You may have to click on this. I wrote this 3 years ago, but it speaks to the man/woman issue.Sunday, December 21, 2008
Each needs the other. . . .
You may have to click on this. I wrote this 3 years ago, but it speaks to the man/woman issue.
Enough already!!
Righteous Ranting Warning. . .
Haven't churches done enough damage? I posted here a little bit ago about women in ministry. Sorry...I meant LEADERSHIP in ministry--not just being allowed to work in some smaller phase of the church. Women following their callings....whatever they may be! I found a great little denomination that is ALL for women planting and leading churches, but they have a little disclaimer.....yeah, the man is STILL THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE, because "scripture" says so. I have literally HAD it with ignorant, arrogant, "powers that be" who still cling to that "man is the head of woman" nonsense. These PTB insist that "head" means "boss" because they refuse to understand that nuances of the English language CANNOT be applied to the Greek! "Head' means just that....physical head or source, like that of a river. Had the scripture meant that men were to rule over women, the word "archon" would have been used. Kephale means, literally, head or source; Paul was teaching against the pagan thought that Eve or women somehow came first and man was beget from woman. And, don't even try the "wives submit to your husbands" stuff on me. For one thing the word "submit" is mistranslated; second, it was poked in there by misogynistic translators lusting after cultural control--it was added. Isn't there something in scripture about the dangers of adding to the Word? ;-)
Sadly, most of today's preachers are disabled spiritually by their lack of continuing education--and sometimes by their hard and egotistic hearts. I have many resources of PhD's in the Greek and ancient languages who have moved forward and discovered the true meanings and GREEK nuances of what was being told. I trust them implicitly; they are using newly discovered papers that are contemporary to Biblical times. Why do people not realize there is a LARGE percentage of un-translated words in the King James--that words were insinuated and tucked in there?
Having a pastor who does not keep up with new discoveries is like having a doctor who only practices what he or she was originally taught in medical school. That's dangerous, yes? And so it is with churches today. Untold damage, untold bondage, and defiance to God, disrespect of Jesus' death on the Cross and the torn curtain, and ignoring Jesus and Paul's utilization of women in ALL phases of ministry. Leading, anointing, blessing, evangelizing.
There is only Freedom in Christ! Ephesians tells us to attach to and support one another (NOT submit!). How much bigger is it to allow the gifts and supporting to flow like heavenly breathing among us? Have you ever noticed how, when no one is 'trying' to be the boss, or 'appointed' to be the boss, that a natural leader emerges? And, how, most of the people around that leader recognize them as a leader--and that it fluctuates according to ability? The only ones who do not accept these natural leaders, or battle that leadership, are the ones who are more interested in themselves...not the good outcome of the project.
I know men who tell me that their wives are the spiritual leaders of the home. I know women who tell me their husbands are. I know men and women who tell me their spouse is the financial whiz in the home. Women who are the "handyman" of the home because the husband is all thumbs with power tools. What is wrong with that?
Why put the pressure on one person in a marriage, when clearly God gave both dominion over the earth? That God pulled woman from the 'adam' (human) making each fully one sex when they were both sexes in the beginning? That God wanted an "ezer kenegdo" for the man, meaning ‘one who is the same as the other and who surrounds, protects, aids, helps, supports.’ Kenegdo means "suitable or parallel." Ezer means "help;" the very same word David uses to refer to God. Are we to assume that God was David's subordinate? Don't think so.
My point here is that church as we know is dying. The mega-churches are flourishing, though. Why do you think that might be? I submit (as in present :-}) that it's because of small groups...groups where women are finding a way to follow their giftings, to pastor, to serve, to love, the members of their groups--much like Nympha or Chloe--and I suspect most of their husbands are letting them--because they know in their hearts that it's godly to do what is needed by God.
Haven't churches done enough damage? I posted here a little bit ago about women in ministry. Sorry...I meant LEADERSHIP in ministry--not just being allowed to work in some smaller phase of the church. Women following their callings....whatever they may be! I found a great little denomination that is ALL for women planting and leading churches, but they have a little disclaimer.....yeah, the man is STILL THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE, because "scripture" says so. I have literally HAD it with ignorant, arrogant, "powers that be" who still cling to that "man is the head of woman" nonsense. These PTB insist that "head" means "boss" because they refuse to understand that nuances of the English language CANNOT be applied to the Greek! "Head' means just that....physical head or source, like that of a river. Had the scripture meant that men were to rule over women, the word "archon" would have been used. Kephale means, literally, head or source; Paul was teaching against the pagan thought that Eve or women somehow came first and man was beget from woman. And, don't even try the "wives submit to your husbands" stuff on me. For one thing the word "submit" is mistranslated; second, it was poked in there by misogynistic translators lusting after cultural control--it was added. Isn't there something in scripture about the dangers of adding to the Word? ;-)
Sadly, most of today's preachers are disabled spiritually by their lack of continuing education--and sometimes by their hard and egotistic hearts. I have many resources of PhD's in the Greek and ancient languages who have moved forward and discovered the true meanings and GREEK nuances of what was being told. I trust them implicitly; they are using newly discovered papers that are contemporary to Biblical times. Why do people not realize there is a LARGE percentage of un-translated words in the King James--that words were insinuated and tucked in there?
Having a pastor who does not keep up with new discoveries is like having a doctor who only practices what he or she was originally taught in medical school. That's dangerous, yes? And so it is with churches today. Untold damage, untold bondage, and defiance to God, disrespect of Jesus' death on the Cross and the torn curtain, and ignoring Jesus and Paul's utilization of women in ALL phases of ministry. Leading, anointing, blessing, evangelizing.
There is only Freedom in Christ! Ephesians tells us to attach to and support one another (NOT submit!). How much bigger is it to allow the gifts and supporting to flow like heavenly breathing among us? Have you ever noticed how, when no one is 'trying' to be the boss, or 'appointed' to be the boss, that a natural leader emerges? And, how, most of the people around that leader recognize them as a leader--and that it fluctuates according to ability? The only ones who do not accept these natural leaders, or battle that leadership, are the ones who are more interested in themselves...not the good outcome of the project.
I know men who tell me that their wives are the spiritual leaders of the home. I know women who tell me their husbands are. I know men and women who tell me their spouse is the financial whiz in the home. Women who are the "handyman" of the home because the husband is all thumbs with power tools. What is wrong with that?
Why put the pressure on one person in a marriage, when clearly God gave both dominion over the earth? That God pulled woman from the 'adam' (human) making each fully one sex when they were both sexes in the beginning? That God wanted an "ezer kenegdo" for the man, meaning ‘one who is the same as the other and who surrounds, protects, aids, helps, supports.’ Kenegdo means "suitable or parallel." Ezer means "help;" the very same word David uses to refer to God. Are we to assume that God was David's subordinate? Don't think so.
My point here is that church as we know is dying. The mega-churches are flourishing, though. Why do you think that might be? I submit (as in present :-}) that it's because of small groups...groups where women are finding a way to follow their giftings, to pastor, to serve, to love, the members of their groups--much like Nympha or Chloe--and I suspect most of their husbands are letting them--because they know in their hearts that it's godly to do what is needed by God.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Does it, really?
Okay, I'm going to try not to name names in this post. I'm going to (try) to take an 'aside' stance. Recently, on a buddy's blog, there was, shall we say, some disagreement that has come to a head....some that has been going on for some time now. My buddy isn't the instigator, just another part of an ongoing backlash.
Division, actually. Division between a whole bunch of folks who all love Jesus. They all believe in different things, according to the way they have interpreted scripture. The word "heretic" has been bandied about, so you KNOW I love to slip around in that mud puddle.
So, here is my question:
Does the Gospel really need defense?
Division, actually. Division between a whole bunch of folks who all love Jesus. They all believe in different things, according to the way they have interpreted scripture. The word "heretic" has been bandied about, so you KNOW I love to slip around in that mud puddle.
So, here is my question:
Does the Gospel really need defense?
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Mutuality Magazine
I have no idea how I got it, but a magazine came in the mail to me some time ago. It was Mutuality-the voice of Christians for Biblical Equality.
It was certainly a breath of fresh air.
There was an article by one of my favorite egalitarian Christians, Gilbert Bilezikian. He shoots the 'headship' thing right out of the ring. He points out the traditionally quoted passages in 1 Timothy that supposedly exclude women from ministries--also exclude single men, childless married men, men with one child, men with disobedient and disrespectful children. I guess that would clear out a lot of pastors, wouldn't it? www.godswordtowomen.org has a few articles by Bilezikian if you are interested. He is a charter member and elder at Willow Creek Community Church, a church that blossomed with the freedom of women in all phases of its ministries.
There was an interview by CBE (Christians for Biblical Equality) of Women's Advocate and SBC Pastor Wade Burleson, who is a champion for the just treatment of women in his denomination. He has a blog, and one of the posts that has been most read is about The Sheri Klouda saga .
There is an article by Dr. Jason Eden, (what a great name!) a history professor at Saint Cloud University. He says:
"My journey toward egalitarianism has been long and fruitful. The tools of a historian, properly employed, unlock clues regarding God's character differently than the tools of a linguist or theologian. In addition, although I recognize the important work of theologians and linguists, my journey shows that egalitarianism does not depend solely upon the linguistic analysis of specific passages. One need not have advanced theological or linguistic training to study the Bible and find evidence for the egalitarian position. Indeed, this is true even if we use translations of the Bible that reflect the biases of patriarchal scribes."
I've found this to be so very true.
Although I'm not in any "churches" now, (the ones with the walls around them) I mentioned to my dear friend Pat in my last post that I think "church" will become more like our Father intended it to be only when women are able to move fully in their spiritual gifts. As it is now, "church" is a mere shadow of what it could be. It will never flourish, never be "all that it can be" until all of His people are truly free.
It was certainly a breath of fresh air.
There was an article by one of my favorite egalitarian Christians, Gilbert Bilezikian. He shoots the 'headship' thing right out of the ring. He points out the traditionally quoted passages in 1 Timothy that supposedly exclude women from ministries--also exclude single men, childless married men, men with one child, men with disobedient and disrespectful children. I guess that would clear out a lot of pastors, wouldn't it? www.godswordtowomen.org has a few articles by Bilezikian if you are interested. He is a charter member and elder at Willow Creek Community Church, a church that blossomed with the freedom of women in all phases of its ministries.
There was an interview by CBE (Christians for Biblical Equality) of Women's Advocate and SBC Pastor Wade Burleson, who is a champion for the just treatment of women in his denomination. He has a blog, and one of the posts that has been most read is about The Sheri Klouda saga .
There is an article by Dr. Jason Eden, (what a great name!) a history professor at Saint Cloud University. He says:
"My journey toward egalitarianism has been long and fruitful. The tools of a historian, properly employed, unlock clues regarding God's character differently than the tools of a linguist or theologian. In addition, although I recognize the important work of theologians and linguists, my journey shows that egalitarianism does not depend solely upon the linguistic analysis of specific passages. One need not have advanced theological or linguistic training to study the Bible and find evidence for the egalitarian position. Indeed, this is true even if we use translations of the Bible that reflect the biases of patriarchal scribes."
I've found this to be so very true.
Although I'm not in any "churches" now, (the ones with the walls around them) I mentioned to my dear friend Pat in my last post that I think "church" will become more like our Father intended it to be only when women are able to move fully in their spiritual gifts. As it is now, "church" is a mere shadow of what it could be. It will never flourish, never be "all that it can be" until all of His people are truly free.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Rerun post from TSSO
I had trouble sleeping last night because I came across a webpage by an acquaintance. She persists in shunning women who are called to leadership--and has insulted me in my own home--even though she pushes her husband around--and builds the "case" on that one scripture (incorrectly translated) that tells wimmin' folk to shut up in church--while ignoring Junia, Nympha, Chloe, Priscilla, and Phoebe, among others.
My journey in Christianity has led me to some interesting places, and I'm at a point where the Bigness of God just makes my head spin. Church seems so very small right now, and I know some of you have great churches, I wish I could find one, or come with you. We visited a new one last week and my husband waited patiently while I calmed myself in the parking lot; all the frustrations coming back. It was friendly enough, but no women in leadership, so there you are. The communication card offered coffee, childcare, and parking as places to serve. There was no place to check ministering, or caring for people.
Not that we need to check a box for that. We're going back, though, and I'll have to suck it up because my husband doesn't have "church" every day with folks like you, like I do. I'll just have to Trust.
The bottom line is, I want the Really Good News out there.
Anyway, rather than rewrite, I thought I'd re-cycle, even though it's a little testy:
January/2007
My journey in Christianity has led me to some interesting places, and I'm at a point where the Bigness of God just makes my head spin. Church seems so very small right now, and I know some of you have great churches, I wish I could find one, or come with you. We visited a new one last week and my husband waited patiently while I calmed myself in the parking lot; all the frustrations coming back. It was friendly enough, but no women in leadership, so there you are. The communication card offered coffee, childcare, and parking as places to serve. There was no place to check ministering, or caring for people.
Not that we need to check a box for that. We're going back, though, and I'll have to suck it up because my husband doesn't have "church" every day with folks like you, like I do. I'll just have to Trust.
The bottom line is, I want the Really Good News out there.
Anyway, rather than rewrite, I thought I'd re-cycle, even though it's a little testy:
January/2007
I really don't have anything intellectual to say about this subject right now. It's all from my gut.You know how I feel about the subject of women in ministry....it just seems that the devil is throwing all these blogs, comments, and websites at me that espouse limits of the calling of women to pastor over a congregation. I'm not just talking about men here.First...I'm out of church, but women in ministry was never an issue with me personally. I was ordained as an elder...and the RCA considers that once an elder always an elder with them. Eldership means serving the Body. That's it, and that's the only way that I would allow myself to answer that call--in that manner. I always consider myself to be a servant. Kneeling before a congregation to be "ordained" meant that I made a public promise to do so.Second...it's unbelievable to me that in this day and age, with all the information available, that there are still Neanderthals among us who lie through their teeth when they say "women and men are equal. They just have different 'roles.'" The Q'uran says something similar. It says that women and men are equal, but men are 'more' equal than women.Hmmmm.Who of us has the right to say what anyone's role is? If God calls you to minister, to serve, you GO! If someone tries to stop you, just who exactly are they working for?Third...the powers that be, the ones who are keeping their chosen Bible translations in your hands, and the information away that they DON'T want you to see, are the ones we should be keeping an eye on. They want to confuse you by saying that these new translations are gender inclusive. That's a lie. The truth is they are gender ACCURATE. There's a huge difference. Be proactive....go to the interlinears and some websites (I'll help ya) and see how many words have been inserted that were never there. Do a little Google sleuthing. Don't be spoon-fed.Fourth...Jesus had no trouble using women in ministry, why should anyone else? When Paul's words are really looked at, he had no trouble with women either. I used to think so, but not anymore. And quit throwing those horrible translations of the "women" scriptures at me. And stop with the rules that aren't even in scripture! Only priests can anoint? Jesus had no problem being anointed by a woman before his death! He chastised her criticizers. What would he say to you?What can I say? That's where I am. If you don't think women should pastor over a church, don't go to that church.There's a battle out there, and this is the time that God is calling His daughters to rise up and take up the sword with His sons against the enemy! The Truth is here. I can't imagine any real soldier who is intent on fighting and winning a battle that would refuse help from another warrior!There's work to be done. If you can't get over it...then get out of the way.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Some random questions
What is your favorite book in the Bible, and why?
What is your favorite book besides the Bible, that deals with faith, and why?
Have you ever heard the audible voice of God, (or maybe even an angel or two)?
Have you ever SEEN in life or dream, the face of God/Jesus?
(please don't quote me scripture about not seeing God's face, etc.)
Do you have a miracle story(ies) to tell?
I'm interested because of some of the last comments on my "Is this the God we serve" post. It's interesting how Christians believe in the supernatural events of the bible, but scoff at those things happening today--making, I believe, people keep those experiences to themselves.
Brian said:
"As I've gotten older and learned more about the context of how the Bible came to be, my view has changed from the "Word of God" to an inspired word from God- through men. And, given that I think God is still speaking, I take it seriously. But, I don't think the book was closed or ever will be. I have no doubt that Paul's words are inspired as are the words of authors we still have with us today."
Do you believe that things of biblical proportion have happened since the Bible was written, and are happening today?
What is your favorite book besides the Bible, that deals with faith, and why?
Have you ever heard the audible voice of God, (or maybe even an angel or two)?
Have you ever SEEN in life or dream, the face of God/Jesus?
(please don't quote me scripture about not seeing God's face, etc.)
Do you have a miracle story(ies) to tell?
I'm interested because of some of the last comments on my "Is this the God we serve" post. It's interesting how Christians believe in the supernatural events of the bible, but scoff at those things happening today--making, I believe, people keep those experiences to themselves.
Brian said:
"As I've gotten older and learned more about the context of how the Bible came to be, my view has changed from the "Word of God" to an inspired word from God- through men. And, given that I think God is still speaking, I take it seriously. But, I don't think the book was closed or ever will be. I have no doubt that Paul's words are inspired as are the words of authors we still have with us today."
Do you believe that things of biblical proportion have happened since the Bible was written, and are happening today?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
My yard, and God's. . .
This summer I've started digging into the yard. Since the removal of huge trees in the back, the sun has been stimulating the growth of many, many things, especially those things we call weeds.
Not wanting to use lots of pesticides, I've been crawling around on my hands and knees pulling. I purchased some natural vinegar stuff from the garden center, but it really doesn't work well. I have a bunch of weeds out there. Since I can't be in the sun, I am an evening and morning gardener.
I was pulling and thinking: God...why'd you make these? I want a pretty yard. I'm not a Nazi about it or anything. I don't mind the occasional weed or two since I'm primarily organic. But, these things are prolific. They aren't pretty, they are intrusive, and they interfere with the "peace" of the garden.
They are the "sinners" of my yard. The imperfect things that I wish weren't around. They misbehave, and they just won't quit. They are defiant. And, yet, what I call weeds were put there by the Creator. In fact, there are more "weeds" out in the world than there are pretty, perfect, well-behaved flowers and plants. What is their purpose?
I can pull, pluck, poison, or pray, and they'll still be there. And, He lets them be there! He created them--these stubborn, ugly, belligerent things.
Why?
Just some thoughts as I'm wiping the sweat droplets from my nose.
Not wanting to use lots of pesticides, I've been crawling around on my hands and knees pulling. I purchased some natural vinegar stuff from the garden center, but it really doesn't work well. I have a bunch of weeds out there. Since I can't be in the sun, I am an evening and morning gardener.
I was pulling and thinking: God...why'd you make these? I want a pretty yard. I'm not a Nazi about it or anything. I don't mind the occasional weed or two since I'm primarily organic. But, these things are prolific. They aren't pretty, they are intrusive, and they interfere with the "peace" of the garden.
They are the "sinners" of my yard. The imperfect things that I wish weren't around. They misbehave, and they just won't quit. They are defiant. And, yet, what I call weeds were put there by the Creator. In fact, there are more "weeds" out in the world than there are pretty, perfect, well-behaved flowers and plants. What is their purpose?
I can pull, pluck, poison, or pray, and they'll still be there. And, He lets them be there! He created them--these stubborn, ugly, belligerent things.
Why?
Just some thoughts as I'm wiping the sweat droplets from my nose.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Is this the God we serve?
So, you're on a journey somewhere, you and a friend. You are the natural leader for some reason, and you know that you have an "in" to your destination. You know you're heading in the right direction, because it's the only way. You come across a fellow sitting by the side of the road. "Hello!" you say, and he replies, "Hey." You inquire as to where he is going. He says he's going to the same place as you are, but you know different. He's a good person and all, he has done well in life for others, he has given generously to the poor, but he doesn't know what YOU know. You know that he is in for disappointment, because he's not going to make it to your destination. He doesn't have what he needs.
You and your friend, who always has a kind and optimistic word for people, continue on. Soon comes, in the opposite direction, some wicked and scary looking people struggling with a beaten and bloodied man. They are dragging him to somewhere off the trail, into the woods. You and your friend stop. You know that fellow. One of the wicked people stops and stares you down. Your friend says he knows where they are headed. You nod knowingly. They drag him off. It's not hard because you've done nothing to help that poor man.
So, to sum up, you're the leader here. Your friend is kind, but follows you faithfully. You have determined that the fellow sitting by the road, although he is a very good man, doesn't get to go where you are privileged to go. Then, there's that poor fellow, being assaulted and drug off. You, a leader, stand there, intimidated by a wicked person, and do nothing in the face of evil.
Who are you? You're the Christian in a film called Pilgrims Progress: Journey to Heaven. I caught this clip as a John Hagee show flashed by me this morning.
You're the Christian.
Your friend is "Hopeful."
The fellow sitting in the road...although he is good and kind, is "Ignorance."
The poor fellow (whom you didn't even try to help) is "Little Faith."
The wicked people (who apparently have the power to intimidate YOU) are dragging him off on a "shortcut to hell."
I don't know the whole story. I don't want to. I don't want to be that Christian. Do you? Many will say that it's just the way it is. God has a plan, and it's His creation and His rules. He is a God of mercy, but, well, some folks are just going to hell. That's it. Well, call me Ignorance, call me Little Faith. That's okay. I know that I would have made an attempt at some righteous ass-whoopin' with those evil dudes...and I know that with the power and might of MY GOOD GOD, we would have persevered and won....not mosied on up the hill so WE could get to heaven.
Does your God want you to be part of an elite group? Does He want you to turn your back on your fellow humans, your brothers and sisters, because you are one of His chosen? Can you really, truthfully, in your heart turn your back on others...those who don't know the "Good News" when they won't listen, and then you'll be content and joyful that you will make it to the "Celestial City" while they fry in some man-translated fiery pit to suffer for eternity?
If that's God (and I know it's not my loving God) and I'm supposed to be satisfied that I'm okay, and others are not. . .I'd rather fry in hell than serve a God who demands my love. . .or else.
I'm a better parent on earth than that.
So are you.
How much bigger, better, and loving is He?
You and your friend, who always has a kind and optimistic word for people, continue on. Soon comes, in the opposite direction, some wicked and scary looking people struggling with a beaten and bloodied man. They are dragging him to somewhere off the trail, into the woods. You and your friend stop. You know that fellow. One of the wicked people stops and stares you down. Your friend says he knows where they are headed. You nod knowingly. They drag him off. It's not hard because you've done nothing to help that poor man.
So, to sum up, you're the leader here. Your friend is kind, but follows you faithfully. You have determined that the fellow sitting by the road, although he is a very good man, doesn't get to go where you are privileged to go. Then, there's that poor fellow, being assaulted and drug off. You, a leader, stand there, intimidated by a wicked person, and do nothing in the face of evil.
Who are you? You're the Christian in a film called Pilgrims Progress: Journey to Heaven. I caught this clip as a John Hagee show flashed by me this morning.
You're the Christian.
Your friend is "Hopeful."
The fellow sitting in the road...although he is good and kind, is "Ignorance."
The poor fellow (whom you didn't even try to help) is "Little Faith."
The wicked people (who apparently have the power to intimidate YOU) are dragging him off on a "shortcut to hell."
I don't know the whole story. I don't want to. I don't want to be that Christian. Do you? Many will say that it's just the way it is. God has a plan, and it's His creation and His rules. He is a God of mercy, but, well, some folks are just going to hell. That's it. Well, call me Ignorance, call me Little Faith. That's okay. I know that I would have made an attempt at some righteous ass-whoopin' with those evil dudes...and I know that with the power and might of MY GOOD GOD, we would have persevered and won....not mosied on up the hill so WE could get to heaven.
Does your God want you to be part of an elite group? Does He want you to turn your back on your fellow humans, your brothers and sisters, because you are one of His chosen? Can you really, truthfully, in your heart turn your back on others...those who don't know the "Good News" when they won't listen, and then you'll be content and joyful that you will make it to the "Celestial City" while they fry in some man-translated fiery pit to suffer for eternity?
If that's God (and I know it's not my loving God) and I'm supposed to be satisfied that I'm okay, and others are not. . .I'd rather fry in hell than serve a God who demands my love. . .or else.
I'm a better parent on earth than that.
So are you.
How much bigger, better, and loving is He?
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Islam's demands
Whoa
In direct contrast to the post previous. What do you think of this? Warning: some off-color language.
In direct contrast to the post previous. What do you think of this? Warning: some off-color language.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
On spirituality all the time. . .
Let's face it. . .Christmas, Easter, and most of our Christian holidays were plunked into pagan holidays to "sell" them and foster Christianity. Now we have Lent, which is not a Biblical concept, rather it's a pagan-rooted ritual that couldn't decide if it should be practiced for 40 hours or 40 days. Jesus never practiced Lent, nor did He command His disciples to do so themselves...or to take that to the Nations.
I think, though, we were supposed to keep Passover.
We don't.
I understand the idea: Give up something, think about what we do, become better people (after all, it's all about US isn't it?) It is what it is. . .but I guess I've just never followed along without asking a question or two...and, of course, I always get my hand smacked. Whatever. Still asking.
.
So, I asked the Lord..."Lord, what do you think about this Lent thing?" I can't say that a bolt of lightning came down and illuminated my very being, but I'm pretty sure that He gave me John 13:1-17 as a base thought.
I can hear Him saying,
"Giving up chocolate, cursing, coffee, meat, for 40 days means nothing to Me. Here is what I'd like you all to try to give up forever:
Grudges
Hatred
Bigotry
Gossiping
Anger
Killing--physically, emotionally, or spiritually
Jealousy
Envy
Materialism
Selfishness. . .
replace all of these with love, instead.
....Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
I think, though, we were supposed to keep Passover.
We don't.
I understand the idea: Give up something, think about what we do, become better people (after all, it's all about US isn't it?) It is what it is. . .but I guess I've just never followed along without asking a question or two...and, of course, I always get my hand smacked. Whatever. Still asking.
.
So, I asked the Lord..."Lord, what do you think about this Lent thing?" I can't say that a bolt of lightning came down and illuminated my very being, but I'm pretty sure that He gave me John 13:1-17 as a base thought.
I can hear Him saying,
"Giving up chocolate, cursing, coffee, meat, for 40 days means nothing to Me. Here is what I'd like you all to try to give up forever:
Grudges
Hatred
Bigotry
Gossiping
Anger
Killing--physically, emotionally, or spiritually
Jealousy
Envy
Materialism
Selfishness. . .
replace all of these with love, instead.
....Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
John 13:17
Sunday, February 10, 2008
...journeys...
I've been contemplating, among many things...exactly what Jesus sent Mary (an "apostle" which means "sent one") out to tell the others after His resurrection...as to what their task was.
One of the gospels has a questionable ending, scholars say it was added--verses 9-19 of Mark 16. The verses are from another document dated to the first century, maybe the second half, missing from the oldest Greek manuscripts and others.
The ending in this gospel has the damning verse (16)--much different than the others. The others have the disciples going out with good news--not the "follow Him or fry" stuff. Read 'em again.
And atheists will tell you that because this gospel is the oldest and it simply ends with an empty tomb, that the actual resurrected Jesus was never seen.
One of the gospels has a questionable ending, scholars say it was added--verses 9-19 of Mark 16. The verses are from another document dated to the first century, maybe the second half, missing from the oldest Greek manuscripts and others.
The ending in this gospel has the damning verse (16)--much different than the others. The others have the disciples going out with good news--not the "follow Him or fry" stuff. Read 'em again.
And atheists will tell you that because this gospel is the oldest and it simply ends with an empty tomb, that the actual resurrected Jesus was never seen.
What do you think?
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