you ever heard of Caedmon?
UPDATE 9/1: Here are some very interesting links to introduce you to this 7th century laborer turned monk.
Caedmon's poetry can be considered our first Bible in the English language.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
another question
Thursday, August 27, 2009
now you know
What is the name of the first authorized Bible in the English language?
The Great Bible.
Under what King of England was it authorized?
King Henry VIII.
What was the date of its publication?
1539
Who prepared this Bible?
Miles Coverdale
Who's translation was used as the basis of this Bible?
For the New Testament and much of the Old Testament it was William Tyndale's translation.
Who's work did Tyndale use as the basis for his English translation?
The Latin New Testament of Desiderius Erasmus.
Erasmus had the Greek on the left side of the page and the Latin on the right. That was those who were both Greek and Latin scholars could compare these translations as they read the Bible.
The Great Bible.
Under what King of England was it authorized?
King Henry VIII.
What was the date of its publication?
1539
Who prepared this Bible?
Miles Coverdale
Who's translation was used as the basis of this Bible?
For the New Testament and much of the Old Testament it was William Tyndale's translation.
Who's work did Tyndale use as the basis for his English translation?
The Latin New Testament of Desiderius Erasmus.
Erasmus had the Greek on the left side of the page and the Latin on the right. That was those who were both Greek and Latin scholars could compare these translations as they read the Bible.
Monday, August 24, 2009
oh, P. S.
Answers will follow, but I'll give you some time to figure the questions out for yourself! heh
do you know?
What is the name of the first authorized Bible in the English language?
Under what King of England was it authorized?
What was the date of its publication?
Who prepared this Bible?
Who's translation was used as the basis of this Bible?
Who's work did the translator use as the basis for his English translation?
Under what King of England was it authorized?
What was the date of its publication?
Who prepared this Bible?
Who's translation was used as the basis of this Bible?
Who's work did the translator use as the basis for his English translation?
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Mind of Christ
1 Corinthians 2: 16
"For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
Isaiah 40:13
Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as his counselor has instructed?
John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
Romans 11:34-36
"For who has know the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?"
"Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?"
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be glory forever. Amen.
Utterly humbling. To think that Almighty God has given such a treasure to be housed in such an earthen vessel. My natural mind cannot comprehend that vast truth. But "we have the mind of Christ." Thanks be to God. AMEN.
"For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
Isaiah 40:13
Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as his counselor has instructed?
John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
Romans 11:34-36
"For who has know the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?"
"Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?"
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be glory forever. Amen.
Utterly humbling. To think that Almighty God has given such a treasure to be housed in such an earthen vessel. My natural mind cannot comprehend that vast truth. But "we have the mind of Christ." Thanks be to God. AMEN.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
spiritual riches
Job 28
12 But where can wisdom be found?
And where is the place of understanding"
13 Man does not know its value,
Nor is it found in the land of the living.
14 The deep says, 'It is not in me';
And the sea says, 'It is not with me'.
15 It cannot be purchased for gold,
Nor can silver be weighed for its price.
16 It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir,
In precious onyx or sapphire.
17 Neither gold nor crystal can equal it,
Nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold.
18 No mention shall be made of coral or quartz,
For the price of wisdom is above rubies.
19 The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it,
Nor can it be valued in pure gold.
20 From where then does wisdom come?
And where is the place of understanding?
21 It is hidden from the eyes of all living,
And concealed from the birds of the air.
22 Destruction and Death say,
'We have heard a report about it with our ears'.
23 God understands its [wisdom's] way,
And He knows its place.
24 For He looks to the ends of the earth,
And sees under the whole heavens,
25 To establish a weight for the wind,
And apportion the waters by measure.
26 When He made a law for the rain,
And a path for the thunderbolt,
27 Then He saw widom and declared it;
He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out.
28 And to man He said,
'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
And to depart from evil is understanding'.
12 But where can wisdom be found?
And where is the place of understanding"
13 Man does not know its value,
Nor is it found in the land of the living.
14 The deep says, 'It is not in me';
And the sea says, 'It is not with me'.
15 It cannot be purchased for gold,
Nor can silver be weighed for its price.
16 It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir,
In precious onyx or sapphire.
17 Neither gold nor crystal can equal it,
Nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold.
18 No mention shall be made of coral or quartz,
For the price of wisdom is above rubies.
19 The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it,
Nor can it be valued in pure gold.
20 From where then does wisdom come?
And where is the place of understanding?
21 It is hidden from the eyes of all living,
And concealed from the birds of the air.
22 Destruction and Death say,
'We have heard a report about it with our ears'.
23 God understands its [wisdom's] way,
And He knows its place.
24 For He looks to the ends of the earth,
And sees under the whole heavens,
25 To establish a weight for the wind,
And apportion the waters by measure.
26 When He made a law for the rain,
And a path for the thunderbolt,
27 Then He saw widom and declared it;
He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out.
28 And to man He said,
'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
And to depart from evil is understanding'.
worldly riches
Job 28
1 Surely there is a mine for silver,
And a place where gold is refined.
2 Iron is taken from the earth,
And copper is smelted from ore.
3 Man puts an end to darkness,
And searches every recess for ore,
In the darkness and and the shadow of death.
4 He breaks open a shaft away from people;
In places forgotten by feet
They hang far away from men;
They swing to and fro.
5 As for the earth, from it comes bread,
But underneath it is turned up as by fire;
6 Its stones are the source of sapphires,
And it contains gold dust.
7 That path no bird knows,
Nor has the falcon's eye seen it.
8 The proud lions have not trodden it,
Nor has the fierce lion passed over it.
9 He puts his hand on the flint;
He overturns the mountains at the roots.
10 He cuts out channels in the rocks,
And his eye sees every precious thing.
11 He dams up the streams from trickling;
What is hidden he brings forth to light.
1 Surely there is a mine for silver,
And a place where gold is refined.
2 Iron is taken from the earth,
And copper is smelted from ore.
3 Man puts an end to darkness,
And searches every recess for ore,
In the darkness and and the shadow of death.
4 He breaks open a shaft away from people;
In places forgotten by feet
They hang far away from men;
They swing to and fro.
5 As for the earth, from it comes bread,
But underneath it is turned up as by fire;
6 Its stones are the source of sapphires,
And it contains gold dust.
7 That path no bird knows,
Nor has the falcon's eye seen it.
8 The proud lions have not trodden it,
Nor has the fierce lion passed over it.
9 He puts his hand on the flint;
He overturns the mountains at the roots.
10 He cuts out channels in the rocks,
And his eye sees every precious thing.
11 He dams up the streams from trickling;
What is hidden he brings forth to light.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
memory
So often, men and women who have been mightily used by God, are forgotten by men. From little known Thomas Bilney to Asahel Nettleton (who?) and even to Johann Gutenburg. Gutenburg is widely known today as the the inventer of the printing press, but at the time of his death he was a pauper, remembered by few and we have no idea where his grave might be. It was only much later that his contribution to history was realized.
Since Asahel Nettleton is a name and a man those of us who are reformed should know, I present a series of links that will give you a good chance to learn about him. Enjoy!
Divine Election
Nettleton's Home Page
Forgotten
Faithful Preacher
Timeline
Evangelistic Style
Since Asahel Nettleton is a name and a man those of us who are reformed should know, I present a series of links that will give you a good chance to learn about him. Enjoy!
Divine Election
Nettleton's Home Page
Forgotten
Faithful Preacher
Timeline
Evangelistic Style
Saturday, August 15, 2009
fallen world
Job 21
7 Why do the wicked live and become old,
Yes, become mighty in power?
8 Their descendants are established with them in their sight,
And their offspring before their eyes.
9 Their houses are safe from fear,
Neither is the rod of God upon them.
10 Their bull breeds without failure;
Their cow calves without miscarriage.
11 They send forth their little ones like a flock,
And their children dance.
12 They sing to the tambourine and harp,
And rejoice to the sound of the flute.
13 They spend their days in wealth,
And in a moment go down to the grave.
14 Yet they say to God, ‘Depart from us,
For we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways.
15 Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him?
And what profit do we have if we pray to Him?’
7 Why do the wicked live and become old,
Yes, become mighty in power?
8 Their descendants are established with them in their sight,
And their offspring before their eyes.
9 Their houses are safe from fear,
Neither is the rod of God upon them.
10 Their bull breeds without failure;
Their cow calves without miscarriage.
11 They send forth their little ones like a flock,
And their children dance.
12 They sing to the tambourine and harp,
And rejoice to the sound of the flute.
13 They spend their days in wealth,
And in a moment go down to the grave.
14 Yet they say to God, ‘Depart from us,
For we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways.
15 Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him?
And what profit do we have if we pray to Him?’
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Augustus Montague Toplady
This English clergyman and writer, (1740-1778), is best known for his beloved and very familiar hymn, which was just one of many he wrote, but in his short lifetime he was known for his works of verse Poems on Sacred Subjects and best known for his polemical and dogmatic works. Toplady had been strongly influenced by the teachings of John Wesley but moved away from the Arminianism of the Methodists to the doctrines of Sovereign Grace of the Calvinist church and was licensed to preach in the Anglican Church, serving in the Anglican Church for the remainder of his life.
Two of his most influential and popular published works were The Church of England Vindicated from the Charge of Arminianism (1769); and The Historic Proof of the Doctrinal Calvinism of the Church of England (1774).
There was a constant and bitter controversy between the followers of Wesley who stressed man's free will and those who followed John Calvin's doctrine of election. In an article written for the The Gospel Magazine in 1776 Toplady wrote "he supported the doctrine of election by arguing that just as England could never pay her national debt, so man through his own efforts could never satify the eternal justice of a Holy God." (from Amazing Grace by Osbeck). Included with the article was a hymn which was the climax of his article which God has preserved over these 200 years to bless and encourage countless souls, including some precious Methodists I have known.
As you read through these words, you will find the Sovereign Grace that is the rock....
the Rock of Ages:
Rock of ages, cleft for me, left me hide myself in Thee;
let the water and the blood, from Thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure, save from wrath and make me pure.
Could my tears forever flow, could my zeal no languor know,
these for sin could not atone -- Thou must save and Thou alone:
in my hand no price I bring; simply to Thy cross I cling.
While I draw this fleeting breath, when my eyes shall close in death,
when I rise to worlds unknown and behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.
Augustus Toplady
"For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea....they all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them and that rock was Christ." (1 Cor. 10:1,3,4)
Two of his most influential and popular published works were The Church of England Vindicated from the Charge of Arminianism (1769); and The Historic Proof of the Doctrinal Calvinism of the Church of England (1774).
There was a constant and bitter controversy between the followers of Wesley who stressed man's free will and those who followed John Calvin's doctrine of election. In an article written for the The Gospel Magazine in 1776 Toplady wrote "he supported the doctrine of election by arguing that just as England could never pay her national debt, so man through his own efforts could never satify the eternal justice of a Holy God." (from Amazing Grace by Osbeck). Included with the article was a hymn which was the climax of his article which God has preserved over these 200 years to bless and encourage countless souls, including some precious Methodists I have known.
As you read through these words, you will find the Sovereign Grace that is the rock....
the Rock of Ages:
Rock of ages, cleft for me, left me hide myself in Thee;
let the water and the blood, from Thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure, save from wrath and make me pure.
Could my tears forever flow, could my zeal no languor know,
these for sin could not atone -- Thou must save and Thou alone:
in my hand no price I bring; simply to Thy cross I cling.
While I draw this fleeting breath, when my eyes shall close in death,
when I rise to worlds unknown and behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.
Augustus Toplady
"For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea....they all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them and that rock was Christ." (1 Cor. 10:1,3,4)
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
words of encouragement from Paul 4
I separated out each verse, in order to allow for a savoring contemplation of the incredible, "unbelievable" truths articulated in each of them. It is just breathtaking...
Romans 8
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written:
“ For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
comfort
Psalm 94
12 Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD,
And teach out of Your law,
13 That You may give him rest from the days of adversity,
Until the pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not cast off His people,
Nor will He forsake His inheritance.
15 But judgment will return to righteousness,
And all the upright in heart will follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?
Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
17 Unless the LORD had been my help,
My soul would soon have settled in silence.
18 If I say, “My foot slips,”
Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up.
19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul."
What a blessing to trust and rest in the Lord.
12 Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD,
And teach out of Your law,
13 That You may give him rest from the days of adversity,
Until the pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not cast off His people,
Nor will He forsake His inheritance.
15 But judgment will return to righteousness,
And all the upright in heart will follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?
Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
17 Unless the LORD had been my help,
My soul would soon have settled in silence.
18 If I say, “My foot slips,”
Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up.
19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul."
What a blessing to trust and rest in the Lord.
Monday, August 10, 2009
words of encouragement from Paul 3
Romans 8
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
These. Three. Verses. Are. Breathtaking.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
These. Three. Verses. Are. Breathtaking.
can you hear God now??
Psalm 94
1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs—
O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!
2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth;
Render punishment to the proud.
3 LORD, how long will the wicked,
How long will the wicked triumph?
4 They utter speech, and speak insolent things;
All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.
5 They break in pieces Your people, O LORD,
And afflict Your heritage.
6 They slay the widow and the stranger,
And murder the fatherless.
7 Yet they say, “The LORD does not see,
Nor does the God of Jacob understand.”
8 Understand, you senseless among the people;
And you fools, when will you be wise?
9 He who planted the ear, shall He not hear?
He who formed the eye, shall He not see?
10 He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct,
He who teaches man knowledge?
11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man,
That they are futile.
1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs—
O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!
2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth;
Render punishment to the proud.
3 LORD, how long will the wicked,
How long will the wicked triumph?
4 They utter speech, and speak insolent things;
All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.
5 They break in pieces Your people, O LORD,
And afflict Your heritage.
6 They slay the widow and the stranger,
And murder the fatherless.
7 Yet they say, “The LORD does not see,
Nor does the God of Jacob understand.”
8 Understand, you senseless among the people;
And you fools, when will you be wise?
9 He who planted the ear, shall He not hear?
He who formed the eye, shall He not see?
10 He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct,
He who teaches man knowledge?
11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man,
That they are futile.
hmmmmmmmmmm...
Job 12
24 He [God] takes away the understanding of the chiefs of the people of the earth,
And makes them wander in a pathless wilderness.
25 They grope in the dark without light,
And He makes them stagger like a drunken man.
Sure looks like today's news to me...
24 He [God] takes away the understanding of the chiefs of the people of the earth,
And makes them wander in a pathless wilderness.
25 They grope in the dark without light,
And He makes them stagger like a drunken man.
Sure looks like today's news to me...
Sunday, August 9, 2009
words of encouragement from Paul 2
Romans 8
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
27 And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
27 And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."
a happy ending
The Lollard's Pit in Norwich, England was one of the sites used for the burning of martyrs, those who were judged heretics by the Imperial Church of Rome; Smithfield was another. Images:
here, here, here and here (this last image is of the martyrdom of William Tyndale whose final prayer was "Lord, open the king of England's eyes". He wanted an English translation of the Bible for the common folk; this could only be done by the authority of the king.
While the images seem stylized, they nevertheless convey the experience of these martyrs. And Thomas Bilney was to be counted among them. He was convicted of heresy, but his friends pressured him and felt he would be throwing his life away just when he was spreading the gospel so successfully.
So he recanted; he was then paraded around a public area carrying fagots***** to remind him he had recanted and thus would not burn in an inferno of fagots. (See the images linked above to see the twigs and sticks bound together to provide this furnace of torture.) He was then returned to prison. *****At the site of Paul's Cross, he had to use his fagots to ignite and burn a stack of William Tyndale's Bibles.
However, the punishment of being burned at the stake was nothing compared to what was to come. The burning of William Tyndale's Bibles absolutely shattered him.
"After he spent a year in the Tower he returned to Cambridge, but he was so tortured by remorse that he had denied his Christ, that he could not bear to have anyone, not even his old friend Latimer, read or mention the Scriptures him. 'His mind wandered, the blood froze in his veins, he sank under his terrors; he lost all sense, and almost his life, and lay motionless in the arms of his astonished friends.' He could obtain no consolation."
"...he resolved to rectify the great wrong he had done. He determined never again to renounce the truth of God's Word."
He returned to Norfolk the town where he had first preached. He no longer had a license to preach and was soon apprehended.
"The night before [his] execution, friends who came to comfort, reminded him, 'Though the fire would be hot, God's spirit would cool it.' To show them his lack of fear he put his finger in the candle flame, leaving it there until it was burned off to the first joint. He told them, ' I feel by experience, and have known it long by philosophy, that fire by God's ordinance is naturally hot; but yet I am persuaded by God's Holy Word, and by the experience of some mentioned in the Word, that in the flame they felt no heat, and in the fire they felt no consumption; and I can constantly believe, however the stubble of this my body shall be wasted by it, yet my soul and spirit shall be purged thereby, a pain for the time, whereon, notwithstanding, followeth joy unspeakable.' He referred them to Isaiah 43:2 'When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.'"
"'Little' Bilney was executed at Lollard's Pit..." faithful to his Christ and to the Truth of God's Word.
Like Little-Faith, Bilney faltered and stumbled in his Christian walk, but by God's grace and the Holy Spirit coming along side, he persevered to the end to give glory to his Savior and praise to his God.
quoted material taken from the Friends of William Tyndale site.
here, here, here and here (this last image is of the martyrdom of William Tyndale whose final prayer was "Lord, open the king of England's eyes". He wanted an English translation of the Bible for the common folk; this could only be done by the authority of the king.
While the images seem stylized, they nevertheless convey the experience of these martyrs. And Thomas Bilney was to be counted among them. He was convicted of heresy, but his friends pressured him and felt he would be throwing his life away just when he was spreading the gospel so successfully.
So he recanted; he was then paraded around a public area carrying fagots***** to remind him he had recanted and thus would not burn in an inferno of fagots. (See the images linked above to see the twigs and sticks bound together to provide this furnace of torture.) He was then returned to prison. *****At the site of Paul's Cross, he had to use his fagots to ignite and burn a stack of William Tyndale's Bibles.
However, the punishment of being burned at the stake was nothing compared to what was to come. The burning of William Tyndale's Bibles absolutely shattered him.
"After he spent a year in the Tower he returned to Cambridge, but he was so tortured by remorse that he had denied his Christ, that he could not bear to have anyone, not even his old friend Latimer, read or mention the Scriptures him. 'His mind wandered, the blood froze in his veins, he sank under his terrors; he lost all sense, and almost his life, and lay motionless in the arms of his astonished friends.' He could obtain no consolation."
"...he resolved to rectify the great wrong he had done. He determined never again to renounce the truth of God's Word."
He returned to Norfolk the town where he had first preached. He no longer had a license to preach and was soon apprehended.
"The night before [his] execution, friends who came to comfort, reminded him, 'Though the fire would be hot, God's spirit would cool it.' To show them his lack of fear he put his finger in the candle flame, leaving it there until it was burned off to the first joint. He told them, ' I feel by experience, and have known it long by philosophy, that fire by God's ordinance is naturally hot; but yet I am persuaded by God's Holy Word, and by the experience of some mentioned in the Word, that in the flame they felt no heat, and in the fire they felt no consumption; and I can constantly believe, however the stubble of this my body shall be wasted by it, yet my soul and spirit shall be purged thereby, a pain for the time, whereon, notwithstanding, followeth joy unspeakable.' He referred them to Isaiah 43:2 'When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.'"
"'Little' Bilney was executed at Lollard's Pit..." faithful to his Christ and to the Truth of God's Word.
Like Little-Faith, Bilney faltered and stumbled in his Christian walk, but by God's grace and the Holy Spirit coming along side, he persevered to the end to give glory to his Savior and praise to his God.
quoted material taken from the Friends of William Tyndale site.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
words of encouragement from Paul 1
Romans 8
22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance."
22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance."
back to Bilney
"Since he was of a shy and bashful nature, he did not at first with boldness preach to the world. It is written that his vocation was prayer...pleading for souls".
Bilney was the leader of the protestant group in Cambridge. He and several others began meeting secretly in the White Horse Inn to discuss these new Lutheran teachings.
"Any evangelist would be proud to count among his converts those that Bilney made, names that stand high in the Reformation's hall of fame, persons without whom the English Reformation would perhaps not have been accomplished. Of Cambridge's eminent professors, Arthur, Thistle, and Stafford were the first to respond to him Latimer, Barnes, Lambert, Warner, Fooke and Soude were also among those he converted. All were men who place formost roles in the English Reformation." In fact, "he is known to have converted more great men among the English Reformers than did anyone else."
Others he was associated with were Tyndale and Frith. Bilney quietly attempted to fit his presentation of or conversation about the Gospel to the person he wished to convert.
His intensity in his love for His Savior and the Word of God must have seemed incandescent & the response to the Gospel would have reminded us of the effect of the Gospel in
Acts 2
40 And with many other words he [Peter] testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread and prayers.
47 ...praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Later Bilney became emboldened enough to preach. "It was not long, however, before opposition to his preaching developed. Twice monks forcibly drew him out of the pulpit."
This is only the beginning...
quoted material taken from the Friends of William Tyndale site. Information about Bilney specifically, is found here.
Bilney was the leader of the protestant group in Cambridge. He and several others began meeting secretly in the White Horse Inn to discuss these new Lutheran teachings.
"Any evangelist would be proud to count among his converts those that Bilney made, names that stand high in the Reformation's hall of fame, persons without whom the English Reformation would perhaps not have been accomplished. Of Cambridge's eminent professors, Arthur, Thistle, and Stafford were the first to respond to him Latimer, Barnes, Lambert, Warner, Fooke and Soude were also among those he converted. All were men who place formost roles in the English Reformation." In fact, "he is known to have converted more great men among the English Reformers than did anyone else."
Others he was associated with were Tyndale and Frith. Bilney quietly attempted to fit his presentation of or conversation about the Gospel to the person he wished to convert.
His intensity in his love for His Savior and the Word of God must have seemed incandescent & the response to the Gospel would have reminded us of the effect of the Gospel in
Acts 2
40 And with many other words he [Peter] testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread and prayers.
47 ...praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Later Bilney became emboldened enough to preach. "It was not long, however, before opposition to his preaching developed. Twice monks forcibly drew him out of the pulpit."
This is only the beginning...
quoted material taken from the Friends of William Tyndale site. Information about Bilney specifically, is found here.
Oops....
Forgive me - his name is Thomas Bilney ! I'm glad the Lord knows us all and doesn't have to bother with proper names.
Excellent things...
I'm sure that Little Bliney agreed with the words from Proverbs 22:20-21:
"Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge,
That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,
That you may answer words of truth
To those who send to you?"
How incredibility blessed we are to have our Bibles! I cannot imagine trying to be a Christian without having access to the Scriptures.
Just this week I was made aware (again) of the tremendous need for Bibles in China. In an article published in The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter (www.persecution.com) a Christian named "Shi Weihan printed 140,000 Bibles to give away to Christians in China. The government confiscated them all. What was the cost of his free gift? $22,000 fine, 3 years in prison and 2 daughters growing up without a father."
This faithful follower of Christ knows of the "excellent things". It will be interesting to see how Thomas Bliney fits in this interesting and ongoing story.
"Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge,
That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,
That you may answer words of truth
To those who send to you?"
How incredibility blessed we are to have our Bibles! I cannot imagine trying to be a Christian without having access to the Scriptures.
Just this week I was made aware (again) of the tremendous need for Bibles in China. In an article published in The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter (www.persecution.com) a Christian named "Shi Weihan printed 140,000 Bibles to give away to Christians in China. The government confiscated them all. What was the cost of his free gift? $22,000 fine, 3 years in prison and 2 daughters growing up without a father."
This faithful follower of Christ knows of the "excellent things". It will be interesting to see how Thomas Bliney fits in this interesting and ongoing story.
Friday, August 7, 2009
the story of "Little" Bilney
Paul was uniquely gifted by God for a very specific purpose,
Acts 9:
15 But the Lord said to him [Ananias], "Go, for he [Paul] is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."
Jesus has confirmed that if the world persecuted Him, it will persecute His followers. Would we be prepared for that?
Have you ever heard of Thomas Bilney?
He was born in Norwich, England around 1495; he was a quiet, studious young man who was ordained as a priest in 1519. Like Luther, he made intense efforts to please God through vigils, fasting, confessing, going to mass, buying indulgences, ad nauseum. All to no effect, all to no achievement of peace of mind about his standing with God.
Just at this point in time, the Greek New Testament was circulating in the "underground". Imagine trying to be Christian with no Bible?!? The Latin Vulgate (Jerome 347AD-420AD), which had been translated by him a thousand years earlier, was the only translation for the West and was restricted to the churches and monasteries. Most people would have no idea what the Word of God had to say to them!
Erasmus (a Dutch humanist, ca 1466 to 1536) prepared important new Latin and Greek editions of the Bible in 1522. His Greek New Testament was circulating in England that time. It was the first time that a parallel version of the Bible had been published, with a column of Latin on one side of the page and Greek on the other.
Bilney was called "Little" Bilney because of his slight stature. His intense desire to be right with God and his unavailing efforts to achieve this, led him finally to "read it [the NT] in secret. With considerable fear he purchased a copy and locking himself in his room, he allowed the book to fall open, and he read, "This is a faithful saying, which is worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy 1:15
"Bilney grasped the idea readily, that if Paul thought himself the chief of sinners, and yet was saved, then he, Bilney, even a greater sinner in his own estimation, could be saved too. What a revelation! What a relief! Instead of despair, a great inward peace now came into his soul."
The Lord had saved him. What would be God's role for this newly saved saint in this turbulent, reformation era??
Stay tuned...
Acts 9:
15 But the Lord said to him [Ananias], "Go, for he [Paul] is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."
Jesus has confirmed that if the world persecuted Him, it will persecute His followers. Would we be prepared for that?
Have you ever heard of Thomas Bilney?
He was born in Norwich, England around 1495; he was a quiet, studious young man who was ordained as a priest in 1519. Like Luther, he made intense efforts to please God through vigils, fasting, confessing, going to mass, buying indulgences, ad nauseum. All to no effect, all to no achievement of peace of mind about his standing with God.
Just at this point in time, the Greek New Testament was circulating in the "underground". Imagine trying to be Christian with no Bible?!? The Latin Vulgate (Jerome 347AD-420AD), which had been translated by him a thousand years earlier, was the only translation for the West and was restricted to the churches and monasteries. Most people would have no idea what the Word of God had to say to them!
Erasmus (a Dutch humanist, ca 1466 to 1536) prepared important new Latin and Greek editions of the Bible in 1522. His Greek New Testament was circulating in England that time. It was the first time that a parallel version of the Bible had been published, with a column of Latin on one side of the page and Greek on the other.
Bilney was called "Little" Bilney because of his slight stature. His intense desire to be right with God and his unavailing efforts to achieve this, led him finally to "read it [the NT] in secret. With considerable fear he purchased a copy and locking himself in his room, he allowed the book to fall open, and he read, "This is a faithful saying, which is worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy 1:15
"Bilney grasped the idea readily, that if Paul thought himself the chief of sinners, and yet was saved, then he, Bilney, even a greater sinner in his own estimation, could be saved too. What a revelation! What a relief! Instead of despair, a great inward peace now came into his soul."
The Lord had saved him. What would be God's role for this newly saved saint in this turbulent, reformation era??
Stay tuned...
Thursday, August 6, 2009
the story of litte-faith
Then Christian said to Hopeful, "I recall now the story of Little-Faith (scroll down about 1/2 the page) who dwelt in the town of Sincere. The story is this: At the entering in at this passage, there comes down from Broadway Gate a lane called Dead Man's Lane; so-called because of the murders that are commonly done there; and this Little-Faith, going on pilgrimage as we do now, chanced to sit down there and fell asleep."
"Now, there happened at that time to come down that lane from Broadway Gate, three sturdy rogues, named Faint-Heart, Mistrust, and Guilt, three brothers; and they, espying Little-Faith,
came galloping up and with threats bade him stand and deliver his purse. But when he made to haste to do it (for he was loth to lose his money) Mistrust ran up to him and took from his pocket a bag of silver. Then he cried out, 'Thieves! thieves!' With that Guilt, with a great club, struck Little-Faith on the head, and felled him flat to the ground, where he lay bleeding as one that would bleed to death. All this while the thieves stood by."
"But hearing someone upon the road, and fearing it was Great-Grace that dwells in the city of Good-Confidence, they took to their heels and left this good man to shift for himself. Now, after a while Little-Faith came to himself and, getting up, made shift to scramble on his way. This was the story."
HOPEFUL. Did they take from him all that he had?
CHRISTIAN. No; the place where his jewels were they never found; so he kept them still. But he had scarce enough money to bring him to his journey's end; so he was forced to beg as he went, to keep himself alive, for his jewels he dared not sell, for if they were missing at the gate of the Celestial City, he would be shut out of an inheritance there.
HOPEFUL. But is it not a wonder they got not from him his certificate, by which, he was to be admitted at the Celestial Gate?
CHRISTIAN. It is a wonder; and it was more by good providence than by his effort, that they missed getting that good thing.
Then Christian sang:
This story comes from the book Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, written while he was imprisoned (around 1675) for his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Now, there happened at that time to come down that lane from Broadway Gate, three sturdy rogues, named Faint-Heart, Mistrust, and Guilt, three brothers; and they, espying Little-Faith,
came galloping up and with threats bade him stand and deliver his purse. But when he made to haste to do it (for he was loth to lose his money) Mistrust ran up to him and took from his pocket a bag of silver. Then he cried out, 'Thieves! thieves!' With that Guilt, with a great club, struck Little-Faith on the head, and felled him flat to the ground, where he lay bleeding as one that would bleed to death. All this while the thieves stood by."
"But hearing someone upon the road, and fearing it was Great-Grace that dwells in the city of Good-Confidence, they took to their heels and left this good man to shift for himself. Now, after a while Little-Faith came to himself and, getting up, made shift to scramble on his way. This was the story."
HOPEFUL. Did they take from him all that he had?
CHRISTIAN. No; the place where his jewels were they never found; so he kept them still. But he had scarce enough money to bring him to his journey's end; so he was forced to beg as he went, to keep himself alive, for his jewels he dared not sell, for if they were missing at the gate of the Celestial City, he would be shut out of an inheritance there.
HOPEFUL. But is it not a wonder they got not from him his certificate, by which, he was to be admitted at the Celestial Gate?
CHRISTIAN. It is a wonder; and it was more by good providence than by his effort, that they missed getting that good thing.
Then Christian sang:
"Poor Little-Faith! hast been among the thieves?
Wast robbed? Remember this: whoso believes
And gets more faith, shall then a victor be
Over ten thousand: else scarce over three."
This story comes from the book Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, written while he was imprisoned (around 1675) for his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
a kaleidoscope of Christians
Do we really believe that Christians are each unique, gifted uniquely by God, or do we picture them as more or less all the same?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-13 and 20-31
1 Corinthians 12
14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?"
Obviously, God does not picture us as more or less the same.
When we think of the heros of the faith, who immediately comes to mind? The apostles, like Peter and Paul, Polycarp, Latimer, Ridley, too many to name.
But what about the unsung heros? Jesus says that even the very hairs on our heads are numbered. (Luke 12:7) So we know that He knows who they are, many of whom lost their lives for His sake and thus found them for all eternity.
More to come...
Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-13 and 20-31
1 Corinthians 12
14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?"
Obviously, God does not picture us as more or less the same.
When we think of the heros of the faith, who immediately comes to mind? The apostles, like Peter and Paul, Polycarp, Latimer, Ridley, too many to name.
But what about the unsung heros? Jesus says that even the very hairs on our heads are numbered. (Luke 12:7) So we know that He knows who they are, many of whom lost their lives for His sake and thus found them for all eternity.
More to come...
not on the same wave length
More on conversations from Scripture ~~
Romans 8
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh,
but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
It is no wonder we can't 'hear' each other, is it?
Romans 8
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh,
but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
It is no wonder we can't 'hear' each other, is it?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
more on Calvin
I've been chasing around on the web to find some good Calvin sites & there are quite a few, as you might imagine.
Theology through Technology
Calvin500
Wikipedia
CRTA (Center for Reformed Theology and Apologetics) has Calvin's complete Institutes online, that pretty cool!!
The Hall of Church History has information and sites of other Reformers.
Theology through Technology
Calvin500
Wikipedia
CRTA (Center for Reformed Theology and Apologetics) has Calvin's complete Institutes online, that pretty cool!!
The Hall of Church History has information and sites of other Reformers.
The year of John Calvin
This may be the year of Darwin for evolutionists, but for believers it is the year of John Calvin, one of the Reformers of the 16th century, he was born in 1509. More about him soon.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
think on these things
This is such exciting good news for believers!
Romans 6
5 If we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.
6 For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—
7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him.
9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him.
10 The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6
5 If we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.
6 For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—
7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him.
9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him.
10 The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Monday, August 3, 2009
future punishment; indictment
Romans 1
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image of corruptible man -- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
2009 is the year of Charles Darwin. Since his On the Origin of Species was published in 1859, men have been suppressing the truth of God in unrighteousness. Evolution is not proven fact, it is theory. It is not even scientific, as it is not possible to reproduce it in the laboratory, as scientific hypotheses are supposed to be. For a wonderful dose of Truth, meet Jobe Martin.
...changed the glory of the incorruptible God into...
here and here.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image of corruptible man -- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
2009 is the year of Charles Darwin. Since his On the Origin of Species was published in 1859, men have been suppressing the truth of God in unrighteousness. Evolution is not proven fact, it is theory. It is not even scientific, as it is not possible to reproduce it in the laboratory, as scientific hypotheses are supposed to be. For a wonderful dose of Truth, meet Jobe Martin.
...changed the glory of the incorruptible God into...
here and here.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
God's mysterious ways
God Moves in Mysterious Ways by William Cowper (1731-1800), a British poet.
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,
The clouds you so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smilling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
Some further verses in Esther to check out:
Esther 5:2, 6:1, 6:2, 6:4, 8:17, 9:2.
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,
The clouds you so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smilling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
Some further verses in Esther to check out:
Esther 5:2, 6:1, 6:2, 6:4, 8:17, 9:2.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
the unseen hand of God
I have just reached the book of Esther in my Old Testament reading. I have a nifty Bible called the MacArthur Daily Bible, which is set up for 365 days with readings from the Old Testament, then the Psalms, the Proverbs and the New Testament for each day. I had never been successful in reading through the Bible, though I had tried. But with the Daily Bible, I am now reading through it for the 6th year in a row & it gets more wonderful each year!!
So back to Esther, a book in which God is not mentioned specifically. It is a short, very readable, exciting book to read, so if you have not read it, you should do so. The book takes place in the Persian capital of Sushan and Ahasuerus (486 BC to 465 BC) is the king. The Jews have been scattered far and wide by the Assyrians, the Babylonians and the Medo-Persians.
Ahasuerus had a Queen, Vashti, who...well read it and find out.
While God is not mentioned in the book there are a number of places where we see that His providential hand is a work:
1) Esther 2:8b ...the care of Hagai [a eunuch] the custodian of the women.
9 Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor;
2) 2:25b And Esther gained favor in the sight of all who saw her.
3) 4:14b Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.
4) 5:2 [the kings sees Esther] ...that she found favor in his sight and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand.
Here are four instances of God's providential intervention on behalf of the Jews, there are several others in the following chapters of the book. Comment me with them if you find them.
So back to Esther, a book in which God is not mentioned specifically. It is a short, very readable, exciting book to read, so if you have not read it, you should do so. The book takes place in the Persian capital of Sushan and Ahasuerus (486 BC to 465 BC) is the king. The Jews have been scattered far and wide by the Assyrians, the Babylonians and the Medo-Persians.
Ahasuerus had a Queen, Vashti, who...well read it and find out.
While God is not mentioned in the book there are a number of places where we see that His providential hand is a work:
1) Esther 2:8b ...the care of Hagai [a eunuch] the custodian of the women.
9 Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor;
2) 2:25b And Esther gained favor in the sight of all who saw her.
3) 4:14b Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.
4) 5:2 [the kings sees Esther] ...that she found favor in his sight and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand.
Here are four instances of God's providential intervention on behalf of the Jews, there are several others in the following chapters of the book. Comment me with them if you find them.
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