeds. His Dad was right – soon there were blooms which turned into small green fruit. The weeding became easier as the plants and fruit grew and he took pride in doing his work.

There were many more stories, but this one lends itself so well as a biblical example. When we realize our sins and accept God made plans for us, it is fairly easy that first day to begin walking down the rows of our life and remove sinful deed/thoughts. Too soon, it becomes hard to differentiate between fruit bearing plans and weeds in our life. Paul wrote of something similar:

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (Galatians 1:6 KJV)

It happens to many. Some early in their walk with the Lord, some later. Some so serious they sit down in defeat, some continue slowly, and others appear to keep that hoe moving down the rows successfully. None of that matters as to how we do our own. We are not responsible for them, only for ourselves. Nothing I do, say or write can change one person – but it might make them think.

For me the story is one of perseverance. I know the physical work paid off because he eventually started a company of his own, putting friends to work. Even in high school he was offered a job that would grow into a career, had he lived.

More importantly, he was taught integrity, responsibility, the difference between doing right and doing wrong. From his friends we heard examples of the application of those lessons. Most importantly, he learned the difference between saying he was a Christian so he would “fit in” with friends in church – and actually accepting that Christ was his needed way, truth and life. It takes faith to express that change to the people he knew and loved. He did that this past winter.

John explained why he wrote. He mentioned it twice – in John 20:31 and again:

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13 KJV)

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 KJV)

Running Out Of Material?

There are a lot of fears, but I did not realize so many of them had their own phobia word.  I wasn’t aware that someone could fear running out of reading material. With so many books available digitally. From Free eBooks Project Gutenberg (and app for all kinds of devices) along with Amazon’s Kindle books that are free or extremely reasonable (again, their Kindle app runs on most all devices) you can read old, new, classic, ridiculous.  The choice is yours.

Plus, I’ve never run out of reading material with my Bible. I’ve mentioned in the past that e-Sword is my favorite. Used to be a free app, but I understand there is a cost on iPhone and Android, but the pc version (excellent for studying) is still free. I use another app on my Samsung tablet due to limitations and there are numerous other apps available (yes, next time I’m buying more memory!!! It’s bad enough not having enough memory in my head – not having it on devices is frustrating. And, my fault.)

If you’ve read through the Bible and think you’re done, forget that and add a commentary to your reading. It’s easy with e-Sword to have the biblical text up along side a commentary on that text. Reading them together brings up questions. Did I miss something that the commentator saw? Was the author right – or do I disagree? If I disagree, why? Can I back up my premise with another verse? Does it impact the context?

All those questions slow down the reading – and increases the comprehension.  I was reminded to day how important context is. Supposing someone one told you:  “It’s in the Bible, and I believe it”, using this verse to prove they will receive all they want by worshipping:

And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (Matthew 4:9 KJV)

It’s in the Bible. People who accept the Bible as true will have to defend it, won’t they? I will uncategorically state, I will not fall down and worship as this verse requires.  I’ve read the rest of the story, the verses surrounding this one, and know it is taken out of context to prove one thing – lies. Of course, taken in context, Matthew 4:1-11, it proves to be a lie. A huge lie.

One of the biggest lies is connected to:

Judge not, that ye be not judged. (Matthew 7:1 KJV)

How can that be separated from the verse that immediately follows:

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (Matthew 7:2 KJV)

One last thought – I do not believe we are to judge whether or not a person is a Christian. A parable gives the best example. We are instructed to share the gospel, shake off dust if we are not heard and are told another will do the judging as to who heard and obeyed:

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. (John 12:47-48 KJV)

If you’ve read this far, I know you aren’t abibliophobic – you found more to read! There’s always reading waiting for us in the Bible.

Almost Twenty-five Years Later

Do you know what you had for breakfast November 14, 1992? I know what I ate because a letter surfaced. On that day, my grandson wrote my parents about a trip I took with him and his sister.

My grandchildren weren’t certain what to call Dad, so instead of great-grandpa, he told them, “Just call me Old Bill.” No, his name wasn’t Bill or even William. I have no idea where that came from, but all the family used it from the time the first grandson used it. So the letter was addressed to Old Bill and Grandma Maye. He was pretty specific about who went on the trip, where we went and what we did.

We took pictures, of course, using their “Kodaks Fun Saver 35 Cameras”, one for each of them. I don’t know if I could put my fingers on those photos right now, but his 8-page letter brought the memories back in full color.

A microcosm of the Dead Sea Scrolls, waiting two thousand years for discovery. While none of the letters Paul, Peter or John wrote about that same time frame. But – their letters were copied and shared from one church to another, one city to another, carried by one Christian to another.

Within a very short period of time, comparatively speaking, the letters were compiled into one history of Jesus’ time here on earth, along with His apostles’ letters to churches. Those letters were designed to carry the good news around the world – and that has been successful. Can you recite John 3:16? Billions can. Along with Genesis 1:1, Matthew 22:37-40, Psalm 23 – hundreds of scriptures, and one that tells us why they exist:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV)

My grandson’s letter was profitable to regain memories and it holds truth – but no doctrine, no correction no instructions. Yet it is pleasurable to read and remember.

How much better it is to read scripture and learn of the beliefs spoken by Jesus. Uncertain about it? Do as the Bereans did:

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11 KJV)

Why? Even that is covered in the scriptures:

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31 KJV)

That is my prayer for people I love who do not believe, and I tremble for their souls.

My Apologies - my blog was hacked

I do apologize for anyone who stopped by responding to a weird post. No - I haven't posted advertisements, but it appears my blog was hacked.

I regret any notifications you might have received under my name and will work to get this corrected as soon as possible.

Thank you for understanding. And for accepting my apologies.

Grammy Blick

Lazarus – and the Rich Man

By Meister des Codex Aureus Epternacensis [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Do you remember the story?  A painter tells it in three panels. The first panel covers:

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. (Luke 16:19-21 KJV)

Then we move to the second panel:

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; (Luke 16:22 KJV)

But the third covers a great deal more information – a conversation:

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (Luke 16:23-25 KJV)

If we buffet-pick from scripture, we could just read these verses and determine if we have riches in this life, we will not in the next; and reverse, if we have bad in this life, we will have good in the next. However, that’s not the end of the story. Through the gulf between them, the rich man begs:

Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:27-31 KJV)

“Though one rose from the dead.” We can certainly believe this part, can’t we.  We each know loved ones who have not responded to any of the scriptures – except to brow-beat Christians who fail to do what they deem scriptures require. We all fail to meet the perfection that is our example in Jesus, and we are all grateful that our salvation depends on Him, not our actions.

I do know of many who believed in His resurrection – they saw Him. The disciples. Crowds of people. Most emphatically, Saul. They wrote what they had seen and told others who told others for millennia and now it’s down to us. We each have the choice to read the scriptures, be persuaded by the prophets and listen to the one who rose from the dead. Or, not.