They shoot themself...

The HEAVENS are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fullness thereof, thou hast founded them. (Psalm 89:11)

 An asteroid at least 500 feet long will make a rare close fly by  today, but there is no chance of an impact, scientists reported

Gentle reader,

 Here is a wee bit of trivia that you may not know about me. In my undergraduate days my Major was Political Science. I was planing to study for the bar in Constitutional Law (the U.S. Constitution) But as always God had a better idea.

So if your planing to be around tomorrow, then consider this next bit of trivia. 

 The Democrats are shooting themselves in both feet at the same time.  

First the squab ling that has gone on between Senators Obama and Clinton  rather sounds to me like two school children fighting over... (fill in the blank) do you want some childish person as your principle (and English term for spokesman) 

Add to that the So called Democratic Party (in all their wisdom had decided that in the States change their primary [the Party will not allow the states to have their delegates] vote in the up and coming nominations for the Party's President. Michigan has lost their rights and now so has Florida. 

 Do you think that your vote should count?  If your a Democrat you might think twice about what is happening to your rights. 

  Amendment 10
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to
the people.

Amendment 15
1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or
previous condition of servitude. [Get that Democrat Party, may you don't to win an election any longer reign your kids in for the American people are not as stupid as you may think]

Hey, Lets just remember this great experiment is still Our Government. You are Gentle reader the government

"We The People"

 Just my gentle reminder,

Love,  Denis

The coming (Luke)

“And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” [Luke 21:27].



The only difference in the way that the KJV translates this verse and that of Matthew is that only one word is different. Luke says “a” cloud, whereas Matthew and Mark say “clouds” (plural).


It is to be noted that it was “immediately after” the great tribulation that the
coming of the Son of Man happened. So, anyone who wants to put the “tribulation” after the coming of Yahshua, needs to go back and restudy what all three accounts say.


However, another point of difference is that the coming of the Messiah was in the first century AD, not in our time or future time. You may go back and study the notes more fully in Matthew 24:29-30.

The word “great” is associated with “power” in one of the “gospels,” and associated with “glory” in the others. Both His “power and glory” were great.



“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” [Luke 21:28].

The thoughts of this verse are not in either Matthew or Mark.

Context, context, context! The Greek word “de” can be translated by either “but” or “and,” depending on whether the inherent thought is either “adversative” or “continuative.” V-28 certainly is not adverse to v-27, so it should be translated by the word “and” (which it is), because this verse is a continuation of the preceding verse. In other places in the Bible, it must be translated by the word “but;” the context must determine that.

The Greek word “archomenon” is translated as “when begin” in the KJV. The word means “to commence (in the order of time).” That puts whatever is stated in this verse in the context of the first century AD at the coming (“erchomai”) of Yahshua to destroy Jerusalem , to bring the old covenant to an end and to be glorified in His saints.

The Greek word “anakupsate” is translated by the phrase “look up.” That wording is acceptable, in view of the fact that the word means “to unbend, i.e. to rise. Figuratively, it means to be elated.” I see no reason to dismiss any of the three definitions. It was time for the saints to “look up,” to “rise” and to be “very happy” (elated), because of what was coming to pass.

Accordingly, they were to lift up their heads and be elated.



Again, I pray that I have not over-burdened you with Greek wording, but that I have saved you much time in going to look up each word. It does take much time to research all of the words. [CONTINUED TOMORROW]

A friend

Gentle Reader,

I am trying something a wee bit new so hang on while I introduce a dear friend.


Tell me if you enjoy my Brother in Christ and an old-time friend.


Love Denis

Studies in Luke

LUKE 21


“And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. 9. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by” [Luke 21:8-9].



Neither Matthew nor Mark recorded the clause “and the time draweth near.” That was done by teachers somewhere in the early part of the forty year period between 30 AD and 70 AD. Since the time was not “near” (as it is used here), Yahshua warned the apostles not to listen to them. However, toward the “end” in 70 AD, even the apostles were teaching that “the time draweth near” and expected the people to listen, for Yahweh was about to destroy everything that pertained to the old natural system when He had the Romans destroy the temple and records in 66 AD to 70 AD.



Matthew says that they would hear of “rumours of wars.” Luke used the word “commotions,” which means “instability and disorder.”



The one Greek word “eutheos” means “at once or very soon.” Matthew and Mark used the word “yet.” When those people taught those false things during the time of the “commotions,” the end was not imminent, even though it would later come in “that generation” {Matthew 24:34]. The expression “by and by” in the 21st century usually means “sooner or later” and therefore is not a good translation. For a detailed study of these verses, go to Matthew 24:4-6.



“Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11. And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven” [Luke 21:10-11].





The only thing that Luke adds is that there shall be “great signs from heaven.” These preceded the “one sign” of which the apostles had asked concerning “the end.” All of these things were not that “one sign” for which the apostles looked.



Matthew and Mark record one thing here that Luke does not, i.e. that “these are the beginning of sorrows” (birth pangs). For a detailed study, see Matthew 24:7-8. [CONTINUED TOMORROW]

Luke Chapter 21

The thing is to notice that those approximately three and one-half years was the time for the “vengeance” of God upon the rebellious Judahites. I do not want to get into a study of the book of Revelation, but understand that the book of Revelation is also dealing with the “vengeance” of Yahweh upon those same people for their persecution and murder of most of the apostles and prophets.

“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11. And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled

” [Rev. 6:9-11].



Again, let me remind you that this is not a study of the book of Revelation. But, since it was necessary to bring it in, relative to the avenging of the blood of the apostles and prophets, that vengeance belonged to Yahweh and that our text in Luke 21:22 speaks of that day of the “vengeance” of God in the middle of the last half of the first century AD, we will just note a couple of verses that show, without doubt, that the vengeance of Yahweh that came on the unbelievers, happened very soon after that verse was written by John. Look at the first three verses of Revelation and see if you can honestly get 2,000 years (and counting) into the book of Revelation.

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2. Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand”

[Rev. 1:1-3].

Someone asked me about twenty years ago if I was honest enough to consider that a thing that I had believed until I was 53 years old, just might be wrong. I told him that I thought that I considered myself to be honest and would try hard, but that what I had believed for so many years would be very, very difficult on which to change my mind. I found out that I was that open-minded and did eventually change my mind.

Now, I ask you the same question. I know what is preached in this world. I know that people speak constantly and emphatically that the things in Revelation are either coming to pass now in the 21st century or yet sometime in our future (close or distant). Are you open-minded enough to consider that the things in the book of Revelation happened in the first century AD, shortly after it was written (and that it is not going to happen again in our generation or future generations)?

Look carefully at the first three verses in Revelation again. It was God (yes, Yahweh!) who said that the things in the book of Revelation would happen “soon” after it was written in the first century AD. It was Yahweh again who said that the TIME was AT HAND! Did the Almighty God lie about it or did the events happen in that first century? The question to each of us is: “Are we honest enough to consider that what we have been taught about the book of Revelation being for us and future generations is incorrect, and that the things therein really did ‘shortly come to pass’ and that the time element was “at hand” in the first century AD? Do you think that “shortly to come to pass” and “at hand” really means 2,000 years or more into the future? The answers that we give will show whether we are honest or dishonest – not only with ourselves but with God Almighty Himself. We must open our minds and accept what God has said, not necessarily what man has taught us or what we have believed all of our lives. So, the question again, that we must ask ourselves, is, “How honest am I?” [CONTINUED TOMORROW]

Vote For...

None of the above

 

Dear Gentle Reader,

Before we dig into these fresh Irish cream cheese muffins and fresh brewed Starbucks  McDonald's coffee (Sorry gang, but as much as I hate McDonald's coffee, they never made a good hamburger either, but times being what they are , I know your cutting back too). I have an announcement (insert fan fair here) Some time this coming year I will pass the 1000 mark in blogs and while our readership is quite small only 1 million 500, 000  we are getting through to the world if you count other countries as part of your world.

 We are in for quite a ride this coming year and here in America  we have elections and the reduction of your rights even more by your government. According to the "New Yorker" The U.S. government is planing and has set up and take over the reading of all of our Emails (National Security you know!)

When one gives up rights for security this is what will happen... So who do you want to vote for? Here are a few examples of political thinking perhaps your city or state is mentioned.  

If you're planning to visit Alabama any time soon, make sure you don't challenge a bear to a wrestling match. It could land you in jail since bear wrestling is a Class B felony in the Yellowhammer State. And if you're thinking of dressing as a nun to go trick-or-treating in Mobile, think again. Impersonating a nun or other member of the clergy is punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of $500.

These are just two examples of the many wacky statutes on the books, not just in Alabama but in states across the nation. Here are a few more that might make you wonder what lawmakers were thinking:

• It's illegal to collect rags or paper in Indianapolis on Sundays. Don't go rag or paper collecting on legal holidays either, or you could be subject to a fine. However, it's generally okay to collect rags and paper after 7:30 a.m. and before 5:30.

• Don't skip your Saturday night bath in Barre, Vermont. There is a law on the books requiring all residents to bathe every Saturday night. Washing on other days of the week is apparently optional and left to the discretion of the residents.

• When attacked by a bird, you can throw a rock at it in Indianapolis. However, it is illegal to throw stones at birds if you're not acting in self-defense.

• Michigan will pay you to throw rocks at birds. But only if you kill them, and only if they're starlings or crows. The state pays three cents for each starling killed and ten cents per crow.

• Florida forbids the tethering of pregnant pigs. It is also illegal to confine an expecting sow to a cage, crate or other enclosure that prevents the pig from turning around freely.

• You can't sell your eyes in Texas. "The Eyes of Texas" is the official song of the University of Texas, and they are apparently not for sale. Nor are any other bodily organs, under penalty of law.

• Pinball is not for children in South Carolina. For some reason, you have to be at least 18 to play pinball in the Palmetto State.

• In Belvedere, California, dogs must not appear in public without their masters on a leash. The city council probably intended to make sure the canines rather than the humans were leashed.

• If you have political ambitions in Tennessee, don't participate in a duel. The state prohibits people who have been in a duel from holding public office.

• Only genuine smack-downs are permitted in Louisiana. State law prohibits the exhibition of fake wrestling matches.

This is only a sampling of the many crazy laws still on the books in states across the US. In addition to avoiding breaking obvious laws like posted speed limits in your town, you should also take care to avoid whaling in Oklahoma or selling blue ducklings in Kentucky. Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse!

 So Gentle Reader, Vote this year and my choice None of the above,

Denis

Wisdom of the Ages

"She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her."

Proverbs 3:15



From time to time, each of us visit a restaurant or a deli where our mouth is treated with a fantastic meal that satisfies in every way. More recently, I've become addicted to a Japanese Miso Salmon served on a bed of white rice and Sake butter and garnished with snow peas. Ask me if I could eat it every night and you'd see the enthusiasm dripping from my face. The trouble is, a food overeaten is no longer a favorite.

We find the same challenge with music and television when a song gets overplayed or the same program shows up every night. If something we desire can be obtained at every turn, it ceases to be valuable. Even in Solomon's kingdom, where gold and silver were plentiful, rubies were not quite so common. They are among just a few "precious" stones in the world and gained their English name from the Latin word, ruber, meaning "red." While it is easy to quote that wisdom is "more precious than rubies," this leaves a gaping hole between what we read and what we accept. If wisdom is indeed "more precious" than a rare stone, then this ought to be an indication that wisdom is itself near impossible to find.

Who among us would dare say that we are wise simply because we know a few things? Knowledge is not sufficient to declare one's self wise. Quite the contrary, if you think yourself wise, then you must also think yourself more rare than a precious stone. Century after century, men have been proved to desire, more than anything else, what they cannot have. And if they get it, they cease to desire it any longer. This can be seen in our modern world when a young man finds a woman to love and showers her with flowers, dates, and moonlight conversations. Yet, after the wedding, the bride receives no more flowers, no more dinners, and no more fireside chats (It should be said that I find this post-wedding lifestyle among the most destructive factors in American society).

By some standards, the new husband can be said to have "captured" his prize and no longer have reason to vie for her affections. And as nature would have it, when he no longer desires his wife, he opens his eyes to others whom he cannot have. Desire is a beast of burden that plagues the flesh and the mind like an endless cycle (Ephesians 2:3). Consider the things that you desire right now. Make a list in your mind. Now go from item to item on that list and ask yourself what happens if and when you receive them. When you get the perfect car, what replaces that desire? When you find the perfect job, what replaces that desire? When you find the perfect spouse, what replaces that desire?

Truth be told, there is no perfect car, no perfect job, and no perfect spouse. Instead, we go after the things that we desire and when they show themselves to have flaws, our tendency is start going after something else. Alas, that endless cycle of desire proves that we need something more sustaining. Wisdom is among the most valuable things ever testified in the Scriptures. Rare are the men and women who find it, for they can hardly describe what cannot be "compared." In this age of grace we live, eternal life is a treasure we need not seek, for it is already ours in Christ, but wisdom requires our daily search. Remember that the rarity of wisdom is what makes it so valuable. Nothing is more precious to our walk.

Dancing With God

Dear Gentle Reader,



When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness,
and attentiveness from one person
and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back t o the word Guidance.
When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".
"God, "u" and "i" dance."
God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
that I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings
and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God, as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
and to guide you through each season of your life.
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.
If God has done anything for you in your life,
please share this message with someone else.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards;
so let's continue to pray for one another.
And I Hope You Dance

Classes open

Gentle Reader,

Come in, come in, we have missed you! Have some coffee and no jokes about the taste "It tastes like mud! Because it was fresh ground this morning! Where have you been ? Me? I've been around writing letter getting ready for another Pastors conference in March (your invited you know as my guest)! We have been examining relationships recently (Marti's favorite subject, next to me of course, I have never figured it out , and never will why I need to change!!!) But we all need to improve a wee bit don't we? For example I read a job offer one time that said that the applicant needed "3 years experience"  which always make me thing to myself "Is that 3 years of experience or 1 years experience 3 times?"

 Relationships are work, gentle reader, and if your not working at those you have your only going to get 1 years experience no matter how many years you have had that relationship.  And then there are the know-it-all's  The Dr Phil's of the world (Not me I'm still learning and I'll never tell you what to do, but I will point you down the right road if I can). 

If you don't know GOD, don't make stupid remarks!!!!!!!

A United States Marine was attending some college courses between assignments. He had completed missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist and a member of the ACLU.

One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, 'God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes.'

The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, 'Here I am God. I'm still waiting !'

It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him; knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold. The Marine went back to 
his seat and sat there, silently. The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence.

The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, 'What the heck is the matter with you? Why did you do that?'

The Marine calmly replied, 'God was too busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot. So, He sent me.'

My advice to your gentle reader, don't go around saying stupid stuff Cause you can't fix stupid! And work on your relationships.

 I'm just saying....

Love, Denis

 

 

Jawbones

Judges 15:16"And Samson said, With the JAWBONE of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men."

Gentle Readers,

I am not a politician, nor am I too interested in the elections except to point out where our leaders are and what they should be doing. The Bible teaches that Sampson killed 1000's with the jawbone of an ass and we have heard so many jawboning asses killing us with all of their hot air (speak to me about global warming and I’ll tell you where most of it comes from) In any case since most are not interested in History (tell me that you didn’t sleep in History class!) So from time to time I share a wee bit of History. For example did you know that it is the duty of Congress to make and enforce the laws of the land (impartially) which is why I get so upset with our Government the U.S., not Ireland. Because Congress does not have the backbone to take the lead as they should (it is not G.W. Bush’s war) For water will find it own level or put another way If congress does not do their job then some else will for example President G. W. Bush, don’t blame one man when there is guilt enough to go around). For gentle Reader, congress went along and it make no difference whether you’re a Republican or Democrat if you don’t do what’s right then your part of the problem and not part of the solution. So far the only candidate (and he won’t be elected) who has been (in my mind) absolutely consistent is (like him or not has been Congressman Ron Paul. (I probably won’t vote for him but his has told the truth IMHO) So let me change the subject for a moment and speak of another ass (Biblical type and someone who didn’t do what he should have. Read and learn Gentle reader.

 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .

Jesting and light-sarcasm accustom a man to lewdness.

REMEMBER BALAAM

"O MY people, REMEMBER what Balak king of Moab plotted against you, and how Balaam son of Beor responded to him. Recall your passage from Shittim to Gilgal - the crossing of the Jordan - and you will recognize the gracious and righteous acts of the LORD." [Micah (Michah) 6. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The NEW COVENANT writers have left us serious reflecting warnings in regards to Balaam. Peter warned against the way of Balaam; the book of Jude, against the error of Balaam; and John, against the doctrine of Balaam. CREATOR GOD evidently considers these warnings necessary and appropriate for CHRISTians today as well.

Although Balaam was a genuine prophet [Numbers (B'Midvar) 22. 7, 12] possessing great knowledge concerning ALMIGHTY GOD, and even received direct revelations from GOD MOST HIGH, he (Balaam) nevertheless was rebuked by the ALMIGHTY ONE for his iniquity by using a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice to restrain the madness of the prophet. [2 Peter 2. 16]

The Way of Balaam was a readiness to prostitute one's high spiritual gifts and privileges, for they "loved the wages of unrighteousness." [2 Peter 2. 15] Many are willing to preach contrary to GOD'S HOLY INERRANT WORD for personal gain.

The Error of Balaam was evidently his willingness to compromise his own standards of morality and truth in order "run greedily" to accommodate those of his pagan patrons "for profit." [Jude 1. 11]

The Doctrine of Balaam was already penetrating in the church in John's day, teachers used their own teaching authority to persuade GOD's people that it was all right for them to compromise their standards, even "to commit fornication" with their idol-worshipping enemies. "But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality." [Revelation 2. 14]

We are faced with similar influences that are shamefully exploiting true CHRISTian ministry today. Those clear warnings against "Balaam-ism" are still compelling and urgently essential. That is why the faithful prophet Micah, urged GOD's people to "REMEMBER Balaam" and his fatally disastrous end - - the children of Israel killed him with a sword.

Will you heed OMNIPOTENT GOD'S warning, or will you go along with the crowd by discarding the eternal for the temporal?

 It is said Gentle Reader, that those who don't pay attention to History are bound to repeat it!

 I am just saying,

Love Denis

Broken Promises and Change

The U.S. Government has broken more treaty's and promises than they have kept!

Gentle Reader,

Pardon me if I vent about the up and coming election so this is addresses to the Senators and congressmen as well as those running for the highest office in the land. If you like you can copy and send onto your favorite congressman.

 Dear Senator and congressmen;

 If you haven't figured it out by now there is absolutely no pace on this continent that you are safe. May I remind you what so many of the forefathers fought for "No Taxation without representation"! Remember the Boston Tea Party? Well When you were elected were you not sworn to defend the U.S. Constitution?  Let's just examine your collective record shall we?

 Every election we have the promise if lower taxes and every year that goes by our spending is  a wee bit less and we the average American allows you to get away with your increases in salary and benefits. How about you serving in congress without pay for a term or two? For a Change!  

My wife who is bed fast has been denied even the most minimal health care by those in our state who live in the lap of luxury (Governor and His people) No Help except to be denied health care, I am a veteran and you didn't have a problem taking me to protect the fat cats in Washington... I heard it once said that you are not dedicated rightest or dedicated leftest you are just dedicated to staying there!

Change is the name of the Game!

How about for starters you penalize those Big Corporations  who send all of the jobs held by American citizens overseas to show their stockholders a bigger profit. Why should we buy from those Corporations who steal jobs from those who are American citizens? And while we're at it why should the Corporations by allowed to hide illegal aliens at slave wages and allow American citizens to go begging?

We applaud those large and small business that are the lifeblood of this great nation however we are tired of being treated like 2nd class citizens.

 You have have 50 plus years to come up with an alternative energy supply. Lets change that and offer any American who can come up with a reliable source of clean renewable energy source with a reward of a tax free 1 Billion dollar reward in the next 10 years! We put a man on the moon we can do the same if you just get out of the way!  For a change!

I had a dear sweet old lady who said to to me one time "Pastor, I have been in the way for 50 years" I replied  "Gentle Lady, Perhaps it's time you get out of the way!"

You represent us to the world and the picture that the world has of The U.S. Government is one of self serving rather that self sacrifice. There are more criminals on Capital Hill that in jail and we are tired of putting up with the disingenuous attitude of those we are suppose to represent us. We do not live in a Democracy but a Representative Republic!!! How about representing all of your constituents for a change?

I'm Just saying,

My rant represents over 1 Million and a half readers don't make us have another tea party!

  

Love, Denis

For the Newbies

Scripture Institute

Gentle Reader,

From time to time I am ask about my background and what I'm all about. The questions are myriad and differing but it all comes down to two (2). 1) Are you a Pastor? and 2) What denomination are you? 

 That Gentle reader, can be quite daunting in terms that many of you may want a simple answer. I am first of all a child of God, and was called to be a pastor longer than most of you have been alive. (35 years and counting) I was ordained by the Evangelical Church Alliance while in Chicago Illinois  (the ECA is a non-denominational group of some 1000+ Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries, Bible Teachers etc. who cross minister in all denominations when a church is without leadership).

 I am a student of the Word (better know as the "Bible") when I teach I use a method that Pastors call [Expository teaching]verse-by-verse teaching. The purpose is not to make demands on you as a member of whatever church you may belong to, but rather to let the Spirit of a thrice (3X) Holy God speak to your heart. To do what God has, I believe, called me to do which is to preach and to teach I need to do two things 1)Study (which i do some 10-14 hours a day ans 2) pray which I do continually. 

My background is this I am: 

Pastor/ Teacher/Theologian/Historian Linguist/Philosopher

"Employing a research-laden approach to the analysis of God's Word in the Old and New Testaments, Dr Callaghan unfolds and presents his teaching in context with history and the sciences. A linguist with command of many languages, digging deeply into a vast collection of ancient manuscripts to find and communicate the purest understanding of what the original inspired writers of the Bible had to say. " {from the Scripture Institute web sight}

 I founded an international Scripture Institute for those students, scholars Pastors and teachers who wish to learn the deeper things that the Bible teaches.

{Here is the Introduction to the Scripture Institute}

Scripture Institute is a International Biblical Research Study group. We are not connected with any one church or denomination . Our concern is solely with the correct understanding of the Bible, as God intends.  Many hundreds of Theologians, Bible teachers, Pastors, Scholars, and Students comprise Scripture Institute and have contributed 1000's of hours to  Scripture Institute.  Not all agree, Some are more conservative than others. Some are in the Vanguard in the Study of Holy Scripture. But we all agree to this one thing! "No gain has ever been made by standing still."  We believe in the GRACE and goodness of GOD and with His help we shall learn all that He wills in His good pleasure.  Our desire like Ezra of old is to "Open up the Book".  Join with us, add your name to those who truly love  the Word of God. And want to learn."

"How can Christians read and study the same Bible, yet come away with opposite conclusions?" Perhaps you too have been asked the very same question. Every Christian should be able to study and gain a deeper understanding of the Scriptures concerning salvation, grace, and the second coming of Christ. These are fundamentals of the faith, yet many believers struggle with these truths from Scripture for themselves."

Which now leaves Gentle Reader, only my personal view point. Which Is this:  

My Personal Philosophy: I believe that the duty of a pastor/teacher is to teach and preach the Scriptures using the talents God has given the education gained through study and life's experience with grace and a sense of humor that brings to bear on the hearers the spirit of the risen Lord. To make the word "Christian" a living reality to every one who understands what that word truly means. To encourage each believer to "Grow in Grace and in the knowledge of Our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus". To present the Truth as given to us by the Apostle Paul in the Revelation of the Mystery and to make "all men see what is this fellowship" Eph. 3:9.

I am after all Gentle Reader, the same as you are: a creation of God fearfully and wonderfully made and just one beggar showing another beggar where to find bread, attempting to "feed the Children" 

 Love, Denis      

The Big House

A wise man builds a big house for all to see. A man living on his south side walks to the edge of the land the house sets on but because how the trees around the house are planted the man can only see the south side of the big house.
The master of the big house comes out and speaks to the man who came from the south. “Enter my house I have a door on the south side there which is all ways unlock and there is food on the table inside for you to eat.”

The south side man speaks to the master of the house “not today I have to go out to the town square later but maybe another day but can I at least take a picture of your big house to show my friends” the master speaks to the south side men “yes you may take a picture of my house.”

A man living on his north side walks to the edge of the land the house sets on but because how the trees around the house are planted the man can only see the north side of the big house.

The master of the big house comes out and speaks to the man who came from the north. “Enter my house I have a door on the north side there which is all ways unlock and there is food on the table inside for you to eat.”

The north side man speaks to the master of the house “not today I have to go out to the town square later but maybe another day but can I at least take a picture of your big house to show my friends” the master speaks to the north side men “yes you may take a picture of my house.”

The man living on his east side walks to the edge of the land the house sets on but because how the trees around the house are planted the man can only see the east side of the big house.

The master of the big house comes out and speaks to the man who came from the east. “Enter my house I have a door on the east side there which is all ways unlock and there is food on the table inside for you to eat.”

The east side man speaks to the master of the house “not today I have to go out to the town square later but maybe another day but can I at least take a picture of your big house to show my friends” the master speaks to the east side men “yes you may take a picture of my house.”

A man living on his west side walks to the edge of the land the house sets on but because how the trees around the house are planted the man can only see the west side of the big house.

The master of the big house comes out and speaks to the man who came from the west. “Enter my house I have a door on the west side there which is all ways unlock and there is food on the table inside for you to eat.”

The west side man speaks to the master of the house “not today I have to go out to the town square later but maybe another day but can I at least take a picture of your big house to show my friends” the master speaks to the west side men “yes you may take a picture of my house.”

The four man met at the town square to share with each other of the great house they are saw. The south side man said’s the house is red, the north side man said’s the house is white, the east side man said’s the house is blue, and the west side man said’s the house is green.

Each man comes out with their picture but none will take time to see the other’s men picture and they begin to fight until the man who runs the town square came out and put them in jail. All four man are took to see the judge.

The judge is the master of the great house they all have a picture of their view while the judge listens to each man he holds his peace until the day of the next court day but lets all four men go home. After many years have past all four man must show up to court.

Each men shows the judge their pictures to prove who was right and the judge looks with sad eyes and speaks “none of you have ever visited my house after I welcome you in with a open heart.”

It gets very quite in the court room them the judges speaks “none of you have saw the true color of my house because my house is the house of many colors. So I give you life in that little jail which a day was hard for you to deal with years ago.”

This is a story written to show people how one sided they can be when it comes to understanding God’s love.

Science vs Religion

 

Dear Gentle Reader,

As you may have already guessed by now this blog is/was not written for those who chose not to think for them selves. When I first started in the Ministry I was surprised that while the Christian belief system is based on the written Word. Few if any have ever read the "Book" of books let alone really study for themselves. Someone said to me one time "I have a bible it's right up on our bookshelf with the other good books" Duh! Gentle Reader, when you run into the average believer you may find yourself facing one who at best is a faineant (that is one who relies on others to do their thinking). I do not believe that God gave us brains that could last for 1000 years only to use 10% We are given to learn and the reason I mention science in the title of this blog is because IMHO science is the other side on man. 

That is to say science deals with the tangible (see, taste, feel, observe etc. ) While the spiritual side what we sometimes call religion is left to wither on the vine!  Religion is in actuality man trying to reach God So today we want to focus on the spiritual side and what the Bible calls:

  The Rulers Of The Kosmos

"Because not to us is the conflict against blood and flesh, but against the Rulers, against the Authorities, against the world (KOSMOS) Rulers of this darkness against the spiritual (hosts) of evil in the heavenlies"

Eph. 6:12, (From the Greek Nestle Text.)

In this verse Paul seems to be contrasting the games of the arena, where contestants were matched in flesh and blood struggles only. Our contest, on the other hand, is against sacrosanct authorities and the rulers of this darkness. Paul uses the word, KOSMOKRATOR,(Greek) lord of the world, just as it was used of the Roman Emperor (Corpus Inscriptionum, Bockhil, 5892). Paul aptly adds; "Of This Darkness." There is a real conflict in this world for the MIND of man. It is ruthless, systematic and calculating. 2 Cor. 10:3-5 has this conflict before it.

"For though in flesh we walk

Not according to the flesh do we war,-

For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly,

But mighty by God, unto a pulling down of strongholds, -

When we pull down calculations and every height that uplifteth itself against the knowledge of God, And when we bring into captivity every thought unto the obedience of The Christ."

Rotherham Emphasized Bible. (A literal translation)

Paul in Phil. 2:5 bids the Christian to have the mind of Christ. This mind is in complete opposition to this world-system and its rulers. The warfare is real and the issues are vital. There is a KOSMIC-RULER of this darkness that is spreading across the world. The conflict for the mind seems to more and more fit the pattern of the book entitled 1984 -- with the theme, "Big Brother Is Watching Over You." To capture, to enslave, to mold and to stamp out all vestiges of Christ-likenesses seem to be the intent of this struggle. It is at once a spiritual battle, a battle of ideology wherein world rulers seek to control what one is to think, believe and act. The real issues are not in flesh and blood contests, but these rulers of darkness verily know that the mind that is allowed to think upon The Christ of God, will with that thinking, be changed.

The so-called Christian religions are but an instrument in the hands of this ruler of darkness to blind the mind to the completeness and perfections of The Christ and our life in Him and His in us. Any devise used to draw one away from the centrality of Christ, even though seemingly moral and religious, is a subterfuge to destroy the preeminence of Christ. If this bulwark of true spirituality goes, rest assured, that nothing essential remains to hinder the full onslaught of the authoritarian powers that would dominate the mind of first the Christian and then of the world. Col. 2:8 has a direct bearing upon this:

"Be taking heed lest there shall be anyone leading you off as a spoil,

Through means of their philosophy, and an empty deceit, -

According to the instructions of men,

According to the first principles of the world (KOSMOS), --

And NOT according to Christ."

Rotherham

Paul warns of being made a "spoil." That this world-system is NOT ACCORDING TO CHRIST. As we daily come in contact with this system we may think it to be aimless and without direction but if we will look closely a pattern will be observed along the following lines:

1. Philosophy (man's reasoning) instead of Divine Revelation.

2. Deification of man and the abnegation of God.

3. Religiously, the emphasis on ordinances and the rites of man's inventions rather than enjoining simple faith in a perfect Saviour.

4. Ancientism, a turning back to the "first principles of the KOSMOS", i.e., the order of the heavens and earth that were so very much a part of paganism, and that so minutely regulated Israel's religion. Cp. Gal. 4:3.

Christ is the answer to man's reasoning about God. Christ is the end to religion, for He fulfilled all its types and shadows. The ultimate goal of the world-system is to degrade and to get rid of -- The Christ Of God. The "Jesus" of modern-day Christianity helps to serve this goal, and this completely humanized "Jesus" inflates man's ego, hardly being distinguished from "Buddha", and having little in common with The Christ of Scripture.

And so Gentle Reader, I don't ask you to agree with me but merely 'search and see' for yourself. Perhaps you will come to say "I studied with "the Doctor"

 Love, Denis

The Jewel called Earth

The earth is as a jewel in the hands of God!

Gentle reader,

 I trust that you have sufficiently recovered from the previous nights revelry to read a wee bit. I love getting photos of America and the earth. From, Ireland I took them or they were more recently sent to me. The subject today is as you read the title NOT Global warming as it might appear. But in fact (facts and truth often have little to do with one another) a continuation of what I started yesterday the subject (fan fair please ) The Universe or Kosmos And the jewel in Gods hand. 

All of us should be aware of the picture of the earth shot from the surface of the moon -- the blue crescent of the earth in the distance and the drab lunar surface in the foreground. It has been captioned, "In The Beginning God … " Earth is, indeed, a beautiful ornament hung in space. It was in this sense that the Greeks looked at this word, KOSMOS, especially as they looked out into space and discerned the order and beauty of the universe. Aristotle, lib. 1 De Mundo, defines KOSMOS: "A system composed of the heaven and the earth, and the beings contained in them; otherwise, the order and beautiful arrangement of the universe is called KOSMOS."

The Hebrew writers, in contrast to the Greeks, spoke of the "Heavens and the Earth" when they wanted to define the universe, with the added word, "host" of them. Where they used this word, "host," the Greek translators of the O.T. in the LXX translated KOSMOS. Note the LXX of the following:

And the heavens and the earth were finished, and the whole KOSMOS of them, i.e. the whole order of them. Gen. 2:1.

… and lest having looked in the sky, and having seen the sun and the moon and the stars, and all the heavenly bodies (KOSMON), i.e., the order of the heavens. Deut.4:l9, so also 17:3. LXX.

For the stars of heaven, and Orion, and all the host (KOSMOS) of heaven ... Isa. 13:10.

And God shall bring His hand upon the host (KOSMOS) of heaven. Isa. 24:21.

Lift up your eyes on high, and see, who has displayed all these things? Even He that brings forth His host (KOSMOS) by number: He shall call them all by name by means of His Great Glory and by the Power of His Might. Isa. 40: 26. LXX.

The Septuagint (Greek O.T.) adds to the Hebrew text of the A.V. in Prov. 17:6 the following interesting words:

The faithful has the whole world (KOSMOS) full of wealth: but the faithless not even a farthing.

There is a Greek word, Ge-land, as distinct from water or earth, as distinct from heaven; generally a specific region or country with its own inhabitants, or even the "soil." This is the word used in Acts 1:8, translated "earth."

There is another Greek word, OIKOUMENE (the inhabited world), from OIKEO, to dwell, inhabit. It denotes the inhabited as against wilderness, an ordered society of some nature. To the Greek and to the Roman it meant where law and culture dominated; that is, their own empire.

This was the sense of the taxation command in Lk. 21:26. Satan showed Christ the kingdoms of the inhabited earth in Luke 4:5 but on a subsequent occasion (Matt. 4: , he shows Him the full kingdoms of the KOSMOS and offers them to Christ for His worship. The first Offer in Luke was only concerning the AUTHORITY.

Nothing in the Greek mentions a mountain, but as Satan AGAIN tries the same type of temptation but increasing; the prize offered, the answer of Christ is to command Satan in "GO," whereas, in the first, He had asked him to gel behind Him, which desire was not obeyed by either Satan or Peter when it was spoken to them. The kingdoms of the inhabited earth may, indeed, be very limited; that of the KOSMOS might well include those Princedoms of which war is spoken in Eph. 6 and in the book of Revelation.

Abraham, according to Rom.4:i3, was to inherit a KOSMOS - this, before there was an Israel. This would include the land of his sojourn, but also the New Jerusalem out of heaven. See Heb. 11:16.

In Luke 21:26, we again hear this word referring to the inhabited earth and men experiencing heart failure for fear and from looking at the terrible things coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens themselves were to be shaken, In Rom. 10:18, Paul uses both GE, and OIKOUMENE. The context is that there must be SOMETHING given to all to believe, God's Voice in one manner or another, the results of His speaking either in attestation to Christ as His Beloved Son (and Redeemer), or in creation as in Rom. 1:19-25 -- all demand some response from His creatures. We might add, the KOSMOS, of Romans 1:19 (the world) was created (as in Gen. 2:1). This was done by HIS WORD, and the Gospel of John identifies THIS WORD with the LORD CHRIST. Heb. 1:6, interestingly enough, speaks of God bringing His FIRST-BEGOTTEN (Prototokos) again into the inhabited earth; angels will again worship Him as at the first, but the sequence thru will be the THRONE OF God on earth, a sceptre of righteousness, and Christ as fulfilling His Name, "Anointed. "

Ge, KOSMOS and Creation

In Heb. 1:10, Christ is spoken of as having laid the foundation (i.e. readied) the earth, GE. The various steps in Genesis were, of course, to make the earth suitable for man. In Matt. 13:35, Christ is The REVEALER (as He is in the Book of Revelation) of things kept CRYPTIC (secret-kekrummena, fr. kruptos, obscured) from the down-casting of the KOSMOS. Foundation (A.V.) is Gr. kataboles, lit., down-casting. Some only see in this word the waste and ruin of Gen, 1:2; however, the term was used by the Greeks of a dog's droopy ears, paying down earnest money, advancing credit, or just playing with a ball. In this text and in Matt. 25:34; Heb. 4:3; 9:26; Rev. 13:8; 17:8 (where KOSMOS and foundation, kataboles, are joined), the meaning may well be just God casting forth this KOSMOS into its present solar system, although it doesn't arrive into the orbit of our sun, moon and stars until the fourth creation day, according to Gen. 1:14-19. In a very cryptic way (not the secret of Eph. or Col.), God's kingdom program was known. Hints and prophecies drew the picture of a world ruled by Messiah, but in the words and person of Christ, the empty places were filled in, especially the predicating the whole on His redemptive work. As Rev. 13:8 mentions, with the down-casting of the KOSMOS, and God envisioning and creating moral responsible creatures capable of choice, then it was but the responsibility of such a Creator to accept the consequences of such a creature making the wrong choices, and providing redemption -- a way back for them in the pre-figured slain Lamb dated from the very casting-down of the KOSMOS. Certainly, if man is to be free in any degree, it means freedom to make the wrong choices as well as the right, or there is no moral character. Precipitous choice of evil before learning the consequences of such a choice (as Adam, or those taking hard drugs) is indeed tragic, but redemption and The Redeemer are provided, even though the consequences cannot be arrested entirely.

KOSMOS is again identified with heaven and earth (Ge) in Acts 17:24: "God that made the world (KOSMOS) and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of Heaven and Earth ..." This text was part of Paul's address to the Greeks on Mars Hill In Athens. He uses KOSMOS as any Greek would, meaning the orderly COSMIC system observable in God's creation of the heavens and earth. Paul at once shows the imminence of God in creation and yet that He is above it. Paul shows God's care and relationship to His creatures, and that man can search for and find Him, but not in man-made buildings, or in things of man's devising, or in human merit, for Paul adds, "He needs nothing." He is close to us; we can find Him in the Creator, surely, bait more fully in The CHRIST, Whom He has appointed to be Judge of all men. Thankfully, we were judged with Him on Calvary -- we were already "put to death."

This same concept is given by Paul in Rom. 1:20:

For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the KOSMOS are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made ...

In looking at the earth and the heavens, surely every heart is impressed with the great power displayed, and, as we reach out still beyond the limit of our usual telescopes into the radio stars, we finally must say "HOW GREAT THOU ART." But should it not also impress another message upon our minds? Is there not a GODHOOD THERE? Is He to receive no glory from His creatures? No fellowship with His moral sentient creatures? Would we again demand that The Creator come forth in creature-form and die again and again for man's sin to win him back? Must God always seeker be? Must He always cry, "Where art thou Adam-man?" "His off-spring we are," cried Paul. Yet we wonder in our folly if He loves at all.

I wonder if any of us can scan the whole of our lives? If so, may not 1 Tim. 6:7 have an application?

... we brought nothing into this KOSMOS nor can we carry anything out ...

We are here just a short time, our few possessions are only on loan for a moment, may not the things of the spirit, as Paul calls them forth in 1 Tim. 6:11, be the really vital possessions that go beyond the grave? Or is righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness of no value? Is not there a tightness between God and man? A spiritual relationship that is true, vital and living? A faith that honors what God is and what He has revealed for our affirmation? A divine love, Christ-like and abiding? A patience or endurance when all else seems to be wrong? A meekness that is not enamored with self, but knows its own stature and looks to God?

Ah, gentle reader, can you imagine that each of you are a jewel in God's eye and how can we treat none another with such utter disregard when men kill, rob, rape and steal What will you take out of this World but what you send on ahead!

To be continued . . .

 Love, Denis

What on Earth?

Gentle Reader,

As you know I am first of all a man of Faith, but not only a child of God, but also an Educator a Philosopher, an Historian, an Archaeologist, a pastor /teacher and a husband and father and wee story teller. So when I tell you that I study anywhere from 10-14 hours a day you can take that to the bank (now understand) that is not every day now sometimes just a few short hours (like today) Marti is sick and while we have relatives they don’t call or come around so we are more or less on our own). I am sure that you feel that way at times, as if your all alone, well your not but to be frank the more I learn to more I am impressed with how small and insignificant we seem by comparison to the vast Universe that we live in. And yet for all the learning that we have done since we crawled out of the slime (You see I pander to those who reject even the possibility of Creator ,<grin>.)

But whether you ascribe to the Big Bang Theory or perhaps a more down to earth (sorry I couldn’t resist) belief system . I think you would agree that we are somehow all connected. There is an order to this world , earth Universe right down to the atoms that make up our bodies. We all need to see ourselves in the perspective of the Universe

WHAT IS THE KOSMOS?

Communion and friendship and orderliness and temperance and justice bind together heaven and earth and gods and men; this universe is, therefore, called KOSMOS, or order; not disorder or misrule (Gorgia 508 Plato).

Regarding the above concept of KOSMOS, consider the following by  Dr. E. W. Bullinger:

"... KOSMOS denotes the order of the world, the ordered universe, the ordered entirety of God's creation, but considered as separated from God. Then, the abode of humanity, or that order of things in which humanity moves, or of which man is the centre; then, mankind as it manifests itself in and through such an order; then, that order of things which, in consequence of and since the Fall, is alienated from God, as manifested in and through the human race." (P. 901, Critical Lexicon. and Concordance).

John, in his Gospel (3:16), says, "For God so loved the KOSMOS … " or (3:17) says, "For God sent not His Son into the KOSMOS to condemn the KOSMOS but that the KOSMOS through Him might be saved." In John's first Epistle (1 John 2:15) John sees that there is in this KOSMOS a contrary ORDER to God's law of love as he so well expresses it ... a KOSMOS that is a bringer of CHAOS,"... love not the KOSMOS, neither the things that are in the KOSMOS. If any man love the KOSMOS, the love of The Father is not in him," This is no conflict with the statement that God loves the KOSMOS and seeks its redemption, since John goes on to define his statement in 1 John 2:16, "For all that is in the KOSMOS, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, IS NOT OF THE FATHER, but is of the KOSMOS." Within God's there is a love and loveliness that honors Him and all it touches, that makes man more Christ-like and noble.

Tragically, there is another selfish love that only takes but does not give, that tears down, destroys instead of building up. It too is a SYSTEM, a KOSMOS, social, political, ethical and religious, addressing itself to man's selfish pride -- two systems, two rulers, two laws.

Defining the Word, KOSMOS, Its Origins

As we look at this word, KOSMOS, we discover that it is already a very familiar word. We hear it in the word COSMETIC, that ability to beautify the body. This is from the Greek, KOSMETIKOS (skilled in arranging) from KOSMETOS, (well-ordered), from KOSMEIN (to arrange, order), from KOSMOS (order). The ancient Greeks used this word in that homey sense -- an ornament, decoration, embellishment, dress, especially of women but also of men and horses. They spoke of olive-wreath, of the ornamentation of speech, of the, sweet song of praise, of poets and poems -- all under this name. So it should not be surprising to us to first find this word in Matt. 12:44 of a house that had been furnished (garnished, A.V.) -- an empty house, a house without a Master-waiting, a picture of Israel, surely. After her return from captivity, she no longer em-braced the unclean idols of paganism; she cleaned up her house according to the letter of the law. No fault could be found with her morality, her house was well ordered, but it was empty of that essential PRESENCE that gives meaning to it all.

In Matt. 25:7 we hear the word again in the "trimming of lamps." These were ceremonial torches to be raised on high upon the arrival of the bridegroom, and thereafter to escort the bridegroom to the marriage. This word was used (Matt. 23:29) of the decorating of tombs, of buildings (Lk. 21:5) and of persons (1 Tim. 2:9).

Adorn one's self in orderly apparel is what the apostle is really saying. This is to compliment the ORDERLY BEHAVIOR of 1 Tim. 3:2, and the inner beauty or cosmetics of the spirit of 1 Peter 3:3-5. It is in this last light that we read Titus 2:10, "that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things." It is not difficult to realize that what we are and how we act will dramatize the doctrine of our Savior-God, make it attractive and appealing, or thrust others from it. In this, each of us is a micro-kosmos of what we believe -- an ADORNMENT for good or ill. We are the guise in which the doctrine of God our Savior is presented to others. So, should we not be an ADORNMENT that casts the best possible light upon the Christ we teach? Epictetus (Enchirid. cap. 62), states, in effect, that a woman was nothing unless she was properly ARRANGED. May the beauty of Christ clothe us as a garment.

 We are connected Gentle reader, to the earth, the Kosmos (universe and to our creator, more on that later) and to each other. When we hurt one another then we are hurting ourselves... To be continued...

 Love, Denis