Monday, December 15, 2008
Merry Christmas, Ma'am
That was nice!! I pulled up to get gas this AM & a truck pulled in just behind me. The driver looked at my bumper & I thought I was stuck out too far?! After he parked his truck by the pump he walked around & gave me a big smile & said "Merry Christmas, Ma'am"!! Merry Christmas!!! Not Happy Holidays or some other other weak substitute! He had been looking at my license plate ~~ DYSPL!!!!!!!!!!! ~~ & he recognized it! It is always so nice to 'run into' a really real fellow believer & recognize each other!! Praise the Lord!!!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
peace...
As we read the newspaper, watch the news, read news blogs, what is most often the focus of the article, program or blog post? War(s) of one kind or another, right? For all of mankind's efforts towards peace over the millenia, there is as much war (or more) going on today as there ever has been! Why do you think that is? Comments are open. Let's hear your ideas.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
What kind of peace?
Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
2:13 host. A term used to describe an army encampment. Christ also used military imagery to describe the angels in Matt. 26:53. Revelation 5:11 suggests that the number of the angelic host may be too large for the human mind to fathom. Note that here the heavenly army brought a message of peace and goodwill (v. 14).
2:14 the highest. i.e., heaven.
peace. This is not to be taken as a universal declaration of peace toward all humanity. Rather, peace with God is a corollary (a natural consequence or result) of justification.
goodwill toward men. The Greek word for “goodwill” is also used in Luke 10:21. The verb form of the same word is used in Luke 3:22; Luke 12:32. In each case, it refers to God’s sovereign good pleasure. So a better rendering here might be “peace toward men on whom God’s sovereign pleasure rests.” God’s peace is not a reward for those who have good will, but a gracious gift to those who are the objects of His good will.
MacArthur, John Jr: The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville : Word Pub., 1997, c1997, S. Lk 2:13
14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
2:13 host. A term used to describe an army encampment. Christ also used military imagery to describe the angels in Matt. 26:53. Revelation 5:11 suggests that the number of the angelic host may be too large for the human mind to fathom. Note that here the heavenly army brought a message of peace and goodwill (v. 14).
2:14 the highest. i.e., heaven.
peace. This is not to be taken as a universal declaration of peace toward all humanity. Rather, peace with God is a corollary (a natural consequence or result) of justification.
goodwill toward men. The Greek word for “goodwill” is also used in Luke 10:21. The verb form of the same word is used in Luke 3:22; Luke 12:32. In each case, it refers to God’s sovereign good pleasure. So a better rendering here might be “peace toward men on whom God’s sovereign pleasure rests.” God’s peace is not a reward for those who have good will, but a gracious gift to those who are the objects of His good will.
MacArthur, John Jr: The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville : Word Pub., 1997, c1997, S. Lk 2:13
Monday, December 8, 2008
Peace?
The Prayer of Saint Francis is a Christian prayer. It is attributed to the 13th-century Saint Francis of Assisi, although the prayer in its present form cannot be traced back further than 1912, when it was printed in France in French, in a small spiritual magazine called La Clochette (The Little Bell) as an anonymous prayer, as demonstrated by Dr Christian Renoux in 2001 (Cf. Christian Renoux, La prière pour la paix attribuée à saint François, une énigme à résoudre, Paris, Editions franciscaines, Paris, 2001).
The prayer has been known in the United States since 1936 and Cardinal Francis Spellman and the Senator Hawkes distributed millions of copies of the prayer during and just after World War II (Cf. C. Renoux, op. cit., p. 92-95). Many different versions of the prayer exist. The most popular is this following one:
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; (What does that mean for a believer?)
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
(Wikipedia)
The prayer has been known in the United States since 1936 and Cardinal Francis Spellman and the Senator Hawkes distributed millions of copies of the prayer during and just after World War II (Cf. C. Renoux, op. cit., p. 92-95). Many different versions of the prayer exist. The most popular is this following one:
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; (What does that mean for a believer?)
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
(Wikipedia)
Greetings: A Prayer for Peace
PEACE — a word with several different meanings in the Old and New Testaments.
The Old Testament meaning of peace was completeness, soundness, and well-being of the total person. This peace was considered God-given, obtained by following the Law (Ps. 119:165). Peace sometimes had a physical meaning, suggesting security (Ps. 4:8), contentment (Is. 26:3), prosperity (Ps. 122:6–7) and the absence of war (1 Sam. 7:14). The traditional Jewish greeting, shalom, means “peace” and was a wish for peace.
In the New Testament, peace often refers to the inner tranquility and poise of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ. This understanding was originally expressed in the Old Testament writings about the coming Messiah (Is. 9:6–7). The peace that Jesus Christ spoke of was a combination of hope, trust, and quiet in the mind and soul, brought about by a reconciliation with God. Such peace was proclaimed by the host of angels at Christ’s birth (Luke 2:14), and by Christ Himself in His Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:9) and during His ministry. He also taught about this kind of peace at the Lord’s Supper, shortly before His death (John 14:27).
The apostle Paul later wrote that such peace and spiritual blessedness was a direct result of faith in Christ (Rom. 5:1).
Youngblood, Ronald F. ; Bruce, F. F. ; Harrison, R. K. ; Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1995
The Old Testament meaning of peace was completeness, soundness, and well-being of the total person. This peace was considered God-given, obtained by following the Law (Ps. 119:165). Peace sometimes had a physical meaning, suggesting security (Ps. 4:8), contentment (Is. 26:3), prosperity (Ps. 122:6–7) and the absence of war (1 Sam. 7:14). The traditional Jewish greeting, shalom, means “peace” and was a wish for peace.
In the New Testament, peace often refers to the inner tranquility and poise of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ. This understanding was originally expressed in the Old Testament writings about the coming Messiah (Is. 9:6–7). The peace that Jesus Christ spoke of was a combination of hope, trust, and quiet in the mind and soul, brought about by a reconciliation with God. Such peace was proclaimed by the host of angels at Christ’s birth (Luke 2:14), and by Christ Himself in His Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:9) and during His ministry. He also taught about this kind of peace at the Lord’s Supper, shortly before His death (John 14:27).
The apostle Paul later wrote that such peace and spiritual blessedness was a direct result of faith in Christ (Rom. 5:1).
Youngblood, Ronald F. ; Bruce, F. F. ; Harrison, R. K. ; Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1995
Greetings: A Prayer for Grace
GRACE — favor or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who receives it and in spite of what that person deserves. Grace is one of the key attributes of God. The Lord God is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abounding in goodness and truth” (Ex. 34:6). Therefore, grace is almost always associated with mercy, love, compassion, and patience.
In the Old Testament, the supreme example of grace was the redemption of the Hebrew people from Egypt and their establishment in the Promised Land. This did not happen because of any merit on Israel’s part, but in spite of their unrighteousness (Deut. 7:7–8; 9:5–6). Although the grace of God is always free and undeserved, it must not be taken for granted. Grace is only enjoyed within the Covenant—the gift is given by God, and the gift is received by people through repentance and faith (Amos 5:15). Grace is to be humbly sought through the prayer of faith (Mal. 1:9).
The grace of God was supremely revealed and given in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus was not only the beneficiary of God’s grace (Luke 2:40), but was also its very embodiment (John 1:14), bringing it to humankind for salvation (Titus 2:11). By His death and resurrection, Jesus restored the broken fellowship between God and His people, both Jew and Gentile. The only way of salvation for any person is “through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:11).
The grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ is applied to human beings for their salvation by the Holy Spirit, who is called “the Spirit of grace” (Heb. 10:29). The Spirit is the One who binds Christ to His people so that they receive forgiveness, adoption to sonship, and newness of life, as well as every spiritual gift or grace (Eph. 4:7).
The theme of grace is especially prominent in the letters of Paul. He sets grace radically over against the law and the works of the law (Rom. 3:24, 28). Paul makes it abundantly clear that salvation is not something that can be earned; it can be received only as a gift of grace (Rom. 4:4). Grace, however, must be accompanied by faith; a person must trust in the mercy and favor of God, even while it is undeserved (Rom. 4:16; Gal. 2:16).
The law of Moses revealed the righteous will of God in the midst of pagan darkness; it was God’s gracious gift to Israel (Deut. 4:8). But His will was made complete when Jesus brought the gospel of grace into the world (John 1:17).
Youngblood, Ronald F. ; Bruce, F. F. ; Harrison, R. K. ; Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1995
In the Old Testament, the supreme example of grace was the redemption of the Hebrew people from Egypt and their establishment in the Promised Land. This did not happen because of any merit on Israel’s part, but in spite of their unrighteousness (Deut. 7:7–8; 9:5–6). Although the grace of God is always free and undeserved, it must not be taken for granted. Grace is only enjoyed within the Covenant—the gift is given by God, and the gift is received by people through repentance and faith (Amos 5:15). Grace is to be humbly sought through the prayer of faith (Mal. 1:9).
The grace of God was supremely revealed and given in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus was not only the beneficiary of God’s grace (Luke 2:40), but was also its very embodiment (John 1:14), bringing it to humankind for salvation (Titus 2:11). By His death and resurrection, Jesus restored the broken fellowship between God and His people, both Jew and Gentile. The only way of salvation for any person is “through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:11).
The grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ is applied to human beings for their salvation by the Holy Spirit, who is called “the Spirit of grace” (Heb. 10:29). The Spirit is the One who binds Christ to His people so that they receive forgiveness, adoption to sonship, and newness of life, as well as every spiritual gift or grace (Eph. 4:7).
The theme of grace is especially prominent in the letters of Paul. He sets grace radically over against the law and the works of the law (Rom. 3:24, 28). Paul makes it abundantly clear that salvation is not something that can be earned; it can be received only as a gift of grace (Rom. 4:4). Grace, however, must be accompanied by faith; a person must trust in the mercy and favor of God, even while it is undeserved (Rom. 4:16; Gal. 2:16).
The law of Moses revealed the righteous will of God in the midst of pagan darkness; it was God’s gracious gift to Israel (Deut. 4:8). But His will was made complete when Jesus brought the gospel of grace into the world (John 1:17).
Youngblood, Ronald F. ; Bruce, F. F. ; Harrison, R. K. ; Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1995
Greetings in the Name of the Lord
Whenever Paul wrote to his beloved churches he always had a greeting for them. These 14 words in English may seem tame to you, but if you just start with the words grace and peace you are soon engulfed in a rich word study which has bottomless depths for the believer to plumb. You can get started with an understanding of grace and peace by clicking on the two links below.
Roman 1:7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:1b-2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:2b-5 To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 1:1b-2 To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:1b-2 To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:1b To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:1b-2 To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Titus 1:4 To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
Philemon 1b-3 To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, 2 to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Roman 1:7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:1b-2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:2b-5 To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 1:1b-2 To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:1b-2 To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:1b To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:1b-2 To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Titus 1:4 To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
Philemon 1b-3 To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, 2 to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Legend of the Candy Cane
Of all the beautiful traditions of Christmas, few are so ancient in the meaning and so rich in symbolism as the Candy Cane.
From the beginning of the Christmas Tree, it was customary to decorate the tree with symbols of the newborn Christ. Candles represented the Light of the World, the star recalled that first Christmas night, and the shepherd's crook symbolized the humble shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem who were first to received the news, "Unto you is born a Savior".
Christmas tree decorations in Europe, from which our tradition comes, were customarily made of food, principally cookies and candy. This symbolically expresses thanks for "our daily bread" as well as providing a Christmas treat for the children. Thus, the shepherd's crook became the candy cane.
As time went on, many ornaments took on a more permanent nature but the Candy Cane retains the original use and meaning of Christmas Tree ornaments.
Candy Canes on the Christmas Tree symbolize the Shepherds in the fields on that first Christmas night, shepherds who heard the angel chorus and came to worship at the crib of the newborn King. They are also a sign of our thanks to God for the food He has given us all during the year, and not least of all, they are an inexpensive and delightful Christmas treat for the family.
From the beginning of the Christmas Tree, it was customary to decorate the tree with symbols of the newborn Christ. Candles represented the Light of the World, the star recalled that first Christmas night, and the shepherd's crook symbolized the humble shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem who were first to received the news, "Unto you is born a Savior".
Christmas tree decorations in Europe, from which our tradition comes, were customarily made of food, principally cookies and candy. This symbolically expresses thanks for "our daily bread" as well as providing a Christmas treat for the children. Thus, the shepherd's crook became the candy cane.
As time went on, many ornaments took on a more permanent nature but the Candy Cane retains the original use and meaning of Christmas Tree ornaments.
Candy Canes on the Christmas Tree symbolize the Shepherds in the fields on that first Christmas night, shepherds who heard the angel chorus and came to worship at the crib of the newborn King. They are also a sign of our thanks to God for the food He has given us all during the year, and not least of all, they are an inexpensive and delightful Christmas treat for the family.
Soon after Europeans adopted the use of Christmas trees, they began making special decorations for them. Food items predominated, with cookies and candy heavily represented. That is when straight, white sticks of sugar candy came into use at Christmas, probably during the seventeenth century.
Tradition has it that some of these candies were put to use in Cologne Cathedral about 1670 while restless youngsters were attending ceremonies around the living creche. To keep them quiet, the choir master persuaded craftsmen to make sticks of candy bent at the end to represent shepherds' crook, then he passed them out to boys and girls who came to the cathedral.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
O Holy Night/Cantique de Noel
I heard this lovely carol sung beautifully this afternoon. After hearing it I wanted to read the lyrics, to immerse myself again in the truths embedded within the verses.
This is the English translation of the French poem Minuit, Chretiens written by Placide Cappeau sometime in the 1830s. (English Translation of Minuits, chrétiens / Cantique de Noël: (N.b. the English version of 'O Holy Night' is not a direct translation of the French.)
Midnight, Christians is the solemn hour
When God as Man descended unto us
To erase the original stain (sin)
And end the wrath of his Father.
The entire world trembles with expectation
In this night that gives to us a Savior.
Fall on your knees, await your deliverance.
Noel, Noel, here is the Redeemer,
Noel, Noel, here is the Redeemer!
The ardent light of our Faith,
Guides us all to the cradle of the infant,
As in ancient times a brilliant star
Conducted the Magi there from the orient.
The King of kings was born in a humble manger;
O mighty ones of today, proud of your grandeur,
It is to your pride that God preaches.
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
The redeemer has broken every shackle
The earth is free, and heaven is open.
He sees a brother where there was once only a slave
Those who had been chained together by iron, love now unites.
Who will tell Him of our gratitude
It is for every one of us that he was born, suffered and died.
Stand on your feet, sing of your deliverance.
Noel, Noel, sing of the Redeemer,
Noel, Noel, sing of the Redeemer!
In 1847 Adolphe Adam composed our well known Christmas carol O Holy Night. Here are the lyrics ~~ Version #1
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Behold your King.
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
Version #2
O! Holy night! The stars, their gleams prolonging,
Watch o'er the Eve of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error, longing
For His appearance, then the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was Born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts we stand by the Babe adored.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
And come now, Shepherds, from your flocks unboard.
The Son of God lay thus w'thin lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our Lord.
He knows our need, our weakness never lasting,
Behold your King! By Him, let Earth accord!
Behold your King! By Him, let Earth accord!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Long live His truth, and may it last forever,
For in His name all discordant noise shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
(The second and third choruses are often replaced with a refrain of the first).
Truly, O NIGHT DIVINE!!
Information & lyrics for this post taken from Wikipedia.
This is the English translation of the French poem Minuit, Chretiens written by Placide Cappeau sometime in the 1830s. (English Translation of Minuits, chrétiens / Cantique de Noël: (N.b. the English version of 'O Holy Night' is not a direct translation of the French.)
Midnight, Christians is the solemn hour
When God as Man descended unto us
To erase the original stain (sin)
And end the wrath of his Father.
The entire world trembles with expectation
In this night that gives to us a Savior.
Fall on your knees, await your deliverance.
Noel, Noel, here is the Redeemer,
Noel, Noel, here is the Redeemer!
The ardent light of our Faith,
Guides us all to the cradle of the infant,
As in ancient times a brilliant star
Conducted the Magi there from the orient.
The King of kings was born in a humble manger;
O mighty ones of today, proud of your grandeur,
It is to your pride that God preaches.
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
The redeemer has broken every shackle
The earth is free, and heaven is open.
He sees a brother where there was once only a slave
Those who had been chained together by iron, love now unites.
Who will tell Him of our gratitude
It is for every one of us that he was born, suffered and died.
Stand on your feet, sing of your deliverance.
Noel, Noel, sing of the Redeemer,
Noel, Noel, sing of the Redeemer!
In 1847 Adolphe Adam composed our well known Christmas carol O Holy Night. Here are the lyrics ~~ Version #1
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Behold your King.
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
Version #2
O! Holy night! The stars, their gleams prolonging,
Watch o'er the Eve of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error, longing
For His appearance, then the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was Born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts we stand by the Babe adored.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
And come now, Shepherds, from your flocks unboard.
The Son of God lay thus w'thin lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our Lord.
He knows our need, our weakness never lasting,
Behold your King! By Him, let Earth accord!
Behold your King! By Him, let Earth accord!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Long live His truth, and may it last forever,
For in His name all discordant noise shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
(The second and third choruses are often replaced with a refrain of the first).
Truly, O NIGHT DIVINE!!
Information & lyrics for this post taken from Wikipedia.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Surrending to the Culture
In the Nov. 17 post (on this blogsite), the book, "Loving God with All Your Mind" by Gene Edward Veith, Jr. was mentioned and a quote from the book was included. And now Mr. Veith has a very thought-provoking column, Truth & Consequenses, in the Nov. TableTalk issue (published by Ligonier Ministries) considering where the Church in the West is headed and gives this observation:
"Even though biblical christianity must resist cultural conformity, many American churches have actually embraced cultural conformity as a strategy for church growth. They do not see that surrending to the culture means instead the disappearance of the church. That the current American culture is swallowing up the church - effacing its doctrines, ignoring its morality, and erasing its history - is precisely why the churches of the Third World see us as in need of their help.
Christianity is a missionary religion. Europeans learned the gospel from missionaries just as the Africans did. Evangelized Europeans and their American forebears would then send missionaries themselves, and now we are coming around full circle.
But we would do well to think of ourselves in the same way we used to think about the lost people of the mission field. We have beome the new heathen. We Americans are the ones now in thrall to primitive superstitions, such as believing in the power of positive thinking and having faith in ourselves. We are the ones held back by a materialistic worldview that has little conception of the supernatural. We are the ones with the brutal customs, such as aborting our infamts, neglecting our children, and abandoning and sometimes authanizing our elders. We have simple, pounding music, and we are uneducated about the realities outside of our tribe. With our limited mind-set, we have trouble grasping the truth of Scripture.
But the grace of God brings the light of Jesus Christ into heathen darkness - even into our heathen darkness." (emphasis mine)
How can we Christians, especially at this Holy time of our Christian calendar, keep from surrending to the culture? How can we proclaim that Jesus is the reason for this season? How can we make that difference that will direct others to follow the star that leads to the Christ? By letting the grace of God shine through our lives and letting the light of Jesus Christ shine into this heathen darkness! Hallelujah! What a Savior!!
"Even though biblical christianity must resist cultural conformity, many American churches have actually embraced cultural conformity as a strategy for church growth. They do not see that surrending to the culture means instead the disappearance of the church. That the current American culture is swallowing up the church - effacing its doctrines, ignoring its morality, and erasing its history - is precisely why the churches of the Third World see us as in need of their help.
Christianity is a missionary religion. Europeans learned the gospel from missionaries just as the Africans did. Evangelized Europeans and their American forebears would then send missionaries themselves, and now we are coming around full circle.
But we would do well to think of ourselves in the same way we used to think about the lost people of the mission field. We have beome the new heathen. We Americans are the ones now in thrall to primitive superstitions, such as believing in the power of positive thinking and having faith in ourselves. We are the ones held back by a materialistic worldview that has little conception of the supernatural. We are the ones with the brutal customs, such as aborting our infamts, neglecting our children, and abandoning and sometimes authanizing our elders. We have simple, pounding music, and we are uneducated about the realities outside of our tribe. With our limited mind-set, we have trouble grasping the truth of Scripture.
But the grace of God brings the light of Jesus Christ into heathen darkness - even into our heathen darkness." (emphasis mine)
How can we Christians, especially at this Holy time of our Christian calendar, keep from surrending to the culture? How can we proclaim that Jesus is the reason for this season? How can we make that difference that will direct others to follow the star that leads to the Christ? By letting the grace of God shine through our lives and letting the light of Jesus Christ shine into this heathen darkness! Hallelujah! What a Savior!!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Ishmael
Genesis 16:12 (New King James Version)
12 He [Ishmael] shall be a wild man;
His hand shall be against every man,
And every man’s hand against him.
And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.”
Genesis 21:10-13 (New King James Version)
10 Therefore she [Sarah] said to Abraham, “Cast out this bondwoman [Hagar] and her son [Ishmael]; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac.” 11 And the matter was very displeasing in Abraham’s sight because of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called. 13 Yet I will also make a nation of the son of the bondwoman [Hagar], because he is your seed.”
Genesis 21:18 (New King James Version)
18 Arise, lift up the lad [Ishmael] and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.
12 He [Ishmael] shall be a wild man;
His hand shall be against every man,
And every man’s hand against him.
And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.”
Genesis 21:10-13 (New King James Version)
10 Therefore she [Sarah] said to Abraham, “Cast out this bondwoman [Hagar] and her son [Ishmael]; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac.” 11 And the matter was very displeasing in Abraham’s sight because of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called. 13 Yet I will also make a nation of the son of the bondwoman [Hagar], because he is your seed.”
Genesis 21:18 (New King James Version)
18 Arise, lift up the lad [Ishmael] and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
A Pale Shadow...The Real Deal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are living in a post-modern, post-Christian country today, sad to say. I looked up "thanksgiving" on Wikipedia...check it out...
More from Wiki ~~
...religious undertones!!!!!!!!! ...religious undertones!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh spare me!!!!!!!!!!!!
...deliverance by the Native Americans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROTFLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (oh, sorry...but really...) (well, at least we know Who really delivered them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
However, those of us who are believers in the God of the Bible and have the gift of eternal life through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (1Peter 1:3-4), live always in a "Christian country", as it were. As Paul said (no pun intended!) we are only pilgrims ( 1 Peter 2:11 & Hebrews 11:13) in this post-modern-christian whatever...!
Now, let's see if we can come up with a robust definition of "thanksgiving" ~~ one with true meaning, especially for us!
"THANKSGIVING — the aspect of praise that gives thanks to God for what He does for us. Ideally, thanksgiving should spring from a grateful heart;
but it is required of all believers, regardless of their initial attitude (1 Thess. 5:18).
We should be grateful to God for all things (Eph. 5:20; Col. 3:17; 1 Thess. 5:18),
but especially for His work of salvation and sanctification (Rom. 7:25; Col. 1:3–5; 1 Thess. 1:2–7; 2:13).
We ought also to thank God in anticipation of His answering our prayers (Phil. 4:6), knowing that His answers will always be in accord with His perfect will for our lives (Rom. 8:28–29)." Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary.
Ah, that's better!
The word thanksgiving occurs 28 times in the King James Version & as thanksgivings twice.
Two particularly lovely instances are ~~
Psalm 100:4
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
and
Psalm 116:17
I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And will call upon the name of the LORD.
I pray that you had a blessed thanksgiving day, with your thanksgiving directed to the God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!!
More from Wiki ~~
Most people celebrate by gathering at home with family or friends for a holiday feast. Though the holiday's origins can be traced to harvest festivals which have been celebrated in many cultures since ancient times, the American holiday has religious undertones related to the deliverance of the English settlers by Native Americans after the brutal winter at Plymouth, Massachusetts.
...religious undertones!!!!!!!!! ...religious undertones!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh spare me!!!!!!!!!!!!
...deliverance by the Native Americans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROTFLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (oh, sorry...but really...) (well, at least we know Who really delivered them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
However, those of us who are believers in the God of the Bible and have the gift of eternal life through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (1Peter 1:3-4), live always in a "Christian country", as it were. As Paul said (no pun intended!) we are only pilgrims ( 1 Peter 2:11 & Hebrews 11:13) in this post-modern-christian whatever...!
Now, let's see if we can come up with a robust definition of "thanksgiving" ~~ one with true meaning, especially for us!
"THANKSGIVING — the aspect of praise that gives thanks to God for what He does for us. Ideally, thanksgiving should spring from a grateful heart;
but it is required of all believers, regardless of their initial attitude (1 Thess. 5:18).
We should be grateful to God for all things (Eph. 5:20; Col. 3:17; 1 Thess. 5:18),
but especially for His work of salvation and sanctification (Rom. 7:25; Col. 1:3–5; 1 Thess. 1:2–7; 2:13).
We ought also to thank God in anticipation of His answering our prayers (Phil. 4:6), knowing that His answers will always be in accord with His perfect will for our lives (Rom. 8:28–29)." Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary.
Ah, that's better!
The word thanksgiving occurs 28 times in the King James Version & as thanksgivings twice.
Two particularly lovely instances are ~~
Psalm 100:4
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
and
Psalm 116:17
I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And will call upon the name of the LORD.
I pray that you had a blessed thanksgiving day, with your thanksgiving directed to the God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
ESL??
I am so accustomed to using the letters, ESL, that I neglected to include the meaning:
English as a Second Language.
English as a Second Language.
We Feasted!!
The teachers in our ESL program and the senior adult fellowship of our church host a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for our ESL students and their families and friends. This year we had a full house - and a feast not of just the turkey/ trimmings but of sharing faith stories and praying in many tongues. Four students from our class, which is pre-beginner, came with their families: our Tanzanian lady brought her son and his family; the dental hygienist from So. America came with her brother; the family from Burma and single Mom from Mexico came with friends.
There was the usual laugher over trying to explain "dressing", sweet potato fluff, and the funny looking orange stuff in the pie. The first highlight of the evening was the sharing of what we all were thankful for and the ESLers all said their thanks for our classes, the church that hosted the program, families and the USA.
The second highlight was the testimony of the Indian minister, PraDeep, who is in one of our advanced classes and is the pastor of the Indian church in our area. He told of the missionary that had given a Christian tract to his grandfather without a word, how that tract had changed the life of his grandfather, how his grandfather raised his children to become Christians and how that father raised his children, including PraDeep, in the Christian faith. And now this third generation is on the mission field. He brought the house down when he said that his family feasted on white bread (the Word brought by the American missionary 70 years ago) and now he was bringing brown bread back to the country that had first fed him. Not a dry eye in the room.
" 'Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven, and gives life to the world.' They said to him, 'Lord give us this bread always.' " Jesus said to them, "I AM the Bread of Life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." John 6:32-35
I must add that his story reminded me of a dear sister in the Lord, who is in her 80's and is a faithful minister through the use of tracts, to everyone she meets and anywhere she goes.
There was the usual laugher over trying to explain "dressing", sweet potato fluff, and the funny looking orange stuff in the pie. The first highlight of the evening was the sharing of what we all were thankful for and the ESLers all said their thanks for our classes, the church that hosted the program, families and the USA.
The second highlight was the testimony of the Indian minister, PraDeep, who is in one of our advanced classes and is the pastor of the Indian church in our area. He told of the missionary that had given a Christian tract to his grandfather without a word, how that tract had changed the life of his grandfather, how his grandfather raised his children to become Christians and how that father raised his children, including PraDeep, in the Christian faith. And now this third generation is on the mission field. He brought the house down when he said that his family feasted on white bread (the Word brought by the American missionary 70 years ago) and now he was bringing brown bread back to the country that had first fed him. Not a dry eye in the room.
" 'Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven, and gives life to the world.' They said to him, 'Lord give us this bread always.' " Jesus said to them, "I AM the Bread of Life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." John 6:32-35
I must add that his story reminded me of a dear sister in the Lord, who is in her 80's and is a faithful minister through the use of tracts, to everyone she meets and anywhere she goes.
Wars? Oppression?
James 4:1 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
Zech 7:10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless,
The alien or the poor.
Let none of you plan evil in his heart
Against his brother.’
Proverbs 22:22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor,
Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
Job 24:4 They push the needy off the road;
All the poor of the land are forced to hide.
Isaiah 3:15 What do you mean by crushing My people
And grinding the faces of the poor?”
Says the Lord GOD of hosts.
Habakkuk 3:14 You thrust through with his own arrows
The head of his villages.
They came out like a whirlwind to scatter me;
Their rejoicing was like feasting on the poor in secret.
2 The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor;
Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.
Zech 7:10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless,
The alien or the poor.
Let none of you plan evil in his heart
Against his brother.’
Proverbs 22:22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor,
Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
Job 24:4 They push the needy off the road;
All the poor of the land are forced to hide.
Isaiah 3:15 What do you mean by crushing My people
And grinding the faces of the poor?”
Says the Lord GOD of hosts.
Habakkuk 3:14 You thrust through with his own arrows
The head of his villages.
They came out like a whirlwind to scatter me;
Their rejoicing was like feasting on the poor in secret.
2 The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor;
Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
What is a day?
This selection is taken from Creation Moments:
"The Days in Genesis
Genesis 1:5
“And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.”
Silently a huge, powerful form slides through the deep, cold, dark depths of the sea. The men aboard the nuclear submarine have seen neither sun nor daylight for months, yet each one knows what day it is. The men know what day and what time it is even without seeing daylight, because the sun’s movement – like a clock – only measures time; it doesn’t create it.
God doesn’t need the sun to measure time either. When He tells us in Genesis 1 that He created everything in six days and rested on the seventh, we know these are days like ours, even though the sun was not created until the fourth day. Some people wonder whether the days of Genesis 1 could be figurative days.
Well, the best interpreter of Scripture is Scripture itself. What does it say?The word translated “day” in Genesis 1 is the Hebrew word yom. Whenever that word is used anywhere else in the Old Testament with a number – like 10 yoms – it always means a 24 hour day. And whenever yom is used anywhere else in the Old Testament with the phrase “evening and morning,” it always means a 24 hour day.Going back to Genesis 1, we see that the Holy Spirit has made sure that both of these rules are in force to assure us that the Genesis days are like ours!
Prayer: I thank You, Lord, that Your Word is clear and true. Use it to correct my understanding as well as my life and do not allow my own pride to make me deaf or blind to Your Word. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Old or Young?
References: Bartz, Paul A. 1988. “Days in Genesis one and the week.” Bible Science Newsletter, Aug. p. 10"
"The Days in Genesis
Genesis 1:5
“And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.”
Silently a huge, powerful form slides through the deep, cold, dark depths of the sea. The men aboard the nuclear submarine have seen neither sun nor daylight for months, yet each one knows what day it is. The men know what day and what time it is even without seeing daylight, because the sun’s movement – like a clock – only measures time; it doesn’t create it.
God doesn’t need the sun to measure time either. When He tells us in Genesis 1 that He created everything in six days and rested on the seventh, we know these are days like ours, even though the sun was not created until the fourth day. Some people wonder whether the days of Genesis 1 could be figurative days.
Well, the best interpreter of Scripture is Scripture itself. What does it say?The word translated “day” in Genesis 1 is the Hebrew word yom. Whenever that word is used anywhere else in the Old Testament with a number – like 10 yoms – it always means a 24 hour day. And whenever yom is used anywhere else in the Old Testament with the phrase “evening and morning,” it always means a 24 hour day.Going back to Genesis 1, we see that the Holy Spirit has made sure that both of these rules are in force to assure us that the Genesis days are like ours!
Prayer: I thank You, Lord, that Your Word is clear and true. Use it to correct my understanding as well as my life and do not allow my own pride to make me deaf or blind to Your Word. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Old or Young?
References: Bartz, Paul A. 1988. “Days in Genesis one and the week.” Bible Science Newsletter, Aug. p. 10"
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Angst??
19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Matt 6:19-21, 33-34; Phil 4:4-7; 1 Thess 5-24
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Matt 6:19-21, 33-34; Phil 4:4-7; 1 Thess 5-24
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
You know...
if you don't believe that Genesis 1-2:2 is God's truth, you have removed the foundation that He placed there in the beginning of His Word. If you don't believe that, what is the point in thinking that there is any Truth in any of the rest of the Word?? And how would you know when you came across Truth? You might get it wrong...
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto Him, "Art thou a king then?" Jesus answered. "Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." 38a Pilate saith unto Him, "What is Truth?"
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto Him, "Art thou a king then?" Jesus answered. "Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." 38a Pilate saith unto Him, "What is Truth?"
Old or Young?
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Gen 1:5b And the evening and the morning were the first day.
Gen 1:8b And the evening and the morning were the second day.
Gen 1:13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
Gen 1:19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
Gen 1:23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
Gen 1:31 And God saw every thing that He had made, and behold, it was very good.
And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Gen 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
Gen 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made.
This a question all believers must answer: Is Genesis 1:1-1:31 God's truth??
Sites to check out, if you want be sure of your answer.
Creation Moments and Answers in Genesis
Gen 1:5b And the evening and the morning were the first day.
Gen 1:8b And the evening and the morning were the second day.
Gen 1:13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
Gen 1:19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
Gen 1:23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
Gen 1:31 And God saw every thing that He had made, and behold, it was very good.
And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Gen 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
Gen 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made.
This a question all believers must answer: Is Genesis 1:1-1:31 God's truth??
Sites to check out, if you want be sure of your answer.
Creation Moments and Answers in Genesis
Monday, November 17, 2008
What's a Christian mind to do?
Here we are. It is November 2008. The Lord continues, in God's wisdom, to tarry.
We live here in this world. Christianity has over these two thousand years presented itself in various guises, i.e. the Persecuted Church, the State Church, the Monastic era, the Crusades, the Reformation, the Government (the Puritans both in England & this country; the Quakers), the Evangelistic era of the 19th century, the Religious Right of the latter half of the 20th century & others. What will it look like for the next 50 years, should Jesus continue to tarry?
Cal Thomas, a columnist and excellent thinker, has these thoughts to share with us regarding our thinking about how we are to live in this world/country as Christians.
Another writer, Gene Edward Veith, Jr., has written an excellent book called Loving God with All Your Mind: Thinking as a Christian in the Postmodern World. From his introduction:
Are we using our minds in ways that please God? In ways that fulfill His purposes for our lives? ~~
"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27
I highly recommend this book!!
We live here in this world. Christianity has over these two thousand years presented itself in various guises, i.e. the Persecuted Church, the State Church, the Monastic era, the Crusades, the Reformation, the Government (the Puritans both in England & this country; the Quakers), the Evangelistic era of the 19th century, the Religious Right of the latter half of the 20th century & others. What will it look like for the next 50 years, should Jesus continue to tarry?
Cal Thomas, a columnist and excellent thinker, has these thoughts to share with us regarding our thinking about how we are to live in this world/country as Christians.
Another writer, Gene Edward Veith, Jr., has written an excellent book called Loving God with All Your Mind: Thinking as a Christian in the Postmodern World. From his introduction:
Christians should used and develop their minds. The mental faculties
of the human mind - the power to think, to discover, to wonder, and to imagine - are precious gifts of God. The Christian who pursues knowledge, seeks education, and explores even the most "secular" subjects is fulfilling a Christian vocation that is pleasing to God and of great importance to the Church. The Bible, by precept and example, affirms this and opens up the whole realm of human knowledge to the Christian. This is my main thesis.
Are we using our minds in ways that please God? In ways that fulfill His purposes for our lives? ~~
"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27
I highly recommend this book!!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Meaning
One thing I enjoy is studying various words in the Bible. This is so important for understanding just what God is saying in a particular verse/passage/book/testament. For example, Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The word guard here is from the greek work phulasso (foo.las.so). If we follow the command in verse 6 to be anxious for nothing & correctly petition God, His peace will guard our hearts and minds.
From what are our minds guarded?
Check out Ephesians 6: 13-18!
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The word guard here is from the greek work phulasso (foo.las.so). If we follow the command in verse 6 to be anxious for nothing & correctly petition God, His peace will guard our hearts and minds.
From what are our minds guarded?
1 to guard. 1a to watch, keep watch. 1b to guard or watch, have an
eye upon: lest he escape. 1c to guard a person (or thing) that he may remain safe. 1c1 lest he suffer violence, be despoiled, etc. to protect. 1c2 to protect one from a person or thing. 1c3 to keep from being snatched away, preserve safe and unimpaired. 1c4 to guard from being lost or perishing. 1c5 to guard one’s self from a thing. 1d to guard i.e. care for, take care not to violate. 1d1 to observe.
Strong, James: The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Text of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurrence of Each Word in Regular Order. electronic ed. Ontario : Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996, S. G5442
guard. A military term meaning “to keep watch over.” God’s peace guards believers from anxiety, doubt, fear, and distress.
MacArthur, John Jr: The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville : Word Pub., 1997, c1997, S. Php 4:7What a blessing to know that through the Lord Jesus Christ God is actively guarding our hearts and minds from the dangers to believers in this fallen world.
Check out Ephesians 6: 13-18!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The name is DSYPL!
When the era of the 'create your own auto license plate' first came into vogue, there was a 6 letter/number/symbol limit in my state. Why? I have no idea. That meant I could not use 'disciple' in its 8 letter form, so I had to get creative & squeeze it down. And thus came up with DSYPL. This has been a good thing, because people look at it quizzically & then ask what it means. This gives me a good chance to give my testimony. Christians usually can work it out.
What is the name of this blog??
The name of the blog is DSYPL. OK, and just what does that mean, you ask? I'll let you think about it for awhile. In the meantime, welcome to my blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
