Bear's ramblings

My old college roommate whacked me a good one... literally when he dropped my heavy theology folder off the bookshelf onto my head while I was sleeping (it was a good 6 foot drop). Man, did he ever feel bad about that deal... if only a headache were the only result of Bible whacking.

I wonder why this seems to be such a problem. I know it all too well, I used to whack folks around too as a young guy. The Bible was the end all answer. If there was a problem, the solution was to machine gun off some scriptures and "you are wrong, get your heart right with God,", or "your doctrine, or interpretation is hosed, and I'm going to sit here and argue with you until you get it right" I was an IDIOT, of course I still am, but was probably a bigger one then, than I am now. How discouraging and disheartening this must have been to those I interacted with.

I justified my actions out of ?love? for my fellow man.... but looking back, I think it might have been pride, and a desire to win, rather than a desire to actually put my foot out there and love. Or perhaps it was fear of loving, or being the lazy guy that I am... Bible whacking is easy, setting an example, and correcting by example, and with love is a momentous task, its a whole lot easier to just say "HEY, THE BIBLE SAYS THIS!!!, AND YOU ARE WRONG"

Over the years, I've had some serious delogging to do, still have a whole lot more to do, but I've come to a point where
Bible Whacking != The right thing to do
(for those not into programming != means does not equal)

Now, some folks will not appreciate that stance, as it would appear that I'm advocating a life of blatant sin,... but I'm going to take another point of view. Ones behavior iis changed, not by arguments with each other, but by our desire for good works due to our love for Christ.

Lets take a look at Ephesians 4
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8This is why it[a] says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."[b] 9(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Makes me thing, is Bible whacking a work of service, is it building up, is it achieving unity, is it humble, gentle, patient, and bearing with one another? Does it show the fruits of the spirit?

So lets contrast this with a bro in sin, how about 3 options.
1. Do we wack him?
2. Do we bear with him with humble, gentle, and patient guidance. Do we let him talk, and let him tell us, and then let God use us....
3. Do we ignore him?

2 of the 3 options are easy, whack or ignore, and they seem to be the most common, certainly within my life they are. Bearing with him could be anything but easy, and it just might take a very very long time. But there is something incredibly cool in the narrow path, we just might get to see the grace of God at work, we just might see fruits of the spirit, not only in the bro, but maybe even within us. Thats pretty cool stuff imho.

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[SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]

[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]

I used to be a literalist. I worked for a rather unconventioal pastor at a Bible camp years ago, but he played a mean bass,so we were cool. He was often times trying to convey how scripture can touch our lives, by being huge, and I was not a very good listener, and instead wanted it small and in a neat little box.

It took me almost 20 years to figure this out. The following really hit home.

Pastor Ralph Yernberg wrote in his From the LOM President column concerning scripture.

"It is a historical book, to be sure, one written for people long ago and if we can understand these people, we can apply the meanings to our lives. It is also metaphorical, in the sense that its meanings give meaning to our lives. As such, it is "more than literal" and "more than factual" and asks what meaning do its stories have for us? And it is sacramental. We don’t often use that description for the Bible but most of us, I believe, do view the Bible in a sacramental way. That is to say, the Bible conveys God’s grace to us in a visible manner that offers the gift of Christ and blesses us in community."

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[SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]

[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]

Here is the abstract
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...2d7b46fef2a118

and their conclusion
One other way of looking at this, is perhaps God is trying to tell the medical community that CABG surgery is flawed, and better outcomes are possible. God's reason for saying no is one we find hard to understand. We believe when we pray that we are seeking His will, and that our chosen direction, is the one He has chosen for us. It may not always be the case. His glory may be shown in other ways, such as the blind man. A no can be his way of blessing us, even though it may not seem so at the time.

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[SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]

[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]

Yep.... they are not public domain, at least most of them are not.

I had to do some digging on this some time back, and thought I should blog about it.

Most of the common versions are copyrighted, and as such, one is not allowed to republish them unless a license if purchased. However, this does not apply to the use of a few verses here or there as explain in their licensing guidelines.

Now, for a cheap guy like me, who wants the Bible on their PDA, this is a problem. A print Bible being much less inexpensive than an electronic one also make me wonder.... but alas, that is the domain of commercial interests in intellectual property.

The solution, OPEN SOURCE and the WEB Bible..... not web as in www, but World English Bible.

And they do a good job of explaining Bible licensing as well.

References.

From IBS
http://www.ibs.org/bibles/termsofuse.php
From Wikipedia on KJV
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Ja...pyright_status

__________________
[SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]

[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]

In Acts 17, Paul was in Athens, and noted all the idols and his spirit was provoked. I think we can all share that experience in one way or another when we encounter sin.

Sometimes we shake our head and walk away, other times, we get angry and start chewing folks out, sometimes we go with the flow to keep peace, and yet other times, we run in retreat.

Paul otoh, took a different road. He didn't chew them out, nor ignore them, nor participate in idol worship. He observed and talked with them for a while, not only in Church, but also the marketplace, and not just once, but for what appears to be an extended time (he had to wait for Silas.... and thats going to take a while both for physical travel, but also the call for Silas to come to him....

He also paid them a complement. Acts 17:22

And then he follows up with telling them of Christ....

And some became believers. Acts 17:32-34

Is Paul's method not a better way of dealing with a city of idols(sin) than our normal ways of anger, ignoring, accepting, or retreat. He laid it all out for us, what to do, and how to be effective.

The thing is, why do we not follow his example? Why does what happens in Church stay in Church, instead of making it to the marketplace? Why do we not take the time to make a difference, even in a sin filled world? Why do we get provoked and angry at sin, and take it out on others, instead of taking the time to get to know, and understand them. I need to fix this in my life!

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[SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]

[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]

I did my weekly grocery run last night.... and being that I am way behind on laundry, and remembering I was getting low on detergent, had it on my list. I have purchased the same detergent for a very long time, not sure if its any better, or any worse than any other brand, but I know its this specific color and shape, and its located in this aisle, and I buy it.

Well, the store changed the layout... and the manufacturer changed the container, and the color. I was perplexed, I didn;t know what to buy, so I let it go, and grumbled. I guess I'm an odd ball. I find something that works, and I don't want to change... even going so far as to include UPC codes on my grocery list whenever I have my hired man get grocerys and dry goods for me.

So this morning, I thought hmmmm (yep, when a staffer says hmmm, trouble is more than likely coming ) I wonder what God's word has to say.

So google being my friend, I did a little digging.... and yes, it appears others want to know about change too, and I came across a commentary. Cool I say! but alas, the writer took scripture way out of context. Perhaps, it was what the Holy Spirit led them too, and if so, this is good. Perhaps, they had some preconcieved notion of how we should handle change, and fitted scripture to their opinion, which good it is not.

So, time to whip out the concordance...

I think perhaps that Psalm 46:2 addresses my concern.

There is no fear in change, God is there. Certainly a detergent branding issue is pretty trivial compared to an earthquake. If we are to have no fear in the midst of an earthquake, certainly, there is no rationale to be distressed over the trivial changes in life. I shall work on this.

__________________
[SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]

[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]

I can't believe it, the AC units are having difficulty keeping up with the high external temperature and humidity. As a result, its been a tad uncomfortable.

Phillipians 4:11 comes to mind
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I think back to the time. I worked for a Bible camp, and I lived in a very small shack. It might have been a well house at one time and was pretty simple. It was roughly 6' X 9', just enough room for a bunk bed cot, and a couple duffle bags. Yet, it gave us shelter from the biting flies, the rain, the occasional wild animal, and also provided a quiet place to sleep apart from the campers.

It too was hot, in fact much hotter, being we didn't have electricity, and we needed to keep the door closed to keep the flies away. I remember one night reading the same verse, while sweating away, and hoping my flashlight batteries would last to the weekend. I thought to myself, you know, this is pretty simplistic, but what we are doing is for God, and my contentment level is pretty high.

I then contrasted this with the prior year, where I had been traveling around as a Christian musician, having pretty much everything and anything done for us. I rarely had to tune my bass, as it was done for me. Same with living conditions, it was pretty easy, on the bus in the morning, travel all day, load in, sound check, perform, tear down, sleep, and repeat. Yet, too, this was work for God, and the contentment level is high.

Today, years later I grumble about an AC unit that doesn't put out, the gingerbread on my gable is fading, and my Saab tranny is acting up. And I wonder why I grumble.... Things are different now, I'm no longer working 24/7 for God, and haven't been for many years. It was a choice he allowed me to make back then, I could have went for full time 24/7 ministry or I could go for mammon. There are times I think.... hmmm, I wonder how things would have been had I taken Him up on the offers presented before me back then. Yet, I am reminded, of Phillipians 4:12

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Its any and every situation, not just the two extremes, looks like a realignment of grumble mode is in order.... and maybe some speed typing too, as its now almost 5:22.

__________________
[SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]

[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]

I ate something bad last night, and in combination with a 3.5 hour drive, didn't feel so well. I found it hard to do my staff stuff, so I just surfed CF for a while, specifically CF blog surfing.

And I came across this one.....
http://www.christianforums.com/showp...&postcount=163

And I went wow... I do carry my Bible everywhere, in fact its always with me, even more so than my cell phone. I have Bible Reader + on my PDA!

I had never really thought much about this before, since I am a PDA addict. Its always within reach 24/7, with everything from my business info, personal stuff, medical and engineering ref docs, and most importantly my Bible. I guess its just become so automatic, I don't even think of it, just pulling it out of my pocket as needed.

However, Dawn's blog caught me off guard a little. I'm way behind on versions, and I almost ordered The Complete Jewish Bible in text form. I need to see if I can get an electronic version, as that would be much more convenient. Currently, I have the WEB as it was free and compatible. However, in my studies and application ot Torah observance, Paster George has recommended the TCJ, but I do long to have a Strongs concordance, as well as an NASB and NIV version on my PDA too. I may have to do some digging, as it seems that combination for PDA's is not all that common.

For desktop work (which is actually a IBM thinkpad), I rely a great deal on Crosswalk's online Bible study tools, but my search for something that comprehensive on a PDA has yet to be successful. I will however keep at the search.

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[SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]

[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]

Today, I decided to take a good look at 3 John 1, and came across this really odd dude called Diotrephes....



Hmmm.... a gossiping dude who loves to be first, and apparently if anyone says anything contrary to his teaching, he puts them out of the church. He apparently didn't like somethring written earlier.Its somewhat ambiguous here as to what the deal was. Certainly malicious gossip is not cool, and a love of being first seems a little off too.

So then I went back a chapter and did a little digging courtesy of Strongs numbers.





It sort of looks like this Dioterphes dude might be guilty of picking and choosing. He is following the admonitions of 2 John 10-11, but breaking part of 2 John 9 by running ahead to be first.


Then the question sort of begs itself as to what the deal is... what is Dioterphes missing. He appreantly is not continuing in the teaching of Christ... yet, in 1 John 3, the problem is not one of a deciever, but a gossip against them....



Speculating here, I doubt that it was the heretical teaching the Jesus did not come in the flesh, but was more likely something else. It almost makes me wonder if Diotrephes had a problem with verses 5 and 6. Gossip and being first could well be in conflict with the commandment to love one another, and to walk in obedience to His commands which is love.


Was this perhaps a power struggle, or perhaps an issue of swapping love and obedience in the wrong order? Its not explicity clear, but logic might lend one to believe this may well be the issue. No doubt, man's pride is a huge temptation, and walking in love in obedience might well have run counter to a guy who being first, really wanted to pound on the law... and when love was brought up, it was not received very well. I don't know, but it is an interesting concept to ponder.

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[SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]

[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]

Ecclisiastes 7:16

Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise-- why destroy yourself?

Interesting....

Ecclisiastes does make for some interesting study. For some, who are very much into works santification, such a verse is no doubt troublesome. For others, such scripture may be used as an argument to get away with stuff, or push the grey area. I do not think either approach is what King Solomon is alluding too. Within context, he seems to be advocating moderation, but in looking at scripture as a whole, I think he is really pointing toward Christ.

Lets take a look at Romans 3:19-24
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. 21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

However, I think moderation is also an importatn aspect. There are two dangers imho to overrighteousness, first, a spiritual aspect as a result of pride. It somewhat goes back to an earlier post where I was looking at the Deotrapheis dude. When over righteousness is advocated, often times love ends up going by the wayside, and the more I think about this, the more I think this was the problem in 3 John.

Secondly, it can lead to issues in the physical realm. As a young guy, I remember our senior pastor getting chewed out by his wife for doing too much... and at the time, I was thinking about Paul saying it is better not to be married. Here was this amazing man of God being held back at every turn. That really bugged me... Yet, by the same token, God had imparted wisdom to his wife, in that he was held back. The guy even at 70+ years old, wanted to fit 40 hours of work into each 24 hour day. And granted, he alone could probably do so for a while... but the cost to him physically, and the cost to others working with him might well have been too much. As such, his wife was actually helping, rather than hindering God's work...

Of course it took me a number of years to figure that out myself. Sure, I do miss working to physical exhaustion (it was fun!) and the other intense guys I worked with seemed to mesh together very well. (Yep, I'm 10X more intense IRL than online), but had that continued for a long period of time, it is likely we would have sooner or later run into physical limitations or at a minimum worn out many of our volunteers with such a pace.

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[SIZE="1"]To those that are cast down on account of their sins Christ must be introduced as a Savior and Gift, and not as an example. But to sinners who live in a false assurance, Christ must be introduced as an example. The hard sayings of Scripture and the awful judgments of God upon sin must be impressed upon them. Defy Satan in times of despair. Say: "O cursed Satan, you choose a nice time to talk to me about doing and working when you know very well that I am in trouble over my sins. I will not listen to you. I will listen to Christ, who says that He came into the world to save sinners. This is the true Christ and there is none other. I can find plenty of examples for a holy life in Abraham, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and other saints. But they cannot forgive my sins. They cannot save me. They cannot procure for me everlasting life. Therefore I will not have you for my teacher, O Satan."[/SIZE]

[CENTER]Martin Luther, Commentary on Galations 5:8[/CENTER]