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.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
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?
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?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
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
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
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