Why Not Question: Should there be different religions?

Ask anyone today what they believe and inevitably the response given is: "I'm a Catholic. I'm a Baptist. I'm a Charismatic. Or, I attend such and such church."

Interesting enough, this same division among the Christians surfaced in Paul's time. In I Corinthians 3:4-7 JKV - 'For while one sayeth, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollous; are ye not carnal?' (fleshly) Ouch! Right off the bat he tells the believers they're wrong to divide themselves this way.

'Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but the ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man.' Meaning, we're just the messengers.

'I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.'
'So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.'

Again, the messengers are nothing. It's all God. Also, notice how Paul twice says it's God who gives the increase. Anytime the Bible says something twice, it means Pay attention! This is important!

Now, let's got to Acts 2, where it talks about the beginning of Christianity.
Notice some interesting things here.

vs 44 'And all that believed were together, and had all things common;'
Okay, there were not disagreements on what they should believe.

45 'And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, as every man had need'

They made sure no one in their church with needs was ignored. They didn't set up special ministries, as is done today, they sold their own stuff and cared for each other.

46 'And they, continuing daily with one accord (like minded), in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house,(they ate together) did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.'(happy and united)

Do the Baptists agree with the Catholics? Do the Catholics agree with the Charismatics? And so forth - notice the huge difference here.

47 'Praising God, and having favour with all the people, And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.'

Notice something very important here. Christians had favor with ALL men - meaning the Romans, Jews, and everyone else. Not like today when Christian is dirty word due to intolerance, being unforgiving, thinking the government should concede to religious demands, very visual leaders who get greedy, fall and make God look bad, and in general, a very unloving, self righteous people - who in NO WAY reflect the love of God. No wonder people run from Christianity with such poor examples.

And notice the last - isn't this also what Paul said?

God, not the people, added to the church. Note here it says - daily - not every once in while as it is today.

End conclusion, labels of Chatholic, Baptist, charismatic, need to vanish and be replaced by, "I'm a Christian. I believe in God. Jesus Christ saved me."

Also the 'church' needs to return to the basics as shown in Acts, show God's love, and maybe then, there can be a revival such as has not been seen since those first days.

Why Not Question: Wiseman and the Star at Christ's birth : Tradition or fact?

There are several things good things about the movie 'The Nativity Story'. One of them is the giving the 'western mind' a better understanding from a cultural standpoint, why Mary's life was in danger because she was pregnant BEFORE she and Joseph were married. Also her visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Something usually left out from pageants and other films.

What is not to like about the film, is the continued support of a couple of traditions that have no historical or Biblical fact.

What are those?

First off, the big bright star in the sky. Experts agree this is not what happened.

In 'The Witness of the Stars' by E.W. Bullinger and the 'The Star' a special presented during the Christmas season on TBN, it is put forth and supported by 'turning back the astronomical sky', that a series of planetary/constellation conjunctions occurred. Something the Magi, who were both astronomers and astrologers would have noticed. They knew, because Daniel and others had been captives in their land and had been told the stories, which must have been passed down, about the coming Christ child God promised to send.

When the Magi reached Herod's palace, the ruler had to have the religious leaders do research to find out what his visitors were talking about. A huge bright star in the sky would have been very easy to spot and no doubt Herod would have acted then and there knowing something was up. The man was clueless.

There's more here historically, but watching 'The Star' will explain several things that will not be covered in the this blog.

Second, the wise men were not at the stable during Christ's birth nor were there just three of them.

The tradition of three no doubt comes from the three gifts given Jesus. The Bible says Magi but does not give any indication on how many there actually were.

The Bible also says the Magi visited Mary and Joseph in a house - not a stable. Therefore, their visit happened sometime after the birth of Christ, and given Herod ordered the killing of all male babies two and under, their visit occurred within one to two years after Jesus' birth.

Though the pretty picture at the end of the film follows TRADITON - Mary and Joseph at the stable, Jesus in the manager, the shepherds, the animals, the wisemen, and the big bright star - it is not all accurate according to Biblical, historical or astronomical records.

Why Not Question : Why study God's word?

In all the tools and questions being asked, the 'reason' for all this has not been explained from a Biblical perspective.

2 Timothy 2:15 JKV 'Study (to use diligence, make speed)to shew (to set or place near)thyself approved(tested, tried)unto God, a workman (toiler, worker, teacher, labourer)that needth not be ashamed (irreprehensible (meaning implied)), rightly dividing (to cut straight or right) the word (speech, manner, reason, question, intent, of doctrine) of truth (not concealing).'

Basically translated, Read your Bible, do word studies and anything else you need to do to understand God's word, ask questions,and find out yourself what it means. Question the intent of your teacher or pastor, even the writer of this blog, and find the truth under the tradition and myths that have entered Christianity.

Why Not Question : Abortion. Is it really murder?

One of the most ignored verses in the Bible deals with the death of an unborn child. There is no doubt that pro lifers quote many others, including one in Psalms by King David and how God knew him in his mother's womb.

However, in Exodus 21:22-23(KJV) another picture is painted under Old Testament Law.

If men strive (quarrel, fight) and hurt (hit) a woman with child, so that her fruit (child) depart (to go out) from her, and yet no mischief (injury) follow: he shall be surely punished (to be avenged), according as the woman's husband will lay (to set) upon him; and he shall pay(to give) as the judges determine.

And if any mischief (injury) follow, then thou shalt give life (breath) for life (breath).

Now, everyone agrees the penalty for murder in those days was death by stoning. Yet note something interesting here. It says 'if her fruit depart from her' meaning, the baby dies, then the offender(s) pays a price as the husband and the judges decide. But if the woman herself dies from whatever injury she incurs, then the offenders are killed themselves. They are not killed for the death of the unborn child, therefore, under Old Testament Law, it was not murder.

Why Not Question : Garlands

Several years ago a very popular Celtic singer had a hit song where it spoke of placing garlands. Oddly enough, this custom is also mentioned in the Bible in Acts 14:13.

Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. (KJV)

According to 'Manners and Customer of the Bible' by James M. Freeman, it was normal for the cities to build temples to the various God in the suburbs of the cities. The unfortunates who were sacrificed to the god were crowned with garlands of cypress, pine, leaves or flowers. Sometimes they were put on the alters or the priests themselves.

It is also interesting to note that during the Greek Olympics, which is the origins of our current ones, the winners were crowned with a garland of leaves or flowers.

The tradition of garlands is extended into today. Although not publicly used as they were in Paul's day in the city streets for sacrifices, they are used for pagan rituals and handfastings, local Renaissance Fairs, weddings using the theme of the latter often worn by the bride and even the wreaths of pine boughs hung at Christmas on doors or even over the fireplace.

Why Not Question: Was the 'fall' really all Eve's fault?

For centuries, religious leaders have blamed Eve for man's downfall. Their version is that she went to the tree alone, listened to the serpent and then took the fruit to her husband who ate it.

However, when one looks at Genesis 3:6 (KJV) a different story emerges.

'And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.'

Did you catch it?

The verse said 'gave also unto her husband with her'. Meaning, Adam was standing right there when the serpent tempted Eve - AND DID NOTHING TO STOP HER!

Adam knew the commandment of God as well, yet when his wife reached for the fruit, ate it, then gave it to her husband and he ate it, it shows that by inaction and failure to remind woman of what God has said, Adam, too shares the blame for mankind's fall.

Why Not Question : Adoption

Romans: 8:15, 8:23, 9:4. Galations 4: 5, Ephesians 1:5.

Paul talks of adoption many times when speaking our relationship to God.
What exactly does this mean? The Greek word used means 'Placing as a Son'.

According to 'Manners and Customs of the Bible' by James M. Freeman,
Greeks and Romans who did not have a son were allowed to adopt one including a child of one of the their servants. The son then took the family name.

With the Romans, it could be a private or public adoption. Private was an arrangement between the parties concerned; the public was, 'Hey, so and thus is now my son'. The child now had the right to address his adoptive parent as 'Father'. Something he had no right to do as a servant. He was also free.

There is one more aspect to this and I don't actually have the reference but it has been confirmed by those who have attended seminary. Adoption also meant under Roman law, that while a biological child could be disinherited - an adopted child could not because they'd been chosen.

Now, when you put all these together in our relationship to God, you begin to see the parallels. Before accepting Christ we were like the servant, unable to call God 'Father' and with none of the rights of a son. After accepting Christ, we become the Sons of God with full freedom to cry 'Daddy' and inherit all God has in store for us.

We also know God will never push us away because we are 'His'. With a fuller understanding of the word adoption, we can also understand that once we're saved, we always will be. We can't 'lose' our salvation.

What a wonderful example Paul used and he used it because in his time, believers understood what he meant. Now, we do as well.

Why Not Question : Worship Dance

There is a disagreement between the conservative and charismatic about dancing in church. The conservatives think dance is inappropriate no matter what and the charismatic thinks it's okay to praise the Lord in this manner.

What does the Bible say about it?

I think most are familiar with the story about King David dancing before God. We all know David was a man after God's own heart. Was he wrong to dance before his Creator? (2 Samuel 6:14)

In Psalms 150:3-5, it says to praise God with musical instruments and with dance.

Psalms 149: 3 It says to praise his name in the dance and with again, with musical instruments.

Ecclesastes 3:4 Says there's a time to dance.

Exodus 15: 20 Miriam and the women danced as they were freed from captivity in Egypt.

Remember the parable Jesus told of the son who left, spent all his money and came home again? At the party to celebrate the lost son coming home was music and dancing.

If our Lord Jesus Christ himself thought dancing was appropriate to celebrate, and there are countless examples of dance to worship God in the Old Testament, which, according to Paul is for our learning...who is any religion to condemn worship dance?

Orientalisms - Ten pieces of silver

Luke 15:8-9.

A woman has ten pieces of silver. She loses one. She searches the house diligently until she finds it. When she does, she calls her friends and neighbors together to celebrate.

Now, this parable is often not taught correctly in Western churches. Why? Because of a lack of understanding of what this means in the Eastern World.

The ten pieces of silver are given to the bride as a purchase price. She is given other gifts of jewelry, but these hold the most significance. As far as money value, they're worth very little. Their symbolic meaning is what makes them priceless.

The bride wears them in hair on little hooks and guards them with her life. If she loses one it is a sign God no longer favors the house. They lose their blessings. If she fails to find it, she will be thrown into the streets to die.

No wonder she calls together her friends and neighbors and says, 'Guess what, I lost one piece of silver, but I found it again. I won't have to live on the streets and die. Let's party!'

Understanding the significance behind the ten pieces of silver brings an entire new light to the verse and why finding one piece of silver was so important. I wasn't because they were poor as is popularly taught - it was because if she didn't - she received a death sentence!

Reference: 'Light through an Eastern Window' by Bishop K.C. Pillai

Psalms 118 Cultural Aspect

Continuing with the same verse, let's examine the cultural aspects.

There are many examples in the Bible where being barren was considered a stigma. Who can forget Sara giving Abraham her maid servant so she could have children through another. (Sort of like surrogate moms today.) Or Jacob's wife Rachel doing the same when she couldn't have a baby.

From the Almanac of Bible Facts:
'Children were considered a gift from God (Ps 127), and a big family was a sign of God's special blessing. A childless family was perceived as having displeased God in some way, and 'barren' women were looked on with disfavor, even ridicule.

Among Children, boys were valued most. In a male-dominated culture,boys were needed to carry on the family name and continue the work of the land. Girls were necessary workers, but considered less important.'(P142)

As you can see, understanding the verse also comes from knowing something of the culture.

The part mentioned in a previous post about standing in the way of God's plan, came from a preacher during a sermon given. Unfortunatly, no references can be given as the information on who, when and where the original information came from has been lost.

Putting all that can be learned together gives a fuller meaning to the verse. A barren woman finally had the promise of having a household of her own and having children would be delighted at her change in status, particularly if she produced a male heir.

Why Not Question - Word Study Basics

Let's start with the basic tools needed for a word study. First, your Bible, a concordance and a Bible dictionary.

Here's our study verse:

Psalms 113:9

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to a joyful mother of children.

First up, the concordance. Let's start with the word barren. Now, there are several listings for the word so you have to find the one in the verse you're studying. In this case, it's the Hebrew word Agar. There's only one listing so you don't have the option of checking other verses where it's used.

Next, check the Bible dictionary meaning : Agar - barren, sterile, Further research shows agar means a prim. root. to harvest - gather.

Let's add some other words here.

Em mother, grandmother, stepmother / blood relatives further removed than one’s mother.

Bayith house or building; home, household; land. Fixed established structure made from some kind of material.signify room or wings of a house. Sanctuary or place to worship God. Refers to the place where something or someone dwells

orrests. Those who live in a house ie household.

Sameach blithe or gleeful / , glad, merry

Yashab A prim, root: prop to sit down; dwell, remain to settle to marry. Inhabit. Make to keep house. Lurking marry, bring again to. Place remain, return, seat

Ben son, descendant ; builder of the family name; grandson subject, nation,

When put altogether, you end up with a literal translation like this.

God causes the rooted sterile woman to dwell in a household and be a rejoicing dame or ancestress to a son.

Notice the difference it makes when understanding what the words actually mean and how it further explains the true intent of this verse.

Why Not Question - Word Studies

Contrary to popular belief, not every English word in the Bible translated from the Greek or Hebrew actually means the same thing. This is why Word Studies are an important. They take the student back to the root and allow them to discover the true meaning of the verse(s) they're reading.

Why is this important? Take the following verse from Psalms.

Psalms 113:9 (KJV)

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to a joyful mother of children.

Sounds rather straight forward doesn't it? However, when you work the words in the verse you discovery it's actually saying this -

Literal translation:

God causes the rooted sterile woman to dwell in a household and be a rejoicing dame or ancestress to a son.

Notice how much richer the verse is. 

The student also has to understand that in the Biblical culture a sterile woman was a negative stigma. It meant God hadn't blessed her. It also meant her lack of having a child stood in the way of God's planned redeemer. There is also the importance of the first born son since he normally inherited everything from his father. 

In the next blog we will go through, step by step, how the literal translation was reached. 

 

Why Not Question - Suggested Resouces

I use several reference books to study the Bible. Why? Because the English words used are not always accurate and differ greatly from the original Greek or Hebrew. Plus, our understanding of the Bible will deepen if we understand the customs of the day and have a background of history. The latter, I'll admit, I don't have as much of as I'd like. I'll throw in that as an English major, I'm quite adept at tearing passages apart to discover the deeper and truer meaning. I had many high school teachers and college professors who taught me how.

Below, is a list of books I own to help me discover the buried truths of the Bible. I haven't used all of them, but I do have them for reference. I don't suggest running out buying every one that I have. As a student, it is up to you to decide which books MIGHT prove to be useful or find others which may be more helpful to you.

The Books I have:

Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary
The New Strong's Complete Dictionary of Bible Words
Number in Scripture by E.W. Bullinger
A Dictionary of Bible Types by Walter L. Wilson
Nelson's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Bible Ed. By John Drake
Figures of Speech used in the Bible by E.W. Bullinger
Jesus Christ Our Promised Seed by V.P. Wierwille
The Witness of the Stars by E.W. Bullinger
(Special note here: There is a gentlemen who has a presentation on the same information in the last books. I've seen it on TBN. He also talks about the Star seen by the Magi and followed to see the Christ Child.)
Almanac of Bible Facts: People, Places and Events in the Bible
The Dead Sea Scrolls: A new translation, trans & commented on  by Michael Wise, Martin Abegg, Jr. & Edward Cook
Manners and Customs of the Bible by James M. Freeman
The Orientalisms of the Bible by Bishop K.C. Pillai
Light through an eastern window by Bishop K.C. Pillai
Strange Scriptures that perplex the Western Mind by Barbara M. Bowen
Mysteries & Intrigues of the Bible: Extraordinary Events and Fascinating People ed. by Jonathan A. Michaels

There information in these books is varied and by no means comprehensive. They were only my starting point.

Why Not Question - Introduction

Did you ever wonder why when someone approached Jesus they always asked a question? I didn't think about until I discovered this is the Jewish tradition. When they study God's word, they ask a question.

Hmmm. Interesting that this is not part of the Christian tradition. Instead, we go to church. Listen to the pastor and some, also read the Bible the own, generally, with the aid of some sort of study guide. Kind of uninteresting, huh?

Well, in this new series, I will aid the reader in putting new tools in your hands to make your time with God more interesting, and perhaps, at a later time, I will ask some of those 'hard' questions, and show you 'how' to use the tools to find the answers.

'Why Not Question' - Book Review : 'The Worker Prince' by Bryan Thomas Schmidt

To be released October 4th, 2011, 'The Worker Prince' by Bryan Thomas Schmidt, uses the story of Moses to tell the adventures of Davi Rhii, a child saved from the murder of infants on a slave planet and raised in the palace as a prince.

The plot takes both familiar and unfamiliar twists. Davi finds his birth mother and cousin by accident, when he saves Nila from a solider trying to rape he. He kills the officer and is hunted for murder. Yet, the young prince discovers there is a rebellion that has been planned by the workers and his military training becomes crucial to its success.

There are many faith elements, including the workers belief in one God and their captors belief in many, just like the ancient Egyptians. The back story tells of a previous uprising, quelled by the ruthless leader, who thinks of the slaves as non humans. Although he tried to teach this to Davi, he fails because his sister chose to raise her son with more empathy for others.

Although a bit rough in a few places, the novel is an excellent read and this blogger highly recommends it. It is the first of a trilogy and the development of this story and writer hold much promise. The pace is well done, carries the reader through to the satisfying climax and ending.

Will be coming from the editors of Digital Dragon.