Reading the Bible is important, but often we interpret what we read in the wrong way. When this happens we can not make an accurate defense of the Scriptures. Likewise, we can take verses out of context, or use them the way we see fit, imposing our own beliefs upon the scriptures, and not looking for the meaning of that passage. That is what the devil wants. If he can help it, no one will know the true meaning of the scripture. To prevent this, we go into hermeneutics: "the art of finding the meaning of an author's words and phrases." (Webster Dictionary)
One of the components of the above practice is going back to the original language(s) that the Bible was written in. Once we go back to that language (Hebrew or Aramaic for Old Testament, Greek for New Testament) we can find out how each word could be translated.
Example: John 21:15
"When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?'
"Yes, Lord," he said, 'you know that I love you.'
Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.'"
The love that Jesus talked about and the love that Simon Peter talked about came from different Greek words, they were not talking about the same love!
Example #2: Ezekiel 26:6 KJV vs. NIV
"Also her daughter villages which are in the fields shall be slain by the sword. Then they shall know that I am the LORD.’" (KJV)
"And her settlements on the mainland will be ravaged by the sword. Then they will know that I am the LORD." (NIV)
Do you see the importance?
Application:
Next time you read a controversial passage, or an interesting or perhaps thought provoking verse, go to a Bible commentary such as Calvin's Commentary and they should give you the background for that verse along with some explanation. Or better yet, get a Greek New Testament, and a Hebrew/Aramaic Old Testament, and learn some new languages! But whatever you do, don't be selfish in your Bible readings, give God all the glory.
The Adherent
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Why Campaign?
All of creation is theocentric, therefore when we go campaigning for a political candidate, we must remember that we are not replacing the theocentric order with our own, we are acknowledging the order that already exists. I am a Calvinist, and I believe in honoring God in every area of life, and I see politics as just one more arena for us to bear witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Daniel 4:34). Christian political engagements are to be our declaration that Jesus is Lord!. For Christians to ignore this is to ignore the God's rule over that area. When that happens, and the political realm is devoid of Christians, atheists rush to fill that void with something else (Psalms 33:12). We must ground our political and cultural activity in an understanding of the ultimate sovereignty of God Almighty. We are called to be in the world, but not of the world. So as the elections come up, get involved and show your support.
Have a good day!The Adherent
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Quick note
Hello readers!
Just letting you know that I have another blog at:
theadherent.blogspot.com
although this is just a duplicate of the blog you are looking at right now.
Thanks!
The Adherent
Just letting you know that I have another blog at:
theadherent.blogspot.com
although this is just a duplicate of the blog you are looking at right now.
Thanks!
The Adherent
Monday, January 5, 2009
Do Not Sin
Situation ethics is the belief that sometimes man can sin. The “situation ethics people” will say that because of the norm, or the present situation, it is “demanded” that you sin. They will try to come up with a time when you are “forced” to sin. Once the sin is justified by being the only thing to do, it is suddenly transformed to being “good”. Other times they will say that the Bible contradicts itself, then you can just choose the portion of scripture you would rather follow! But so called “Christian” situation ethics is defeated by 1 Corinthians 10:13:
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (KJV) and also in Romans 6:1-2:
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" (KJV)
Another problem with those who hold fast to situation ethics is that they do not take the sovereignty of God, or the power of the Holy Spirit into account. It sees God as stupid, Because He was stupid in not foreseeing that His laws would contradict.
And if you were forced to sin, you did not really sin, therefore you do not even have to confess your sins! So you will never need the saving blood of Jesus. So you see, situation ethics is another way of covering up your sins. May you never do the same. Have a good day!
The Adherent
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (KJV) and also in Romans 6:1-2:
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" (KJV)
Another problem with those who hold fast to situation ethics is that they do not take the sovereignty of God, or the power of the Holy Spirit into account. It sees God as stupid, Because He was stupid in not foreseeing that His laws would contradict.
And if you were forced to sin, you did not really sin, therefore you do not even have to confess your sins! So you will never need the saving blood of Jesus. So you see, situation ethics is another way of covering up your sins. May you never do the same. Have a good day!
The Adherent
Monday, December 15, 2008
Adherence and the Evolution of Mankind
The Bible does deal with evolution, in fact, the bible is in direct contradiction with it. The first problem with it is, that when people are given the choice between science and the Bible, they think, “oh, well, the Bible doesn't talk about science, and science is always true, right? You can see science.” But that is the problem. Then when they listen to scientific experts that endorse evolution and the theory that Earth is billions of years old, they adopt that as their foundation for knowledge of the world. Therefore when they see something like rock layers they automatically assume that those rock layers were formed over long periods of time. You see, we must found everything we believe on an absolute point of reference, so when we base anything on this absolute, it will be true. John 17:17: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. The evolutionists have no absolute point of reference, so they have built their house on the shifting sands. Since there is only one absolute point of reference, the Bible, let us go to it in search of something that refers to how old the Earth is. Genesis 1:3-5: 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 5And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. Most “evolutionary Christians” will try to make the evenings and mornings of the Creation period millions of years long, but that is totally out of context. Whenever the Bible refers to a “day” or “evening” or “morning” they mean a literal consecutive day, evening, or morning. Also, evolution appears to be in contradiction with several scientific laws, such as the laws of thermodynamics and such. Although there are several examples of the contradiction of science and evolution that has been argued, disproved, and proved by several people and in several books, evolutionists will not listen to that. Because of their pride and constant denial of creation, very few non-Creation-believers will be swayed by evidence. Instead you need to argue with their presuppositions. A presupposition is the underlying foundation and origin point of the person's ideas or concepts. For example, when someone claims that evolution is true, their presupposition is that evolution is a fact, and not theory, all evidence supports it, all rational people believe in it, and it is the best explanation of the beginning of the universe. But then you need to point out that evolution contradicts itself, evolution is only put forth by a few scientists, and none of these theory's stand up to rigorous pressure. Creation has evidence, while evolution has only dogmatic faith. If they have trouble believing what you say, you can switch from presuppositionalism to evidentialism. One of my favorite books on evidentialism, if that is a word, is Evidence that Demands a Verdict, and More Evidence that Demands a Verdict, both by Josh McDowell. It takes into detail the historical accuracy of the Bible. I hope this has clarified what you need clarified! Remember to start with the only absolute, when you make an argument, adhere to the Good News, and have a good day.
-The Adherent
-The Adherent
Monday, November 24, 2008
Historical favorites of mine
Recently I have had to write some papers on some historical figures, so I picked John Calvin and John Paul Jones. These people both had substantial influence on the founding of America, and I would like to share my papers on them with you. Enjoy!
John Calvin
1509 - 1564
When Jean Cauvin was ten, he moved into the house of a nobleman to study alongside his sons. At the age of eleven he moved to Paris to receive his education from the College de la Marche, and eventually transferred to various colleges, studying mostly the arts and law until the age of twenty-two. John did not grow up a Protestant, but when a friend became a Lutheran he knew he had to face the new ideas squarely. As John studied the Bible he saw that all his life he had been in error, and passages that he had memorized years ago were now full of meaning. Calvin was almost arrested and fled to his friend's house where he started writing a defense of the Protestant Christian faith. He called the book The Institutes of the Christian Religion.
When The Institutes of the Christian Religion was published, it was so popular among Christians, especially Lutherans and Protestants, that by popularity it spread to Scotland, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Scandinavia, and eventually the Americas. Dutch Calvinist settlers were also the first successful European colonizers of South Africa.
When the pilgrims and colonists, including the Puritans and French Huguenot and Dutch settlers came to America, the vast majority of them had a Calvinist upbringing and brought with them to America Calvin's writings. No one came empty minded, and as Calvinists they believed in the rule of God over all things including the depravity of humans, biblical law, and limited government. So when they created a government, they created it according to those beliefs.
In addition to the colonists and founding fathers of America, John Calvin inspired people like John Knox, a Scottish reformer, Huldrych Zwingli, Franciscus Gomarus, and even many later figures such as Jonathan Edwards and John Bunyan. Most of his influence came from the writings of his books, his contributions to confessional documents for use in churches, and his massive out-pouring of commentary on the Bible (He wrote a commentary on every book of the Bible except 2 John, 3 John, Revelation, and some Old Testament books). He wanted to present the plain meaning of the text before his readers. But through the academy he founded, many teachers, evangelists, theologians, and preachers have continued the work he began, reforming church denominations and peoples. Calvin's successor, Theodore Beza, said that Calvin was a "Christian Hercules who subdued so many monsters with the mightiest club of all - the Word of God".
John Paul Jones
1747 - 1792
John Paul, named the father of the American navy, was born to John Paul Sr. on the southern coast of Scotland. At age thirteen he had started his career in sailing, and at age twenty-one he was a captain. Later, being charged with "unnecessarily cruel" behavior, he left Scotland and after changing his name to John Paul Jones he joined the American navy to fight against England. At that time the Americans had virtually no navy, and their coasts were unprotected. So thankfully John Paul came and gave his advice on what kind of ships and men were needed. He also showed them that they could not win the nautical battles against the British on they're own, only three nations had the naval ability to do that. So at his suggestion, they began the construction of thirteen ships, and sent him to France for more help.
Jones was the first man to be assigned to the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the Continental Navy, and took the honor of hoisting, and saluting to, the first U.S. ensign over a naval vessel. After defeating a ship called the Drake and sailing to France, Jones took command of a half-rotten ship called the Bon Homme Richard given to him by the French. On his way back to America, he came into contact with the HMS Serapis, A larger, much stronger ship. After a four hour battle, an Indian called Red Jerry managed to throw a grenade right in between the two decks with all the cannons and cannonballs, igniting and causing a chain reaction! The British finally surrendered, and because of this victory the British were so afraid of the Americans (John Paul in particular) that there was an increasing demand on the British Parliament to declare peace with America.
In 1787 Jones was decorated by the king of France and received the title “Chevalier” along with a gold medal and a sword. While in Britain, on the other hand, he was branded as a pirate.
John Calvin
1509 - 1564
When Jean Cauvin was ten, he moved into the house of a nobleman to study alongside his sons. At the age of eleven he moved to Paris to receive his education from the College de la Marche, and eventually transferred to various colleges, studying mostly the arts and law until the age of twenty-two. John did not grow up a Protestant, but when a friend became a Lutheran he knew he had to face the new ideas squarely. As John studied the Bible he saw that all his life he had been in error, and passages that he had memorized years ago were now full of meaning. Calvin was almost arrested and fled to his friend's house where he started writing a defense of the Protestant Christian faith. He called the book The Institutes of the Christian Religion.
When The Institutes of the Christian Religion was published, it was so popular among Christians, especially Lutherans and Protestants, that by popularity it spread to Scotland, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Scandinavia, and eventually the Americas. Dutch Calvinist settlers were also the first successful European colonizers of South Africa.
When the pilgrims and colonists, including the Puritans and French Huguenot and Dutch settlers came to America, the vast majority of them had a Calvinist upbringing and brought with them to America Calvin's writings. No one came empty minded, and as Calvinists they believed in the rule of God over all things including the depravity of humans, biblical law, and limited government. So when they created a government, they created it according to those beliefs.
In addition to the colonists and founding fathers of America, John Calvin inspired people like John Knox, a Scottish reformer, Huldrych Zwingli, Franciscus Gomarus, and even many later figures such as Jonathan Edwards and John Bunyan. Most of his influence came from the writings of his books, his contributions to confessional documents for use in churches, and his massive out-pouring of commentary on the Bible (He wrote a commentary on every book of the Bible except 2 John, 3 John, Revelation, and some Old Testament books). He wanted to present the plain meaning of the text before his readers. But through the academy he founded, many teachers, evangelists, theologians, and preachers have continued the work he began, reforming church denominations and peoples. Calvin's successor, Theodore Beza, said that Calvin was a "Christian Hercules who subdued so many monsters with the mightiest club of all - the Word of God".
John Paul Jones
1747 - 1792
John Paul, named the father of the American navy, was born to John Paul Sr. on the southern coast of Scotland. At age thirteen he had started his career in sailing, and at age twenty-one he was a captain. Later, being charged with "unnecessarily cruel" behavior, he left Scotland and after changing his name to John Paul Jones he joined the American navy to fight against England. At that time the Americans had virtually no navy, and their coasts were unprotected. So thankfully John Paul came and gave his advice on what kind of ships and men were needed. He also showed them that they could not win the nautical battles against the British on they're own, only three nations had the naval ability to do that. So at his suggestion, they began the construction of thirteen ships, and sent him to France for more help.
Jones was the first man to be assigned to the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the Continental Navy, and took the honor of hoisting, and saluting to, the first U.S. ensign over a naval vessel. After defeating a ship called the Drake and sailing to France, Jones took command of a half-rotten ship called the Bon Homme Richard given to him by the French. On his way back to America, he came into contact with the HMS Serapis, A larger, much stronger ship. After a four hour battle, an Indian called Red Jerry managed to throw a grenade right in between the two decks with all the cannons and cannonballs, igniting and causing a chain reaction! The British finally surrendered, and because of this victory the British were so afraid of the Americans (John Paul in particular) that there was an increasing demand on the British Parliament to declare peace with America.
In 1787 Jones was decorated by the king of France and received the title “Chevalier” along with a gold medal and a sword. While in Britain, on the other hand, he was branded as a pirate.
What do you think?
Have a good day!
The Adherent
Thursday, November 13, 2008
God's Laws
Hey kids!
Today I would like to bring to your attention a topic I have interest in, God's Moral Laws and how they affect all of life. My main point is that Scripture is applicable to both our inward and outward beings. (Luke 10:26-28) Since this is so, when we read a commandment, we must consider how we can "adhere" to this passage in every way possible. Take for example one of the ten commandments. Exodus 20:4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. (Emphasis added) you can also Check out Deuteronomy 10:11-13. Another point that is equally important is the fact that God's Moral Laws are also in affect at all times and no one is exempt at any point in time. God's laws are perfect and excellent beyond improvement. Now I am giving you an assignment: Go read 1 Thessalonians 5.
If you would like to become a part of "The Adhering team" you are welcome to! (We could use some more writers!)
Today I would like to bring to your attention a topic I have interest in, God's Moral Laws and how they affect all of life. My main point is that Scripture is applicable to both our inward and outward beings. (Luke 10:26-28) Since this is so, when we read a commandment, we must consider how we can "adhere" to this passage in every way possible. Take for example one of the ten commandments. Exodus 20:4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. (Emphasis added) you can also Check out Deuteronomy 10:11-13. Another point that is equally important is the fact that God's Moral Laws are also in affect at all times and no one is exempt at any point in time. God's laws are perfect and excellent beyond improvement. Now I am giving you an assignment: Go read 1 Thessalonians 5.
If you would like to become a part of "The Adhering team" you are welcome to! (We could use some more writers!)
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