Don't go to church!

The latest hype to get you to go to church!

Gentle reader,

I get more stuff across my email desk! This is the latest!

"Don't go to church! for the next 4 Sundays instead BE the Church!" What a bunch of stuff and nonsense The idea is over centuries old. That is go out amoung them and make adifference. But who thinks upp this stuff. So church marketing group to make money!!!   Well Isn't that what Jesus Christ said 2000+ years ago through the Apostle Paul? "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

Pardon me Dear Reader, but people would rather watch Paris Hilton go to jail than really BE the church . I mean of over the 100+ churches that I have been in contact with there has not been one that wanted to search the Scriptures to get to know the reality of the risen Christ. Who is at fault? I blame the leadership  (yes, Pastors too) who are trying to fill buildings, budgets and have bloated body counts. Instead of filling Christians with the Word of God.

If you see someone on fire, if you don't watch, you might want to at least help them by putting out the fire! So Christians are so lukewarm that they don't have the desire to really BE THE CHURCH. No wonder Jesus wasn't welcomed by the Religious community. I think I might in good company. What about you? 

Love, Denis

Another Look at the Scripture:

The last chapter of the gospel of John (chapter 21) contains a fishing expedition of seven(vs. 2)disciples. In this connection there is an interesting Greek word, kalchaino,which means two things: (1) to search for the purple-fish, (2) to search in the depths of one's mind, or to ponder deeply. The Greek story behind this curious word is that there existed in ancient Greece a mollusk from which the Greeks made a special purple dye. Divers would descend to the bottom of the ocean floorin search of this shellfish that was highly prized. This became a metaphorical expression for plumbing the depths of one's own mind. Thus searching for the fish, exploring the depths of the sea, finding unconscious contents in oneself, and exploring the inner mind are all related images and ideas.
When the disciples reached the shore, they found Jesus cooking a fish. Perhaps the fish in this story, which is almost ready to eat, is the meaning of Christ Himself, which is now ready to be assimilated into human consciousness. More symbolism is used as the Lord asks Peter three times, "Do you love me? Feed my sheep." Then we come to valuable insight into eternal thinking. The question is, why are Jesus and Peter discussing the future of the unknown disciple (John)? Just as Mark 9:1 says, "I tell you solemnly, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power." That is, they would not die before the Second Advent of Christ. Again in John 9:1 we read, "Truly I say to you there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power." However, here in John 21, Jesus says to Peter, "If I want him to stay behind while I am coming." The Greek 'eos erchomai is translated "till I come." However in Greek grammatical construction the conjunction 'eos means "until" when it is combined with the particle an and with the verb in the subjunctive. When 'eos occurs without an and with the verb in the indicative it is translated "while." The grammatical distinction would appear to be quite clear, and in fact, in John 9:4, which has a construction similar to that of 21:22 ('eos without an and with the indicative) it is translated "while it is still day." It would seem, then, that the Greek does not have Jesus saying, "If I want him to stay behind till I come" but "If I want him to stay behind while I am coming."
It is my opinion that the Lordimplies a different mode of discipleship for the beloved disciple than for Peter. Peter is the activist minister. He is the one who is told to watch over and feed the flock of Christ. The beloved disciple is the one who is suggested to simplywait while Christ is coming. He is to abide (meno), doing "nothing" but being in a highly developed state of consciousness while Christ returns in judgment and in a mystical way, returning to the hearts and souls of people. The Lord was saying that there will be people who change the world by achieving a certain quality of consciousness and holding to it. Such a person does nothing, yet everything gets done. It is our greatest lesson to rest in the power of God and yield everything to Him. This is a more spiritual, mystical and effective way to serve our God.
Then comes the final stroke in John 21:25: "There were many other things which Jesus did; if all were written down, the world itself, I suppose, would not hold all the books that would have to be written." The fact is that the Divine Mind is so vast that our world and our worldly consciousness could not possibly hold the knowledge of it. The Word of God so far surpasses human understanding that if the whole world as we know it was filled with books about God's mind, there would still be an infinity of meaning not yet touched upon.

Matthew 25

“Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me” [Mat. 25:36].



Just in case there is any doubt, the word “naked” means “nude.” And it did not mean that Yahshua got that way on purpose. The idea is that outward circumstances caused Him to not have any clothes. Whether from being poor and not able to purchase any, or of being robbed of His clothes, or they were just plain worn out, or whatever the cause, He had no clothes.



The first part of the next compound Greek word is “peri” from which we get words in the English language, like “periscope,” which also is a compound English word. The ending part is “scope” which means “to see” and the first part, “peri” means “all around.”



The second part of the Greek word is “ballo,” which means “to throw,” like throwing a “ball.” So the whole word means “to throw (something) all around,” like throwing a blanket all around a person who is cold, wet, weak, hungry, shivering, etc. It does not necessarily mean what we would consider “clothing” in the 21st century. The faithful servant did something to cure the problem of being nude.



Another thing that He said was that “He was sick.” The original word for sick is “astheneo” and means “to be feeble (in any sense).” It is translated variously in the KJV as to “be diseased, impotent, sick and weak.”



I have no idea why the KJV translators used the word “visited.” It is so far off the tract. While it does carry the idea of “to inspect,” the idea, by extension, is to “relieve” one of whatever problem that the person had. It could have very easily and correctly been translated as “I was diseased, with no strength and you inspected to find out what the problem was and after making the diagnosis, you relieved me to where I no longer suffered from the problem.”



“I was in prison” (caged in, guarded) is a good translation. Was the condition reversed? It is not so stated. But the idea is that the faithful servant was not ashamed and went “near” to the Master while He was in prison and gave as much help and encouragement as possible. Compare what Paul said of Philemon and his slave, Onesimus, while Paul was in prison.



“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11. Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12. Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 13. Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: 14. But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. 15. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; 16. Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? 17. If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; 19. I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. 20. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. 21. Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say” [Philemon 10-21].



When Yahshua was actually “caged and guarded” was Peter ashamed of Him? Did Peter come “near” to Him? Did Peter do anything to help Him under that condition? There seems to be quite a difference in what Peter did under that circumstance and what Onesimus did for the apostle Paul. We know which action was pleasing to Yahweh

A Word from my sponsor

"I Guess I should warn you, if I turn out to be particularly clear, you've probably misunderstood what I've said"

Gentle Reader,

Thank God for a backup I found what I was looking for in my back up. But before I go on to talk about my favorite subject I want to mention one thing (Christians, and those who fear God if your not being feed in the church, synagogue or Bible fellowship run don’t walk to the nearest exit) as to what is happening is what you can read about in 1 Timothy Chapter 4.

Now on to the subject at hand That is Grace and

Perceptions and/or Misconceptions about Grace

Consider the following situations as they relate to Grace and its ramifications:

A driver commits a traffic violation by exceeding the speed limit, and is pulled over by a police officer. The driver is guilty, does not have a bona fide excuse, and is without a doubt "caught." Yet, the officer, for no particular reason, does not issue a citation. Is that Grace? Would it not be "unmerited favor," and therefore fit the common definition?

What if asking to not receive a citation was necessary. Would that be Grace? Then would it not be merited, if only slightly? What if the officer had a "reasonable" reason, such as the driver’s having no previous record of citations? Would that be Grace? What if the driver had a bona fide alibi, such as an emergency? Would that then not make it an example of Grace, since the driver, in fact, had a "right" to violate the law but, yet, the officer also had a "right" to issue the citation?

Is it Grace only if justice is withheld for no reason, but not if there is a valid reason? If Grace is favor, is withholding justice the only means of showing Grace? Do we most often think of Grace as not getting what we deserve, or do we think of it as receiving something we didn’t earn? Or are they the same?

A student may ask for "grace" regarding a grade. Perhaps he is lacking the few extra points to achieve an "A" and is effectively asking for those points to be added to his score. If the instructor simply added the necessary points, would that be Grace? Is not this "unmerited favor"? What if the instructor granted the points because the student had much "good effort," or because of outside family discord. Would it now not be Grace, because the points are now "merited"? What if the student were given the opportunity to "make up" the work, did so, and now the points are added. Would that be Grace, since, in a sense, he "earned" the points? Would it be the proper thing to do? What if you were the parent of the student? Would you encourage the grade increase, or would you discourage it? What if you were a fellow student, who worked hard and just barely, but honestly, earned your "A." Would you protest?

In the case of the traffic violation, the question is:

"Can we get the offense subtracted from our account, and can we somehow not receive what we really deserve?" In the case of the student, he did nothing wrong, and there was no violation. He just came up short. So the question is: "Can we get something added to our account; can we somehow receive what we do not really deserve?" Is not the general perception of salvation that Hell is subtracted from our account (which we really do deserve) and Heaven is added to our account (which we don’t really deserve)?

Can Grace in some way be earned? If it can be earned, even in the slightest manner, how can it still be Grace? Just how "pure" is the Grace of salvation? Do we not say that we are saved by pure Grace? Yet, if it is not earned or deserved, does it then become cheap, become taken for granted, become trampled on, become, in essence, worthless? After all, do we not cherish and protect more things that we have earned and worked for, rather than things that are freely given to us? It has been said: "That which we receive too easily, we esteem too lightly."

If we are late on a payment due, and are not charged a financial penalty, is that Grace? It is, after all, called a "grace period." Is it Grace if the delay is given only under "extenuating" circumstances?

Does Grace require a "line" to cross, or a "level" to achieve? What if neither existed? What if completely and unexpectedly, and for no reason other than you just happen to be there at the time, someone walks up and hands you fifty dollars. Is that Grace, or is it foolishness?

Does Grace require a law? If there is a law, must that law be broken for the exercise of Grace? Did the law set the stage for Grace to be expressed? Conversely, can Grace be given where there is no offense?

What if Adam had not sinned, if sin were not an issue? Would God be able to show Grace? Would He "need" to? Would He be confined to not being able to show Grace at all?

Is Grace Unmerited Favor ?

On a personal note, when growing up, I was taught that "Grace equals the unmerited favor of God." Of course, as is common-place, this definition was never really questioned. Now, given my understanding of this great theme, the author would not use it again. However, in some sense, it is right. Yet, in a very real sense it is at the least incomplete and, at the most, wrong. Consider yet more questions.

If Grace is indeed "unmerited," are there absolutely no conditions on the part of the recipient? Are there conditions to be met before Grace can be given? How about conditions/obligations that must be met after Grace is given, in order to maintain our "Grace status"? Is it truly and absolutely "unmerited"? Does that mean Grace is given purely randomly and without reason? Concomitantly, does that mean Grace is given despite the reaction of the recipient? If not, then it becomes merited, at least in some sense, does it not?

Can Grace be rejected, or is it extended regardless? If it is not merited, then how can it not be extended? Is it an action based solely on the giver, one that is determined within the giver’s own mind and counsel? Is it a gift? Must it be received? Does not even the necessary act of receiving it attach merit to it, even if so very minuscule? Must the receiver know he has received Grace? Must he be thankful? Acknowledgeable? Must he respond accordingly? If so, can it truthfully be called "Grace"?

If there is absolutely no merit, what does that make God? Does it not make Him irresponsible and reckless with His favor? Will He not be "taken advantage of"? Does it not cheapen His favor, make it perhaps even worthless? Yet, if there is merit in even the slightest degree, then can we really call it "Grace"?

Next time: Grace and Human Relations

Reasons or excuses

Top ten reasons for sleeping in Church

Good thing I'm a contemplative!

Whoa! The Third Heaven is so cool. There's—whoops, sorry. They told me not to tell.

Isn't this the healing service for narcolepsy?

I was testing to see if my new Bible cover is, uh, waterproof.

The church espresso machine is on the blink.

I wasn't really asleep—just blinded by the pastor's forehead.

I was entering into the Sabbath Rest.

Well, excuse me for staying up all night Saturday in prayer.

I was getting in touch with my inner Bible study.

I always snore when I'm slain in the Spirit.

"HETEROGENEOUS ADMIXTURE."

Much of the present day contribution from "pulpit and" and press which, to a large extent, is engaging the attention of the people reminds one of the novice who decided to cook a dish of food. He dumped into the dish most anything and everything in sight. Some of the material that went into the concoction was very good; some of it was very bad.

When the food was finally prepared and cooked, there were just two things to be said of it: it was nameless and useless. In the process of cooking it obnoxiously offended the nasal sensibilities of the countryside; and, when eaten it very thoroughly wrecked the cast iron stomach of the eater.

Here is how the proposition works as regards the many, so-called religious messages: the Scriptures are twisted, dwarfed, juggled, dissected, vivisected, criticized, opinionated, and confounded.

Then, to this ruthless treatment there is added. an abun-
dance of fanciful, frivolous, fictitious, factious, fatuous, man-created theological, theoretical, theosophical, and psychological ideas

As a result of all this what can be expected but a conclusion merging into utter exasperation ?

Thinking man thinks either in conformity with or contrary to the revealed Word of the living God. Cp. Isa. 55:8.

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, saith the Lord." Whenever man's message is made up of man's thoughts as" against the thoughts of God, then that message becomes misleading and destructive.

To be what God intends it, a message must contain and be in harmony with the Word of God. Then again, it must
contain and be in harmony with the Word of God RIGHTLY DIVIDED.

Note the following texts: Deut. 18:19", 20; 1 Cor. 2:13; Eph. 6:19; Col. 4:3; 1 Tim. 2:1; 2 Tim. 2:15, 16.

The further one is from rightly divided truth, the worse the mixture

It is indeed pathetic to find men in the pulpit plunging, grasping, gasping, struggling, staggering, slipping, sliding, stumbling, in an attempt to deliver a message that utterly disregards the Dispen-sational, Distinctions of The Holy Scriptures.

Many preachers take great pride in the number of books they have read or are reading. It is well to read books, but only to the extent that such reading does not deprive one of time and attention that ought to be given to The Book.

When the writings of man predominate in any message, then we may know that the Word of God has been neglected.

What do you know?

 

"All truth passes through three stages: 

First, it is ridiculed. 

Secondly, it is violently opposed. 

Thirdly, it is accepted as being self-evident." -- Schopenhauer

 

Gentle Reader,

Before you go back to watching Paris Hilton and the circus that people call "news" how about spending some time on a reality check. That is to say join with me in my secret place where I share some information that will enable you to get out of this world alive!

 Take some time to drink your favorite coffee and really get down! I want to teach you about the "ABC's" of life. What life? Why yours of course. So let me start from the beginning rather than the middle as some will wander in late rather like your first day in a new school. 

So if you come in the middle of this you'll just have to find the beginning but don't worry I knew you'll have a lot of company so don't all crowd to the front of your blog as it is top heavy and may tip over at the slightest wave.  We'll leave a trail of bread crumbs so you can catch up with those who got here on time.

 

Ready? Ok  

WHAT IS GRACE?

What exactly is Grace? Though Grace is unquestionably a foundational pillar of our faith (for how well we all know, "For by Grace you are saved...," Eph. 2:8-9), have we ever sincerely and honestly pondered this question and its ramifications? Generally, and really quite surprisingly, it seems we are not inclined to give such fundamental questions serious consideration.

It seems the common inclination is to treat the answer as something that we all somehow automatically agree with and answer to, and yet find ourselves never really defining or solidifying. We are prone to treat the issue as a "given," as if somehow everyone simply understands from the beginning what is meant. We don't ask of others, and others don't ask of us. This is an "unwritten rule" that we honor without even being aware of what we are doing. We are quite agreeable in moving on to other matters, those which seemingly have the "real significance" or more "immediacy" in our lives.

Perhaps, too, if we are honest with ourselves, we often feel inadequate with such issues, and therefore are inclined to leave the answer to "the pros." That is certainly the easy way out, is quite tempting, most assuredly is readily available, is certainly encouraged, and rarely are we encouraged to ponder such questions ourselves. This elevation of another, however, is exactly what Paul did not approve of, as when he said, "Get up, for we are men like yourselves."

Why not just look up "Grace" in a common dictionary and be done with it? Is not that, after all, what dictionaries are for? Would we then have the proper definition? Would that satisfy us? Is it, in fact, as is the common Christian definition, "unmerited favor"? 

"Wheeow (Denis says, wiping sweat from his brow) enough for today Sit down and give this some thought and we'll take up some common Perceptions and/or Misconceptions about Grace tommorow or whenever you show up!  

 Love , Denis

Where do you want to meet Jesus

Gentle Reader,

 I just read about  the "Grand opening" of a new facility, with seating for 2000, an room behind the "stage" called "the green room" where the visiting dignitaries can "hang out" until time for them to "perform" with cushy seats in the main auditorium and a giant television screen for those in the over flow which holds over 400 and a coffee bar in the lobby  (this really got me- you know how I love coffee) When I read about this new building I thought when will Madonna be coming to this grand show place with valet parking ?  Where is place you might ask? Disneyland? No Gentle Reader, but right here in Anderson Indiana!  It's a church ! Wow! Do you supose the they have room for God in this place? Any wonder that when I write to a church looking for a pastor I write this way :  

Dear saints of God,

God called me to teach and to preach . To that end I have tried to be faithful in that calling. To be a pastor is different that being a "preacher" A pastor is a teacher according to the Apostle Paul his charge to Timothy was to "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. [teaching]"

This is what I do verse by verse book by book teaching as Paul instructed in 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."

Not many churches or fellowships want Scripture taught any more they prefer to go in a "different directions" I do hope your fellowship is looking for a dedicated man who is not perfect but willing to strive to be the best one can be with God’s help and direction. I am just one beggar showing another where to find bread.

 Rev. Dr. Denis Callaghan

A Father's prayer

Dear Father,

 

Gentle Reader,

I interrupt this series on "Grace" to present to you a Father's Prayer.

 A Father's Prayer

This is the best dowry of hopes, wishes and prayers I would be able to offer:

May God give you the grace of wit and wisdom to understand that rainbows are only the result of showers, dust, and hope.

May you always have joy in the morning and trust in the evening and may your sorrows be short and without scars.

May your lives have a spirit neither bent by belligerence nor broken by failure; may you simply love each other.

May you share with each other spring flowers, dirty dishes, music, rain, death, mushrooms, a measure of boredom, strawberries, and God.

May that God never make you immune to the wonderful afflictions of real love, making you instead farsighted to each other's faults, tongue-tied to criticism, and short of memory to petty hurts and slights.

May God provide the confidence and serenity that comes only from the assurance of each other's fidelity and the tolerance, as years go by, of wrinkles and gray hairs, short tempers, curlers, and Monday mornings.

May no one steal from you laughter at the top of the stairs or giggles and whispers in a dark room.

May you keep a hunger for each other, the appetite to taste tomorrow, and deep knowledge of and devotion to your past, heritage and families.

May you perpetuate trust, the radiation of vitality, kind answers to sharp questions and sharp humor to unkind attitudes.

May your fights be fierce and short, and may each truce be warm and long and held in each other's arms before the sun comes up.

May you walk with wise men, sing loud songs at late hours, share secrets, have healthy children, and provide smiles for lonesome strangers and prayers for those without hope.

May you never forget small things; smiles, birthdays, holding hands, family, old friends, the neglected, and the simplicity of saying please and thank you.

May you keep a warm, generous, and happy house where love is the insulation and God is present. May your children be friends of God's child, Jesus.

May your union bring a smile to the face of the Holy Spirit and may he live in your pots and pans, in your hope and aspirations.

Love, Denis

Letters to the editor

Read... like your life depends on it

 

 Gentle Reader,

Why Go To Church?

A churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me I can't remember a single one of them. So I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor.

It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher: "I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me those meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"

When you are DOWN to nothing . . . God is UP to something!

Faith sees the invisible, Believes the incredible and Receives the impossible!

Thank God for our physical and our spiritual nourishment!

Will you find Him when your ready... or not?

Remember you are accepted, you are valued, you are loved by God and me!

 Denis

Who is Lost?

The Book of James

 

Gentle Reader,

 Somehow I got mixed up so here is something for you to think about while I find the "right stuff"

Can you Understand this?

Lest those, who having read this may feel that they have been robbed of so much that is precious in the Word - so much from which they derive comfort and help, It should be clear that while various books and parts of Scripture are definitely ADDRESSED TO different companies of people at different times we MUST distinguish between; the interpretation and application of the Word

As an example of what is meant by reading the address on the envelope turn to the Epistle of James:

"James, a servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad". (One hears about the ten tribes which were "lost" but here James sends a greeting to the whole twelve). The Epistle to the Hebrews was addressed to the Hebrews who are said to be "partakers of the heavenly calling" (Heb.3:1), unlike the Jewish Nation who have an earthly one.

To be continued....

 Denis

THE POWER OF A LETTER

Most of you know John Wayne as an actor. You may not
know what happened to him before he died. This is
that story! Robert Schuller's teenage daughter,
Cindy, was in a motorcycle accident and had to have
her leg amputated. John Wayne is a big fan of Robert
Schuller. He heard Dr. Schuller say on one of his
programs that his daughter had been in an accident and
had to have her leg amputated. John Wayne wrote a
note to her saying: Dear Cindy, Sorry to hear about
your accident. Hope you will be all right. Signed,
John Wayne The note was delivered to her and she
decided she wanted to write John Wayne a note in
reply. She wrote: Dear Mr. Wayne, I got your note.
Thanks for writing to me. I like you very much. I am
going to be all right because Jesus is going to help
me. Mr. Wayne, do you know Jesus? I sure hope you
know Jesus, Mr. Wayne, because I cannot imagine Heaven
being complete without John Wayne being there. I hope,
if you don't know Jesus, that you will give your heart
to Jesus right now. See you in Heaven. And she
signed her name. She had just put that letter in an
envelope, sealed it, and written across the front of
it "John Wayne" when a visitor came into her room to
see her. He said to her: What are you doing? She
said: I just wrote a letter to John Wayne, but I don't
know how to get it to him. He said:
That's funny, I am going to have dinner with John Wayne
tonight at theNewport Club down at Newport Beach.
Give it to me and I will give it to him.
She gave him the letter and he
put it in his coat pocket. There were twelve of them
that night sitting around the table for dinner. They
were laughing and cutting up and the guy happened to
reach in his pocket and felt that letter and
remembered. John Wayne was seated at the end of the
table and the guy took the letter out and said: Hey,
Duke, I was in Schuller's daughter's room today and
she wrote you a letter and wanted me to give it to
you. Here it is. They passed it down to John Wayne
and he opened it. They kept on laughing and cutting
up and someone happened to look down at John Wayne.
He was crying. One of them said: Hey, Duke, what is
the matter? He said (and can't you hear him saying
it), " I want to read you this letter." He read the
letter. Then he began to weep. He folded it, put it
in his pocket, and he pointed to the man who delivered
it to him and said: "You go tell that little girl that
right now, in this restaurant, right here, John Wayne
gives his heart to Jesus Christ and I will see her in
heaven." Three weeks later John Wayne died. You never
know how your witness to another will effect their eternity!

"you got mail!"

 

Gentle reader,

 From time to time I get e mails from those interested in what the Bible says (I mean really who on earth would be interested in a book some 2000+ years old that nobody reads and the author doesn't exist (according to many today))? Anyway here are some questions I found in my to be answered file.

Hi Denis: In the Bible study of January 16, 2007 in "Another Look at the Scripture" it says: "It would seem, then, that the Greek does not have Jesus saying, 'If I want him to stay behind till I come' but 'If I want him to stay behind while I am coming.'" This sounds good (doesn't it always when we use Greek) until we turn to another place in Scripture and read:"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is"(1 John 3:2). The point being, Jesus returns in glory, and those whom He receives are received into glory. John knows this, of course, and testifies "when He is revealed we shall be like Him." Paul says the same thing to the Colossians:"When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:4). It would not appear that the idea "I want him to stay behind while I am coming"garners much support from Scripture in any language. Thanks for your continued efforts to the Bible Study Group. We pray for you and yours in the spirit of Romans 1:9. In Christ, Arthur Melanson.

Denis says:

Arthur has a very good point. As I see it, the word, "glory" (Gr. doxan) actually means the true estimate of a thing. Whenever the first century believers were received up into "glory," they were manifested as who they really were. This is judgment is the Great White Throne or Judgment seat of Christ. John was saying that the Lord Jesus would be manifested or revealed as who He really was and that believers would be in that same light. They would appear with Him in "glory" or the manifestation of their true character. The judgment fires would burn away that which was surface (wood, hey and stubble). And for that which was valuable (gold, silver and precious stone), the person's work would be manifested for what it truly was. This was "glory." You may talk for hours about the light that comes from a light bulb and never truly understand the "glory" of it until someone places it in an electrical outlet and turns the current on. When the light bulb shines... you behold it's glory or the purpose for which it was designed. It was made for the glory. So are you.

Bonnie says:

Dear Doctor Denis, I would like to reply to the question and some of the comments in this weeks e-mail Bible Study. I have been raised to believe that if you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour before you leave this world that you will be eternally separated from the Father. I am not a Bible scholar by any means. I definitely am still "a work in progress." But the Word says, "Love NEVER fails." It also says, "ALL have sinned and fallen short..." That means that we and those before and after us enter this world through the way of the flesh covered by sin, in need of our redeemer to save us. Having said that, how could God who is "Love" create a world such as ours, who says that nothing is impossible with Him and that He makes a WAY where there seems to be NO WAY? How could He in anyway allow 3/4 of His creation to plunge into eternal doom if LOVE NEVER FAILS? Why would He send His ONLY SON to save the World if He couldn't save it from the start? He would have to be a liar. And the Word says that He is not a man that He should lie. I am still trying to get all this in my spirit and understand some new things for myself, but God is God and I believe that He can do anything, and I believe that if He says it He'll do it and no old or new doctrine can change who God is. We need saving everyday, satan receives way too much credit, if we look within ourselves we'll find that we cause most of our own problems. Satan is just not that clever.

Denis says:

Job also says to his skeptical and nagging wife, "Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?" God is not loosing the battle against "evil." It may seem that "evil" is the strongest and that "good" is left on the back burner for most of the inhabitants of the world. However, the last chapter will have all the corrections in it. Our responsibility is not to lean on our limited understanding of these hidden things. God knows the invisible end of things while we are looking at the very visible beginning. God's ultimate purpose is to be "all in all." That leaves no one out of the equation. You have presented so many questions that we must answer them one by one. I shall list the questions and maybe others will comment with me on them:

If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour before you leave this world, will you be eternally separated from the Father?

How could God who is "Love" create a world such as ours, full of sinners? He says that nothing is impossible with Him and that He makes a WAY where there seems to be NO WAY? How could He in any way allow 3/4 of His creation to plunge into eternal doom if LOVE NEVER FAILS?

Why would He send His ONLY SON to save the World if He couldn't save it from the start? He would have to be a liar. And the Word says that He is not a man that He should lie.

Do we need saving everyday?

Do we cause most of our own problems or is Satan to blame?

Write your questions and get real answers from a real person in real time! Too many reals?

Love, Denis            

The Hebrew word

Gentle Reader,

"Amen is the Hebrew for God’s faith and His faithfulness

When you say Amen you are indicating that you believe that God is trustworthy.

The Word of GOD cannot be separated from the Will of God and...

The will of God is... Good and acceptable and perfect at all times and in all times..." Dr Denis O’Callaghan

Join me as I share with you The Word of God - That which we call the ...

Bible

Denis

A man dies and goes to heaven. Of course, St. Peter meets him at the pearly gates. St. Peter says, "Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in."

"Okay," the man says, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart."

"That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "that's worth three points!"
"Three points?" he says. "Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service."

"Terrific!" says St. Peter, "that's certainly worth a point." "One point? Golly. How about this: I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans."

"Fantastic, that's good for two more points," he says. "TWO POINTS!!" the man cries, "At this rate the only way I get into heaven is by the grace of God!"  (read the book of Ephesians, its in your Bible, OK barrow one!, Chapter 2 verse 8 )

"That's right!, Now you have got it!" said St. Peter.

Tomorrow? Same time same blog Dr D_

 

Coffee, tea or...

Go dtuga Dia deoch duit as an tobar nach dtránn

"May God Give You a Drink from the Well That Never Dries"

 

 Gentle reader,

I am back sort of while not full time so you'll need to help yourself to God's Coffee!
 
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
 
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some
expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
 
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:
 
"If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
 
Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.
 
What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.
 
Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live.
 
Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."
 
God brews the coffee, not the cups.......... Enjoy your coffee! 

 Denis

Church gossip

The church gossip, self-appointed monitor of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose into other people's business. Several members did not approve of her extra curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence. She made a mistake, however, when she accused Henry, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup truck parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told Henry and several others that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing. Henry, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn't explain, defend or deny. He said nothing. Later that evening, Henry quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house..... walked home....and left it there all night. You gotta love Henry!

CREATION

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If you want people to like you, agree with them.

WISDOM AT CREATION
"I was there when HE set the heavens into place; when HE fixed the horizon upon the deep; when HE made the heavens above firm, and the fountains of the deep gushed forth." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 27 - 28 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The WORD of GOD, DIVINE WISDOM, is speaking here. This is an awe-inspiring description of some of Creator GOD's works when, through Messiah Jesus, HE was creating and making all things.

Proverbs 8:27 speaks of Jesus’ pre-existence before the creation of the space/time universe itself. The earth was "without form," with only a great "deep fountain" of water. Then GOD Omnipotent "set a compass" on the face of the deep, begin the gravitational forces which brought it into a sphere form. The Hebrew word "chuwg" means "compass or sphere." It is the same word where it is said that the Holy One "enthroned above the circle (sphere or vault) of the earth." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 40. 22 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Then GOD Eternal established the clouds above. "Shachaq" is the Hebrew word for clouds or thin mists which refers to the great water canopy "above the expanse." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 7 Tanakh, Torah] Finally, the Master Designer strengthened the fountains of the deep, locking them under the "foundations of the earth." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 29 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The same strong fountains of the deep would later be broken up at the time of the Great Flood. When the earth was completed, Almighty God "rejoiced in HIS inhabited world." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 31 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

"Now sons, listen to me (Wisdom [Hebrew: chokmah] & Understanding [Hebrew: tabuwn]); 'Happy are they who keep my ways. Heed discipline and become wise; do not spurn it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, coming early to my gates each day, waiting outside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favour from the LORD, but he who misses me destroys himself; all who hate me love death." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 32 - 36 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Wisdom comes as we incline our ear to our Master's Voice, apply His Word to our lives for understanding, revere Creator GOD and keep HIS life-giving commandments. GREAT is the GOD of Creation! GREAT is HIS Wisdom! GREAT is HIS Love regarding the sons of man expressed in the Lord Yeshua ha’Mashiach our Redeemer & Saviour.



Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Welcome Shabbat! – Celebrate the traditional Melaveh Malkeh (escorting in the Sabbath) - Queen of the week!
The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with your spirit every moment of each new day.

Judge

Judge Gently

Pray, don't find fault with the man that limps
Or stumbles along the road.
Unless you have worn the shoes he wears
Or struggled beneath his load.

There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt
Though hidden away from view.
Or the burden he bears placed on your back
Might cause you to stumble too.

Don't sneer at the man who's down today
Unless you have felt the blow
That caused his fall or felt the shame
That only the fallen know.

You may be strong but still the blows
That were his if dealt to you
In the selfsame way, at the selfsame time
Might cause you to stagger too.

Don't be too harsh with the man that sins
Or pelt him with word or stone
Unless you are sure - yea, doubly sure -
That you have no sins of your own.

For you know, perhaps,
If the tempter's voice should whisper as soft to you
As it did to him when he went astray
It might cause you to falter too.

Sabbatical

Are you totally lost? or just a visitor?

 

 

Gentle Reader,

I am on sabbatical [suh-BAT-i-kuhl]

1.	of or pertaining or appropriate to the Sabbath.

2.	(lowercase) of or pertaining to a sabbatical year.

3.	(lowercase) bringing a period of rest.

–noun

4.	(lowercase) sabbatical year.

5.

(lowercase) any extended period of leave from one's customary work, esp. for rest, to acquire new skills or training, etc.  {This is where I am now in training for the world olympics} So here is a wee bit of humor as only I can share The Pastor's Wife Gladys was the preacher's wife and accompanied her husband each Sunday to church. One particular Sunday when the sermon seemed to go on forever, many in the congregation fell asleep. After the service, to be sociable, she walked up to a very sleepy looking gentleman. In an attempt to revive him from his stupor, she extended her hand in greeting, and said, "Hello, I'm Gladys Dunn." To which the gentleman replied, "You're not the only one!" See you soon  Love, Denis

50 cents worth of God!

What do you do when you are bone weary?

Even Jesus got tired now and then

Gentle Reader,

What do you do when you are so worn out that you can’t even put into words how tired you are. Well, here I am at that point. After 3+ years and over 1800 posts I’m tired! My prayers are almost non-existent I miss the face to face fellowship of Bible Studies, where we get to "really" study and pray not just "rub a dub dub, thanks for the grub" kind of praying.

Where are those who want to call down heaven and search the Scriptures daily to seek and to find "real answers" just the way the Bereans did [ Acts 17:10-11]?

I need to find and redefine my relationship with our heavenly Father, I need to sit at His feet and listen as He talks, teaches and loves me back to where He wants.

I need koinwniva Koinonia (koy-nohn-ee'-ah)  association, community, communion  intimacy with my Father. It’s time to draw aside for a while and seek His face once more . I need to spend time in prayer and the Word so that I don’t become like so many that I see around me who say "Give me 50¢ worth of God, please!" So I plan to take a wee break for a time. Now don’t worry I left you plenty of things to read and I’ll leave coffee and Irish cream muffins on the fridge above my stash of stories and the like. Write me a note that you were here and I get back to you. Better still, invite me to speak to your church or fellowship and I’ll be back before you know it _Denis

A Friend

"I have given them your Word"

Gentle reader,

I want you to tuck your copy of this blog under your arm and run yes, I said run ,out to the closest book store and get a copy of this book (better still get one for mothers day and one for your Pastor/bible teacher Shall I tell you why (All: in Unison) "O.K. Denis why?"  First let me tell you again for those who were getting coffee and the last of my Irish Cream muffins, when I wrote about my dear friend Dr. J. D. Watson!  "Doc" as he is called by all who know is a black belt in Tae kwon Do.  I was a third degree back in those days (now a 6th) and so when we meet for the first time it was in  a church and we were trying to gain 1000 people for some promotion (as if numbers mattered rather than quality both of which are important. I stood on a street corner and did magic when I had a crowd then I would preach. J.D. did a Karate demonstration and brought people in (that was the way we did it back years ago, before we really made use of the media). [This was not our idea but the then Pastor who shall remain nameless ]

When we discovered we shared a common interest in Karate (Tae Kwon Do-Korean style)  we got into our uniforms and spared J.D. was and is a very intense young man (I'm older but I won't say how old! And no I did not help build the Ark!) He encouraged me through my ordination and to continue my education  which I did through several university degrees. So now we like to say (or at least I do we are a paradox).

 J.D. has managed to bridge the gap between the so-called layman and the pulpit. I think I can speak for J.D. "Doc'' when I say our earnest desire is for all believers to "get to know HIM" and to do that one must learn about HIM and read the Word which are HIS WORDS. Joseph Hart  once said:

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

 

Both J. D. and I hold that belief, Gentle Reader, if you want to "really" know your Saviour Christ Jesus... Than you must read HIS Word (the Bible) and I can think of no better help for you to really know HIM than to use "Doc" Watsons latest book and read like your life depends on it (because it does) learn not only the Word of God but the WORDS of God!

 Love, Denis

P.S. You can get J.D.'s book at Amazon.Com or any book store or try the Library in your home town. But My choice is to buy several and give then to your pastor or friends [ be sure to keep one  or two for yourself] for your as gifts of love from one beggar to another showing them where to find bread.

 

As told to a friend

Gentle Reader, we havew here an understand that many hold on too....
Read and tell me where you see yourself
For many years, I was a member of a "church" group that held that sins were forgiven upon request. They also opposed the concept of "the security of believers," which was also referred to as "once saved, always saved." At some point in time, I became aware of the fact that the two concepts were not the same. The difference in the two concepts was in the term "believers." In order to understand this, we must fully comprehend the truth of these things, we must understand the scriptural disposition of those that are "in Jesus."

Romans 4:88 "Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account."

2 Corinthians 5:19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.


In Romans 4:8, the phrase "take into account" was rendered from a single Greek term that means "to put together with one's mind, to count, to occupy oneself with reckonings or calculations." This is the same word that is rendered as "counting" in 2 Corinthians 5:19. Paul was declaring that God did not recognize the sins of those who are in Jesus!

Romans 8:3, 4 - 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

In the above verses, Paul stated that God had "condemned" sin in the "flesh." In the context of the Roman letter, Paul used the term "flesh" in regard to the "fleshly system" of service under the Law. What Jesus had accomplished for those that were under the Law is fund in the meaning of the term that was rendered as "condemned, which meant "to depose, to set aside."

"Condemned. Deposed from its dominion, a thing impossible to the law, which could pronounce judgment and inflict penalty, but not dethrone." Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament, Romans 8:3.

Paul stated that God, through Jesus, had set aside or ended the dominion of sins under the Law. Jesus didn’t end the Law; He ended accountability for sins!

Hebrews 10:1-4 - 1 For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never by the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

The subject of the above text is "making perfect." The offerings of the Law, by nature of their repetitiveness, demonstrated that they were inadequate for that purpose. The "keys" to the writer’s presentation are found in the phrases "no longer have consciousness of sins" and "once offered." How can man no longer have consciousness of sins? That can only happen if he is secure in the knowledge that his sins are "not taken into account." That is precisely what the writer stated in verse 4.

The writer used a single Greek term that was rendered as "take away." While the writer is commonly understood as addressing "forgiveness," the meaning of the Greek term was in regard to the removal of a burden, article of clothing, or the suffering caused by the loss of something. The only other time that term was used in association with sin was in Romans 11:27, where the meaning is parallel with the verse under discussion.

Romans 11:2727 "And this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins."

Contrast the above verse with what Paul had stated in the earlier verses of our discussion. Then contrast the Hebrews writer’s use of "take away" with his presentation of God’s promises.

Hebrews 8:12 "For I will be merciful to their iniquities, And I will remember their sins no more."

Hebrews 10:17 "And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."

How does one not remember? The only way that is possible is to have them not come to mind. The Hebrews writer stated the conclusion of the matter in verse 14: "For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified." The Hebrews writer stated that, for those under the Law, the single offering of God’s Son made all sins, past present and future, unaccountable! As gentiles, we have been made partakers of the "hope of Israel."

A practical application is found in Paul’s first letter to the saints of Corinth. Paul spends the first fourteen chapters unbraiding those saints for their many failures. While I would not seek to minimize those failures, we find that they did not affect their standing in the gospel of our Lord and Savior. In fact, we find that Paul praises them in that regard.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 - 1 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.

Paul not only told them that they were standing firm in the faith, he also stated that if they continued accordingly, they would be saved.

One will be hard pressed to find any scriptural reference to someone having "fallen away, other than those that are said to have abandoned the Way of Jesus. This was clearly the case with those of Hebrews 10:39: "But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

Therefore, as was stated in the beginning, while I cannot support a teaching of "once saved, always saved," the scriptures require that I support the concept of "the security of believers." Our salvation is in the gospel; it has the power to save (Rom. 1:16). We should trust in what God has revealed to us, and not seek to re-establish a system of law, which can only lead to failure.

In Him

You don't change people by preaching at them; you influence them by living
life with them. Is your relationship with Jesus based on the many ministries
inside your Church. Even in these Groups. But God wants to heal the sick, save
the lost. We are at a time when God is saying he wants more quite time with us.
Why too prepare us to take the Gospel to those in need. They are outside the
Church walls. If not us who. Thank you Lord. Let our lives be a major influence
on those who need you the most.
Col.2:6 "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye IN HIM:

Things have gotten...

Better or worse?
Most Americans Feel Religion Is 'Under Attack,' Poll Shows
By Melanie Hunter
CNSNews.com Senior Editor
November 21, 2005

(CNSNews.com) - A new survey shows the majority of Americans think religion is "under attack" and "losing its influence" in American life.

According to the poll, American Attitudes Toward Religion In the Public Square, 64 percent agreed with the statement that "religion is under attack" in America, and 80 percent of those who identify themselves as fundamentalist/evangelical/charismatic Christians, were in agreement.

"The findings suggest that American public opinion is starkly divided when it comes to the role of religion in the public square, and that our nation's proud tradition of church-state separation is threatened as never before," said Anti-Defamation League national director Abraham H. Foxman.

The poll of 800 adults was conducted between Oct. 25 and 30 and released by the Anti-Defamation League.

"Unfortunately, too many people believe that religion is under attack in America, when in fact according to all measurements, religion is stronger in the United States than in any other Western country," said Foxman.

The poll also found 53 percent of respondents believe that religion is "losing" influence in American life, while 35 percent said it is "increasing influence." Among those who think religion is "losing" influence, 60 percent are evangelical/fundamental/charismatic Christians, while 33 percent of that same group said religion is "increasing" in influence.

As far as Ten Commandment cases go, 64 percent of those polled agreed with the statement that "it is important that religious symbols like the Ten Commandments be displayed in public buildings such as court housed. Eighty-nine percent of fundamentalist/evangelical/charismatic Christians agreed.

On the topic of intelligent design, the theory that the universe is so complex that it must have been created by a higher being, 56 percent favor the teaching of intelligent design or creationism, alongside the theory of evolution in public schools.

Among fundamentalist/evangelical/charismatic Christians, 70 percent favor creationism, compared to 28 percent who opposed it.

And 57 percent said "the Bible" was "a more likely explanation for the origins of human life on earth" instead of Darwin, compared to 31 percent who believe Darwin is a more likely explanation. Eighty-seven percent of evangelical/fundamentalist/charismatic Christians favored the Bible over Darwin as a better explanation of the origins of human life.

What's so special?????

“Therefore I want you to know

that’s God’s salvation

has been sent to the Gentiles,

and they will listen.”

So what’s so special about

Acts 28:28?????

There are certain events in history which are pivotal. What happened after them bears little relationship to what went on before. The words written by Luke at the end of his Acts of the Apostles describe such an event.

First he records Paul’s final words to the Jewish leadership in Rome. He quotes at them Isaiah 6:9-10 which, after all, has been quoted a number of times earlier, but this is the last time these words are recorded in the New Testament. Effectively because the Jewish nation continually hardened their hearts to the message that Jesus was the Christ (i.e. the Messiah) and the Son of God, they had become blind and deaf …. and therefore useless. So what was God going to do?

From Abraham’s time onwards God has blessed the Gentiles through the Jews, and this had continued not only during the Gospels but right throughout the Acts of the Apostles. During that time all the evangelism, all the teaching, all the leadership positions …. all was Jewish. Gentiles were being saved, but through the ministry of Jews.

But many of the unbelieving Jews not only opposed Christ and His Apostles, they also opposed Christian Gentiles, confused them and corrupted them. In doing this they heaped “up their sins to the limit” (1 Thessalonians 2:16). Their cup of iniquity was full and judgment fell.

Within a few short years of Acts 28:28 the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and its temple, and exiled the nation of Israel. There followed, from the Christian point of view, some years of silence, but when we get to the writings of the early Church fathers what do we find? They were all Gentiles! There was not one Jew amongst them. God was true to His word, “God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles and they will listen.”

Paul’s later letters to Christians

Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon

Paul’s earlier letters to Jewish and Gentile Christians

Galatians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians

1 & 2 Corinthians, Romans

Letters to Jews

Hebrews, James, 1,2,3 Peter,

1,2 John, Jude, Revelation

Thus in our understanding of the New Testament we should expect events after Acts 28:28 to be significantly different from those before, and this is what we find. The letters of James, Peter, John and Jude were written to Christian Jews and were written before Acts 28:28. Paul also wrote letters before Acts 28:28, addressed to mixed congregation of Jews and Gentiles – these were Galatians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Corinthians and Romans. Hebrews, obviously, was written to Christian Jews. After Acts 28:28 Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon. If we analyse the New Testament by considering:

The Gospels

The Acts

The Jewish Letters, including Revelation

Paul’s earlier letters

Paul’s later letters,

The Gospels 64
The Acts 19
The Jewish Letters 21
Paul’s Earlier Letters 24
Paul’s Later Letters 0

we will discover some interesting features.

Consider the number of references to the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the New Testament. There are over 60 in the Gospels. Over 60 in the books written during the time covered by the Acts of the Apostle, but there is not one in the letters written after Acts 28.

And there are many other interesting features. Consider the words “Israel” and “Israelite”. How are these distributed?

The Gospels – 31

The Acts – 31

The Jewish Letters – 6

Paul’s Earlier Letters – 19

Paul’s Later Letters – 2

And those two references after Acts 28:28 are very different from anything before. The first is Ephesians 2:12 where we read that the Gentiles had be “excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world.” However Paul then went on and wrote, “But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” Truly, God’s salvation had been sent to the Gentiles.

The only other reference is in Philippians 3:5 where Paul gave his ancestral line saying he was “of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin” but goes on to say that this no longer means anything (v 7).

We see something similar with the words “Jew”, “Jews” and “Jewish”.

The Gospels – 72

The Acts – 81

The Jewish Letters – 2

Paul’s Earlier Letters – 29

Paul’s Later Letters – 2

Again the two references after Acts 28:28 are quite different from those before. Colossians 3:11 states that “there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised” and in Colossians 4:11 Paul mentions Mark and Justus and wrote “These are the only Jews amongst my fellow workers.” How different from the Old Testament, the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. What a change! God’s salvation had been sent to the Gentiles, and they did listen.

In Romans 9:4 we read that “the covenants” belong to the people of Israel. That being the case, how is this word “covenant” distributed?

The Gospels – 4

The Acts – 2

The Jewish Letters – 21

Paul’s Earlier Letters – 9

Paul’s Later Letters – 1

The only occurrence after Acts 28:28 we have already mentioned. It occurs in Ephesians 2:12 where the Gentiles were told that they were “foreigners to the covenants of promise.”

And we can extend this approach to a wide variety of subjects. Consider for example “healing”, “heal” and “healed”

The Gospels – 72

The Acts – 14

The Jewish Letters – 15

Paul’s Earlier Letters – 4

Paul’s Later Letters – 0

But not only are there no references to the instant, miraculous sign of healing after Acts 28, if we read those letters we see people not being healed. For example, Paul did not send a handkerchief to heal Timothy, as he did for some people during Acts. Rather he sent him advice: “Stop drinking water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” (1 Timothy 5:23).

Then, when writing his last letter, he told Timothy that he had “left Trophimus sick in Miletus” (2 Timothy 4:23).

And even though Epaphroditus was “ill and almost died”, he recovered, for which Paul no doubt thanked the Lord. However, recovery is not miraculous healing.

To sum up:

Acts 28:28 is a pivotal point in God’s dealings with mankind. Here, I have just given a taste of what changes, but there is so much more.

Truth What is it?

What is Truth?

Gentle Reader,

When I want truth I go to 2 sources. 1) The Bible [when it's all said and done after all the study I put in in other book its after all God who has the first and last say! And 2) My wife Marti [sometimes what she has to say to me hurts, really hurts, but the point is that she loves me enough to tell me the TRUTH! She risks everything to be honest with me. Usually about my character (or sometimes the lack of it) I get caught up in my own little world at the expense of others. Now I don't want to but sometimes I am selfish, and hard to live with believe you me and sometimes I get mulely But its necessary to keep me grounded and Marti is a blessing ( mow don't get me wrong I don't like being called to task but its a dirty job and someone has to do it! Thank God (thank you Father for Marti) !!!

 Now another matter of truth 

THE WORD OF TRUTH - FOR TODAY
DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH

  "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:15

     Well over ninety-nine out of a hundred people that contact us here at Scripture Institute http://www.studiesinscripture.bravehost.com  are Saints in Christ Jesus.  Most are seeking a better understanding of the Word of Truth For Today, and most of these already have some knowledge of the Divine Law of Right Division.  However, a good number of others who write us have very little or no understanding of this most vital truth.  One can fully expect this from young Christians in other parts of the globe, but many seasoned saints, both here and abroad, are also in the dark concerning this divine study principle.

     I cannot help but ask why?  And who is at fault?  Or perhaps I should ask, where do we direct the credit?  I am sure most of our readers will say, "hell, of course, Satan himself is behind it" and no one will try to dismiss that.  But how is he doing it?  Who is doing his beguiling and defrauding work for him?  Who is it that keeps the saints in darkness?  "MEN" in high places - that is who, and that is how.  Self deceived men who stand above, or higher, in their own view, than the saints of God.  High minded man who find it to their personal advantage to keep folks in the dark concerning Right Division.

     For when the truth of this divine law comes into view, and is faithfully honored, the deep dark clouds of religious observance, fleshly tradition, and imposed ordinances can and will, dissipate as the light of God's Word of Truth is made known.  And that is only made possible when the Word of Truth is Divided Rightly.

    One of the most effective weapons against truth, is to just "ignore" it, to react to it by not reacting to it.  Have you not read some word of truth that pricked your conscience and you almost wished you had not read it, or you wished that you could forget it, and while you were trying to forget it you kept ignoring it as best you could?  This is the way of men, the way of the flesh.

     But when we just can't forget it, and the troubled conscience persists, then we try to somehow change what we think it is saying, or twist it just enough to free our self from the truth of it, but of course the truth, if and when reworked, is then man's lie.  And so the sad reality is that those who find it too difficult to totally "ignore" a word of truth, will most often find a way to adjust or alter it to suit their needs.

     But in the end, perhaps the most difficult folks to help are the ones who have fully recognized this divine law and have been working at dividing it, perhaps for years, but have been making their incision in the wrong part of the body of truth.  I, for one, sympathize with these dear saints, for I, also, for some years did my own dividing wrongly, but never with intent to deceive anyone.  I was sure I was right at the time, and I am sure I am right now, but I could be wrong.  And I am still open to and seeking "The Truth" - for I am resolved to remain a "Learner" of Divine Truth.  For we have also seen that when a man takes on the mind-set of "teacher" that he is most likely to stop being a learner.

     An inflated ego, and an exaggerated self esteem, is the fertile soil of Satan' s workings.  And a teacher who has closed his mind to the truth, especially that truth which comes as the result of one's faithfulness to "Right Division", is a spiritual danger to any and all under his influence.

     I know we have caused "not a few" raised eyebrows and some outright scorn as we have used the term "The Divine Law of Right Division".  Some feel that is just too strong and that we discourage and alienate others.  However, we do need to fully realize that this whole matter does hold in view eternal consequences.  And we reject the idea that these words are a suggestion on God's part, or a mere part of a set of guide lines to help Timothy and others to do a better job of analyzing, and more skillfully handling and teaching the whole Bible.

     Some of the other translations listed below miss entirely, or severely distort, the clear Word of Truth.
        "Do your best, properly presenting - the truth."
        "No need to be ashamed of the way you handle the word of truth."
        "Cutting a straight path for the message of the truth."
        "Driving a straight furrow -in your proclamation of the truth."
        "Rightly laying out the word of truth."
        "Correctly analyzing the message of truth."
        "Accurate in delivering the word of truth."
        "Declaring the word of truth without distortion."

     Now I feel every one of these translators have "distorted" this Word of Truth to some degree, and we see this last one as an insult to the honesty and integrity of Paul's right hand man, and beloved son in the faith, Timothy.

 That's my message,

Love, Denis and Marti

  Scripture Institute "Speaking the Truth in Love"

Bill Gates on Church

Bill Gates on Church Attendance
In an interview with TIME magazine, Bill Gates is quoted as saying: "Just in terms of allocation of time resources, religion is not very efficient. There’s a lot more I could be doing on a Sunday morning." Of course, by "Sunday Morning" he’s talking about a church service. To Bill, church and religion are not worth one hour of his time. It’s just good time management.

So what is the church and it's believers to do to reach people who think like Bill Gates?

Many churches have done a great job at making church relevant, interesting, and applicable to conditions that unsaved (yes, sinners) are going through; only to be criticized by other Christians for guess what... being relevant and watering down the message.

Many churches have concentrated on meeting felt needs: more topical messages; trying to relate to real-life issues that people are having in today's society. Find a need and fill it; only to be criticized by other Christians for being humanistic, centering on man's needs and not Christ.

FOR YOUR INPUT: So my question... how would you approach Bill Gates? If you're church is not being relevant or meeting felt-needs of unbelievers, how would you get past his criticism that your church is not worth his time? How do you convince someone who has everything (earthly speaking) that he needs Christ?