Aha! Clyde's been thinking again!

We are moving!

2006-10-14T07:36:00.000-04:00

We have begun the process of moving to a new web site.

The new address is www.clydesthinking.com see you there!

Bible Study Outline - Mark 1:9-11

2006-10-11T02:17:00.000-04:00

9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Mark links John's Ministry with that of Jesus by using parallel wording in verses 5 and 9.

Compare the latter half of verse 5 with the last part of verse 9.

they were baptized by him in the Jordan River Mark 1:5 (NIV)
was baptized by John in the Jordan Mark 1:9 (NIV)

1.What do they tell us about John?

He Baptized people in the Jordan river.
He Baptized Jesus in the Jordan river.

2.How are these verses alike?

They speak of John's ministry of Baptism.

3.How are they different?
The subject changes from John to Jesus

Mark changes the focus from John to Jesus.

Jesus' Baptism was the starting point of His public ministry. When the Apostles were deciding who would replace Judas, Acts 1:21-22 tells us something of the importance of Jesus Baptism

Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection." Acts 1:21-22

The Apostle's made it a main criteria for the selection of Judas' replacement.

1.Why was it important that their selection have been with Jesus from Baptism to Resurrection?

He was to be an eyewitness.
He would have been present from the start of Jesus Minnistry to His resurrection.

Jesus knew His baptism was a part of Gods divine plan. It was to proclaim His coming to take the place of Sinners under God's judgment.

John's reaction when Jesus requested he Baptize Him was not positive. John balked at baptizing Him at first, but Jesus insisted. John of course relented as seen in Matthew 3:13-15.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. Matt 3:13-15 (NIV)

1.What reason does Jesus give John for His Baptism?

“To fulfill all righteousness”

2.Explain in your own words what it means “Fulfill all righteousness”?

John Calvin wrote of the meaning of the phrase Fulfill all righteousness was

“The general reason Christ received Baptism was, that He might render full obedience to the Father and the special reason was, that He might consecrate Baptism in His own body, that we might have it in common with Him.”

Jesus knew in His roll as Messiah, He must submit to all of God's requirements for Israel.

10As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

Jesus upon leaving of the water experienced three distinct and simultaneous events that signaled the inauguration of God's Eschatological Kingdom.

The first listed of these events, the opening or rending of the Heavens was first expressed by the Prophet Isaiah as he pleads with God to come and bring the fires of judgment.

“Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,that the mountains would tremble before you!”Isaiah 64:1 (NIV)

This concept was later expanded in Jewish tradition. The Pseudepigrapal Testaments of Levi and Judah seem to anticipate the Baptism of Jesus and speak of the Messiah King as the Star of Jacob.

pseud·e·pig·ra·pha
1.Spurious writings, especially writings falsely attributed to biblical characters or times.
2.A body of texts written between 200 B.C. and A.D. 200 and spuriously ascribed to
There is much debate as to the authenticity of these and their companion writings contained in the Testament of the Patriarchs. The Testament of the Patriarchs is said to be the last sayings of each of the 12 Patriarchs.

The Testament of Levi 18:6-8

The heavens shall be opened, And From the temple of glory shall come upon him sanctification, With the Father's voice as from Abraham to Isaac. And the glory of the Most High shall be uttered over him, And the spirit of understanding and sanctification shall rest upon him [in the water]. For he shall give the majesty of the Lord to His sons in truth for evermore; And there shall none succeed him for all generations for ever.

The Testament of Judah 24:1-3

And after these things shall a star arise to you from Jacob in peace, And a man shall arise [from my seed], like the sun of righteousness, walking with the sons of men in meekness and righteousness; And no sin shall be found in him. 2 and the heavens shall be open unto him, To pour out the spirit, (even) the blessing of the Holy Father; 3 And He shall pour out the spirit of grace upon you; And ye shall be unto Him sons in truth, And ye shall walk in His commandments first and last.

The rending or opening of the heavens is significant to second temple Judaism. It was believed that with the cessation of Old Testament prophets, god had stopped speaking directly to His people. It was believed that God spoke only in a faint echo

A long awaited return of God's spirit was signalled with the opening of the
Heavens. A period of Grace beings with Jesus that is unparalleled in its manner.

The Spirit descending was the second sign of Jesus Messiah ship. It was believed that Messiah in the Eschatological age would be endowed with Gods Spirit.

1.How does Mark describe the Spirits descent?

Mark uses a simile, “like a dove” to describe the Spirits descent.

2.How is Mark's description of the Spirits descent important?

Marks description of the Spirit descending magnifies this endowment.

The imagery of a dove is not a “special enlightenment” of Jesus or some kind of inner mystical experience but a supernatural experience.

11And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

The third and final Eschatological sign, the divine declaration by God the Father proclaiming Jesus as the beloved son.

Old Testament imagery abounds, the humble servant of God in spite of feelings of futility is declared by which His splendor is displayed in Isaiah 49.

Just as the suffering servant in Isaiah 49:3, Jesus would face opposition and seeming defeat. Jesus will reveal the will of God and provide the means for salvation Isaiah 49:6.

He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor." Isaiah 49:3

he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6 (NIV)

1.What wonderful truths are stated about Jesus in verse 3 and 6?

Jesus is identified as the “Son of God”, echoing the enthronement of a King of Israel in psalm 2:7

"I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:He said to Me, 'You are My Son,Today I have begotten You. Psalm 2:7 (ESV)

1.How does the enthronement of the King of Israel foreshadow the divine proclamation?

The King of Israel was called “God's son” and as does the divine proclamation expresses the Father's love and unity with the subject.

The divine declaration is unique is its scope. No prophet ever heard words such as these.

Consider God's utterances to the following Children of God.

"But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, Isaiah 41:8 (NIV)

God called Abraham His Friend.

And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said. Duet 34:5 (NIV)

Moses His Servant.

He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. Psalm 105:26 (NIV)

Aaron a chosen one.

1.Take a minute now and ask yourselves by what name would God call me?

Salvation - Comparing Islam and Christianity

2006-10-04T20:20:00.000-04:00

The doctrine of Salvation or Soteriology is our focus for this comparative study. More specifically how Muslims (followers of Islam) and Christians (followers of Christianity), view Salvation and its inherent requirements.

The word Salvation can have many different definitions to various people and religions.

The definition for salvation we will be using comes from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition ;

1.Preservation or deliverance from destruction, difficulty, or evil.
2.Deliverance from the power or penalty of sin; redemption.

In plain English, we will define salvation as what it takes to get into Heaven or Paradise.

We will investigate the following questions.

1.What do the religions of Islam and Christianity teach in regards to salvation?
2.How is salvation gained by an individual?

The Koranic quotations are taken from by Abdullah Yusufali's translation titled The Meanings Of The Holy Qu'ran unless otherwise noted.

The Biblical texts will be from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, again unless noted otherwise.

By examining what both the Qu'ran and the Bible have to say on the topic of salvation we find that both use the word Grace to describe a mechanism of God's gift of Salvation.

Qu'ran Surah 8:29

O ye who believe! if ye fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong), remove from you (all) evil (that may afflict) you, and forgive you: for Allah is the Lord of grace unbounded.

Bible Deuteronomy 7:9

Know that Yahweh your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commands.

Grace shall be defined as the following:

1.a special favor
2.the prerogative of mercy exercised (as by a chief executive) or granted in the form of equitable relief

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.

Grace is a therefore receiving something we did not deserve or earn through our own actions.

Islam and Christianity diverge however on our need for salvation based on their understanding of Sin.

Christianity teaches that all men and women are born in a fallen state and thus have no hope of the righteousness demanded by God. The Doctrine of Original Sin states that Adam by his conscious description to disobey God ushered death into the world.

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all men, because all sinned. Romans 5:12

[The effects of this first sin were] (1) "shame, a sense of degradation and pollution; (2) dread of the displeasure of God, or a sense of guilt, and the consequent desire to hide from his presence. These effects were unavoidable. They prove the loss not only of innocence but of original righteousness, and, with it, of the favour and fellowship of God. The state therefore to which Adam was reduced by his disobedience, so far as his subjective condition is concerned, was analogous to that of the fallen angels. He was entirely and absolutely ruined" (Hodge's Theology).

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

Men and women don't just have a sin nature, they are conceived with a sin nature!

Indeed, I was guilty [when I] was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. Psalm 51:5

Thus the Biblical understanding of Sin, and our need for Salvation is one of desperation. Salvation is a condition that man can not resolve on his own. As evidenced by Jesus' reply to his astonished Disciples after His rebuke of the rich young man as recorded in all three Synoptic Gospels.

Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:26-27

The Qu'ran like the Bible, states that Adam sinned by disobeying God and eating the forbidden fruit. Adam and Eve admitted there sin and begged forgiveness. Allah forgave them, but also punished them with a mortal existence on Earth.

They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy Mercy, we shall certainly be lost."
((Allah)) said: "Get ye down. With enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood,- for a time."
He said: "Therein shall ye live, and therein shall ye die; but from it shall ye be taken out (at last)." Surah 7:23-25

Islamic Theologians teach that the nature of man is basically good, but prone to following this own will and not the will of Allah.

Qu'ran Surah 12:53

"Nor do I absolve my own self (of blame): the (human) soul is certainly prone to evil, unless my Lord do bestow His Mercy: but surely my Lord is Oft- forgiving, Most Merciful."

M.S. Laher in A Living Faith Published by I.M.S states “regarding the Islamic understanding of the nature of man As made by God, man is innocent, pure, true and free. He is not sinful by nature. He is born free from any so called "Original Sin," By nature he inclines to do righteous deeds. He is given true understanding about his own position in the universe and about God's goodness, wisdom and power. That is man's true self - just as it is the nature of the lamb to be gentle and of the horse to be swift.

But man is caught in the web of customs, superstitions, selfish desires and false teachings. These make him unclean, false, slavish, greedy, lustful and selfish. It is these that make him have strong desires for things that are wrong and forbidden. Man is diverted from the love of his fellowman, and the pure worship of the One True God. The problem is to cure this crookedness and to restore human nature to what it should be under the Will of God.”

The Christian view of Sin is that due to Adam's sin all men are born with the propensity to sin.

The Islamic view of Adam's sin is of a personal nature, what Adam did is not applicable to anyone but Adam. That our sin is personal and men have the ability to not sin and thus follow Allah's will.

The first step, which until now had been unspoken and that is Faith. What are the requirements of “Faith”?

The Muslim to be must first express his faith in Allah and his prophet Muhammad. The convert needs to make a declaration, known as la-shahaadatain. This declaration of faith has two parts one swearing fealty to Allah and the acknowledges his messenger Muhammad.
The Arabic transliteration is as follows;

1.Ash-hadu alla ilaaha illallah
2.Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammad-ar-rasool ullaah

The English translation would be :

1.I bear witness and attest that there is no god worthy of worship but the One God Allah
2.I bear witness and attest that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah
For the Muslim this is the required first step.

The Christian is called to an expression of faith in a similar fashion; Romans 10:9 states “If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

John 1:12 further states

“but to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name,”

Paraphrasing the two verses they say, believing and confessing that Jesus is Lord and Saviour makes you a child of God. The words used are far less important than the sentiment expressed.

The Bible teaches that Christians are saved out of the loving kindness of God's good grace, nothing else is required.

But God, who is abundant in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. By grace you are saved! Ephesians 2:4-5

The Qu'ran actually has three additional criteria that must be met, these are

1.deeds
2.leading each other to the truth
3.leading each other to patience.

All of these are expressed in the 103:1-3. We will discuss only one of these requirements for brevity's sake and that will be deeds.

Qu'ran Surah 103:1-3

By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.

At puberty a ledger of good and bad deeds starts accumulating. This ledger of deeds is used by God to judge the persons fate. Islam teaches that our good deeds can position us to receive mercy, and thus admission to Paradise. The Muslim can never know which side of the scale is holding the heavier balance. That of his good deeds possibly leading to Paradise or that of his evil deeds pointing to Hell.

Qu'ran Surah 23:101-103

Then when the Trumpet is blown, there will be no more relationships between them that Day, nor will one ask after another! Then those whose balance (of good deeds) is heavy,- they will attain salvation: But those whose balance is light, will be those who have lost their souls, in Hell will they abide.

With no assurance they have done enough good to earn their way into Paradise,outside of martyrdom, Islamic concept of grace is more a reward than a gift.

The Christian can take solace in the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as recorded in John 5:24

"I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.

The Greek word translated as “has” is echo (ekh'-o) and means to have, to own and to possess. Christ tells us we can be assured we are His. In Christianity the Child of God HAS everlasting life.

To summarize the questions we set out to answer;

1.What do the religions of Islam and Christianity teach in regards to salvation?

The Muslims need for a Saviour is non-existent due to the ability of each individual to choose to not sin. Islam teaches that humans are generally good by nature. Thus Salvation is a foreign concept in Islamic teachings.
The Christian teaching of Sin and are the need for an unblemished, right before God sacrifice, dictate the need for a Savior.

2.How is salvation gained by an individual?

The Muslim must have faith in Allah, do more good than bad, teach each other truth and patience.
The Christian must make Jesus Christ Lord of their lives.

I hope I have answered the questions set forth earlier in this study. If you have any questions or need further explanation, please feel free to write me at clydesblogs@gmail.com or visit my Web Log at
http://uhho-clydes-thinking-again.blogspot.com/

Word of the Week - Baptism, John's

2006-09-30T23:14:00.000-04:00

John’s was not Christian baptism, nor was that which was practised by the disciples previous to our Lord's crucifixion.
Till then the New Testament economy did not exist. John's baptism bound its subjects to repentance, and not to the faith of Christ. It was not administered in the name of the Trinity, and those whom John baptized were rebaptized by Paul (Acts 18:24; 19:7).

Easton's Bible Dictionary
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain

Bible Study Outline - Mark 1:4-8

2006-09-26T22:52:00.000-04:00

After stating the prophesies of Malachi and Isaiah in verses 2 and 3, Mark quickly tells us of the coming of John.

4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

After stating the prophesies of Malachi and Isaiah in verses 2 and 3, Mark quickly tells us of the coming of John.

1.What is Mark saying by moving so quickly from the prophecies of Malachi and Isaiah to ministry of John?
John is the fulfillment of the prophecies.

2.Looking back to verses 1 through 3, what do these prophecies say about John?
He is the messenger who clears the way.
He will come in the desert/wilderness.
Preaching a Baptism of Repentance

The people of Israel had been without a prophet for some 400 years.

1.What does Hosea (3:4-5) say about this inter testamental period, that is the time between the Old and the New Testament.

For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or idol. Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days. Hosea (3:4-5) NIV

The Israelites would live without God or His representative.
The Israelites would one day return.
Many Israelites repented at Pentecost.

2.How do you think the people pf Israel might have viewed John's coming after all those years?
The crowds are making the pilgrimage to see the figure who is announcing the fulfillment of Israel's destiny.

3.What does this long period of time between prophets tell us about God's time.
God's time is far different than that of men.

4.How should it change our thinking knowing that God operates on a different time schedule than we do?
It is a reason for rejoicing, for He is long suffering

John's Ministry was one of active participation, He came and Baptized anyone who was willing.

5.What point was Mark making regarding John's Baptizing?

John called all people to Baptism as a symbol of moral and spiritual regeneration. Mark does not tell us of certain things about John represented in the other Gospels, such as his birth Luke (1), his disagreement with the dominant schools of Judaism Matt (3:7-10) Luke (3:7-9).

John's Ministry took place mostly in the wilderness or desert.

1.What other events in Biblical history have taken place in the desert?
Exodus
2.What significances is there to john's Ministry taking place in the desert or wilderness?
It would remind Israel of her Covenantal origins in the Exodus (Jere 2:2)

The wilderness was a place of redemption to Israel and thus God's place of Grace.

Mark portrays John as the fulfiller of Elijah's climatic role of the forerunner to the one who was more powerful.

John by appearing in the wilderness fulfills both the Mosaic and prophetic prototypes.

It is a re-enactment of the inaugural event in Israels history and that is the Exodus. The Israelites were leaving the city and returning to the wilderness.

It also fulfills the promise of the prophets since the area around the Jordan is the same region associated with Elijah 2 Kings (2:6) Luke (3:3)

Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan." 2 Kings (2:6)

He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke (3:3)

John calls people out of their comfortable homes and away from the Temple to a Baptism of Repentance the forgiveness of Sins.

1.What does John mean by repentance?
The Greek word used for Repentance is Metanoia (met-an'-oy-ah). Metanoia is a compound word meaning both “to change ones mind” and “to alter ones understanding”. Meaning conscious thought and a willful act as opposed to a faith built on feelings
.
2.For the forgiveness of Sin?

1.For the forgiveness of Sin, John does not bestow forgiveness.
Forgiveness belongs to the new Covenant which the Messiah will bring. Jere 31:34

No longer will a man teach his neighbor,or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Jer (31:34) NIV

2.Who was John calling to repentance?
The call is to not only notorious sinners Luke (3:12-13) and Gentiles Luke (3:14) but to the righteous as well Matt (3:7-12)

Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them.
Luke (3:12-13) NIV

Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?"He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."
Luke (3:14) NIV

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Matt (3:7-12) NIV

Josephus writing in Antiquities underscores John's call to reform in 18:116-118 thusly:

Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness. Now when [many] others came in crowds about him, for they were very greatly moved [or pleased] by hearing his words, Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise,) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly he was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death. Now the Jews had an opinion that the destruction of this army was sent as a punishment upon Herod, and a mark of God's displeasure to him.

Josephus actually pays more attention to John than he does to Jesus. John's attraction and influence on the world were historical.

5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

1.Who does Mark say responded to John's message?
Whole/All
Hyperbole/ Literary exaggeration – Indicates the Covenantal people went out to be Baptized, probably as families.

2.How far did John's message of repetances travel?
The response to John's message reached Jerusalem and probably the Temple itself. John drew people from far and wide.
John's message was carried as far away as Ephesus 2 to 3 decades later.as recorded in Acts (19:1-7 )

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"

They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied.

Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all. Acts (19:1-7) NIV

3.Why do you think John received so much attention?
Many Jews believed there had not been a prophet since Malachi and prophets would not be restored until near the end of the age.

John's message was heard far and wide.

6John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

1.What about verse 6 strikes you as odd?
Clothing
John's garb and diet were as unusual in his day as they would be in ours, however they weren't entirely unique. Zec (13:4).

"On that day every prophet will be ashamed of his prophetic vision. He will not put on a prophet's garment of hair in order to deceive. Zec (13:4) NIV

Diet
Locusts were exceptable under Jewish dietary laws Lev (11:22) NIV

Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper. Lev (11:22) NIV

John's manner of dress and choice of food recalled Eljah, who was expected to return before the end Hos (4:5-6).

John not only associated himself with Elijah by diet and dress, his criticizing of Herod Antipas echo Elijah's confrontation with Ahab. 1 Kings 18:18

7And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

1.What does John's use of a metaphor of that time period,”unworthhy to untie his sandals”, tell us about his attitude? John 3:30
Only Gentile slaves preformed this duty. John 3:30

8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Mark concentrates on John's message of reform and of the one more powerful.
John's Baptism was symbolic and pointed to a more powerful and permanent reality. In the Old Testament only God bestowed the Spirit.

1.What is John saying about Jesus by saying “He will baptize with the Holy Spirit”?
Jesus has the power of God the Father.
Baptism of the Spirit is greater then water Baptism.
The reference to the Holy Spirit identifies this as coming from the Father.

Mark testifies to the fact that Jesus' coming was not a random event. In the Old Testament the Bestowing of the Spirit was the prerogative of God.

Word of the Week - Amillennialist

2006-09-24T06:20:00.000-04:00

The amillennialist believes that the Kingdom of God was inaugurated at Christ's resurrection (hence the term "inaugurated millennialism") at which point he gained victory over both Satan and the Curse. Christ is even now reigning (hence the term "nunc-millennialism" — nunc means "now") at the right hand of the Father over His church. After this present age has ended, Christ will return and immediately usher the church into their eternal state after judging the wicked. The term "amillennialism" is actually a misnomer for it implies that Revelation 20:1-6 is ignored; in fact, the amillennialist's hermeneutic interprets it (and in fact, much of apocalyptic literature) non-literally.

A Special thanks to The Blue Letter Bible

When tribulation comes...

2006-09-22T16:47:00.000-04:00

Anyone can attest to the fact that, pain and suffering are part of our every day existence. It goes back to the earliest time period, back to the fall of humankind into depravity. All the way back to the time of Genesis, chapter 3, and the Fall itself.

Pain, suffering and even death did not exist in this world until that infamous act. The eating of the forbidden fruit. This one indiscretion by Adam and Eve allowed Sin into enter the world. Bringing with it death and its associates anxiety, anguish ,despair and all manner of afflictions. Romans (5:14)

Due to this one rebellious act the whole of creation was corrupted. Everything from our will, to our physical being. Including the entirety of creation, everything under Heaven. Romans (8:22)
Genesis (3:17-18)

As I write, I am sitting in the waiting room of our local hospital's radiology department. Waiting my turn on the CT Scanner.

Two summers back I was hit with a double whammy of a medical diagnosis. It turned out the lump on my scalp was cancerous. A B-cell lymphoma. To top it off the tremor that had developed in my right hand was the result of Parkinson's Disease.

A month or two prior to these diagnosis' I had read the book of James in preparation for leading our small group through it over the summer.

The words of James the brother of Jesus kept returning to my mind during this potentially devastating time.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:2-4 (NIV)

God was using my time of trial to work changes in me! I had learned from my study of James, to look for His will even the seemingly "bad" things. He proved Himself present by using my afflictions to bring me closer to Him! All of this is part of His plan and so am I. As are you!

Whatever affliction or hardship you are facing! Whatever anguish or distress you are currently undergoing! Is all part of His plan and His plan is pure good!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. Romans (8:28)

God uses our difficulties to bring about changes He wants in us, if we will only trust in Him. Take comfort in the One who created you. 2 Cor (1:3-4)

When tribulations come, and they will, might I be so bold as to suggest you consider this life a trial run. Keep your eyes on His promise of a far better world to be.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Rev 21:4 (NIV)

Then you will begin to understand all things as a gift from God. In closing I borrow from the Apostle John as he closes the book of Revelation and The Bible with :

He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Rev 22:20 (NIV)

Bible Study Outline - Mark 1:1-3

2006-09-19T22:48:00.000-04:00

Mark opens the book not with a formal declaration describing the purpose of the book but with a statement about the subject of the book.

The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Mark opens the book not with a formal declaration describing the purpose of the book but with a statement about the subject of the book.

Let's examine the first verse.

1.What is Mark by using the Greek word Arche (ar-khay') which means for Ã“beginningÃ”, trying to get across to his readers?
That he is writing about the start of the Gospel.

2.How does this differ from the beginnings in Genesis (1:1).
The Genesis account is the creation of the world.
Mark is talking about the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption.

3.Why does Mark use language reminiscent of Genesis 1:1 to start his Gospel?
As a reminder of God's activity in the history of the world.

4.We have all heard that the word Ã“GospelÃ” means Ã“good newsÃ”, but just what is a Gospel?
A Gospel is the telling of God's plan for the redemption of fallen man.

5.What does Romans chapter 1 verses 2 through 4 tell us about the nature of a Gospel?

the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 1:2-4 (NIV)

John Calvin wrote a Gospel is a Ã“testimony of the revealed salvation, which has been formerly promised to the fathers in an uninterrupted succession of ages. It points out at the same time , a distinction between the promises which kept the hope of the people in suspense, and this joyful message, by which God declares that he has accomplished those things which he had formerly required them to expect.Ã”

That is to say, an illustration of God's stated plan of salvation and its fruition through time and eternity in Jesus Christ.

2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet:
"I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"
3 "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord,make straight paths for him.' "

Mark wrote his Gospel for Gentile believers, probably in Rome. Because they lacked knowledge of the Old Testament, he was not able to use quotations from it with any frequency. In verses 2 and 3 he makes an exception.

The phrase Mark chose to start verse 2, Ã“it is writtenÃ” cauthoritativehoratative quality recognized by Greeks, Romans and Jews. In the first century Greek world, this formula frequently opens the introductions to a law or legal declaration. In the Old Testament it would be recognized as claiming authority over the reader.

1.What is Mark saying about Isaiah by using the phrase Ã“It is writtenÃ”
That Isauthority an athority figure.
That Isaiah's authority came from God.

Verses 2 and 3 are actually a collage coming from different sources. The quotation from verse 2, Ã“I will send my messanger ahead of youÃ” echoes the first part of Malachi 3:1.

"Behold, I send my messenger and he will prepare the way before me. Malachi (3:1) (ESV)

1.What is God saying to Malachi who was looking forward and Mark who was looking backward to Christ by using the word See or Behold?
This is coming from God
Pay attention this is important
This is what I want you to tell my people.

2.In both Mark 1:2 and Malachi 3:1 John is called Ã“my messangerÃ”, What is the ultimate message John is to pass along.
The Messiah has come
The Kingdom of God has come

Verse 3 is a more exact representation of Isaiah 40:3.

A voice of one calling:
"In the desert prepare the way for the LORD ;
make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 (NIV)

It was a common practice for Jewish teachers to combine texts or parts of texts, if they contained common keywords. Teachers were thought to be so learned in the scriptures that they were not required to specify which text or even mention its context.

Verse 3, "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' "

1.Mark says the prophet was a voice of one calling in the desert, what was his calling to be?
To prepare Gods people for His coming.

2.Based on what we know a Gospel to be, What was the Lord is coming to do?
Restore the relatioship between God and His people.

3.Reflecting back on verse 1, who does Mark say was coming?
Jesus Christ Ã– God Himself.

4.Who then was coming to do what for whom?

Jesus Christ was coming back to provide a path to salvation for God's people.

Verse 2, "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"

Paraphrasing Malachi 3:1, Mark would have known that Malachi chapter 3 was about God coming in judgement to set things aright among His people.

1.What would this have meant Mark was trying to convey to his Gentile believers?
Jesus was God
He came and died for their sins
Jesus coming meant the start of the Gospel age.

In Luke 16:16-17 Jesus himself speaks of John's role

"The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. Luke 16:16-17 (NIV)

1.What did Jesus say was inagurated with John's message?
The Kingdom of God

2.How does it affect your thinking knowing the Kingdom of God includes the time since John?

Word of the Week - Exegesis

2006-09-16T08:24:00.000-04:00

Exegesis (ek-si-jee-sis) is when a person interprets a text based solely on what it says. That is, he extracts out of the text what is there as opposed to reading into it what is not there (eisegesis). There are rules to proper exegesis: read the immediate context, related themes, word definitions, etc., that all play a part in properly understanding what something says and does not say.

A Special thanks to the Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry and TheAmerican Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.

Everlasting life

2006-09-14T20:14:00.000-04:00

In this article I would like to discuss one of my pet peeves,

and that would be Everlasting Life.

Not the I have anything against eternal life, quite the opposite. My problem lies in the common understanding of eternal life. Specifically when does one obtain everlasting life.

Jesus in his interaction with the rich young man (Matt 19:16-26 and Mark 10:17-23) instructs him on how to obtain eternity by living a righteous and obedient life. The young man is on board with what Jesus tells him until he is instructed to give away all his wealth. The young man goes away in great distress at this pronouncement.

The message here is not that it is wrong to be wealthy as wealth is a gift from God. It is not wrong to be rich, it is wrong to misuse the gift of wealth or worse to idolize money. Money is NOT the root of all evil. The LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil. (1 Tim 6:6-10)

Now keep in mind, money can be anything. Anything we put above our relationship with God is an idol. In the story of the rich young ruler it was money that he worshipped and was unwilling to give up. It could be job, possessions, or even family and friends.

Money however is not what this article is about. Eternal life, more specifically when it begins and why this matters.

Let's say you are a Christian. You have given your life over to Jesus Christ. The issue I take is one of when does eternal life begin. How often have we heard something along the lines of "when I die"... with the gist of it being then I will have eternal life.

Eternal life begins the moment you except Christ as your Lord and Savior!

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24 (NIV)

Note the present tense of this sentence. The word "has" indicates a current reality! You have Everlasting Life! Now and Forever!

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one." John 10:27-30 (ESV)

So what does it matter when eternity begins?

Think back to the rich young man, he wanted eternal life. He could have had eternal life instantaneously. How different this young man's eternal destiny had he just followed the advice of the one who created him.

If we realize that Eternal Life is a present reality, might we may better use our talents to further His Kingdom? Might we better adhere to the directives of our Lord Jesus Christ.

To look after widows and orphans, to care for the hungry, the thirsty, the needy, the sick and those in prison.

And most importantly of all:

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matt 28:18-20 (ESV)

How different Christendom if we would only learn from His Lessons. if we could only understand the precious gift we have been given.

Quoting Randy Alcorn "you can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead"

Bible Study Outline - Introduction to Mark

2006-09-13T21:39:00.000-04:00

Introduction to the Gospel of Mark

Since the beginning of the Gospel tradition Mark has been viewed as being an inferior abridged version of the book of Matthew.

Augustine's statement that "Mark imitated Matthew like a lackey and is regarded as his abbrevitor” was the prevailing line of thinking until about the first half of the nineteenth century.

As a result of scholarly investigation of the first three Gospels it was determined that Mark actually was the first Gospel.

What do we know about the book of Mark?

It might surprise you to find that there has been some controversy regarding the authorship of the book called The Gospel according to Mark. Much like the writers of the other Gospels the writer does not identify himself. Nor does he declare the occasion for its writing as do Luke (1:1-4) and John (20:30-31).

The title for the book was given to it by the church sometime during the first half of the second century. This is true of all four of the Gospels. The standard naming convention for a Gospel was 'The Gospel according to ...” .

Usually an Apostle like Matthew or John or a major figure such as Luke is used to name a Gospel. Mark was not consider a prominent figure Biblically nor does he appear all that often in the text. Let's examine the references containing Mark that the Bible does provide.

Acts 12:11-12 tells us a bit about Mark's family

Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating." When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Act 12:11-12 (NIV)

1.What was happening in these two verses?
Peter released from jail by an Angel.
He took refuge at Mary mother of Mark house.
People were worshiping and praying at Mary's house.
2.What was Peter's first thought when he realized he been set free?
He sought refuge there at a sister in Christ's house.
3.What do these verses say about Mark's mother?
She was a devoted Christian.

Note:
1.Tradition tells us that the author of this Gospel was a Jewish Christian named John Marcus.
2.The Roman name of Marcus may indicate Roman citizenship.

It is thought that this same dwelling is where the Last Supper took place

When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Acts 1:13-14 (NIV)

Paul wrote to the church in Colossians verse 4:10

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Col 4:10 (NIV)

1.What more can we ascertain from what Paul wrote in Collossians?
He was a contemporary of Paul's.
Mark was there on Paul's' third missionary journey.
Mark and Barnabas were cousins.
2.Why do you think Paul mentions that Mark is Barnabas' cousin?
To introduce Mark to the Church.

Another reference to Mark is Acts 13:13 where Mark then left the journey at Perga, returning to Jerusalem.

From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. Acts 13:13 (NIV)

Mark's leaving the mission caused a rift between Paul and Barnabas over whether or not Mark should accompany them on the second missionary journey. Acts (15:36-40)

Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. Acts 15:36-40 (NIV)

1.What happens in these verses?
Paul and Barnabas disagree on whether Mark should be included in this trip..
Paul and Barnabas part company over the dispute.
2.Why was Paul upset with Mark?
He felt Mark had deserted them earlier.

A decade will pass before we hear from Mark again in (Philemon 24)

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. Phlm 24 (NIV)

1.What does this verse tell us about Paul and Mark?
They were apparently working together again.

In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul's last letter a few years later, he again mentions Mark.

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 2 Tim 4:11 (NIV)

1.What does Paul do in this verse?
He asks for Mark specifically.
2.What does Paul give for a reason?
Paul finds Mark helpful

The last Biblical reference to Mark comes from 1 Pet 5:13 which simply states;

She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
1 Pet 5:13 (NIV)

1.What is Peter saying in this verse about Mark?
He is probably saying that Mark came to faith through the preaching of Peter.

Church father Papias (A.D. 140) states that Mark served as a secretary to Peter and recorded Peter's testimony. Mark as Peter's interpreter is supported by Eusebius and others and is credited to information received from disciples of the Apostle John around 90 to 100 A.D.
The order in which Mark presents his Gospel mirrors that of Peter's recitation of those events in the book of Acts. (3:13-14 and 10:36-43)

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. Acts (3:13-14)

You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

"We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." Acts (10:36-43)

1.Is the similarity between Peter's recounting of the Gospel story and Mark's version in any way compelling in and of itself?

The Date of the writing of the Gospel is also difficult to discern from scripture. The most compelling internal evidence that could point us to a specific time period would be ;

Mark's emphasis of Jesus as the suffering Son of God and on suffering discipleship suggest Mark's audience to have been Christian's undergoing persecution.

This would place the date of writing as either that of Caligula's attempt to place a statue of himself in the guise of Zeus in the temple of Jerusalem. (Josephus Ant. Book 18 Chapter 2 ). Caligula called Caius by Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, was murdered in 41 A.D.

Hereupon Caius, taking it very heinously that he should be thus despised by the Jews alone, sent Petronius to be president of Syria, and successor in the government to Vitellius, and gave him order to make an invasion into Judea, with a great body of troops; and if they would admit of his statue willingly, to erect it in the temple of God; but if they were obstinate, to conquer them by war, and then to do it.

1.What does Joesphus say Caligula was going to do?
Threatened war on Judea by way of Syria.
2.What did Judea have to do to avoid this war?
Desecrate the temple by placing a statue of Caligula in the Holy of Holies.

The second persecution within a few decades of Jesus' crucifixion was under Nero in Rome. This theory places the writing of Mark in the early to mid 60's. Gaius Cornelius Tacitus wrote Annals (book 15 verse 44) in the late first or early second century excerpted below.

all human efforts, all the lavish gifts of the emperor, and the propitiations of the gods, did not banish the sinister belief that the conflagration was the result of an order. Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man's cruelty, that they were being destroyed .

1.What does Tacitus tells us the reason for this persecution was?

2.Why did Nero pick Christin's to place the for the fire blame one?

Further evidence that Mark was writing to Romans is the fact that Mark felt the need to explain Jewish practices to his readers and even interprets Aramaic forms that remain in the text. These practices point to a Gentile audience. We will examine these when we study those verses.
Where this Gospel was written is less certain, again Rome seems the likely place.

What do you think Mark's main points were when he wrote this book?

1. That Jesus was the prophesied Messiah
2. The message of Christ coming is true in spite of the Jewish peoples rejection.
3. The Gospel is the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and can not be understood a part from its historical context.

Forced Conversion - A Comparative Study

2006-09-07T22:05:00.000-04:00

The abduction and eventual release of Fox News journalists, Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig revealed the stunning news that the two men had converted to Islam at gunpoint.

Both men were captured in Gaza City on August 14th by masked gunmen, who covered their heads with black hoods and bound the wrists of the two men behind their backs. They were then held in a dark garage and tied up, left lying on the floor often in painful positions.

During their captivity the two men were forced to make a video, dressed in Arab garb denouncing the West.

Centanni is quoted as saying “We were forced to convert to Islam at gunpoint” and “it was something we felt we had to do because they had the guns”.

Which lead me to compare Islam and its authoritative source the Koran and what it has to say about such a coerced conversion with Christian teachings from the Bible.

We will be looking for didactic or teaching principles that are applicable to our daily lives. This study excludes passages that were specifically for a time, place and event as in (Deut 7:1-3).

The Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7) is chock full of teaching material.

I am not nor do I claim to be a Koranic scholar. I will rely heavily on my research which for the most part was done on line using the USC-MCS Compendium of Muslim Texts at the University of Southern California.

Within the stated parameters let us look at a Koranic teaching from (Surah 9:5).

Paraphrasing Surah 9:5 Muslims are instructed to fight and kill idolizers/pagans wherever they are found. They are to lay in wait, besiege, ambush and capture them unless the idolizers/pagans repent, worship Allah and pay the poor tax.

This verse is taken out of context, but I assure you it loses nothing by itself. I encourage you to follow the link above and make up your own mind. From where I sit it sounds like a forced conversion to me.

Christianity teaches that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) to the extreme of making this the second greatest commandment!

We are to love those who hate and persecute us (Matt 5:44).

In both cases the Greek word used is agapao (ag-ap-ah'-o) means among other things, “to love dearly”.

Far different the commands of Jesus to love than those we normally would want nothing to do with when compared to the commands of Islam to convert by violent means.

Our weapons are the Word of God through His Grace by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As Jesus said before He departed :

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

On this point the Koran and the Bible teach diametrically opposing methodologies for conversion, but fear not Christian, I have read the ending and Christ prevails.

Love is a verb by Bob Longo

2006-08-31T12:00:00.000-04:00

In an effort to both provide more varied content. As wells as further exsposure to Christian writers everywhere. I will be posting material by various brothers and sisters in Christ from time to time.

I now present Love is a verb by Mr Bob Longo.

Enjoy!

Clyde

That’s right Love is something we do. In the world we live in today, you may find that hard to believe. We watch TV, read a book; even the music we listen to, leads us to believe that love is a chemical reaction, or a feeling that is uncontrollable. When we fall in love, we will hear sirens, whistlers, and see skyrockets. When we find “that certain someone”, we want to be with him or her all the time. The strong magical bond of love holds us together, and makes us inseparable. As if this “feeling called love“, is some kind of emotional super glue.

Unfortunately, statistics indicate otherwise. The divorce rate in the US is about 49%; our super glue is starting to sound more like a super lubricant. Before anyone begins to think I’m some sort of marriage counselor looking for business, I’m not. I am a sinner and as the saying goes, been there, done that, got the t-shirt. The objective is to share what I have learned from my mistakes, and more importantly, what God tells us in the Bible.

So, if love isn’t sirens, whistles, and fireworks; what is it? 1John 4:16 seems like a great place to start, it tells us, “God is love”. Since God is love, without God there is no love. It follows that we need God to have love in a relationship. Where should we start? Fist and foremost we need a personal relationship with God. Second, if we’re talking about a romantic relationship with someone of the opposite sex here on earth, we need God it that relationship too. In 2Corinthians 6:14 God tells us “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers”. This is a very important item. If you are not both true believers, you will encounter many stumbling blocks. Your relationship will be like trying to do a paint by numbers kit, with both of you using a different number-to-color chart. From the beginning of the relationship, make God the dominant figure, pray together; study the Bible together, not just on the Lord’s Day, but every day.

The Bible (KJV) mentions the word love 311 times in 281 verses. Let us see what we can learn about love from God’s word. The first place we find an example of romantic love in the Bible starts Genesis 29 and continues through chapter 50. Jacob falls in love with Rachel. He works seven years for her father to receive her as his bride, only to find out that he must first marry Leah, Rachel’s older sister. Jacob then works another seven years for Rachel’s hand in marriage. What a great sacrifice, fourteen years Jacob worked for Rachel. But Jacob was not the only one to sacrifice. What about Leah? She was hated by Jacob (Gen 29:31). Didn’t she sacrifice a lot for Jacob’s love? She stayed married to Jacob until her death; she bore him six sons and a daughter. Leah even traded her son’s mandrakes so she could spend time with Jacob. It appears by the story of Jacob, the LORD is telling us; in order to love we must sacrifice for the other person. Another thing the LORD teaches as we continue the story is that we must forgive. Even as Esau forgave Jacob, and Joseph forgave his brothers.

Does God tell us whom we should love? In Matthew 22:36-38 we read “ Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” God should be our first love, But how should we should we show our love for God? God tells us in Exodus 20:6 “And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments,” And again in John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Again, God is telling us we must sacrifice; abandon our fleshly desires and obey his commands to show love him.

Does the Bible tell us to love anyone else? Over thirty times the Bible tells us to love our neighbors, one another or our enemies. The Bible says to forgive as in Matthew 6:12 “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” God tells us of the importance of forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” How many times should we forgive? “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21)

To love we must take action (Love is a verb).

How does this work into our daily lives?

One, Put God first in your life; “ We love him, because he first loved us. (1John4:19)

Second, If your looking for a spouse, look for a true believer you can share your love of God with. 2Corinthians 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers”.

Third, Sacrifice, Give of yourself, your time, put your loved ones first. Remember, it’s not about you.

Forth, Forgive, “say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21), And after you have forgiven don’t bring the subject up again. God shows us this by example in Isaiah 43:25: I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Fifth, Pray, alone, and together, 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.”

Last, But surely not least; Read and Study the bible, Romans 10:17, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

God bless you all

rglongo@comcast.net

The Empty Nest

2006-08-28T19:13:00.000-04:00

This has been a busy week for us. Cumulating tomorrow afternoon when we drive our daughter, our only child, to the college of her choice in Massachusetts.

Wow, this came fast! I'll spare you the reminiscing and probably the tears. I would council you to hold them and love them while you can. The last 18 years have just flown by. Of Course we will worry, probably every free moment we get.

We long ago gave her over to the Lord, and he has done a great job leading us forward to this day.

We will place our trust in our Creator and His promise as stated in Proverbs 22:6 ;

"Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it. '

I would like to ask you all to pray for us on our journey. Oh yeah, for our safety on the trip to and fro as well.

God Bless

C & C

1 Tim 2:12 Culturally Relative or Eternal Precedence

2006-08-24T03:00:00.000-04:00

The First Baptist Church of Watertown NY has created a controversy in the media with its firing of a long time Sunday school teacher on the grounds she is a women. The mainstream media is of course all over the gender aspect of this story.

My question is, does First Baptist Church have it right? Does the Bible teach that women are not to teach men as a guide line to be followed by all churches or was this teaching meant only for the church at Ephesus?

CNN Report
Fox News Report

The Ephesian Church at the time of Paul's instructions to Timothy was ripe with false teachers and heresies. Timothy was to restrain (1 Tim 1:3) these false teachers on the grounds that they taught out of vain self interests (1 Tim 6:3-4)

Paul in his second letter to Timothy makes a point of saying some of the women of the church were being swayed by these false teachers. (2 Tim 3:6-9)

He includes a sanction against younger women of the church who had corrupted their witness for the sake of earthly things. (1 Tim 5:11-15)

Understanding both of these facts also explains Pauls call for women of the Ephesian church to silence. (1 Tim 2:11)

Comparing the typical first century woman with the women of today from an educational background, we can easily see a cultural trend. That being the women of today are far better educated, thus equipped to teach. The first century women not so much.

Allowing the Bible to interrupt itself we see instances of women teaching men (Acts 18:26) and prophesying. (1 Cor 11:5 and Acts 21:8-9)

I think the Bible is clear on the issue of women teaching, even teaching men. They are allowed to teach, even men. 1 Timothy 2:12 then would be for the Ephesian Church of the time and not a precedence for time immemorial.

What do you think?

Courting or Dating, it's your call...

2006-08-21T19:46:00.000-04:00

I had occasion recently to speak with a young friend of ours about her
failures at finding a boyfriend let alone a decent guy. She lamented her nearly flawless record of picking "losers".

I was appalled by not only the behaviors of some of her boyfriends,
but even more so by what she would tolerate. All in the name of having a guy
to call her own.

It seems to me that this is an all to common malady in our highly
sexualized society. You can not turn around today, sometimes literally, without bumping up against some sexual reference or imagery. Take for insistence the products being advertised on our public airways. You can have your dinner and learn what is available in the way of enhancements all at the same time. In today's society love equals sex, but sex does not equal love.

An off shoot of these societal norms, is the belief that it is better to experience as many intimate relationships as possible. How else are you to know if you and your current partner are "compatible". Understand this compatibility spoken of is sexual and has nothing to do with true compatibility. This is the Dating model.

The Dating model leads to an individual "experiencing" many partners and many broken relationships. The longer this cycle of failure persists the more it becomes the norm, to the determent of marriage. Once a person establishes that relationships are throw away, wedding vows are just words.

The Courting model allows the perspective couple to get to know each other in a protected and monitored environment, always seeking His guidance. In this way saving physical and emotional intimacy for the spouse to be. Seems to me that this is a much saner model.

The relationship of greatest import is that which we have with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Concentrating on your relationship with Jesus and trusting in Him to provide a marriage partner.

I have counselled our young friend along these lives. She has agreed to read Josh Harris' book I Kissed Dating Goodbye. I will provide the book, Carole and I the council, but its God who provides you a mate. Why accept
anyone else?

Related Resources
Focus on the Family Dating and Courtship
Mary Mohler's Modeling Modesty
Eternal Prespective Ministries on sexual purity

Happy Birthday

2006-08-15T22:26:00.000-04:00

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY Kiddo!

We couldn't be more proud of you.
The song lyrics below say it far better than we ever could.
All our love,
Mom and Dad

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

Mark Harris
The Line between the Two
Integrity Music - 2005

Israel-Hezbollah Cease Fire

2006-08-15T21:57:00.000-04:00

The cease fire between Israel and Hezbollah has almost completed its second day.

A fragile peace its been with skirmishes highlighting the first dayt. All the
while waiting for the UN peacekeepers to arrive.

The United Nations peace keeping forces. Not exactly what Jesus had in mind
when he stated in The Sermon on the Mount;

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9 KJV

The UN has a dismal record in regards to its peace keeping roles. The list of
failures is long. Angola, Kashmir, Congo, Haiti, Kosovo, Bosnia,
Somalia, Sierra Leone and on it goes.

Add to this a lack of accountability leading to corruption and violence even murder
and you can see why I am skeptical of a lasting peace.

James said

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18 NIV

From here it looks like the UN peacekeeping efforts have been a dismal failure.

Israel - Hezbollah is it just? Continued...

2006-08-06T21:00:00.000-04:00

Originally I did not think this topic would warrant a second article. After reading a couple of comments and re-reading the first message, my thinking has changed.

Not because I disagree necessarily with what I am hearing, but that the first article was written before I had completely formed my opinion.

It is a fact that Hezbollah, which is an elected part of the Lebanese government, is in violation of the Geneva convention regarding its utter disregard of the Lebanese civilian population. Protocol I, Art. 51 sec. 7, makes it a violation to use civilians as human shields. Protocol I, Art. 37 sec. 1, likewise disallows blending into the civilian population.

Israel on the other hand is guilty of indiscriminate bombing resulting in the destruction of innocent civilians. See Protocol I, Art. 57 sec. 2b and Protocol I Art. 85, sec. 3.

See the Geneva Conventions for yourself

If the argument were purely secular, the international community has a case against both combatants.

That however is not the concern of this article. The concern of this article is does Israel have just cause to pursue and is it executing this war in a just manner?

I would ask you to be consistent on your thinking, applying the same standard, His standard to both sides. To lay aside any eschatological bias. The lives of thousands of our Christian brothers and sisters depend on it.

Does the Israeli government have the right to defend its population? Certainly, just read Romans 13. Not only do they have the right, but the obligation. That is unquestioned.

Israel's actions have brought me to the conclusion that they are waging a war of hatred, revenge and using excessive force with no regard to the civilian population.

Lebanon has more Christians than any other Middle Eastern country. Our Christian brothers and sisters.

Quoting an article titled "Another point of view : Evangelical blindness" by Martin Accad, Academic Dean of the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Lebanon written for Christianity Today;

"According to the Lebanese health minister, Israel is even using phosphoric bombs, which are forbidden under international conventions! Are my people to consider Iran more dangerous than this? Are we safely in good hands with such actions? Come with me to Beirut and see how inoffensive Israel is.

Read the article here

A phosphoric bomb is a weapon that bursts into flames and has been referred to as a chemical weapon.

Again quoting Martin Accad, from a follow up article for Christianity Today titled "Who is my neighbor";
"Examples are endless, but the point is that whenever an armed force carries out military operations so indiscriminate that they repeatedly result in the killing of non-combatant civilians, these should be called "terrorist" acts. On the Lebanese front, the media says that about 35 Israeli and more than 350 Lebanese non-combatants have been killed, with hundreds more injured and hundreds of thousands displaced. Ms. Ansari, Middle East and North Africa program director of Save the Children, U.K., said her "contacts in Lebanon reckoned that up to 45 percent of the casualties were youths." That is about 150 children, up to one hundred families left childless. All of these are acts of terror, and they are still going on, and the international community has been unable (or rather unwilling) to take a decisive stance by calling for a ceasefire."

Read the article here

What of Hezbollah? They are with very poor accuracy firing missiles into Nazareth! Home of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Killing without care Christian, Jew and Muslim, Arab and Jew.

I find no justice, no righteousness in this conflict. Only wanton destruction and uncalled for death.

There can never be lasting peace in the Middle East without the Prince of Peace himself!

Quoting the Apostle Paul ; How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Romans 10:14 NIV

If we allow the continued self-destruction of Israel and Lebanon, Christ church in the region will suffer along with the region.

What can you or I do you might ask? PLENTY! Again quoting Martin Accad ; PRAY!!!

1) Pray for the displaced, injured, and mourning who are living in areas that are being subjected daily to heavy shelling.

2) Pray that the Church in Lebanon will be "salt and light" to the community, that God would be glorified in all that is said and done.

3) Go to the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary website and ask them for their regular updates on the relief efforts.

4) Find out which other organizations are doing relief work in Lebanon and get involved in moral and financial support.

Israel - Hezbollah is it just?

2006-07-25T09:20:00.000-04:00

The topic that comes to mind most frequently as of late is the Israeli - Hezbollah confrontation.

First off, the abduction of the Israeli soldiers was wrong. Their is no valid way to justify this action. This was evil pure and simple.

It is the Israeli response that concerns me the most. Not so much their right to defend its citizenry but rather the excessive use of force and lack of regard for the civilian population.

As a Christian, I have a duty to think through these concerns. Luckily greater minds than I have given us the matrix for which to base our thinking.

Just War Theory first proposed 1600 years ago in an attempt to answer the questions of when it is permissible to wage war (justum bellum) and how the war should be fought (jus ad bellum).

The first question posed by Just War Theory (justum bellum), "is the war just" or do the Israelis have the right to strike back? I believe Israel has the right to protect its citizenry. The kidnappings qualify as a violation against the people the Israeli government is sworn to protect. Thus the cause is Just.

The second question of government sovereignty is a no brainer, Its is the duty of the Israeli government to protect its people.

The third question, that of intentions is more on the difficult side. The intent must be considered good, for example good intentions would include; assisting the innocent and righting a wrong. In this case both are indeed the case. However bad intentions include ; hatred of the enemy and revenge. I don't find this point nearly as clear as the first two points.

The Fourth question of whether or not all attempts at diplomacy had been exhausted is also somewhat dicey. Given the nature of the Middle Eastern situation the answer is probably yes.

Question Five, is their a reasonable chance at success? Not to be relativistic but, what was the original intent? To rescue the soldiers and establish a situation where peace can prevail are valid reasons to go to war. The chances for a successful conclusion?

Last question to ponder on the going to war issue; will this peace be an improvement. Over typical, day to day hostilities any peace is preferable.

Next we move on to how the war is to be fought (jus ad bellum). Its here my real concerns surface.

Point one - innocent people and non-combatants must not be harmed. Obviously in any war their is going to be some loss of life to the civilian population. The burden is on Israel to prevent this loss to the fullest extent possible. Have they done this?

Point two- only appropriate force must be used. This is the one point that can destroy meeting all of the above criteria. An excessive use of force can nullify the Justice of the cause. This is where my major concerns lie. Is the Israeli response rightly applied?

I don't think I have answered very many questions tonight.

Thanks for listening.