Understanding Job

Dear Gentle reader,

When one truly seeks answers one comes face to face with the questions that the Book of Job deals with in an extended epic of great proportions.

One can accept that this is a Historical book filled with facts or merely an allegory of the fate of men in general. Which ever side you choose there are grand moral lessons to be learned if (and that’s the rub if you are willing to set aside your preconceived notions and really get past the Religious scenery to the heart of the matter. Dr Arthur Custance said in his book Seed of the Woman "The Words of Scripture are for Children The thoughts are for men"

I will assume that you have graduated from merely looking at words to attempting to understand the thoughts behind them.

To many the book of Job is a record of unrelieved gloom, with Job longing to be where ‘the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest’. This however is only part of the truth revealed.Suffering is answered by comfort and consolation, reproach and loss give place to honour and blessing.The fruits of victory are given to one who by his faith endured and overcame.

The author draws back the curtain and shows how this ancient record came into the hands of one ‘learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians’. Here, Moses would read for the first time truths that form part of the book of Genesis; Adam’s sin, the Sons of God, the majesty of the Creator and the vastness of His handiwork. Not only so, but here he would read of a Redeemer who lived, of a Ransom provided, and of a hope that through Him man may be raised from sleep in the dust of the earth. The conclusion is inescapable that such a book would not only influence but impart power and wisdom to the man chosen to be the deliverer and lawgiver of Israel.

When we speak of the inspiration of Scripture, we must be careful not to exclude ordinary sources of information. The inspiration of the book of Kings for example is not in any sense invalidated by the fact that whoever compiled that book under the guidance of God, did not hesitate to avail himself of existing records, a special inspiration is not required if such record as is available should at the same time be true. Consequently we find reference is made to ‘the book of the acts of Solomon’ (1 Kings 11:41); to a ‘book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah’ (1 Kings 14:29); and to a ‘book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel’ (1 Kings 14:19). We also learn

from 1 Chronicles 29:29 that Samuel, Nathan and Gad compiled a history (margin) of the ‘acts of David the king, first and last’. We discover from Daniel 9:2 that the great prophecy of the ‘seventy sevens’ grew out of reading the writings of Jeremiah, and Luke, in the New Testament provides us with an instance of one who though claiming to have had ‘perfect understanding of all things from the very first’ (‘from above’ anothen) nevertheless used the testimony of ‘eye-witnesses’ who testified of those things which were most surely believed (Luke 1:1-4).

When we turn to the first of the books of Moses, it becomes evident that the opening chapters dealing with Creation are a direct revelation, but that the bulk of the book of Genesis is composed of the records that were compiled since the days of Adam, beginning with ‘The book of the generations of Adam’ in Genesis 5:1. It is evident, when reading Genesis 23:17-20, that Moses had a document before him, for he records the original place name Machpelah, but brings it up to date by informing the reader that ‘The same is Hebron in the land of Canaan’ (see also verse 2). In the book of Genesis therefore we have a history, preceded by a revelation which deals with

Creation and Satanic interference, important elements which apparently were not included in the ‘Book of the generations of Adam’, yet which are vital to a true understanding of the book as a whole. If Moses had access to the documents, or ‘generations’ as they are termed, that give an unbroken account of the life of man from Adam to Noah, from Noah to Abraham, and from Abraham to the twelve sons of Jacob.

So with my understanding I hold that the Book of Job was the first book written although not the book first in your Bible. We begin with the introduction and we would call this the set-up

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. (Job 1:6-12)

What we gather from this brief introduction is that the author wants his readers to learn this simple truth "it is the end of the Lord" that is to say the end to which Job was brought the confession of human impotence in attaining righteousness and thankfully casting himself on Divine Omnipotence for the rescuing or (salvation) of Himself.

We also see the his three friends (I used to call them the three stooges Larry Curly and Mo ). Today, I would called them the 3 Psychiatrist! ("Here is my solution for your troubles take this pill") The 3 show the impotence of human experience Eliphaz, represents Human experience. Bildad, human tradition, and Zophar human merit.

Next time,

Love, Denis

These are times that...

Try mens souls

 

 My own translation

 

Gentle reader,  

With times as they are I thought I might share how things were perceived way back before we were born and the first book believed to be written of the Old Testament (the Hebrew bible) the book of Job (no,  not jobs as one person put it ) but how to deal with the stress that everyone feels at this time. No jobs, (no pun intended -well maybe, no money (or at least not enough to drive to the store (even WalMart is too expensive for many of us)  The great 'American Dream' seems to have disappeared!   So here is a mini study on the way things are and how God perceives them

Introduction to the Book of Job

THE BOOK OF JOB is one of the most widely quoted stories in the TORAH, the history of the Hebrew people and their God. A version of the TORAH, including the BOOK OF JOB, was later translated and edited into the first five books of the Christian BIBLE, referred to as the THE OLD TESTAMENT. The stories of the TORAH, stemming from a long oral tradition in the ancient world, were probably first written down between the eighth and second centuries B.C.E.  ['Before Common Era',

The BOOK OF JOB relates the suffering and resolve of Job, a godly man and possible candidate for 'World’s Earliest Intellectual' since he dares to question his existence. As a spiritual lesson, the story of Job poses a number of questions on the nature of God and the unnecessary pain inflicted on the righteous in what often seems a pointlessly cruel world.

The BOOK OF JOB is also notable for its use of an informed prologue in which the audience is privy to a secret knowledge that the protagonist in the story is not. This use of dramatic irony is most commonly seen in Greek tragedies and adds an element of suspense to the telling of Job’s tribulations.

PLOT:

In the first two chapters, or prologue, of the BOOK OF JOB, God decides to use Job as a demonstration to his skeptical subordinate, Satan, who doubts Job's unflappable faith in God. God tells Satan that he may take away everything from Job. Satan wastes no time and plagues the old man in short thrift; Job soon loses his family, his farm and riches, and is finally covered in hideous boils. Job has no knowledge of God and Satan’s conversations in the prologue nor of the resultant bet on his spiritual faith. Meanwhile, back on the earthly plane, Job’s wife tells Job to turn away from God, while his three friends tell him to repent, assuming that Job has committed an egregious sin to be punished by God so completely. Job keeps his faith but he neither curses God nor openly repents for any mysterious sins.

 Instead, he sits quietly and waits for God to explain himself. The answer finally comes in the form of a divine whirlwind. From the heart of the raging storm, God speaks to the frightened Job, telling him that God's reasons are incomprehensible to the human mind. Job’s health, family and riches are restored at the end of the book -- a reward for his faithfulness.

 That in a nutshell is the whole book but we are (being more literate that those who want to watch the boob tube ad nauseum) will take a wee closer look at several factors and try to draw some understanding as well as comfort for the 21st century.

 Until next timed then I am as hopeful as one can be waiting on God. Of course if you have no hope then. . . what? Love,

Denis

What about Easter?

Gentle Reader,

Marti has been so sick for so long that even get us both down. But when she has good days I can spend a wee bit of time with you dear friends, sipping coffee and eating wee Irish cream cheese muffins. And of course sharing stories and truth all wrapped up in neat bit size morsels.  

There is so much to write about at this time of year. I was thinking about trying to share that fact of when was the day in which Jesus died for example: 

THE FIRST DAY OF THE FEAST" - "THE HIGH DAY" (Yom tov) - THE 15TH DAY OF NISAN.

(Our Wednesday sunset to Thursday sunset.)

THE FIRST NIGHT AND FIRST DAY IN THE TOMB.

THE SECOND DAY OF THE FEAST - THE 16TH DAY OF NISAN.

(Our Thursday sunset to Friday sunset.)

THE SECOND NIGHT AND SECOND DAY IN THE TOMB.

THE THIRD DAY OF THE FEAST - "THE (WEEKLY) SABBATH" - THE 17TH DAY OF NISAN

(Our Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.)

THE THIRD NIGHT AND THIRD DAY IN THE TOMB.

"THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK" - THE 18TH DAY OF NISAN

(Our Saturday sunset : "the third day" of Matt. 16:21, &c.; not the third day of the Feast.)

Thus the Resurrection of the Lord took place at our Saturday sunset or thereabouts on "the third day"; cp. "after three days" (Matt. 27:63. Mark 8:31.). 28:1-10 16:1-18 24:1-49 20:1-23

But what does the crucifixion mean and what is the significance of what Christians  get from understanding the Resurrection? Simply stated for the dullest of individuals it is the greatest principle given to man ... That is the principle of giving with no expectation of getting unlike the principle of the world which is "get all you can get and then get some more"

The most famous verse in the Bible "For God so loved the world (that's you and me Gentle Reader, ) that He gave His only Son..."For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (or rescued).

Now the problem arises Gentle Reader, in that some want to do things their own way and others deny that within then there is a deep need to be accepted by as many as they can get into a VW bus. But surprise, surprise Gentle Reader you (and the rest of us have been accepted by your Creator "just the way you are warts and all" simply because..... God loves you and each of you are special to Him. The hard part is realising that He loves the unlovable those we would not even consider worthy. He gave His very best . and wants you to understand the simple message "it is more blessed than to receive" God gave ...so that you might give also...

Love,

Denis   

a changing church

A Changing Church Culture



Unattached - People who had attended neither a conventional church nor a faith community during the past year represents 25% of adult Americans. A third of these have never attended a church.

Intermittents - Participated in a conventional church or a faith community within the past year constitutes 15% of U.S. adults. Two-thirds attended at least one church event within the past 6 months.

Homebodies - Did not attend a conventional church during the past month, but did attend a meeting of a house church comprises 3% of American adults.

Blenders - Attended both a conventional church and a house church during the past month represent 3% of the adult population.

Conventionals - Attended a conventional church during the past month but not a house church accounts for 56% of U.S. adults.

Forever/Eternity

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Reverence for the Eternal ONE is the key to His treasures.


FOREVER ENDURES
"The LORD abides (endures) forever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 9. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

This world and the heavens are going to all pass away completely as everything decays and dies, "they will perish…grow old like a garment." [Hebrews 1. 11] But, the ALMIGHTY CREATOR GOD is eternal! "May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in HIS works." [Psalms (Tehillym) 104. 31 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The great name of the KING OF GLORY will never change. "May HIS NAME be eternal; while the sun lasts, may HIS NAME endure. Men shall be blessed in HIM; all nations shall call HIM blessed." [Psalms (Tehillym) 72. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Likewise, HIS righteousness and character is everlasting, "Wealth and riches are in HIS house, and HIS righteousness lasts forever. HE is gracious, compassionate, generous and righteous. [Psalms (Tehillym) 112. 3 - 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Psalms 136 declares the MIGHTY ONE's ever-enduring mercies and concludes with wonderful assurances and promises. "Oh, give thanks and praise to the GOD OF HEAVEN! HIS mercy and steadfast love is forever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 136. 26 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Since the HOLY ONE's perfect righteousness and everlasting great mercy will last forever, we should continually thank and praise HIM with every breath in our being.

The wondrous, life-giving WORD OF GOD will also endure. This is confirmed in both OLD & NEW COVENANTS: "The LORD exists forever; YOUR WORD stands firm in heaven. YOUR faithfulness is for all generations; YOU have established the earth, and it stands." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 89 - 90 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the WORD OF THE LORD endures forever." [1 Peter 1. 24 - 25]

GOD's love, so rich and pure, will always endure, eternity will be filled with HIS great love. "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD." [Romans 8. 38 - 39]

We know for certainty that we shall also live forever, because the HOLY ONE is forever. "His seed (David's) shall continue forever, his throne, as the sun before ME; as the moon, established forever, an enduring witness in the sky. Selah" [Psalms (Tehillym) 89. 36 - 37 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of GOD abides forever." [1 John 2. 17] Oh the riches we, who serve the LORD OF GLORY, have in abundance awaiting us; and the great joy in serving and loving HIM now.



Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Lets celebrate the ties of love and faith that bind us through Messiah Jesus, the GOD of our Salvation.
L'Shanah Tova U'Metukah - May your name be inscribed in the BOOK OF LIFE!

Spoiling Scripture

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .We were called to be "witnesses" - not lawyers or judges.


SPOILING SCRIPTURE
"You shall not add anything to what I command you or take anything away from it, but keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I enjoin upon you." - "Be careful to observe only that which I enjoin upon you; neither add to it nor take away from it.'" [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 2; 12. 32 Tanakh, Torah]

Only an absolute fool thinks he or she has received some "new inspired word from God." Nevertheless, there are an assortment of diverse cults who proclaim such, and many others who thoughtlessly follow the leaders of these religiously impious groups. These false prophets, cult leaders, continue to presumptuously explain away those Bible verses that they consider offensive, irrelevant, unimportant, or intolerable. There is a hell to shun, and those who teach and lead others are in danger of a stricter judgment and an even more severe punishment. [James 3. 1] "For we know Him Who said, 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,' says the Lord. And again, 'The Lord will judge His people.'" [Hebrews 10. 30]

The Bible is the inerrant, understandable, inspired Word of God. It is dangerous to impose some figurative meaning on a passage of Scripture to distort, or redefine it to our liking "handling the Word of God deceitfully." [2 Corinthians 4. 2]

The LORD Messiah Jesus, Himself gives a final warning to anyone who would subtract, add to, change, or revise His Holy Inspired Word in any form. "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this BOOK: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this Book. If anyone takes away from the words of the Book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this Book." [Revelation 22. 18 - 19] Whatever the Holy One does it is so that men will fear Him. [Ecclesiastes/Kohelet 3. 14]

No new revelation is needed, the Bible is more than enough for our salvation. The Holy Scriptures "are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." [2 Timothy 3. 15 - 17]



Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Blessings to all who love Zion! "Today I am causing My Presence to rest among you; if you sin, My Presence will leave you. But when Messiah comes, My Presence will remain with you permanently. Now you see the DIVINE Presence through fire, but with the advent of the Messiah you will see it clearly revealed, as it is written: ‘For eye to eye shall they see when God returns to Zion.’" [Tz’enah Ur’enah]

American Sell outs

 Another "American Company" SELLS Out

Dear  Gentle Readers,

In times like these it's nice to know who you can count on. In my humble opinion WAL Mart has gone over to the dark side. They use to provide USA made products but since the bottom line is profit for the High level corporate people [H. Lee Scott CEO] and stock holders.

Let me tell you about our experience. I purchased an Emerson 1000W Microwave oven (I cook almost entirely with the Microwave) last Friday with less that 6 months of light use the Microwave started to pour forth white smoke filling our small apartment  with Marti Bed Fast and me suffering with COPD. You can imagine how frightening it was the Fire Department arrived but in the mean time. Marti was almost over come and I can't move her to safety in time to prevent serious health damage to her already weakened condition. 

That was the Bad news now for the worse news. Even though the Microwave is still under warranty will Wal Mart stand behind their products? NO! I was given the run around put on hold (I tried to talk to the manager twice) to no avail.  Where is this wonderful product made you may ask? "CHINA"   

So far Gentle Reader, I have received no comment from the Corporate office, nor the Manager even though we are looking at over 100 seniors who could been killed? Justice in America? Fair play? or just profit?

I will keep you informed, pass this blog on if you like as I always (like the Texas Rangers get my man) 

 Denis

 "Crime doesn't pay the customer/citizen does" 

The Perils of...

Paddy the "Pooch"

Gentle reader,

 Well I wanted to say a few more things about Solomon, I never know when to just give up but Paddy is sick with IBD (look it up) and Marti is down also. So with not much time let met say this, Title of this piece should be "What's on your mind"?.

Solomon, is my kind of preacher. He doesn't offer to send you something if you send any kind of "love gift" [don't get me started on so-called 'Christian giving'] . In the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes Solomon's conclusion there isn't a ruffle of drums, a loud blast of horns, and screaming clarinets with a crescendo  of passionate emotion. . . . there is just a simple statement. And Solomon doesn't try to be fancy about it either. When its all said, it literally reads.  

Fear god and keep his commandments

 "Fear God and keep His commandments"  because that applies to every person. To the Christian and the pagan, the Jew and the Muslim. The believer and the atheists. There are two things we need to pay attention to the most. First, we must take God seriously. Hold Him in highest regard. Respect and revere Him. Second, we must to the best of our abilities and understanding do what He says. Obey Him.  respond to Him and His Word.

You would think that Solomon would slam his blog shut and say "That's that,  Now I'm done!" But that's not all, he knows that many will readers will ask why "Why should we obey Him that is invisible?"   "Why should I revere God?" "Why should I obey His truth?" Look again at the last verse "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil". (ECC.12:13.14). For those who think that God is just letting us run free and wild and wink in His direction every once in a while, thinking that, no matter what, the big Teddy Bear in the sky will just yawn and pat our head, and say "Everything will be just fine!" Well let me just say that these folks will be quit surprised when they see that History repeats itself until we finely get it! Look at this verse written long after Solomon lived by my friend Paul (the Apostle) in the Book of Colossians Chapter 3 and verses 23-25 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Solomon has taken us through on a journey that has been a jungle warfare rather that a romp through the Elysian fields. Head to head combat in the murky swamp of disillusionment, doubt and depression. rather that an easy going outing up a lazy river, it's been one of those snake and alligator survival trips that has allowed us no place to hide.

Solomon' words, phrases and conclusions have slashed deep gashes across our thin skin and punched holes in our easy answers as he has wrestled issues we would rather skirt. But that's life. and it brings a healthy and necessary kind of pressure upon us. It forces us, requires us to move. Off the wasteland of empty cliches. it is only when we learn what He (God) is really like and how to survive in the harsh  arena of what is reality that we change from mediocrity to greatness. from passive (watching life on the HDTV giant screen to the Big Screen-life itself) surrender to victorious excellence.

So thanks Solomon for record the whole truth. Your story has ended but the message lingers on. May we never forget it.  

 "when you find yourself up to your armpits in a swamp filled with alligators the first thing to do is ... drain the swamp"!

 Love, Denis

A road not traveled

Gentle Reader,

It is possible to live our entire lives from the wrong perspective. Believing that we are right we can be wrong. Thinking we are hitting the target, we can be missing the mark by miles.

There is a legend among Native Americans in the west about a brave who found an eagle's egg and put it into the nest of a prairie chicken. The eaglet hatched with the brood of chicks and grew up with them.
All his life the eagle thought he was a prairie chicken, so he did what the prairie chickens did. He scratched in the dirt for seeds and insects to eat. He clucked and cackled. And he flew in a brief thrashing of wings and flurry of feathers no more than a few feet off the ground. After all, that's how prairie chickens were supposed to fly.
One day he saw a magnificent bird far above him in the cloudless sky. Hanging with graceful majesty on the powerful wind currents, it soared with scarcely a beat of its strong golden wings.
"What a beautiful bird!" the eagle exclaimed to a prairie chicken who was his neighbor. "What is it?"
"That's an eagle — the chief of the birds," the neighbor clucked. "But don't give it a second thought. You could never be like him."
So the eagle never gave it another thought. And he lived and died thinking he was a prairie chicken.

I find that when we come to and end of a wee study some misgivings. For one things I know that I haven’t done a real justice to what we have studied, if I were just passing through (and I suppose we all are just passing through) then a short word or two would suffice. But I am in for the long haul (as you should be). And as a teacher, I appreciate Solomon, because in all the Titles that he could use he calls himself "A Preacher which is his primary task is to teach [not to entertain, or amuse to teach and we are place here to learn] As a wise man he was to teach his people knowledge [from God]! "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge . . ." (Hosea Chapter 4 verse 6)

In Chapters 10-12 we find that Solomon’s quest REVIEWED and CONCLUDED. Looking back over the way he has come the Preacher/teacher now says in Chapter 9 verse 1 "For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: With these words he commences a review after which he submits his final conclusion.

First he presents us with the fact that "All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; (9:2) Then in view of this fact (death comes to all) he reaffirms that the true good is not found in pleasure or the absorptions of this present life (9:3-12); nor in human wisdom (9:13-18 although wisdom is better than folly (To be foolish or a fool). Nor is the true good to be found in expedient behaviour (10:1-11: because of the many anomalies which exist (10:5-7), and because of the inevitable end (11; .

What then, Why this -the highest good at present open to man is a wise, temperate, grateful use and enjoyment of the present life (11:9,10) combined with a steadfast faith in God and in the life to come (12:1-7). This is what the Preacher says " Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them...Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.;

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."

And so we have finished with the mini study of the Wisdom book of Ecclesiastes of Solomon.

Solomon suggest that in his search for truth, he attempted to find just the right words. And did he ever! " A time to be born, and a time to die...a time to mourn, and a time to dance;" who will ever forget those words? Why go to all that trouble? Solomon says the reason is that the preacher is seeking acceptable words. Words or goads that will arrest your thinking and make you stop and consider the Spirit of God who gave those words to Him and to you and me. Why? Because you need to KNOW HIM!

Everything, Gentle reader, works together for GOOD! For you and for me.

There is just a bit more but we’ll finish up next time.

Love, Denis

The Greatest Good

 

Gentle Reader,

We continue to consider the book of Ecclesiastes as we take a wee survey of the thots of the wisest man who ever lived. I say this with trepidation.

That a survey is just a short cliff note . There is so much that one could leave out just to squeeze in the salient points, and then you have only just a brief perspective.

I knew a man who spent over 40years just studying one particular book of the Holy Bible and then he said at the end of his life "I have just begun to scratch the surface and to understand dimly what I have studied"! Yours truly Gentle Reader, when it comes to really studying am just a kinder Gardner even after some 30+ years I learn something new ever day. So if your expecting a definitive perspective on this wee book you will be sadly disappointed. I look back at my notes from 1988 (how about 10 years ago) When I taught the book of Ecclesiastes in my last church Grace Memorial Church in Edinburgh Illinois. And teaching once a week (Sunday Mornings) I had over 500 pages and 50 parts to explain (Of course I teach verse by verse, and that doesen't account for the rabbit trails that we go down in the course of getting a handle on the subject at hand).

So here we are looking at another 3 chapters. Chapters 6, 7 and 8 , The "preacher, teacher or Koheleth" is still looking for what is the "Greatest Good". He now looks in the realm of PRACTICAL MORALITY. The secret must lie surely in the "the Golden Mean", in finding the true balance, the centre of conduct, between things. The proper poise in behaviour, the middle-course of Expediency.

In Chapter 6, He points out that though a man/woman have riches, welth, and honour (fame), he/she cannot enjoy it unless God permits him to do so (verse 2); HollyWood has never figured this out yet have they Gentle Reader? Moreover all the labour of man for his mouth cannot satisfy his soul (not "appetite " as in your KJV)

Please Note: Soul is used in the Hebrew Bible for the whole person some teach that you have a soul, but in fact you do not have a soul you are one. You have a body and a spirit which together make up a whole person a Soul if you will.

 

"For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?" (Verse 12) Surely the answer is to be found he reasons in an expedient course of behaviour. So beginning withe the aphorism [ a short saying stating a general truth] "A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth" (Chapter 7 verse 1) The preacher begins to examine that facts "just the Facts Solomon, just the facts" and lo and behold he finds that righteous men perish in their righteousness, and wicked men life long in their wickedness Chapter 7:15); the best of men are still sinners (7:20); the best are still spoken againts 7:21,22) and ther are more equally discouraging anomalies (read chapter . More and more the preacher is being driven to see the necessity for God read Chapter 7;13,14, 18 and Chapter 8:12, 13, 17) yet once again he comes and concludes that " Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun"

But let me ask you Gentle Reader, before we close for today What really, really, (2 really’s serious stuff) will make you completely happy? Money, Fame, Prestige, Power, etc.

I do hope that you are more mature than to think that "you only go around once in life, so grab for all the gusto you can. For gentle reader, we have only begun to see " But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath PREPARED for them that love him."

The best is yet to come Gentle Reader, until next time,

Love,

Denis

The Greatest Good

For Today

Dead end streets!

Not oft mid busy servings Life's deepest truths are learned; Not oft min noisy strivings The Spirit's voice discerned. Not in life's crowded places, Where jostling care intrude, But, in life's lonely spaces, God speaks in solitude.

Gentle  Reader,

I have been called away will return momentarily... Help yourself to fresh coffee ... but leave that last Irish cream muffin for me. _D

Well now, Marti wanted me to order some vitamin supplements for her (she is unable to take any Rx as the drugs react with her system and leave her so weak she cannot sit up or talk for weeks on end. )

 Now to what I want to share, the "preacher" tells us in the 1st 2 chapters how he has searched for what he calls "the chief Good" by PERSONAL EXPERIMENT. First of all he seeks it by WISDOM in chapter 1 verses 12-18 "And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow."

 But He found that this was striving after true good by or in , natural wisdom was a "vexation of spirit' (literally a striving after wind) remember the movie "Inherit the wind"? There is always something which eludes him (1:15). and with increase knowledge came increased sorrow (1:11) So next he turns to conduct his quest in PLEASURE  OR FOLLY. Chapter 2 verses 1-11. "I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.
I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?
I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life."  But we find that both physical and aesthetic gratifications alike were "vanity," or emptiness to his soul.... But He finds while wisdom excels folly even as "light excelleth darkness (2:13) but that life itself is vanity in as much as the same event , death overtakes both the wise and the fool- (2;13) His conclusion is " There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God (2:24).
To be continued...

 Love,

Denis  

 

Listen to the Preacher!

How did Solomon get to be a Preacher(Heb. Koheleth= teacher)? 

Gentle Reader,

 I once spent several years translating and teaching through the book of Ecclesiastes . I have no intention of taking you through all the ins and outs of these 12 Chapters Bit I will try (with your kind permission, as long as our coffee holds out) to show you what the book is about and why you might gain from these wee studies. Some feel that the Hebrew part of the Bible is not worth the time to read but I find on each page wisdom that passes most by, and leaves many of us wondering "What is Life all about"? 

Dr G. Campbell Morgan once said "  Ecclesiastes is an inspired confession of failure and pessimism, when God is excluded, when man lives under the sun, and forgets the larger part, which is over the sun, the eternal and abiding things. If you want to know what a man of great privilege, and of great learning and great wisdom can come to, read this record of a man who has put God  out of count in his actual life."

It is all about EGO, gentle Reader, that is E (Edge) G (God) O (out). Your ego my ego the ego of all those about us who have allowed the material things to crowd out what is really important. We forget where we came from and where we are headed.   The sage once said 

"Putting a value on status

will create contentiousness.

If you overvalue possessions, 

people will begin to steal."  

The Book of Ecclesiastes is a sermon. There is an announcement of a theme, a brief introduction, a developing of the theme, and a practical application in conclusion. The theme is "What is the chief good"? Or we might say it this way in more modern vernacular in the lyrics of a song "What's it all about Alfie?" 

The subject is this "Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity" and His question which he propounds is "What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?' this question  suggest that we are on a QUEST! a searching for meaning in life.

There are many who have great wealth, but aren't happy! Others have great power, but aren't happy, while still others run to and fro seeking relief from the burdens of life in sex, drugs, gambling and other diversions  but when they come down (and they all do, Gentle reader, they all do) they discover that instead of getting ahead they fallen behind their goal of happiness. And yet Gentle reader, the answer is so simple even a child can understand. Don't you wish you were as wise as a child before you let EGO crowd out you life?

 Happiness is not a goal, it is a path Gentle reader! Can you understand that? We came from nothing and we return to nothing [death is a return]to the Source from whence we all came.

 men cry out for more and more at yet the "eye is never satisfied" No matter how much you see or desire no matter how much you hear or listen you will never be satisfied. You want more than what you have of the world, but when it comes, it does not satisfy. Do you ever dream of rest? It is only the Source that brings satisfaction  (many Christians miss this also and some pagans get it right.  we are headed for Eternity that opens with bright anticipation of perfect enjoyment. And yet Gentle Reader, you have it NOW! It is within your grasp right now . right where you are!  

"You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world's happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime."

 Till next time Gentle Reader, think about what would make you truly happy?

 Love, Denis

Life...in the fast lane

Gentle Reader,

Did you ever wonder? How do I get off this merry-go-round

?????????

 Well the only way I know is found in the Book of Ecclesiastes (One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever) Ecc 1:4  But don't be dismayed Gentle Reader, The wisest Man who ever lived was giving us not a book of doom but a road map of how to "keep off" dead end streets! 

 So lets take so time to investigate the way back from the dead end of your life and mine Ok? Now suppose that you are driving down a dark road , fogey, perhaps slippery and a head you see a sign the says

 What do you do Gentle Reader? I mean really, what do you do? Are  you the adventurous person that just goes ahead or perhaps your more a thoughtful person who thinks to them self "hmm maybe there is a reason for this sign, maybe someone has gone on ahead and scouted out the dangers of this path." 

Imagine that you are driving down a dark rainy night along an unfamiliar winding, narrow road. Your headlights pick up a luminous sign ahead: "dangerous curve, maximum safe speed 25  MPH." Since you do not know the road, you might heed the warning, assuming the previous drivers' experience prompted the erection of the sign. But on the other hand you may choose to ignore it, believing that your skill or "good luck" makes you exempt from the limitations imposed upon those that have traveled this road before. In that case you may very well be added to those statistics of those who pay no attention to the conclusions drawn from the accumulated evidence of the past. 

Ecclesiastes is a book of Wisdom. And Wisdom is a way at looking at life, a way based on observation. The genius of Wisdom is that it announces conclusions reached, not arbitrarily or by special revelation, but at the end of the experience. Wisdom says "This is the way life works."      to be continued...

 

 Fasten your seat belt Gentle Reader, "Here be Dragons...."

 Denis

WRITTEN IN THE EARTH

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .Neither steam nor gas can drive anything until it is confined - - likewise, no one ever grows great and useful until they are focused, dedicated and disciplined.

WRITTEN IN THE EARTH
"Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him (Jesus) a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, 'Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the Law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?'" [John 8. 3 - 5]

The setting is the woman taken in adultery and the scribes and Pharisees bring her to Messiah Yeshua to test Him so they might have something of which to accuse Him. Jesus simply stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He were ignoring them. [John 8. 1 - 10] They continued asking the LORD questions and so "He raised HIMSELF up and said to them, 'He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.' And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground." [John 8. 6 - 8]

There are many guesses as to what Jesus wrote, but according to the Jeremiah text, it was their names - as a form of judgment and the Law attacked their conscience. "All who forsake You shall be put to shame, 'Those in the land who turn from You shall be doomed, INSCRIBED IN THE EARTH, for they have forsaken the LORD, the FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 17. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"Then, those who heard, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, BEGINNING WITH THE OLDEST EVEN TO THE LAST. And JESUS was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst." [John 8. 9] JESUS then said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." [John 8. 11]

Where is your name written??? The RIGHTEOUS JUDGE of the whole word desires that we put our trust under the shadow of His wings. Whoever chooses Him will be abundantly satisfied and He will give them the right to drink from the River of Life. [Psalms/Tehillym 36. 7 - 9] And Christ Jesus the King will write their names in the Lamb's Book of Life and have a specially prepared place in the New Heavens and the New Earth [Revelation 21. 27] where we will eternally "rejoice because your names are written in heaven." [Luke 10. 20]

SIGNATURE OF GOD

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Set aside your will for the sake of THE MASTER'S will.

SIGNATURE OF GOD
"In the beginning ELOHIYM created the heavens and the earth." [BOOK OF CREATION - Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 1 Tanakh, Torah]

In the physical first creation, the TRIUNE GOD (ELOHIYM is a plural word) stamped HIS signature of "three." In the universe HE created, there are. . .
3 Times: Past – Present - Future
3 Views: Earth – Sea - Sky
3 Great Kingdoms: Animal – Vegetable - Mineral
3 Parts of Man: Spirit – Soul - Body
3 Forms Matter can Assume: Solid – Liquid - Gas
3 Colours to One Ray of Light: Blue – Red - Yellow

The Tabernacle in the Wilderness [Exodus/Shemot 25 - 40] as a picture of the New Creation, also has this numerical signature of the DIVINE RULER. (Luke 24. 27 - again the signature – "3" sections of SCRIPTURE in the OLD COVENANT: TORAH (Law), NEVI'IM (The Prophets), KETHUVIM (Psalms & Writings)) Man was created in the image of GOD and is composed of spirit, soul and body. And this Holy Structure has three main parts: The Holy of Holies, the Holy Place and the Outer Court.

The Holy of Holies represents GOD THE FATHER - GOD'S HOLY PRESENCE and HIS Throne Room. The Holy Place, GOD THE SON - it pictures Heaven and Heaven's provisions. The Court, tells of GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT - it shows earth and the judgment for sin. Each part in itself manifests the GOD-HEAD.

These rooms, collectively and individually, describe the MESSIAH LORD JESUS. They also tell of the believer in YESHUA as well. . .
THE HOLIEST represents the spirit, or GOD-conscious part of man. It is the innermost shrine, the Holy of Holies of the SPIRIT where the Law of GOD is deposited. [Ephesians 3. 16]

THE HOLY PLACE symbolizes the soul, man's self-consciousness. This is the soul or mind, the "holy place" where the lamps are lighting up the understanding, where the bread is for nourishment and the incense for DIVINE fellowship.

THE COURT is significant of the body, that which is world-conscious in man; the external side of his being, that which is seen and recognized by all as the actual person and where it is cleansed, clothed and consecrated for service. [2 Corinthians 5. 1, 4 - used metaphorically of the body as the tabernacle of the soul. Peter speaks about his body as "his tabernacle" in 2 Peter 1. 13 - 14]

The believer is to be a true Tabernacle of Witness for GOD. We are to be an "active testimony" in this world to the LORD JESUS, if we are to come into "THE PROMISE" which MESSIAH gave to all who would believe in HIM: "You shall receive POWER when the HOLY SPIRIT has come upon you; and you shall be WITNESSES to ME." [Acts 1. 8] And, "when the HELPER (the HOLY SPIRIT) comes, WHOM I shall send to you from the FATHER, the SPIRIT OF TRUTH WHO proceeds from the FATHER, HE will testify of ME (JESUS, the BELOVED REDEEMER)." [John 15. 26]

ALMIGHTY GOD, CREATOR & MASTER DESIGNER of heaven and earth wants us to see and know HIS "Triune Signature" in all HIS creation.





Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
GOOD SABBATH! Those who keep the Sabbath and call it a delight shall rejoice in GOD'S Kingdom. Those who keep the seventh day holy, even all of them shall be satiated and delighted with the goodness of the ALMIGHTY seeing HE finds pleasure in the seventh day, and made it holy, calling it the Desirable of Days in remembrance of HIS creation. Our HEAVENLY FATHER accept our rest and on this Sabbath Day renew unto us for YOUR good and bless us with YOUR joy and gladness. Blessed are YOU, our LORD GOD, WHO sanctifies the Sabbath, Israel and all who love YOUR PRECIOUS SON, YESHUA our ANOINTED SAVIOUR.

"What's up Doc?''

Gentle Reader,

What's up is that we are getting ready for a one day Bible and leadership conference. So here is a wee bit of information for you. If there are any Pastors who would like to join with us. let me know and we will send you the information via e mail. (there is no cost or charge of any kind).

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 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.
OUR OBJECTIVE

To apply the study of Scripture in all aspects, from past and present Biblical Linguistics, hermeneutics, preaching and teaching the Grace of God, to a committed Fellowship of believers along with counseling, training, in a non-traditional environment via the internet and Bible Conferences.

The Holy Scriptures

The Foundation of Christian Faith

Our Christian faith does not hang upon air but is firmly grounded in divine revelation. God reveals Himself in the universe which He has created, in human history, especially the history of the Christian Church, and in the preaching of the Gospel. But above all God reveals Himself in the pages of the Holy Scriptures. For without the Scriptures these other modes of divine revelation would avail us little. As John Calvin observed, the Scriptures are the spiritual eyeglasses which enable our sin-blinded minds to see aright the revelation which God makes of Himself in nature. Also the Scriptures are the key which unlocks the mysteries of history and reveals to us God's plan. And finally, the Scriptures are that pure well of divine truth to which the preachers of the Gospel must continually repair and fill their silver pitchers. The Scriptures, therefore, are the foundation of faith. In them, alone God's revelation of Himself is found unobscured by human error. They are the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever (I Peter 1:23).Dr. Edward F. Hills, Th.D. Believing Bible Study,

On March 29th 2008 at Longefellow Plaza Anderson Indiana, Pastors from the Mid-West District will gather together to fellowship around the Message of 2 Tim 2:2 "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."

The Public is invited to hear and participate in some of the finest preaching and teaching of the Holy Scriptures. The purpose: to inspire pastors and believers everywhere to hear the voice of God in their spirit and to share with others .

Awake to trust and love and serve,

For can His mercies less deserve?

Till yonder, perfected in love,

Thy heart awakes in heaven above.

So there you have it Gentle Reader, that's what's up!

Love,

Denis

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]