Things Unseen

Chickens

2012-01-07T09:30:00.000-06:00

"Chickens have no myths, but man always knows or thinks he knows what is under the earth and above the earth and what is holding the earth up." - Walker Percy

This quotation was written back in the 70's. I find it somewhat ironic that it was written in an introduction to a manual for Louisiana State University's mental-health services. It illustrates the difference between human beings and animals of all other kinds. It is our ability, desire, some might even say curse to understand ourselves and the world around us that makes us unlike the animals.

It also explains why each of us live a life that is somehow unfulfilled unless we live a life that is examined. And the only one capable and qualified to examine one's life is oneself.

Be good to yourself,

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Om

2012-01-05T08:18:00.001-06:00

"Om" is a mantra often suggested by teachers of Eastern religions. Just sit cross-legged, meditate on as little content as possible and say "Om". The objective is to be one with "Brahman" for the Indian influenced portion of the world and "nothing" for the remainder of Asia.

Westerners like us don't find either "Brahman" or "nothing" very appealing ... for the most part. The only real attraction to these religions is the lack of boundaries and rules. When the God you are drawn to includes a code of conduct many people look for another god.

You may not notice too many of the people you know being drawn to Eastern religions. But you probably will notice a few showing interest in ideas that are expressed in conversations, books or authors suggested by Oprah Winfrey. Or maybe they are just watching the dramas, "reality shows" or situation comedies which push the boundaries and code of conduct suggested by God out into a modern, free, boundless lifestyle suggested by ... "nothing".

May I suggest a possibility. "nothing" may be something. He may be Satan.

So, what do we do about it? Start by educating yourself about the world views held by the people around you. Equip yourself to be more able to recognize the symptoms of a society drifting toward ... "nothing".

I have found one book which speaks more clearly than any other I've read to this real spiritual battlefield. It is a book, written by a Christian and used by many Universities for over 20 years to teach World Views and Comparative Religions. Check out The Universe Next Door: A Catalog of Worldviews. Your life will be blessed with a clarity of understanding which I think you will find you have been looking for, for quite some time.

Be good to yourself,

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...So Many Books...So Little Time

2011-11-18T08:28:00.005-06:00

Books are such a joy! I've been thinking lately about how books and friends lead me to other friends and books. The pleasure I find in reading good books is enhanced when I can share a new find with a friend who appreciates a particular author or genre. And, I appreciate new books and authors suggested by friends who think of me when they read, and pass them along.

Here is what I think is an interesting path. When Max Lucado began to be published I could not wait for his subsequent books: On the Anvil and No Wonder They Call Him the Savior were such treasures that I have given countless copies away over the years. But, soon after they were published I began this path which has been a thrill to travel. I grew up in the Church of Christ and tended to read authors who were also members of the Church of Christ. But back at the time I was reading these books I noticed that not only did Lucado quote from authors outside our tribe, so did several teachers and preachers I trusted. C.S. Lewis was one of the first I began to devour. Surprised by Joy was the first Lewis book for me, followed quickly by Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters. I can't begin to describe how these books blessed my life, as they have so many others. As you may have experienced yourself, I could not get enough Lewis. You can easily follow his other books on Amazon and suffice it to say, I've read more of them than not.

But, here is where my book path gets interesting. Lewis quoted others who led me off on delightful tangents: G.K. Chesterton, J.R.R. Tolkien, and George MacDonald were wonderful. Fyodor Dostoyevesky has been quoted by many of these mentioned and I know I will enjoy his books ... when I have the time. But along the way I have searched out modern day authors, too.

A few months ago I noticed The God Who Smokes on Alan Gable's blog. This is one of the few books I read and started over and read again, three times! And Timothy Stoner suggested another writer I'm still exploring, Peter Kreeft. Kreeft introduced me to Walker Percy.

Let me stick another little tangent in which will reward you if you were to choose to follow my path a bit ... Steve Hawley is the only published author I have known as a true and dear friend. He writes delightful devotionals daily on his blog. But you will not want to miss his book.

These books just keep getting better and better ... so little time!

And lest you get the idea that all I care to read is of a spiritual bent - The last book I finished was Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. The book was inspiring, but even more so when I learned how Hillenbrand fought through Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to write not only this book but also Seabiscuit.

Of course I love to browse in book stores, but I'm very selective in what I buy. Our bookshelves are all full so I need to give at least one book away each time I buy one. I picked up Naming the Elephant by James W. Sire a couple of years ago. When I saw the title I assumed that the book was about the phenomenon of the "Elephant in the room" ie. a subject which everyone knows better than to mention. I was wrong. This is a delightful, informative book comparing the various "Worldviews". Check it out for yourself. It will bless your life. Dr. Sire "wrote the book" on Worldviews. Check out The Universe Next Door: A Catalog of Worldviews. I heartily recommend both of these books.

Catherine Agee is a friend who shares her latest John Grisham book with me and I welcome these escapes. If he could only learn to end his books "happy" instead of trying to surprise us.

I hope you've enjoyed this little map of my reading. Whenever I can't decide what to read next I often go back to Alan's blog and let him suggest. I find his taste to be challenging and rewarding - sure reminds me of someone we both love dearly.

Be good to yourself.

My Eyes Are Dry...

2011-09-21T07:53:00.003-05:00

My Eyes Are Dry...

My eyes are dry, my faith is old
My heart is hard, my prayers are cold
And I know how I ought to be
Alive to You and dead to me.

Oh what can be done for an old heart like mine?
Soften it up with oil and wine
The oil is You, Your Spirit of love
Please wash me anew in the wine of Your Blood.

David Wright, Artist

2011-09-11T13:14:00.000-05:00

H. David Wright is a marvelously talented realist. Check out this example of his work and explore the other prints and information about him. His subject and his passion is history. He has indicated that his paintings and prints have a story to tell - and do they ever tell it well. He paints "heros". We stand on the shoulders of the heros who have gone before us and need to be grateful to them. We also need to know as much as we can about their mistakes and successes. It is pointless for us to repeat their mistakes. It is admirable to emulate their successes.

Be good to yourself

And Can It Be!? (Amazing Love) by Glad

2011-08-17T08:57:00.000-05:00

The video's not much - but the music, WOW!

Enjoy,

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Christian History Magazine

2011-07-30T21:25:00.004-05:00

Christian History Magazine is a tremendous resource for those interested in learning our history. Mistakes we do not know about are prone to be repeated. Check out this free resource, and consider subscribing and sending them a donation. Here is a link to Christian History Magazine.

God Bless,

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Pastor Joe Nelms

2011-07-25T17:31:00.003-05:00

Wonder if Wayne Miller could arrange to swap pulpits with this guy next Sunday?

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Letter from Birmingham Jail

2011-06-05T22:00:00.002-05:00

Please click on the title for this blog and read the letter composed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in August of 1963. It is a remarkable document. Dr. King wrote with such kindness and patience, yet still was able to defend his reasons for peaceful, non-violent demonstrations.

I was 15 in 1963 and did not have the character or maturity to understand the heroic and moral stance Dr. King and his followers were taking. I am ashamed to say, my sympathy was with Bull Conner's German Shepherd's and the Birmingham Policemen. Well, I am truly sorry now and have tremendous respect for all that Dr. King accomplished on behalf of his race. I think he was the greatest orator of the 20th century. Take the time to listen to his speeches and appreciate the articulate way he expressed their plight.

Now, we live in an age devoid of great oratory. Instead we circulate hateful and mean spirited e-mails which misrepresent and insult the other side of whatever political or social position we occupy. Please take the time to check out the clever and amusing e-mail you are tempted to forward before you send it. Carefully google the title with the word "hoax" and see if you can determine whether or not it is factual.

Let's return to a time when we can listen and understand the other person's point of view. We may not agree, but we will be better able to explain why. And who knows, we may find common ground.

Higher Ground

2011-05-19T00:07:00.002-05:00

I liked this YouTube video so much I decided to link it to the title of this blog. Thanks to Beverly Hull for posting it and Don for showing it on his facebook page.

Enjoy,

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Jonah

2010-12-09T21:57:00.002-06:00

Click on the title "Jonah" to download a fantastic lesson on the Relentless Love of God, starring that entertaining buffoon - the prophet Jonah. With best supporting actor going to the fish. Also starring a whole boatload of converted pagans and the entire population of Ninevah.

Randy Harris does marvelous things with this text and takes us to the heart of the message.

Be good to yourself.

Acts 15??

2010-12-09T21:22:00.005-06:00

Randy Harris does it again. Click on the title of this blog to download a terrific lesson on "Unity." Text is Acts 15:22-29. Drop it in your mp3 player or ipod and enjoy. My favorite line: "...praise God, the younger generation gets it ... their vote is for Unity..." But, please take the time to listen to Randy - you will not be disappointed.

Be good to yourself.

Included?

2010-11-16T22:28:00.007-06:00

(Click on the "Included?" title of this blog to listen to Randy Harris talk about this subject himself.)

Luke 15 is my favorite chapter in the Bible. I love the word picture Jesus paints of the Father who is willing, and even anxious to run to meet his returning prodigal son. I recently heard a lesson by Rick Atchley in which he speaks of the shame of the father hiking his robe up exposing his knees when he ran. That shame may seem insignificant to us today, but in Jesus time it was quite significant. He accepted and transferred the shame aimed at his son to himself. How like Jesus!

But, Randy Harris has pointed out that Jesus has another point to make in this chapter. Jesus could have stopped with the return of the prodigal. Then he would have had a triple play - the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son - same story told three times for emphasis. But he has another story for us to hear. He wants us to know about the older brother.

The opening lines of the chapter tell about the Pharisees who object to Jesus associating with sinners. As in the closing melody of an overture Jesus brings this chapter to an end by going back to his opening theme. The older brother does not have room for his penitent brother, like the Pharisees did not have room for the sinners.

Luke 15 is still my favorite. But, now I realize that taking satisfaction in the "God who runs" is not enough. I also have to find a way to join him in finding room for the sinners, the great unwashed, the "K-mart crowd," the Anawim. Because when I look honestly and carefully at this group, I see my own face among them.

May God open my eyes that I may see His precious Son when I see every man, every woman, every child. May he help me remember his unquenchable, never ending, awesome love that prompted him to send his one and only son to die for each one of them, and for me.

Be good to yourselves.

Gentle Whisper

2010-10-12T07:40:00.004-05:00

When God defeated the prophets of Baal through his prophet Elijah, Elijah must have been elated beyond all imagination. But, when Jezebel put out a contract on him he ran from one end of the country to the other. He went to a cave on Mt. Sinai. God met him there and asked him what was the matter. Here is his answer: "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."

The victory over Baal's prophets is forgotten. Elijah's focus is consumed by Jezebel's threat. He has run from one end of the country to the other to escape and to seek understanding. He is overwhelmed. God puts on quite a show for Elijah. He sends storms and earthquakes, followed by a gentle whisper. Then he asks him again to tell him what is the matter. Elijah's answer was the same as before. God does not explain to Elijah the significance or meaning of all that is happening. Instead he gives him a "to do" list which must have been routine for a prophet of God. He says in effect, "Ok, Elijah, remember who you are and get back to doing what you do. Rejoin me in my work."

If Elijah was overwhelmed, why should we be surprised when we are? If Elijah (and Job) did not get the explanation he was looking for, why should we expect to? God's message to us is the same as to Elijah: "Remember who you are (Om Segula - 'My treasured possession') and rejoin me in my work."

Be good to yourself.

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Finlandia

2010-09-18T20:07:00.004-05:00

Please, take a few moments to enjoy an incredible musical and spiritual experience. Hang around after the song is over to hear and read the uplifting message expressed. Then pass it on to someone you care about. I pray that your heart will be touched as mine was, by the words of both the song and the monologue.

Be good to yourself,

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Anawim

2010-09-14T07:03:00.002-05:00

Odd that a word that is used to describe the poorest of the poor has such richness at its core. You will be blessed if you take the time to explore this word. It labels all sorts of groups who have made it their mission to be a real blessing to those who need it most. They provide not only housing, food, clothing - but more importantly companionship, community and love.

And, when we manage to apply the word to ourselves we find that we are most useful to God when we recognize our own ineptitude and his Power.

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Om Segula

2010-09-03T09:04:00.007-05:00

I've been listening to Randy Harris again. (If you want to be blessed by listening to him yourself, just click on the title of this blog.) I'm quite sure brain cells are fried with each encounter. He was talking about Om Segula - said it was Hebrew for "God's chosen people." He made a wonderful application of this, so naturally I had to Google it. First, I HEARD him say "omsaygoola". Try googleing that. It took me about an hour to figure out how to spell it close enough to get the hits I was searching for. Best reference was Shemot 19:5. Well,since I'm no scholar it took another 30 minutes for me to learn that "Shemot" is Exodus. OK, Exodus 19:5. Turns out the NIV with "God's treasured possession" hits it on the head.

It is most amazing and incredible that God would choose me!! Praise God that through Jesus Christ his answer to me is always "YES!!"

AMEN, to the glory of God.

Randy taught this to one of his classes at Abilene and one of the ministerial students had the word tatooed on his arm. Yea, good one to have etched into your skin to remind you of who you really are.

Be good to yourself.

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Jason Bybee

2010-08-31T09:46:00.002-05:00

Jason Bybee grew up at the College Hills church in Lebanon. He served as our Youth Minister Intern/Youth Minister during a most challenging summer for our Youth Ministry. He more than equaled the challenge of stepping in for a penitent, but disgraced Youth Minister. I learned to deeply appreciate Jason then, especially because my son was one of the kids being ministered to.

Since then, he has faithfully served in Kingsport, TN and now at Mayfair in Huntsville, AL. I try not to miss any of his lessons on their web site and am always blessed by what I hear. Through listening for Jason I have also grown to love Gary Bradley. Mayfair has a unique situation with a seasoned and solid Gary Bradley taking the lead and building a most effective ministry team with a younger but equally solid Jason.

Grab this opportunity to hear what I am talking about. Click on Jason's name in the title of this blog and select lessons that will bless your life. May God continue to use His family at Mayfair to bless all who will come to Him.

By the way, for those of you who are appalled at the spiritual condition of our country do not miss Dr. Robert Delihar's lesson on "God and Country" - July 4, 2010.

Carlin

Adam Tune

2010-08-30T08:41:00.003-05:00

Do you enjoy being challenged to think? Click on the title of this blog to access the latest sermons by Adam. You can "right click" the title of a sermon and "save the link" listen to it later. Or, just "left click" on the title to listen now.

His lessons will make you think - based on the authority of scripture. His lessons will make you give serious consideration to the way you live, the things you do.

I hunger and thirst for these kinds of lessons. Join me, and enjoy the feast!

Simple Faith

2010-08-14T12:55:00.006-05:00

Randy Harris delivered this message in 2006. I download a lot of podcasts and have heard him give this same lesson numbers of time. It must be very important to him, he does not vary in its content or presentation. I don't think he knows how to improve on this, otherwise he would make some changes.

I really believe Randy is on to something. As an elder, like any religious leader, I sometimes have to be concerned with who is a member of our church and who is not. I don't know how to implement the criteria Randy suggests for opening our doors to all, but the simplicity of what he is suggesting has strong appeal. May God help us to find whatever it takes to be as open as Jesus. May He forgive us for every time we have stood in the way of people trying to get in.

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What's in YOUR Garden??

2010-06-08T22:56:00.003-05:00

Seeing all the gardens around made me think of my mother today. She was always looking for a way to teach me to work and was not afraid to show the way. When I was 7 or 8 she told me one spring day, "It's time we spaded up the garden."

We took our shovels and spaded up the garden. It took days to get the ground all broken up with our shovels, forks, hoes and rakes. This became one of our annual traditions for a few years. Then when I was about 12 a marvelous person came by for a visit. He was a elderly black man with a team of mules and a wagon with a plow. He offered to break up the ground in our garden plot for a small fee. (Where had this man and his mules been for 4 years??!)

His mules had marvelous feet, too. They must have been descended from Clydesdales.

Anyway, we no longer spaded up the garden. All we had to do was hoe, fork, rake, plant, water, weed, apply pest control (DDT in all likelihood) and pick. My mother was not done even with all that - she canned. ...and canned ... and canned.

Then in rural west Tennessee in the 50's and 60's we went to school for a month and then got out for 6 weeks of "Cotton Picking". Some kids got 6 additional weeks of vacation. Not me, my mother made me a cute little cotton sack when I was 6 and we picked cotton. She amused herself developing my cotton picking prowess until I could climb up on Doug Howell's bob truck and go to his fields when I was 12 or so. Doug would recruit his friends to help him harvest his crop and we actually enjoyed being together and picking his cotton. Thanks Doug.

And thank you Mother. Because of you I really would not know how to live without a job. You taught me that being able to work is a tremendous blessing. I wish you could work by my side again.

Be good to yourselves.

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The God Who Smokes

2010-05-18T20:59:00.004-05:00

I recently noticed The God Who Smokes on Alan Gable's web site. I was intrigued and ordered a copy. I'm not quite finished with it, but so far it is a fantastic read. Tonight I was reading chapter 11, "Dancing in the Dark" and thought at first, "This chapter is going to be a letdown - he already told this story." Wow, was I ever wrong. This book is getting better as I go.

Timothy Stoner wrote that Satan tried to discourage him from writing this book by whispering to him that he had nothing to say and no talent to say it. Well, Satan was lying and I am so thankful to Mr. Stoner for fighting him off.

There are some very interesting books out now by folks like Rob Bell, Brian Mclaren and Mark Driscoll. They have many disciples and it is easy to see the appeal. Stoner also acknowledges the appeal of postmodernism and Open Theism, but has written a compelling, balancing addition to the conversation. I hope he continues to fight off Satan and keeps writing.

Just do yourself a favor and read the book. It will bless your life.

Be good to yourselves,

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"Reaffirm the Ancient Story"

2009-12-28T13:47:00.002-06:00

Robert Bruce Williams was a college professor in New Jersey. He had a hobby and a talent for writing hymns during the late 20th century that sounded like they were written in the 18th or 19th. Mr. Williams wrote the following hymn and sent it to Dr. Jerry Rushford at Pepperdine University:

Come O Lord in Radiant Glory

Come O Lord in Radiant Glory
Let Your splendor shine anew
Reaffirm the ancient story
Still as fresh as morning dew

Lord of mercy
Lord of goodness
Lead us to a vision clear
Lead us to a vision clear

Bring accord of lasting vigor
To all people in this hour
Make our sons and daughters eager
For Your guiding light and power

Lord of mercy
Lord of goodness
Grant to us Your guiding light
Grant to us Your guiding light.

- Robert Bruce Williams

Sing to the tune of "CWM RHONDA" by John Hughes, 1873-1932 (see "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" by William Williams, 1717-1791)

Notice some words in the song for a moment.

"Reaffirm the Ancient Story still as fresh as morning dew." This is the most important thing we will ever do. Make sure the Ancient Story is clear in our own minds and help our children and their children catch a vision of it as fresh as morning dew.

"Make our sons and daughters eager for your guiding light and power." This is a prayer to God for him to accomplish. Only he can germinate the seed in the lives of our kids and grandkids to truly seek his Spirit.

My debt for this little article is to Dr. Jerry Rushford and to Robert Bruce Williams.

Be good to yourself.

THE Story

2009-12-26T05:22:00.003-06:00

My dear friend Dave Simpson and I have been asked to lead a Sunday School Class on "Christian Evidences." We welcome this opportunity, but Dave and I have only one syllabus. We have taught classes on "Who We Are and How We Got This Way," "How We Got the Bible" and on "Hymn Stories" in the last couple of years. But, really at the heart of these classes is THE Story. You see, we believe that God has a STORY for all mankind. He has revealed that tale in various ways through many mediums and people. But, if all of the myths and biases could be striped away a basic and essential true story would be revealed. That is the story we want to tell.

The first clear awareness of a kernel of this Story came to me on January 13, 1971. As I held a little 6 pound, 6 ounce bundle of JOY I knew I had something to tell her. That something had been passed down to me by all who had gone before me. And, the message was not just for her, but for her brother and their kids, and their kids, and ... (you get the picture). I realized a few years later when I read A Prayer for Owen Meany, teaching this Story is "The Play" Owen struggled to perfect. (Don't be concerned if you don't follow that, just read the book its worth the trip.)

The point is, our task in this life is to do our best to understand this amazing Story and pass it on to others. Of supreme importance is the awesome responsibility to pass it on to those little people God has given us.

Father God, we come to you once again with a gigantic task ahead of us. The job of digging out the facts is at once a joy and a overwhelming, never ending burden. It is only because we know that you want this story told that we begin again. Please, please guide us and keep us on task. Put your words in our mouths. Use this class for Your honor and glory. If you choose to send Him back and take us home before this class begins in March it will please us to no end. But, we cherish and appreciate Your patience to let all those who would be Yours accept You before that happens. Our prayer is through Him, and expressed to You in better words by Your Spirit.

What's in YOUR wallet?

2009-08-21T16:01:00.003-05:00

When my dad died in 1989 there was one photograph in his wallet. It was a picture of him in the uniform of a Army private in 1944 along with my mother and my older sister. The love a good father has for his firstborn child is not diminished by time, distance, or even rebellion. My sister made many bad choices from my parent's perspective. But my dad never, ever quit loving her.

She made one final bad choice after marrying for the upteenth time and appearing to have her life together. She took her own life at the age of 36. But my dad never, ever quit loving her.

When I was little I thought my dad was perfect. I remember asking my mother once, "Is Daddy God?" She was a little flummoxed by the audacity of such a question, even from a small fry, and pointed out a flaw or two as evidence that he was not Divine. But you know, no matter what choices we make, our Heavenly Father never stops loving us. Just like my dad.

Be good to yourselves.

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A Shot in the Arm

2009-08-12T07:49:00.003-05:00

If this doesn't light your fire your wood may be a little damp.

Holy Highway

There's a road called the holy highway that once was a desert land.
Very soon you'll hear the sound of a holy marching band and.
Everlasting joy upon them, there's a remnant strong and true.
We bring the song back to Zion; we bring the praise back to you.

Chorus:
We exalt You, God Almighty, You are worthy to be praised.
Let all nations bow before You, Holy Ancient of all days.

There's a road called the holy highway, where the people dance and shout.
For the enemy is running with confusion all about.
Raise our banners in the victory; raise them high His word is true.
We bring our song back to Zion, we bring the praise back to you.

Repeat Chorus:
We exalt You, God Almighty, You are worthy to be praised.
Let all nations bow before You, Holy Ancient of all days.

Tag:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.
Holy, holy holy is the Lord.
Halelujah, halelujah, halelujah.
We bring the song back to Zion
We bring the praise back to You.

There's a road called the holy highway that once was a desert land.
Very soon you'll hear the sound of a holy marching band and.
Everlasting joy upon them, there's a remnant strong and true.
We bring the song back to Zion; we bring the praise back to you.

Repeat Chorus:
We exalt You, God Almighty, You are worthy to be praised.
Let all nations bow before You, Holy Ancient of all days.

Introduction to Hebrews

2008-12-09T17:27:00.002-06:00

Introduction to Hebrews

Introduction

Who wrote Hebrews? God did – through His Spirit and through a most interesting human author. Intriguing mystery debated for centuries. Barnabus was first documented. Luke, Clement of Rome, Jude, Apollos, Philip, Silvanus, Aquila and Priscilla have all been suggested. Roman Catholic Church supported Paul as author from 400 to 1600. Why not Paul?

Images, theological motifs and terms not found elsewhere in Paul’s writings – concept of Jesus as Great High Priest for example.
169 Greek words used only in Hebrews and not in remainder of N.T.
OT quotations introduced differently than the way Paul does in all other writings: “It is written … “ versus “He says … “
2:3 – author depicts himself as having received the gospel from original witnesses commissioned by the Lord – not personally from Jesus.
Author not identified. Who then??? Clues given by the book::

Mystery author was a dynamic preacher, trained in OT, familiar with Jewish Synagogue and techniques of interpretation, rhetoric and sermon design.
Great skill and eloquence – able to weave major themes together to form a symphony of convincing argument.
Respectful demonstration of opening the OT up to additional revelation using the person of Jesus.
Exhibits the heart of a loving, but firm Christian leader.
A most humble servant. He wrote a masterpiece with the blessed cooperation of God’s Spirit – but refused to identify himself/herself. He clearly demonstrated that he knew it was not about him, but about Jesus.

Case for Apollos:

Acts 18:24-26

From Alexandria – Scholarly place to be from – Library – Septuagint etc.
Luke says, “a learned (eloquent) man”
Thorough grasp of the scripture.
Someone like Apollos wrote the book.

To who was Hebrews written, and why?

Another mystery – not clearly identified

Clues:

Readers must have been familiar with Jewish Synagogue worship and OT scriptures.
Some of them had already abandoned the church and gone back to Judaism.
Perhaps the church at Rome – 13:24 – Earliest documented use of Hebrews was in pastoral letter from Clement of Rome (First Clement). Christians in Rome experienced early persecution when Claudius expelled all Jews from Rome (50-60 AD) see – 5:11-6:3; 10:32-33; 12:4
Us.

What was the apparent purpose?

Battle apostasy
Prepare for more and worse persecution.
Challenge readers to mature.
Encourage readers to get along – agree – make leaders job easier.

When was Hebrews written?

Some say late in 1st century – (hard to believe such a masterpiece came early)
But temple worship described as still currently going on (prior to 70 AD)
I’m okay with the 60’s – don’t see much conflict between late or early 60’s AD.

How is Hebrews relevant to us today?

We need Hebrews to equip us for modern culture wars – slipping back into a minority status in our society and world.
Hebrews is a clear, systematic application of the difference Jesus story makes to God’s story revealed prior to his birth.
We are encouraged to focus on Jesus and draw near to God – not let petty differences separate us – encourage one another to remain faithful unto death. (3:1; 12:1,2; 4:14-16; 10:19-23; 3:13; 10:24-25)
Intentionally mature.

Some Themes in Hebrews:

Authority: “God has spoken…”

Revelation: “…through His Son.”

Jesus: Incarnate and Exalted

Jesus as Great High Priest

Jesus as adequate support in the face of opposition

Draw near to God

Encourage one another

Warning: Failure to accept the gift of God’s Son leaves one with no other hope.

Faithful life before marvelous, numerous witnesses

Focus: Following Jesus to the city whose builder and maker is God.

Read the book a few times and put the main idea of each chapter in your own words.

"22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel." Hebrews 12:22-24

Tara Cooks

2008-12-03T20:37:00.002-06:00

I'm no cook, but I do like to eat. Thought you might enjoy this new blog.

Love,

Pop

Hebrews

2008-10-31T16:34:00.002-05:00

Adam Tune and I are going to start teaching a Adult Sunday School class on Hebrews on the first sunday in December. We are getting ready by reading the book several times and reading commentaries. Adam's dad, Mike sent him an excellent study which he used in 2007, and it looks like this will be an excellent guide for us to use.

As I was reading today it occurred to me that Hebrews can be viewed as the Keystone book in all the Bible. The writer begins by reminding us of the various revelations from God since the beginning of time. God has been sharing His story with us in bits and pieces illustrated in the lives of people who were drawn to Him. But, 2000 years ago God stopped the shadowy efforts revealed in the Old Testament and revealed Himself in His SON!! The Hebrew writer goes on and on about how the SON is superior to Angels, OT priests, and prophets. He invites us to join the SON in a relationship which great saints such as Abraham, Moses and David could only catch a glimmer of.

Hebrews challenges us to change our view from a worrysome preoccupation with the visible world around us to a "city whose builder and maker is God." This is going to be fun!!

Pop

Just the black notes.

2008-08-22T20:19:00.001-05:00

This will blow you away!!

Love,

Pop

Enough is enough.

2008-06-23T21:41:00.001-05:00

William Broyles makes a lot of sense in this article.

2008-04-17T19:56:00.012-05:00

My sweet daughter tagged me for this meme: 7 random things about myself. Here goes:

1. I am married to the most loving and beautiful woman in the world.

2. My first child is the sweetest, smartest, young lady I know.

Shown here with the most godly son-in-law in the world.

3. My son is the most handsome, kind and thoughtful young man in the world.

...and he is married to the sweetest, kindest and smartest daughter-in-law in the world, shown here with her mother-in-law carrying my youngest grandson.

4. My granddaughters are the GRANDEST, most beautiful loving girls anywhere.

Shown here freezing on top of a mountain in the Joshua Tree National Park.

5. My Grandsons are the smartest, sweetest, kindest young men anywhere

Shown here with their sweet mom and dad.

6. I'd rather show off pictures of my kids and grandkids than eat.

7. But most of all I love having them all with me:

Never too old to laugh

2008-02-17T15:06:00.001-06:00

Okay my young friends, you will find this amusing. I'm turning 60 this month and don't understand why I already identify with these folks.

Be good to yourselves,

Pop

Lark News

2008-01-07T07:28:00.000-06:00

Check out this interesting source of Christian News. You will be so glad you found it, and so sorry you did not find it before; now.

Be good to yourself,

Pop

Risk

2008-01-03T07:59:00.000-06:00

What does Jesus' love compel us to do? Chris Gonzolez wrote this on Christmas day. It is the love of Jesus that prompts us to risk for His sake. God was willing to risk His only son, as a vulnerable infant, to be protected and nourished by the humans He created.

He wants us to be willing to risk. Too often, I'm just trying to survive with as little confrontation as possible. Chris says "To place oneself at risk for the sake of love is beautiful and crazy at the same time." God give me the courage and integrity to be crazy for You.

Harvest

2007-12-03T21:54:00.000-06:00

A few days ago I linked you to a blog by Donnie Hall. Since then, another friend Tara Beard put a link on her blog to mine. Well, she inspired me and you dear reader can be the beneficiary. I added a section in the sidebar listing my favorite blogs. Check them out and I think you will find at least one or two you will want to read every day.

Be good to yourself.

Pop

Gleaning

2007-11-26T08:12:00.000-06:00

Reading blogs is often more of a joy than trying to write them. My friend Donnie Hall has written a classic that deserves wide circulation. He calls it a Letter to Paden.

I call it a classic analogy. Read it for yourself and you will call this a blessed day.

Be good to yourself.

Pop

Psalm 23

2007-11-20T10:02:00.000-06:00

I get a thrill out of finding blogs of friends who I did not know were blogging. Here is such a blog. I knew Donnie as a brilliant programmer, talented musician and fine Christian. Now I find out he writes very interesting and inspiring blogs. I hope you enjoy them, too. He had a link on one of his blogs to that of one of his friends, Amy Grant, not that one another one. I don't know Amy but I'm sure she won't mind my putting the target of Donnie's link here. It is a paraphrase of Psalm 23 written from God's point of view:

Psalm 23

I am your shepherd. You will never have need of anything that I want for you. If you will trust Me, and really allow Me to be the shepherd of your life, I will give to you such great peace of mind that it will be like lying in the cool green grass of the springtime meadow.

And as you learn to deepen your love and trust, a quietness will come over your soul, like a serene, calm lake. It will be a time of great refreshment to your inner man, thus preparing you to do whatever tasks I set before you. And do not minimize any task that I give you to do, as it is for My honor and glory, not yours.

There will be times when, because of My great love for you, It will be necessary for Me to lead you into great darkness…darkness that will be so great that you will feel as though you are standing at the very edge of life, with death awaiting you below.

But always remember, I am still your shepherd. In the darkness you may not be able to see Me, but you have my eternal promise that I will never leave you or forsake you. If you will continue to trust Me, even after you have been through a time of darkness, I will again flood your heart with such peace that you could even sit down among your enemies.

Your joy will be so great that it will spill over into the lives of others. And as your reward, I will give to you all the really important things of life. When you have completed all that I have planned for you to do on earth, I want you to come up and live with Me forever and ever and ever.

Does bring tears to your eyes doesn't it.

Be good to yourself.

Relief?

2007-11-05T09:33:00.000-06:00

I share this experience with you dear reader, to save you the trouble of doing the same idiot things and suffering the consequences. As you will see, the ordeal itself allows me the time to compose this narrative for your edification. Lucky you.

The first dumb thing I did was decide I had walked by the new bathroom vanity too many times and should try to install it myself. Broken rule # 1 - always pay a pro to do it, you cannot afford the costs of doing it yourself.

Before I could install the new vanity I had to pry the old one off the cabinet onto which it was glued. I managed to loosen it enough to get the edge of a crowbar under it and was trying to loosen it more when the crowbar slipped and the vanity caught the end of my middle index finger between it and the cabinet. Broken rules # 2-4 - if you are going to insert a finger where it might get smashed, pick one on the left hand (lefty's can ignore this) - don't insert your finger into a place where it might get smashed (seems so simple now) - always pay a pro to do it, you cannot afford the costs of doing it yourself. (bears repeating)

I hastily removed my finger just milliseconds slower than I should have and proceeded to hop, dance, scream, bounce and cry my way from the back of the house to the kitchen. I was thinking of applying some cold water to the injured digit seeking relief. (Pausing To Dob Seeping Blood from fingernail to keep it off my keyboard. Future occurances of this action will be appreviated to PTDSB for brevity.) Cold water provided very little relief, as did extra strength tylonol, excedrin back and body tablets and a couple of Lortab left over from some encounter with a dentist. Application of a frozen cold pak has provided most of my relief over the last few days. Broken rule # 5 - Always keep a shot of morphine on hand for minor household accidents.

Since the end of my digit has produced excruciating pain to the touch (much less bump
) by the next day I decided to seek assistance. I visited the local medical supply store. The kind ladies who run this business don't get a lot of walk in trade and were delighted to have the opportunity to PTDSB render advice and assistance. They provided an aluminum splint which could be bent around my finger and secured with a ace bandage. The kind ladies also assisted me in shaping the splint and I left with a more protected, but still throbbing finger.

My kind friends at church the next day were glad to shake my left hand when they saw the apparatus I had on my right. In was not until evening services that I ran into a neighbor who suggested that I drill a hole in the fingernail to relieve the pressure. Broken rule # 6 - Do not under any circumstances solicit or receive advice from neighbors.

This morning I decided some relief was again in order, so I Googled "drill hole in fingernail". I quickly observed that I was not the first moron to have smashed a finger and sought advice in cyberspace. Several others were enthusiastic about drilling, poking and burning holes in fingernails and waxed on and on about the pleasure they derived from the trapped blood spurting toward heaven. Naturally, this seemed like a reasonable PTDSB idea to me. I chose the "heat a straightened paper clip over a burning candle and insert it in your fingernail" option.

About two hours ago I met with success and indeed there was some relief in seeing the blood flow, cleaning up the mess and being able to stop trying to burn a hole in my fingernail. However, as you may have guessed dear reader, I have not been able to move forward with my other plans for the day due to a little difficulty I have encountered in stoping the oozing of blood from the hole in my fingernail. None of the enthusiastic advocates for this remedy mentioned squat about how to keep blood off my clothes, furniture, keyboard or floor upon the PTDSB successful completion of this wildcat venture.

Alas, my good wife will come home from work in a few hours and may have an idea for me to try. Maybe she can help me find a needle for my morphine.

Be good to yourself.

Pop

God is talking - are you listening!!!???

2007-10-09T19:53:00.000-05:00

My son encouraged me to get myself an IPOD a couple of months ago and I have discovered podcasts. "Family Friendly Churches Have a Plan" is one of several speeches I downloaded from the Tulsa Soul Winning Workshop.

http://www.tulsaworkshop.org/podcast/blog/2006/11/family-friendly-churches-have-plan.html

So, what does that have to do with the subject above??

I'm not sure we can go to Heaven if we don't all listen to what John Alan Turner has to say!!! I really believe that this is something God wants us to consider. It is vital for the little ones under our care for us to change from a "system" which is contributing to 7 out of 10 children leaving the church by the time they are 21.

I have a friend who thinks he hears God audibly speaking to him. He and I have talked about this for years and our conversations are very interesting. He now assures me that he is reading his Bible and understands that God is not going to tell him something which contradicts it, so my input is not going unheard.

Well I think God is speaking to me through these podcasts. He still is not contradicting his Word, but he sure is bringing clarity to it. You too can subscribe to the ones I am most enjoying, and you don't have to purchase anything to listen to them. You can download ITunes and listen on your computer.

The speeches I have enjoyed most have come from the Tulsa workshop already mentioned:

http://www.tulsaisww.com/id5.html

and from Abilene Christian University

http://www.acu.edu/itunes/index.html

I am so busy these days it is unreal. But my job which is killing me, also causes me to have many many miles of windshield time when I can listen to these podcasts. I am blessed. You also will be blessed if you do.

You will not be disappointed by anything you listen to by Randy Harris, for example.

PLEASE, I am begging you all to take the time to check this out and listen, and enjoy.

Christian Unity

2007-09-22T21:31:00.000-05:00

Comparing Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17 to the reality of division among Christian denominations is really discouraging. For most of my Christian life I have struggled to understand why the answer to this prayer appears to be "No."

I know many will disagree, but I have concluded that there must be much more unity than appears to be the case. Much of the disagreement among Christians is over silly, insignificant things. (Is God showing us the absurdity of our fusses by flauting Sunnis and Shites in our daily headlines?)

Yet, gatherings such as Promise Keepers, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and almost any Christian Music concert demonstrate a remarkable level of agreement on the basic essentials of Christianity. Could it be that God regards the vast majority of our denominational differences as absurd and unimportant?

I have many friends who are members of different denominations. They are all sincere, serious students of the Bible who fully intend to obey it in every aspect of life.

Many may disagree with me, but I have concluded that we are divided into only two groups: People who choose to follow their own will, and people who follow the will of God.

You may say, "OK, but no one really follows the will of God" and in a way you would be right. The answer to this objection is one word: "Grace". If it were not for the merciful grace of God we would all be lost. But by God's grace, if we faithfully follow Him and trust Him to save us He will. We have no problem understanding that God's grace covers our moral mistakes. If this is true, is it not also true that His grace covers our doctrinal and theological misunderstandings as well? Is this the key to the reality that Jesus' prayer is answered to a much greater degree than we have ever dared to imagine?

I pray that the answer the these two questions is "Yes!"

Trust and obey Him.

Lord's Supper

2007-05-22T15:05:00.000-05:00

Father, I praise you once again for the privalege of participating in your supper. Thank you for reminding me today that the bread represents your Son's Body - and that now We are His Body on earth. And thank you for reminding me that I should no longer contemplate the separation of one of our members anymore than I contemplate the separation of my hand, or arm, or head.

Epiphany

2005-12-17T09:05:00.000-06:00

I recently helped teach a class on the history of our church. As usual, the teacher learns more than the students. The classes I have been in, and even taught myself on the subject have concentrated on our history in the USA. The Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ and the Christian Church share a common heritage. "Americans" like James O'Kelly, Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell are studied because they independently arrived at the conclusion that we should leave all "man made creeds" and follow the teachings of scripture alone in all things. Phrases like "Speak where the Bible Speaks, be silent where it is silent" became our "creed".

Because of this heritage, we have often considered unimportant the history that occurred before Campbell, Stone and O'Kelly. Since Scripture is our guide, why worry about the history between this enlightened notion and the days of Jesus?

Well this time I decided to concentrate more on the earlier history. I was intrigued by the Anabaptists, who believed like we do that following the command to be baptized was an important expression of the faith we hold. They believed this so fervently and sincerely that they were willing to die rather than deny that belief. At least 1,000 men and women died at the hands of both Catholic and Protestant authorities during the early days of the Reformation. How can we ignore such history? This caused me to wonder why physical persecution is not a part of our history in this country.

Well, duh!! One of the main reasons for the existance of this country is the desire of our early settlers to escape religious persecution, and believe whatever they believed without fear. I began to look at the roots of persecution and the sanction and cooperation of the state church kept coming to the forefront. Constantine is credited by history as the root of agreement between church and state. Another ingredient in the history is the practice of infant baptism on a grand scale. Innocent I made it mandatory in 400 AD. From that time until the Reformation any Christian nation under Catholic authority populated its church rolls with the help of cival law requiring that all children be "baptized" into the church before they could choose otherwise. The state even assisted in funding the church by taxing all citizens (since all were members from birth) the "tithe" which went into church treasuries. It was not only indulgences that funded the cathedrals, taxed tithes contributed as well.

During the early days of the Protestant Reformation this cooperation between church and state was not abandoned. Protestant churches became the state churches and continued to tax and police behavior through state authority. Hence, the Anabaptists were persecuted as much by Protestant authorities as by Catholic.

I discovered that O'Kelly, Stone and Campbell were not the first to imagine scripture alone being our authority. Many other voices called for the same idea during the period between Jesus and the Reformation, but they were quickly silenced by overwhelming church/state authority.

Church History has become more interesting to me, how about you? Think about it. Let's think about it together in my next blog. - May He continue to shower us with His love and grace... Pop

2005-06-15T07:42:00.000-05:00

Motivation to dig deeper.

Things Unseen

2005-05-15T15:43:00.000-05:00

Things Unseen

I have a huge family. It stretches back to Adam and Eve. I can't say I've made all the "links" yet, but I'm working hard to get it done. When I learn more about my family history, and meet another ancestor it tells me a little more about who I am. I even learn more about what I want for my kids and grand kids.

Let me tell you just a little about a recent acquaintance, Samuel Leffers. Mr. Leffers was a schoolmaster in Beaufort, NC and his life spanned 1736 to 1832. His daughter, Sarah married my Great-Great-Great Grandfather. Samuel wrote letters to his brother John who lived in Long Island, NY and someone had the foresight to save them. They have been transcribed and if you do a Google search on ("Samuel Leffers" letters) you can find them and read them for yourself.

He wrote these letters from 1800 to 1821, an interesting period of American History. I love reading them, finding confirmation of some of my family research. The things that happen to him are fascinating, with fevers, strokes and being struck by lightening among his experiences.

But let me give you a little quotation that illustrates my point. Samuel (we're on a first name basis now) had quite a bit of "stuff" to give and leave to his descendants. When the time came he wrote to his brother,

"I have made my will by which after bequesting a few particulars legacies I have ordered all the remainder of my estate to be equally divided among all my grandchildren who are living at the time of my decease for altho` their morals may not be in all respects equal yet I thought it best to act indiscriminately and leave their virtues and vices to be rewarded or punished by a more competent judge."

You see, in 2005 I still trust the same competent Judge to met out the mercy and love we all crave to me and mine. Samuel reaffirms who I am. How about you?

Be good to yourself. - Pop

Greedy Seniors

2005-03-24T21:14:00.000-06:00

Privatizing Social Security is a GREAT idea!! Our kids and grandkids have a chance to collect most of their own contributions with interest. Their heirs have a chance to benefit from accumulated moneys which would otherwise be taken by the US government under current regulations.

I don't pretend to understand the specifics of how the program should be designed. But consider this:

I have a Cancer Insurance policy which has paid benefits when my wife had skin cancer according to the contract. They also sent us a check for all premiums paid after 5 years, and will do the same every 5 years. They are making their profit on investing the premiums while they have them and are making this a win-win situation.

Why couldn't the same sort of thing be done with Social Security contributions? With a portion of the contributions invested in a variety of well run money market accounts and mutual funds there would be enough interest over the long term to fund benefits and return contributions with interest. Of course this is assuming laws could be passed to prohibit money in the Trust Fund being used for things other than paying benefits and returning contributions.

Fellow old people, let's restrain our greed long enough to give this idea careful consideration. Young folks, if you want this you better get behind it!

stories I don't want forgotten

2005-03-14T12:40:00.000-06:00

My mother died in 1991. I still miss her. When I think about her I often remember the stories she used to tell about her parents and brothers. Her stories reflected a time when she was a child herself. Here is one of my favorites:

Coony was a pet coon my mother and her brothers bottle fed. Coony's mother was killed in a successful coon hunt and my grandfather, "Papa," rescued him and brought him home. Coony quickly grew to a large, healthy size and embraced his adoption into the family, appearing to think of himself as another one of the kids. No one prevented him from roaming about the house and yard as he pleased. He played with my mother and her brothers and even followed them to the fields. Papa would let him follow him to the barn each morning to milk and trained him to stand on his back legs and drink milk squirted in his direction.

The trouble began when he got into my grandmother's (Mama) butter churn. She caught him one morning with the lid of the butter churn under one arm, helping himself to the cream. Mama chased him out of the kitchen with her broom promising, "If that coon gets in my cream again we'll have him for supper."

Papa and the kids kept Coony busy for several weeks, steering clear of Mama's kitchen. But as you might expect, this was not to last. One evening everyone was gathering around a beautifully prepared meal for supper. There were new potatoes, corn bread, white beans, fried okra, cooked carrots and tea cakes for dessert. In the center of the table was a scruptious looking meat dish with gravy all around. My mother said, "Papa, I didn't know you had killed a opossum." He said that he hadn't. One by one my mother, her brothers and finally Papa got up and left the inviting meal uneaten.

This simple story taught me some eternal truths: 1) Mama meant what she said. 2) Healthy, edible meat was too valuable to discard, even if it had recently been your pet coon. 3) Stay out of Mama's butter churn.

Be good to yourselves.

About me

2005-02-26T15:09:00.000-06:00

I am a seeker of God. I am also a Bible Class Teacher, an Elder in a 500+ member Church of Christ, a father of two adult Christian children, and a grandfather of the 4 most beautiful, cute intelligent, well-behaved grandchildren on God's earth. With a secondary description like that you would think that I had found Him. There is more about Him that I don't know than that I do. I know He is good, all the time. I know He loves me and mine. I know He forgives my many sins. But, I don't know why he keeps letting Satan hurt me. I don't know the end result He is shaping of my life.

I don't know if you will find the trip interesting or not, but you are welcome to ride along, and even nudge my direction from time to time. May God continue to show Himself to us each day and night... especially each night. - pop