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Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The Church's One FoundationSing this great hymn of the church a capella! Then, find a recording of 'Upon This Rock' by John
Ness Beck!
The Church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord;
she is his new creation by water and
the word:
from heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride;
with his own blood he bought her, and for her
life he died.
Elect from every nation, yet one o'er all the earth,
her charter of salvation, one Lord,
one faith, one birth;
one holy Name she blesses, partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses, with every
grace endued.
Though with a scornful wonder men see her sore oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder, by heresies
distressed;
yet saints their watch are keeping, their cry goes up, "How long?"
and soon the night of weeping
shall be the morn of song.
Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war
she waits the consummation of peace
for evermore;
till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blessed,
and the great Church victorious shall
be the Church at rest.
Yet she on earth hath union with God, the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion
with those whose rest is won.
O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we
like them, the meek and lowly,
on high may dwell with thee!
Words: Samuel John Stone (1839-1900)
Music: Aurelia, Samuel Sebastian Wesley
(1810-1876)
2:11 pm pdt
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The Eternal WordI'm beginning to hit a bit of a wall! I have so much to say, but I would like to know that someone
is listening out there in cyberspace! Please take a moment to send me a message, and to set me straight, if necessary! Also,
study the words of Jesus, in the context of all of scripture, for yourself! I'm just another website writer! I am
transitory, but I have a feeling that the words of Christ will be around for a long, long time! And that they will be just
as true and relevant hundreds of years from now as they are today! This provides a very necessary continuity and stability
to our spiritual quest!
Also, simply communing with God in nature, exercising, and getting a good nights sleep,
is probably 90% of the spiritual battle. Sometimes theological discussions, even about the teachings of Jesus, can
give one a headache! People will always see things differently and often passionately so! And doesn't that make life interesting!
2:41 pm pdt
Monday, October 29, 2007
Positive Thinking and Self EsteemWhat about positive thinking and self esteem? Are they in harmony with the teachings of Jesus? Are they
a new religion which is out of harmony with the teachings of Jesus? What is the underlying principle in the teachings of Jesus?
Is it positive thinking and self esteem, or something else?
Without going into a proof text rant, I must say
that I find positive thinking much more biblical than self esteem! Faith is closely related to positive thinking, and is well
thought of in scripture in general, and the teachings of Jesus in particular! On the other hand, self esteem is closely related
to pride, and is decidedly not well thought of in scripture in general, and the teachings of Jesus in particular! An extreme
rendition of the joining of positive thinking and self esteem is 'I Am God' which is not something that the Bible
encourages its readers to go around proclaiming!
The problem is self delusion and self centeredness! Not facing
reality is a form of lying! To yourself! Self exaltation is self centered! Self degradation is also self centered! The religion
contained in the teachings of Jesus is a religion of responsibility! To be responsible is to face reality, and see it
clearly, and then formulate a responsible course of action, and then to implement this plan! It is duty centered! The focus
is external, not internal! When someone lives responsibly, the byproduct is appropriate positive AND negative thinking
(which includes both faith and doubt), and an appropriate self image! They are the fruit, not the root!
In other words, positive delusion is not the solution to negative delusion, and self exaltation is not the solution to self
degradation! Responsibility trumps both positive thinking and self esteem! The religion of positive thinking and self
esteem is not the religion of the teachings of Jesus! The religion of responsibility is the religion of the teachings of Jesus!
Please don't misunderstand my seemingly harsh stance on positive thinking and self esteem! A negative thinking
and self degrading Christianity opened the door wide open to these teachings! They have come as a breath of fresh air to millions
of people around the world! But some have found Peale appalling and Paul appealing! These twin concepts have been corrective,
but they should not be normative! A religion of responsibility, as found in the teachings of Jesus is, in my view, the normative
standard!
1:20 pm pdt
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Nicodemus and JesusNow there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. | He came to Jesus at night and said,
"Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing
if God were not with him." | In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is
born again." | "How
can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's
womb to be born!" | Jesus
answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. | Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the
Spirit gives birth to spirit. | You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' | The wind blows wherever it pleases.
You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
| "How
can this be?" Nicodemus asked. | - "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things?
| I tell you the truth, we speak
of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. | I have spoken to you of earthly things
and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? |
No
one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man. | Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son
of Man must be lifted up, | that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. | "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. | For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn
the world, but to save the world through him. | Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands
condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. | This is the verdict: Light has
come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. | Everyone who does evil hates the light,
and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. | But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that
it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
John 3:1-21 New International
Version | |
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Money and the 50-50 RuleThe following is a concept derived from the principles and concepts contained in the words of Christ, but
not stated directly. It is simply something I have found to be helpful regarding the ethical pursuit and use of money.
I call it the 50-50 rule, derived from 'love your neighbor as yourself' and 'do unto others as you would
have others do unto you'. Basically, one makes as much money as possible in the most ethical way possible, and then sets
aside 50 percent of the gain for taxes and charity. Then, with the remaining 50 percent, they live a comfortable, though not
ostentatious life style, and use a significant portion of this 50 percent to make even more money! Then, this additional profit
again becomes subject to the 50-50 rule. Finally, when one dies, the estate is subject to the same 50-50 rule, with 50 percent
going to taxes and charity, and 50 percent to relatives, etc.
We should avoid rich vs poor, and
jealousy, hatred, or feelings of superiority. We all have a part to play in this vast mosaic of life! The poor should not
neglect to learn how the rich make money, and the rich should not neglect the poor, regardless of the reasons for their poverty!
It's my way of saying that one can have their cake and eat it too! Perhaps it is a rationalization, but I don't
think so! I believe that God is reasonable and rational, and that sincere attempts to do the right thing are received
with joy in Heaven!
2:32 pm pdt
Friday, October 26, 2007
Salvation and RighteousnessWhat must we do to be saved?
"But when I, the Messiah, shall come in my glory, and all
the angels with me, then I shall sit upon my throne of glory. And all the nations shall be gathered before me. And I will
separate the people as a shepherd separates sheep from the goats, and place the sheep at my right hand, and the goats
at my left.
"Then I, the King, shall say to those at my right, 'Come, blessed of my Father, into the Kingdom
prepared for you from the founding of the world. For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was
a stranger and you invited me into your homes; naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me'
"Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Sir, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give
you anything to drink? Or a stranger, and help you? Or naked, and clothe you? When did we ever see you sick or in prison,
and visit you?' And I, the King, will tell them, 'When you did it to these my brothers you were doing it to me!'
"Then I will turn to those on my left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire
prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry and you wouldn't feed me; thirsty, and you wouldn't give me
anything to drink; a stranger, and you refused me hospitality; naked, and you wouldn't clothe me; sick, and in prison,
and you didn't visit me.'
"Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty
or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?' And I will answer, 'When you refused to help the least
of these my brothers, you were refusing help to me.' And they shall go away into eternal punishment; but the righteous
into everlasting life." --- Matthew 25:31-46 Living Bible
Did Jesus forget about the substitutionary atonement?
What about John 3:16? Clue: read John 3:1-21, not just verse 16.
Perhaps the above is part of the reason
why many Christians accept Jesus as saviour, but reject Him as Lord.
3:38 pm pdt
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Church BuildingsJesus taught mostly in nature! The most inspirational environment is nature! I believe that the
Holy Spirit can best get through to us when we contemplate eternal things in nature! The best place to have church is not
in church! The best church is no church!
Having said that, I am torn! I love architecturally and acoustically inspiring
churches! Especially while experiencing sacred music in these vast spaces! Singing the great hymns of the church with congregation,
choir, organ and orchestra, as the sunlight streams through the stained glass windows is truly a mountain top experience!
I believe that artistic expression and creativity are hugely important parts of life and Christianity! They lift us up!
However, I am often troubled by the price and the pride! Is Jesus impressed? I sometimes imagine
the stained glass Jesus with tears streaming down His face because of being ignored, despised and rejected by His professed
followers! Would those in Darfur be impressed? Should we build more orphanages than churches? I once stood at the altar
of a magnificent Gothic cathedral, reading the story of the rich young ruler from a large leather-bound Bible
on a golden pedestal. For a moment, I thought the Word of God clashed with the House of God! Are churches sometimes places
where there is a form of godliness without the power? Where people stand, sit, bend, nod, and are politely kind to God? Also,
the message and music are often determined by those with the dough, not by those in the know!
Obviously, when it's
cold, dark and rainy, it's nearly impossible to have a religious service outside! I guess we need church buildings,
but we don't need jeweled, gold plated shrines, bedeviled with hideous gargoyles! We need the grand and glorious,
but with sound and simple construction, so as not to become slaves to buildings and bills! Think minimalist cathedral!
Was that an oxymoron? Sometimes I'm an oxymoron! And don't forget the soup kitchen!
Also, church is
not for everyone! The church is not the very gate of Heaven! The Christian Church is not Salvation4Sale! At least
it shouldn't be! Church may, or may not, be necessary for balanced psychology, ethics and spirituality. Sometimes church
can even make things worse! On the other hand, those who have left the church have often jumped out of the frying pan and
into the fire, and had their fingers burnt right up to their arm pits!
Finally, remember what Jesus said to
the disciples when they were admiring a church building...
1:50 pm pdt
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Apostolic SuccessionMuch has been made of Apostolic Succession in Christian history. That Christ declared to Peter that He
would build His church on him. That Peter was the first pope, and that each of his successors have been the supreme representatives
of Christ on earth, indeed, Vicars of Christ.
A rival view, popularized recently by Dan Brown in
his book and the subsequent motion picture, The Da Vinci Code, suggests that Jesus had children, and that His offspring are
the true representatives of Christ on earth.
Allow me to suggest another possibility! That the individuals
and organizations throughout Christian history which have placed the Teachings of Jesus first and foremost, both in word
and deed, have been the true representatives of Christ on earth. Not by declaration or birthright, but by the content of their
characters! This last option could overlap the first two. But in the final analysis, by their fruits you shall know them.
Are they Christ-like? Did Christ will that His church be built upon His Teachings?
1:47 pm pdt
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Teachings of Jesus in SocietyIt's tempting to turn a focus on the Teachings of Jesus into a harangue! To lash out! To use a phrase
of Christ's as a club to hit people over the head with, to promote our pet political or religious cause. But I feel that
it's important to study all of Christ's words in an attitude of reverence and awe, and to come up to a higher level
of spirituality, and then implement the underlying principles and concepts throughout society in an evolutionary, rather than
in a revolutionary way!
I find it helpful to contemplate Christ in a variety of settings. Theology should not be
imprisoned within a church or university, but needs to be reflected upon and implemented in even the most unlikely environments.
Jesus was accused of being "a glutton and a wine drinker, a friend of publicans and sinners." He didn't spend
all day in the synagogue! These diverse environments may include the boardroom, the racetrack, the laboratory, Washington
D.C. and Las Vegas (where one might be a friend of Republicans and Sinners)!
2:37 pm pdt
Monday, October 22, 2007
Think for YourselfWhat is the Gospel? Good News? Are the Teachings of Jesus good news, good advice, or both? Are the Teachings
of Jesus the Gospel? Do we need to read Paul to find out what the Gospel is? Does the Great Commission refer to the Teachings
of Jesus? The writings of Paul? Or both?
I am going to keep attempting to get visitors to this site to study for
themselves rather than tell them what to think. I tend to be rather suspicious, especially of myself! So, use this site to
start your thinking process, not to end it. This subject is too important for spoon feeding! But it can be frustrating and exhausting!
And don't forget to pray!!!
10:40 pm pdt
Sunday, October 21, 2007
The Great CommissionToday I wish to focus on the 'Great Commission' in Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them
to observe all things whatever I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
What did Jesus tell His followers to teach all nations? "To observe all things whatever I have commanded
you."
Was Jesus a Red Letter Christian?? Indeed! He was the first! He was, and is, the CEO! Have His 'followers'
followed His clear instructions? In most cases no! Why is this? Does this constitute insubordination? There may be some surprises
in the hereafter! More importantly, what are we going to do to correct this failure to carry out a direct order by our
Commanding Officer???
4:03 pm pdt
Saturday, October 20, 2007
All Scripture Centered in the Teachings of JesusThe words of Jesus are not isolated from the rest of scripture, but they are central to scripture. Each
and every Bible study and sermon should be centered in the words of Jesus! It's not about excluding the rest of the Bible,
but rather about understanding the whole Bible by placing the teachings of Jesus front and center, where they belong!
An ideal method of study is to take your favorite red letter, cross referenced version of the Bible, and read
the red lettered portions, in context, and read all cross referenced texts in their contexts! Let the Bible be its own interpreter,
with the Holy Spirit as your guide! But first, get plenty of exercise in nature, plenty of rest, and plenty of prayer!
Lastly, integrate all of the above into everything! This isn't easy, and it's not for wimps! The texts are
ancient and we live in a modern world which is becoming more complex, perplexing and dangerous by the millisecond! But if
the principles and concepts of the Teachings of Jesus are not integrated into our modern world, we face negative consequences
of truly Biblical proportions...
4:11 pm pdt
Friday, October 19, 2007
Red Letter PhobiaThe term "Red Letter Christian" seems to cause many Christians to bristle! Why is this? Is it
the manner of presentation by Red Letter Christians such as Tony Campolo? Perhaps. Tony is a very aggressive speaker
and writer! But I think the Teachings of Jesus make us very uncomfortable when we are doing something wrong or are corrupt!
Sometimes things have to seemingly get worse in order to get better. When one kneels at the feet of Jesus and looks into His
face of love, one knows that they can do better (no matter how good or bad they are)! The experience may make us squirm, but
ultimately it makes us better people, and the world a better place!
1:43 pm pdt
Thursday, October 18, 2007
What did Jesus Say?The question "what would Jesus do?" is a popular one. It is a helpful ethical guide under the
guidance of the Holy Spirit. However, there is an even more important question, I believe, "what did Jesus say?"
Then it is up to us to do what Jesus said! It's almost too simple! Obviously real-life challenges are not so simple, but
the words of Jesus, illuminated by careful-prayerful study and the Holy Spirit, provide an ethical-spiritual home base where
we can formulate our positive responses to the challenges and perplexities of modern life!
9:43 pm pdt
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Teachings of Jesus are FundamentalWell hello fellow followers of Jesus! If my first few messages seem short and shallow, it's 'cause
I'm new to all this, and making it up as I go! The website is the result of my conviction that the words which are
printed in red letters in a red letter edition of the Bible are fundamental. This, I suppose, is a more refined fundamentalism
of sorts, but without all the negative baggage! It's late...more tomorrow!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Red Letter SermonsThe church's one foundation 'tis Jesus Christ her Lord! Are the teachings of Jesus first and foremost
in your church? If not, why not? Who's church is it, anyway? Are most, if not all, sermons preached from the words of
Christ? If not, why not?
9:35 pm pdt
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