"HE touched me"

God has called me to do two (2) things! To Teach and to Preach!( II Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.)
To do those I need to do two (2) things Study and Pray

We are in a real war "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]." Eph. 6:12

For Easter This month I will present what the cross means to all who are within the reading of my blog I plan to call it "The day God died" Please pray for me as I seek to bring many to the decision point of accepting Christ.
You will find this on my Dr Dennis Journal at this address
http://drcallahan.bravejournal.com

Love,
Dennis

The Gift

The Precious Gift




Once upon a time, when God had finished making the world, he wanted to leave behind a piece of His own divinity, a spark of His essence, a promise to man of what he could become, with effort. He looked for a place to hide this precious gift because, He explained, what man could find too easily would never be valued by him.

"Then you must hide this gift on the highest mountain peak on earth," said one of his counselors.

God shook His head, "No, for man is an adventuresome creature and he will soon enough learn to climb the highest mountain peaks."

"Hide it then, O Great One, in the depths of the earth."

"I think not," said God. "for man will one day discover that he can dig into the deepest parts of the earth."

"In the middle of the ocean then, Master?"

God shook His head. "I've given man a brain, you see, and one day he'll learn to build ships and cross the mightiest oceans."

"Where then, Master?" cried His counselors.

God smiled, "I'll hide it where every man and woman will be able to find it if they look sincerely and deeply enough. I'll hide it in their heart."

People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering."

St. Augustine, 354 430

Purpose Driven Life

In an interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren said:

People ask me, "What is the purpose of life?" And I respond, In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.

One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body - but not the end of me. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillion of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act, the dress rehearsal.

God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity. We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort.

God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ-likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting Cancer. I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you got to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.

And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for. You can focus on your purposes, or........ you can focus on your problems. If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is "my problem, my issues, my pain."

But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her. It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people...

You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life. Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before.

I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for you to own ego or for you to live a life of ease. So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do,
Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.

First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases. Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church. Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call "The Peace Plan" - to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation. Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.

We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? ......... Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You be better ...

God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

A Pastor's letters

Gentle Readers,
Here are some of the letters that I have come across my desk. Don't ever think your prayers go unanswered on that God doesn't care about you!

On March 11, 1997, I tried to kill myself. Too many heart aches--too much pain. After researching the subject, I decided on carbon monoxide. While waiting in my car to die, I was crying, drinking beer and listening to Gospel music. I didn't want to go to hell, so I cried out "God forgive me." And He did. It was only a second or two before there was a knock on my car window. The figure of a man was standing there. He said in the most beautiful voice I had ever heard, "You seem so sad." That was all, and He was gone. I was broke, without a job, 45, and single, but I had found a Friend and began getting acquainted with Him in my Bible. His love, mercy and forgiveness won my heart, and brought me to LIFE. Jesus said, "....I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." John 10:10


I really enjoy receiving and reading others Testimonies. Your
organization has come up with such a wonderful idea.
I too have a testimony to share with the world.
I am 17 years old and I love God so much...he has done so much for
me. When I was 15 my mom started attending a Christian church. She forced me
to go with her and I hated it and her. I decided I did not want to live by my
parents strict "Christian" rules and ran away, of course by law I had to stay
at home until the age of 16, so I was forced to go home again.
While at home I was extremely rebelious. I did drugs, stayed out late and
didn't even come home sometimes. I mentally and physically abused my
mom...she went through Hell on Earth. I swear Satan had such a strong hold on
me...I was shall I say "Demon Possessed."
When I turned 16 I was gone. I moved out and stayed with a friend for quite
awhile...until I meet a guy. I then moved in with him. He was severely abusive
and Satan just kept telling me that I deserved it and I could never do any
better for myself.
Finally one night after a big fight and months of torture God spoke to me
and said he loved me. He told me that no matter what he would forgive me and
everything would be okay. I called my mom and asked her if she would take me
to church with her the next evening. She did and God ministered to me that
night. He showed me all that was wrong and removed it all.
The next day I left my apartment and moved back home. That was 9 months ago. I
have not smoked a cigarette, had a sip of alcohol or done any drugs since
then. I am a spirit-filled born again Christian and I am serving God with a
fire that only he could have given me, and I am proud of it!
I just want everyone to know how awesome God is...if he could save me and
wipe away all of my sins he can do it for everyone. God loves us all so very
much and it hurts him when we go against his word.
God sent his only son to die on the cross so that we could have everlasting
life...that means a lot and I hope the whole world realizes that.
Thanx for reading this and I hope it helps someone
Someday!! God Bless You
Love Chasity W

In 1993, convinced that my life had ended, I accepted a friends invitation to go with her to an Easter musical. For the first time, I saw how much God loved me. He had not only sent Jesus, but He sent people to love me and to save me from committing suicide. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. Though I had been kicked out of the high school chorus for singing off key, my church choir director now urged me to sing and later launched me into a ministry of singing and sharing my testimony in various churches. I want everyone to know the love and forgiveness I have received and that Satan is a liar. Any thoughts that make you feel there is no hope come only from Satan and not from God. "The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation..." Exodus 15:2

You see Gentle Reader, It's your prayers and mine for the lost that keep these young people from going to a Christless eternity! pray for the Lost! Help them find their way on the journey home.
Pastor Dennis

All things? Yes, All things!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28)

My faith in God's perfect will for me was tested again this week. We were driving back to our home in British Columbia from California. Three days of driving and we would be home. Next week would be very full for we already had booked many appointments.

And then God interrupted our plans. Three hours out of Palm Springs our truck stopped and we couldn't start it again. We called AAA and four hours later a tow truck arrived and brought us to a service station. We left our RV on the shoulder beside the highway and prayed for God's protection over it.

Oh well, so we would have to stay in a motel for a day, that would be fine. At first we were told it was a minor problem and that it could be corrected in a few hours the next morning, but it was more serious and the two hours turned out to be two days.

I found myself getting irritable and impatient. We would have to change all of our appointments because we would arrive home at least two days later than we planned.

I turned to God and asked Him why I felt irritated and was not peaceful. He told me I was impatient and irritable because I didn't really believe that His plan for me was better than my own plan. That was true. I had to agree that I thought it was more important to be driving home than waiting in a motel room.

However, we were able to share our testimonies with a couple in a restaurant and a service man. That could have been one reason we were held up. But I think God wanted to reveal to me it is easy to believe that God's will is best for me when things go like I want. If God interrupts (or uses someone else to interrupt) my unbelief is revealed. I will give that area of my life to God so He can change it.

How about you? Has God been testing your faith lately? Do you really believe that God's will is best for your life?

Father, as an act of my will, I chose to believe that You work all things for the good of those who love You. I love You Lord and choose to trust You. Amen

A Child and Tears

A child is created inside,
a mother's womb by our Lord above,
between a man and a woman at each other's side
from each other's care and tender love.

A child is brought into this world suddenly,
held for the first time in his father's arms.
The smile from ear to ear comes from me,
protecting this child from all worldly harms.

A child coos and breathes quietly,
when sleeping upon my chest.
As I rub this child's forehead tenderly,
as he is in so much peace and rest.

A child begins to grow very quickly,
and learns he has a very loud cry.
And, begins to take his first steps awkwardly,
with every fall, comes another careful step.

A child begins to learn to run,
his laughter heard throughtout the house,
after the child has tons of fun,
he falls asleep on the floor, quiet as a mouse

A child goes to school one day,
with tears in his eyes from fear.
Then comes home with a laughter all the way,
realizing school is filled with cheer.

A child grows up and is almost a man,
he is with his friends out on a date.
A child is unaware that suddenly, he can,
be taken away by tragedy, and unprepared fate.

A child was born,
a child has died,
many hearts are suddenly torn,
then many tears, from eyes that cried.

A child is no longer held here,
but in my heart, that feels so empty and alone
A child, I can't wipe away the tear,
the child is my very own.

A child is carried to the heavens above,
held by the Father and His Son,
filling his young life with so much love,
and I know he has not been the only one.

A child has received his reward,
and is no longer in suffering or pain,
and someday I know I will be with the Lord,
and see my child, once again.

The Pastor's Wife

We often hear of Hero's
on the news at night
how someone went into a fire
to save someone else's life

BUT, there's another Hero
that we never hear about
thou her love and dedication
are never in a doubt

Often took for granted
never glorified
still she keeps on going
for the person by her side

She stands beside him everyday
no matter what is thrown their way
for he was called from above
to spread the message of GODS' LOVE

and just as he was called
she was hand picked too
for it takes someone special
to do what she must do

and thou he may get the glory
and he may get the fame
she will stand beside him with love
and help him just the same

she is the person he turns to
when he needs a friend
she will always be there
to the glorious end

I would like to take this moment to introduce to you
a Lovely unsung hero for whom
GOD handpicked to spend her life
as the pastor's WIFE

God's Message To Women

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.

Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From one bone I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's life. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone I shaped you. I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully.

Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life.

The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart. Support man as the rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.

You are my perfect angel. You are my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your eyes - don't change them. Your lips how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form, your hands so gentle to touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep; I've held your heart close to mine. Of all that lives and breathes, you are the most like me. Adam walked with me in the cool of the day and yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me. He could only feel me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you: my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection and support.

You are special because you are the extension of me. Man represents my image - woman, my emotions. Together, you represent the totality of God.

So man - treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt me. What you do to her, you do to me. In crushing her, you only damage your own heart, the heart of your Father, and the heart of her Father.

Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self.

Did you not know that WOMAN was so special in God's eyes? Now we really know! Hallelujah!!
- Contributed by Becky Cash

Silence

Be Still.....And Know that I AM GOD!

God is the Friend of Silence

We Need to Find God,
He Cannot Be Found in Noise and Restlessness.

God Is the Friend of Silence.

See How Nature . . .
Trees, Flowers, Grass
Grow in Silence.

See the Stars, the Moon and Sun . . .
How They Move in Silence.
The More We Receive in Silent Prayer,
The More We Can Give in Our Active Life.

We Need Silence to Be Able to Touch Souls.

The Essential Thing Is Not What We Say,
But What God Says . . .
To us and Through us.

All Our Words Will Be Useless
Unless They Come from Within.
Words Which Do Not Give the Light of Christ . . .
Increase the Darkness.

-Mother Teresa

God's Job

What's this world coming to
We hear somebody say
Those words are getting famous
We hear them everyday

But if you'll just take a moment
To look around, you'll see
It's not the world that's changing
It's folks like you and me

There's people in the white house
That wants to change this land
But ONLY if it fits their needs
And not their fellowman

But of all the things through this world
That saddens me most to hear
Is all the big new clinics
That's spread both far and near

Where they can take a little life
Before it's ever born
No looking back,no second thought
No one to ever mourn

Another precious life is gone
It never had the chance
To look upon its mother's face
She had no backward glance

So many churches of today
Their doors flung open wide
But look around and you will see
That GOD is left outside

Some have gotten so corrupt
That Angels fear to trod
And it's all because we think that we
Can do the job for God

The moral of this story
Has a meaning sad but true
And we're all guilty of these things
Including ME and YOU

It's people that messed up this world
And it started way back when
We thought that we was smart enough
To do God's job for Him

God Provides

Open the Door
A woman received a phone call that her daughter was very sick with a fever. She left work and stopped by the pharmacy for some medication for her daughter. When returning to her car to find she had locked her keys inside. She had to get home to her sick daughter, and didn't´ know what to do. She called her home to the baby sitter, and was told her daughter was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door." The woman found an old rusty coat hanger on the ground, as if someone else had locked their keys in their car..

Then she looked at the hanger and said, "I don´t know how to use this," She bowed her head and asked God for help. An old rusty car pulled up, driven by a dirty, greasy, bearded man with a biker skull rag on his head.

The woman thought, "Great God. This is what you sent to help me????" But she was desperate, and thankful.

The man got out of his car and asked if he could help. She said "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car."

He said, "SURE.."

He walked over to the car and in seconds the car was opened. She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "THANK YOU SO MUCH..... You are a very nice man."

The man replied, "Lady, I ain´t a nice man. I just got out of prison for car theft."

The woman hugged the man again and cried out loud..... THANK YOU GOD FOR SENDING ME A PROFESSIONAL!"

Just repeat this phrase and see how God moves!!
When no door is open... God will open a window!
When "God Provides".. He provides the very best!
Be blessed today and everyday!

More from Scripture Research

A Look at the book, "A Man and Two Trees:"
Is "immortality" a myth?

Immortal: (Noun) One exempt from death; (Adj.) Not subject to death.


When we speak of immortality, are we entertaining ancient myths that were handed down to us from reckless dreamers pretending that bliss is realized beyond the grave? Or was the idea of immortality an ancient invention of man's best imagination? It would be a maximum tragedy to entertain a misleading expectation that would never be realized. We must never use wrong theological medications in order to tranquilize our troubled minds?

Psychologist Carl Gustav Jung suggested that humans have a "collective unconscious" environment in the brain that must be expressed in myths. He maintained that humanity carries many religious myths in unconscious minds that dramatize events such as coming of age, marrying, meeting death and living beyond the normal life, in another world. If, on the other hand, immortality was not a myth and very real, could there possibly be tangible proofs or examples?

From the beginning of recorded history, men have visualized and written about life-after-death as either spiritual or organic in nature for survival beyond their present living conditions. What spawned the idea? An empty hope or did God unveil the concept in a tangible way? Let's not overlook the idea that it could also have been learned from written revelation?

Before the Bible was written, for many cultures, immortality was the answer to the critical question of overcoming the apparent inroad of physical death upon humanity. The great desire for deliverance from death was evident in many ancient writings. Whatever their concept was of the afterlife, it only needed a myth and a beautifully made-up dream to make it desirable and acceptable to all. In order for men to believe that immortality could be realized in the afterlife, they must have seen something or read something to that effect.

In the field of biology, it has been recently discovered that cells possess no need to die. The observation was that some living things suffered death only by accident, not the consequence of living too long. Biologists kept living cells in safely shielded test-tube environments for a very long time. The deathless existence was no myth to them. It was a surprising reality.

Dr. Charles Asbell phoned my office the other day and in passing said, "I have discovered that bacteria and many single plant and animal cells need never die." He had researched the subject and concluded that examples of immortality (deathlessness) were very present. He conducts classes on the subject.

Since the invention of the microscope, students have observed and written reports of the life cycle of the unicellular amoebae. It was noticed that life cycles endure through the moment it separates into two. However, this fracture does not exemplify the human constitution of birth, maturity, growing old and ultimately dying. In fact, this amoeboid never dies, in the ordinary sense of the word. It can possibly die accidentally. However, it never becomes old and ready to die away. Something external must be introduced in order to slay it.

The original amoeboid, as well as the paramecia disappeared, leaving behind no observable trace. At maturity, this amoeboid divides into two so-called "daughter cells," passing all its substance on and leaving no corpse behind. As a faulty example, but none-the-less helpful to the thought, boys disappear, as they become men, leaving no boy-corpse to dispose of. Many biologists, along with Dr. Arthur Custance and Dr. Charles Asbell have concluded from years of observation that cells do not die normally and amazingly, need never die. Cells are put to death by poisons or foreign substances from environmental factors that stop their biological process. Outside of the hazard factor, this sample of deathless existence is no myth for the scientific community!

In the plant kingdom we observe that some trees are of a vast age, as well as size. The death of their counterparts is only caused by external circumstances. The tree itself has nothing within it to cause its demise. Death is brought upon the tree from outer sources, like beetles, climate changes and lack of nourishment or forest fires. There is a particular tree in the Calcutta Botanical Gardens that has been sheltered artificially from many of the things that could cause its destruction. Concerning the long life of that tree, the question has been asked, "If functioning protoplasm is not, necessarily, subject to death, why does death appear?" The answer lies in the realm of induced calamity or evil.

In the first of my several visits to Israel (1969) as a tour guide and instructor, the Hebrew University pointed to a fact that one of the olive trees in the Garden of Prayer, on the Mount of Olives has been there since the first century. If that were true, it would be over 2,000 years old. Death for that tree would have had to be an invasion from without, a mishap. However, who really knew how old the tree was? No one was there from the first century to testify on behalf of the tree.

These examples give us the idea that deathlessness was never a myth in the natural. From the biblical standpoint, natural death was not a punishment that He introduced into creation because of Adam's sin. Physical death was always a natural hazard and occurs to all living plants and animals.

In the Garden of Eden, the loss of God's presence was a full-blown penalty placed upon all humanity. It was definitely a spiritual death, while living on earth. The answer for humanity alone was for God to somehow overthrow the sentence of "death" as punishment and give humanity immortality through the instrument of "resurrection from death."

We shall begin to see that resurrection into immortality was never a myth! If immortality was attainable for mortals, the big question is when was it accomplished? We know that before AD 70, everyone waited for death to be destroyed and the occurrence of resurrection in order to have immortality. Only at the Parousia or Second Coming of Christ would men receive immortality. So, after the resurrection, those who were "regenerated" and given life through faith in Christ simply "put on" immortality, which would cause their spiritual body to rise immediately at physical death into the presence of God.

Definitions taken from The New Britannica-Webster Dictionary & Reference Guide. Page 445.

Myth comes from the Greek mythos. Mythos and logos have similar meanings. Both can be translated as "word," the expression of thoughts, true stories and fiction.

Dr. Asbell phoned Jerry December 14, 2004. The conversation concerned several publications of Scripture Research. Dr. Asbell, president of Scripture Research, Inc. has taught many classes on physical immortality, taken from the life long work of Dr. Arthur Custance, "The Seed of the Woman."

Dr. Custance is a Member of the Evangelical Theological Society, a Member Emeritus of the Canadian Physiological Society, and a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland.

Read; 1st Corinthians 15:53 and Colossians 3:9, 10

When I say....

When I Say..."I am a Christian"

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering "I get lost!"
"That is why I chose this way."

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need someone to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are too visible
but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority.
I only know I'm loved.

An old Irish prayer

Old Irish Prayer

Alone with none but thee, my God,
I journey on my way.
What need I fear,
when thou art near
O king of night and day?
More safe am I within thy hand
Than if a host did round me stand.

St. Columba

In Time of Sorrow
May you see God's light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Not turn your heart to stone,
And may you always remember
You do not walk alone.

May God grant you
the strength and faith
to count your blessings,
not your your crosses;
count your gains
not your losses.
Count your joys
not your woes;
Count your friends
not your foes.
Count your smiles
not your tears;
Count your courage
not your fears.
Count your full years
not your lean;
Count your kind deeds
not your mean.
Count your health
not your wealth;
And love your neighbour
as much as yourself.


May your days be gold in the rays of the sun;
May your nights be silver in the light of the moon;
May Jesus welcome you when life is done;
But, God willing, may it not be soon;
May breezes brush soft against your face;
May shamrocks and roses line your way;
May you be bathed in God's bounteous grace;
And may you be given or whatever you pray.

Don't let this happen to yours....

It stood near the end of a country lane,
It had been there a good hundred years;
It stood in tribute to both joy and pain,
Well washed in those two kinds of tears.
When first it was built and God-sanctified,
It was filled with His love and His grace;
And over the years, God was so satisfied,
It became a most highly blest place.

It had not been in use for a very long time,
And around it, new buildings had sprung;
It now served as a target for mischief and crime,
And was defiled by the thoughtless and young.

The billboard went up on a Saturday night,
That's when church socials used to regale;
The sign was so big it near covered the site,
It read: "THIS LITTLE CHURCH IS FOR SALE."

GET INVOLVED! MAKE YOUR LIFE FOR CHRIST COUNT! TELLS OTHERS ABOUT JESUS!!!!!!

An Irish blessing and prayer

May the blessing of light be upon you,
Light on the outside, Light on the inside.
With God's sunlight shining on you,
May your heart glow with warmth,
Like a turf fire that welcomes friends and strangers alike.
May the light of the Lord shine from your eyes,
Like a candle in the window,
Welcoming the weary traveller.
May the blessing of God's soft rain be on you,
Falling gently on your head, refreshing your soul
With the sweetness of litte flowers newly blooming.
May the strength of the winds of Heaven bless you,
Carrying the rain to wash your spirit clean
Sparkling after in the sunlight.
May the blessing of God's earth be on you,
And as you walk the roads,
May you always have a kind word for those you meet.
May you understand the strength and power of God.
In a thunderstorm in Winter, And the quiet beauty of creation,
In the calm of a Summer sunset, And may you come to realize,
that, insignificant as you may seem in this great Universe,
You are an important part of God's plan.
May he watch over you and keep you safe from harm




Something To Someone

I don't wish to be
Everything to Everyone
But I would like to be
Something to Someone

For while some people have
A shoulder to cry on
It is the destiny of others
That they must cry alone

We should always remember
- To themselves
No one is just another person

Touch gently the Life
Of your fellow man
For the human heart
Shapes as easily
As clay upon
The potter's wheel

Our path is a little clearer
Our steps are a little lighter
And we appear a little taller
When we walk beside
Someone we Love

The pain we feel
When someone leaves our life
Is in direct proportion
To the joy they bring
While a part of our life
For a few moments
In my Life
You made me feel
As if I truly meant
Something to Someone

Jesus Christ

~He Is God~


He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!


He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be ...
unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!



He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and "Oprah" can't explain Him away!



He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.




His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!



I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,
the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomes, and is to come. And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.



His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
never forsake me,
never mislead me,
never forget me,
never overlook me and
never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!



When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!




He is everything for everybody everywhere, every time, and every way.

He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine!

My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...

He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.



Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!






PASS THIS ON IF YOU BELIEVE IT...

I love the Lord and thank Him for all that He has done in my life; therefore I'm passing this on.
When love has touched our lives, it remains forever in our hearts

God hears our inner cry!

I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.

Mother Teresa

"Called and chosen"

This site is dedicated to those who are called saints in Christ. A saint is not a perfect person...but a sinner who has been taken out of the kingdom of darkness and placed in the kingdom of light. We are being transformed by the power of God as a potter does to turn a lump of muck into a beautiful vase. A saint is flawed, imperfect, and struggles with controlling the passions of the flesh while walking in the Spirit. God has called each of us to be Saints Don't miss the opportunity! Welcome saints in Christ Jesus!


The Stone Cutter

There was once a stone cutter who was dissatisfied with himself and with his position in life.

One day he passed a wealthy merchant's house. Through the open gateway, he saw many fine possessions and important visitors. "How powerful that merchant must be!" thought the stone cutter. He became very envious and wished that he could be like the merchant.

To his great surprise, he suddenly became the merchant, enjoying more luxuries and power than he had ever imagined, but envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself. Soon a high official passed by, carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants and escorted by soldiers beating gongs. Everyone, no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the procession. "How powerful that official is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a high official!"

Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered sedan chair, feared and hated by the people all around. It was a hot summer day, so the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair. He looked up at the sun. It shone proudly in the sky, unaffected by his presence. "How powerful the sun is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be the sun!"

Then he became the sun, shining fiercely down on everyone, scorching the fields, cursed by the farmers and laborers. But a huge black cloud moved between him and the earth, so that his light could no longer shine on everything below. "How powerful that storm cloud is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a cloud!"

Then he became the cloud, flooding the fields and villages, shouted at by everyone. But soon he found that he was being pushed away by some great force, and realized that it was the wind. "How powerful it is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be the wind!"

Then he became the wind, blowing tiles off the roofs of houses, uprooting trees, feared and hated by all below him. But after a while, he ran up against something that would not move, no matter how forcefully he blew against it - a huge, towering rock. "How powerful that rock is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a rock!"

Then he became the rock, more powerful than anything else on earth. But as he stood there, he heard the sound of a hammer pounding a chisel into the hard surface, and felt himself being changed. "What could be more powerful than I, the rock?" he thought.

He looked down and saw far below him the figure of a stone cutter.

"Grow old along with me!

"Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, The last of life, for which the first was made." - Robert Browning

Nothing is sadder than not to know the truth of Browning's words; nothing is more rewarding than living by them. There is as much of the "last of life" to live as the first, maybe more. So, accept the blessed idea that the best is yet to be, and you will live a rich, full span on this earth, wasting none of it in future fears or vain regrets. But if the last of life is to be a serene and wonderful time beyond all other, the first must be planned.

Many strong, fine, exciting things belong to youth. I'm glad I missed none of them. But they pass out of our experience in due time and we must be ready to let them go and take others just as good, or better. There are those who store nothing in these splendid, reckless young years to fill the later ones. They think of happiness in terms of what youth alone can be, and know and do. For the , last of life can be barren, cold, sometimes ugly in its attempts to prolong that youth.

Those who plant seeds of love, service, friendship, know the last of life as a privilege, and a continuing adventure. The fevers of the blood die down, the spirit grows serene. Friendships grow holier and shared years. Memories become hallowed. Beauty can be enjoyed without the torturing need for possession. Humor becomes part of wisdom. And service is a gift worth offering to those still on the battlefield of youth. The harvest of work well done, of love freely given, is ripe for reaping. The books we never had time to read, the music we never had time to hear, the people we never had time to talk to, the games we never watched because we were so busy playing them, the prayers we never had time to say, the God we never had time to know--all these can be ours at last. And when that chapter ends, surely the Best of All is -- yet to be.

"You want Answers"?

This story is most likely an urban legend, but it is still encouraging.

There was a professor of philosophy there who was a deeply committed atheist. His primary goal for one required class was to spend the entire semester attempting to prove that God couldn't exist. His students were always afraid to argue with him because of his impeccable logic. For twenty years he had taught this class and NO ONE had ever had the courage to go against him. Sure, some had argued in class at times, but no one had ever *really gone against him* (you'll see what I mean later). Nobody would go against him because he had a reputation.

At the end of every semester, on the last day, he would say to the class of 300 students, "If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up!" In twenty years, nobody ever stood up. They knew what he was going to do next. He would say, "Because anyone who believes in God is a fool. If God existed, he could stop this piece of chalk from hitting the ground and breaking. Such a simple task to prove he is God, and yet he can't do it." And every year he would drop the chalk onto the tile floor of the classroom and it could shatter into a hundred pieces. All of the students could do nothing but stop and stare. Most of the students were convinced that God couldn't exist. Certainly, a number of Christians had slipped through, but for 20 years they had been too afraid to stand up.

Well, a few years ago there was a freshman who happened to enroll in the class. He was a Christian, and had heard the stories about this professor. He had to take the class because it was one of the required classes for his major. And he was afraid. But for three months that semester, he prayed every morning that he would have the courage to stand up no matter what the professor said or what the class thought. Nothing they said or did could ever shatter his faith, he hoped. Finally, the day came. The professor said, "If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up!" The professor, and the class of 300 people looked at him, shocked, as he stood up at the back of the room. The professor shouted, "YOU FOOL! If nothing I have said all semester has convinced you that God doesn't exist, then you are a fool! If God existed, he could keep this piece of chalk from breaking when it hit the ground!" He proceeded to drop the chalk, but as he did, it slipped out of his fingers, off his shirt cuff, onto the pleats of his pants, down his leg, and off his shoe. And as it hit the ground, it simply rolled away, UNBROKEN. The professor's jaw dropped as he stared at the chalk. He looked up at the young man and then ran out of the lecture hall. The young man who had stood up proceeded to walk to the front of the room and share his faith in Jesus for the next half hour. 300 students stayed and listened as he told of God's love for them and of his power through Jesus.

Satan's Garage Sale

Once upon a time, Satan was having a garage sale. There, standing in little groups were all of his bright, shiny trinkets. Here were tools that make it easy to tear others down for use as stepping stones. And over there were some lenses for magnifying ones own importance, which, if you looked through them the other way, you could also use to belittle others, or even one's self. Against the wall was the usual assortment of gardening implements guaranteed to help your pride grow by leaps and bounds: the rake of scorn, the shovel of jealousy for digging a pit for your neighbor, the tools of gossip and backbiting, of selfishness and apathy. All of these were pleasing to the eye and came complete with fabulous promises and guarantees of prosperity. Prices, of course, were steep; but not to worry! Free credit was extended to one and all. "Take it home, use it, and you won't have to pay until later!" old Satan cried, as he hawked his wares.

The visitor, as he browsed, noticed two well worn, non-descript tools standing in one corner. Not being nearly as tempting as the other items, he found it curious that these two tools had price tags higher than any other. When he asked why, Satan just laughed and said, "Well, that's because I use them so much. If they weren't so plain looking, people might see them for what they were." Satan pointed to the two tools, saying, "You see, that one's Doubt and that one's Discouragement -- and those will work when nothing else will."

"The Old Book"

The Family Bible

Old Brother Higgins built a shelf
for the family bible to rest itself
lest a sticky finger or grimy thumb
might injure the delicate pages some.
He cautioned his children to touch it not
and it rested there with never a blot
though the Higgins tribe were a troublesome lot.

His neighbor, Miggins, built a shelf
"Come children," he said, "and help yourself."
His book is old and ragged and worn,
with some of the choicest pages torn,
where children have fingered and thumbed and read.
But of the Miggins tribe I've heard it said,
each carries a bible in his head.

"A man and 2 trees"

A Look at the book: A Man and Two Trees:

The Father's House! "That God may be all in all" [1st Cor. 15:28]. When first century believers were placed into Christ, these set the stage for the Father to dwell "in all." The Eternal Son was associated with the Father's Will, before the age-times arrived and sin entered into the world, after the creation. What a statement! We have to read it several times before all of the ramifications settle in on us. Read it again.

The first intention and design was for the Father to live in His children, the objects of His great love principle. Then, sin entered into the picture and redemption became a work until it closed with the message, "Be ye reconciled to God." The word, "reconcile" means to be friendly again. It means to get beyond the problem and return to the first relationship.

Beyond all the different ages, recorded in scripture, the "good pleasure of His will" was there to powerfully produce the Father's love-intention for all ages after that. The next question is "When was this "pleasure" of God accomplished and completed?"

"That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him."
The time frame, of which Paul speaks ("the dispensation of the fullness of times"), was during the first century when God became flesh and dwelt among men. He dispensed (or revealed) Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. It must have pleased God greatly, to wrap Himself in a robe of flesh and live in humanity. For, this was a big part of the first intention of heaven.

The "fullness of times" speaks of the time when all other past ages or times poured into the last age. It filled it full of the redemption purpose and prophecies of past ages that were recorded in the "Old Testament." We are now living beyond those "last days." We are now living in the "ages to come" when we can observe "the exceeding riches of His grace." In other words, we are living in the dispensation of a God-centered program of a Father's grace and love for His household.

First century believers understood about the "all things" that the Father had dispensed to His children in past ages. Those "New Testament" days were labeled "the dispensation of the fullness of times." For, it was the time when the Father gathered into Christ Jesus, everything on earth and in heaven. It was the time of a completed redemption. The Father's ultimate or first love-intention was brought to light in His "beloved Son."

Before the creation of the heavens and earth, the Father intended that His Son would express the Father's first love-desire to the creation. This was to be an ongoing LOVE in the heavens and earth. This was the first step. For God was to then indwell His children on earth and in heaven.

THERE WAS NO INTENTION HIGHER THAN THE FATHER'S FIRST LOVE!

This Divine intention was "according to the good pleasure of His Will." Deserving or undeserving was not in the "mix." This was simply governed by and according to the Father's pleasure, not the children's worthiness. Another important fact was that men could not forfeit it by misconduct. This "first love" was "according to the good pleasure of His Will."

Up to this point, one will see the Father's will or ultimate intention springing out of His paternal nature and desire alone. Before the foundation of the world, the Father marked out for Himself a vast family in whom He would share His life, nature, spirit, vision, purpose and dedication. All of this was to be accomplished through His Son. The Father never intended for the program of redemption to overshadow the original purpose of the Father loving and living in His children.

The invasion of "death" was an interruption to the Father's first intention. This spiritual death was "separation from God." What place does the redemption story have in all this? It is the recovery program that brings His first purpose back on course. As beautiful as the redemption story is, it dims in comparison to the brightness of the Father's first love.

If we look far enough back, we see a very different Christ entering the picture and fulfilling the Divine Desire. Most see the Christ only as Messiah, fulfilling prophecy. It takes new bifocals to see the purpose of God indwelling Christ, fulfilling the first design.

"For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."
When we understand the first design, we see why God indwelt the first century saints (ekklesia). At that time, God was in Christ, dwelling in the first century believers. This insured them of the hope they had in the soon approaching Parousia or presence of God when God would be "all in all." It was only then that the purpose of the indwelling Christ was seen to be the stepping stone for God to be present "in all" His children.

".the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all."
As the loving Father takes residence in His children, we clearly see the reason for missions, evangelism, preaching and teaching. The theology is now crystal clear. The Father's greatest pleasure is the love for His family and desire to live in them. If a wise and loving father could live his life through his children, they might not do so many unproductive things to themselves and others. This is the divine philosophy that the Christ brought to the world from God.

If we stop looking at God's big plan as something for man's needs to be met, our viewpoint of the Father's first intention will take on new meaning and we will see it give the Father honor, glory, pleasure, and satisfaction. The real secret of blessedness is having the correct center in one's life.

The prompting of unbridled senses in a man-centered life fade in view of the God-centered life. A God-responsive minister will see the circumference of his ministry mirror bridled senses and obedience to a loving Father Who is the inner center. Then and only then will the externals of life matter less? Life's selfish purpose and goals will end and what matters to the Father will be the underlying thrust. Each "now" in service will become a blissful, eternal moment. Earth and heaven become one when the life is God-centered.

There is something very special to me and that I enjoy. I love to play the keyboard and sing old songs and hymns. If, while I am playing, someone is drawn in to watch my fingers move over the keyboard, would that satisfy my first intention? My intentions were never to perform songs so that people could watch my fingers striking each key of the instrument? I have a scar on one of my fingers that was caused by falling into a pile of broken glass. My fingers are stubby and because of building so many outside projects, my fingernails are not easy to look at. My reason for performing with these hands would certainly not be to display them. My first intention would be for others to enjoy along with me the major and minor melodies, progressions with augmented and diminished chords, harmony and inspiring words. Sometimes, I would end a song with a 9th or 13th chord and in that same moment, look into the listener's face to see their reaction to that strange and new sound. My intention has been for others to be blessed by the arrangements, sounds and message of the song. I would want it to appeal to their hearts. My main intention exemplifies the Heavenly Father's first intention. He would not want His children to be concerned so much with how He was doing things as to the grand conclusion of His actions. He wants His children to love Him and feel safe in His presence. He wants them to place their total trust in Him as a loving Father, and enjoy Him in their lives.

This was always in the heart of the Father, before His Spirit indwelt the Son of God, Who would be the agent of the Father to indwell the first century Body of believers.

So, you see, Adam could have met the Christ face to face. Therefore, without the "hazard factor," there would have been no physical death and without the "sin factor" there would have been no sentence of spiritual "death" for Adam and Eve and their descendants. Eating of "the tree of life" or entering into spiritual life would have taken Adam into the mature (perfect) spiritual realm. Each individual after Adam could have realized their physical potential and transmigrated by their own personal spiritual life, smoothly into the joys that awaited them in their full maturity when God would dwell in them, not with them as He first did in the Garden.

Maturity or perfection has the ability to know the difference between "good" and "evil." Infants don't have this wisdom. For it is only found in "maturity." The tree of "the knowledge of good and evil" was there to partake of. However, Adam and Eve must grow in their obedience to God and then He would give them wisdom in their development and maturity as they walked in fellowship with God each day. God had warned them to not take the "short cut" and claim for themselves the knowledge and wisdom of maturity until they had become ready for it. However, they reached out for that which was forbidden at that time. They disobeyed as immature children, not caring about the consequence of choosing the time to be mature and make mature decisions for life and fellowship with God.

What more can we say about what might have been for Adam and Eve? We will never completely understand until our eyes are opened by His loving touch. However, we may learn what man should become as we look into the pages of scripture, at the perfect Son of God.

Scriptures mentioned above:

Colossians 3:11; 1st Corinthians 15:28; Ephesians 1:10; John 1:14; Romans 1:3; 8:3; 2nd Corinthians 5:16; 1st Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 2:14; 5:7;

From Adam to Noah; from Abraham to Moses; from the Prophets to John the Baptist.; The "New Testament" time, the first century.

Hebrews 1:2; 2nd Corinthians 5:16; Colossians 2:9; Ephesians 2:22,23; Genesis 3:22 - "And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil, and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever." After maturity (tree of knowledge of good and evil) comes resurrection (tree of life).

Pray for our Brothers and Sisters!

I received this today and want you to know that over 200 Million Christians around the world are suffering for their faith Pray for them daily!

1.) Chinese Church Leaders May Face Death Sentences

Xu Shuangfu (also known as Xu Wenku or Xu Shengguang), along with sixteen other leaders of the "Three Grades of Servants" church in China have been falsely accused of murder and fraud. Their trial began on February 28 and, if convicted, they could face the death penalty.

Xu has been accused of masterminding the murder of twenty leaders of the Eastern Lightning, a cult which has infiltrated some of the underground house churches in China. Xu was originally arrested on April 26, 2004 and there were fears at the time that he had already been put to death. Guo Xianggao, another leader of the Three Grades of Servants, was arrested on the same day and died while undergoing police interrogation. More information on the trial will be reported as it is made available.

Bob Fu, president of Christian Aid Association, told VOMC that this trial is another example of how the Communist authorities seek to discredit unregistered church leaders by putting them on trial for heinous crimes. "It gives them justification for continuing and escalating their crackdown on house church leaders," said Glenn Penner, spokesman for VOMC.

Ask the Lord to fill these prisoners with boldness and power to share Christ with their fellow inmates. Pray that these men will be able to rejoice in the knowledge that they are being falsely accused for Christ's sake (Matthew 5:11). Pray that God will grant them release from their imprisonment.

2.) Over 36 Arrested as Public Security Bureau Closes Christian School

A house-church Bible school in Huaibei City, Anhui Province was stormed by China's Public Security Bureau, who arrested 36 members at 10:00 a.m. Beijing time on March 1, 2006. About 50 or 60 Chinese police in anti-riot squad uniforms, along with plain-clothes officers, showed up in more than ten police and anti-riot vehicles that surrounded the school, according to two eyewitness accounts given to The Voice of the Martyrs' ministry partner, China Aid Association. Armed with electric shock batons, police forces rounded up everyone from the trade and Bible school before illegally taking them into custody.

Christian students receiving Bible training and learning sewing skills were taken from the premises with their teachers and house-church leaders. Four of the leaders managed to flee the raid. The 36 who were arrested are from different regions of China, including the provinces of Anhui, Shandong, Zhejiang, Hunan and Jiangsu, as well as from the city Beijing and the inner Mongolia area. Three of the arrested pastors were Liu Haiting, Liang Zhenjun and Joseph Wang.

When the PSB attempted to videotape the school, its owner, Pastor Chu Huaiting, a renowned house-church leader and Vice President of the 300,000-strong Chinese House Church Alliance covering 21 provinces, insisted that proper search warrants and identification be presented, but they weren't. The PSB continued to seize some 10,000 copies of Christian literature including Bibles and 200 new blankets while they were being delivered to the pastor's house. During the raid, a school member called an emergency hotline, only to hear the officer receiving the call state that the police raid was a cooperative crackdown on illegal religious activities, orchestrated by China's provincial leaders.

Three hours after the raid, at 1:00 p.m., PSB forces returned to Pastor Chu's house and arrested him. Just a few days before, on February 26, Pastor Chu was arrested while he was preaching at a house church in Jiangsu Province and detained for nine hours. Over the past several months, virtually all the Chinese House Church Alliance's leadership has been illegally interrogated or detained by the PSB.

About this recent crackdown, Bob Fu, president of China Aid Association, stated, "These illegal mass arrests and detentions are a very disturbing indication of the deteriorating condition of religious freedom and civil liberties in China. We demand that the Chinese government honor their international obligations to respect and protect the religious freedoms and civil liberties of the Chinese citizens."

Shortly after CAA called for the immediate release of the innocent Christian leaders and students, the 36 were released in the evening of the same day of the raid. However, the 10,000 copies of the unlawfully confiscated Christian literature were not returned. Instead, they were given to a political committee, which will rule whether or not they are "illegal literature."

Letters of protest and concern can be sent to the Chinese Embassy at:

Embassy of the People's Republic of China
2300 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20008
Tel: (202) 745-6743
Fax: (202) 588-0032 or (202) 745-7473
Director of Religious Affairs: (202) 328-2512

Part Deux (2)

The Precious Gift


Once upon a time, when God had finished making the world, he wanted to leave behind a piece of His own divinity, a spark of His essence, a promise to man of what he could become, with effort. He looked for a place to hide this precious gift because, He explained, what man could find too easily would never be valued by him.

"Then you must hide this gift on the highest mountain peak on earth," said one of his counselors.

God shook His head, "No, for man is an adventuresome creature and he will soon enough learn to climb the highest mountain peaks."

"Hide it then, O Great One, in the depths of the earth."

"I think not," said God. "for man will one day discover that he can dig into the deepest parts of the earth."

"In the middle of the ocean then, Master?"

God shook His head. "I've given man a brain, you see, and one day he'll learn to build ships and cross the mightiest oceans."

"Where then, Master?" cried His counselors.

God smiled, "I'll hide it where every man and woman will be able to find it if they look sincerely and deeply enough. I'll hide it in their heart."

The Treasure

The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box. "Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, mommy, please!"

Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. "A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00 If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere--Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"

"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess--the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite."

"That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"

"Daddy, you know I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my babydoll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."

"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.

"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"

Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. He had had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.

So like our heavenly Father.

What are you hanging on to?

Lorica of Saint Patrick

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through a belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation.

I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.

I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In preaching's of the apostles,
In faiths of confessors,
In innocence of virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
From snares of the devil,
From temptations of vices,
From every one who desires me ill,
Afar and a near,
Alone or in a multitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and evil,
Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagan Dom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.
Christ shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that reward may come to me in abundance.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through a belief in the Threeness,
Through a confession of the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation.

Patrick (ca. 377) - Patrick was originally a slave in Ireland, received freedom, left and was called back years later by the Lord to bring the gospel to the nation. Patrick and a small band of believers literally turned Ireland around into a Christian nation.

Mr. God This is Anna!

Hello God, I called tonight

To talk a little while

I need a friend who'll listen

To my anxiety and trial.

You see, I can't quite make it

Through a day just on my own...

I need your love to guide me,

So I'll never feel alone.

I want to ask you please to keep,

My family safe and sound.

Come and fill their lives with confidence

For whatever fate they're bound.

Give me faith, dear Father God, to face

Each hour throughout the day,

And not to worry over things

I can't change in any way.

I thank you God, for being home

And listening to my call,

For giving me such good advice

When I stumble and fall.

Your number, God, is the only one (on my speed dial)

That answers every time.

I never get a busy signal,

Never had to pay a dime.

So thank you, God, for listening

To my troubles and my sorrow.

Good night, God, I love You, too,

And I'll call again tomorrow!


Share this with all your friends and family. Anyone that you love and care about. Let them know God is there for them always even when everyone else has betrayed you and left you.

So you think you Know Scripture?

Try these on!


Examples of Error Arising from a Disregard of the Context.


1. Isaiah 52:8, "They shall see eye to eye."

The context shows that this means the seeing of one another personally "face to face," and not the agreement with one another in opinion or judgment.




2. Habakkuk 2:2, "That he may run that readeth it."

"Write the vision
And make it plain upon tables,
That he may run who readeth it."

The reason given in the next verse (v 3) shows that the verb Cw@r (rutz) is to be taken in its sense of hasten, or flee: viz., that he who reads of the coming troubles may flee from them. It does not mean that he may be able to run while he reads it; but flee when he reads it.




3. Psalm 2:8, "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession."

How often have we heard these words quoted on missionary platforms and in pulpits, as though, by missionary efforts, the reign of Christ here spoken of as the one subject of the psalm is to be brought about. But this is not to be the way in which that glorious reign is to be inaugurated. Many are the Scriptures which state this unmistakably. Judgment, not grace, is to be the means employed. "Worse and worse" is to be the character of the coming days, until they are like "the days of Noah," which will end up in the Great Tribulation. Then, without any interval or break of any kind, "IMMEDIATELY after the Tribulation of those days...then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven...and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven" (Matt 24:29,30).

This exactly accords with Psalm 2 as is shown by the words that immediately follow verse 8:

"Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron;
Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel" (v 9).

But, these words of verse 9 are never quoted at missionary meetings, because it is all too plain that it is not such means as these that missionary societies use, or profess to use. Their agents proclaim the good news of "the grace of God." They are not sent out to break the "heathen." They are not commissioned to "dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." And so the context of this ninth verse is prudently left out! And the quotation always stops short at the end of the eighth verse!

This is very clever; but is it right? It is one way of "dividing the Word of truth." But, Is it "RIGHTLY dividing" it? It is dividing it for a purpose; and that purpose is manifest. It is done in order to make the Scripture appear to give a Divine support to the tradition of men, that the work of the Church and the Gospel is to bring about the Millennium; and that, by their means the earth is to be "full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" (Isa 11:9).

But here again the context forbids such an application, for verses 3 and 4 state that it is to be by righteous judgment that He will "SMITE the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he SLAY the wicked." If the context, which is always essential, had been duly noted and considered, it would have been impossible for Psalm 2:8 ever to have been distorted, and have an interpretation given to it which is contrary to the whole teaching of the Word of truth.




4. Another example of error arising from disregard of the context is seen in Matthew 22:32:

"God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

Quoted thus, apart from the context, as an independent statement, the words are at once placed, by those who hear them, in the context of their own traditional belief; instead of in the context of God's Word, and in connection with the rest of the words of the Lord Jesus.

Misquoted as above by being taken thus, apart from their context, they are used to teach that the dead are not dead at all, but that they are alive. This is exactly what the Old Serpent said in Genesis 3:4 when he gave the lie to what God had said (Gen 2:17).

But, as in the two cases already cited, not only are the words thus perverted from their meaning, but the logical sequence of the whole context is suddenly broken off, and ends in a bathos. There is no conclusion to the Lord's words. He set out to prove the truth of resurrection, which, among other things, His opponents, the Sadducees, denied:

"Then came the Sadducees which say that there is NO RESURRECTION" (v 23).

They propound a hypothetical case of the woman with the seven husbands, and ask therefore

"IN THE RESURRECTION whose wife shall she be of the seven?" (v 28).

The Lord replies by saying:

"Ye do err, not* knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For IN THE RESURRECTION they neither marry nor are given in marriage." (* Greek, mh (me), not, used subjectively; i.e., not wishing to know the Scriptures.)

He goes on to refer to Scripture:
"But as TOUCHING THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the god of the dead, but of the living."

Is it not clear that these words are used by the Lord in order to prove the fact and truth of resurrection? How could this argument prove that the dead would rise again if He meant that the dead are alive now? Surely the logical conclusion is that, If God is "the God of the living," the dead Abraham, and the dead Isaac, and the dead Jacob must live again,* in resurrection, in order to have God's promise to them fulfilled. God had promised to each of these three patriarchs, that not only their seed, but that they themselves, should possess the land, and therefore, to do this, they must "live again." (* Compare Revelation 20:5, "the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished," which proves that they cannot be alive during the thousand years, while they remain "dead.")

"TO THEE, and to thy seed"

was the promise made to Abraham (Gen 13:15), to Isaac (Gen 26:3), and to Jacob (Gen 28:13), It is a matter of history that neither of them ever possessed the land (Heb 11:13), and never had more than a sepulchre there. That sepulchre they purchased and there they were buried (Gen 49:29-33); but it was not the promised gift. How then can God's promise to these three patriarchs be fulfilled except by resurrection? The argument of the Lord proves, unmistakably, the necessity of resurrection if God is to fulfil His promise to them, and to be faithful to His word to Moses at the Bush.

Apart from the context the Lord's argument is shorn of its conclusion and robbed of its point; while God's promise is made to fall to the ground, and the hope of resurrection lost. And all this because a sentence is wrested from the context in which the Holy Spirit of God has placed it. These are good examples of how a short sentence may be perverted by a violation of this canon.

It will be noticed how these examples point to the fact that it is only traditional beliefs that seem to require such a treatment of Scripture, and that this treatment is practically confined to them. This explains why so many of our examples are connected with these strongholds of tradition. Unable to find Scriptural support for the traditions of men, resort must perforce be had to a few isolated passages which are thus forced apart from their Divine context for this special purpose.




5. "Observe and do."
-Another example may be seen in Matthew 23:3, where the context clearly tells us whether the translation should be "observe and do" as a command, or "ye observe and do" as a statement.

In the Greek the second person plural Indicative Mood is exactly the same as the Imperative. There is nothing therefore to guide us, as to which Mood should be read, but the context. Now, the context of the immediate passage, and the context of the whole Gospel, leads us to expect that the Lord cannot possibly be thought of here as enjoining obedience to the teaching of the Scribes and Pharisees. On the contrary, He was always uttering the most solemn warnings against them and their teachings. We must, therefore, read them as being in the Indicative Mood; as stating a fact, and not as enjoining a precept. This is still more clear if we observe that the word translated "sit" is not in the Present Tense, but in the Past: "have taken their seat."

With these two notes we must translate the passage as follows:

"The Scribes and Pharisees have seated themselves in Moses' seat: all things, therefore, whatsoever they bid you, ye observe and do: but do not ye according to their works."

The word "therefore" is very significant. It is because "they have taken their seat in Moses' seat" that ye observe and do whatever they bid you. But, the injunction is "Do them not." And then in verses 4-33 the most weighty reasons are given why they should not do them. How, then, can we go out of our way, gratuitously to create a difficulty, by taking the Mood as being the Imperative, and make the Lord command them to do the very things He was about to condemn?

The Chief Priests and Elders who had thus arrogated to themselves the authority of Moses, shortly after this used it to bid the people "that they should ask Barabbas and destroy Jesus" (Matt 27:20-23). Are we to suppose, for one moment, that in observing to do this bidding the people were acting in conformity with the Lord's words in 23:3? This consideration by itself is quite sufficient to condemn the "reading" riveted on the Greek by the Revisers' text; quite apart from the Critical evidence which can be adduced in favour of the Received Text.

There is another and overwhelming reason for this understanding of the Lord's words; and that is the concluding reason given why they are not to do the works which the Scribes and Pharisees commanded, "for they say and do not." Can the argument be: Do the works (which they command) because they do them not? Surely there is no sense in such an argument. But rather it is: "Do not ye the works [which they command], for they do not do them themselves"; which clearly shows how grievous their heavy burdens were. This is the continuation of the Lord's argument; and it is the only logical conclusion from His words as recorded in the context.




6. John 6:37, "Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." This verse is indeed divided; but wrongly, not rightly, divided by quoting only a part of it as though it were the whole.

How often do we hear the promise-"Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." But how seldom do we hear the first half, which is an integral part of the sentence. "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me: AND him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." The reason for the mangling of this verse is the same reason why, when the Lord stated the same truth in verse 65, "No man can come unto me, except it were given him of my Father; FROM THAT TIME many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." Wherever this same truth is proclaimed to-day, the same result will follow; and this, in spite of all the talk about "the teaching of Jesus," which is only an excuse for attempting to get rid of the teaching of the Holy Ghost by Paul.




7. Acts 16:31, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."

This is an example of how a special and personal injunction is detached from its context, put forth, and used as a general and universal command. The quotation generally stops here, because the words "thou and thy house" would show the special nature of the command. The context shows that it was given to one who was under deep conviction of sin. The jailor had seen himself in the presence of God. His one thought was that the prisoners had fled. His one act was that "he drew out his sword and would have killed himself": for he knew what his fate would be in the morning (Acts 12:19).

But there was One who knew what he thought, and the voice said, "We are all here." There was One who could see in that darkness what he was going to do, and the voice said, "Do thyself no harm." "THEN he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling and fell down," and asked, "What must I do to be saved?" To all such in similar circumstances; to all who thus fall down and ask such a question, this is the right answer. But it is no command at all to those who are not under conviction of sin. Such have first to believe God as to their lost and ruined condition.

There are other passages, however, which are not so serious, where mistakes are made and errors are fallen into through partial quotations, where a part of a verse is used to upset the teaching of the other part, or of the immediate context.




8. Romans 8:28, "All things work together for good."

These words are often taken by themselves, as though they were an independent statement; a statement moreover which is contrary to fact. Sometimes the words that follow are added, "to them that love God." But very seldom do we hear the next sentence: "to them that are the called according to his purpose."




9. 1 Corinthians 3:17, "Him shall God destroy."

"If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

It is well for us first to note the fact that the words "defile" and "destroy" represent but one and the same word in the Greek. In both clauses the word is fqeirw (phtheiro), to spoil or corrupt. That this is the meaning may be seen from 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 7:2, 11:3, etc. But, the pronoun rendered "him" is touton (touton), this. To what noun does the pronoun "this" refer? The context alone can help us.

It cannot be "this" man, or "him" as in AV; because verse 15 distinctly states that "he himself shall be saved." It can be, therefore, only "this" thing that the man builds on the one foundation as stated in verse 12. Whatever man's building-work may be-good, bad, or indifferent; "gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble"; grand, imposing, insignificant, or mean, whatever it may be, it will be burnt up (vv 13-15).

"Ye are God's building" (v 9).
"Ye are the temple of God" (v 16).
"Which temple ye are" (v 17).

That temple is God's building (Eph 2:21). It is "one body" (Eph 4:16). It is a spiritual unity (Eph 4:3,4). If any man builds any other "temple," or makes any other "body," or creates any other "unity," it is corporate; and it "defiles God's building"; and "this" it is that God will destroy.



10. 2 Corinthians 5:8. "Absent from the body."

In this case a few words are taken out of their context and used as a motto or proverbial expression; and are quoted as conclusively settling a disputed question. We have already considered this illustration under Canon II (pages 223-226), where we showed the Scope of the Passage from its Structure. We wish to show now, how these words can be explained by simply heeding the context. Again and again we hear:

"Absent from the body,
Present with the Lord"

quoted as though it asserted that the moment a believer is "absent from the body" he is "present with the Lord." But this is what it does not say. Many will be surprised to hear that no such collocation of words occurs in Scripture: and that 2 Corinthians 5:8 reads

"We are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord,"

which is quite a different thing; because the whole context from 2 Corinthians 4:14 down to this verse, is wholly occupied with the subject of Resurrection, and a longing and desire not to die, or to be unclothed (v 4), but "to be clothed upon" with our heavenly and glorious resurrection body. While we are in this body we are "absent from the Lord." That is why we so earnestly desire to be alive and remain till His coming, that we may be clothed upon with our house* which is from heaven.

* The word here rendered "house" is oikhthrion (oiketerion), which is used of the spirit-body which we shall have in resurrection. The word occurs only here and in Jude 6, where it is rendered "habitation," and is used here of whatever that word may mean when used of angels or angelic beings in Jude 6. The word oikoV (oikos) is used of our present human body or house (2 Cor 5:1). It is also used of our resurrection body in the same verse, but there it is specially distinguished as being "not made with hands." This shows that the meaning of oiketerion in verse 2, is a spirit-body, because it is not made with human hands, but "a building of God," "which is from heaven."

We ourselves are very willing to be thus "absent from the body"; nay, we are desirous of it, because, when we are, we shall then have our oiketerion in which we shall be "at home with the Lord." We have precisely the same teaching in the word "SO" in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. "SO shall we ever be with the Lord." The Greek is outwV (houtos), thus, in this manner; viz. by Resurrection, and Ascension; raised and "caught up to meet the Lord in the air, SO shall we ever be with the Lord." It will be noticed again that it is tradition which thus requires such perverted misquotations. This is because the errors of tradition are produced by ignoring the context. We have another:




11. "To die is gain," (Phil 1:21), constantly cited as though it were a separate, independent, and dogmatic categorical statement of Divine truth; whereas it is nothing of the kind. It is not even a complete sentence. The verse says:

"For to me to live is Christ,
And to die is gain."

The very word "For" should be sufficient to show that the statement is not independent; but that it depends on what has been before said, and is added as a reason for it. What has been said before? What is the context all about? A very cursory reader will at once see that it is all about the "gain" of the Gospel. That is what the Apostle was so deeply concerned about. He was in prison, and yet he wanted them to "understand that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the Gospel." And he goes on to show that the one effect of his bonds on many of the brethren had been to make their confidence to increase, so that they were "much more bold to speak the Word without fear."

Paul rejoiced at this, notwithstanding that some did it of contention and others from love.

It made him bold also, and bold enough to say that he did not care what happened to himself; he did not mind whether he lived or died. Christ would be magnified in his body (v 20) in either case. "The furtherance of the Gospel" was the one thing he cared about; not his own personal "gain." He never thought of that. It ruins the whole scope of the chapter to introduce the thought, yea, the slanderous thought, and charge him with such selfishness, as though he were thinking only of his own personal gain. It is a gross injustice to the Apostle, as well as a perversion of his words, thus to bring against him a charge of which he was not only innocent, but which is foreign to the context.

It also mars and breaks up the logical sequence of the Context, considered merely as literary matter. The argument is this; If my bonds have resulted in the furtherance of the Gospel, what might not my death produce? Christ is preached through my bonds; so He may be magnified through my body, whether by my living or dying, "For to me to live will be Christ; and to die [will be His] gain." In either case He will be magnified. The gain will be His.

But though his death might result in Christ's gain, it might not be their gain; for to abide in the flesh would be more needful for those to whom he wrote.* (* See above, under Canon III, Section 5:8; the word "Depart." )




12. Philippians 2:12.
We have a similar example in the next chapter: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." These words are quoted as a general instruction applying to everyone universally. Whereas the preceding context shows that they are part of an exhortation for these Philippian saints to do this working in the Apostle's absence as they had always done in his presence. Moreover the context which follows gives the reason why they should, and why they could, do this working out; "FOR it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

What that work is, is added in verse 14. "Do all things without murmurings and disputing." That is how they would work out that salvation which they had in Christ, during the Apostle's absence. We must not dismiss this negative branch of our subject without a reference to the two pernicious practices which may be termed Text-mangling on the one hand, and Text-garbling on the other.




13. Text-mangling is common on illuminated wall-texts, motto-cards, birth-day books, and almanacs.

The practice is to take a few words (for the space is often very limited) regardless of the context in which they may be found; regardless also of their proper interpretation. Hence, passages are often selected which may give false peace to those who stand in need of conviction of sin; or they may disturb the peace of those who need assurance; or they may remove others from the ground of grace to the ground of works. Sometimes also this practice causes the words of God to be treated as Shakespeare is often treated by advertisers, comic artists, and others, who are thus able to show at once their intimate knowledge of Shakespeare and their cleverness in twisting his words to an end and for a purpose which Shakespeare never dreamed of. This is done in order to attract attention by showing the absurdity of making Shakespeare recommend some "buttons," "pills," or "soap" of which he never heard.

This practice may be innocent and amusing when it is confined to a human author; but, when it is brought into use in dealing with the words of God, the practice cannot be too strongly reprobated as being an insult to God, and pernicious to man. Just in this same way we might quote, or rather misquote, the words of Truth:

"There is no God" (Psa 14:1).
"Hang all the law and the prophets" (Matt 22:40).
"Woe unto you lawyers" (Luke 11:52).

All these are true, if taken in connection with the context in which they stand; but not otherwise. Apart from their context these and others may form complete sentences, but they may make either nonsense or false sense. We have actually seen the following short sentence as a wall-text:-

"Thou shalt not drink wine"

as though this was a general command demanding universal obedience. But it is taken from the Minor Prophets, where it forms part of Divine threatening of judgment:

"Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied;...
Thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver...
Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap;
Thou shalt tread olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil;
And sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine (Micah 6:15; compare Zeph 1:13).

Not only are these words thus wrested from their proper context and meaning; but, by so doing, they are set in flat contradiction to Amos 9:14, where exactly the opposite prophecy is given by way of blessing:

"They shall plant vineyards
And drink the wine thereof."

On the other hand, there are texts which are of such universal and eternal application, and which so touch the conscience, that they could not fail to be of untold blessing to thousands, if they were chosen for this purpose. How seldom, if ever, do we see such passages as these plainly printed and prominently exposed:



"The LORD seeth not as man seeth." (1 Sam 16:7).

or

"Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (1 Sam 16:7).

or

"Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?" (1 Sam 15:22).

or

"To obey is better than sacrifice,
And to hearken, than the fat of rams." (1 Sam 15:22)



The governing principle in this matter should be that, what is put out for general observation should be in perfect harmony with, not wrenched from, its context, and universal and eternal in its application.




14. Text-garbling differs from Text-mangling in that a passage is not only taken out of the context in which God has set it, but it is placed in another context in which He has not set it. This, to say the least, is an act of the grossest impertinence. There are some writers who are specially addicted to this habit, and string a number of texts together as though they occurred exactly in this order in God's Word. True, the references may be given with each verse; but unwary readers may not notice or heed this; hence they will read on from one to the other as though they are reading the words as God has given them.

There is one book, especially, in our mind, which does this, and leads many to do this "daily," every day of the year: but whether in each case it gives daily light is another matter. If it comes to merely stringing texts together, this can easily be done; we could say:

"Judas went and hanged himself (Matt 27:5).
Go and do thou likewise" (Luke 10:37).

This shows the absurdity to which such a principle can be reduced. We do not deny, of course, that it is possible for a well-taught and well-read spiritually-minded student of the Word of truth to do this with effect. Great light may be thrown often on a passage by putting it alongside another, thus letting one Scripture be its own Divine comment on another. That is quite a different thing altogether from the ill-considered practice of dislocating a passage from its own context and putting it into another.

What we are speaking of is the habit of garbling Scripture by bringing texts together, regardless as to whether such displacement affects in any way the special interpretation which they have in their own respective contexts.

It may be that, with due regard to this point, the truth and teaching of each of two such passages may be enhanced. But the practice is one which requires much spiritual discernment, great care, long experience, special knowledge of the context, extensive knowledge of Scripture, and a recognition of the principle involved in the important distinction between interpretation and application, dealt with in Canon X.





WHEN TRUTH BECOMES ERROR

The Word of God is the final authority to which appeal is made by believers concerning all matters of conviction. There is no room for opinions, ideas, or conceptions on matters upon which God's Word gives specific information. If such exist, it merely indicates a tragic lack of faith upon the part of the believer concerned.

Speculation concerning the things of God has existed from ancient times. This has not been due to lack of knowledge, for the numerous ways in which God has made Himself known are beyond dispute. But it is the result of the deliberate rejection of His truth (i.e., His Word) or the equally deliberate alteration of that truth into speculative conclusions. In the Scriptures this process is called "changing the truth of God into the lie" (to pseudei).

Much lies behind this systematized corruption of truth, and the results are usually found among those who know not God. An equally insidious form of deception, however, has had for its special target those who claim a relationship to God. Moreover, because such deception comes in the garb of truth, and therefore is so much harder to detect, it is an ever-present danger to all who seek to walk with God. These are not idle statements made to unsettle timid believers. They are facts that are recorded in the Scriptures of Truth.

In Colossians 2:8 a warning is given in terms that cannot be misunderstood. If time has softened for us the meaning of these words, then perhaps a glance at the original wording will indicate the urgency of the Apostle's message. The word "beware" (Gk. blepete) means "give earnest heed to." It is a word that was never used lightly, and its form in this context suggested a peril that was very near. In modern times when the words "Danger, beware, road construction in progress" appear on traffic signs placed at conspicuous points, those who read the signs do not expect that the danger referred to is at some distant point. Danger signs indicate a present or imminent peril, and if Scriptural warnings were heeded half as much as road maintenance signs, then much spiritual loss would be avoided.

Unfortunately, however, like reckless road users, many believers seem to have crashed through Scriptural "danger signs" before their presence was realised. Even the root form of the Greek word "blepete" may be expressed in very up-to-date language. Blepete comes from blepo, which means "to see or behold." Therefore, to follow out the figure used above, we might suggest, "Keep your eyes open" or "Look where you are going." Failure to do this is a frequent cause of fearful accidents - spiritual as well as mundane.

The Colossians were warned against an "empty and deceitful philosophy," which had its foundations in the traditions of men and the elements of the world. This philosophy was empty because it possessed no firm foundation and therefore no permanent superstructure. It was deceitful because it was opposed to the Truth - "not according to" Him Who was truth. We notice that this so-called wisdom was "according to.the elements of the world." What then does this phrase mean?

The translators of the Authorized and Revised Versions were apparently not wholly satisfied with the English word "rudiments" to translate the Greek term stoicheion. This appears evident from the marginal renderings of both versions where this word occurs. Their dilemma is quite understandable, however, for this Greek word does provide a translation difficulty. Grimm-Thayer's Lexicon gives the following definitions:

The sound of letters. Thus, the elements or first principles of speech.
The elements from which all things have come: the material causes of the universe.
The heavenly bodies, these being the primary causes of many phenomenon.
The elements, rudiments, primary and
fundamental principles (cp. our A B C) of any art, science, or discipline.

Therefore, from this variety of definitions, we might translate Colossians 2:8:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit.after the first principles which belong to the sphere of material and external things and not after Christ.

These false teachers sought to beguile the Colossian saints with a vain and deceitful philosophy which was truly "elementary" in comparison to the truth. They uttered half-formed letters -- the rudiments of speech -- while God had announced His wonderful revelation concerning His Son in words that burned with grace and love. Their speculations were characterized by "principles." His truth spoke of "fulness"!

Fortunately, the line of demarcation between God's truth and the false philosophy which was presented to the saints at Colosse was readily discernible, for the terms of both teachings were completely different. In contrast to this, an incident which happened in the Galatian assembly and which was also concerned with "first principles" provides us with our first example of how truth out of place becomes error