I read somewhere that education works best when the learning is made the central part of education. How ironic that when we read the scriptures, written so long ago, that we can recognize how privileged we are that Jesus made us -- you and I -- the central focus of His teachings. In other words, He reached out to us so that we might find salvation and live life abundantly. When we accept Jesus into our life, we become a new creation.
Going forward, God continues to do a work within us. On our part, we simply believe and receive His words. His message. That is, in Jesus we have redemption. We become heirs unto the promise. To this end, Jesus taught us how to live.
Therefore, I say unto you, take no thought for your life. What you shall eat or what you shall drink nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than the meat and the body more than the raiment? Behold the fowls of the air for thy sow not. Neither do they reap nor gather into barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they?
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field and how they grow. They toil not and neither do they spin. And yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore if God so clothes the grass of the fields which today is and tomorrow is cast into the oven shall he not much more clothe you?
Let me say this again. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you? The only prerequisite to living a life of faith is seeking first the Kingdom of God and all His righteousness (Matthew 6).
Moreover, Jesus declared and clarified His invitation to us in Matthew 11:28-30:
"Come unto Me all you that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you shall find rest for your souls ... for My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Stand in the Offering Plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 468
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shalt be saved and thy house[hold]." (Acts 16:30-31) Why Jesus? Because there is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby men and women can be saved. (Acts 4:1) There was a reason why in Matthew 1:21, Mary and Joseph were told to call His name JESUS. "For He shall save His people from their sins." (Luke 1:31) The scriptures are clear on this point. They shall call Him Jesus.
Later, when Jesus was preaching to the multitudes, then opened He their understanding that they might understand the scriptures. And He said unto them, "This it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:45-47) In other words, believe in Jesus so that you may also have everlasting life.
When the people asked, "What shall we do that we might work the works of God" Jesus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He hath sent." In Jesus, "my Father has given you the true bread from Heaven for the bread of God which cometh down from Heaven gives life unto the world." (John 6)
Therefore, "if any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink," saith Jesus, "He that believeth on Me as the scriptures has said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit which they that believe on Him should receive for the Holy Spirit was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"
But Jesus is the bread of life. He that believeth on Him hath everlasting life. "This is that bread which came down from Heaven not as your fathers did ate manna and are dead. He that eats of this bread shall live forever." (John 6:58) This bread being Jesus.
This is the good news message that God intended for us when He first created us in the Garden of Eden. It is this same good news message that He delivered when God became flesh and dwelt among us so that we might understand just how much He loves us. For God so loved the world!
John 5:39 encourages us to "search the scriptures for in them are they which testify of Me" -- Jesus. And be not afraid because Jesus will give you the peace that you seek. Only believe (Mark 5:36).
Stand in the Offering Plate!
Later, when Jesus was preaching to the multitudes, then opened He their understanding that they might understand the scriptures. And He said unto them, "This it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:45-47) In other words, believe in Jesus so that you may also have everlasting life.
When the people asked, "What shall we do that we might work the works of God" Jesus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He hath sent." In Jesus, "my Father has given you the true bread from Heaven for the bread of God which cometh down from Heaven gives life unto the world." (John 6)
Therefore, "if any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink," saith Jesus, "He that believeth on Me as the scriptures has said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit which they that believe on Him should receive for the Holy Spirit was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"
But Jesus is the bread of life. He that believeth on Him hath everlasting life. "This is that bread which came down from Heaven not as your fathers did ate manna and are dead. He that eats of this bread shall live forever." (John 6:58) This bread being Jesus.
This is the good news message that God intended for us when He first created us in the Garden of Eden. It is this same good news message that He delivered when God became flesh and dwelt among us so that we might understand just how much He loves us. For God so loved the world!
John 5:39 encourages us to "search the scriptures for in them are they which testify of Me" -- Jesus. And be not afraid because Jesus will give you the peace that you seek. Only believe (Mark 5:36).
Stand in the Offering Plate!
Friday, July 20, 2012
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 467
My cup runneth over!! This is the type of love that God has for each and every one of us. And this love, as I Corinthians 13:9 points out never fails. Never. Indeed, God's love never fails. Even more important is that God commended His infinite love toward you and I while we were still sinners. That is right. While we as humans had no understanding of God and His willingness to become flesh and die for us, God Almighty knew us already. He knew our innermost thoughts -- our heart's desires -- and yet He still loved us.
It is for this reason that salvation cannot be obtained through good works (Galatians 3) or from works of righteousness. Salvation can only be achieved according to His mercy. The mercy of Jesus which is why the scriptures state, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." Because of His goodness. Because God manifest in the flesh loved us so much.
For in Him the fullness of God dwells bodily. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not (John 1:10). But He still knew us.
Romans 8:38-39 says, " For I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus."
So ask me again why my cup runneth over with joy? Because there is a happiness that comes with recognizing that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. The only way. Why don't you come to Jesus today so that your cup can runneth over too? Stand in the Offering Plate!
It is for this reason that salvation cannot be obtained through good works (Galatians 3) or from works of righteousness. Salvation can only be achieved according to His mercy. The mercy of Jesus which is why the scriptures state, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." Because of His goodness. Because God manifest in the flesh loved us so much.
For in Him the fullness of God dwells bodily. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not (John 1:10). But He still knew us.
Romans 8:38-39 says, " For I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus."
So ask me again why my cup runneth over with joy? Because there is a happiness that comes with recognizing that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. The only way. Why don't you come to Jesus today so that your cup can runneth over too? Stand in the Offering Plate!
Friday, July 13, 2012
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 466
There is an old covenant, a covenant that existed between two parties. The old, as the name applies is old. That which is old decays and for the most part is ready to vanish away. In short, what is recommended in the scriptures is that the Old covenant be put on the shelf. This recommendation in spite of those today who still present the old covenant as if it were pertinent.
For the sake of understanding, let's expand on this point. The Law of the Old covenant was added because of transgressions. That is, until the SEED should come to whom the promise was made (the promised SEED being the Christ!)
The old covenant was a covenant of works. Within this covenant, man would do this and God would honour the agreement by fulfilling his part. But man utterly failed. Even though the covenant was good man’s flesh was still weak. Eventually God just walked away. The problem was that the people here did not recognise that God had cut them off.
The New covenant (as some suggest) is not a covenant. Rather, within this new era, God was about to become man’s only Saviour. Why? Because as the scriptures allude, there was no other in heaven that was capable of redeeming man from the bondage of sin. So God prepared Himself a body planting two SEEDS of Himself into one man Abraham and one woman Eve.
These two SEEDS were eventually brought together by the Holy Spirit of God when the promised two seeds indwelled in a young maiden named Mary. Here, Mary was about to bring forth a child named JESUS. JESUS was God Himself, clothed in flesh whilst He was in the womb of His surrogate mother.
God without any assistance or planning by man was going to pay in full for Adam’s disobedience. For just as one mans sin had brought the human race into captivity, so was one man’s righteousness going to negate the penalty that was pronounced upon all of Adam’s race.
A covenant then is made between two parties. However, in this case there is to be only one party. God is the sole party. God who is Spirit and God Himself became a Son so that we might be saved. Man had no say in the outcome of these events for man was not a participant. God purchased man’s salvation by Himself for it was God who laid down His life as a Son.
What we have then is not a covenant. Rather, what we have is the Last Will and Testament of JESUS, the only begotten Son of God who prior to His crucifixion bequeathed all that was His to us believers. All that the Father(the unseen Spirit of the One Holy God)was His to share and we become the inheritors of all things freely.
Beloved as such, we are the Sons and Daughters of God. For we have come to JESUS -- empty handed. We then give our hearts to JESUS, obediently being baptized into God’s name which is JESUS. We are now His children. For as many as have been baptized into JESUS the Christ, (the SEED of the Holy Spirit ) have by so doing become eligible to receive of His Spirit.
So my brothers and sisters in JESUS, we do not have a covenant. Rather, we have the TESTAMENT of HIS WILL. The truth sets us free! Peace in Jesus!
For the sake of understanding, let's expand on this point. The Law of the Old covenant was added because of transgressions. That is, until the SEED should come to whom the promise was made (the promised SEED being the Christ!)
The old covenant was a covenant of works. Within this covenant, man would do this and God would honour the agreement by fulfilling his part. But man utterly failed. Even though the covenant was good man’s flesh was still weak. Eventually God just walked away. The problem was that the people here did not recognise that God had cut them off.
The New covenant (as some suggest) is not a covenant. Rather, within this new era, God was about to become man’s only Saviour. Why? Because as the scriptures allude, there was no other in heaven that was capable of redeeming man from the bondage of sin. So God prepared Himself a body planting two SEEDS of Himself into one man Abraham and one woman Eve.
These two SEEDS were eventually brought together by the Holy Spirit of God when the promised two seeds indwelled in a young maiden named Mary. Here, Mary was about to bring forth a child named JESUS. JESUS was God Himself, clothed in flesh whilst He was in the womb of His surrogate mother.
God without any assistance or planning by man was going to pay in full for Adam’s disobedience. For just as one mans sin had brought the human race into captivity, so was one man’s righteousness going to negate the penalty that was pronounced upon all of Adam’s race.
A covenant then is made between two parties. However, in this case there is to be only one party. God is the sole party. God who is Spirit and God Himself became a Son so that we might be saved. Man had no say in the outcome of these events for man was not a participant. God purchased man’s salvation by Himself for it was God who laid down His life as a Son.
What we have then is not a covenant. Rather, what we have is the Last Will and Testament of JESUS, the only begotten Son of God who prior to His crucifixion bequeathed all that was His to us believers. All that the Father(the unseen Spirit of the One Holy God)was His to share and we become the inheritors of all things freely.
Beloved as such, we are the Sons and Daughters of God. For we have come to JESUS -- empty handed. We then give our hearts to JESUS, obediently being baptized into God’s name which is JESUS. We are now His children. For as many as have been baptized into JESUS the Christ, (the SEED of the Holy Spirit ) have by so doing become eligible to receive of His Spirit.
So my brothers and sisters in JESUS, we do not have a covenant. Rather, we have the TESTAMENT of HIS WILL. The truth sets us free! Peace in Jesus!
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 465
Without faith it is impossible to please God. Indeed, faith in God is the ingredient that the world system totally neglects. But Abraham believed in God and because of his simple faith, God accounted to Abraham righteousness. If conversely, Abraham had not embraced that God is, then he like so many others before him would remain in God’s eyes as spiritually dead in their trespasses and sin.
Men and women blessed of God naturally produce offspring which in most cases they protect and shield from evil. The parents would gladly offer themselves even to death to shield their offspring. In this same way, God has done likewise. God is not willing that anyone should perish. Not anyone. In this same context, God is no respecter of persons. In God’s eyes, all have sinned. Each and every one of us are guilty and as the scriptures state, "There is none righteous, no not one."
It is for this reason that God veiled Himself in flesh as a Son. The difference being that God was not a sinner and even though He was tempted and tried even as we are, He sinned not. God who is Spirit veiled Himself in flesh allowing sinful men and women to unjustly condemn Him to death as they shouted - crucify Him - for we will not have this man to rule over us.
It is because of this latter example that there is neither a Jew or Gentile who can assert that they are guiltless. This is not to suggest that those who have never heard the gospel message of salvation will be judged as having heard the gospel message. But for those who have heard the gospel message and have willingly shunned God’s message, they should take heed - for it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God! We need to repent and ask the same God who made the world to come into our hearts once and for all.
On a totally different topic, there are those who constantly assert that the Jews are the people of God. It would appear that they have forgotten that the Jews were cut off from God. The question then is this. If one is cut off from God, who is the Vine referred to in the scriptures? Doesn't the scriptures state that when a choice is made to oppose God, that there is a withering away from the vine? Some might suggest that such is the condition of the Jews today. Still opposing the New Testament, while continually endeavouring to re-establish the Law that was given through Moses. Remember that the Law was added until. Taking this initial stance further, some even assert that the Jews are the SEED of blessing as spoken of to Abraham.
But Abraham believed God. For it is written in the scriptures that when the Jews asserted that Abraham was JESUS' father, He replied, "Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and when he saw that it was forthcoming he rejoiced and was glad!"
These same folks further assert that yeshua is the messiah (the Christ) even insinuating that they knew the name yeshua 700 years prior to the birth of Christ. Still, the name JESUS was given of God to men. As such, there is no salvation in any other name. This is why the name of JESUS is so hated that many produce all sorts of alternate names rather than simply believe that the Lord who is God alone, has become Our Only Saviour. Or that His Name is JESUS. IMMANUEL meaning God with us! Therefore, God’s name is not jehovah or jahweh as often asserted. These are in fact deliberate fabrications of men endeavouring to hinder us - you and I - from the revealed truth found in the scriptures. That is, that the God who made the world was in the world! His name is JESUS!
Men and women blessed of God naturally produce offspring which in most cases they protect and shield from evil. The parents would gladly offer themselves even to death to shield their offspring. In this same way, God has done likewise. God is not willing that anyone should perish. Not anyone. In this same context, God is no respecter of persons. In God’s eyes, all have sinned. Each and every one of us are guilty and as the scriptures state, "There is none righteous, no not one."
It is for this reason that God veiled Himself in flesh as a Son. The difference being that God was not a sinner and even though He was tempted and tried even as we are, He sinned not. God who is Spirit veiled Himself in flesh allowing sinful men and women to unjustly condemn Him to death as they shouted - crucify Him - for we will not have this man to rule over us.
It is because of this latter example that there is neither a Jew or Gentile who can assert that they are guiltless. This is not to suggest that those who have never heard the gospel message of salvation will be judged as having heard the gospel message. But for those who have heard the gospel message and have willingly shunned God’s message, they should take heed - for it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God! We need to repent and ask the same God who made the world to come into our hearts once and for all.
On a totally different topic, there are those who constantly assert that the Jews are the people of God. It would appear that they have forgotten that the Jews were cut off from God. The question then is this. If one is cut off from God, who is the Vine referred to in the scriptures? Doesn't the scriptures state that when a choice is made to oppose God, that there is a withering away from the vine? Some might suggest that such is the condition of the Jews today. Still opposing the New Testament, while continually endeavouring to re-establish the Law that was given through Moses. Remember that the Law was added until. Taking this initial stance further, some even assert that the Jews are the SEED of blessing as spoken of to Abraham.
But Abraham believed God. For it is written in the scriptures that when the Jews asserted that Abraham was JESUS' father, He replied, "Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and when he saw that it was forthcoming he rejoiced and was glad!"
These same folks further assert that yeshua is the messiah (the Christ) even insinuating that they knew the name yeshua 700 years prior to the birth of Christ. Still, the name JESUS was given of God to men. As such, there is no salvation in any other name. This is why the name of JESUS is so hated that many produce all sorts of alternate names rather than simply believe that the Lord who is God alone, has become Our Only Saviour. Or that His Name is JESUS. IMMANUEL meaning God with us! Therefore, God’s name is not jehovah or jahweh as often asserted. These are in fact deliberate fabrications of men endeavouring to hinder us - you and I - from the revealed truth found in the scriptures. That is, that the God who made the world was in the world! His name is JESUS!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 464
"The Bible says" and this fact in and of itself should suffice. Who are we that we believe we have a right to question the authenticity of the Word? In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God. And this same Word became flesh and dwelt among us. How many times have we listened to a message being delivered where a distinction is made between God and Jesus? And often, it leaves the listener confused. And yet the scriptures are clear. There is only one God. That's right - one God - and His name is Jesus.
The God who loved us so much in the beginning that He created a Garden of Eden for men and women also knew that He would eventually become flesh and hang on the cross of Calvary so that we might have salvation and life abundant. This is why the apostles encouraged us to read the scriptures and discern for ourselves what is right. So that we would understand just how much our Creator loved us and that in that beloved love, He would take it upon Himself to become as one of us. What do the scriptures say? He was among them and they knew Him not! And yet this same God knows the very feelings of our heart. Our very thoughts.
This is the Amazing Grace that we sing about. Amazing Grace by poet and clergyman John Newton in 1779 is still one of the most recognizable songs in our world today. It serves as a reminder that the same salvation message -- the gospel message taught by the apostles -- that was prevalent in early centuries is equally relevant for us today. Stand in the offering plate. Offer Jesus all of you so that you too can live life abundantly in His saving grace!
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believ'd!
Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis'd good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be forever mine.
The God who loved us so much in the beginning that He created a Garden of Eden for men and women also knew that He would eventually become flesh and hang on the cross of Calvary so that we might have salvation and life abundant. This is why the apostles encouraged us to read the scriptures and discern for ourselves what is right. So that we would understand just how much our Creator loved us and that in that beloved love, He would take it upon Himself to become as one of us. What do the scriptures say? He was among them and they knew Him not! And yet this same God knows the very feelings of our heart. Our very thoughts.
This is the Amazing Grace that we sing about. Amazing Grace by poet and clergyman John Newton in 1779 is still one of the most recognizable songs in our world today. It serves as a reminder that the same salvation message -- the gospel message taught by the apostles -- that was prevalent in early centuries is equally relevant for us today. Stand in the offering plate. Offer Jesus all of you so that you too can live life abundantly in His saving grace!
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believ'd!
Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis'd good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be forever mine.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 463
Recently, I was listening to a sermon on the book of Genesis. Specifically, Genesis 1:26 -- a single verse that many people can't seem to get past in terms of understanding God. Indeed, the individual delivering the message tried to explain the "Let us" in the verse by referring to a "triune God" and the "trinity". The difficulty with the interpretation as presented is that neither the word triune or trinity are words used in the Bible. There are reasons for this which we will discuss in detail in future posts. For now, ask yourself these questions. Who is God? What is His name?
If we note that throughout history, God always had a name, it makes sense that the last name given to men whereby men can be saved is Jesus. There is no other name under Heaven whereby men can be saved. None. Jesus is the only name whereby salvation can be obtained. The apostles knew this. This is why every individual they baptized in the scriptures was baptized in the name of Jesus.
In the name of Jesus.
As for Genesis, it is important to read the entire chapter. There is a reason why Genesis begins with "in the beginning God." At the same time, John chapter 1 provides the New Testament (or looking back perspective). John 1 opens with "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." Then scroll down to John 1:14 where the scripture states "And the Word became flesh." In other words, God became flesh so that we might be saved! And His name is Jesus!
If we note that throughout history, God always had a name, it makes sense that the last name given to men whereby men can be saved is Jesus. There is no other name under Heaven whereby men can be saved. None. Jesus is the only name whereby salvation can be obtained. The apostles knew this. This is why every individual they baptized in the scriptures was baptized in the name of Jesus.
In the name of Jesus.
As for Genesis, it is important to read the entire chapter. There is a reason why Genesis begins with "in the beginning God." At the same time, John chapter 1 provides the New Testament (or looking back perspective). John 1 opens with "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." Then scroll down to John 1:14 where the scripture states "And the Word became flesh." In other words, God became flesh so that we might be saved! And His name is Jesus!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 462
Every so often, we find a written keepsake that we had hidden away for safe keeping some time ago. Today was one of those days. Tucked away in the folds of my New Testament was the remnants of an article that I cut out from its original source decades ago. As a consequence, I do not know who wrote it or if this section was part of a larger article. However, upon reading the message contained therein again today, I thought the message might be appreciated by others. It begins like this:
"Dear Reader, this example was set for the whole world. It does not matter what creed, what color, what nationality, where you were raised or what you were taught, or what you were brought up under. This is truly the world's example.
The Apostle Paul said whatever you do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Col. 3:17. So when we baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, we must baptize in the only name Jesus. Father is not a name, son is not a name, Holy Ghost is not a name but titles. So there are three titles -- one person and one name. The name of the Father is Jesus because Jesus said, I am come in my Father's name. John 5:43. The name of the Son is Jesus Matthew 1:21. The Holy Ghost's name is Jesus John 14:26.
So you see, dear reader, there are not three names for three different persons, but one person and three manifestations. He was Father in creation Genesis 1:1. The same one was Son in redemption Luke 1:68. In the church He was the comforter John 14:26. So when Matthew 28:19 is obeyed the baptism must be done in Jesus' name. Notice dear reader the Apostles understood Matthew 28:19, for they got the revelation who Jesus was. Peter acknowledged who He was by saying, "Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16. So you see that Peter saw Him as God and man.
On the day of Pentecost when the gospel was preached in its fullness by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven and men were pricked in their hearts they said unto Peter and the rest of the Apostles: Men and brethren what shall we do? Peter kept in mind the sayings of Jesus by telling them to repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38."
God bless!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 461
Times change and as a consequence, the capacity for formal institutionalized religious education, as it is recognized in the traditional sense, is not always conducive to understanding the breadth and depth of the love of God as elaborated within the scriptures or the extent of the love God has for His people. As Mary Parkins Ryan wrote in an article entitled, "Dr. Goldman and American Catholic Education" religious authorities continued to impose concepts and doctrinal formulas on children and youth, optimistic that as they grow older, their earlier religious training would lead to a greater sense of appreciation for continuing the teachings within formalized religion.
"These people deeply feel that whatsoever else may be accomplished in a religion class is a frill; to know correct formulas made by heart is the essential ... Children shall be taught the fundamental truths of the faith, and those especially must be committed to memory that are conducive to the love of God." This conviction became stronger as the Catholic Church in particular, and perhaps other church oriented institutions as well, feared the "new theology" and the "new catechetics." It appeared that many wanted "to cling to the old-time way of teaching the old-time religion so as to be sure the old-time religion [would] be perpetuated."
Although admittedly the article itself is dated, it is interesting to note the contrast that exists between this type of observation from an educator's point of view and the scriptures as delivered to us by the apostles. In particular, I am drawn to I Corinthians -- the first letter of Paul -- who was called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus -- with a message for the Corinthians. Beginning in I Corinthians 1:20-29, the scriptures state:
"Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ [is] the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
For consider your call brethren: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth, but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is low and despised in the world even things that are not to bring to nothing things that are so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus ..."
Looking back, we can readily see how traditional education and teaching practices have changed over the decades. There are times that good educational intentions in one era were reversed in the next. Indeed, we've all witnessed these debates on the merits of education (both religious and public) during our own lifetimes. However, the point here is that the good news gospel -- the Word of God -- never changes. The same gospel message delivered to the original apostles in the Bible is equally valid for you and I today. Not a "new theology" as suggested above but the gospel message intended for you and I even before the earth was formed.
John 1 states: "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us full of grace and truth, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him and cried, "This was He of whom I said, "He who comes after me ranks before me for He was before me.") And from His fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For this law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
In other words, there is no other gospel message for our children and youth. While some might say (as referenced in I Corinthians 1:12-13) that they "belong to Paul" or "to Apollos" or "to Cephas" or to other formalized religious institutions, we can rest assured that as believers we "belong to Christ." Is Christ divided? No. Was Paul crucified for you? No. Were you baptized in the name of Paul? No. Why? Because as John wrote, "among us stands one whom you do not know, even He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." John came to bear witness to the light that all might believe in the one "who was in the world and the world was made by Him, yet the world knew Him not."
Therefore the gospel of Jesus is not so complicated that we need "to cling to the old-time way of teaching the old-time religion." What we do need to do is "Make straight the way of the Lord" as the prophet Isaiah said, and recognize that the real underlying fundamental truth is that Jesus loves us. Salvation is not about memorizing religious dogma but rather, reading the scriptures and committing to Jesus within our hearts! Thankfully, that gospel message never changes. Stand in the Offering Plate!
"These people deeply feel that whatsoever else may be accomplished in a religion class is a frill; to know correct formulas made by heart is the essential ... Children shall be taught the fundamental truths of the faith, and those especially must be committed to memory that are conducive to the love of God." This conviction became stronger as the Catholic Church in particular, and perhaps other church oriented institutions as well, feared the "new theology" and the "new catechetics." It appeared that many wanted "to cling to the old-time way of teaching the old-time religion so as to be sure the old-time religion [would] be perpetuated."
Although admittedly the article itself is dated, it is interesting to note the contrast that exists between this type of observation from an educator's point of view and the scriptures as delivered to us by the apostles. In particular, I am drawn to I Corinthians -- the first letter of Paul -- who was called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus -- with a message for the Corinthians. Beginning in I Corinthians 1:20-29, the scriptures state:
"Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ [is] the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
For consider your call brethren: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth, but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is low and despised in the world even things that are not to bring to nothing things that are so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus ..."
Looking back, we can readily see how traditional education and teaching practices have changed over the decades. There are times that good educational intentions in one era were reversed in the next. Indeed, we've all witnessed these debates on the merits of education (both religious and public) during our own lifetimes. However, the point here is that the good news gospel -- the Word of God -- never changes. The same gospel message delivered to the original apostles in the Bible is equally valid for you and I today. Not a "new theology" as suggested above but the gospel message intended for you and I even before the earth was formed.
John 1 states: "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us full of grace and truth, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him and cried, "This was He of whom I said, "He who comes after me ranks before me for He was before me.") And from His fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For this law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
In other words, there is no other gospel message for our children and youth. While some might say (as referenced in I Corinthians 1:12-13) that they "belong to Paul" or "to Apollos" or "to Cephas" or to other formalized religious institutions, we can rest assured that as believers we "belong to Christ." Is Christ divided? No. Was Paul crucified for you? No. Were you baptized in the name of Paul? No. Why? Because as John wrote, "among us stands one whom you do not know, even He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." John came to bear witness to the light that all might believe in the one "who was in the world and the world was made by Him, yet the world knew Him not."
Therefore the gospel of Jesus is not so complicated that we need "to cling to the old-time way of teaching the old-time religion." What we do need to do is "Make straight the way of the Lord" as the prophet Isaiah said, and recognize that the real underlying fundamental truth is that Jesus loves us. Salvation is not about memorizing religious dogma but rather, reading the scriptures and committing to Jesus within our hearts! Thankfully, that gospel message never changes. Stand in the Offering Plate!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 460
As with many longstanding traditions involving institutions, often the message being disseminated today varies significantly from the originating foundational truths. This becomes evident when one reads the scriptures and compares Jesus' teachings to the message being taught today by established religion. It is also interesting how people's motivations change when confronted with realities that don't necessarily fit within their man-made institutional mandate.
I was thinking about this phenomena when reading Mark chapter 2. This chapter highlights examples off Jesus' compassion for people, including healing the paralytic carried to the rooftop by four men As we read in the Biblical passage, Jesus saw their faith and said to the man, "My son, your sins are forgiven!" In the distance watching were the scribes (and later in the chapter the Pharisees). In their hearts, they were questioning the actions of Jesus saying, "Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
Their compassion for the paralyzed man was not their first priority. Even as the crowds gathered around Jesus to hear His teachings, the Pharisees held to their traditions, fasting instead. "Why does He [Jesus] eat with sinners and tax collectors?" was the question of the day. Repeatedly, the Pharisees dismissed Jesus for going against tradition. In this case, it was for performing numerous healing of the sick and miracles on the Sabbath.
Still, the people who listened understood. When John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, the people came to Jesus and asked, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast but your disciples do not fast?" (Mark 2:18) Jesus' response was telling.
"Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The day will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them and then they will fast in that day." Then Jesus cited two examples that we can all understand.
"No one sews a piece of un-shrunk cloth on an old garment, If he does, the patch tears away from it. The new from the old and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wine skins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins and the wine is lost. And so are the skins but new wine is for fresh skins." In other words, Jesus saw that it wasn't those who were well that needed a physician to heal them but those who are sick. It was not the righteous who needed a Saviour to rescue them but the sinners.
So while the Pharisees held counsel against Jesus, the people ate from the "presence" of their Lord and Saviour. While the religious held that it was unlawful to perform miracles and healings on the Sabbath, the people recognized that Jesus -- the Son of man -- was Lord, even over the Sabbath. While the scribes and Pharisees called Jesus' willingness to forgive sins blasphemy, the people recognized that the reason Jesus could forgive sins was because He was God in the flesh.
A contrasting difference in perspectives in these scriptures and one that tells so much. Read Mark 2 for yourself and marvel in the goodness of God! "Follow Me" said Jesus and in so doing, put yourself in His offering plate!
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