More Clues, More Understanding

"You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They'll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd." (John 10:16 MESSAGE VERSION)


Years ago if you were to ask me questions on certain ideas of the Bible I would have given you a very unbending answer.  Today, not so rigid in my theories.
I remember when I was in high school there was a part of science that I was steadfast about, the theory about creation.  As I have said in my last post I was raised evangelical.  The science class though, was teaching that the earth was created differently.  The theory of Darwin was to me total non- sense.  Dinosaurs was something that someone was hoaxing scientists.  I was a pure creationist, dead stop.  Well, it was final exam time and there was part of the exam that dealt with Darwin, and I refused to answer what the teacher wanted.  Of course I failed, but I stuck to my belief.  I wasn't shamed into believing otherwise.  Some of the other students did join me in this, and others did not.


As I have grown older I have developed a keen interest in science and I watch many shows that deal with many areas of science.  I find it quite interesting how man has created telescopes that are orbiting in space and also probes that have been sent to explore planets and other stars.  These were things that in my childhood were only thought of in sci-fi shows.  The amazing part is that things that were once considered science fiction are now science fact.


I now there are some, no matter what, are like I was, un-yielding in their beliefs.  They have not grown in when it comes to understanding.  I am probably sure that if Davince were alive today and I could see and hear what science has discovered would think it was fantastical if he were just using the understanding of the time he lived in.


Many know the saying about not judging someone until you walk a mile in their shoes.  The more I learn the less I realize I know.


I cannot understand my neighbour until I really know and understand my neighbour.  What are his' likes, what does he believe.  My mother told me something before I was ever a parent that the hardest thing for a parent to go through would be the loss of a child.  I now have a daughter and grand children.  When I hear of someone losing a child I can only imagine the extreme terrible grief and pain they are going through.  I think of what I might feel like if I were to lose my daughter or grand child, and I cannot conceive that type of loss.


Today the world is experiencing a type of fear that is all gripping.  It leading some to make judgements against one whole segment of humanity just because the extreme radicals among that group.  Ask yourself if  could I spot a person's faith just by looking at them if they were in a large group.  The answer that should come back to you is 'No' .  The color of skin is not a criteria either in judging the person's faith, nor is the country they live in.


In history we have seem this type of fear grip countries before, when Jewish people were emigrating to the U.S.A., some were preaching fear about them.  The jewish community was trying to escape the horrors happening in Germany under a dictator trying to wipe them from planet earth.  The men that created the huge movie studios in Hollywood actually changed their names to hide the fact that they were of the Jewish faith, just so they would not be persecuted.


Today it is no different.  The Muslim community is experiencing persecution because of a small segment of people are extreme radicals who have bastadize the name 'Islam'.


In the community where I live, I can tell you that I know several people of the Muslim community.  They are fine outstanding people who are doing great things for all those in the community. 


So, let's not be so quick to offer judgement on things we don't understand or know.  Let's take time to get to know and understand our neighbour.


When you hear someone making broad strokes against a whole culture, speak up and tell them they need to keep quiet and stop showing their ignorance.


End of discussion!

Re-Thinking Scriptural History

In the past several months I have been studying various forms of religious information.  Different Bible Translations, the background of cultural societies in the Bible.

Also, I have been studying the history of what was happening in the known world when authors in the Bible were experiencing at the time of the writings.  I came across a thought that was mentioned in a documentary on the History Channel.  The younger me wouldn’t have given it the time of day and would have dismissed it as heresy.  It was the study of the books in the Bible found in the Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner Revision, which is books like the Macabees, etc.,  Also the Catholic Bible.  These books were not included in the accepted King James Version which most Protestant churches use.

I believe that a person who wants to grow needs to be always opened to new thoughts and to explore these thoughts.

I have written in the past that we need to use every available tool, whether it be the tradition hard copy, or the 21st century internet and computers.

I hope that anyone who reads this will have the courage to look at the Scriptures with a new zeal and an openness.

A point of interest; I was raised as an evangelical, but now I can see things that do not align with scriptures and with history.

When I Study, Which Bible Version Should I Use?

I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt.
(Psalms 119:11 MSG)

Since the invention of the printing press man began to have access to facts, stories, and of course the printed Word.  The Bible is still the most sold book in the world.

Well man began to study looking at different reference materials to get a better understanding of the Holy Scriptures.  They would compile what they had researched and began offering varying translations of the Bible.  These translations would soon become within the price range of the average working person.

A debate began and it is still ongoing, which is the best version of the Bible is best.

Most found themselves choosing one version, The King James Bible, sanctioned to be created by King James of England around the year 1611.

Before the advent of the computer and the internet it was difficult for a person to house many translations in their book shelves.  To have at least 2 versions many would purchase a parallel Bible.  Two versions side by side on the page.  Also, many would have cross-references and footnotes.  One Study Bible rose to the top of people’s favourites, The Thompson Chain Reference Bible.

Now everyone can have as many multiple Bible versions right on their computer.  There are two free Bible software that I use constantly.  E-Sword.  The other is The Word.Both have lots of free modules that can be installed into the programs.  I would encourage you to try both.  Also try various Bible versions.  You soon will find your favourites.  There are also many other help modules, like Commentaries, Dictionaries, etc…

So, we no longer have any excuses to any road blocks to studying the Bible.

Finally, most books of the Bible have been transcribed from original texts.  No one Bible is the definitive version, no set rule.

Find your computer, boot it up, install the software and start your many long years of enriched studying.

What Would Jesus Do?

You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They'll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd.
(John 10:16 MSG)

As I write this the attacks in Paris is still being covered by news media everywhere.

As I am watching the news I am wondering one thing, what would Jesus do?  When I ask myself that question I remember the story of the good Samaritan.  A man had been beaten and robbed and left for dead on the side of the road.  One man went by and basically ignored the man.  Another also went by, he said yes I see your needs and kept going on his’ way.  Yet another man came upon the man, he saw the needs and instead of going on his’ way he stopped and attended to the man’s wounds and the rest of the needs.

There is a certain segment of people in the west who are playing a game of fear about the security and safety of their own.  They are wanting to close their doors to the refugees.  Like the story of the man on the side of the road they are walking by, seeing and knowing the refugees needs but do not want to stop and offer help.

Of everything I know about the true faith of Muslim People they are a peaceful people.

The group called ISIS is not a true Islam.  They are some radical bunch of hateful, murderous, and divisive people.

Are you the reader, going to be a follower of the crowd or are you going to be inclusive of people of the Muslim Faith.

I believe if Jesus were here on earth, he would be offering a hand up to the many who are hurting and running from terror in their homeland.

I realise that writing this post that it could invoke some controversy but I am willing to take that risk.

Let’s all love our brother and sisters even if they do not look like or speak like us.

Studying in these times

Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
(2 Timothy 2:15 AMP)

From the time we start school there is one theme that we are taught all throughout our school years, to get good grades we must study.  Yes, most of us complain how hard it is to study and how difficult it is to finish an exam on what we have studied.

We finally reach the end of grade twelve and we are now graduating and the next chapter of our learning starts with post – secondary education.  Then after all the hard work we leave with a degree, masters, etc.,

Somehow we have the impression that our study life is now over only to become aware that as we go through life we learn from life’s every aspect.  First job, marriage, then children.

The continuation of learning from life starts a new phase.  Retirement, children’s marriage, and the arrival of grand – children.

It is the same with our walk with God.  All through the scripture we are told to study.  The ten commandments, proverbs, sermon on the mount and the writings of the apostles,  Sometimes we ask how relevant is all these things.  We may not see the purpose immediately but somewhere down the path that the things we have learned become useful.

I am in my fifties and I am still learning new things as I study and read.  It is like the new day, fresh and vibrant.  Each time causing me to forge ahead to study and learn more.

I hope you will continue your studies in the scriptures it will bring about great dividends.

 

Evangelicals where are you!

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In the past several months there have been several incidents that have caught my attention which made me question asking what are pastors teaching behind their pulpits.  While pondering this my thought was, someone needs to go back to Sunday School and re-learn the basics and essentials of the Scripture.

During these events I watched and listen to the news media and how they were handling and presenting the stories behind the events.  I watched intently to see if there would be a spokesperson from the field of evangelicals, and to my dismay there was absolute silence from the evangelicals of North America.  I was to the point that I if asked what faith I belonged to I would consider lying about being raised in a Pentecostal, Evangelical background.  So here I am drawing attention to the one Bible verse that most seem ignore.

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

In this 21st century it is not enough just to graduate from grade twelve because employers want is an employee who are well educated and always finding ways of keeping up with the trends that are changing not only the home but the workplace.  No matter what field you choose, it is going to be expected of you that you are on top of everything so you can stay ahead of the curve, so that you are not left behind while someone else are out there just waiting to take your position.

The verse I have used since started this blog really is relevant today.  When countries like the United States find themselves looking at an education system that needs to reform the system and getting the students the best education.

I live in Canada and the education system is also crumbling.

Now lets look at two events that should have raised red flags for all those who claim they are evangelical.

A so called pastor goes before the press and announces that he is going to burn a Koran and urges others to join with him. Now if this had been a leader in the Muslim community announcing he was going to burn a Bible evangelicals and others would have been in a complete stage of rage.

Christ gave us the correct answer of how we are to handle a person who we disagree with strongly.

Luke 6:37 - “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:”

In the end only Koran was set on fire but that was still one too many.

The next event started in May 2011 when a pastor/radio host declared that the rapture would take place on May 21, 2011 beginning around 6 p.m.

For those who have studied scripture know that this pastor, Camping, was way off the mark.

Christ in the scriptures gave us several warnings about this type of person and this type of prophecy.  Mr. Camping was declaring that at a very certain time an event would take place. Now, either Mr. Camping didn’t read the scripture in its entirety or was deceived himself trying to deceive others. Christ himself declared that He the Son of God didn’t even know the timing of when He would return to earth, but did tell of what it would look like on earth around that time.

Mark 13:22  For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

Mark 13:23  But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

Mark 13:24  But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

Mark 13:25  And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.

Mark 13:26  And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

Mark 13:27  And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

Mark 13:28  Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

Mark 13:29  So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

Mark 13:30  Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

Mark 13:31  Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Mark 13:32  But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

May 21, 2011 came and left with no event happening where there was a rapture and people disappearing from earth.

There was a group of believers in scriptures called the ‘Bereans’.  They used every wakened moment studying the scriptures to see whether certain things we true or false.

Acts 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Acts 17:12  Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

So once again I encourage everyone to study and get to know the scriptures so that it would be very difficult for those to come around wanting to deceive people.

As someone said, ‘if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for everything.’

Please find your Bible, dust it off, and use it everyday not just on Sundays.

p.s.  - you can know reach me with questions, thoughts at: rethinkingscripture@gmail.com

Coming Soon, the Greatest financial Collapse.

Foreclosures, unemployment rate above 9 percent, bailouts, stimulus, tax cut debates, great recession, just some of the words which have been in all headlines either in newspapers, cable news, and internet websites.

All of these problems are not just the fault of one singular event, but, many events combining together caused the greatest recession since the 1929 stock market crash. Like then, people are having their homes go into foreclosures.  Layoffs and jobs being eliminated has caused the unemployment rate to go above nine percent.

This recession not only caused people to lose their jobs, homes, and other assets, it also brought about some very large corporations to go into bankruptcy, be bought from another corporation.

Auto makers begin to show signs that they were also ready to implode causing governments to hand out stimulus money so that the auto industry could stay en tact so that they could re-organize and begin to take measures in their finances to start to rebuild their corporations.  General Motors after long months of agony came out of bankruptcy and then begin to offer shares on the New York Stock Exchange after being absent.

Over the years there have been many bubbles burst.  The tech bubble, housing, sub-prime mortgages, and probably a few that have not been mentioned.

It is my opinion that this recession of 2008 through 2010, maybe even longer, it is a taste of what is come, only difference right now is that intervention was not delayed to avoid another greater depression, greater than that of 1929 through the 1930’s.

Start preparing yourself, your family, and friends because there is coming a total collapse of all the world’s finance system.

Please read the following from the Book of the Bible, Revelation chapter 13 from the Message Bible

{11)  I saw another Beast rising out of the ground. It had two horns like a lamb but sounded like a dragon when it spoke.
{12)  It was a puppet of the first Beast, made earth and everyone in it worship the first Beast, which had been healed of its deathblow.
{13)  This second Beast worked magical signs, dazzling people by making fire come down from Heaven.
{14)  It used the magic it got from the Beast to dupe earth dwellers, getting them to make an image of the Beast that received the deathblow and lived.
{15)  It was able to animate the image of the Beast so that it talked, and then arrange that anyone not worshiping the Beast would be killed.
{16)  It forced all people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to have a mark on the right hand or forehead.
{17)  Without the mark of the name of the Beast or the number of its name, it was impossible to buy or sell anything.
{18)  Solve a riddle: Put your heads together and figure out the meaning of the number of the Beast. It's a human number: six hundred sixty-six.

There are three things found in the book of Revelation.

First we see a new politic system that encompasses every nation.  This political system is controlled by one man, the man being the Antichrist.  He comes to power during a time of global unrest.  Back in chapter 6 the world is hit by famine.

Revelation 6:  (from the Message Bible)
{4)  Another horse appeared, this one red. Its rider was off to take peace from the earth, setting people at each other's throats, killing one another. He was given a huge sword.
{5)  When he ripped off the third seal, I heard the third Animal cry, "Come out!" I looked. A black horse this time. Its rider carried a set of scales in his hand.
{6)  I heard a message (it seemed to issue from the Four Animals): "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, or three quarts of barley, but all the oil and wine you want."
{7)  When he ripped off the fourth seal, I heard the fourth Animal cry, "Come out!"
{8)  I looked. A colorless horse, sickly pale. Its rider was Death, and Hell was close on its heels. They were given power to destroy a fourth of the earth by war, famine, disease, and wild beasts.

It is hard for most people around the world, especially industrial nations where workers are paid by even if it is just minimal wage. Can you see yourself waking up one morning when you turn on the news and the reporter says as of today bread will cost you one day’s pay for each loaf you buy.

One morning people woke up to find out that all of their savings and investments were totally worthless. The day was Black Thursday - October 24, 1929.

Many people became homeless.  Soup kitchens were opened around the nation to help those who could not afford to buy any type of groceries.

Numbers of suicides began to escalate.  Most were millionaire men.  They couldn’t handle the thought of being penniless, so they do what most will do in the greatest financial disaster even seen around the globe.

Now, this new charismatic leader brings forth a law that if the people want to buy or sell goods they will need to be given an marking either on the forehead, or on the right hand. This is the beginning of a new way to handle the economies.

Early scholars, before the rise of personal computers and the internet, believed that most of the plagues, sickness, and financial problems would be limited to one specific location.  With the advent of computers in every home connected to the internet it now looks like from these portions of scriptures that what the apostle John saw will be global.

Economies, trade industry, are so interconnected that if only one economy were to default it would send a tsunami of troubles, that this recession that started in 2008 will be a walk in the park compared to what is to come.

There is so much more that I could write about but that would be a very long discussion.

Will you be ready for this final economic disaster.

Remember, 2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (King James bible.

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When it seems like God has failed

Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed that no matter what you did proved to be fruitless.
The evangelical, charismatic, groups will declare 'God doesn't fail' it must be something wrong with you.  Maybe, you, a very weak faith.
Yes it is natural that men fail and fail others, leaving you with a distrust towards that person, or maybe a company.
Everytime you go through a situation that looks hopeless you put your faith and trust toward God.
You question everthing you believe in about God when maybe you face a terminal disease.  You pray in earnest asking God for a miracle of healing.  You follow your doctor's advice so that the disease that has attacked your body is expelled from your body and the doctor gives you a clean health slate.
I am writing this as to start a study about how people deal with the depression and feelings that just maybe God has failed you.
If you are reading this I am asking you to take a few minutes and post your comments about the situation where you had the feeling of being failed by God.  Write and share about the situation, how you were feeling and how was your mental health was during the crisis you faced.
Some crisis's may have been, divorce, no healing or miracle for that one with terminal disease.  Maybe you are a parent and have lost a child either through disease, accident, or while serving their country in a military action.
Maybe, you were a regular worshipper in your home church only to find out the clergy that has served the congregation with regular sermons etc., has failed morally.
So, I ask you as a reader to share with this blogger and others, about the time you did feel like God has failed you.

LEE GRADY on TRUE PROPHETS

I am posting a writing by Lee Grady.
Since I have been dealing with the five-fold ministry and about Apostles and Prophets I felt this letter was timely and needed to be read by more than just those on a certain email list.
Here is the letter by Lee Grady:

LEE GRADY on TRUE PROPHETS
My heart cries out for the American church to stop muddling,
muffling, cheapening, distorting and merchandising the pure
gospel. How we need to return to the simplicity of evangelism that
cuts to the heart, produces repentance and reveals the Son of God.

For several months I’ve been asking the Lord to make me his
trumpet. In my quest He’s shown me some of the qualities that
shaped biblical prophets into His mouthpieces. I pray all of us will
adopt these same characteristics.

1. A prophet is bold. True prophets have steel backbones and
foreheads of flint. They do not cower when the majority disagrees
with them. Like the apostle Paul, they are compelled to preach
because a holy restlessness churns inside them. They are
possessed by God, and they must release the fire inside. Will you
pray for this boldness and say with Isaiah, “Here am I, send me”
(Is. 6:8, NASB)—even when you know you will be opposed?

2. A prophet stays biblical. So much of what is passed off as
prophecy today resembles what you might find in a daily
horoscope. The so-called “prophetic movement” in the contemporary
church has been tainted by silly fads and charismatic witchcraft.
One prophetic e-mail list sent out a word recently saying that
dormant angels were being awakened out of the walls of our
churches. (That’s not remotely scriptural.) Another predicted that
God would begin to speak to people through the names of candy
bars and blue jeans.

So much of our prophetic verbiage sounds like warm and fuzzy
fortunetelling. This type of “imitation prophecy” can titillate and
thrill those with itching ears, but it is pablum designed for babies
who don’t want to grow up. What we need is a word we can sink
our teeth into—true meat that is the Word of God.

3. A prophet does not compromise. Nathan was willing to confront
King David’s sin, even though the prophet was on the palace
payroll. Yet today, we practice the “you scratch my back, I’ll
scratch yours” rule. We prophesy what people want to hear so we
can get an honorarium and an invitation to return. This has caused
some whole groups of prophets to collectively follow each other
into a ditch.

Beware of the herd mentality! Don’t just swallow and follow! You
cannot go along with something just because everyone else is
doing it or preaching it. Stay close to the Lord, develop keen
discernment and listen to the nagging voice of your conscience.

4. A prophet is compassionate. Some prophets today refuse to
confront because they are too nice. Others speak rashly “like the
thrusts of a sword” (see Prov. 12:18) and their words are delivered
with a bitter, vindictive spirit. Neither of these prophets will receive
his reward. We must speak the truth, and we must do it in love.

Most people think Jeremiah was angry and judgmental, but
actually he wept when he confronted Israel’s sins. It is not enough
to prophesy the Lord’s word—we should aim to speak with His
tone of voice. We must be willing to intercede for and identify with
those we confront.

5. A prophet stays pure. When Moses made the tabernacle, God
told him to make silver trumpets that were “hammered work” (Num.
10:2). If we want to speak for Him, we must be willing to endure
the smelting process. (In other words, prepare to be hammered!)
Before Isaiah could be an effective prophet to his nation, his lips
had to touch burning coals from God’s altar (see Is. 6:6-8). We
must be willing to visit the uncomfortable furnace of sanctification.

God is not so much interested in the booming voice, the rousing
delivery, the charisma or the technological savvy that we expect
today from celebrity preachers. What matters most is pure content,
and that can only flow through a pure vessel.

6. A prophet faithfully embraces the call. Jonah tried to flee as far
as possible from Nineveh, but the God of the second chance used
a strange vessel to get the prophet back on course. It involved a
visit to a fish’s stomach, where Jonah spent three days in
darkness, stewing in digestive juices. When the fish vomited him
on land, he was better prepared to speak heaven’s words.

~From "Becoming a Trumpet of the Lord" - http://fireinmybones.com

Keep Studying and be happy

Who do you follow, and why?

When attending evangelical services ask yourself why do I attend. Do you attend and follow because of gifts being promoted, or because of the Word being expounded.
Lately in the evangelical movement there is a trend that has embedded itself within the movement. The following of gifts.
Gifts in their rightful place are not wrong, but within the wrong can do much harm.
If you listen, read, or hear, most evangelists, prophets, and others of the five fold ministry the highlight of their advertisements is the gifts, Miracles, healings, personal words of prophecy. People are chasing the extremes and not chasing the giver of the gifts. If you are chasing personal words of prophecy to help you plan your life than you are chasing a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
These gifts should operate as a compliment to the preaching of the Word. Unfortunately the Word has been given a back seat to gifts, and the showing of strange and curious happenings.
The apostle Paul did not encourage the gifts to be at the forefront, but the Word and the doctrine of the Word be foremost in our lives. Even Paul had times of seeing the gifts working in his' ministry, but he encouraged people to follow him as he followed Christ. Notice he did not encourage people to run and follow the extreme.
Christ also had gifts working throughout his lifetime of ministry, but still he told his' followers to live by the Word.
The evangelicals need to move back to the place where the Word is foremost in ministry and in people's personal lives.
So, again, the question is, Who do you follow, and why?