Where I grew up in Tacoma...on Mckinley Hill...there lived next door a hermit of a man named Kinniby who was famous in his own right as a hunter. He trained and kept hounds for tracking bear, cougar, wolves, etc. This is 65 years ago and the mountains east of the cities were wild.
I remember watching him skin out a cougar in his garage. it hung from the rafters to the floor. Anyway, I grew up thinking that a cougar was a large member of the cat family that preyed on other animals and was sometimes dangerous to man but always to livestock.
But I married a "cougar" fully ignorant of that fact until the word surfaced with an entirely new definition: "An older woman who lusts after a younger man." Every year, for four months, I make lite of the fact that my wife is an older woman. It's not a bad thing; it's a good thing; because everybody knows I need all the help I can get; things like, "Is that a clean shirt?" "Did you brush your teeth?" "Have you showered today?" and.....anyway.
Well, the day of the cougar is not too far away; Wednesday next, after which I am licensed to enjoy four months of reminding my bride that she is "the older woman" in my life. But come November I pay for it dearly because that's when I catch up and she gets to look me in the eyes and ask, "And how many are we today?" and I look at the floor in feign of discouragement and quietly answer..."seventy ****" It can only be one of three numbers, I guess you know.
Oh yes; a birthday present...hmmm...perhaps I will no longer call her a cougar...at least for a day or so. Naaaaahh! What fun would that be? e.c.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Forensics; it's about forensics
There is an ongoing angst-ladened discussion in the Adventist church about the nature of Christ. Ongoing, in terms of the last 40 or more years. Angst-ladened in the sense of a mitotic thought division within the church. The two views on the topic are simple and opposite: One claims that the Christ was born a man and with the fallen nature of man. The other claims that Christ was born with the unfallen nature of man as in the case of Adam before sin. It can't be both. Someone is right; someone is wrong. Which is which?
As foundation, I want to make it clear that Christ lived a sinless life; that He did not sin in word, thought, or deed. His sinless life constituted His credentials as Savior.
If Christ was born with a sinless nature (the nature of Adam prior to the fall) we could say that He was, in a very real sense, a second Adam. If Christ was born with the fallen nature of man (the nature of Adam after the fall) we could say that He was, in a very real sense, a second Adam. Are you confused? Not to worry. The church has been confused about this for decades and better minds than mine have addressed the issue.
The argument presented here is a matter of forensics, which deals with the authentication of substance, evidence, issues, etc. Here is what Wikipedia (an irrefutable source...smile) has to say about forensics; "The word forensic comes from the Latin adjective forensis, meaning "of or before the forum." In Roman times, a criminal charge meant presenting the case before a group of public individuals in the forum. Both the person accused of the crime and the accuser would give speeches based on their side of the story. The individual with the best argument and delivery would determine the outcome of the case. This origin is the source of the two modern usages of the word forensic – as a form of legal evidence and as a category of public presentation."
Putting that aside, here is the argument. In the controversy between Christ and Satan, Christ came to this world to prove to the watching universe that a man...The Son of Man...could do what Adam chose not to do. Eve was deceived. Adam chose to sin. Here is the heart of the point
As foundation, I want to make it clear that Christ lived a sinless life; that He did not sin in word, thought, or deed. His sinless life constituted His credentials as Savior.
If Christ was born with a sinless nature (the nature of Adam prior to the fall) we could say that He was, in a very real sense, a second Adam. If Christ was born with the fallen nature of man (the nature of Adam after the fall) we could say that He was, in a very real sense, a second Adam. Are you confused? Not to worry. The church has been confused about this for decades and better minds than mine have addressed the issue.
The argument presented here is a matter of forensics, which deals with the authentication of substance, evidence, issues, etc. Here is what Wikipedia (an irrefutable source...smile) has to say about forensics; "The word forensic comes from the Latin adjective forensis, meaning "of or before the forum." In Roman times, a criminal charge meant presenting the case before a group of public individuals in the forum. Both the person accused of the crime and the accuser would give speeches based on their side of the story. The individual with the best argument and delivery would determine the outcome of the case. This origin is the source of the two modern usages of the word forensic – as a form of legal evidence and as a category of public presentation."
Putting that aside, here is the argument. In the controversy between Christ and Satan, Christ came to this world to prove to the watching universe that a man...The Son of Man...could do what Adam chose not to do. Eve was deceived. Adam chose to sin. Here is the heart of the point
Monday, July 26, 2010
Not About Oil...Not About Land
Har Megiddo...a.k.a. Armageddon.
If you happen to watch generic religious TV; that is, not a particular denomination, you will hear a sermon or two...or more that includes Israel, rebuilding the Temple, mid-east oil reserves, Palestine, and the war to end all wars...Armageddon.
What I find curious is that so much preaching-energy goes into something so spiritually vacant. Vacant? Yes, vacant. Here's why: The battle between Good and Evil is, and always has been, a spiritual war between Christ and Satan. The death of Christ on the cross was to redeem mankind...all of mankind.
To my ear the religious rhetoric is more about Israel and the return of the Jews to their homeland. When one reads the New Testament it is good to ask this question; "Why was the Christ rejected by the Jews?" As I read it, the reason is because Jesus did not fit the traditional "profile" of the expected Messiah. The Jews were looking for a political leader who would vault Israel into world prominence and dominance. But because He said, "My kingdom is not of this world..." He was cast out of the city and killed.
Today's preachers are following the same path as did the Jews in Christ's time: They are preaching the return of Christ who will reign from Jerusalem with a rod of iron. There is a lot of missing-the-point preaching these days and millions are being led astray.
Someone is shouting; "You're preaching replacement theology" and I say, "Spot on!" When Christ drove the merchants out of the Temple where they were selling animals to those who would offer sacrifice of blood for their sins, He said (essentially) 'You shall not make My Father's House a den of thieves!" Did you catch that? He said, "My Father's House!"
But just prior to the crucifixion, after denouncing the 'Doctors of the Church' (so to speak) He said. "Your house is left unto you desolate!" So the Temple in Jerusalem went from "My Father's House" to Your House."
Interestingly, there are protestant preachers...maybe you've heard them...who make it a policy to raise money to bring Jews back to Israel. The message has changed from a battle spiritual to one literal. In my view that is a fatal mistake and results in distracting believers from issues spiritual to political.
Anything Satan does that redirects our thinking from preparing for Christ's soon return brings Satan joy [read I Thessalonians chapters 4 and 5]. The apostle's words are very clear and don't leave any room for politics.
Christ and Satan are battling for souls; not for oil, and not for land (Jerusalem).
Peace? I don't think so. e.c.
If you happen to watch generic religious TV; that is, not a particular denomination, you will hear a sermon or two...or more that includes Israel, rebuilding the Temple, mid-east oil reserves, Palestine, and the war to end all wars...Armageddon.
What I find curious is that so much preaching-energy goes into something so spiritually vacant. Vacant? Yes, vacant. Here's why: The battle between Good and Evil is, and always has been, a spiritual war between Christ and Satan. The death of Christ on the cross was to redeem mankind...all of mankind.
To my ear the religious rhetoric is more about Israel and the return of the Jews to their homeland. When one reads the New Testament it is good to ask this question; "Why was the Christ rejected by the Jews?" As I read it, the reason is because Jesus did not fit the traditional "profile" of the expected Messiah. The Jews were looking for a political leader who would vault Israel into world prominence and dominance. But because He said, "My kingdom is not of this world..." He was cast out of the city and killed.
Today's preachers are following the same path as did the Jews in Christ's time: They are preaching the return of Christ who will reign from Jerusalem with a rod of iron. There is a lot of missing-the-point preaching these days and millions are being led astray.
Someone is shouting; "You're preaching replacement theology" and I say, "Spot on!" When Christ drove the merchants out of the Temple where they were selling animals to those who would offer sacrifice of blood for their sins, He said (essentially) 'You shall not make My Father's House a den of thieves!" Did you catch that? He said, "My Father's House!"
But just prior to the crucifixion, after denouncing the 'Doctors of the Church' (so to speak) He said. "Your house is left unto you desolate!" So the Temple in Jerusalem went from "My Father's House" to Your House."
Interestingly, there are protestant preachers...maybe you've heard them...who make it a policy to raise money to bring Jews back to Israel. The message has changed from a battle spiritual to one literal. In my view that is a fatal mistake and results in distracting believers from issues spiritual to political.
Anything Satan does that redirects our thinking from preparing for Christ's soon return brings Satan joy [read I Thessalonians chapters 4 and 5]. The apostle's words are very clear and don't leave any room for politics.
Christ and Satan are battling for souls; not for oil, and not for land (Jerusalem).
Peace? I don't think so. e.c.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Dogs Don't Think About Clouds...I believe
At 6:00 a.m. this morning the sun had risen, the air was cool, clear, and the only sounds I could hear were the tree squirrels arguing their territory. Sounds tranquil; it was.
But there were no clouds.
The gray impenetrable ceiling of overcast day after day...a regular thing in these parts...that doesn't count as clouds. When I think of clouds my mind sees a Fiji horizon, where the clouds, like a fleet of sailing ships are steered by warm prevailing winds.
Sunshine is good, and today we are having lot of it; too much for some folks. On the lake, old men are fishing...it's been fished out by now but that doesn't matter...the young are churning the surface to a foam with their personal water crafts (I miss mine; not too old, just too much back ache).
But I was talking about clouds.
Just a few clouds would be a good thing. White, not too large, alto cumulus, drifting by, momentarily casting a happy shadow. So I began wondering about heaven and whether or not there would be clouds. Of course there would be no storm clouds; probably no lenticular clouds like those that form over Mount Ranier. Black clouds? No. Fleets of puffy white clouds sailing the horizon? I hope so.
The Bible talks about clouds in Revelation and Hebrews that I know of. There may be other places that clouds are mentioned, but I don't know where they are. This morning I was reading in Hebrews chapters 11 and 12. Here is what it says, starting at 11:27:
They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented--of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all of these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I want to see Jesus come in the clouds (of angels), I want to meet each of that cloud of witnesses...and perhaps there will be clouds. Wouldn't that be just like God to do something like that?
Blessings. e.c.
But there were no clouds.
The gray impenetrable ceiling of overcast day after day...a regular thing in these parts...that doesn't count as clouds. When I think of clouds my mind sees a Fiji horizon, where the clouds, like a fleet of sailing ships are steered by warm prevailing winds.
Sunshine is good, and today we are having lot of it; too much for some folks. On the lake, old men are fishing...it's been fished out by now but that doesn't matter...the young are churning the surface to a foam with their personal water crafts (I miss mine; not too old, just too much back ache).
But I was talking about clouds.
Just a few clouds would be a good thing. White, not too large, alto cumulus, drifting by, momentarily casting a happy shadow. So I began wondering about heaven and whether or not there would be clouds. Of course there would be no storm clouds; probably no lenticular clouds like those that form over Mount Ranier. Black clouds? No. Fleets of puffy white clouds sailing the horizon? I hope so.
The Bible talks about clouds in Revelation and Hebrews that I know of. There may be other places that clouds are mentioned, but I don't know where they are. This morning I was reading in Hebrews chapters 11 and 12. Here is what it says, starting at 11:27:
They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented--of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all of these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I want to see Jesus come in the clouds (of angels), I want to meet each of that cloud of witnesses...and perhaps there will be clouds. Wouldn't that be just like God to do something like that?
Blessings. e.c.
Friday, July 23, 2010
A Song for Sabbath...and Thereafter
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing--
Live forevermore. [Psalm 133]
Commentary would be a distraction from the message of this Psalm.
Res ipsa loquitur...the thing speaks for itself. e.c.
Live forevermore. [Psalm 133]
Commentary would be a distraction from the message of this Psalm.
Res ipsa loquitur...the thing speaks for itself. e.c.
Good Little Puritans
"Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who by night stand in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord. The Lord who made heaven and earth bless you from Zion!" [Psalm 134 NKJV].
There are times, during a church service...especially when the music is beautiful and the words elevating...that I feel like standing and lifting my hands to the Lord in praise. I feel like it...but I don't. Some say that those who stand to praise the Lord are doing so to attract attention to themselves. In some cases that may be true, but what if the real motive is one of being driven by a spirit within our hearts; a spirit of praise and thanksgiving. Then what should one do?
Are we...am I...to stifle a outward praise to the Lord? Are we...am I to concede that it is more reverent, more respectful, more mature, more acceptable to be conforming and be certain to remain within the boundaries of what is considered Adventist propriety.
Oftentimes church is too quiet. There are too few people saying "Amen" too few times. I know of one man who will stand in church. I know of one woman who will lift her hands in praise. Neither of them are Adventists.
One of these days Alice, one of these days...Pow! I'm gonna stand up right in their faces and give the Lord the praise my heart longs to do. I will lift up my hands (a two hand'r) and praise the Lord and just deal with the questioning looks.
Lord, give me the courage to praise You, to bless You, to thank You outwardly, regardless of what others think in...of all places...church.
But maybe I should just sit on my hands and be a good little Puritan. What say you? I'd like to know.
"Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross; lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss."
The words of that old hymn; what do they mean?
Blessings. e.c.
There are times, during a church service...especially when the music is beautiful and the words elevating...that I feel like standing and lifting my hands to the Lord in praise. I feel like it...but I don't. Some say that those who stand to praise the Lord are doing so to attract attention to themselves. In some cases that may be true, but what if the real motive is one of being driven by a spirit within our hearts; a spirit of praise and thanksgiving. Then what should one do?
Are we...am I...to stifle a outward praise to the Lord? Are we...am I to concede that it is more reverent, more respectful, more mature, more acceptable to be conforming and be certain to remain within the boundaries of what is considered Adventist propriety.
Oftentimes church is too quiet. There are too few people saying "Amen" too few times. I know of one man who will stand in church. I know of one woman who will lift her hands in praise. Neither of them are Adventists.
One of these days Alice, one of these days...Pow! I'm gonna stand up right in their faces and give the Lord the praise my heart longs to do. I will lift up my hands (a two hand'r) and praise the Lord and just deal with the questioning looks.
Lord, give me the courage to praise You, to bless You, to thank You outwardly, regardless of what others think in...of all places...church.
But maybe I should just sit on my hands and be a good little Puritan. What say you? I'd like to know.
"Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross; lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss."
The words of that old hymn; what do they mean?
Blessings. e.c.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Frankly My Dear...
I am surprised at the level of racial vitriol being thrown over the back fence by supposed neighbors. The nation is not healing; old wounds are reopening and new ones appearing. A Dutch dentist once said to me, "If you ain't Dutch, you ain't much!" Perhaps that is supposed to be funny but I do not suppose it so. The joke between Norway and Sweden is "One thousand Swedes chased through the weeds by one Norwegian." Laughable, but not really funny.
I remember Rwanda. One continent, one nation, two tribes, hundreds of thousands murdered. I remember WWII and the Shua...Holocaust...and the killing of six million Jews. I remember standing on the third floor of the home of Anne Frank in Amsterdam, looking out the rear window and thinking of prosecution and persecution of that girl...and all because she was a Jew.
So now we have the Ying and Yang of racial politics; the black-white thing rising out of the still bloodied and muddied waters of this nation. They say that nothing is as simple as black and white, but a more likely gray. But what with the news of the past weeks it is black and white and it ain't simple.
There is an answer, but it is not found in the wisdom or reasoning of man. Those are the gods of Secular Humanists. The answer is Jesus Christ. Racial hatred is beyond my ken. I simply do not understand the rationale of hatred. Never have. Never will.
Call me "Cracker" if you will and I will smile and laugh it off. Sorry, but I am not offended by things so elemental and meaningless.
"By this shall all men know that you are my disciples; if you have love one for another." I guess you'll just have to look it up. I forgot the text. Sounds like John doing the quoting of Jesus.
Blessings. e.c.
I remember Rwanda. One continent, one nation, two tribes, hundreds of thousands murdered. I remember WWII and the Shua...Holocaust...and the killing of six million Jews. I remember standing on the third floor of the home of Anne Frank in Amsterdam, looking out the rear window and thinking of prosecution and persecution of that girl...and all because she was a Jew.
So now we have the Ying and Yang of racial politics; the black-white thing rising out of the still bloodied and muddied waters of this nation. They say that nothing is as simple as black and white, but a more likely gray. But what with the news of the past weeks it is black and white and it ain't simple.
There is an answer, but it is not found in the wisdom or reasoning of man. Those are the gods of Secular Humanists. The answer is Jesus Christ. Racial hatred is beyond my ken. I simply do not understand the rationale of hatred. Never have. Never will.
Call me "Cracker" if you will and I will smile and laugh it off. Sorry, but I am not offended by things so elemental and meaningless.
"By this shall all men know that you are my disciples; if you have love one for another." I guess you'll just have to look it up. I forgot the text. Sounds like John doing the quoting of Jesus.
Blessings. e.c.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Warmest June Recorded
Last month was the warmest (June) on record...world wide. Is there nothing in upheaval? Evidently not. On the cooler side, this has been a strange Summer here on Phillips Lake. The calendar has said "summer" since the solstice; 21 June. But the days? Well, looking at the wireless outdoor thermometer this morning at 07:00 the temperature was 54 d. F. As I write (near 10:30) things have warmed up to a Summery 56.9 d. F.
But we are Washintonians and come warm weather or not we do what the calendar says we ought to be doing. Which means that on any day like today, there will be folks on the water boating, swimming, wake boarding, and the rest.
A few mornings we have had to turn on the heat; we sleep with the windows open so mornings can be brisk. For those who have to work outdoors (loggers, etc.) this is good working weather, though not a few of us don't find it at all cheery. It feels as though the threat of winter is hanging over our heads and that Summer will segue into Autumn into Winter which we will know only by the date and darkness. Read about June here: http://www.physorg.com/news198434180.html
The Sun doesn't have much to say on the subject of Summer. But this should warm our hearts: "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts..." [2nd Peter 1:19]
Let the love of Christ shine through you to warm a chillingly evil world. e.c.
But we are Washintonians and come warm weather or not we do what the calendar says we ought to be doing. Which means that on any day like today, there will be folks on the water boating, swimming, wake boarding, and the rest.
A few mornings we have had to turn on the heat; we sleep with the windows open so mornings can be brisk. For those who have to work outdoors (loggers, etc.) this is good working weather, though not a few of us don't find it at all cheery. It feels as though the threat of winter is hanging over our heads and that Summer will segue into Autumn into Winter which we will know only by the date and darkness. Read about June here: http://www.physorg.com/news198434180.html
The Sun doesn't have much to say on the subject of Summer. But this should warm our hearts: "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts..." [2nd Peter 1:19]
Let the love of Christ shine through you to warm a chillingly evil world. e.c.
Monday, July 19, 2010
What is the point?
There are dogs of depression roaming the property. I chase them away but within minutes they are back. While on a short walk I had a talk with the Lord...out loud. There are none to eavesdrop but the trees and they keep what they hear. It's easy to feel sorry for one's self when the mind, like the early morning sky, is grey, clouded, and dark.
Then I started thinking about the apostle Paul and what he wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians:
"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.... Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." [2nd Corinthians 4:8-12 and 16-18].
So I said to the Lord (and the trees), "I get the point: I understand the why and the what this life is all about." It is, that we remain steadfast; that we are faithful; that we set aside the complaints of the body; that we ignore the roaming dogs, listen for the voice of Jesus, and "...press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." [Philippians 3:14]
The dogs are gone.
Blessings. e.c.
Then I started thinking about the apostle Paul and what he wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians:
"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.... Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." [2nd Corinthians 4:8-12 and 16-18].
So I said to the Lord (and the trees), "I get the point: I understand the why and the what this life is all about." It is, that we remain steadfast; that we are faithful; that we set aside the complaints of the body; that we ignore the roaming dogs, listen for the voice of Jesus, and "...press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." [Philippians 3:14]
The dogs are gone.
Blessings. e.c.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Drawing Nigh
It may be that I will change my homepage from Google/MSN to FaceBook or something equally innocuous, because whenever I sign on the news sources I selected, they are pouring out the latest headlines and deadlines of bombings and other species of man's violent acts. The sum of it all is I find it distressing.
I asked the Lord to give me a topic...some days the mind is empty of ideas. The words, "...lift up your heads..." came to mind so I turned to Luke chapter 21 and started reading at verse 25:
"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
Jesus is speaking here, answering the question of the disciples; "...but when will these things be?" There will be two classes of people living on the earth in the end times...and in my opinion those times are here. One class will be so fearful that their hearts fail them. This could mean two things: 1). either they are so frightened that they suffer literal heart failure, or, 2) they have no courage or hope; as in when one is encouraged to "take heart."
The other class of people find strength in what they have read and studied in the Word of God. In the same chapter Jesus says; "But not a hair of your head shall be lost" and "By your patience possess your souls." [vs. 18 and 19]
What does it mean to possess one's soul? and how do we do this? It involves patience, and that is something possessed by the saved [Revelation 14:12]. Interestingly, the Complete Jewish Bible rendition of Rev. 14:12 reads as follows: "This is when perserverance is needed on the part of God's people, those who observe his commands and exercise Yeshua's faithfulness."
To possess one's soul is to patiently persevere in Jesus Christ having confidence that our salvation is secure in Him. "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." [1st John 5:13].
Take heart dear soul.
Blessings. e.c.
I asked the Lord to give me a topic...some days the mind is empty of ideas. The words, "...lift up your heads..." came to mind so I turned to Luke chapter 21 and started reading at verse 25:
"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
Jesus is speaking here, answering the question of the disciples; "...but when will these things be?" There will be two classes of people living on the earth in the end times...and in my opinion those times are here. One class will be so fearful that their hearts fail them. This could mean two things: 1). either they are so frightened that they suffer literal heart failure, or, 2) they have no courage or hope; as in when one is encouraged to "take heart."
The other class of people find strength in what they have read and studied in the Word of God. In the same chapter Jesus says; "But not a hair of your head shall be lost" and "By your patience possess your souls." [vs. 18 and 19]
What does it mean to possess one's soul? and how do we do this? It involves patience, and that is something possessed by the saved [Revelation 14:12]. Interestingly, the Complete Jewish Bible rendition of Rev. 14:12 reads as follows: "This is when perserverance is needed on the part of God's people, those who observe his commands and exercise Yeshua's faithfulness."
To possess one's soul is to patiently persevere in Jesus Christ having confidence that our salvation is secure in Him. "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." [1st John 5:13].
Take heart dear soul.
Blessings. e.c.
Friday, July 16, 2010
A Song for The Sabbath
Song (Psalm) 100 is one of thanksgiving; something I need to do more...to give thanks to God (Adonai) for His presence and blessings in my life; moment by moment and day to day. So easily I slip into my sinful default mode of selfishness and self sufficiency. Often I think of my Down's Syndrome grandson who wants to be independent and do things he sees others do so easily. He says "I do it!" And that is me at some point, for some reason, every day of my life. But the Psalmist says...
"Shout for joy to Adonai, all the earth!
Serve Adonai with gladness.
Enter his presence with joyful songs.
Be aware that Adonai is God;
it is he who made us; and we are his.
his people, the flock in his pleasure.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
enter his courtyards with praise;
give thanks to him, and bless his name.
For Adonai is good, his grace continues forever,
and his faithfulness lasts through all generations."
The Sabbath is coming; praise the Lord.
Shalom. e.c.
"Shout for joy to Adonai, all the earth!
Serve Adonai with gladness.
Enter his presence with joyful songs.
Be aware that Adonai is God;
it is he who made us; and we are his.
his people, the flock in his pleasure.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
enter his courtyards with praise;
give thanks to him, and bless his name.
For Adonai is good, his grace continues forever,
and his faithfulness lasts through all generations."
The Sabbath is coming; praise the Lord.
Shalom. e.c.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
And This Gospel
The title of this short piece...that everyone should know...ends with the words "...and then the end shall come..." or something like that. Tonight I took a break from two days of working very hard on the cabin getting it ready for spraying insulation between the rafters on the north end. When it was hot last week, in the 90's the ceiling was like a radiator. In winter, it's like a refrigerator. (Is there a point to this)? Yes there is; just be patient.
Anyway, during this break I got on the high frequency radio (KE6CXF) that I told you about several posts ago and spoke with some fellow in Lithuania. It occurred to me...again...that all the technology is in place for the spreading of the Gospel all over the world! This isn't news, of course, but it is a challenge to those who claim to know The Name (HaShem, in Hebrew).
The problem with me...and with us...is my/our timidity or whatever it is that restrains us holy boldness. I like what Paul has to say and who/what he quotes. Here is the text:
2nd Corinthians 4:8-13 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith according to what is written, I believed and therefore I spoke, [Psalm 116:10] we also believe and therefore speak…
I have no idea why Lithuania made me think of this other than (perhaps) the world is literally at our fingertips (as I type, for example) and if we really believe...we will speak.
More anon. Blessings. e.c.
Anyway, during this break I got on the high frequency radio (KE6CXF) that I told you about several posts ago and spoke with some fellow in Lithuania. It occurred to me...again...that all the technology is in place for the spreading of the Gospel all over the world! This isn't news, of course, but it is a challenge to those who claim to know The Name (HaShem, in Hebrew).
The problem with me...and with us...is my/our timidity or whatever it is that restrains us holy boldness. I like what Paul has to say and who/what he quotes. Here is the text:
2nd Corinthians 4:8-13 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith according to what is written, I believed and therefore I spoke, [Psalm 116:10] we also believe and therefore speak…
I have no idea why Lithuania made me think of this other than (perhaps) the world is literally at our fingertips (as I type, for example) and if we really believe...we will speak.
More anon. Blessings. e.c.
Monday, July 12, 2010
"Lily of The Valley"
Every year we plant Day Lily's and today the first one came to full blossom. I hope it blesses you as it did us. Soon, very soon we hope, Jesus will return and flowers will not die in a day...nor will we.
Blessings. e.c.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Humanism vs. Christianity
Last evening while working on a book chapter I needed to find out a little more about Humanism. In my view, most of the politicians, politics, and enacted policies in day-to-day politics are based upon a humanistic view of the world.
Humanism does not wear a single face but is understood within the context of its focus. Here is a short summary:
The word "humanism" has a number of meanings, and because authors and speakers often don't clarify which meaning they intend, those trying to explain humanism can easily become a source of confusion. Fortunately, each meaning of the word constitutes a different type of humanism -- the different types being easily separated and defined by the use of appropriate adjectives. So, let me summarize the different varieties of humanism in this way.
Literary Humanism is a devotion to the humanities or literary culture.
Renaissance Humanism is the spirit of learning that developed at the end of the middle ages with the revival of classical letters and a renewed confidence in the ability of human beings to determine for themselves truth and falsehood.
Cultural Humanism is the rational and empirical tradition that originated largely in ancient Greece and Rome, evolved throughout European history, and now constitutes a basic part of the Western approach to science, political theory, ethics, and law.
Philosphical Humanism is any outlook or way of life centered on human need and interest. Sub-categories of this type include Christian Humanism and Modern Humanism.
Christian Humanism is defined by Webster's Third New International Dictionary as "a philosophy advocating the self- fulfillment of man within the framework of Christian principles." This more human-oriented faith is largely a product of the Renaissance and is a part of what made up Renaissance humanism.
Modern Humanism, also called Naturalistic Humanism, Scientific Humanism, Ethical Humanism and Democratic Humanism is defined by one of its leading proponents, Corliss Lamont, as "a naturalistic philosophy that rejects all supernaturalism and relies primarily upon reason and science, democracy and human compassion." Modern Humanism has a dual origin, both secular and religious, and these constitute its sub-categories.
Secular Humanism is an outgrowth of 18th century enlightenment rationalism and 19th century freethought. Many secular groups, such as the Council for Democratic and Secular Humanism and the American Rationalist Federation, and many otherwise unaffiliated academic philosophers and scientists, advocate this philosophy.
Religious Humanism emerged out of Ethical Culture, Unitarianism, and Universalism. Today, many Unitarian- Universalist congregations and all Ethical Culture societies describe themselves as humanist in the modern sense. [source] http://www.jcn.com/humanism.html
What follows are a few quotes taken from an official site: Frederick Edwords Executive Director, American Humanist Association
Religious Humanism is "faith in action." In his essay "The Faith of a Humanist," UU Minister Kenneth Phifer declares -- "Humanism teaches us that it is immoral to wait for God to act for us. We must act to stop the wars and the crimes and the brutality of this and future ages. We have powers of a remarkable kind. We have a high degree of freedom in choosing what we will do. Humanism tells us that whatever our philosophy of the universe may be, ultimately the responsibility for the kind of world in which we live rests with us."
And a final one just to make certain the nail is driven home:
Secular Humanists often refer to Unitarian Universalists as "Humanists not yet out of the church habit." But Unitarian- Universalists sometimes counter that a secular Humanist is simply an "unchurched Unitarian."
Probably the most popular example of the Secular Humanist world view in recent years was the controversial author Salman Rushdie. Here is what he said on ABC's "Nightline" on February 13, 1989, in regard to his novel The Satanic Verses. [My book says] that there is an old, old conflict between the secular view of the world and the religious view of the world, and particularly between texts which claim to be divinely inspired and texts which are imaginatively inspired. . . . I distrust people who claim to know the whole truth and who seek to orchestrate the world in line with that one true truth. I think that's a very dangerous position in the world. It needs to be challenged. It needs to be challenged constantly in all sorts of ways, and that's what I tried to do
So, that is a small sample of the devotion and direction of just one aspect of Humanism. Emphasis is placed on the wisdom, knowledge, and technical skills of mankind. God is either removed from the equation entirely or footnoted in an 8 point font...which is this..e.c.
Though you may not have particularly wanted to know, now you know the thinking of much of the world Seventh-day Adventists are seeking to engage in dialogue about Jesus Christ.
Humanism does not wear a single face but is understood within the context of its focus. Here is a short summary:
The word "humanism" has a number of meanings, and because authors and speakers often don't clarify which meaning they intend, those trying to explain humanism can easily become a source of confusion. Fortunately, each meaning of the word constitutes a different type of humanism -- the different types being easily separated and defined by the use of appropriate adjectives. So, let me summarize the different varieties of humanism in this way.
Literary Humanism is a devotion to the humanities or literary culture.
Renaissance Humanism is the spirit of learning that developed at the end of the middle ages with the revival of classical letters and a renewed confidence in the ability of human beings to determine for themselves truth and falsehood.
Cultural Humanism is the rational and empirical tradition that originated largely in ancient Greece and Rome, evolved throughout European history, and now constitutes a basic part of the Western approach to science, political theory, ethics, and law.
Philosphical Humanism is any outlook or way of life centered on human need and interest. Sub-categories of this type include Christian Humanism and Modern Humanism.
Christian Humanism is defined by Webster's Third New International Dictionary as "a philosophy advocating the self- fulfillment of man within the framework of Christian principles." This more human-oriented faith is largely a product of the Renaissance and is a part of what made up Renaissance humanism.
Modern Humanism, also called Naturalistic Humanism, Scientific Humanism, Ethical Humanism and Democratic Humanism is defined by one of its leading proponents, Corliss Lamont, as "a naturalistic philosophy that rejects all supernaturalism and relies primarily upon reason and science, democracy and human compassion." Modern Humanism has a dual origin, both secular and religious, and these constitute its sub-categories.
Secular Humanism is an outgrowth of 18th century enlightenment rationalism and 19th century freethought. Many secular groups, such as the Council for Democratic and Secular Humanism and the American Rationalist Federation, and many otherwise unaffiliated academic philosophers and scientists, advocate this philosophy.
Religious Humanism emerged out of Ethical Culture, Unitarianism, and Universalism. Today, many Unitarian- Universalist congregations and all Ethical Culture societies describe themselves as humanist in the modern sense. [source] http://www.jcn.com/humanism.html
What follows are a few quotes taken from an official site: Frederick Edwords Executive Director, American Humanist Association
Religious Humanism is "faith in action." In his essay "The Faith of a Humanist," UU Minister Kenneth Phifer declares -- "Humanism teaches us that it is immoral to wait for God to act for us. We must act to stop the wars and the crimes and the brutality of this and future ages. We have powers of a remarkable kind. We have a high degree of freedom in choosing what we will do. Humanism tells us that whatever our philosophy of the universe may be, ultimately the responsibility for the kind of world in which we live rests with us."
And a final one just to make certain the nail is driven home:
Secular Humanists often refer to Unitarian Universalists as "Humanists not yet out of the church habit." But Unitarian- Universalists sometimes counter that a secular Humanist is simply an "unchurched Unitarian."
Probably the most popular example of the Secular Humanist world view in recent years was the controversial author Salman Rushdie. Here is what he said on ABC's "Nightline" on February 13, 1989, in regard to his novel The Satanic Verses. [My book says] that there is an old, old conflict between the secular view of the world and the religious view of the world, and particularly between texts which claim to be divinely inspired and texts which are imaginatively inspired. . . . I distrust people who claim to know the whole truth and who seek to orchestrate the world in line with that one true truth. I think that's a very dangerous position in the world. It needs to be challenged. It needs to be challenged constantly in all sorts of ways, and that's what I tried to do
So, that is a small sample of the devotion and direction of just one aspect of Humanism. Emphasis is placed on the wisdom, knowledge, and technical skills of mankind. God is either removed from the equation entirely or footnoted in an 8 point font...which is this..e.c.
Though you may not have particularly wanted to know, now you know the thinking of much of the world Seventh-day Adventists are seeking to engage in dialogue about Jesus Christ.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Righteousness by Faith, 101
Ellen White writes a short paragraph in Steps to Christ which is, in my estimation, one of the clearest and most encouraging explanations of righteousness by faith outside Holy Writ. Here it is:
"Christ has made a way of escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now He offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness, If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ’s character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God, just as if you had not sinned."
The entire piece is worth memorizing, but especially the last two sentences.
Blessings. e.c.
"Christ has made a way of escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now He offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness, If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ’s character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God, just as if you had not sinned."
The entire piece is worth memorizing, but especially the last two sentences.
Blessings. e.c.
Friday, July 9, 2010
A Favorite Text
I love to read Isaiah; especially the chapters about the Christ; especially chapter 61, vs. 1-3.
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of out God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Shabatt is coming. Have a wonderful Sabbath! e.c.
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of out God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Shabatt is coming. Have a wonderful Sabbath! e.c.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Goldstein
Hooray for Cliff G. Last evening we were watching GYC on 3ABN and were taken (again) with his in-your-face style of speaking. Cliff was on a really great rant about the hypocrisy of those who claim to be (Adventist) Christians but who lean a lot more to evolution than to creation.
The main point of his talk (using his i-phone for notes) was that belief in evolution virtually destroys the foundations of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Think about it: If there was no creation then what is the point of the Sabbath? And if there is no Creation and no Sabbath then Genesis is a lie as is much of Job, some Songs, (Psalms), every word that Christ quoted about things created, and He being Lord of the Sabbath. (I've talked about these things before you may recall).
Here is my point: Goldstein is intense; he is fervent, he really holds to his beliefs and will not be swayed. There is a lesson here for us just as there is a lesson in the life of Shaul (Paul), and most importantly, in the life of Christ.
If we are insipid, half-hearted, timid, unconvinced and unconvincing, why don't we just get out of the boat and make room for someone who is willing to take hold of an oar and help get the Good Ship Zion to the other side of this stormy sea.
"Choose ye this day whom ye will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" [Joshua]
EW echos the same sentiment when she writes...(this a paraphrase)... "the greatest want in the world is for men [and women] who will be as true to duty as the needle to the pole..." It seems to me that decision day was yesterday but God in His mercy has given us Today.
Blessings. e.c.
The main point of his talk (using his i-phone for notes) was that belief in evolution virtually destroys the foundations of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Think about it: If there was no creation then what is the point of the Sabbath? And if there is no Creation and no Sabbath then Genesis is a lie as is much of Job, some Songs, (Psalms), every word that Christ quoted about things created, and He being Lord of the Sabbath. (I've talked about these things before you may recall).
Here is my point: Goldstein is intense; he is fervent, he really holds to his beliefs and will not be swayed. There is a lesson here for us just as there is a lesson in the life of Shaul (Paul), and most importantly, in the life of Christ.
If we are insipid, half-hearted, timid, unconvinced and unconvincing, why don't we just get out of the boat and make room for someone who is willing to take hold of an oar and help get the Good Ship Zion to the other side of this stormy sea.
"Choose ye this day whom ye will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" [Joshua]
EW echos the same sentiment when she writes...(this a paraphrase)... "the greatest want in the world is for men [and women] who will be as true to duty as the needle to the pole..." It seems to me that decision day was yesterday but God in His mercy has given us Today.
Blessings. e.c.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Old Man Not Dead
When we give our lives to Christ, when we are baptized into the family of God, why is it that there are difficult times, difficult days, temptations and failures? W.H. Branson gives the answer:
"But the experience of the new birth does not destroy the old nature. It is brought into subjection and is placed under control of the Spirit, but it is not eradicated. To the truthfulness of this fact every Christian can testify. Immediately to destroy all evil propensities would be to remove the new convert from all possibility of temptation. There could be no testing and trying, no growing in grace, no trusting in the keeping power of Christ to prevent from falling, no further mortifyng of the flesh, and no watchings unto prayer. The surrender of the soul to the control of the Spirit is tantamount to a declaration of war between the Spirit and the flesh. Hitherto the flesh has had full sway, and the general tendency of the life has been downward. Now the flesh is placed in a state of "crucifixion" but not of actual death. The flesh pleads continually for pity and recognition; stirred up by Satan, it seeks to regain the ascendency of power. 'For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other'" [Galatians 5:17] [The Holy Spirit, W.H. Branson pg. 67.2-.8. 1933
But there is this promise, "My little Children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." [1st John 2:2].
Have a safe and happy holiday!. God bless. e.c.
"But the experience of the new birth does not destroy the old nature. It is brought into subjection and is placed under control of the Spirit, but it is not eradicated. To the truthfulness of this fact every Christian can testify. Immediately to destroy all evil propensities would be to remove the new convert from all possibility of temptation. There could be no testing and trying, no growing in grace, no trusting in the keeping power of Christ to prevent from falling, no further mortifyng of the flesh, and no watchings unto prayer. The surrender of the soul to the control of the Spirit is tantamount to a declaration of war between the Spirit and the flesh. Hitherto the flesh has had full sway, and the general tendency of the life has been downward. Now the flesh is placed in a state of "crucifixion" but not of actual death. The flesh pleads continually for pity and recognition; stirred up by Satan, it seeks to regain the ascendency of power. 'For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other'" [Galatians 5:17] [The Holy Spirit, W.H. Branson pg. 67.2-.8. 1933
But there is this promise, "My little Children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." [1st John 2:2].
Have a safe and happy holiday!. God bless. e.c.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)