Doc Notes Gleanings from Genesis Lesson 2 part 1

Gleanings from Genesis Lesson 2 part 1

Dear Gentle Reader,

Last time we saw that the dominant idea of the Book of Genesis is the sovereignty of God. We noted that the Book falls in two main parts the first part we have four outstanding events: The creation, The Fall, The flood, the Babel dispersion. The second part we have four outstanding persons Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph. Now let us briefly review the four super events of part one.

The Creation

First we go back to Chapters 1 & 2 to that transcendent initial event The Creation. In the opening verse of the book we read In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Gen 1:1) Heaven and earth have not existed from all eternity, but had a beginning; nor did they arise by emanation from an absolute substance, but were created by God. This sentence, which stands at the head of the records of revelation, is not a mere heading, nor a summary of the history of the creation, but a declaration of the primeval act of God, by which the universe was called into being.

This is not a human theory it is a Divine “testimony” In Psalm 93:5 we read “Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever”. (Psa 93:5) the Word of God testifies concerning truths which are above the unaided intelligence of man, and beyond the farthest reach of human investigation. Genesis 1:1 is the first such “testimony” There is a difference between a theory and a “testimony” or “witness” A theory deals the interpretation of facts. A witness deals with the facts themselves. It is vital to realize that this opening verse of Scripture is not merely the first postulate of a human philosophy, but the first testimony of a Divine revelation. It is the first great truth which god would man to know. [hence while not the oldest book written, Job is much older, Genesis because of what God wants known comes first] Man could not know this great truth apart from Divine revelation. We accept it as such, believing with the psalmist that “ . . . the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (Psa 19:7).

We should also notice that this testimony from our Creator stands sublime in its simplicy. There is no definition of God, no description of creation, and no declaration of date. Positive and complete in itself, it leaves room for all subsequent development in Scripture and all discovery by Science. It is axiomatic. As geometry is built upon certain axiomatic truths, so the one foundation axiom of the Bible is laid down in its first sentence.

Many today profess disbelief in miracles, accept this first sentence of Scripture and there will be little difficulty in accepting all the miracles that follow; for the less are included in the greater. Note also in this first basal pronouncement of Scripture there is a denial of all the principal false philosophies which men have propounded.

“ In the beginning God” - that denies Atheism with its doctrine of no God.

“In the beginning God” - that denies Polytheism * with its doctrine of many gods.

“In the beginning God created” - that denies Fatalism with its doctrine of chance.

“In the beginning God created” - that denies Evolution with its doctrine of infinite becoming.

“God created the heaven and the earth” - that denies Pantheism which makes God and the universe identical.

“God created the heaven and the earth” - that denies Materialism which asserts the eternity of matter.

This first “testimony” of Jehovah is not only a declaration of Divine truth , but a repudiation of human error. In closing this first verse we might point out several other things which will put you one up on most ministers. Verse one in Aramaic reads this way “God created the heavens and the earth in the very beginning” Aramaic is considered the “authentic” Scripture language by the Eastern Orthodox Church.

In the Hebrew Genesis is called Bereshith “in (the) beginning” . Genesis is Greek = generation, creation.

The Law on the number 7 which appears throughout the entire Bible first occurs in Genesis 1:1 and in Hebrew this first verse has 7 letters. The 7 words contain 28 letters (4x7). The first object “the heavens” has 7 letters and the second object “the earth has seven letters. The only other verse in the Pentateuch which has 7 words of 28 letters is Exodus 20: 5:1, which begins the ten Commandments. The Law of seven may also be recognized in Physics, Astronomy, Geology, Colour, Music, Botany and Medicine. It links heaven and earth, and testifies to the Divine inspiration of the Scriptures.

Could any one of the greatest scientists either ancient or modern, make in 7 words a statement of corresponding grandeur with that of the first verse of the Bible and exhibit in its structure the same mysterious force and beauty of this mystic number?

* Note: I am aware that some more advanced students will point out that The word God in our English translation is Singular while in the Hebrew the word with that we translate as God Elohim is in the plural. Our brother Rabbi Del and his lovely partner have covered this issue in a previous post. So I will not cover that issue here. Elohim occurs 2.700 times. Its first occurrence connects it with creation, and give it its essential meaning as the Creator. It indicates His relation to mankind as His creatures (see 2 Chron. 18:31, where it stands in contrast with Jehovah as indicating covenant relationship). 'Elohim is God the Son, the living "WORD" with creature form to create (John 1:1. Col. 1:15-17. Rev. 3:14); and later, with human form to redeem (John 1:14). "Begotten of His Father before all worlds; born of His mother, in the world." In this creature form He appeared to the Patriarchs, a form not temporarily assumed. 'Elohim is indicated "God".

Rather than make you wait any longer (for me to finish on verse two quite interesting) here is verse one for your study pleasure or head scratching which ever come first. Enjoy while I work on putting verse two in some semblance of order for you to begin to understand. If I have not pointed it out before this will not be a verse by verse examination of the Bible (I won’t live that long) but an over view with stops along the way (we’ll call them “rest stops” ) to examine particular points of reference with which you may at a later time want to refer. Also you might want to download these studies for future reference.

Cheers,

Denis

Doc Notes - Part 3 Gleanings from Genesis

Part 3 Gleanings from Genesis

Structure

Gentle reader,

We pointed out previously that all that goes before the third chapter of Exodus was already past when the writing of the Bible began (In fact in of chronology the book of Job would be first written in terms of historicity).

But let us stand, then at that third chapter of Exodus and look back over what has been recorded for us in Genesis, getting the main lines of perspective. It will be readily seen that Genesis is divided into two main parts. All Bible students will agree that the call and response of Abram constitute a quite new departure in the narrative, and mark off the two main divisions of this first book- the first part covering chapters one through eleven, and the second part chapters twelve to fifty.

As this is the case , we can see at once how each part is arranged according to a four fold plan. In the first part we have four outstanding events -the Creation, the Fall, The Flood, the Bable crisis. the second part we have four outstanding persons- Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph . The entire contents of Genesis are arranged around and in relation to these four pivotal events in the one part, and these four pivotal figures in the other.

Seeing the pivotal events and figures of Genesis thrown into bold relief, at once we can quickly perceive also the unifying idea runing through what has been recorded for us. A first prinicipal if you will, begining right at the start of these 66 books. Genesis would have us on our knees in reverent obeisance before God as it exhibits to our eyes, and thunders in our ears, that first truth which is to be learned before all others, in our dealings with god, in our interpretation of history, and in our study of Divine revelation, namely- THE DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY.
Looking back over the four great events of part one, and the four great figures of part two, we see that they constitute an impressive demonstration of Divine Sovereignty. The first of the four events, we have the Divine Soverignty in the physical creation. In the second we have Divine Sovereignty in human probation. In the Third we have Divine Sovereignty in historical retribution. In the forth we have Divine Sovereignty in racial distribution. In these great events we see the Sovereignty of the Creator God first in His eternal Priority, seconed in His Moral authority, third in His judical severity and forth in His Governmental supremacy.

Turning to the second part of Genesis, we see the Sovereignty of God in regeneration. The process of regeneration here outlined stands in sharp contrast to the process of degeneration in the first part of the Book. From Adam to Abraham we see the course of degeneration: first in the individual -Adam-; then in the family -Cain and his descendants; then in the nations-the antediluvian civilization; and then persisting through the race, as such, at Babel.

Then there comes a new departure. We see the process of regeneration operating: first in the individual- Abraham, Isaac, Jacob; then in the family- the sons of Jacob; then in the nation-Israel; all with a view to the ultimate regeneration of the race. In Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob we see Divine Sovereignty in election. Abraham, although the youngest son is chosen in preference to his two elder brothers. Isaac is chosen in preference to Ishmael, the elder son of Abraham. Jacob although second to Esau, is chosen in preference to his brother. Running through it we see the principle of Divine Election. God chooses who He will, in sovereign grace. Then, in the wonderful biography of Joseph, we see the Sovereignty of God in direction, - in the overruling and infallible directing of all happenings, however seemingly contrary, to the predetermined end.

In the case of Abraham we see this sovereign election expressed by a supernatural call for it is clear that God had directly intervened ( Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Gen 12:1-3)

In the case of Isaac, we see it expressed by a supernatural birth. “And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!”(Gen 17:18) But No! When Abraham is 100 and Sarah 90, the miracle-babe Isaac comes to them.

In the case of Jacob it is shown in supernatural care. First God saves him from Esau’s knife; then meets him at Bethel; prospers him despite Laban’s guile; saves him from the revengeful ire of his brother who comes to meet him with 400 men; and so it goes on, until at last when Jacob is dying, he blesses young Manasseh and Ephraim, “ The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth. (Gen 48:16).

Finally in Joseph, we see the Divine Sovereignty in direction, exhibited in supernatural control, making all happenings to contribute to the predestined issue.
Thus in these four men, we can see a fourfold development- 1) a supernatural call, 2) supernatural birth, 3) supernatural care, 4) supernatural control.
The dominant ideal and the first principle in the book of Genesis is Divine Sovereignty.
Until next time Gentle readers,

Todays question: When Adam and Eve discovered that they were naked before God and clothed themselves with fig leaves. What were they clothed with before?

Denis

Next time we will look at the first 2 verses of Genesis Chapter one and the implications of the principle of “First usage”.

Doc Notes on Genesis Part 2

Gleanings from Genesis (Doc Notes)
This study may be found here http://scripturalstudies.ning.com (A study and social network an outreach of Scripture Institute) Christianity 101 Look for "Doc Notes"



Gentle readers,

We recognize that many wish to suppress the Book of Genesis for many reasons. The very first being if it can be discredited than the whole of the Bible will crumble. I remember a time when the theologian-in-residence from Notre Dame University wished to teach a class that I was in by debunking the veracity of the Bible telling the class that the Bible was full of myths and legends. I remember there was a Baptist pastor and several Roman Catholic Nuns who were in virtual tears over his presentation. When we were ask to make an appointment to come see Him in his office I was the last to go. Upon entering his office I was confronted by a W.C. ( toilet) converted into a planter for flowers. I thought to myself this was appropriate. “Well, Rev. What are you getting out of my class?” To which I replied “me!” “Why would you want to do that?” “Because in this so-called higher Biblical study class, within a short time you will destroy the faith of those who live by faith, you have a Baptist pastor whose whole life is the Bible, and you have 2 Roman Catholic Nuns who have given up their lives in dedication of Christ. And your going to destroy that” “ I am just going to set the record straight” “Yes, I know, your going to take disproved 18th century theories and say that the Old Testament was written and along came JPD and redacted the whole thing. Or you will say that Moses didn’t cross the Red Sea, it was the Reed sea. And I am going to praise God that the Egyptians drowned in six inches of water!” “Wait, stay in class and I give you an A and we’ll have a dialogue, and the rest of the class can listen in.” “I’ll stay if you allow me to stand up the last day of class in the last 30 seconds and hold my Bible over my head and say “I believe this book.” “I can’t do that.” “Why not?” “I’ll lose my tenure"! [status granted to an employee, usually after a probationary period, indicating that the position or employment is permanent.]So much for academic honesty. Although now in retrospection I wish I would have stayed. He had a great deal of knowledge and perhaps I could have put as they say the proper spin on his understanding.

For you see Gentle reader, the book of Genesis contains much more than this theologian understood. It’s values may be technically tabulated. The book contains the foundational truths of theology [natural and revealed], cosmogony, anthropology, sociology, hamartiolgy,[Hamartiology ( Greek: hamartia, "missing the mark," "sin," +, logia, "sayings" or "discourse") is the branch of Christian theology, more specifically, systematic theology, which is the study of sin with a view to articulating a doctrine of it.]
ethnology, ethnology (from the Greek ethnos meaning "people, nation, race") is the branch of anthropology that compares and analyzes the origins, distribution, technology, religion, language, and social structure of the ethnic, racial, and/or national divisions of humanity]
soteriology [Soteriology is the study of the doctrine of salvation. Soteriology discusses how Christ's death secures the salvation of those who believe. It helps us to understand the doctrines of redemption, justification, sanctification, propitiation.]

I use these words with the express purpose of indicating the profound conviction that not only is the first book of our Bible a spiritual book but it is preeminently a scientific book. None of these subjects are dealt with finality, but all are presented fundamentally. Genesis supplies men with the rudiments of the science of God. It offers a theory of the origin of the universe. It says the first things about the science of man. It lays the foundations of the science of society. It reveals the simplest matters of the science of sin. It introduces the study of the science of races, Finally, it presents the initial truths concerning the science of salvation. The living message we discover is that God and man are intimately related. God created man in His own image.

So lets review on the human side we find:
In Genesis Ruin-through the sin of man.

In Exodus Redemption- by “blood” and “power.”

In Leviticus Communion-on the ground of atonement.

In Numbers Direction by the will of God.

In Deuteronomy Destination-through the faithfulness of God.

And on the Divine or Spiritual side

In Genesis we see Divine sovereignty- in creation and election.

In Exodus we see Divine power- in redemption and emancipation.

In Leviticus we see Divine holiness-in separation and sanctification.

In Numbers we see Divine goodness and severity-judging and caring.

In Deuteronomy we see Divine faithfulness-in discipline and destination.

We have in miniature The absolute Creator of the universe who love His creation so much that as we will find unfolding His willingness to sacrifice Himself for the love of His creation.
The Key to Genesis is found in (Gen 3:15) “ And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

Next time Gentle reader we will look at the structure of Genesis.

Question for discussion: What did Adam and Eve understand by God saying the “seed of the woman”?

Doc Notes - Genesis and the Pentateuch (part 1)

a study through the entire Bible

Gentle readers,

It is difficult to know where to start this is such a broad topic (imagine the temerity) wanting to teach through the Bible! And under such difficulties (I spend only 20 minutes a day on the computer-because of taking care of Marti-I am not complaining at all but just so you know) God has called me to teach and to preach and to do that I have to study and pray. There is so much I have been taught by our wonderful Lord and Saviour. His word is so deep that the most erudite scholar can not get a total understanding of this momentous work and yet the most simple young believer can understand the wondrous message contained in its pages. Too deep and you’ll drown in grammar, vocabulary, syntax (the way in which words are put together) too easy and you’ll soon turn away with boredom. I write for two groups those who believe and those who have not taken a step forward to commit to following the carpenter from Galilee. Why should one follow such a man? Or for that matter read such a book?

Within the pages of this book we find the absolute Word of God. And on each page His hand is found and His face seen- as the Rev. Joseph Hart once explained

The Scriptures and the Word
Bear one tremendous name,
The Living and the Written Word
In all things are the same

What we find is a KEY that unlocks each book of Scripture and containing within for each of us a living message from the Father in Heaven to you and to me. The peculiar value of these ancient writings for the present time is that they inspire hope in those who read them. The sacred writings of the Hebrew people contain stories of men in the midst of conflict and peril. All of these men and women are seen as passing through circumstances of difficulty and danger, with their eyes set upon an ultimate purpose, which they supremely desired to be accomplished. None of them reached the ultimate goal, but they saw from afar and having endured, in their movement towards it, “as seeing HIM Who is invisible. ” The whole message of the Bible for today is endurance and encouragement.

So beginning at the beginning with Genesis. The book is called Bereshit, meaning "in the beginning", from the first word of the Hebrew text, in line with the other four books of the Torah. When the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek in the 3rd century B.C.E. to produce the Septuagint, the name given was Genesis, meaning "birth" or "origin". This was in line with the Septuagint use of subject themes as book names. The Greek title has continued to be used in all subsequent Latin and English versions of the book, and most other languages.

The Bible opens with the Pentateuch, or the five books of Moses, the name “Pentateuch” (Greek pente, five; and teuchos, book) came to us from the aforementioned Septuagint Version of the Old Hebrew Scriptures (the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek) which is said to have been made by seventy Alexandrian Jews about as we said before the 3rd century B.C., and is called the Septuagint version from Septuagint, the Latin for seventy. There is good reason however, for believing that before ever the Septuagint Version was made the writings of Moses were recognized as fivefold. The Hebrews called them “the Law” or the “five fifths of the Law” or simply “the fifths.” It is probable that originally the who was one, divided into five sections, each having as its title its first word or words.

There is a spiritual completeness about the Pentateuch. Its five parts not only give us a consecutive history covering the first two thousand five hundred years of written human history; they constitute a progressive spiritual unity, setting forth, in their main features what has been described as “the order of the experience of the people of God in all ages.”

In Genesis we have the ruin through the sin of man. In Exodus we have the redemption through the blood of the lamb and the spirit of power. In Leviticus we have communion on the ground of atonement. In Numbers we have direction during pilgrimage, by the overruling will of God. In Deuteronomy we have the double truth of renewed and completed instruction, and the pilgrim people brought to the pre-determined destination. Is not this truly “the order of the experience of the people of God in all ages”?

But besides this, these first five books of the Old Testament give us unmistakably a progressive fivefold revelation of God in His relationship with His people. In Genesis we see the sovereignty of God in creation and in election (in the choosing of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants: and in covenanting the land of Canaan to them as their predestined inheritance).
In Exodus we see the redeeming power of God in His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, “with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm.”

In Leviticus we see the holiness of God in His insistence on the separation and sanctification of His redeemed people.

In Numbers we see the “goodness and severity” of God, -severity toward the unbelieving generation which came up from Egypt but never entered the covenanted inheritance, and goodness toward their children, in providing, protecting, and preserving, till Canaan was occupied.

In Deuteronomy we see the faithfulness of God, -faithful to His purpose, His promise, His people, in bringing the redeemed to the promised possession.
So gentle reader, we can see that these five parts of the Pentateuch are full of purpose and progress. They are the Bible in miniature.
Next time we ‘ll look at the human side and the divine side as well as the key and the living message of the Bible.

Till next time you might want to read through the book of Genesis once or twice.

Love,
Denis






*

What's behind the "luck of the Irish?'

The new year is suppose to bring a change of fortune

Dear Gentle reader,

I am surprised to find you hear this morning. I see you made the coffee your self yes I have a cup. With the electric out I didn't know if I was going to find anything working or not.

We have a custom, though I'm not sure if its an Irish custom or just a O'Callaghan tradition. We put a bit of money out side the house on the 31st of this month and it is supposed to bring you money for the coming year. Last year I didn't have and "real" money so I put out my check book (I don;t know if that counts or not this year I'll put out ten Shillings (about 25 cents in American money) [ I told you I was a poor preacher , Oh you heard that one have you?]

Well since I am in the United States now I need to find a place to teach/preach so many churches but they are looking for the "perfect' pastor/teacher. Me? Well I like to find a group that is not so dead that they aren't willing to show up once in a while and help me open the Book and read a bit, maybe even want to share with those who need a little bit of help. I bet I've sent out more resumes that there are web sites on Google/MSN/Yahoo/and Bravenet combined. I quit counting resumes after we hit 2000. Makes one wonder if the churches seeking a pastor really want one called by God or just someone till fill up a Sunday sermon with nonsense.

Would I be willing to move? Duh yes, not many people can fit in the little mobile home that we in now! Where do I want to go? Some place where the people have an interest in improving their lot. I mean. for example.

In my last church I told them that unless all agreed that I should come I would not! And that was the same church in which I stood up one morning as they were about to take up the collection and said " If you can't afford to put anything in the collection, then take something out!" The treasurer had to receive CPR. No one ever did that before. You can count me to do the unexpected.

There was a movie called "The shoes of the Fisherman" staring Anthony Quinn as the Roman Catholic Pope when faced with a world wide famine sold all of the Catholic Church's possessions and used the money to help the poor. I guess that's what I was thinking.

Not that this church was rich they couldn't afford to pay me half the time. But they were dear people and I loved them very much. I guess you would call me a Grace Believer. That is I believe that God has things under control and He wants me to jump in once in a while a teach a bit. Which I do when He lets me.

Here are some jokes I shared with my last church. Hope you like them as much as they did!

An exasperated mother, whose son was always getting into mischief, finally asked him, "How do you expect to get into Heaven?"
The boy thought it over and said, "Well, I'll just run in and out and in and out and keep slamming the door until St. Peter says, 'For Heaven's sake, Jimmy, come in or stay out!'"

~~~~~

Finding one of her students making faces at others on the playground, Ms. Smith stopped to gently reprove the child. Smiling sweetly, the Sunday School teacher said, "Bobby, when I was a child, I was told that if I made ugly faces, it would freeze and I would stay like that."
Bobby looked up and replied, "Well, Ms. Smith, you can't say you weren't warned."

~~~~~

A little girl became restless as the preacher's sermon dragged on and on. Finally, she leaned over to her mother and whispered, "Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?"

~~~~~

A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon. "How do you know what to say?" he asked.
"Why, God tells me."
"Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?"

Smile God loves you and so do I,

Denis

He's Here -The Great day has arrived

Gentle Reader,

Marti and I wish you a very Merry and blessed Christmas from our home to yours. Our last story is one of the best from a dear brother and it is called:

Christmas Hardships

The Workman

"Do you really expect me to go to Bethlehem?" Joseph banged down his chisel on the scarred bench.

Ephraim, his cousin, had just entered the low workshop. "You don't have a choice, Joseph. If you don't go the Romans will confiscate your house and your precious tools. Just try to carve a yoke with your fingernails."

"What are we, cowards?" the carpenter retorted. "Mark my words, Ephraim, this 'Enroll-in-your-ancestral-city' business is nothing more than a way to squeeze more taxes out of us. If we give into those foreign tyrants now they'll just be back for more money."

"What's more," Joseph continued, "you're crazy if you think I'd take Mary on a trip this month. She'd probably have the baby on the way!"

"Couldn't you just leave her with your mother for a couple of weeks? She'd be all right. Nobody says the women have to go. It's the heads of households who have to register."

"Register, hah! Be taxed, you mean."

"So why not leave her at home?"

Joseph brushed the woodchips aside and motioned for his cousin to sit down. The carpenter spoke in a low but earnest voice. "Mary's aunt has made life miserable for her ever since she found out Mary was pregnant. Some people were willing to let it go. Not Tabitha."

"She got my wife all stirred up about it," Ephraim volunteered.

"Not just your wife. Most of the women in this town go out of their way to avoid her. At the village well they whisper, "Little slut!" just loud enough for her to hear. Many's the day she's come running home in tears."

"People sure can be cruel," Ephraim said. "At least you and Mary went ahead and got married."

Joseph bit his lip, but didn't say more.

Ephraim got up. "Well, you are going to Bethlehem, aren't you? You'd be a fool to get the Romans on your back. You know what they did to old Ben."

Joseph stood up slowly. "Yes, I'll go. But Mary'll have to come along. There's no way I'd leave her in Nazareth by herself!"

However, when Joseph talked to Mary about it, she didn't seem nearly as sure as her husband. "How could I walk all that way?" she said. "I waddle now. I just can't make it."

"Mary, we'll bring old Jake. You can ride him when you get tired."

"Have you ever ridden on Jake?"

"Well, no."

"That animal is the most bony, jolting mule in Nazareth. I'd rather walk!"

She did ride, though ... some of the way. Joseph would finally stop for the day when Mary just couldn't take any more. He'd help her down off Jake, then he'd fix a fire while she would unload their heavy blankets and try to find some shelter under a tree or large rock.

Mary would always be the center of attention among the few women traveling that time of year.

"I remember when I was carrying Levi," one would start. "Made my feet swell. I couldn't do anything for months."

"That's nothing," replied another, "my sister got so big everyone thought she was carrying twins. But her time came there was only one baby. Died though."

Joseph glanced over at Mary in the flickering firelight. He could see fear flit across her face. Her hands moved to her swollen belly so she could feel the baby's reassuring kick.

The women didn't notice. The first one went on, "Oh, the pain's so awful! I'm glad I'm too old to have any more babies."

Joseph put his arm around Mary's shoulders and pulled her close. Only one more night on the road before Bethlehem.

They reached the sleepy village of Joseph's ancestors just about dusk the fifth day. Joseph went to the inn and nearby houses trying to find a place to sleep. "God," he whispered as he combed the town, "can't You find us a decent place to have this baby?" Nothing.

All at once he saw Mary's face tighten. She tried to suppress a groan as she fought with the pain. It was a long moment before she relaxed, but he could see worry written all over her.

Joseph went back to the innkeeper again. "Are you sure there isn't any room? My wife's about to have a baby. We've got to find a place out of this wind tonight!"

The innkeeper thought a while. "Did you try the house at the end of the street? They sometimes take people in."

"I tried an hour ago."

"Any relatives in town? Any second cousins?"

"No."

Mary was shivering now, in obvious discomfort. "Joseph," she said weakly, "I've got to lie down somewhere."

"Well, there's the stable in the back," offered the innkeeper at long last. "Of course, it's full of animals from all the visitors in town for that blasted Roman census. But if you can find a place in the corner, I guess that'd be okay." He paused. "Just don't keep the animals awake all night."

It was the other way around. The dozen donkeys in the strange barn never stopped moving. And the smell was overpowering to Mary who had been fighting nausea as her pains got stronger.

In the wee hours of the morning Joseph knocked on the innkeeper's door again.

"What do you want this time of night?" the innkeeper snarled when he finally came to the door.

"Is there a midwife in town?"

"Oh, it's you. A midwife? Yes, old Martha lives in a little house about three blocks from here. You go down the main road, turn left at the two-story house, and go to the alley. You can't miss it. You go down the alley and across the pasture. She lives in a shack just behind the third house after that."

"I ... I really don't think I should leave my wife. Her pains are coming awfully fast now.... Could you go?"

"Jonathan!" the innkeeper yelled into his darkened house. "Get up and fetch old Martha. A lady's having a baby in the barn. Hurry!"

He turned to Joseph as he closed the door. "Have some pity, man. My whole family's awake now."

Pretty soon the door opened again and a young lad ran off in the chilly air. After a while he returned, walking slowly so he wouldn't outdistance the old midwife whose arthritis certainly didn't to take to cold winter nights. The boy was shivering by the time he got to the stable.

"Here's Martha, sir," he muttered quickly, and darted back into the warmth of his house.

The old lady put them at ease right away. She had Joseph fetch water and cloths from the innkeeper. It must have been nearly two in the morning by the time the baby came, and another hour before Joseph dug into his robe for a few coins to give the old woman as she hobbled away.

Then he returned to his wife and took her hand as they looked into the puffy face of their son. Alone at last.

"I'm so tired, Joseph," Mary said, settling back into the blanket-covered straw.

The baby finally stopped crying and drifted off to sleep.

Joseph stirred a few minutes later as some men peered from the darkness into the lamp-lit stable. He nudged Mary awake and reached for his staff.

"What do you want?" Joseph said to the men in a forced whisper. "Don't wake the baby."

"We're shepherds," one called out. The baby started crying.

"We saw angels out on the hills an hour ago." The entire story tumbled out as the shepherds edged into the stable to see the baby. Joseph relaxed his grip on the staff.

The shepherd continued, "And the angel told us, 'To you is born this day in the City of David a Savior which is Messiah the Lord.' The angel even told us about the swaddling cloths and the manger here."

"The angel told you about the manger, too?" Joseph interrupted.

"Oh, yes. That's how we knew where to look."

Joseph glanced over at Mary. Her eyes met his. He squeezed her hand.

"This baby is the Messiah, isn't he?" Joseph said quietly. "After all these hassles I had started to question. But..." He paused. "It's almost like God planned the whole thing: the trip neither of us wanted to take." He chuckled. "He must have seen you on bony old Jake." Joseph laughed out loud. "Even this smelly old barn and it's manger."

He stood up, still chuckling. "What do you know? In spite of the problems--no, in the midst of the problems--God's been at work all along."

Love,

Denis and Marti

Nollaig Shona dhuit/dhíbh*

* Happy Christmas to you (In Irish)
Christmas isn't for just Kids!

Gentle Reader,

You have seen the bad side of people now lets look at what I see in you!

Have you bought your Christmas gifts yet? No? Neither have I! Well We both Herself and me wish you a very Merry Christmas! Here is a wee bit of the customs in Ireland.

In many rural areas of Ireland still today the custom of whitewashing the outhouses and stores prevails. At One time, it was the whole farm, inside and out. The women would scrub and polish everything til it shone, and the men would take a bucket of whitewash, or limewash, and purify everything in honour of the coming of the Christ child.

This custom goes back long before Christianity or even Celtic civilisation. It was a purifying ceremony from the most ancient of times, the ancient Mesopotamians, 4000BC would cleanse their homes, sweep the streets even, in an attempt to assist their god in his battle against the powers of chaos. And in Central European lore, it was believed that the deity, Frigg, would check all the threshholds of each house to make sure they were swept clean. The links are so tightly intertwined, it becomes difficult to separate one belief from another, Christmas is like a Tapestry, tightly and colourfully woven. It is almost impossible to find a thread and trace it to its beginning in the picture. From this ancient custom comes the modern traditions of putting up fresh curtains, a special Christmas Bedcover, cushions and table linens etc. The whitewashing of the house.

And now what I see in each of you

Dear Sir,

I am one of America's soldiers who received a copy of "A Soldier's Christmas" over the internet, and I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for giving some of my friends and family an opportune way to say 'thanks.' It meant a lot to me.

I have not been stationed in the US since 1995, and the nature of my job will keep me overseas throughout my career. Although I am not always viewed as that soldier with "dusty boots," I know all too well what it is like to be away from home for so long -- especially during the holidays. I would like, however, to take this opportunity to thank you, and America, for being the fine, grand, noble Nation that makes each and every one of us out here serving in the military extremely proud of the country and the people we protect.

You don't necessarily have to pray for us soldiers, as we have chosen this life....and we will sacrifice our life for OUR people and OUR country. No, do not pray for us this holiday season.....Pray for OUR Nation and Her people......for only then will the life we 'chose' be worthwhile.

Yes, I do pray for peace on Earth...always. But, "there will be wars, and rumors of wars," so, in the meantime; maybe, just maybe, this year you can put out a suggestion to OUR American people......

We tend to fly our flag on 4th of July, we tend to fly our flag on Veteran's Day......maybe this year, through your web-site, you could maybe "ask" the American people to put a small American Flag on their Christmas Tree, amongst their ornaments, (or within their own religious ceremony/custom) just to "remember." A small reminder that "we" are free to celebrate whatever holiday, however we please, because of that flag and what She represents.

Sir, I have volunteered to protect ALL Americans....Christian, Jewish, Agnostic, even Atheist......it is my proud honor to do so.... and all I ask is that maybe, during this "holiday" season (whether one believes in it or not) is your help in asking "America" to wave Her flag in Unity and be thankful for our Grand Nation. It would mean a lot to us out here, wherever we are......

God Bless us Gentle reader, God Bless us every one!

Love,

Denis & Marti

An overview of Genesis

Genesis 1: 1 - 26 Observational background study of the book of Genesis
The author of the book of Genesis is Moses. Genesis is the first of five books also known as the Pentateuch, Torah or the Law. Moses wrote this historical narrative for the descendants of Israel.

The cultural setting begins in the Garden of Eden perhaps as early as 10,000 B.C. and then into the Patriarchal Period followed by Joseph and the Jewish nation in Egypt somewhere around 1750 B.C.

Man enjoyed unbroken fellowship with God in a literal paradise while in the Garden of Eden.
However, the relationship was soon broken because of mans fall into sin. Sometime after the fall and during the Patriarchal Period, which extended from 2086-1871 B.C., man was busy populating and settling the earth.

Egypt, which started somewhere around 5000 B.C., was by now on its way to becoming a world super-power. By the time Joseph was born in 1910 B.C., Egypt was in its strong middle kingdom, ruled by the XXII dynasty. Abram, who later became Abraham, was the first Patriarch and the father of the Jews; so until this time there was no “Jewish” nation.

Moses structured Genesis from two major periods, each with four key features.
The first major period is the primeval history of mankind found in Gen. 1:1-11:26.
The first feature is in Genesis 1-2. Here we find God creating the heavens, earth, and all that is in them.

Next, we see man spoiling Gods creation as he begins his perilous journey into sin and its full extent in chapters 3-5.

Third, in Genesis 5-9, there is a period of cleansing and repopulation. The great flood rid the earth of all its wickedness in order to begin life anew with Noah and his seven family members.

Chapters 10 and 11 offer the fourth key feature with an account of the lineage of Noah’s sons up to Abram and demonstrate with the tower of Babel mans determination to rebel despite Gods warnings

From this point, we move into the second major period in the book of Genesis, which is The Patriarchal Period.

The first feature is in chapter 12, with the Abrahamic covenant where God begins to map out His plan of salvation for everyone to see. We see the covenant confirmed in chapter 15 and carried out by circumcision in chapter 17. We continue with the story of Abraham until His death through chapter 24.

In chapters 25-28, we receive the second key feature: the life of Abraham’s son, Isaac, who has two sons named Esau and Jacob.

The third feature is in Genesis 28-36 where we examine Jacobs’s life.
Chapters 37 to the end of the book, 50, give us the fourth and final feature where we are shown the lives of Jacobs’s sons, mainly Joseph who finishes the book in Egypt.

The key word in the book of Genesis is “Beginning”. The Hebrew people call it bereshit, which means “in the beginning”. We see this evidenced in the creation account, the fall of man (the beginning of sin), the flood and repopulation of the earth, Gods covenant with Abram, and Josephs forgiveness toward his brothers in Egypt. It is a book of new beginnings and second chances.

The major points of theology in this book are numerous. I have included only a few.
In chapters 1-11, we see the nature of human life:
1. God made us in His image. (1:1-2:4)
2. We have needs and limits. (2:5-25)
3. Sin brings alienation and punishment. (3:1-24)
4. God punishes pride and irresponsibility but by grace protects the sinner. (4:1-15)
5. God punishes sinful society but preserves a faithful remnant. (6:1-8:22)

In chapters 12-50, we see the mission and nature of God:
1. The Lord has a redemptive plan for His world. (11:10-25:18)
2. God works through human conflicts to protect His people and His land. (25:19-36:43)
3. God brings reconciliation even in exile in an enemy land. (37:1-50:26)



Alexander, David, ed. Zondervan Handbook to the Bible Michigan: Zondervan, 1999
Unger, Merrill F. The New UNGERS Bible Dictionary Chicago: The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, 1988
Disciples Study Bible Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 1983

Mark your Calendar for January Genesis teaching

Gentle readers,
Beginning in January I will be teaching through the entire Bible on our wee study site http://scripturalstudies.ning.com (A study and social network an outreach of Scripture Institute) on the Christianity 101 group I would like to invite you to join with us for this perhaps last of my teaching through the Bible.
Here is a we sample to get your interest in the Word of God.

Genesis and the Entire Bible

The Bible is not the earliest revelation of God. Genesis is explanatory. The other writings of the Bible are inseparably bound up with it as it gives us the origin and initial explanation of all that follows. The bible carries our minds back to the patriarchal and primeval and even pre-Adamite eras on earth, the bible itself did not begin to be written until the time of Moses.
As a historical revelation its commencement coincides with the third Chapter of Exodus, which records . . . to be continued.

Introduction to the Genesis project

Gentle Readers,

For a long time I have desired to teach through the entire Bible, deep studies, but God had a better idea. Instead of placing me in one fellowship He allowed me to serve several fellowships and to write for many around the world. In just under 40 years. I have reached out to more than several million (that I know of) not the deep studies that I enjoy for the most part but studies just the same. Rather like pieces of a puzzle that one wants to finish before they go to bed.

Our Father has allow me to teach most of the Old Testament and the New Testament several times and all of the Pauline writings extensively over time. But there seemed to be a piece missing. Not with me so much, but with those fellowships through the world that have focused on one small part of the whole, i.e. Baptists emphasizing baptism, Methodist focus on methods. Certain groups focus on a small part of the Holy Writ to the exclusion of other parts. But what happens is that our brother and sister in the pew never get a glimpse the whole of Gods word. The big picture as it were. The one thing I would like to accomplish in this rather daunting undertaking is for you to see Christ on every page and in every verse. If we do that then perhaps the time will have been well spent.

I should say a wee bit about the method that I want to use. The Bible is such an endless book and there are so many ways to study. One may study the books of the Bible spiritually, historically, typically, topically, prophetically, dispensationally, analytically, biographically, critically, devotionally to name just a few. The method I want to use is what I would call interpretative. That is to say we shall study the books of the Bible interpretatively. We shall seek to get hold of the controlling thought, the outstanding meaning and message of each book, and then see it in relation to the other books of Scripture. Each book contains within it a “ KEY” that will provide the significance of what is written. Along the way we will stop from time to time to “smell the roses” as we examine the structure by means of analysis, its main movements in the form of a SYNOPSIS; and its special features by way of suggestion for further study.
We shall allow each book to tell us its secret and open its heart to us. Therefore our aim shall be to deal with each book or part in just such a way as will most effectively bare its special significance, and thus contribute most effectively toward a practical understanding on the message of the Bible in its entirety, toward hearing the Spirit of God as he speaks to our spirits. If you are like me then these words of the Apostle Paul will resound its clarion call. “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” and again “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”.
If your desire is to know Him, really know Him then perhaps you will invite me to share what our heavenly Father has taught me so that I may teach you.


Denis

Join me for one last time

Gentle readers,
I soon will be celebrating 40 years of Bible teaching, which is 280 years in dog years.

Forty has long been universally recognized as an important number, both on account of the frequency of its occurrence, and the uniformity of its association with a period of probation, trial, and chastisement—(not judgment, like the number 9, which stands in connection with the punishment of enemies, but the chastisement of sons, and of a covenant people). It is the product of 5 and 8, and points to the action of grace (5), leading to and ending in revival and renewal (8). This is certainly the case where forty relates to a period of evident probation. But where it relates to enlarged dominion, or to renewed or extended rule, then it does so in virtue of its factors 4 and 10, and in harmony with their signification.

There are 15 such periods which appear on the surface of the Scriptures, and which may be classified:
Forty Years of Probation by Trial:
Israel in the wilderness, Deut 8:2-5; Psa 95:10; Acts 13:18 (the third 40 of Moses' life, 120 years).
Israel from the crucifixion to the destruction of Jerusalem.
Forty Years of Probation by Prosperity in Deliverance and Rest:
under Othniel, Judg 3:11,
under Barak, Judg 5:31,
under Gideon, Judg 8:28.
Forty Years of Probation by Prosperity in Enlarged Dominion:
under David, 2 Sam 5:4,
under Solomon, 1 Kings 11:42,
under Jeroboam II. See 2 Kings 12:17,18, 13:3,5,7,22,25, 14:12-14,23,28,
under Jehoash, 2 Kings 12:1,
under Joash, 2 Chron 24:1.
Forty Years of Probation by Humiliation and Servitude:
Israel under the Philistines, Judg 13:1.
Israel in the time of Eli, 1 Sam 4:18.
Israel under Saul, Acts 13:21.
Forty Years of Probation by Waiting:
Moses in Egypt, Acts 7:23.
Moses in Midian, Acts 7:30

FORTY DAYS
There are eight of such great periods on the surface of the Bible:
Forty days Moses was in the mount, Exo 24:18; and to receive the Law, Exo 24:18.
Forty days Moses was in the mount after the sin of the Golden Calf, Deut 9:18,25.
Forty days of the spies, issuing in the penal sentence of the 40 years, Num 13:26, 14:34.
Forty days of Elijah in Horeb, 1 Kings 19:8.
Forty days of Jonah and Nineveh, Jonah 3:4.
Forty days Ezekiel lay on his right side to symbolize the 40 years of Judah's transgression.*
Forty days Jesus was tempted of the Devil, Matt 4:2.
Forty days Jesus was seen of His disciples, speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, Acts 1:2.
* Thus 40 becomes a number closely connected with Judah, as 390 (Eze 4:5) is the number of separated Israel. The significance of this will be seen for 40 is a multiple of 8, and 390 is a multiple of 13. It may also be noted that 65 (5x13) is the number of Ephraim, while 70 is specially connected with Jerusalem.

And with this in mind, beginning in January 2010, I will be teaching through the entire Bible on our wee study site http://scripturalstudies.ning.com (A study and social network an outreach of Scripture Institute) on the Christianity 101 Group I would like to invite you to join with us for this perhaps last of my teaching through the Bible Under the heading Doc notes.

Here is a wee sample in the Word of God.

Genesis and the entire Bible
The Bible is not the earliest revelation of God. Genesis is explanatory. The other writings of the Bible are inseparably bound up with it as it gives us the origin and initial explanation of all that follows. The bible carries our minds back to the patriarchal and primeval and even pre-Adamite eras on earth, the bible itself did not begin to be written until the time of Moses.

As a historical revelation its commencement coincides with the third Chapter of Exodus, which records the communication of God through the burning bush of Horeb, and synchronizes with the eightieth (40 x 2) of Moses. All that proceeds this chapter was already past when the writing of our Bible began.

The Bible is not the earliest revelation of God. its pages clearly convey that the first human pair and the antediluvian and post-flood partriarchs received Divine revelation; and it is not improbable that was in some degree committed to written form. In Genesis we have a synopsis of all former revelation, sufficient to constitute a working introduction to further revelation of God. Moreover besides being introductory, Genesis is explanatory. Here we have in germ form all that is later developed. “Whoever would truly understand the Revelation of God must begin here”.
To be continued...

Visit Scripture Studies

Fear in Scripture

A Look at "fear" in Scripture:

  a.. I have read Proverbs 9:10 to many of my friends with little understanding on their part.  Usually they would respond, "We should not fear God.  We should fear the Devil."  However, the verse says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."  As you read the Bible you are urged by it to fear God.  This "fear" means a healthy mix of love and dread is "awe" toward God.  The Bible does not teach us to "awe" as a form of intellectual resignation.  And it also does not say that "awe" is the end of wisdom.  Its intention is that "awe" is a way to wisdom.

  b.. "God said to Moses: 'Do not fear' (Numbers 21:34), and yet it says in Proverbs 28:14, 'Happy is the man who fears always.'  It is a quality of the righteous that although they have received God's assurance, they never cast off the fear of Him." -- [C.G. Montefiore and H. Loewe A Rabbinic Anthology].

  c.. "He who has knowledge of the Law, but no fear of God, is like a keeper of a treasure, who has the inner keys, but not the outer keys.  He cannot enter." -- [Talmud]

  d.. "Do not withdraw your hand from your son or your daughter, but from their youth teach them the fear of God.  Do not, when embittered, give orders to your slave, male or female, for they hope in the same God; otherwise, they might lose the fear of God, who is the Master of both of you.  He surely is not coming to call with an eye to rank and station in life; no, He comes to those whom the Spirit has prepared." -- [The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles (1st Century AD)].

  e.. "The holy fear of the Lord expels all evil fear and protects those good things which cannot be expressed in words or even thought of.  It is not given to all to have this fear, for it is a very great gift.  The fear of God rules and governs a man and makes him come into the grace of the Lord.  If a man has that grace, the fear of the Lord preserves it, and if he does not have it, it leads him to it... For it is impossible for someone to ascend to the grace of God or to persevere in it without a holy fear and a holy dread... Again, the more fear we have, the more we pray.  And it is no small thing to be given the grace of holy prayer.  No matter how great they seem, the words of men are not to be judged according to the opinion of men but according to the judgment and pleasure of God.  And so it is good for us to have holy fear at all times."  -- [Ugolino di Monte Santa Maria The sayings of Brother Giles].

  f.. "What can better take away the love of sinning from one's life than a real fear of death?  And what moves one to live more fervently and to do good more than confident hope in the mercy and goodness of God? ... When these two are combined they provide a sure staff of hope to hold on to in all your good works... For reverence is nothing but dread and love blended together by the staff of a sure hope." -- [Anonymous 14th-century English mystic The Epistle of Prayer]

  g.. "Perhaps if we feared God more we would fear everything else less.  We can rightly fear the consequences of violating the physical and moral laws through which the creative power of God works.  There is something to fear in our flouting of the basic structure of the universe.  The foundation of wisdom lies in knowing what we ought to fear." -- [Rolland W. Schloerb The Interpreter's Bible]

Breakfast and the funnies

 

Gentle Reader,

You have been such good little bloggers I decided to fix you all breakfast and read the funnies to you while you eat. Don't be afraid to dig in my food is just like the parable of the loves and fishes. You can never get too much. enjoy and leave me a tip (or at least a note) your cups hanging up waiting for you!

My pastor friend put sanitary hot air hand dryers in the rest rooms at his church and after two weeks took them out. I asked him why and he confessed that they worked fine but when he went in there he saw a sign that read, "For a sample of this week's sermon, push the button

One communion Sunday, my communion steward prepared communion with a twist.  When it came time to uncover the elements the grape juice looked darker than usual.  I thought nothing of it and began to serve the communion. Promptly upon receiving the cup, each recipient's face had a peculiar, stunned look. When it came time for me to receive I discovered why the strange looks...the juice was prune juice! One parishioner stated, "Perhaps this is a Divine commentary on our spirituality...we need a little loosening up!"

The Number of the Beast

OK, we all know that 666 is the Number of the Beast. But did you know:

• $665.95......................Retail price of the Beast
• $699.25......................Price of the Beast plus 5% sales tax
• $769.95......................Price of the Beast with all accessories and replacement soul
• $656.66......................Walmart price of the Beast
• $646.66......................Next week's Walmart price of the Beast
• 00666.........................Zip code of the Beast
• 1-666 .........................Area code of the Beast
• 1-900-666-0666 ............ Live Beasts! Call Now! Only $6.66/minute.
• 660............................Approximate number of the Beast
• DCLXVI.....................Roman numeral of the Beast
• 666.0000.....................Number of the High Precision Beast
• 0.666 .........................Number of the Millibeast
• / 666 ..........................Beast Common Denominator
• 666 ^ (-1).....................Imaginary number of the Beast
• 1010011010..................Binary of the Beast
• Phillips 666..................Gasoline of the Beast
• $6.66 9/10....................Price of a Beast gasoline
• Route 666....................Way of the Beast
• 666 F.........................Oven temperature for roast Beast
• 666k..........................Retirement plan of the Beast
• 6.66%........................5 year CD rate at First Beast National Bank, $666 minimum deposit.
• i66686........................CPU of the Beast
• 666i .......................... BMW of the Beast
• DSM-666.....................Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the Beast
• 668............................Next-door neighbor of the Beast
• 666 mg........................Recommended Minimum Daily Requirement of Beast
• Lotus 6-6-6...................Spreadsheet of the Beast
• Word 6.66....................Word Processor of the Beast
• 6 h. 66 min....................Beast Standard Time (BST)
• Boeing 666....................."A jet for the Beast Age"
• Beverly Hills 66666..........Beast's favorite TV show
• 6/6/66..........................The birth date of the Beast
• 666-66-6666..................The Social Security number of the Beast
• 6666............................The PIN of the Beast
• 25.806975.....................The square root of the Beast
• 660..............................Approximate number of the Beast
• Motel 666......................Beast Western
• Windows 96 ver.666.........OS of the Beast 

Remember God loves you and so do I

Denis

One more? OK!  Don't worry about the clean up I'll take care of it!

 

Godless Linguistics

To all Talk.Origins Readers,

Clearly, we can see the very structure of our civilization crumbling around our ears. Sexual perversion runs rampant as our once-proud moral culture slides ever closer to the gaping maw of oblivion. One need only turn on the TV to witness ample evidence of the degradation of our current Godless society, slipping closer to destruction with the wanton disregard for proper diction, and the torrid abomination of corrupted grammar!

Why, just listen to the "music" of the young people these days. Such trash! The words slur together (when they can be understood at all) into a putrid mush of incomplete sentences and split infinitives. It's awful. And it has been PROVEN to induce young people to commit acts of violence, theft, and unwed pregnancy. And surely, it is no mere coincidence that this dire threat to the fabric of our very civilization coincides exactly with the indoctrination of our young people with Godless LINGUISTICS in the public schools.

Our public schools have turned away from the source of Truth, to teach our children that our sacred English language has descended from other languages. The poor impressionable youngsters are taught AS A FACT that English words have certain "root words", even though this is only a theory. The FACT is, God Almighty created all languages complete when he confused mankind's original language as punishment for our transgression at the tower of Babel. But the atheist/linguists don't want this mentioned in public settings, because it goes against their FAITH, and forces them to face their own accountability. So they have BANNED the teaching of Babelism, because they are afraid that it might expose the weakness of their own linguistic ideas. Is this fair? I don't think so. It goes against all that America stands for.

Therefore, join me in the campaign to have a balanced and fair treatment in public education. All English teachers should be required to include Babelism as a valid alternate theory to Linguisticism, whenever the origins of the English language is discussed.

Oh, of course we can expect opposition from the entrenched vested interests. They will point to certain similarities (i.e. "mother", "madre" "mater") as evidence of the relatedness of various languages. But this is a complete misinterpretation of the evidence. Clearly it is more economical for God to use similar phonic structures to designate similar meanings. Therefore, the existence of such similarities PROVES that the various languages must have had the same author.

Second, a language is a complex thing. The odds that some first speaker could randomly string together a complex series of sounds, and then multiply this by the odds that someone else would UNDERSTAND him, and the probability could be calculated to be less than 1 in 10^500. That's a one with five hundred zero's. A statistical impossibility. Obviously, the first language must have a designer: God.

Third, there is NO evidence that transitional languages ever existed. What use is half a language? A noun without verbs conveys no meaning! Sure, there is middle and old- English. But these are ENGLISH! A complete nontransitional language. We do not deny that micro-linguistics can happen, but this process can create only DIALECTS. There is NO EVIDENCE that a series of random micro-linguistic events can create a WHOLE NEW LANGUAGE. I'll believe in Macro-linguistics when I see a video tape of a child growing up in an Eskimo village suddenly become fluent in Armenian! It takes A LOT MORE FAITH to believe in atheistic linguisticism than the truth of Babelism.

So join me in the crusade: Babelism must be included in the public school English curriculum.

There are only two theories which explain the origin of our language: Babelism and Linguisticism. Shouldn't they BOTH be given a fair hearing?

Thank you.

Denis

It's my potty and...

 

I'll cry if I want to!

Gentle reader,

Do you feel trapped? Sometimes I do! Coffee?

Things are just "peachy" Like my new font? Just got it at Wal-Mart (the saving place Ha!) I like to walk up and down the isles and talk to people " Hey, Did you win the lottery?  you must have I see your shopping at the rich peoples store?!"  Or sometimes I find myself drawn to a little old lady looking afraid and confused "Are you looking for the same thing that I am dear? What are you looking for?" And I proceed to help her find what she needs, so that big old store isn't so frightening anymore and people can be friendly and helpful!

How about you Gentle Reader?   Are you in....

 

"Prison"

It may seem like prison.
At that point you have to choose to make your "prison" experience profitable

The Apostle Paul didn't whine or moan--instead God used him to write many books of the New Testament from a prison cell. Make your "prison" experience profitable.
Sometimes you may find yourself in a situation that is very limiting to you.


Even in limited circumstances, Paul kept on preaching the Gospel-even if he had to write it as a letter from a prison cell.

Prison didn't keep Paul from his calling in Christ Jesus-- Neither can "prison" keep you from your calling.

Don't look at your prison-Instead, look at the calling on your life and do what God has placed in your hand to do toward that calling where you are at--so that you can say with Paul-

"None of these things move me." Acts 20.24 

 

And for the few of you left here are some tings to think about I issue you a challenge to really think about these things

Can you understand these things?

Grace is God's Salvation for the Sinner, Supply for the Saint.

Grace is God's Loving-Kindness for the Loveless, the Loathsome and the Lost

As Messiah Christ is related to Israel
As Head He is related to the Church, which is His body!

Do not confuse the bride (Israel) with the bridegroom (Christ the Head)
You are a member of the body of Christ Not the bride!

In Romans the believer is dead and risen with Christ

In Ephesians he is seated in the heavenlies in Christ

In Acts 19:10 we read And this continued by the space of two Years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks." BUT in 2 Tim. 1:15 we read "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes." Why was that?

(focus and try again)

 

Till next time, Love to you and your family,

 Denis

 

Do you know where you can find heaven?

Mirrored tranquillity as mist settles over the upper lake at Glendalough

Lake Glendlough Co Wicklow (Ireland where else)

Gentle Reader,

Well Marti was feeling better and we started our continuing Bible study I am teaching us through the Bible. We are at The books of Thessalonians .

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, (teaching for what true)for reproof, (convicting for what is false) for correction, ( for what is wrong) for instruction in righteousness,(for what is right) 2 Timothy 3:16.

As you look at the New Testament you will find that after the Gospels (which complete the Old Testament you have the Book of Acts (History ) Then the book of Romans (which is our Doctrinal and instructions book teaching about Justification and the cross) and its two commentaries Corinthians (Reproof-Practical failure not seeing the standing as having died and risen with Christ) and Galatians (a Book of Correction- Doctrinal failure as to the teaching of Romans not leaven in the teaching)

We have moved past the Book of Ephesians our 2nd Doctrinal and instruction book which teaches the Mystery of God (always hidden, never before revealed. Individual Jews and Gentiles gathered out and made "one new man" in Christ "the body of Christ" Seated in heaven with Christ.

Of course then we have 2 Commentaries Philippians (which is a book of "reproof" Practical failure to exhibit the teaching of Ephesians in showing the "mind of Christ" and Colossians a book of "Correction" Doctrinal failure The failure of not seeing their completeness and perfection in Christ. But you knew all of that didn't you Gentle Reader?

So as I was saying Thessalonians we just finished which is about heaven another book of doctrine (teaching ) and instruction No reproof, no correction all praise and thanksgiving A typical church

Where is heaven "Where Christ is there is heaven" Look around you Gentle Reader, Christ is in me and now you know why I talk about Grace so much. All Christians carry about the Spirit of the Living Christ with them and we are all connected on a level that only God can maintain. Too deep for you? Well gentle reader I haven't even scratch the surface What is heaven like? look at the picture and magnify that 10 to the ten millionth times ten million times. Ireland for me is just a taste of what heaven is like.

But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9)

For me Gentle Reader, Ireland is what heaven will be like! How about you? Where is your heaven?

Remember, Gentle Reader, that God has prepared a place for you!

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (Book of John Chapter 14)

When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, that is Victory.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving
silence, that is victory.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any annoyance; when you stand face-to-face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility -- and endure it as Jesus endured, that is victory.

When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any regiment, any interruption by the will of God, that is victory.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown, that is victory.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, or question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances, that is victory.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, that is victory.

I believe in You Gentle reader, you are a victor and so am I (we are just not there yet).

Denis Your ticket has been paid for (oh no, don't thank me I 'm just here to deliver it to you)

News and views...

 

Gentle Reader,

Well I see that you came for some fresh coffee this morning. So sorry that you didn’t get to share in the bread that we served yesterday. . Hey before I forget I was ask to conduct the church services at our new apartment building next Sunday (and I didn’t think that I would ever get to preach again!) I attended my first Bible study last Monday (Marti didn’t get to go) but I must say I was a bit disappointed (the tone was such that it was rather simple, I wanted to go a lot deeper) Well maybe that will change in time.

I want to run some things past you as I value your opinion. I read on a blog yesterday that this man was proposing that he and his readers blaspheme the Holy Spirit (trying to prove that God doesn’t exist or something like that! I never block blogs but I did this one. I feel that the bashing of Christians has hit a new low. I mean if I was Islamic I think I’d blow this man his blog and all within the same distance of ground zero to kingdom come (sorry for the religious reference, after all he is entitled to an opinion..... ) however to ridicule ones most heartfelt beliefs is at least BAD manners. Am I angry? (You don’t know me too well if you think that Gentle Reader, ) No... after I got over the shock of seeing such a attack in black and white and red (I saw red) I began to pray for this man (evidently he had an unhappy childhood, or a bad experience from a religious person (note: I did not say Christian) no real Christian would ever treat another person with such disrespect.

We have become such a nation that has utter disregard for the rights of the minority or we forgot the lessons that our mothers taught us to play nice with others. To allow others to display a lack of what my Mither use to call "bringings up"

Why is it that this nation which has "In God we trust" on its money or uses the expression "thank God" when averting a disaster. Or has a national day of prayer for our young men and women who put their life on the line for other races and nations around the world. Why is it Gentle reader, that some lack the responsible attitude to respect the belief system of others. Is this not what America was founded for? The right to be free? The right to freedom to worship as one wished? Or in this case to not worship God or anyone!

So my question to you is other that to pray for this man (He ask not be prayed for on a previous occasion) I did anyway ! Should one attack this gentleman (I use the term loosely) in the same manner as He did. (I know the answer to this already but want your input) Ah well so goes my war against the forces of evil.

More coffee?

Denis

4 Seasons of life

 

Gentle Reader,

Important information

New Blog Hours 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or by guess or by golly! Today you found me at home. To tired to run and to sore to tie my shoes!

Well,  did you enjoy our little life's lessons on love?
 How about Just a little lesson on life itself. Gentle reader Why am I here ? I don't know except that God send us where we are needed? Me? Here? Well O.K. maybe there something I need to see or do or perhaps someone to help or to help me. we are all interconnected you know. Much as we like to think we are independent we are not. we need one another. So today as you drink your beverage of choice (mine's coffee, you knew that didn't you) think about your life where are you going, how are you going to get there? Are you going alone or is there some one you want to take along?  Maybe you might want me to come with you are some else you feel comfortable to tag along your journey through life  I have an suggestion ...t .......

Lessons on Life (Pictures of same scene, different seasons).  

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son he sent in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.

When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.

The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise.

The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.

The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.

He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.

 The Moral Gentle Reader:

Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come.

"The old things are passing away, behold, all things are becoming new." Jesus

Love you and until next time,

Remember, God Loves you and so do I! You are accepted, you are valued you are Loved!

Denis

What we can learn from Television!

Gentle reader,

things we can all learn from Television TWO great EPISODES of " West Wing"

And Another

Good episodes... The religious right for the most part, have become the Pharisees in the Gospels... they only know rules, rituals, traditions and condemnation... they have the disease of religion! Christ Jesus / God when understood correctly is all about love, mercy, kindness, etc... The Old Testament in a nutshell was God's way of showing what religion produces, whereas the New Testament is God showing what love, mercy, etc... produces. Far to many Christians are stuck in the OT & blinded by religion!

 It's never been about Religion but about mercy and kindness. Something that isn't preached let alone talked about much any more...

Religion is the fashionable substitute for belief. - Oscar Wilde

 

In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe , where it became a culture. And, finally, it moved to America where it became an enterprise.--Richard Halverson, former chaplain of the United States Senate

He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Mic 6:8 )