Copyright: December 1994
Citation: Michael A. Kovach All Rights Reserved


A Child Is Born

Merry Christmas


Aristotle

Aristotle  (ár´í-stót'l), 384-322 BC, Greek philosopher. He studied (367-347 BC) under PLATO and later (342-339 BC) tutored ALEXANDER THE GREAT at the Macedonian court. In 335 BC he opened a school in the Athenian Lyceum. During the anti-Macedonian agitation after Alexander's death Aristotle fled (323 BC) to Chalcis, where he died. His extant writings, largely in the form of lecture notes made by his students, include the Organum (treatises on logic); Physics; Metaphysics; De Anima [on the soul]; Nicomachean Ethics and Eudemian Ethics; Politics; De Poetica; Rhetoric; and works on biology and physics. Aristotle held philosophy to be the discerning, through the use of systematic LOGIC as expressed in SYLLOGISMS, of the self-evident, changeless first principles that form the basis of all knowledge. He taught that knowledge of a thing requires an inquiry into causality and that the final cause the purpose or function of the thing is primary. The highest good for the individual is the complete exercise of he specifically human function of rationality. In contrast to the Platonic belief that a concrete reality partakes of a form but does not embody it, the Aristotelian system holds that, with the exception of the Prime Mover (God), form has no separate existence but is immanent in matter. Aristotle's work was lost following the decline of Rome but was reintroduced to the West through the work of Arab and Jewish scholars, becoming the basis of medieval Scolasticism

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


AUGUSTINE
Augustine, Saint
Augustine, Saint  354—430, Doctor of the Church, bishop of Hippo (near present-day Annaba, Algeria); b. near Hippo. Brought up as a Christian by his mother, St. Monica, Augustine gave up his religion while at school in Carthage, then converted to MANICHAEISM. He taught rhetoric in Rome (after 376) and Milan (after 384). In Milan he was drawn to the teachings of St. AMBROSE and to NEOPLATONISM, and finally embraced Christianity, returning (387) to a monastic life in Tagaste. In 391 he was ordained a priest in Hippo, where he remained for the rest of his life, serving as bishop from 396. St. Augustine's influence on Christianity was immense, and theologians, both Roman Catholic and Protestant, look upon him as the founder of theology. His polemics against Manichaeism, Donatism, and Pelagianism are well known, and his autobiographical Confessions is a classic of Christian mysticism. On the Trinity systematized Christian doctrine, and The City of God, is monumental defense of Christianity against paganism, is famous for its Christian view of history. Feast: Aug. 28.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


Boethius

Boethius (böë´thës) or Boetius (böë´shs) or Boece (böës´) (Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius), c.475-525, Roman philosopher and statesman. A consul (510) in Rome, he became minister under Emperor Theodoric, but was falsely accused of treason, imprisoned, and sentenced to death. While awaiting execution he wrote his great work, The Consolation of Philosophy. His treatise on ancient music was for many centuries the unquestioned authority on Western music.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


Being a Member
**NOTE**  From this point on, the topics change to "question-only" format.  (No "database summaries.)

THE CONCEPT OF BEING A MEMBER:

[Verses (mainly from the epistles) were originally placed here.]

QUESTION:  How does the concept of being a "member", as found in the Bible, compare to the concept as used now-a-days?  Are the differences in usage ligitimate? Explain.

FELLOWSHIP:

[Verses describing the Bible's concept of "fellowship" were originally placed here.  Both God-to-man and man-to-man relationships were mentioned.]

QUESTIONS:  WHAT IS THE NATURE OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP??

What is involved in Christian fellowship?  How could it be defined?  What types of things are associated with it?  What are the consequences of such fellowship?

Who is/isn't involved in Christian fellowship?  Who determines who can/cannot be a part of that fellowship?  What is the criteria for inclusion/exclusion?

In what ways can fellowship be disrupted?  How are we to respond to such disruptions?

Is Christian fellowship optional?  Do you see it practiced among those who claim to be disciples of Christ?  Explain.  If not, what is the problem?  What does the Bible say about this?

What have you learned about Christian fellowship, in these verses?  How can you use what you have learned, so that you will be able to become more "Christ-like" in the way you interact with other believers?  Are there other verses that you could study (even though the word "fellowship" is not present), which would help you in your attempts to better understand (and live according to) the will of God?  (Perhaps after studying them, you could go through these questions again... or perhaps invent a few questions of your own!)

What can/will you do to apply what you have learned to the way you live?

For Additional Study


Christians
What Should Christian

Americans Really Do?

By

Dan Jarvis

If you haven't noticed, Christian Americans are banding together like never before to save babies, to save schools, to promote morality, and to keep the families from falling apart.  Organizations of Christians are attempting to prohibit homosexuality and protest against pornography and fornication.  They are trying to restore America to her Christian beginnings,  but does this please God?  Is it giving any benefit or doing any good?

The life of Christ should give us the answer.  Jesus lived under the Roman government.  It was a terrible system.  Caesar killed those who disagreed with him, tortured those who believed differently than he did.  The government focused mainly on power and fortune.  The leaders were, for the most part, corrupt and selfish.  The people of Rome were extremely immoral and filled with greed.  They were vile and utterly sinful.  What did our Lord do?  He understood people for who they were and asked them to believe in Him and turn from sin.  He didn't shove his religion down their throats, or attempt to intemidate them with His power and might.  He cared about their lives and their souls. He died for them.  He did not go into downtown Rome and protest the system or the gross sin of the people, demanding they be holy lest any of His sovereign rights be infringed upon.  He did not tell His disciples to go into the world and make the governments perfect and pure.  NO!! He told us that we are to win people to Christianity and then teach them to obey God.

  You see, by demanding that abortion come to a stop, that lawlessness retreats, and personal freedoms restored, we are demanding something that is impossible.  We are asking sinners to be holy.  The job of the sinner is to sin, and the job of the believer is to turn sinners to Christ so that they can stop sinning.  Nothing that we can do on our own efforts can save this country.  We can call; rally, infiltrate and plead; but the fact is, it will not help anybody.  Sinners can only be made holy through the blood of Christ, and until then they are blind to what they are doing.  Americans are sinful, so America is a sinful nation.  Therefore, the only way that the Church can restore America to her Christian heritage is to Christianize America. There is no way around it.  We have to do what our Master said: we have to preach the gospel.  Make Americans holy and America will be holy.

Let us take a moment and see what the world would be like if the "Christian Right" actually had its way; that is, the precepts of the Christian faith are legislated into a nation of non-believers.  The schools would be purely academic and all the students would be smart, babies would live, families would be restored, churches would have complete freedom, and the system of government would be run the way it should be.  What is the result of this paradise?  HELL. Everyone would still perish on the day of wrath.  Students would be smart, but their intellect is foolishness in the sight of God.  Babies would live, but they would grow up and die.  Churches would be free, but there would still be a lack of commitment.  The government would be run right, but the people would still be immoral.  We can attempt to make things nice on earth, but those smart, living, moral Americans would still all go to Hell, unless they accepted the Lord.

We can try to hold our ground, but we will never gain any unless we, the Christians of America band together and win souls, rather than win elections.  An abortionist can accept Christ and his work will end.  A pornographer can repent and print gospel tracts instead of smut.  A homosexual can be healed by the grace of God and go on to raise a family.  Ground is gained and victories are won by following God's plan, not man's.  If we do not reach America, America will reach the point of destruction.  We have the light of Christ within us, and those who are true believers will let that light shine.  We are not called to political activism; we are called to go forth as the Army of the Living God and triumph over the devil by preaching the truth, Jesus Christ!  Without that shining truth all of our righteousness is as filthy rags.

Think about what our motives in saving America really are.  It is possible that we want America to be perfect so that we can breathe easily?  That we want sinners to be holy so that we can be safe?  Could it be that we want complete freedom so that we will not be persecuted?  We want to save ourselves!  Think about it. For how many other reasons would we be involved in politics?  If we really loved the world we would tell them how to be saved from sin and Hell.  Complaining that our rights are being stomped on makes no sense to American pagans when they see themselves as the epitome of liberality and freedom for all.  Christians are the naysayers, not the pagans.  Christians say "no" to abortion, "no" to gambling and prostitution, and "no" to homosexuality and pornography!  Liberals shake their heads and claim that we are stripping them of their freedoms.  Their consciences are so darkened that they cannot understand that a license to sin is not freedom.  The Bible explains this phenomenon n Romans 1-3, and Christian politicians would do well to study it.

Most of what the church is doing in America today involves creating a "Christian" environment without doing the real work of evangelism.  We do not want to be persecuted.  We want to live in a nice country.  We want to save ourselves, but if you lose your life for the sake of Christ you will save it!! (Luke 9:24)  In the end, Christians will be rewarded for their obedience to Jesus, not for political activism.  His final command is that we make disciples.  If we love God, we will strive to obey Him, so we must ask ourselves, "Am I doing this because I love God and others, or because I love myself?"  Forget being safe and comfortable on earth.  As long as sinners abound, Satan's program will continue and Christians will be aliens in the land.

This issue can be compared to sickness.  America is sick with a disease called sin.  Political activism is very similar to an ineffective pain reliever: it masks the symptoms.  What we need is to treat the problem with the only possible cure, Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  If we merely treat the symptoms, the problem will remain and even worsen.  Sin will never be conquered by legislation.  It can only be destroyed by the power that is found in the blood of our Savior.  So, we are faced with a choice.  We can either treat the symptoms and allow the problem to get worse, or we can treat the problem and watch the symptoms disappear.  If we preach the gospel and win souls to Christ, our nation's symptoms will vanish as the people are refined and purified by the power of the Holy Spirit.  However, if we continue to ignore the real command of our Lord, to spread His message, and persist on only being politically active, America's problems will only grow worse as the people's hearts fall eeper and deeper into the pit of sin and depravity.  America is in a state of medical emergency.  Christians have the cure that can heal and restore it.  We must forget the pain relievers of political activism.  We must take up the gospel of the Great Physician; for he alone can create in America a new heart.

There is nothing wrong with Christians participating in the democratic process as long as they realize that the things we do for this world are merely temporal and have no true eternal value.  We must remember that our true task as followers of the Lord is to win souls and preach the gospel.  We cannot make sinners holy by marches and legislation.  They must be won to Christ.  Even if we did have an ideal society, people would still perish into the eternal flames of Hell unless we reach them.  Christians, if you really want to change America, do it God's way!  To end abortion at the local clinic, convert the doctor.  To stop pornography, proclaim Christ to the publishers.  To stop New Age teachings in the schools, witness to the teachers.  Your power should come not from the ballot box, but from that divine power given us to demolish strongholds of sin.  Your highest political ambition should be to proclaim Christ the King!

Christians must realize that we cannot really please God with political endeavors, but that we must follow His plan.  It seems that Satan has deceived the Church into believing that one of the ways that we can live out our Christian lives is to be involved in the government; but this is not the case!  Psalms 2 reminds us that nations continually attempt to throw off the Lord's rule.  He rebukes us because our plots are all in vain.  America's slide into paganism is no surprise to God.  However, the Psalmist warns us to be wise and to serve the Lord with reverent fear, as a slave serves his Master.  America is to "Kiss the Son, lest He be angry" and so our role is clear.  We must tell our friends, co-workers, and neighbors about Christ.  Our Christian lives are to be lived the way Christ told us to live them, as lights in a darkened world.  We can overcome the power of Satan by the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, and by the fact we are willing to give up our lives for the ake of God. (Revelation 12:11)  Our message, our testimony, and our devotion are the means by which we can win the victory for this nation.  With God all things are possible!

In truth, if we continue to focus on political activism instead of evangelism Satan has won the victory for this nation.  All the Americans who never heard the gospel because we were busy trying to win elections will go right where Satan wants them to go.  His kingdom will continue to grow unless we pull ourselves together and focus on what is really important, the souls of our fellow countrymen!  It is socially acceptable to be involved in politics, but to do the work of Christ is not always so rosy. Satan has deluded us into thinking that we can get away with not evangelizing if we are involved in political activism.  My brothers, this is not true.

We must for the sake of all people, forget ourselves and "lose" our lives for the sake of God.  We must band together, ready ourselves, and march forth as the Army of God, not to destroy surface problems, but to win the world for Jesus Christ to the glory of our most precious Heavenly Father.

Medina Ministries, PO. Box 13, Medina, OH  44258-0013


Church
** THE CONCEPT OF CHURCH, CHURCH MEMBERSHIP, ETC. **
[PREMISE TO THIS STUDY]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Dennis Hinks

ABOUT ADDING TO AND SUBTRACTING FROM GOD'S WORD ABOUT TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT FROM OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S COMMANDS

[I present a list of verses which mention something about adding/subtracting or right/left.  I expect the individual to look up the contexts, if they want further information.  The verses are as follows (references only):]

Deut 4:2 Deut 5:32 Deut 12:32 Deut 17:11 Deut 17:20 Deut 28:14 Joshua 1:7 Joshua 23:6 2 Kings 22:2  2 Chron 34:2 Prov 4:27 Prov 30:6 Rev 22:18 Rev 22:19

SUMMARY:

Adding and subtracting seem to have reference to God's word or message to man.  Turning to the left or to the right seem to have reference to man's deviation from God's "straight and narrow way."  [This "straight and narrow way" refers to a life-style that is pleasing to God and that glorifies him most, being a reflection of his very own character.]

From the beginning to the end of the Bible, this theme of avoiding any form of addition/subtraction or turning right/left is constant.  Nowhere is this theme ever modified.

More than that, there are blessings associated with the refusal to add/subtract or to turn right/left.  And there are curses associated with the willingness to do those forbidden things.

Questions

The Word 'CHURCH'

Verses About the Body

The Concept of Being a Member


Cleveland Edition

Merry Christmas From Cleveland Ohio

"3 Characteristics of God's Word"

What should Christian American Do?

What Christmas Is

The meaning of the word "CHURCH" a review

Somalia

The Bible


Colors of the Heart

By
Ed Tucker

   The headquarters was built from ground zero to be the fortress that couldn't  fall.  Think about it; the most high-tech defense system known to man and an ant could not move within without being detected and destroyed.  The outside building was fortified with three feet of concrete and between every foot of concrete was a layer of a compound that is still classified.  Six inches thick of this material would withstand most of our missiles.  This was the view seen from the ground.  Then we must take an elevator down half of a mile, but not straight down.  Let the bombs and nuclear weapons come.  Nothing could penetrate all the layers of concrete and other materials.  Stop.  Stop.  Stop.  This isn't  a story about a headquarters, or a military story, but rather a travel that my heart has gone on for the past few years.  I must admit the headquarters does remind me of the walls I built around my heart.  Not letting anything near or be a threat, because the memories of my past come with guilt, loneliness, and shame.  Yes, they were all kept there and more.  They were my treasure of priceless trophies that no one could see.  For you see, this was the real me.

   About two and a half year ago, I walked out on my job.  I was making enough money that I didn't  worry about bills or anything else.  When I would buy things, they would be the best that I needed.  I don't  buy on impulse and as a result, what I bought would last a long time.  Before I would buy anything I would be sure I had six months of money in the bank.  If I didn't,  I felt broke and destitute.  I guess that is due to my father and sister being managers of a credit union.  At home, money wasn't  talked about that much, but an unspoken philosophy was present.  One was only as good as his credit history.  My sister took on my father's  personality, while I took on my mother's.   Excuse me for deviating from walking off my job, but I feel as if this is something that must be said.  My father was in the Navy for thirty years and spent twenty-two of those years at sea.  With all that time at sea, I don't  remember him not being there.  Before you get the wrong idea, I did not love my father.  I absolute hated him.  We never talked.  I would go for years without saying anything but "how is the weather?"  For you see, my father was addicted to alcohol.  His father died from alcohol, from internal damage from alcohol.  About ten years ago around Christmas-time, he died after a drinking binge.  He would wake up, take a drink, and pass out.  That time it was once too often.

   By today's  terminology, I grew up in a dysfunctional family.  Change the name, but the pain and memories are the same.  Will they ever learn? The reason, that I didn't  remember my father not being there, was because of the memories that were always with me.  He used to say, "You're a failure.  You're stupid.  You will never amount to anything."  There just wasn't  any love from him.  Growing up, we never talked about this within or outside the family.  "Secrets had to be kept."  No one would speak about the problems, not to friends, brother, sister, mom or grandparents.  The only love came from my mother.  She was the love giver; but it was hard with my father around.  Without thinking about it, she was my first source for some of God's  teachings, even though God wasn't  mentioned.  I think maybe earlier in her life she had gone to church and that knowledge probably held her together.  I don't  think we ever talked about God.  She would say things and now I have found them in the Bible.  I know my mother loved me as much as she could, but the mental abuse from my father was just too much.  So growing up, the mental abuse was all that I remember.

   In my early teens, we lived in Japan.  Around the age of thirteen, I started taking guitar lessons.  I remember before and after supper going to my room and practicing.  I don't  remember anything else for the most part.  I have a brother who is about three years younger.  I don't  remember doing anything with him.  We never talked, played baseball, or did anything together.  He had his world and I had mine.  There was no communication within the family.  I didn't  realize it at the time, but by going to my room and practicing the guitar, I would not have to face my father and receive more mental abuse.  It was just a benefit of playing guitar.  Being alone became a very safe place for me.  I could not be hurt, but the pain was still there.  Looking back, I thought it was normal to be alone all the time.  Don't  let anyone get close for they will hurt you.  Growing up, I would listen to other people's  problems, which made me feel normal, for no one knew my problems and their problems were not the same as mine.  So I concluded that I didn't  have any problems.

   After returning to the States, I realized I was depressed.  Not a one day depression, but one that lasted for weeks and months.  I don't  remember if I was depressed in Japan.  I would be depressed for about fifty weeks out of the year, and maybe fourteen days I would be OK.  These fourteen days were never in a row.  Maybe a day in January, or two days in March, and a few mixed throughout the rest of the year.  Even the depression, I thought was normal.  I saw a doctor the last two and a half years of high school.  I think it took him that long to figure out that the problem was with my father.  So big deal!  I have a problem with my father.  Still I was depressed with no end in sight.  Depression was just part of my personality and I could live with it.  I had been OK so far and I had not killed myself.  So I lived in a depressed state about 99% of my life.

   Going through high school and college, there were always people around me.  So the problems with loneliness were never a problem.  Little did I know, that later in my life I would find a new definition for loneliness.  Many of my friends were friends for convenience, or co-workers, or because I had something they wanted.  The only friends that didn't  fall into these categories were women.  Knowing my relationship with my father, my mother was my friend as were other women as a rule.  I have always trusted women.  Women were more apt to talk from their hearts, and I would listen.  I have always tried to be a sincere and honest person.  One that people could trust.  Having other people talk left me off the hook from disclosing my problems.  I did not find this out till later.  I would never talk about myself.  Never!  I would like to say I am sorry to the people who offered their love to me.  Due to the condition of my heart, I would never allow anyone close to or into my heart.

   I found myself being different from others, with my problems and having lived in Japan.  I did not find anything in drinking or drugs, even though I did try them.  Even things that interested most guys, just didn't  interest me.  I knew (or should I say felt) what I needed and that was not what guys were doing.  Being a loner with all of my problems made finding a friend a task that was just a dream or a hope, and a small one at that.

   It all boiled down to understanding that living with problems and being burned out both mentally and physically, led me to conclude I had to quit my job.  I didn't  care.  I was just tired and wanted to escape.  With the money in the bank, I knew I had enough to last me for over a year.  After taking a month off, I thought I should start looking for another job.  I had been going through the classifieds in the newspaper during the month, but didn't  see anything.  Trying to find a job became a series of rejections.  By this time I had started to question my own purpose.  What was my purpose? Why was I here? I have no friends.  I have no job.  No future!  What am I good for?  NOTHING!!!

   So I decided I would give myself nine months to live.  I would either change or kill myself.  I don't  mean changing a little bit.  I was tried of being who I was.  The loneliness was over-bearing.  A neighbor taught me how to fish and clean them.  I thought that it would be good to go fishing alone; but it just gave me more time to find out how useless I was.

    Considering killing myself, I thought I should find a way to carry it out; I decided on one of two ways.  To my surprise, somewhere during the last half of the nine months, I decided to read the Bible.  Just open it up and read it.  I had nothing to lose; I was going to die.  During these months I had been writing my good-byes on my computer.  I would write about what I believed in, why I did or didn't  do things, and other private things.  I remember reading a verse about the desire of life.  (I hoped I can find it again) so I started to pray.  I asked God to take me now, and if He didn't  have a plan, I did.  I guess God had a purpose for me after all.  I didn't  know what, but He had a purpose for me.

   My money lasted longer than I thought, but some months I know God helped.  I was praying every night.  I even asked God to send a woman into my life.  Why not? I was lonely and needed someone.  There were times, when I did not know how I would make the rent payment or buy food.  It was a tough year, but God kept me alive.  I didn't  know why.  He just did.  In the middle of 1993, I met Mike (founder of the journal).  Mike asked me to go to church with him, but I kept turning him down with this excuse and that one.  After a few months, I realized that the first time I would go to church with Mike, something would happen.  I didn't  know what, but something was going to happen.  I finally gave in to Mike and went to church with him.  I was standing and singing songs, and then it happened.  My spine was on fire.  It felt as someone had taken a hot, burning white piece of metal and shoved it up my spine.  My whole spine was on fire.  I reached back to wipe the sweat off my neck and down my back.  I even turned around, thinking that someone was behind me.  No one was doing anything except singing.  When I left church that day, I knew God was real and had a purpose for me.

   TIME OUT!  Let me see if I have this right: I am forty years old, never married, depressed almost all year round.  Don't  think I will amount to anything, or  I'm stupid, not worth very much, or not willing to let anyone close to my heart.  Hating my father, suffering from loneliness, planning to end my life, and for some reason I'm  still alive.  Unstable, out of work and know for sure that God has a plan for me.  Is this right? Yes.  OK, continue

   About this time (October of 1993), I had a new neighbor move in next door.  Another neighbor had mentioned that our new neighbor was a woman.  A couple of days later I had a chance to met her.  It was her first night in the apartment.  Like a good neighbor, I welcomed her to the neighborhood.  She told me her name was Jan and was separating from her husband.  Over the next few weeks, I got to know Jan better and my depression began fading.  I guess focusing on Jan and trying to help her, did wonders for my depression.  I found her to be a woman of strength and intelligence.  She was about forty, with a slim figure and black hair.  I did find her attractive; but beauty is only skin deep and I don't  put much into looks.  The heart is where the real person is kept.  It is the heart that I seek and not the flesh.  In February, God reminded me of my prayer for a wife.  I started to remember the prayer.  I was floored.  Jan was everything I had prayed for and more.  There was one small problem; she was still married.  I had faith in God.  I knew she would get a divorce.  Within the next few weeks, I went over to visit Jan and noticed she wasn't  wearing her wedding ring.  Seeing her with her ring off, I knew she was the one that God had sent, even though she was still married.  I knew now she would get a divorce.

   I knew that God would use people to fulfill His will for others, so I was ready, or at least I thought I was.  I have noticed something about all of my female friends.  It wasn't  that they were blondes, or had some special physical appearance, but rather a look in their eyes.  I am a firm believer that the eyes are the windows of the heart.  They were all down to earth, every one of them.  I found their inner beauty and Jan was no different.  She has such a caring heart.  She would talk about her daughter and it was easy to see love as her face brightened with pride.  As Jan talked, I found myself having deeper and deeper feelings for her.  Just talking to her and looking into her eyes would bring joy to my heart.  I remember one night she made the comment that I don't  talk about myself.  Yes, I would talk about what is going on today, but nothing about my past, my father, my family, nothing from my heart.  I didn't  realize it before that I don't  talk from my heart, just from my head.

   Later that night I started to think about what Jan had said.  She was right.  One hundred percent right!  Nobody really knew anything about me.  Nobody knew my heart.  I would not talk from my heart.  My heart was for me.  Like most people, my dark side was not for anyone to see.  So I decided to take a chance.  I made a list of things that I would share with her.  This was against my conditioning.  I was a nobody.  I would never amount to anything.  How could anyone like me or love me if they knew my heart? About a week later, I sat down and told her about my past.  I made sure not to say anything very dark at all.  It went well.  I had finally started to feel comfortable around her with my heart.

   A few weeks later, she told me, that her divorce had been finalized, and a friend from Utah was coming to visit her.  The weekend came and my other neighbor asked me if I had seen the guy with Jan.  When Jan told me about her friend, I thought it was a woman, not a man.  I did see him.  He was tall, had blonde hair and was in his forties.  Thinking about Jan and this guy threw me into my first depression since meeting her.  OK.  It was jealousy first, then depression.  Who was this guy? God sent Jan to me, not to him.  Satan had a field day with me.  The next weekend, I decided to visit Jan.  I really didn't  know what I would say and what happened sure surprised me.  For some reason, I started to talk about my depression, my loneliness and other things from my heart.  It was painful and with tears.  She was the first person ever to see a tear.  I didn't  care about that.  All I knew was I had a pain in my heart that I could no longer keep inside.  Later that night at home, I felt as if I had lost her.  I prayed to God that she would allow me to be her friend.  Yes, I knew Jan, but I didn't  think that I knew her that well to share the pain I had.  I could not believe that I trusted someone with my heart.

   That night Jan told me that she loved the guy.  I thought Jan had just met him and I must keep my faith in God that He would answer my prayer.   I was uncomfortable for two weeks, thinking that Jan needed time for courage to say good-bye.  Jan is very caring and doesn't  want to hurt anyone.  She has a great heart.  During this two week's  period, I had called Mike and told him I was ready to talk.  Around Christmas of 1993 Mike and Jeff tried to break through my walls of defense, but I refused to let them in.  No one enters the castle!  The castle was my heart, with the walls safely in place.  I guess I was sleeping for six months and didn't  realize that Jan had started to break down the walls.  After opening up to Jan with tears, I felt it was time to ask Mike and Jeff for their help.

   Just asking for help was tough enough; I had never asked anybody for help.  It was a sign of weakness, and I was strong.  "I knew deep inside, this was my moment."  After my tears in front of Jan, I had to try to release the pain within.  I knew Mike and that he would not cut me any slack.  He would make me face the truth.  What I was about to do would change my life.  Mike said that Thursday night would be the night.  I was glad, but Thursday was only four days away.  I could not back out.  I knew I had to do this.  I prayed for strength and courage because I was going to expose my heart and shed tears.  God really blessed me with friends like Jan, Mike, and Jeff.  If any one of them had not allowed themselves to be used by God, there is no telling where I would be, now.  For the next four nights, I confronted myself and made a list of the pains in my heart.  Looking at and thinking about these pains was hard to do.  I know God answered my prayer for strength and courage.  I had almost forty years of pain that I was going to talk about.

   When Thursday came around, I felt I was ready.  I had my list with me in the car.  Driving out to Mike's,  I would occasionally look at the paper.  I could feel the pain of my heart and the coming of a tear.  I would not allow myself to cry; I knew later I would.  My first obstacle was showing my tears to two grown men.  I knew I would have to get over this.  I had to see what was on the other side.  I remember showing up, trying to be strong and hiding my tears.  Mike was running a little late, which made me uncomfortable.  I was there and it was too late to turn back.

   As we sat in the room, Mike and Jeff took turns explaining the rules.  I had control of how far we would go.  I could stop at any time.  There were prayers throughout the night and I was glad for that.  I needed all the help I could get.  I gave Mike the list of things I needed to talk about.  They both looked at the list.  I knew some of Mike's  background and less of Jeff's.   They started to tell me how complex my problems were.  I was here for a purpose, to tell someone what was in my heart and to free myself of it.  We had started to talk about one of the things on my list.  It was painful and brought tears.  At least, that issue was over.  After talking about this and understanding a few of the problems, I decided to take a break.  I knew what I wanted to say, but needed to find the courage.  I walked outside to smoke, searching for all the courage and strength I had.  I knew Mike and Jeff thought I was done for the night and would not go on.  When we started up again, more prayers were said. This time, Jeff started the talking.  The whole time he was talking, I was thinking about how I was going to say it.  Jeff asked a few questions and I answered them.  They were about living in a family with alcohol.  I paused and thought.  All of my problems had one thing in common.  I told Jeff that I know the root of all of my problems and I said it.  "I need love."  My father didn't  love me.  I had never told this to anyone.  Before the night was over, I was freed.  I had been blessed with the Holy Spirit.  I was laughing and singing.  I couldn't  believe the feeling in my heart.  I dare anyone to say there isn't  a God.  He is very much alive.

   Shortly after this happened, my heart started to fill with joy and I continued falling in love with Jan.  I couldn't  believe how much I cared about her!  I wanted the best for her.  I wanted nothing bad to happen to her.  She was a woman who had touched my heart and still wanted me as her friend, even though I had cried in front of her.  She was a woman with a good heart, a caring heart with compassion.  She was the woman God had sent to me, a woman with God in her heart.  There is nothing as beautiful to a man as a Christian woman with the love of God.  I have always had respect for people and Jan was no different.  With the respect I have for her, I couldn't  ask her about the guy who visited her that weekend.  Since Jan kept herself busy with her work and church, I wasn't  able to see her as often as I would have liked.  I would bake a cake once a week, so I could see her.  I had finally trusted someone with my heart and wasn't  being rejected.  I felt safe with her.  She made me feel very relaxed and at peace, when I would be in her presence.  She is a special woman.

   The weekly visits went on for about two months, until the love in my heart was just too much to keep it inside.  In the past I would always type out what I wanted to say to her.  First I would give her the paper and then I would talk about what was on the paper.  I told her that I had been in love with her for some time.  I couldn't  keep it from her any longer.  I felt as if I had been lying to her.  I told her I was sorry for falling in love with her.  I think I knew she was in love with someone else and this might make her very uncomfortable.  Jan again didn't  disappoint me.  She listened to me as I poured out my heart to her.  Again tears came, for I never wanted to hurt her.  Jan told me about her relationship with Steve.  It was hard to take and painful.  My heart was broken.  I knew what I had to do.  I had to give it to God.

   I am handling it well.  It is still painful at times when I think of Jan and Steve, and never being able to hold her in my arms and tell her that I love her.  She will still be my neighbor for the next eight months.  She will have a neighbor who loves her as a friend until she leaves, but she will always have a place in my heart, a very special place.  I do want the best for her.  She is a great woman with a loving and giving heart.  God blesses her.  I don't  know what I have given to her, but I hope I have given her something.  Something she can take with her.  I know when I remember Jan there will good memories and I thank God for sending her into my life.  I just hope she will always have good memories of me.  I have learned many things about God through my experiences.  God knows my needs while I ask Him for my wants.  Our needs must be met first.  It is our needs on which our foundation is built.  My need was the love of Jesus Christ; I just didn't  know it!  God can't  build when there is no foundation.  God does know our hearts and what is best for us.  God told me to count my blessings:

1)  The love of God
2)  Ability to trust someone
3)  Trust someone with my heart
4)  The ability to cry in front of someone without feeling shame or guilty or disgrace or feeling any less of a person
5)  Speaking from my heart
6)  Telling someone "I love you" from my heart
7)  Strength of my relationship with God
8)  Ability to act on faith
9)  Ability to face reality
10) Care about someone very deeply
11) Soften my heart to hear God better
12) Learning about the workings of God
13) Always go back to the Lord
14) Overcome fear
15) Love and joy to my heart
16) What the Christian walk is like
17) Qualities of a Christian woman
18) Increase of inner strength
19) Found out I feel sorry for my father
20) New definition of love
21) No more depression
22) My value is based on God's  love for me
23) A new purpose in life

    To some people these blessings may not seem like much but for me, it has changed my life.  God knew I wasn't  ready for a wife and He knows what is best for me.  Also the woman He will send would not have me the way I was.  I know she will be special and I will need to continue to grow.  I know that I didn't  get the girl, but I did get a very close friend, whom I can trust, and a new heart and life.  Even after Jan is gone, I will still have these things.  I hope God will bless me with a woman before Jan leaves.  I think it will make her happy.  I sure know it would make me happy!

   Years of darkness, loneliness and depression didn't break me, it wasn't until I lost hope. This loss of hope was the killer for me.  My hope lasted till the age of  39.  At 39, my cup of man-made hope ran out. I can live only so long on my hopes and expectations.  Now I live for God.  I have learned that true hope and true love are just another name for Jesus Christ.  When I said, "I lost hope", what I was really saying was "I lost the sight of God."  The love of God has me facing each day with a smile and with joy in my heart.  The joy will never leave. I had the choice to bring God into my life or not. I chose God.  If you are lacking something meaningful in your life and don't know what it is or what it is called,  I know the Lord was my answer.

    God has changed my life.  For the ones battling suicide, loneliness or depression, there is hope.  There is an answer, "Jesus Christ".  He deserves all the glory. I hope when you are in a battle, God will send you a person that God will use to help you through your trials and tribulations and will be there in your healing.

    God knows all.  He knows our wants, desires and needs.  God will first meet our needs if we are sincere with our repentance.  For it is our need for Him on which the foundation of our existence is built.  My need was the love of Jesus Christ, but I didn't know it.  God can't build on sand, he must have a rock and that rock is the foundation. God knows what is in our hearts and what is best for us. So pray for the courage and strength to walk in faith.

    I would like to say, thank you, Jan.  I don't think she knows how much God has used her.  I pray that God will bless her with the love and joy, he has blessed me with. I will always care for her and be her friend, no matter where she is. Well, thanks Jan, thanks for being a vessel for the Lord.

    All these things took place in one year. If it can happen to me, it can happen to you. God is alive and His spirit is the power that binds us all in love.

    Thank you Lord and God bless all who read and understand.

All Rights Reserved
Copyright October 1994
Ed Tucker.


Conclusion
I would like each reader to examine his stance on spiritual warfare.  According to Eph. 6:12, our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (NASV).

Over the past 20 years I have seen sober-minded Christians become attracted to an unhealthy preoccupation with spiritual warfare.  I have seen the personal responsibilities for wrongs committed, habitual sinning, justification for not Christian-like actions and an unwillingness to admit fallibility being blamed on other persons, as well as the devil.  People just simply refuse to own up to their own shortcomings and misgivings.  There is no honor in casting blame on someone else.  That is deceitful, dishonorable, as well as an addictive behavior.  Yes, the devil is real, he is waging war for our very souls.  Yet, we should not become so preoccupied with his advances that we lose sight of the great commission; "as you are going preach the gospel to all creation."  Far too many Christian people are being pulled away from this by being led into a dangerous precedent in spiritual warfare.  We are not told to do so in scripture, we are told to love, obey, believe and spread the gospel "good news", not a doctrine of fear or warlike indifferences.

Thank God always for the opportunities presented, be honest, noble and forthright in all your activities.  Fight the good fight of faith.

God Bless.


Contents
Merry Christmas &Happy

New Year

Disclaimer

Copyright

Credits

Feedback

Jacksonville Edition

Cleveland Edition

Christmas Photos


Copyright
Copyright Section

Our provision for the use of information contained in this publication is straight forward.  All material within this publication is free from copyright infringement when the material is used for reference or educational purposes.  Reproduction other than by direct copy is not allowed.  That is; a person may make as many copies via Copier or Printer, so long as it remains intact.  The original words and authors name must remain within the article.  Misrepresentation of the material within this publication, or altering its contents in any way, constitutes a copyright infringement.

For readers information.

All material contained in this issue of the Christian Underground Journal is the domain of the author granted under the provisions of the  Copyright Act of 1976, Act of October 19, 1976, § 302, PL 94-553, 90 Stat 2541, 2572, 17 USC § 302, and the Computer Software Copyright Act of 1980.

Infringement of Copyrights:

A wrong similar to the infringement of a patent is the infringement of a copyright.  A copyright is the right given by the statute to prevent others for a limited time from printing, copying, or publishing a production resulting from intellectual labor. The right exists for the life of the author and for 50 years thereafter.

Reproduction of a substantial part of the original constitutes an infringement, but appropriation of only a word or single line does not.

One guilty of infringement of copyright is liable to the owner for damages, which are to be determined by the court.  The owner is also entitled to an injunction to retrain further infringement.


Credits
CREDIT GOES TO:

SoftLogic Solutions maker of Help Yourself Authoring Software.

Microsoft Corp. Help Compiler.

Microsoft Corp. Bookshelf 1993 Edition

CorelDRAW! 3.0

The Software Toolworks Release 6 of the New Grolier

Multimedia Encyclopedia.

Graphics by: Softkey International,

                     Digital Systems Research, Inc.,

                     BMC Graphics.

                     Serif, Inc.

Map of Somalia: By Multimedia World Atlas

Some Historical Excerpts from the Microsoft Bookshelf 1993 Edition.  All copyright notices are affixed to each representative article

Other Historical references are from The New Grolier Multimedia Enclyclopedia.  All copyright notices are affixed to reference material used.


dualism

dualism  (d´-líz'm), in philosophy and theology, system that explains all phenomena in terms of two distinct and irreducible principles, e.g., ideas and matter (as in PLATO, ARISTOTLE, and modern METAPHYSICS) or mind and matter (as in psychology). In theology the term refers to a concept of opposing principles, e.g., good and evil. See also MONISM.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


Disclaimer

The Christian Underground Journal dose not stand in the way of ideas or technology.  We may not support all the thoughts or stories contained within the Christian Underground Journal, but we continue to provide a vehicle for those who feel led to speak out or minister.

So, not all views expressed are those held by the Christian Underground Journal.

The Christian Underground Journal is a not for profit publication.  The CUJ is expressly informational in nature and provides a medium for authors to minister to God's people through the written word.  The Gospel has been freely given to us and the CUJ freely provides the articles contained within the publication.

Some articles have been abridged by the Christian Underground Journal do to space constraints.  For articles that seem incomplete, a full ASCII text format is available from the authors.  A hard copy may also be available.  In the case of the BIBLE publication in the Cleveland Edition, a printed track is available fro the Author.


Feedback
The authors of the Christian Underground Journal extends to all readers an offer to send feedback to them.  We would like to here what each of you have to say or comment about.

What we would appreciate is a format either in TXT, WRI,  format with your comments and suggestions.

You may address your comments to the authors listed below.

MikeK72587                              Jeffre5386                              DennisH658

or

for Internet purposes

MikeK72587@aol.com             Jeffre5386@aol.com         DennisH658@aol.com

mike.kovach@7thwave.com


For Additional Study
Many verses in the Bible deal with a Christian's obligation toward other Christians.  Although this is but one aspect of the fellowship concept studied above, perhaps it would be beneficial to spend additional time focused on it.  What types of things ought you to be doing toward other Christians? Not doing toward them?  Why?  Are all your obligations "pleasant" ones, or do you have to sometimes do (or say) something that you would consider "unpleasant?"  Under what circumstances (if any) might you be excused from fulfilling your obligations?  What about priorities and values in your life?  (Example:  Suppose you "don't have time...")

Suppose you try something (as far as fulfilling your obligations toward others), and it "doesn't work" (is not accepted by them, or in some manner does not meet your own expectations)... what then?  Will you quit trying?  Will you use that experience (or even several such experiences) as a justification for "giving up?"  What determines the way you live and act and think... your experiences or the Word of God?  How can you prepare your mind and heart so that you will be ready for any such "setback?"

UNITY, BEING UNITED or ONE:
[Verses were originally placed here.]

Questions:
In what ways does the modern-day concept of "church" and "church membership lists" (any other modern-day terminology that you may also choose to examine, such as the word "denomination") add to, or subtract from what the Bible says regarding the concept of unity or oneness that belongs to the followers of Jesus Christ?  What does the Bible say about these "differences" (between the Bible and modern terminology)?  Does God give us authority to make these changes (that is, to "replace" the Bible's definitions of concepts)?

DIVISIONS:
[Verses were originally placed here.]

A few quick questions:
When are divisions legitimate? / not legitimate?
In which instances would the N.T. word "division" be equivalent to the 20th century word "denomination"?

The following comments represents my reactions after being told by church leadership, "Yes, that's what the Bible says, but we would rather do it our way." [The last half of the sentence is not an exact quote, but the first part is.  They then went on to give me a list of "pragmatic" reasons why it was better to ignore what the Bible says...
COMMENTS ON CHURCH MEMBERSHIP LISTS:

Church membership lists are clearly NOT the emphasis of the New Testament.  In fact, they are not even mentioned as a consideration.  And they are most emphatically  NOT  what New Testament writers looked for as proof of being a part of the church.  In fact, nothing could have been farther from their minds (given their concept of what "church" meant).

The existence of such a list is not necessarily sinful "in and of itself" (a theoretical scenario which does not actually exist in reality).  Nor is it necessarily righteous.  For it exists within a context... and that context determines the significance of it.

Whether or not to have a church membership list is not the primary issue, but rather a secondary issue.  It is a "symptom", rather than a "cause".  It is a "reflection" of attitudes, rather than the "source".  It reflects one's attitudes concerning primary issues... attitudes which have already been presupposed (sometimes even unconsciously) prior to the question of lists.

Some of these primary issues for which views are presupposed to varying degrees (often unconsciously... even at times inconsistently) prior to the question of "lists" are as follows:
1) What is the nature of the Word of God, and the extent of its authority?  To what extent should its message control all that we think and do?  (If it is to control 100%, the issue of "lists" would probably not even come up, since such a concept is non-existent.)
2) What are the boundaries of the authority of leadership within the church?  (Does an elder - or anyone in the church - have the right to impose upon God's people restrictions which God does not place upon them?  Does anyone have the authority to refuse an individual the full rights (and responsibilities) of being a child of God, just because they do not submit to man-made restrictions?  <Example:  "Only those who are willing to be on our membership list will be permitted to exercise their gifts in the areas of (fill in the blank).  We will refuse to allow those not on the list to exercise such gifts."  This almost blatantly defies what God says about gifts and their usage.>  The Judaizers had their own restrictions for "full acceptance" into the body of Christ... (Response: Acts 15 and Galatians, etc.)  The "proto-gnostics" had theirs... (Response: Colossians, etc.)

3) What is the nature of Christian ethics?
4) What is the nature of Christian freedom?
5) What is the nature of truth and error?
6) What constitutes a Christian?
7) What constitutes a church?

Now-a-days, people often stress things that the N.T. writers never even thought about!  And in all cases which I myself have seen, such an emphasis on what the Bible does NOT stress has always been associated with a de-emphasis or negation of various statements or commands which ARE directly emphasized.  (I presume that in each case, the people would have said, "Nah, we'd never do anything like that!")  Now I am not saying that the membership list thing led to the others.  Rather, it was the presupposed attitudes to the primary issues which led to both.

Furthermore, I have never seen anyone base such a list on "the Word of God plus nothing".  Nor have I ever been given reasons that could stand up to the test of, "Does the Bible say that?"  AND THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE, FOR A PEOPLE WHO CLAIM THAT THE BIBLE IS THE "FINAL AUTHORITY IN ALL MATTERS OF FAITH AND PRACTICE."  The best that I have ever heard was a string of arguments based on an equivocation of terms.  (Example:  re-defining the words "church" and "local" in the phrase "local church".  Sometimes even the word "Israel" was re-defined to mean "church" - and then a series of extrapolations proceeded from that!)  But if we keep changing definitions of words found in the Bible (and I have never seen a person limit his re-defining to only the issue of church membership), why should we keep calling ourselves "Christianity"?  Why shouldn't we be willing to acknowledge the distinction between ourselves (and our "re-defined Bible") and the original Christianity which used the definitions of the words as hey exist in the original writings?

I do not say that it is never right to have some type of membership list.  Sometimes it may be even mandatory (such as when the government forces a group to so it).  (But such a list - if it existed - would be merely to appease the government.  It would in no way place restrictions on the true followers of Christ.  Nor would it have any impact on the functioning of the church, or the rights and responsibilities of the individuals.

I have never known a time that people who stressed "church membership" haven't sooner or later raised it above at least some of the primary commands of the Bible.  And it is impossible to place greater emphasis on secondary issues without sinning, for God gives greater priority on the primary issues... and in such a situation, the two will always come into conflict at one point or another.  The sad thing is that, having "redefined" some parts of their thinking, to accomodate such teachings, it often results in a spontaneous re-definition of other areas, due to the manner in which the teachings of Scripture are interrelated.  And in the end, the person may be guilty of sin and distorting God's word without even knowing it.

There was a time that people received the full rights and privileges of being members of the Body of Christ after they had simply repented, been baptized (which normally represented the first act of obedience to Christ, and was done in public... rather than months or years later, behind closed doors of a building), and begun to show the truthfulness of their claims by their lifestyle (Acts 26:20, etc.).  Today, however, people have decided that these things are not enough.  And they have added additional rules and regulations.

In my view, Christianity claims that salvation includes a radical change in all one thinks, concerning all of reality.  It means a change in perspective in all one does, a change in view regarding the very nature of issues that people stress, a change in what one emphasizes.  Even the very basic issue of how to think is influenced, and must be influenced by the word of God... in all ways.

To me, the idea of "church membership lists" is such a secondary issue, as far as Christianity is concerned, that it almost represents a waste of time... time that could be better used attempting to recover some of the primary issues that have been so long neglected - even lost - by the church.  Even though I have ceased to expect it to happen, it is my opinion that perhaps - just perhaps - a new reformation would take place, if only perspectives on things such as these were radically changed: if "arguments and pretensions" were demolished and if everything were brought into conformity to the Word of God, as written... if we would only learn to "not go beyond what is written".
---------
To the best of my knowledge, there is NEVER a time in which a secondary issue is elevated to the level of a primary issue, that sin is not the eventual outcome.

Return to Main Topic


Gnosticism
Gnosticism was a religious philosophical dualism that professed salvation through secret knowledge, or gnosis.  The movement reached a high point of development during the 2d century AD in the Roman and Alexandrian schools founded by Valentius. Scholars have attributed the origins of gnosticism to a number of sources:  the Greek mystery cults;  ZOROASTRIANISM;  the KABBALAH of Judaism;  and Egyptian religion.  The early Christians considered Simon Magus (Acts 8:9-24) the founder of gnosticism.  His doctrine, like that of other gnostic teachers, had nothing in common with the knowledge of the mysteries of God that Saint Paul called wisdom (1 Cor.  2:7).
Christian leaders looked upon gnosticism as a subtle, dangerous threat to Christianity during the 2d century, a time marked by religious aspirations and philosophical preoccupations about the origins of life, the source of evil in the world, and the nature of a transcendent deity.  Gnosticism was perceived as an attempt to transform Christianity into a religious philosophy and to replace faith in the mysteries of revelation by philosophical explanations.
The gnostic sects set forth their teachings in complex systems of thought.  Characteristic of their position was the doctrine that all material reality is evil.  One of their central convictions was that salvation is achieved by freeing the spirit from its imprisonment in matter.  Elaborate explanations were given on how this imprisonment came to be and how the deliverance of the soul was to be accomplished.  The transcendent God was removed from all matter by a succession of intermediary eternal beings called aeons.  The aeons emanated as couples (male and female);  the complete series (usually 30) constituted the Pleroma, the fullness of the Godhead.  Beyond the Pleroma were the material universe and human beings to be saved.
In gnostic thought, a divine seed was imprisoned in every person.  The purpose of salvation was to deliver this divine seed from the matter in which it was lost.  Gnostics classified people according to three categories:  (1) gnostics, or those certain of salvation, because they were under the influence of the spirit (pneumatikoi);  (2) those not fully gnostics, but capable of salvation through knowledge (psychikoi);  and (3) those so dominated by matter that they were beyond salvation (hylikoi).  Gnostics often practiced excessive asceticism, because they believed that they were thus liberated by the spirit.
Gnosticism was denounced by the Christian theologians Irenaeus, Hippolytus, and Tertullian.  In the 3d century, Clement of Alexandria attempted to formulate an orthodox Christian gnosticism to explain the difference in perfection attained by individuals in their response to the gospel.  Gnosticism gradually merged with MANICHAEISM.  Today, the Mandeans are the only surviving sect of Gnostics.  The research of scholars has been greatly enhanced since 1945, when a Coptic gnostic library was discovered near Nag Hammadi (see Nag Hammadi Papyri), in upper Egypt.
Agnes Cunningham
Bibliography:  Filoramo, Giovanni, Gnosticism (1990);  Grant, Robert McQueen, Gnosticism and Early Christianity (1966); Jonas, Hans, The Gnostic Religion (1963);  Lacarriere, Jacques, The Gnostics, trans.  by Nina Rootes (1977);  Pagels, Elaine, The Gnostic Gospels (1981);  Robinson, J.M., The Nag Hammadi Library (1977;  repr.  1982)


God's Character
3 CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD'S WORD THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE BECAUSE OF THEIR INSPIRED [GOD-BREATHED] NATURE:

By

Dennis Hinks

1) They were written within specific historic cultures, yet they transcend across all cultural lines.  Lack of knowledge of historical cultural details may prevent a person from understanding various details, but the main points - the things necessary for life and godliness - will not be hidden.

COMMENTS.

Some people think that if we do not study all sorts of background information, we cannot know or understand the Bible. This is not true, for many of the godliest people in the world never had the opportunity to do so. Such knowledge may be helpful, but it is not a mandatory requirement.

2) They were written in specific historical languages, yet once translated, they can be understood (if accepted "as written") in any language.  Lack of knowledge of the original languages may prevent a person from learning certain minute details of a passage being studied, but it does not leave one impaired and unable to know what is necessary for his salvation and sanctification.  It will not lead him into error.

COMMENTS.

Some people think that unless a person knows the original languages, the Bible cannot be correctly understood. (This is sometimes suggested by people who understand those languages.) This is also not true, for the same reason that is mentioned above.

3) They are totally perfect in the way they say things, even though they do not often say things the way people want them to be said.  They are totally accurate, precise, to the point, and not wasting time on unimportant issues [those which people prefer to focus on!].  They cannot be corrected since they are already correct in their entirety [not necessarily presenting issues the way people think they should be].  Nor can they be improved in form since they are already written in the best form possible, to communicate the message [not necessarily the form people want].  Remember, the intended purpose of the message is NOT to distribute information in an easy-to-memorize, "systematic" manner.  Rather, its purpose is to change one's whole perspective on reality, within all the contexts of life - even those not explicitly mentioned.  And the form in which the words of Scripture have been given is the best form possible for accomplishing that task.

COMMENTS.

There are lots of resources or helps that people have written, to aid in understanding the Bible. Some are helpful in certain ways. But many simply illustrate that God’s ways are not the same as man’s ways.   (And when this is true, man’s ways are the wrong ways.) Too often, man’s improvement may appear to help in one way, yet will lessen the Bible’s ability to accomplish what God intends in other ways.

Many so-called resources have absolutely no legitimate place in the interpretation of the Bible. Interpretational schemes and keys beyond number have been invented and superimposed upon the Bible. It is claimed by proponents of such things that the Bible cannot be correctly understood until their own favorite key or basic principle is accepted. YET IF THEY WERE REALLY NECESSARY, GOD WOULD HAVE INCLUDED THEM IN HIS WORD. And since he didn’t, they aren’t.

Other people try to make the Bible relevant by superimposing man-made teachings into the Bible. Popular religious trends or viewpoints (or even worldly ones) are suddenly discovered in the Bible and taught as being the Christian perspective. Whatever the latest fad is, someone will come along, who will reinterpret the Bible and then prove that the Bible teaches it! Frequently, there will be two or more groups holding contradictory viewpoints each claiming that the Bible promotes their view and not the others’ views! This is why many people claim (wrongfully so) that a person can prove anything with the Bible.

In contrast with the examples just mentioned, there are other resources that are truly helpful. Yet even these might not be perfect in all ways, for they are written by imperfect people. [We who use them are also imperfect, and are capable of abusing them.] In case of potential conflict, the message of the Bible as a whole must be given priority over the resource. [Consider the action of the Bereans, mentioned in Acts 17:11. They examined the words of the apostle Paul, comparing them with Scripture, and were PRAISED for doing so! Certainly Paul was a much greater resource than anything we have today!]

©941029 Dennis Hinks

This material is OK to copy


HEGEL
Hegel, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich

Hegel, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich, 1770-1831, German philosopher. His all-embracing philosophical system, set forth in such works as Phenomenology of Mind (1807), Science of Logic (1812-16), and Encyclopedia of the Philosophical Sciences (1817), includes theories of ethics, aesthetics, history, politics, and religion. At the center of the universe Hegel posited an enveloping absolute spirit that guides all reality, including human reason. His absolute IDEALISM envisages a world-soul, evident throughout history, that develops from, and is known through, a process of change and progress now known universally as the Hegelian dialectic. According to its laws, one concept (thesis) inevitably generates its opposite (antithesis); their interaction leads to a new concept (synthesis), which in turn becomes the thesis of a new triad. Thus philosophy enables human beings to comprehend the historical unfolding of the absolute. Hegel's application of the dialectic to the concept of conflict of cultures stimulated historical nalysis and, in the political arena, made him a hero to those working for a unified Germany. He was a major influence on subsequent idealist thinkers and on such philosophers as KIERKEGAARD and SARTRE; perhaps his most far-reaching effect was his influence on Karl MARX, who substituted materialism for idealism in his formulation of DIALECTICAL MATERIALISM.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


Hell
WHAT ABOUT HELL?

By

 JACK DARIDA

Hell and the Devil
A conversation about belief in HELL

Q)  Do you believe in the devil?

Jack)  Yes, I believe in the devil.  However, one of Satan's greatest strategies is to deceive the world into believing he does not exist.  From reading the stats you picked up, it seems as if he is successful in this strategy.  It is sad that people are being led by Satan without even knowing it.  But, he is content to remain anonymous, as long as he can keep us away from the true God.  His ploy is to keep unbelievers from believing, and to keep believers from being effective witnesses.  Our only defense against his scheme is to surrender our lives to the Father through Christ and to live by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Q)  Do you believe in the virgin birth of Christ?

Jack)  Absolutely.  Christ was born of a virgin in order to escape the sinful heritage which would have been passed down to Him by an earthly father. If Christ is not sinless, His sacrifice is meaningless and powerless.

Q)  Do you believe in life after death?

Jack)  Human beings were created with temporary physical bodies, but eternal souls.  All human souls will live eternally.  Each person's decision to accept or reject Jesus Christ will determine the eternal destiny of their soul, whether seperate from God or present with God.

Q)  Do you believe in the final judgment?

Jack)  Yes.  All men and women will be judged on the basis of their belief in Christ or unbelief.

Q)  Do you believe Christ will return?

Jack)  I believe the Bible clearly teaches that Christ will return.  The order of events may be disputed by differing viewpoints, but all Christians put their hope in His return.

Q)  Do you believe in miracles?

Jack)  When you have faith in a supernatural God, you tend to expect the supernatural.  I believe that God most often chooses to work according to the rules of nature which He instituted.  He does, however, work through miracles according to His own good pleasure.  The trouble with miracles is that people become obsessed with the miracle, and lose sight of the God who performed it.  If miracles were everyday occurences, they would cease to be supernatural, and would soon be explained away as natural.


Jacksonville Edition
Happy Birthday Jesus

December 1994

Christian underground Journal

Issue 1                          Volume 1

As the year ends

A time to search, and a time to give up as lost.  Ecc 3:6

What to Believe

Kingdom Service II

Colors of the Heart

Hell - a short conversation


Joseph and Mary

We often times take for granted our conviences. Birth today has been made easy through technology.  One thing remains constant today that was also constant 2000 years before.  The need to love and be loved.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  He came into our world to give His life so we can live and one day be with Him who sacrificed all for His creation.  Passover is a time to rejoice and be glad in it.

By Mike Kovach


KINGDOM SERVICE II
By
Jeff Dull

If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love [that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God's love for and in us], I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers--that is, the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose; and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love [God's love in me] I am nothing--a useless nobody. Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned [or in order that I may glory], but have not love [God's love in me], I gain nothing.  (1 Cor. 13:1-3; Amplified).

And so faith, hope, and love abide; [faith, conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope, joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love, true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three, but the greatest of these is love.  (1 Cor. 13:13; Amplified).

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only-begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish--come to destruction, be lost--but have eternal (everlasting) life.  For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge--to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on--the world; but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. (John 3:16-17; Amplified)

Love is the spirituality, the law, the lifestyle, the mission, the occupation, as well as the value, attitude, behavior, and even the currency of the Kingdom of God for all those who enter in through the gate of Christ Jesus.  Love is also the foundation of all the covenant agreements and relationships presented to man throughout time by God.  God equals Love; Jesus equals Love;  the Holy Spirit equals Love. The Christian and the Church should equate to Love also.  Christian, ask yourself; if you know the source of love and the why, what, and how you love?

Obviously the source of all true love is the Triune (three in one) God.  The how of Christian love, illustrated in the above verses, is an act of the will and the whole chapter of 1 Corinthians 13.  The willful act of accepting Christ as Lord and recognizing God as the source of love provides a Christian with the answer for what to love.  The answer of what to love, is God first, self second, and all others last, because one cannot give what one does not have.  The answer to why we should love is twofold.  First, it is commanded that we love as God loves, with God's love, giving love just like we received it, unconditionally.  Second, the whole reason behind practicing Christianity is to seek God's face, to be conformed to the image of Christ Jesus (Love), and to reach maturity through obedience to God's commandments and God's will.  Remember, as I stated in the last article ("Kingdom Service"), to be conformed to the image of Christ, some part of the self has to die.  No death, no life.  This applies o the "Bride of Christ", the church as well, for it too is to undergo the transformation process.  To achieve fulfillment in Kingdom Service is to grow in Christ (Love), and to express that love in all that is thought, said, and done.  "SO WHAT'S THE POINT?"

Over the last 2000 years, there is very little evidence of Christian maturity and conformity to the image of Christ either in the individual or the Church of today.  What we do have are a lot of people running around thinking, saying, and doing good works and looking to all the world as good people or good Christians, but do not have Love.  That is, they do not present Christ-glorifying values, attitudes, and behaviors, in their thoughts, words, and deeds.  Without love, there is no Christianity or Kingdom Service, as I Corinthians 13:1-3 bluntly states it, "a person becomes a noisy gong, and a useless nobody without gain."  An evidence of this in my life was when I thought I was giving unconditionally to others and later (a day, a week, a month, or even a year), I would say something like, "...after all that I have done for you."  It was at that point I realized everything I gave had been conditional and that Kingdom Service was not truly in my giving.  As for the matter of Christian maturity nd conformation to the image of Christ it is necessary to see what the Bible says, specifically in 1 Peter 2:1-2, 1 Corinthians 3:1-7, and Hebrews 5:8-6:3.

So be done with every trace of wickedness (depravity, malignity) and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander and evil speaking of every kind.  Like newborn babies you should crave--thirst for, earnestly desire--the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation. 1I Peter 2:1-2, Amplified)

As a new Christian we are to seek and drink unadulterated spiritual milk just like any other new baby must drink milk before he can eat meat during the growing and maturing process.

However brethren, I could not talk to you as to spiritual [men], but as to nonspiritual (men of the flesh, in whom the carnal nature predominates), as to mere infants [in the new life] in Christ--unable to talk yet!  I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not yet strong enough [to be ready for it]; but even yet you are not strong enough [to be ready for it], For you are still, (unspiritual, having the nature) of the flesh--under the control of ordinary impulses.  For as long as [there are] envying and jealousy and wrangling and factions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere (unchanged) men?  For when one says, I belong to Paul, and another, I belong to Apollos, are you not [proving yourselves] ordinary (unchanged) men?  What then is Apollos?  What is Paul?  Ministering servants [not heads of parties], through whom you believed, even as the Lord appointed to each his task:  I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] as making it grow, and [He] gave the increase.  So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but [only] God Who makes it grow and become greater. 1 Cor. r 3:1-7, Amplified)

 	Am I stretching it too far when I substitute the names of Paul and Apollos in these verses with the names of a denomination, tele-evangelist, pastor, religious founder, or any other religious title, that the indictment of these verses still holds true?  I think not.

Although He was Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered;  And [His completed experience] making Him perfect [in equipment], He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him,  Being designated and recognized and saluted by God as High Priest after the order [with the rank] of Melchizedek.  Concerning this we have much to say which is hard to explain, since you have become dull in your [spiritual] hearing and sluggish, even slothful [in achieving spiritual insight],  For even though by this time you ought to be teaching others, you actually need some one to teach you over again the very first principles of God's Word.  You have come to need milk, not solid food.  For every one who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness, [that is of conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought and action,] for he is a mere infant--not able to talk yet!  But solid food is for full-grown en, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.   THEREFORE LET us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of Christ, the Messiah, advancing steadily toward the completeness and perfection that belongs to spiritual maturity.  Let us not again be laying the foundation of repentance and abandonment of dead works [dead formalism], and of the faith [by which you turned] to God.  With teachings about purifying, the laying on of hands, the resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment and punishment. [These are all matters of which you should have been fully aware long, long ago.]  If indeed God permits we will [now] proceed [to advanced teaching]. (Hebrews 5:8-6:3; Amplified)

I believe that if you take a look at all of today's churches (and the people in them), you will find an accurate description of the state of their true spirituality here in Hebrews  5:8-6:3.  Think about it.  All of the differences between all the Christian churches and denominations are all "milk" issues.  Have you ever noticed how preachers are always telling their congregations about what the individual's responsibility to the church and God is, but seldom if ever do they preach on what the church's responsibility to the individual and God is?  Christian, ask yourself, when was the last time you heard instruction from the pulpit on the Bible's doctrine of church discipline?  When was the last time you saw church discipline Biblically used?  No matter which church I attend, which spiritual or religious book I read, or which tele-evangelist I listen to, the message is still 95-100 percent milk and elementary teachings.  Let me say it loud and clear to all Christian leaders and teachers,  WHERE'S THE BEEF!

It sure is easy pointing fingers, isn't it?  Remember, when someone points a finger, there are three pointing back.  I too have a personal responsibility, as well as each individual Christian, to seek meat and to share it with others.  There is no perfect Christian or perfect church. I am not trying to find one or build one.  That is God's job, not mine.  It is God who does the transforming in conjunction with our permission.  We are to seek His Face, abide in His will, and do it His way, not our own.  I must be accountable and responsible for my own decisions and motives, before I deal with anyone else's.  The Bible says to take the log out of your own eye before trying to take the splinter out of some else's eye (Matthew 7:5).  Remember one cannot give what one does not have.  Be that as it may, there are still at least two big questions to answer.  How did we get this way?  How do we fix it?

     The answer to both questions lies in the following passage:

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.  (Isaiah 55:8-9; Amplified)

What happened to Christianity has happened to all of the world's religions.  When the authority figure dies, the perceived vacuum of spirituality and power needs to be filled.  The scholars, politicians, and the religious leaders then vie for control of the movement and argue over the election of a new spiritual leader.  There is also a power struggle over what the original authority figure really meant by what he said, which leads to new interpretations of the movement's ideals.  In Christianity, after the apostles died there was a large vacuum of spirituality and power.  This initiated a power struggle between the Western and Eastern Roman Empires.  Gnosticism flourished. The great debate between the philosophies of Aristotle and Plato once again erupted; continuing today in Neoplatonism.  Neoplatonism is the philosophy arrived at by trying to combine the previously mentioned philosophies.  Some of the early church fathers (like Augustine and Ambroes) achieved the title of Bishop after being Christians or 2 weeks.  The Bible clearly recommends that no one who is a young Christian should be placed in authority.  He must not be a new convert, or he may [develop a beclouded and stupid state of mind] as the result of pride, [be blinded by] conceit, and fall into the condemnation that the devil [once] did. (I Timothy 3:6, Amplified).  If you are a Christian you know that while you may intellectually understand what the Bible says or what the pastor says; it is not until after you experience it that you get the heart and mind connection, and fully realize its meaning according to God's understanding and not man's.  "SO WHAT'S THE POINT?"

Man has been interpreting God and the Bible through his own understanding, not God's.  It does not work that way.  God has delegated dominion.  He has given His Son.  He has never given up His sovereignty.  To become mature in Christ is to become more dependent on Him.  To be mature in the world is to become more independent; (see Isaiah 55:8-9).  To be conformed to the image f Christ requires standing in the Light of God and allowing yourself to be brought up to the standard of God, not of man.  The standard of God is perfection, holiness, and righteousness (however you want to say it).  Think of the transformation as being peeled like an onion.  When a person first comes to the Lord, the outer layer is peeled back, revealing the sin and destruction in a person's life.  The person agrees with the sin in view of God's light, confesses the sin, asks Jesus into his life and repents.  It should be noted that an unsaved person comes to the cross; the Christian in wanting to be a disciple goes from the cross to Christ.  After all, the goal of the great commission is to make disciples, not just get people to the point of being saved.  The road from the cross to Christ has been illustrated in the books The Pilgrim's Progress and The Road Less Traveled.

To the human mind and understanding there is nothing more horrifying than to stand in God's light, be peeled back and become totally aked to the self and God.  The truth of this is seen in two of Peter's experiences with the Lord: the walking on water and the trial of Christ.  Like Peter, every individual (and the church, as well) will be asked to step out in faith; that is to deny everything that the individual's mind, body, and soul are telling them is true by knowledge and experience, to step out beyond all humanly understood support and aid, and perform actions and behaviors opposite of what was done before.  In other words; the individual has to die, in order to live.  Whenever a person is asked to change values, attitudes, and behaviors, fear and anxiety abound.  When Peter stepped out in faith, often he found himself suddenly involved in very scary situations, and he did what all humans do.  He reached back to what was familiar and safe.  Since he was addicted to his own life and his old ways, he sank in the water, he cut off the guard's ear, and he denied Christ three times.  All of Israel did the same thing.  The concept of  suffering Messiah and not a conquering one, was too much for Israel to handle.  So Israel denied the Christ and had Him crucified.  Now take a look again at Hebrews 5:8-6:3, and I believe you will see that most individuals, and the church, are comfortable in the milk state.  To allow God to raise them to holiness would mean that their veneer would be stripped off, and their true state of fearing man more than God would be revealed.

Now to answer the second question: how to fix the problem?  First, it involves something the Alcoholics Anonymous program focuses on: HOW (Honesty, Openness, and Willingness).  We all need to be honest about who and what we are, who and what God is, and what the Bible instructs as the difference.  We all need to be open to what the Bible teaches about the human condition, personal accountability and responsibility, and what to do about it.  We all need to be willing to stand in God's light and to allow God's Holy Spirit to work in us and transform us.  God has given man one area of absolute control, our individual self-will.  Neither God nor Satan can do anything in a person's life without permission.  Second, when the fear, anxiety, and that feeling of total loss of control and hope kick in, believe.  Say what the father of the demonized child said to Christ when He came down from the Mount of Transfiguration.  And Jesus said to him, "'If You can!'  All things are possible to him who believes."  Immediately the boy's father cried out and began saying, "I do believe; help my unbelief." (Mark 9:23-24, NAS).  Last, be aware that while each Christian walk is personalized, it is not meant to be done alone.  Christ is there always, and the body of Christ has a responsibility to go through a crisis with the individual; not for the individual.

Well, that is all for now.  I am aware that I said I would answer the seven questions I posed to you in my last journal article.  If you take a close look, you will see that I have given the general outline to most of the questions already.  In my next article I will be more specific.  Finally, as Christmas Day and the "season of love" approaches, I think it is appropriate to ask, "WHAT IS THE POINT?" of celebrating this season of love and Christmas Day?  The answer appears at the beginning of this article, John 3:16-17.  I try not to separate the cross from Christmas.  Jesus came, because I needed to be saved.  He was/is the Passover lamb, born to be raised and killed for my soul to live, much like the turkey or ham served for the Christmas dinner, was born to be raised and killed for my body to continue living.  I celebrate Christmas for God entering into this world as God's gift of love in His Son, for what Christ did at the cross, and the resurrection that followed.  Because of His resurrection,  have a birthday cake for Christ each year because He is alive!  My favorite Christmas song is "The Little Drummer Boy".  It, along with the cross, reminds me of the simplicity of the greatest gift I can give not only to my God and King but to everyone.  That gift is all that I am and have, myself.

For all of my Christian family out there, I pray that all the blessings and peace of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, may be yours this Christmas and forever.

Special Note:     I would like to take this time to publicly thank Mr. Ray Boltz for the song and video of "I Pledge Allegiance to The Lamb".  I think that the song should be sung as a personal prayer every morning by every Christian with arms open wide and hands held high, but only when they mean it.  By now it should be obvious I try to limit ritual and dogma to the absolute least amount necessary, so do not use this one unless you do it in Love.

All rights reserved
© December 1994 Jeff Dull
OK to copy.


Mysticism

mysticism  (mís´tí-síz'm) [Gr., = the practice of those who are initiated into the mysteries], the practice of putting oneself into direct relation with GOD, the Absolute, or any unifying principle of life. There are two general tendencies in the speculation of mystics to regard God as outside the soul, which rises to God by successive stages, or to regard God as dwelling within the soul, to be found by delving deeper into one's own reality. The contemplative path to union conventionally requires a series of steps involving purgation, illumination, and increase of spiritual love. Various rituals may assist the process. The language of mysticism is difficult and usually symbolic; biographies and autobiographies of mystics are the major sources for direct study (for example, those of such mystics as St. THERESA of Ávila; St. JOHN OF THE CROSS; Jakob BOEHME; and Aurobindo GHOSE). Although mysticism is inseparably linked with religion, the term itself is used very broadly in English, being extended to magic, ccultism, or the esoteric. Mysticism is encountered in Greek NEOPLATONISM, CHRISTIANITY, JUDAISM, BUDDHISM, HINDUISM, ISLAM, and TAOISM.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


nominalism

nominalism  (nóm´-n-líz'm), in philosophy, theory holding that universal words (nomina) or concepts have no objective reality outside the mind, and that only individual things and events exist objectively. The theory, contrasted to Platonic IDEALISM and, in the Middle Ages, to REALISM, is appropriate to MATERIALISM and EMPIRICISM.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


Neoplatonism

Neoplatonism, ancient mystical philosophy based on the later doctrines of PLATO, especially those in the Timaeus. Considered the last of the great pagan philosophies, it was developed in the 3d cent. AD by PLOTINUS. Rejecting DUALISM, he saw reality as one vast hierarchical order containing all the various levels and kinds of existence. At the center is the One, an incomprehensible, all-sufficient unity that flows out in a radiating process called emanation, giving rise to the Divine Mind, or Logos. The Logos contains all intelligent forms of all individuals. This in turn generates the World Soul, which links the intellectual and material worlds. Despite his mysticism, Plotinus' method was thoroughly rational, based on the logical traditions of the Greeks. Later Neoplatonists grafted onto its body such disparate elements as Eastern mysticism, divination, demonology, and astrology. Neoplatonism, widespread until the 7th cent., was an influence on early Christian thinkers (e.g., ORIGEN) and medieval Jewish nd Arab philosophers. It was firmly joined with Christianity by St. AUGUSTINE, who was a Neoplatonist before his conversion. Neoplatonism has had a lasting influence on Western metaphysics and MYSTICISM. Philosophers whose works contain elements of Neoplatonism include St. THOMAS AQUINAS, BOETHIUS, and HEGEL.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


Origen

Origen  (ôr´í-jén') (Origines Adamantius), 185?-254?, Christian philosopher; b. Egypt. Origen taught in Alexandria for 28 years and became famed for his profound interpretations of the Scriptures. He attempted to synthesize the principles of Greek philosophy, particularly NEOPLATONISM and STOICISM, with those of Christianity. The most influential theologian of the early church, he is said to have written 800 works, of which few survive. His system of philosophy is contained in On First Principles.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


On with the story
Believe What!

It was a typical Saturday morning.  My wife and I headed for the church to do some grounds work.  We arrived with proper tools, ready to combat the liberal population of Weedville.  I went straight to the motor pool, choose a riding assault mower and prepared for the first assault.  I fired up the engine and engaged the throttle when the engine began to smoke.  At first I didn't pay much attention.  All of a sudden a big cloud of blue smoke came shooting out of the front of the engine.  I quickly shut the engine down.  I stood staring at the engine trying to see anything out of the ordinary.  Nothing seemed unusual, so I decided to check the oil level. Retracting the oil stick I discovered that the engine was bone dry.  I slowly turned my head and scanned the area for the enemy; none was insight.  I returned to the motor pool for some oil and discovered that there were no supplies available.  At this point, I was able to deal with the unforeseen delay.  I ran to a nearby convenience tore to buy a little container of oil.  In about 10 minutes I began cutting down the enemy weeds; it was brutal!  They offered little resistance; they couldn't stand up to the awesome power of twelve horses.

Shortly after engaging the Weedville ground forces, I advanced quickly, mowing down their meager defense like a hot knife through butter.  All they had to slow me down were little needle winged craft (mosquitoes), and a thick blanket of water (humidity).  My assault went unabated and I assumed victory to be near.  When suddenly! Weedville was re-enforced with a regiment of aerial water-craft (rain drops), that employed a smoke screen (steam).  I quickly fell back to a more secure position, in a nearby armored shed.  I was thunderstruck!  How did they communicate my assault without detection?

I decided to check out the vehicle while I waited.  I looked at the vehicle's right tire, when I noticed it took a hit; the tire was flat.  There were other battles to fight, and I'm not approving of unnecessary delays.  Besides, how did they hit the tire without my knowing it?  I began to think that General Red Devil, the Weedville leader and villain to any soldier of light, was up to his covert scheming.  Any sense of harmony began to slowly fade away, as the sensation of his presence began to surround me.  I felt as if my body was caving in, so I began to build up steam to keep my body intact.  I wasn't prepared for this delay; besides, the repair tools were several clicks east.   "WHAT WAS I GOING TO DO!"  I decided if I should get the tools or not when my Commander in Chief (my wife) arrived.  I explained what took place and my current frustration and she commented, "I'll get the tools!  I need to take care of something anyway."  I was delighted!  Just about the time the general left, the water attack subsided and I decided to counterattack their flank with a wheelbarrow.  There was debris on the parking lot from the first assault that needed to be disposed of.  I pulled the wheelbarrow from its resting place and headed for the parking lot.  I noticed that my forward motion was somewhat restrained.  I looked the wheelbarrow over and saw that its tire was also FLAT.  Just about then, the pressure I was building inside was giving way.  My body began to shrink as I let out the steam on a nearby tree.  That was it; I was convinced, that it is the Red Devil causing all this grief, by slowing my progress and causing me to lose pressure.  I never once considered that equipment breaks down from time-to-time.  I was making a mountain out of a mole hill.

Just a few moments later, the Commander and Chief returned with the tools.  She was concerned about my maturing attitude and that I might take this situation far too seriously; forgetting about other scheduled projects.  Not considering my actions, or how she felt, I decided to cast the responsibility for the problems on someone other than myself, or fate.  I once again thought, "THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT."  After all, he is a handy scapegoat for our responsibilities.  He can't be seen, heard, or tell anyone that we sometimes sin.   I was convinced that all this was a staged performance to upset my plans to serve the Lord Christ.

With that issue settled, I decided to have both flats repaired.  I was somewhat concerned for the wheelbarrow's tire.  I could see battle scars from previous encounters with the Weedville troops.  I counted at least eight plugged scars.  After seeing the battle scars, I knew that this barrow had the metal necessary for additional combat.  I placed the tires in the trunk of my land rover and headed for the repair shop.

While transporting the tires, I began thinking about how I was being prevented from completing the mission.  I KNEW, that I would have to wait for an hour or more before the equipment would be repaired.  I also KNEW, that the repair was going to cost more than I was willing to pay.  I arrived at the repair facility and was warmly greeted by on-site mechanics.  I told them my trouble and they agreed to take a look.  Watching them work they reminded me of surgeons.  All huddled around the tires trying to determine the best price to charge me.  I began sensing things getting worse.  I saw dollar signs covering the exterior of the tires and a big smile on their faces as they handed me the bill before releasing the tires.

Just about the time I finished that thought, one of the mechanics told me that the tires were just low on air and that there was no charge for the air.  I couldn't believe my ears.  I asked him, "Are you sure?"  He confirmed that I could take them back and use them as I normally would.  Boy was I relieved.  "You know, I didn't even consider what I thought prior to getting the GOOD NEWS."  All I thought was, "Gee am I lucky,"  NO CHARGE.

On my way back to the battlefield, I was thinking about the article "Going Ape," and the anger it displayed.  I looked at my situation and reasoned, "Gee, here was a situation where events led me to a series of wrong conclusions."  I saw flat tires.  I saw the enemy causing it.  I overreacted by projecting the worst that could happen.  I sanctioned no responsibility for the way I felt, the attitude I developed, or even the thoughts I birthed.

I considered the repair facility and how the tires were merely, "low on air," not damaged beyond repair and certainly not usable again.  I pondered how these tires were filled with air and returned to full service again.  Then, I realized how a false perception of a situation can lead someone down the wrong path.  I understood that the tires were indeed flat, that was certainly true enough.  However, the reality of that truth was distorted by my frustration and anger, over what I believed was taking place instead of being responsible for my growing despair.

You see, we could say that we perceive the church as flat, not performing its job as it should, or because of unforeseen resistance, or poor leadership.  We can become impatient and intolerant with it by losing our heads and venting steam inappropriately.  We can even become the suspicious and intolerant of one another.  However, not all situations are what we discern them to be.  For the most part all situations perform as designed.  Exactly the way we wish them to perform.  Maybe we just need to be a little more patient and forgiving by accepting situations when they arise for what they are and not what we don't perceive them to be.

Just as taking the tires to the repair shop to discover that they were in good shape and just needed a little air, we might consider our attitudes about the church and one another.  Instead of becoming angry and frustrated with a perceived wrong we could approach the condition through prayer, asking the Lord to restore the air.

After all, He's the great physician, and He can fill the church up with the breath of life.  Yes, it may be flat, but it's not beyond repair.  "We should give praise to God the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ! in everything we do."  He will bring us alongside someone else who has gone through rough times as well.  We have plenty of hard times ahead for following the Messiah, but no more so than good times as well.  "We will get a full measure of that, also."

The church can complete its mission, if it is filled up with Jesus Christ.  As for us, perhaps we need to build up the church instead of criticizing it, because of a perception of what we believe to be true.  Besides, to criticize blinds us all to the revelation of Jesus Christ concerning His church, since WE ARE HIS CHURCH!

Commentary

© October 1994 Michael A. Kovach
All Rights reserved.
OK to copy.


Plato
Plato  (plä´tö), 427? 347 BC, Greek philosopher. In 407 BC he became a pupil and friend of SOCRATES. After living for a time at the Syracuse court, Plato founded (c.387 BC) near Athens the most influential school of the ancient world, the Academy, where he taught until his death. His most famous pupil there was ARISTOTLE. Plato's extant work is in the form of epistles and dialogues, divided according to the probable order of composition. The early, or Socratic, dialogues, e.g., the Apology, Meno, and Gorgias, present Socrates in conversations that illustrate his major ideas the unity of virtue and knowledge and of virtue and happiness. They also contain Plato's moving account of the last days and death of Socrates. Plato's goal in dialogues of the middle years, e.g., the Republic, Phaedo, Symposium, and Timaeus, was to show the rational relationship between the soul, the state, and the cosmos. The later dialogues, e.g., the Laws and Parmenides, contain treatises on law, mathematics, technical philosophic roblems, and natural science. Plato regarded the rational soul as immortal, and he believed in a world soul and a Demiurge, the creator of the physical world. He argued for the independent reality of Ideas, or Forms, as the immutable archetypes of all temporal phenomena and as the only guarantee of ethical standards and of objective scientific knowledge. Virtue consists in the harmony of the human soul with the universe of Ideas, which assure order, intelligence, and pattern to a world in constant flux. Supreme among them is the Idea of the Good, analogous to the sun in the physical world. Only the philosopher, who understands the harmony of all parts of the universe with the Idea of the Good, is capable of ruling the just state. In Plato's various dialogues he touched upon virtually every problem that has occupied subsequent philosophers; his teachings have been among the most influential in the history of Western civilization, and his works are counted among the world's finest literature. See also NEOPLATONISM.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


Plotinus

Plotinus  (plö-tï´ns), 205:270, Hellenistic philosopher, founder of NEOPLATONISM; b. Egypt. He went to Alexandria c.232 to devote himself to philosophy. After 244 he lived in Rome, where his school gained a wide following. In addition to Plato, Plotinus drew on other Greek philosophers, and on Zoroastrianism and possibly Hinduism. He explained the deity by developing the idea of emanation, and his teachings are infused with MYSTICISM. Although he rejected Christianity, Plotinus' influence on the early Christian thinkers, particularly St. AUGUSTINE, was profound. Plotinus' writings were collected by his pupil Porphyry under the title The Enneads.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


Questions
QUESTIONS:

Study the verses.  Do these commands and warnings have any meaning today?  What application do they have to the way we think and live?  How all-encompassing are they to all the decisions of life?  Under what circumstances (if any) can these commands and warnings be disregarded?

Is there any place in the Bible where authority is given to not follow these commands?  If so, where?  If no such passages exist, why do so many people, who claim to follow the Bible, take the liberty to do this?  What are the consequences of taking such actions?

Read Mark 7:6-8; Gal. 2:2-5; Col. 2:16+; 2 Peter 2:1-3,3:16; 2 John 9; Jude 4; and other similar verses that you might be able to find.  These are some, though not all, of the possible ways that someone might add/subtract or turn right/left.  What might you be able to learn from these verses?  How might they affect your perspective and actions?

If some "human authority" (example: church leadership) tries to persuade you to add/subtract or turn right/left, how must you respond?  Why?  (Note:  people who are guilty of this type of activity will never describe it as truly being addition\subtraction, etc.  They will always use "good-sounding" words to describe their actions.  But in each case, the "net result" of what they are doing will be something different from what the Bible endorses, when it is accepted on its own authority.)

How do your own thoughts and actions compare to this "standard of faith and practice" (that is, the Bible's requirements for "unconditional surrender" to its authority)?  If they do not completely match this standard, what can/will you do to begin moving toward compliance to it?

Matthew 7:13-14 is then quoted.

[A final comment was given about Eccl 10:2, which uses the idea of left & right in a DIFFERENT way.]


Questions2
QUESTIONS:

[Since this is a fairly extensive topic, questions will be limited to the topic at hand.  You may add any verses which might be of help.  Remember, the Word of God (all of it - and nothing more) is the final authority.]

Write down the ways the word "church" (or "churches") is used now-a-days.  Compare/contrast each usage of the word with the way(s) it is used in the Bible.  (Include features and characteristics of today's vs. the N.T.'s "church".)  How has the meaning of the word become distorted in modern society?  What does the Bible say about this?

What is meant by the word "equivocation"?  Is practicing equivocation permissible, when we are developing theological and "practical" positions?  ("practical":  related to our "practice", the application of our theological perspectives in the way we live and do things)

What does the Bible say about "church membership"?  Compare this to what is meant by the concept now-a-days.  Is there a difference?  Why?  If there is a difference, does anyone have authority to superimpose such a viewpoint on others?  (If so, then:  1) How is this different from "adding to or subtracting from" the Word of God, which is so strongly prohibited by Scriptures?  Deut. 4:2; 5:32; 12:32; 17:20; 28:14; Josh. 1:7; 23:6; 2 Kings 22:2; 2 Chron. 34:2; Prov. 4:27; 30:6; Rev. 22:18-19;  2) How is this different than "lording over" them?  Matthew 20:25, Mark 10:42, Luke 22:25, 2 Cor 1:24, 1 Peter 5:3)

How does the issue of "authority" fit into the issue of what we believe regarding "church" and "church membership"?  When there are conflicting definitions, who/what is our final authority for determining what we will/will not accept and practice?  Where is the place for "arbitrariness"?

When foreign/alien assumptions are superimposed upon Scripture, what implications are there regarding one's view regarding "the sufficiency of Scripture"?  Is the Scripture sufficient for "all matters of faith and practice"?

How does a change in meaning/definition of the word "church" result in a change on one's views?  What are the ramifications of such a changed perspective?  Does this open us up to the same dangers that Israel had in the Old Testament? (One example: Does such a view allow people to believe they are Christians, because they have their name on a membership list of some church?)

Contrast the use of the word "church", as used now-a-days in the sense of "local church" with the way it was used in the N.T.  Does the N.T. speak of multiple "churches" within the same locality?  The following verses refer to "divisions":  Matthew 12:25, Mark 3:2425, Luke 11:17, Luke 12:51, Romans 16:17, 1 Cor 1:10,13;  1 Cor 11:18, 1 Cor 12:25 (Many other verses exist which do not use the specific word "division".  You may include any of them you may find, for answering this question.)  Do these verses have anything to say about the modern definition of "local church"?  What about the verses which talk about "unity" (of which there are many)?  Do we have the right to claim loyalty to one "division" and not to all?  Explain.

Does the modern concept of "church membership" cause us to treat one Christian as different from another?  Does it have any implications regarding our use of "gifts" (or the restraint of our use)?  Does the Bible allow all this?

Many people now-a-days use the word "para-church" to describe ministries which are formed "outside" or "alongside" the church (using their "modern" definition of "church"), by Christians who have united for the purpose of accomplishing some type of ministry.  If we would use the N.T. definition of the word "church", what would the idea of "para-church" convey?  Compare\contrast this with the way they use the word today.

Return to Main Topic

Return to Beginning


Questions3
QUESTIONS (use the above verses... and any others you may find):

How many bodies are there?  Does our "church membership" concept promote this?

Who is NOT a part of this body?  Who is?  Who decides? ...and by what criteria?  [Where does man "fit in", as far as deciding who is/is not?]  Is there any other category of people?
For those who are part of this body, are there any who we do NOT treat as being so? Why? Does the Bible permit this?  Are there any NOT of the body who are treated as though they were? Why?  Is there anyone we treat as being of some other category?  Why?  Evaluate each of your responses in the light of Scripture.

In any of these areas, do people rationalize doing things different from the way the Bible says to do it?  What does the Bible say about this?

As far as the members are concerned, what are the obligations of the individuals? ...of the group?  Is any of this optional? Suppose a person refuses to fulfil his obligations towards the group... what then?  Suppose the group refuses (towards the individual)... what then?  Give examples of how either of these is often done... and "justified" by those doing it.  Does our concept of "church membership" permit this type of thing, or allow conditions which make it easy to happen?  What does the Bible say about all this?

Do we live as though all the above verses are true? Evaluate and critique (as necessary) your answer.

How does one's concept of "church membership" encourage/enhance the things mentioned in the verses above, or take away from them?  Explain.  Evaluate YOUR concept of "church membership" on the above verses.

Conversely, what direct implications are there in these verses, as far as "church membership" is concerned.  (Be careful to NOT read-in foreign, man-made concepts, in order to "find" whatever the current "church membership fad" might be.)  What concepts/actions/attitudes/etc. are prohibited? ...mandatory?

Are there any verses which have been omitted, which should also be examined, to get a full and accurate perspective on this concept?

Return to Main Topic


realism

realism  (rë´-líz'm), in philosophy. 1 In medieval philosophy, realism was the position that universals or general concepts have existence independent of both the human mind and individual objects. It is a position directly opposite to NOMINALISM. 2 In EPISTEMOLOGY, realism represents the theory that individual things exist independently of the mind's perception of them, as opposed to IDEALISM, which holds that reality exists only in the mind.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


scholasticism

scholasticism, philosophy and theology of Western Christendom in the Middle Ages. Basic to scholastic thought is the use of reason to deepen the understanding of what is believed on faith, and ultimately to give a rational content to faith. Its formal beginnings are identified with St. ANSELM (late 11th cent.), who tried to prove the existence of God by purely rational means. ABELARD stressed the rational approach in considering the most important philosophical question of the 12th cent., the question of universals (see NOMINALISM; REALISM). The early church fathers, notably St. AUGUSTINE, incorporated PLATO's doctrines and NEOPLATONIC thought into Christian theology. The 13th cent., the golden age of medieval philosophy, was marked by two important developments: the growth of universities (especially at Paris and Oxford); and the availability in Latin translation of the works of ARISTOTLE and the commentaries of AVICENNA and AVERROËS. The closely wrought, rational system of St. THOMAS AQUINAS is regarded s the greatest achievement of the scholastic age and the ultimate triumph of the effort to Christianize Aristotle. Later opponents of Aquinas, e.g., St. BONAVENTURE, DUNS SCOTUS, and WILLIAM OF OCCAM, broke the synthesis of faith and reason. The secular currents of the Renaissance and the growth of the natural sciences brought on the decline of scholastic metaphysics, although its approach continued to be followed in politics and law. In 1879 Pope LEO XIII proclaimed the system of Aquinas to be the official Catholic philosophy.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


Socrates

Socrates  (sók´r-tëz'), 469-399 BC, Greek philosopher of Athens, generally regarded as one of the wisest men of all time. It is not known who his teachers were, but he seems to have been acquainted with the doctrines of PARMENIDES, HERACLITUS, and ANAXAGORAS. Socrates himself left no writings, and most of our knowledge of him and his teachings comes from the dialogues of his most famous pupil, PLATO, and from the memoirs of XENOPHON. Socrates is described as having neglected his own affairs, instead spending his time discussing virtue, justice, and piety wherever his fellow citizens congregated, seeking wisdom about right conduct so that he might guide the moral and intellectual improvement of Athens. Using a method now known as the Socratic dialogue, or dialectic, he drew forth knowledge from his students by pursuing a series of questions and examining the implications of their answers. Socrates equated virtue with the knowledge of one's true self, holding that no one knowingly does wrong. He looked pon the soul as the seat of both waking consciousness and moral character, and held the universe to be purposively mind-ordered. His criticism of the Sophists and of Athenian political and religious institutions made him many enemies, and his position was burlesqued by ARISTOPHANES. In 399 BC Socrates was tried for corrupting the morals of Athenian youth and for religious heresies; it is now believed that his arrest stemmed in particular from his influence on Alcibiades and Critias, who had betrayed Athens. He was convicted and, resisting all efforts to save his life, willingly drank the cup of poison hemlock given him. The trial and death of Socrates are described by Plato in the Apology, Crito, and Phaedo.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


SOMALIA MAP


Santa


Solmolia Travel
TRAVEL IN SOMALIA

- REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:  Passport and visa required.  Visa for stay up to 3
  months, required $13 fee, 4 application forms, 4 photos, cholera and
  yellow fever immunizations and return/onward ticket.  Business visa
  requires company letter stating purpose of trip.  Send check or money
  order and SASE for return of passport by mail.  For further information
  contact Embassy of the Somali Democratic Republic, Ste. 710, 600 New
  Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.  20037 or Consulate in New York
  (212/688-9410).

- HEALTH:  Minimal availability of medical facilities.  Malaria suppressant
  recommended.  Yellow fever vaccination is required of travelers arriving
  from infected areas.  Health requirements change; check latest
  information.

- TOURIST OFFICE:  Somalia National Agency for Tourism, P.O. Box 533,
  Mogadishu, Somalia, Tel 3850 or 3479.

- WEATHER AND CLOTHING:  Hot and dry; wear lightweight clothing with
  protection from the sun.

- TELEPHONE:  When direct dialing to Somalia from the U.S., dial 011
  (international access code) + 252 [country code] + (city code) + local
  number.

- TIME:  8 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time, and 3 hours ahead of
  Greenwich Mean Time.  No daylight savings time.

- ELECTRIC CURRENT:  220V

- NATIONAL HOLIDAYS:  Labor Day (May 1); Independence Day (northern
  region-Jun 26); Independence Day (Jul 1); Id al-Fitr and Id al- Adha
  (variable); Revolution Day (Oct 21-22); Prophet's Birthday (Dec 16)

- TOURIST ARRIVALS:  46,000

- TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:  Somalia has not made extensive efforts to develop
  the foreign tourist industry, and most foreigners visit on official
  business.  However, Somalia has lovely beaches and various species of East
  African wildlife.  Outside of Mogadishu, tourist accommodations are
  rustic.  Unnecessary travel to the northern and central provinces should
  be avoided because of occasional dissident activity.

- IMPORTANT!!  All requirements/recommendations are subject to change.  Be
  sure to check latest information.

Return to Somalia


Somalia
Note:  This article was written 2 years ago  during the relief efforts in Somalia. It is  being reprinted for information,    consideration and discussion.

Information	Map
Government	Overview
Travel Information	Communications

The following are "misc. thoughts" to give consideration to, while evaluating the relief efforts currently going on in Somalia:

For every "Christian" activity, there is a counterfeit.  The devil and those who follow him want to convince people that "good" can be accomplished without Christ.

The humanitarianism of the US govt. falls into this category.  Christ is not permitted to be a part of it.

There are some Christian agencies that have relief efforts in Somalia, which are also presenting the gospel of Christ.  Their efforts provide hope.  Those organizations which choose to omit Christ only prolong horror, for until the Somali nation repents of their idolatry, there will only be horror.  The root cause of all this suffering will remain unchanged.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

Events such as this (all events in life, for that matter) need to be evaluated not only by the present consequences, but also on the future consequences (referring both to the future years of "this life," as well as to eternity).

It has been said that the WORST circumstances that a Christian may have to endure are infinitely better than the BEST circumstances that a non-Christian may ever enjoy.  This is because the final outcome of their lives must also be taken into consideration.  The present circumstances are only temporary.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

There are many possible, yet rarely considered, potential results of all the relief efforts currently going on in Somalia.  Strange as it may seem, it is possible that long-term resentment - rather than thankfulness - could build up, as the result of the govt.-led relief efforts.  There are also other less-visible implications and consequences.
For example, there are "power issues" between governments.  Perhaps more seriously, there is the issue of whose responsibility it is to do such things.  [As the govt. increasingly does things that are NOT a part of its God-given "job description," it will increasingly regulate (and ultimately control) those institutions (such as the church) whose responsibility it is to do such things.]  There is the issue regarding the current trend towards a one-world govt., which is warned against in the Bible.  And much more . . .

Again, I must say that I am not opposed to letting the Somali people stay alive.  But it must be done in the manner that the Bible says, or there will ultimately be very negative consequences.

The US. govt.-led relief efforts are not purely "humanitarian" and "neutral."  There are other "interests" or "agendas" also at work.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

Throughout the Bible, there are instances in which good things are condemned by God.  This is not because the good things were actually bad, but because they were either done with the wrong motives, or they involved the neglect of more important (and mandatory) obligations.

Examples of the first (wrong motives) would include:

James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

Philippians 1:15-17 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.  The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.  The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.  But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

This second example (Philippians) is an instance in which there is some merit even though false motives are involved.  (It is not to the credit of the ones with the false motives, though.  It may be that at the day of judgment those people referred to will not receive the reward that preachers of the gospel would receive.  In other words, they may be judged as though they had not preached the gospel.  The "good" or "merit" would be the fact that people heard the gospel (which was Paul's main concern), not that the preachers had bad motives.  God would be using evil to accomplish good.  <Remember . . .  even donkeys have spoken truth! See Numbers 22:21-33.>)

Some examples in which good (or even necessary) things are condemned (because of the neglect of things that have greater importance) would include the following:

    Psalm 51:16-19  You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Luke 10:38-42 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"  "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."  For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

Matthew 23:23-24  Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

Matthew 6:31-34  So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Romans 2:25-3:2 and Galatians 5:6 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.  If those who are not circumcised keep the law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised?  The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.  A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.  No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.  What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?  Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. // For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that ounts is faith expressing itself through love.

Isaiah 58:13-14 contrasted with John 5:8-11,16-18;7:21-24  "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD'S holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the LORD has spoken. // Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."  At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat."  But he replied, "The man who made me well said to me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.'"  So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him.  Jesus said to them, "My Father is always t his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."  For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. // Jesus said to them, "I did one miracle, and you are all astonished.  Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a child on the Sabbath.  Now if a child can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing the whole man on the Sabbath?  Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment."

In each of the above instances, you can find verses which either encourage or command the actions that are being condemned.  The reason that they are now being condemned is NOT because God changed his mind!  Rather, it is because they are being done with the neglect of a greater obligation.

You could probably divide all the obligations that mankind has into two categories:  primary obligations and secondary obligations.  The primary obligations (which would include obligations toward God, internal attitudes,

etc.) MUST be fulfilled.  The secondary obligations (which would include obligations toward mankind, external actions, etc.) must also be fulfilled.  But they must NEVER be done in place of the primary obligations.  Unfortunately, sinful man (that's us!) normally does this.  As a result, what was meant to be good in God's sight becomes repugnant.  And it's because WE have distorted them, not because they are inherently evil.

Under normal circumstances, primary and secondary obligations DO NOT conflict.  Yet we have a way of turning them into conflicts.  (Does not Scripture claim that even our minds are corrupted by sin?)  We have no authority use one set of obligations (the secondary) as an excuse for neglecting the other (the primary).

In the few instances in which primary and secondary obligations do truly conflict, the primary obligations must be fulfilled, not the secondary ones.  But this is much rarer than most people would want to imagine.  And often it is "forced" upon us by previous sinful responses to situations.  (When we sin, it often forces us into situations that we would otherwise not have to encounter.  And then we might be faced "tough decisions" that have no "positive" solution.  But that is not God's fault.)  It can also be forced upon us by the sins of other people.

I am having difficulty in remembering verses that mention a true "conflict" between primary and secondary obligations.  I have seen them on occasion, though not often.  Perhaps examples of "conflict" would include:

Genesis 22:1-2, 10-12, 15-18 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"  "Here I am," he replied.  Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." ... Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.  "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." ... The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of he cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."

Luke 14:26-27 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple.  And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

The passage about Abraham is a specific illustration (in a non-repeatable historic event) of what is said in the second set of verses.  The emphasis is that love towards God has precedence over anything else.  [There are a lot of unique things about that situation, which could not be repeated today.  But it is not the purpose of this paper to examine them.]

A modern-day illustration would be an instance in which a Christian (being persecuted) was told to denounce his faith, or else his family would be killed.  The world would say, "How awful!" when he chose Christ over family, but that would be his only choice, according to the Scriptures.

There are times that we must choose to NOT do something good, when it is a secondary obligation.  But I must strongly emphasize that this is not the same as choosing to do something evil.  There are people who claim that it is good to sin, and that sin will, at times, accomplish something that is supposedly "good."  (This view called "situation ethics.")

People who hold to this view invent conflicts between secondary obligations (denying the primary obligations), and claim that we must choose "the lesser of two evils."  In the "persecuted Christian" illustration (mentioned above), the person who holds to "situation ethics" would claim that the Christian would have the "moral obligation" to lie about his faith (to "pretend" to deny Christ) in order to save his family from death.  This person would invent a "conflict" between lying and murder (two secondary issues) and deny the primary issue (supreme loyalty and faithfulness and devotion to God).  He would then claim that the lying would be a "good and righteous obligation," because of the "good consequences" that resulted from it.

Yet we must agree with Paul:
Romans 3:8  Why not say--as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say--"Let us do evil that good may result"?  Their condemnation is deserved.

God uses sin to accomplish some of his purposes. Romans 8:28 could not be true if this weren't so. [Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.]  In fact, the greatest sin to ever occur (the crucifixion of Jesus Christ) was used by God to bring about the greatest blessing ever (the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and because of it, our salvation)!  God constantly thwarts the devil's plans, accomplishing good in the midst of evil.  But under no circumstances does he endorse sin.

Since "situation ethics" is a different topic than the primary one I am writing about, I will stop here.  Further discussion could be initiated, if needed.

I think it would be safe to say that in any instance in which two secondary obligations seem to be in conflict, there is actually a conflict with a primary obligation.  And if we choose to obey the primary obligation, the conflict between the secondary obligations will cease to be an issue.  In modern society, a refusal to do this has resulted in many "tough ethical dilemmas," such as our nation has never before experienced.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>
Now how does this all fit together (getting back to the issue of starving people in Somalia)?

The issue of feeding them is a "secondary obligation," which perhaps may be necessary.  But it cannot and dare not be done to the exclusion of obeying our primary obligation to them.  To prolong their lives, only to let them endure more horror and agony . . .  and then (on top of everything else) to still perish at the day of judgment, is a very grotesque perversion of "mercy."  Yet this is what the US. govt. is doing.

In contrast, to prolong their lives for the purpose of exposing them to the "Bread of Life" - which alone can save their souls - is a wonderful expression of love.  This, assuming it is not done with the wrong motives or as an excuse for neglecting greater obligations, is very pleasing to God.
John 6 illustrates the contrast between the two.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

There is a book entitled "Operation World," which goes into detail in describing the growth and status of Christianity throughout the world.  And as I read about Somalia, I find that it is a "closed" nation - one that is very intolerant to Christianity.  Out of 6.5 million people, there are (as of 1986) an estimated 800 believers.  I also discover, as I read about other similar nations, that those which have gone through severe, devastating situations (such as war and famine) often become more open to the gospel.  This is apparently happening in Iraq even today.  (Remember the suffering caused by the war over Kuwait?)

I do not like the fact that there is so much suffering in Somalia.  But from the perspective of eternity, it may be that God is using this devastation in order to bring them to the point that they are willing to accept his salvation.  It has happened in other countries.  And it may be possible that there is no other way to do it.  Because of what is happening, some of the people may become your "brothers," your "sisters," and your "friends" for eternity.

Pray that God will break the steel-hardened hearts of the Somali people.

©930226 Dennis Hinks

Ok to copy


Somalia Communications
COMMUNICATIONS IN SOMALIA

- HIGHWAYS:  15,215 km (8,215 mi) total; including 2,335 km (1,261 mi)
  paved, 2,880 km (1,555 mi) gravel, and 10,000 km (5,400 mi) improved earth
  or stabilized soil (1983)
- PASSENGER CARS:  5,000
- PIPELINES:  crude oil 15 km (8 mi)
- PORTS:  Mogadishu, Berbera, Chisimayu, Bosaso
- MERCHANT MARINE:  3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,913 GRT/8,718
  DWT; includes 2 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo
- CIVIL AIR:  1 major transport aircraft
- AIRPORTS:  53 total, 40 usable; 7 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with
  runways over 3,659 m; 6 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 15 with runways
  1,220-2,439 m
- TELECOMMUNICATIONS:  minimal telephone and telegraph service; microwave
  and troposcatter system centered on Mogadishu connects a few towns; 6,000
  telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean
  INTELSAT earth station; scheduled to receive an ARABSAT ground station
- TOTAL RADIOS:  300,000
- RADIOS:  41 per 1000 persons
- TOTAL TELEVISIONS:  100,000
- TELEVISIONS:  13.8 per 1000 persons


Somalis Government
- INDEPENDENCE:  1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland, which
  became independent from the U.K. on 26 June 1960, and Italian Somaliland,
  which became independent from the Italian-administered UN trusteeship on 1
  July 1960, to form the Somali Republic)
- CONSTITUTION:  25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979
- NATIONAL HOLIDAY:  NA
- EXECUTIVE BRANCH:  president, two vice presidents, prime minister, Council
  of Ministers (cabinet)
- LEGISLATIVE BRANCH:  unicameral People's Assembly (Golaha Shacbiga)
- JUDICIAL BRANCH:  Supreme Court
- LEADERS:  Chief of State:  Interim President ALI Mahdi Mohamed (since 27
  January 1991); Head of Government:  Prime Minister OMAR Arteh Ghalib
  (since 27 January 1991)
- POLITICAL PARTIES AND LEADERS:  the United Somali Congress (USC) ousted
  the former regime on 27 January 1991; note - formerly the only party was
  the Somali Revolutionary Socialist Party (SRSP), headed by former
  President and Commander in Chief of the Army Maj. Gen. Mohamed SIAD Barre
- SUFFRAGE:  universal at age 18
- ELECTIONS:  President:  last held 23 December 1986 (next to be held NA);
  results - President SIAD was reelected without opposition; People's
  Assembly:  last held 31 December 1984 (next to be held NA); results - SRSP
  was the only party; seats - (177 total, 171 elected) SRSP 171; note - the
  United Somali Congress (USC) ousted the regime of Maj. Gen. Mohamed SIAD
  Barre on 27 January 1991; the provisional government has promised that a
  democratically elected government will be established
- MEMBER OF:  ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,
  IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM
  (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,
  UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
- DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION:  Ambassador (vacant); Chancery at Suite 710,
  600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20037; telephone (202)
  342-1575; there is a Somali Consulate General in New York; note - Somalian
  Embassy ceased operations on 8 May 1991 US:  Ambassador (vacant); Embassy
  at K-7, AFGOI Road, Mogadishu (mailing address is P. O. Box 574,
  Mogadishu); telephone [252] (01) 39971; note - US Embassy evacuated and
  closed indefinitely in January 1991
- FLAG:  light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the center;
  design based on the flag of the UN (Italian Somaliland was a UN trust
  territory)


Somalis Overview
OVERVIEW:  One of the world's poorest and least developed countries,
  Somalia has few resources. Agriculture is the most important sector of the
  economy, with the livestock sector accounting for about 40% of GDP and
  about 65% of export earnings. Nomads and seminomads who are dependent upon
  livestock for their livelihoods make up more than half of the population.
  Crop production generates only 10% of GDP and employs about 20% of the
  work force. The main export crop is bananas; sugar, sorghum, and corn are
  grown for the domestic market. The small industrial sector is based on the
  processing of agricultural products and accounts for less than 10% of GDP.
  Greatly increased political turmoil in 1991-92 has resulted in a
  substantial drop in output, with widespread famine a grim fact of life.


Some News
Christmas Photo Gallery

The Baby Jesus

Joseph and Mary

A Child Is Born

Santa


Somoinfo
GEOGRAPHY OF SOMALIA

- TOTAL AREA:  637,660 sq km (246,202 sq mi); LAND AREA:  627,340 sq km
  (242,217 sq mi)
- COMPARATIVE AREA:  slightly smaller than Texas
- LAND BOUNDARIES:  2,340 km (1,263 mi) total; Djibouti 58 km (31 mi),
  Ethiopia 1,600 km (864 mi), Kenya 682 km (368 mi)
- COASTLINE:  3,025 km (1,633 mi)
- MARITIME CLAIMS:  Territorial sea:  200 nm
- DISPUTES:  southern half of boundary with Ethiopia is a Provisional
  Administrative Line; territorial dispute with Ethiopia over the Ogaden;
  possible claims to Djibouti and parts of Ethiopia and Kenya based on
  unification of ethnic Somalis
- CLIMATE:  desert; northeast monsoon (December to February), cooler
  southwest monsoon (May to October); irregular rainfall; hot, humid periods
  (tangambili) between monsoons
- TERRAIN:  mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north
- NATURAL RESOURCES:  uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore,
  tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt
- LAND USE:  arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures
  46%; forest and woodland 14%; other 38%; includes irrigated 3%
- ENVIRONMENT:  recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains
  in summer; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification
- DEFORESTATION RATE:  -0 net annual percent
- NOTE:  strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches to
  Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal
PEOPLE OF SOMALIA
- POPULATION, YEAR 1992:  8,325,000
- POPULATION, YEAR 2010 (Projected):  13,868,000
- POPULATION, YEAR 2025 (Projected):  17,777,000
- POPULATION DENSITY:  33.8 persons per sq mi
- TOTAL URBAN POPULATION:  1,956,000
- URBAN POPULATION:  23.5%
- TOTAL POPULATION GROWTH:  243,923
- POPULATION GROWTH:  2.93%
- POPULATION DOUBLING TIME:  23.66 years
- TOTAL BIRTHS:  403,763
- BIRTH RATE:  48.5 births per 1000 persons
- FERTILITY RATE:  6.6 children born per woman
- TOTAL DEATHS:  159,840
- DEATH RATE:  19.2 deaths per 1000 persons
- POPULATION UNDER AGE 15:  3,854,000
- PERCENT UNDER AGE 15:  46.3%
- POPULATION OVER AGE 65:  233,000
- PERCENT OVER AGE 65:  2.8%
- LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH:  56 years male, 57 years female (1992)
- NET MIGRATION RATE:  -12 migrants/1,000 population (1992)
- NATIONALITY:  noun - Somali(s); adjective - Somali
- ETHNIC DIVISIONS:  Somali 85%, rest mainly Bantu; Arabs 30,000, Europeans
  3,000, Asians 800
- RELIGIONS:  almost entirely Sunni Muslim
- LANGUAGES:  Somali (official); Arabic, Italian, English
EDUCATION IN SOMALIA
- LITERACY:  24% (male 36%, female 14%) age 15 and over can read and write
  (1990 est.)
- AGES OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION:  6 to 14
- EDUCATIONAL EXPENDITURE:  0.4% of GNP
- EDUCATIONAL EXPENDITURE:  2.8% of govt. expenditure
- DAILY NEWSPAPERS:  1
- NEWSPRINT CONSUMPTION:  14 kg per 1000 persons
HEALTH IN SOMALIA
- ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE:  20% with access
- ACCESS TO SAFE WATER:  31% with access
- ACCESS TO SAFE WATER, URBAN:  58% with access
- ACCESS TO SAFE WATER, RURAL:  22% with access
- CALORIE CONSUMPTION, TOTAL:  1,874 calories per person per day
- CALORIE CONSUMPTION, ANIMAL:  590 calories per person per day
- CALORIE CONSUMPTION, VEGETABLE:  1,285 calories per person per day
- PHYSICIANS:  325
- PHYSICIANS PER CAPITA:  0.6 per 10,000 persons
- NURSES:  3,416
- NURSES PER CAPITA:  6.3 per 10,000 persons
- DENTISTS:  5
- TOTAL INFANT MORTALITY:  51,278
- INFANT MORTALITY RATE:  127 deaths per 1000 births
- MEASLES IMMUNIZATION:  30% of immunized under 12 months
- DPT:  18% immunized under 12 months
- AIDS:  13 cases reported
GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA
- LONG-FORM NAME:  none
- TYPE:  none
- CAPITAL:  Mogadishu
- ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS:  16 regions (plural - NA, singular - gobolka);
  Bakool, Banaadir, Bari, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe,
  Jubbada Hoose, Mudug, Nugaal, Sanaag, Shabeellaha Dhexe, Shabeellaha
  Hoose, Togdheer, Woqooyi Galbeed

- BRANCHES:  NA
- MANPOWER AVAILABILITY:  males 15-49, 1,673,542; 942,153 fit for military
  service
- DEFENSE EXPENDITURES:  exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

CRIME IN SOMALIA

- NA

ECONOMY OF SOMALIA

-  GDP:  exchange rate conversion - $1.7 billion, per capita $210; real
  growth rate -1.4% (1988)

- GDP, AGRICULTURE:  65.45 percent of GDP from agriculture

- LABOR FORCE:  2,200,000; very few are skilled laborers; pastoral nomad
  70%, agriculture, government, trading, fishing, handicrafts, and other
  30%; 53% of population of working age (1985)

- LABOR FORCE, FEMALES:  39% ages 15/64

- ORGANIZED LABOR:  General Federation of Somali Trade Unions was controlled
  by the government prior to January 1991; the fall of SIAD regime may have
  led to collapse of Trade Union organization

- INFLATION RATE (CONSUMER PRICES):  210% (1989)

- UNEMPLOYMENT RATE:  NA%

- BUDGET:  revenues $190 million; expenditures $195 million, including
  capital expenditures of $111 million (1989 est.)

- EXPORTS:  $58.0 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.); commodities:  bananas,
  livestock, fish, hides, skins; partners:  US 0.5%, Saudi Arabia, Italy,
  FRG (1986)

- IMPORTS:  $249 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.); commodities:  petroleum
  products, foodstuffs, construction materials; partners:  US 13%, Italy,
  FRG, Kenya, UK, Saudi Arabia (1986)

- EXTERNAL DEBT:  $1.9 billion (1989)

- INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION:  growth rate -5.0% (1988); accounts for 5% of GDP

- ELECTRICITY:  75,000 kW capacity; 60 million kWh produced, 10 kWh per
  capita (1991)

- INDUSTRIES:  a few small industries, including sugar refining, textiles,
  petroleum refining

- AGRICULTURE:  dominant sector, led by livestock raising (cattle, sheep,
  goats); crops - bananas, sorghum, corn, mangoes, sugarcane; not
  self-sufficient in food; fishing potential largely unexploited

- ECONOMIC AID:  US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $639 million;
  Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),
  $3.8 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $1.1 billion; Communist
  countries (1970-89), $336 million

- CURRENCY:  Somali shilling (plural - shillings); 1 Somali shilling (So.
  Sh.) = 100 centesimi

- EXCHANGE RATES:  Somali shillings (So. Sh.) per US$1--2,702.7027 (January
  1993), 3,800.00 (December 1990), 490.7 (1989), 170.45 (1988), 105.18
  (1987), 72.00 (1986)

- FISCAL YEAR:  calendar year

- MANUFACTURING:

Sawnwood:  14,000 cubic meters

Nitrogenous Fertilizer:  3,200 metric tons

- ENERGY:

Motor Gasoline:  123,000 metric tons coal equivalent

Electricity:  32,000 metric tons coal equivalent

Energy Consumption:  58 kwh per capita

AGRICULTURE OF SOMALIA

- LAND IN AGRICULTURE:  69.06%

- AGRICULTURAL POPULATION DENSITY:  17.18 persons per sq km

- TOTAL AGRICULTURAL WORKERS:  2,125,000

- AGRICULTURAL WORKERS, 1991:  70.3% of workforce

- AGRICULTURAL IMPORTS:  $81,500,000

- AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS:  $73,400,000

- FOOD AND ANIMALS IMPORTED:  $75,500,000

- FOOD AND ANIMALS EXPORTED:  $69,900,000

- AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS:

Cereal:  251,000 metric tons

Wheat:  1,000 metric tons

Rice:  5,000 metric tons

Maize (Corn):  100,000 metric tons

Cassavas:  47,000 metric tons

Dry Beans:  12,000 metric tons

Groundnuts:  2,000 metric tons

Vegetables:  3,000 metric tons

Fruits:  304,000 metric tons

Dates:  10,000 metric tons

Sugar Cane:  240,000 metric tons

Oranges:  9,000 metric tons

Lemons and Limes:  7,000 metric tons

Bananas:  110,000 metric tons

Cotton:  1,000 metric tons

- ANIMALS:

Horses:  1,000

Mules:  24,000

Asses:  25,000

Cattle:  4,900,000

Camels:  6,860,000

Pigs:  10,000

Sheep:  13,800,000

Goats:  20,500,000

Chickens:  3,000,000

- ANIMAL PRODUCTS:

Total Meat:  175,000 metric tons

Beef:  57,000 metric tons

Mutton and Lamb:  37,000 metric tons

Goat Meat:  57,000 metric tons

Poultry:  4,000 metric tons

- DAIRY PRODUCTS:

Cow Milk:  497,000 metric tons

Sheep Milk:  391,000 metric tons

Goat Milk:  640,000 metric tons

Butter and Ghee:  9,940 metric tons

- MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS:

Fish Catches:  18,200 metric tons

Eggs:  2,680 metric tons

- AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT:

Agricultural Tractors:  2,130 in use


St. AMBROSE
Ambrose, Saint

Ambrose, Saint, 340?-397, bishop of MILAN, Doctor of the Church. A popular governor in Milan, Ambrose was made (374) bishop by popular demand. He opposed ARIANISM and was an adviser to Emperor Gratian, whom he persuaded to outlaw (379) heresy in the West. His preaching helped to convert St. AUGUSTINE. Ambrose wrote many theological works and is associated with the type of PLAINSONG called Ambrosian chant. Feast: Dec. 7.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


St. THOMAS AQUINAS
Thomas Aquinas, Saint

Thomas Aquinas, Saint, 1225-74, Italian philosopher and theologian, Doctor of the Church; known as the Angelic Doctor. He is the greatest figure of SCHOLASTICISM, one of the principal saints of the Roman Catholic Church, and the founder of the system declared (1879) by Pope Leo XIII the official Catholic philosophy. His major work, the monumental Summa Theologica (1267-73), is a systematic exposition of Christian theology on philosophical principles. His shorter treatise, On Being and Essence (1256), contains his metaphysics. St. Thomas's system embraces the moderate REALISM of Aristotle and is in opposition to the Platonism and Neoplatonism that had prevailed in Catholic theology since the time of St. AUGUSTINE. Unlike the Platonists, to whom truth was a matter of faith, St. Thomas held that faith and reason constitute two harmonious realms; theology and science cannot contradict each other. Likewise, there can be no conflict between philosophy and theology. In his universe, everything is arranged in scending order to God, the only necessary, self-sufficient being. St. Thomas succeeded in synthesizing the naturalistic philosophy of Aristotle and Christian belief, perhaps the greatest achievement of medieval philosophy. Feast: Mar. 7.

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press.  Copyright © 1989, 1991 by Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.


The Baby Jesus
Welcome The King

Jesus Christ

By celebrating His Birthday

1994


THE BIBLE

GOD'S WORD TO MANKIND

Because of his loving kindness, God has given us HIS WORD, the BIBLE. In it, he tells us who he is, who we are, why we are alive, and how we should live. He tells us about our sin, why sin turned us into his enemies, and how (through Jesus Christ) he has restored friendship to all who accept his forgiveness.
Furthermore, by using the teachings and commands of the Bible, God works in the hearts of those who belong to him, to change the way they think and live.	Here are some of the verses in which the Bible describes itself:

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

"The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

(See also: 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:29|21; Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119:1-176)

The Bible has been translated into many languages. Today, God’s Word can be read by more people than ever before! And although the WORDS in these many translations are different, the MESSAGE is the same! God did not give his Word to only one group of people; he gave it to everyone!
If God has given you the opportunity to have a Bible (or a New Testament), share its message with others!

READ IT!

Some people have a "complete" Bible (Old and New Testament). Many others have only a New Testament or an even smaller portion of the Bible. (In some countries, a person may be able to get only a few hand-written pages¾or less!) Yet, regardless of what one may have, it is important to know what God says¾to read his Word and study it. It is important for each "child of God" to fill his mind (his thoughts) with the words of his "Heavenly Father." (1 John 3:1-3) The Bible is the word (or message) of life.
There are different ways to read and study the Bible. A person may focus on a small portion of the Word, and study it very intensely. He may also focus on the entire book—reading it through in much less time—in order to get an overview of what it says. Each of these methods is important.

GETTING AN OVERVIEW

Many people will read the Bible for several hours daily, when they first become a Christian (or when they first obtain a Bible at a later date).

They are eager to read it—after all, it is GOD’S Word, and they want to know what God has to say! Later, when they have a greater emphasis on the study of smaller Scripture portions (see below), they may still want to maintain a daily "reading schedule." In this way, they can continue to gain a better understanding of the basic truths of the Bible and how these truths relate to each other and to life. Continued "overview reading" can help a person better understand the relationship of the individual passages he may study. It can influence his general perspective towards all things.
The following are some suggested "Bible-reading Schedules." You may wish to follow one... or you may wish to make your own schedule. The important thing, however, is to read it!

SIMPLIFIED READING SCHEDULES:

FOR A NEW TESTAMENT: Reading one chapter each day will take 9 months. Two chapters a day will take 4½ months.
FOR A NEW TESTAMENT WITH PSALMS/PROVERBS:      Reading one chapter each day (two Psalms if they are short, and Psalm 119 in 2 days) will take one year. Two chapters a day will allow you to read it twice in a year.
FOR A COMPLETE BIBLE: Read three chapters each day, and five chapters on Sundays. You will complete the entire Bible in about one year.

A FOCUS ON SPECIFIC VERSES

In the Psalms, the Bible mentions "meditating" on the Word of God. (See Psalms 1 and 119.) This means thinking about what it says, and about how it should affect one’s life. Closely tied to meditating (thinking about and studying) the Bible would be memorization of the passage being studied. After all, the more a person thinks about a verse, the easier it is to remember what it says!
Both "overview reading" and the study of small passages have value for the believer, but it seems that the study of small passages normally has the greatest life-changing effect. It is this type of study in which a person can best focus his thoughts on trying to better understand what is being said and how it applies to his own life. This type of study is best suited for "teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:16b-17)
It is good to set aside a special time each day, to study and meditate on the Word of God. You can also think about what you studied at other times throughout the day, when you do not have the verses in front of you. If you memorize the verses, they will be with you wherever you go. (Note: When you memorize passages, do not be discouraged if it takes a long time, or if you forget part of the verse after a while. Some people find it to be easier than do others. And either way, it still benefits the one who is doing it!)

More will be mentioned about "how" to study the Bible. But first there is one more important thing to remember...

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER
Though the emphasis of this tract is on the Bible, don’t forget about prayer. Both are necessary. The Bible is God’s Word to us. Prayer is our words to God!
If you are a Christian, it is important for you to talk to God, your Father. Worship and praise him. Give thanks to him for his power and love, his forgiveness, and all that he does in your life. Confess to him your weaknesses, needs and fears, your sins and failures. Share with him your wishes and desires. Ask him to make you more like the person you should be; and know that he will do what is BEST for you (even if, for a while, you experience trials of many kinds 2 see 1 Peter 1:6-7 and Psalm 73).

UNDERSTAND IT!

Some parts of the Bible will be more difficult to understand than other parts. But what is necessary for salvation and life CAN be understood by anyone willing to accept what is written. If, while you are reading the Bible, you find something that you cannot understand, be careful! Study it carefully. If necessary, leave it for later, and study something else. (In 2 Peter 3:16, the apostle warns about the dangers of distorting the Word of God. Those who distort it do so "to their own destruction.")
Remember: The Bible is GOD’S Word. Do not add to it or subtract from it! Do not change what it says. Accept it as it is! (See Proverbs 30:5-6; Matthew 5:19; Mark 7:5-13; Revelation 22:18-19.)
A good guideline for understanding the Bible was given by John Wyclif, the first person to translate the Bible into the English language. His advice, given over 600 years ago, is as important today as it was when he first wrote it. Re-written in modern English, it is as follows:

It Will Greatly Help You, For Understanding Scripture:
If you pay attention not only toWHAT is spoken or written,
But also OF WHOM it was spoken or written,
With what CHOICE OF WORDS,
At what TIME (in history),
WHERE (what country or town),
For what PURPOSE,
In what CIRCUMSTANCES;
Considering also WHAT IS SAID BEFORE (previous verses)
And WHAT IS SAID AFTER (the following verses).

Some people find it easy to do these things; others may find it more difficult. Do what you can. But try to avoid adding to or subtracting from what the Bible says. Do your best to pay attention to what is said before, and after, the verses you are studying. If you are not sure about something, try to find other verses that say the same thing. Try also to find verses that might seem to say the opposite. (Such truths complement each other, and a knowledge of them helps one to better understand the Bible, and to avoid distorted "half-truths.")
Another suggestion is this: Many people find it helpful to write down what they study, either to help them learn it, or so that they can look at it later.

LIVE IT!

Through careful study, a person can understand the Word of God. Yet, the Bible warns us that this is not enough. There are many people who know what the

Bible says, but are not true Christians: The Bible has not changed the way they think and live.
The Bible is not like books made by men. The Bible cannot be read and ignored, without serious results. When people continually refuse to accept (and to do) what God says, they bring judgment upon themselves. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit will harden their hearts. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; 1 Peter 2:7-8; 2 Peter 2:21; Romans 2:8) They will slowly lose their ability to accept what God says. In contrast, when a person begins to accept (and to obey) what God says, the Holy Spirit changes his heart. He becomes more able to accept (and to obey) the Word of God.

"Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." (Matthew 13:12)

Remember: A person who is not a true Christian may know what the Bible says. But only a true Christian has LIFE-CHANGING UNDERSTANDING that leads to eternal life. And this comes from the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Ephesians 1:17)
The Holy Spirit changes lives, but he uses the Bible to do so. He takes a person who is spiritually dead and uses the Bible to make him alive. (Ephesians 2:1,4-5; Colossians 2:13) Once the person is alive, the Holy Spirit uses the Bible to make that person become more obedient to Christ. So, study the Bible. Accept it and obey it; let it change your life. If you become discouraged (because you often seem to fail), do not give up. The devil is trying to defeat you. Keep returning to God, and in the end, you will be victorious. (1 John 5:4-5)

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER—A BIBLE STUDY

BEFORE YOU START
Read Acts 17:11. I recommend that you learn this verse. Make it a goal in your life to always do as the Bereans did. When people teach you something about the Bible, examine the Bible to make sure that what they say agrees with it. (Examine the verses that the person may use. Also look for verses that might say something different than what the teacher is saying.)

Remember that no teacher is perfect. Neither are you. All who are true Christians desire to be perfect—to be like their heavenly Father, who is perfect (Matthew 5:48). Yet none of us has completely reached our goal (1 John 1:8-10; James 3:1; James 3:2 expresses our goal). As a result, teachers—even good teachers—can make mistakes or forget something. And so we need to examine God’s Word—which is totally without error—to make sure that what the teacher says is correct. The more we know (and accept) God’s words, the less we will believe (and accept) mistakes. (We also need to be on guard for totally false teachers. Acts 20:29-32)
Be careful, however, that your desire for truth (which all Christians must have) is not accompanied by a critical, harsh, unloving and unforgiving spirit toward other

people. In Christ, truth and love go together (1 Corinthians 13:6; Ephesians 4:15); but in the flesh (that is, when people are not controlled by Christ), people have the tendency to emphasize one and neglect the other. Pray that God will teach you to desire BOTH. (If you speak the truth, people who are opposed to truth will oppose you, no matter how you speak it. But make sure that it is the Word of God, not a lack of love on your part, that causes their opposition.)
Below is an explanation of the parable of the Sower. As you study it you should remember Acts 17:11. For though I have attempted to be completely accurate in what I say, it is always possible that I could make a mistake (as any teacher can). As you are able, look for other verses that might provide more insight into what is being said. And pray that the Holy Spirit will teach you his ways.

INTRODUCTION:
Jesus often used parables (life-like stories) to teach spiritual truths. Once he told a story about a farmer scattering seed on the ground, to teach about the different ways people respond to the Word of God. This parable (and its explanation) is found in three books in the New Testament: Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-25 and Luke 8:4-18. Read it, and pay attention to Jesus’ explanations of the parable, as well as to the warnings he gives.
Notice that the parable describes the responses of people who HEAR the words (or message) of the Bible. A person who does not hear cannot respond. This is why it is so important to share God’s Word with others. (See Romans 10:14. See also Mark 4:21-23; Luke 8:16-17—God expects truth to be told to others.) It is the Word of God which brings salvation. (James 1:21; 1 Peter 1:23)

THE FOUR TYPES OF HEARERS ARE:

1)	Those who do not understand. When they hear the Word, they seem to hear the wrong message, for their understanding has been darkened by Satan. (Matthew 13:4,19-20; Mark 4:4,15; Luke 8:5,12; see also Ephesians 2:3; 4:17-19; 2 Corinthians 4:4. Romans 1:18-23 describes their attitude towards truth.) (Note: This group would include people who have been led astray by false teaching.)

2)	Those who understand the message, but who are mainly interested in their own comfort. They like what the Bible says as long as it makes them feel pleasant. But they have no interest in the trials and testings that a true Christian experiences (Acts 14:22). Sooner or later they turn away from the Bible, for true life is not in their hearts. (Matthew 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:5-6, 16-17; Luke 8:6,13; see also James 1:12; 1 Peter 4:12-19; Romans 5:1-5; 8:18-39; Matthew 10:28,23-33; Galatians 6:12 (an example); Hebrews 6:4-9;10:39.)

3)	Those who believe the message, but who still love the things of the world. Although they claim to accept the truth, it has not changed their lives. Their "faith" has no value. It is not genuine, for the "fruit" (result) of salvation is not in them. (Matthew 13:7,22; Mark 4:7,18-19; Luke 8:7,14; see also James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:17; Hebrews 11:13,24-26; 1 John 2:15-17; Matthew 10:37-39; John 15.)

4)	The true Christians are different from the others. Unlike the first type of hearer, they understand and accept the Word. Unlike the second type, they persevere when trials come; they do not permanently fall away. And unlike the third type, they have a good and noble heart. God’s laws are now in their heart, and they love him (and they love other people) more than they love themselves and the things of this world. When they heard God’s Word, it was a LIFE-CHANGING hearing. (Matthew 13:8-9;23; Mark 4:8-9;20; Luke 8:8,15; see also Hebrews 10:16; Matthew 7:13-27; 13:16-17; Mark 12:28-34; Revelation 12:11; 1 John 3:1-3; Titus 2:11-14; 3:3-8; Psalm 1; 2 Peter 1:3-4.)

THINGS TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT:
It is important to remember, however, that true Christians do not all grow the same way. Some will be more fruitful than others. Some may even "backslide" for a while. (The Lord will discipline such a person, to turn him around. See Hebrews 12:5-13; Psalm 119:67,71,75.) In contrast, some of the other types of hearers may for a while look like children of God, and we might not realize what they truly are, until they fall away and do not return. (1 John 2:19) But even though we may sometimes be mistaken about someone else, we can be confident that, "The Lord knows those who are his." (2 Timothy 2:19) It is far more important for us to make certain that WE are the right kind of hearer. We cannot control someone else’s heart.
When Jesus told this parable, he gave a warning: Be careful how you hear. If you fail to pay attention (and to become like the fourth type of hearer), you will lose the ability to hear. You will bring judgment upon yourself. (Matthew 13:12,15-16; Mark 4:24-25; Luke 8:18; see also 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12; 1 Corinthians 1:18-19.) If you continually ignore God’s Word, you will become like many of Jesus’ hearers—who heard his words, but who were no longer able to receive them with an understanding that results in life. (John 3:16-18, 36)

Please do not let this happen to you.

DENNIS HINKS © 1994

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS FROM N.I.V. TRANSLATION


The Word 'CHURCH'
Note:  This article is extremely large. The entire article could not be placed in the CUJ.  A complete copy in ASCII text can be obtained by contacting the author.  As a result of space limitations, the verses used in the study were omitted.  However, they can be obtained with any exhaustive concordance.

   ____________________________________________________________

"THE WORD CHURCH" AS USED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

A. Verses about the church (singular usage):

         [A complete list was given here - you can find them in any Greek concordance.]

B. Verses about churches (plural usage):

          [A complete list was given here - you can find them in any Greek concordance.]

"Database" Summary:

[The following is an attempt to compile all the data listed on the above pages.  It does not pretend to be fully organized, nor does it claim to be complete in every theological issue.  (Many other verses describing the topics mentioned below do not contain the word "church", and attempts were made to limit the "diversions" to such verses, because of the immensity of the material that would have to be ultimately included.  You are encouraged to include anything else that you believe might be of importance in developing your concept of the  word "church".]

The church is built on a firm foundation called the "rock" (apparently the foundational truth of who Jesus is, as stated by the apostle Peter).  It is described as "the pillar and foundation of the truth", as well as "God's household".  It was bought by his blood, being purified by Jesus' sacrifice (hence he is called its savior).  It is loved by Jesus Christ, being fed and cared for, by him.  It is described as being the "body" of Christ, who is its "head".  And as such, it submits to him, who is "head over all for the church."

The church is described as being "in" and "of" God (and Christ), "of the Firstborn" and "of the living God".

The church is the recipient of God's grace, and those who belong to it have their names written in heaven.  And this is all with a purpose:  the church is to glorify the God whom it belongs to, and make known his manifold wisdom... even to heavenly beings!

Because of its relationship to the true God, it cannot be overcome and destroyed... even by "the gates of hell".  Even so, from the outside, people will sometimes try to destroy it by persecution.  And those who belong to it may have to suffer for its sake.

Even from within, false teachers and false followers often rise up.  They may try to cause some to stumble... or even try to pervert the way of truth to the point that those who follow it are treated as "unbelievers"!  They may give it a bad reputation - even giving the world an excuse for despising it!  At times, there can be much within the church which would be cause for concern for the true believer.  Yet God has provided for the true members of his church.

First, as far as attempting to judge and remove sin from within the church, it is required by the One to whom it belongs.  It is not an option... and even the least of the true followers of Christ is qualified (even commanded) to judge and to expose the "pretenders" for what they really are.  Yet this is to be done with the proper spirit - in the hope that the person being disciplined will repent of his sin.  The person is to be exhorted and repentance is to be encouraged, but as long as the person refuses to repent, he must be treated as a pagan - one who does not belong to God.  As for those outside the church, judging them is not the church's job... at least not in the sense described in this paragraph.  (Even the mere reading of Scripture, is a type of judgment against the unsaved.  See 1 Cor. 14:24-25, for example.)

Second, God has provided the church with everything it needs - both for dealing with the opposition mentioned above, as well as for accomplishing all the wonderful and good things that he desires for the church.  He has given it the testimony of Jesus, the letters of the apostles, and the recorded examples of how such men of God (and Jesus himself) lived... the message delivered by the Holy Spirit, which those who have "spiritual ears" will "hear".  (This refers to the Word of God, which is recognized as the life-changing, living Word, by those who are his children.)  He has laid down rules and practices that are to be followed (which allows it to function smoothly, to minimize the influx of sin, and to reflect the image of the one who bought it).  He has given us both the teaching and example of the apostles.  He has provided the examples of other believers/groups of believers ("churches"), as written in the New Testament, which could be followed or imitated by the generations that would follow.

God has also provided for the church's needs by giving each of its members different gifts and abilities, by which - working together - they can build up and strengthen it, living in submission to its "head".  (In fact, the human body - many members, each with different functions, all working smoothly together, in submission to the head - is used as an example of how all the parts of the body of Christ are to function together.)  The goal of using such gifts is not to exalt oneself, but to build up the church... being a servant to it.  (Ultimately, the emphasis is on being a servant to Christ.)

Within the church, the great diversity of gifts are appointed by God himself, to each person as he (God) sees fit.  Each person has gifts... and each gift is important (although some are more visible than others).  Each person must be willing to use his gifts and each must be permitted by others to use his gifts.  The gifts must be used so as to exalt Christ, not self, and so as to build up the church, which is Christ's body.  In all this, the church is to be strengthened and encouraged.

Within the context of worship are mentioned various principles which are probably illustrative of the use of gifts in all of life.  For example, some gifts have different values, depending on the circumstances.  In one instance, the gift of prophecy is described as having a much greater value (in a group setting) than the gift of tongues (which requires the presence of an interpreter, to be of value).  Also, each is to be given the opportunity to use his gift (no "hogs" allowed).  Yet all must be done in a decent and orderly manner.  Finally, there are instances in which restraints are to be placed on the use of gifts (that is, in specific applications of a gift).  [Gift (or ability) and function are distinguished.  (See 1 Cor. 12:4-6)  There are instances, for example, in which women are to not use specific gifts... not because God has anything against them or because they lack the gift, but because of the nature of the role he has given them <which is just as important as the man's, but not a carbon copy of it> and because of their historic (not "cultural") relationship to man in the creation and the fall.  ...But this is touching on a different study.]

Within the church, God has appointed some as leaders:  shepherds or overseers, to direct matters, as necessary.  But they are to be servants of Christ, not lords over their subjects.  They must be fully devoted to the Lord, and they must fit the qualifications which God has set down for such an office.  (These are not optional, nor can they be "updated" with our own "specifications".)  They have specific functions, as described in Scripture.  They can even pray on behalf of others (such as when the individual is sick and needs to confess sin - perhaps being under disciplinary judgment by God), but they cannot stand as an "intermediary" between the individual and Christ.  (It must be remembered that anyone in the church can pray, though perhaps not in the "ceremonial" manner described in the passage in James.)

There are also prophets and teachers within the church.  Others have a special gift of hospitality, which can be enjoyed by many within the church.  (The context of this verse not only commends the use of the gift, but it implies that it is right for people to enjoy the benefits of other's gifts.  Not only is each to do his part, but each is to enjoy the benefits or results of the other gifts being used.  We don't have to "feel guilty"!)  As a whole, the church can enjoy other's gifts (example: hospitality), as well as express gratefulness for those willing to exercise those gifts.  [Note:  There are many other gifts mentioned, which occur in verses which do not contain the word "church"... and so haven't been mentioned here.]

Some gifts (perhaps many) can be shared by all, to some degree.  All can share, to one degree or another, in the matter of giving and receiving. (The emphasis in the context of the verse mentioning this is on the "giving".)  The church can help those who are "truly needy", yet this type of help is to begin at home:  each person is commanded to help his own family (and not force an extra burden upon the church, due to their own neglect).  As a contrasting principle, there are also times that specific gifts might be legitimately not exercised, such as the instance in which Paul did not "burden" a specific church with a request for financial  help.  Yet this may be the exception, rather than the rule.

The attitude of the church towards God can have a strong influence on its growth (referring to true members of the body of Christ, not merely "pretenders" who claim to be part of it).  During the time of the early church, when there was a widespread attitude of fear of the Lord (which results in a fear of sinning), the church experienced a noteworthy amount of growth.

As far as reputation, the church (as well as the individuals which comprise it) should be above reproach.  The church's expression of love (first to God, then to others) will be visible, if it exists. (It will not be trying to gain visibility... but such a manifestation of love cannot be hidden forever.)  The expression of love and service to others should be praiseworthy/noteworthy enough to be capable of being "boasted about" by others, and of being used as an example that others could follow.  (Remember, that this is not the goal of one's love and service.  It may be a consequence, but love to Christ and exalting him is the motive.)  There are many N.T. examples in which news about one church was reported to another, but it was for the purpose of exalting Christ, not the individuals involved.  The individual who is praised for his service to the gospel is serving for (in behalf of) the gospel, rather than for the praise.  The praise becomes nothing more than a means of encouraging the individual to continue serving Christ - perhaps even more faithfully.  It shows him that his work is not in vain, but is actually of benefit to Christ's body.

The early leaders maintained constant contact with the churches, and it was on a personal level.  They were not above the other people, other than their function.  They received encouragement from them as much as they gave it.  There are recorded instances of the leaders meeting with the church, writing to it (even at times, requesting that churches share their letters with each other).  At times, the church was gathered together for the purpose of receiving a report or letter from such individuals.  Sometimes specific individuals (rather than the whole group) were addressed by the letters.  (The book of Revelation has specific messages to seven angels/messengers which were connected in some way to seven specific churches in Asia.)

Men were sometimes chosen by the church to perform specific tasks (such as a mission venture) or to be representatives for some specific function.  The apostles and elders were also involved, but there is no evidence that the leadership "pulled the strings", to get people of their choice "elected".

The church as a group would at times be greeted by others, or send greetings to them.  People, such as visiting Christian brothers, would be welcomed and would even be able to enjoy the hospitality of those within the church (unless a false teacher got involved as part of the "welcoming party"! - see 3 John).

The church "came together as a church" in homes, for times of worship.  (They apparently met other places, also, at various times - see Acts 2:46.)

The word "church" (singular) is used of: 1) all Christians who lived in some specific locality, such as in a city, <examples:  "the church at/in/of..."  Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Cenchrea, Corinth, the Thessalonians, and the seven cities in the book of Revelation> and 2) the totality of all believers, whether referring to all currently alive on the earth, or "just plain all of them" (including both those dead as well as alive). [After all, aren't the "dead" Christians actually alive?  They are just at a different location, for the present time!]

The word "churches" (plural) is used in reference to groups of Christians living in different localities or geographical locations <such as:  "the churches in/of..." Syria, Cecilia, the Gentiles, Galatia [a province], Macedonia, Judea, the province of Asia; "all the churches", and "the seven churches" located in seven cities, mentioned in the book of Revelation>.  It is never used of different groups living within the same geographical location.  [These are called "divisions", rather than "churches", and are very strongly condemned in the Scriptures.]

Questions


Verses About the Body
VERSES ABOUT THE BODY:

[Verses (mainly from the epistles) were originally placed here.]

"Database" Summary:

There is one body, made of many parts.  We, though many, form one body.  Each is a part of it/a member of it.  Some verses (in Eph.) emphasize the fact of reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles, because of their union in this body.  Even our bodies are considered members of that body.  The physical body is used as a "teaching tool" to explain how the parts interrelate and are all equally valuable - though of various functions (1 Cor. 12).

This body is called "the church".  Its head is called "Christ".  The body is defined as "the fullness of Christ".  Our entrance into it -and this is something we all experience in common (no exceptions)- is a work of the Holy Spirit:  we are all "baptized" into that body by the Spirit.  [Note:  study how Paul used the word "baptism" in this book.  This is not referring to a human activity of getting wet (although the two are not necessarily completely unrelated).]  The parts are all joined and connected together, and joined to the head (this is a MUST!).

Its strength/ability to grow comes from its connection to the head.  Yet each part actively takes a part in building it up... each member doing its part.  At times, this may require suffering of some type.

 The members are called to peace.  They must speak truthfully to one another (etc.).  Each part belongs to the other.

Questions


What Christmas Is
What is Christmas?

By

Dennis Hinks

Christmas is Christianity. It stands out, as does Easter, as a “sore thumb” to those who would oppose Christianity. Man may try to suppress it; he may corrupt it, change its meaning, provide substitutes for it, or in a hundred other ways attempt to lessen its impact; yet it remains. And it always will remain, to the end of time. As prophesied 500 years before Christ came, “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14) And though men and nations may hate, suppress, and reject this knowledge, they are powerless to make it cease. Even nations dedicated to hating Jesus must acknowledge that Jesus did live and teach!

The world has (and will continue to have) no substitute for Christmas. It may offer anything from crass materialism to empty sentimentality. It may introduce distractions and substitutions. It may claim that the “true meaning” of Christmas is “love and good will,” or some other abstract, nebulous concept. Indeed, there is often truth in what it says—the lie occurs in what it doesn't say: It mentions what is secondary and ignores (often suppresses) the primary significance. Furthermore, what it does say, it is POWERLESS to accomplish. People may say “peace and love” in December (often while half-drunk), but when January comes, they go back to hating, back-stabbing, and cutting each other's throats!

Christmas is a celebration of joy. It is a celebration of joy for what God has

 done—not only two thousand years ago, but now and in the future. All other legitimate (secondary) meanings are possible only because of this.

Two thousand years ago, God did exactly what he promised he would do. He fulfilled, to the exact detail, the many hundreds of promises he gave to mankind, over a period of several thousand years. At that time, God took the form of a man. Although he was by very nature deity, Jesus Christ humbled himself and took the nature of a man. Although he was (and is) the Sovereign Lord over all creation, he became a servant.

The birth of Jesus Christ is not the only thing we celebrate. He was born so that he might one day die as a ransom for many—that they might not receive the wrath they deserve. Although he was sinless, he bore the sins of us who follow him. He was born so that he might one day rise from the dead—thus guaranteeing new (and eternal) life for those who look to him for salvation. He changes our lives, and continues to change us throughout our lives—enabling us to begin to have authentic love and goodwill toward others. He was born so that, having himself died and risen from the dead, he might come again and judge the living and the dead. At that time, “every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is LORD.” (Philippians 2:10-11) For those who follow him, it will be a time of excitement and joy. For others, it will be the first time they face the reality of who Jesus is … but it will be too late.

Christmas is a celebration of joy—for those who belong to God, for those who accept and follow his ways. Its historic authenticity (the fact that it did truly happen as God said it would) is a permanent guarantee and reminder that everything God promises for the future shall also come to pass. For those who do not know God or follow his ways, it is a solemn warning of future events; but more than that, it is an offer of life for those who might listen and turn to God—that they, too, might share in our joy.

Dennis Hinks

OK to Copy


What to Believe

by

Mike Kovach

Not everything that goes wrong is the devil's fault.  We have to stop casting blame on others for the choices we make on our own.

    In an earlier article titled "Going Ape," I portrayed an attitude that is very much main-stream USA.  I also illustrated the apathetic and lethargic character of many citizens and churches of America.  Anger and frustration were the basic emotions portrayed in "Going Ape."

    My intention was to write about anger as a follow-up to "Going Ape."  I had already begun the illustrative examples, when on a Saturday morning, I had an object lesson that personalized how basic emotions often distort reasoning and cloud judgement.  During this assignment, it became obvious to me, that sometimes we can let  emotion cloud our judgement and distort what is really happening.  Usually, the end result prevents us from distinguishing between what is true, and what is thought to be true.

I hope this object lesson in spiritual warfare and self-warfare, offers an understanding of the subtleties of the enemy, as well as the attitudes we alone develop.  It is important to remember, that there is no stone left upturned, that this creature of darkness will ignore.  He will exploit every weakness we have until we despair.  Most important is self-deception:  Because of our fallen state we have the ability to pattern the one who fell first.  Don't let this fact slip by!  We still live in a sinful house called the flesh.  This flesh is quite powerful and it has not been redeemed.  In fact it will never enter the presence of the Lord.  We must keep this in mind when we begin to act more secularly instead of more heavenly.  Each of us must take responsibility for our reactions to tension, fear, guilt, shame, arguments and selfishness.  We must stop casting blame on others just so we can feel vindicated and righteous.  Yes, it's true, the forces of darkness prowl the earth, searching for those they can kill, steal and destroy.  We need to remember that the devil is not omniscient, or omnipresent, unless we give him that authority.  For the most part, our own desire leads us into error long before the devil and his band of villains arrive.  The bottom line is, that all of us have a choice;  we can give in to the devil and our own desires, or we can rely on Christ to help us stand firm and see reality clearly by walking life's highways with Him.

On with the story


as you are going
Actual translation from the Greek referencing Matthew 28:19.  "Go therfore and."