Well it's official. My shoulder will need to be surgically repaired. I have a major tear and a second minor tear of the right rotator cuff that will need repaired with some bone spurs that need to be removed. The Doctor says it will not be without pain and discomfort in a long six month recovery period including therapy. The surgery looks to be on Tuesday, October 19th, at Community hospital in OKC.
This is the sixth individual surgery I will have had in the last three years. This old body getting a bit older and worn down is not fun stuff at all, but, keeping it functioning is the only recourse for me. I refuse to quit repairing it so I can keep getting in our pool, riding my motorcycle, and generally living a slight variation of the Paladin principle [Have bible will travel] and I know some will be far too young to know what that means but I'm not going to explain it. ;)
However...I am going to take a hiatus from blogging for a while. I would imagine it will be at least until the first of the year before I'll be personally ready to take it up again if I ever do at all. I enjoy writing but for some reason when recovering from surgery I don't have the wherewithal to be consistent. The pain and discomfort I am already facing is sapping my creative powers a bit anyway. Besides all that I'm a out of gas as far as words are concerned.
I know this impacts only a very few readers but for some reason those few individuals have become very important to me and I want to be up close and personal with you as a sometimes reader of vtmbottomline. It's kind of funny [weird] how I feel close to some people across this world that I've never even met personally and some that I've renewed relationships with after several years apart all because of the gift of the Internet.
All gifts, even good ones, have their up side and down side. If you don't believe it reread 11 Kings 18 where instructions were given to destroy the brass serpent which originally was a great healing gift from God. I guess that downside comes when we start elevating the gift above the God who gave it. That can even hold true for the gift of a healthy body I suppose. So I'm going to receive my body ANY way it comes good or bad, once I've been responsible in caring for it, and rejoice over the God behind it all.
Oops...a bit of creativity slipping out there. Old habits I guess. Seriously, thanks to all of you for our connectedness and I shall return, the Lord willing and the creek don't rise.
Paul B.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
FAULTY CHROMOSOMES
A good theologian and sometimes commenter to vtmbottomline is lin whose blog is here...http://coffeetradernews.blogspot.com/
You will enjoy what he says on his blog which I'm reproducing and linking to below. Enjoy..
Complementarian Genetics 101
Based on 1 Timothy 2:9-15 and what we know from biology, the following is Complementarian Genetics 101:
The “x chromosome” carries the “deception gene.”
The “y chromosome,” however, carries the “anti-deception gene.”
So if a person has two x chromosomes, and is therefore a female, they are by nature and physiology “[completely] deceivable” (εξαπαταω).
However, if a person has one x chromosome and one y chromosome, and is therefore a male, they have a genetic defense against being completely deceived.
It is for this reason that only those with both an x and a y chromosome are to be entrusted with positions of authority in the church, and only they can teach both men and women.
And I would ask: If this is not Complementarian Genetics, why isn’t it?
HT: Eric W at http://www.patheos.com/community/jesuscreed/2010/09/13/a-question-for-the-gospel-coalition/
You will enjoy what he says on his blog which I'm reproducing and linking to below. Enjoy..
Complementarian Genetics 101
Based on 1 Timothy 2:9-15 and what we know from biology, the following is Complementarian Genetics 101:
The “x chromosome” carries the “deception gene.”
The “y chromosome,” however, carries the “anti-deception gene.”
So if a person has two x chromosomes, and is therefore a female, they are by nature and physiology “[completely] deceivable” (εξαπαταω).
However, if a person has one x chromosome and one y chromosome, and is therefore a male, they have a genetic defense against being completely deceived.
It is for this reason that only those with both an x and a y chromosome are to be entrusted with positions of authority in the church, and only they can teach both men and women.
And I would ask: If this is not Complementarian Genetics, why isn’t it?
HT: Eric W at http://www.patheos.com/community/jesuscreed/2010/09/13/a-question-for-the-gospel-coalition/
Thursday, September 16, 2010
EXAMINING BIBLICAL EVANGELISM
I like Aussie John. I CERTAINLY like what he says in the comment sections of my posts here on vtmbottomline blog. I've never met him but he's part of the reason I love blogging. We are truly Internet friends and brothers in Christ.
As an example of WHY I like his comments, here is what he recently said on my last post. "Paul, for far too long, we Baptists and other evangelicals, have maintained, rather arrogantly, that we have the right to seek to convert whomever we decide needs converting, and by whatever means. Jesus NEVER commanded that we make converts. Any good salesman can do that. I know that only too well from my experience as a young "pastor". If we would read His command properly and seek to be a follower of Christ who makes disciples, who, [those disciples] in turn, become disciple makers......now, that's another story."
Making disciples really is what it's all about as Aussie J. points out. Historically, Southern Baptists have called it "Evangelism." But, unfortunately, we've made the mistake of thinking of evangelism as something separate and apart from disciple-making. It isn't. So for the sake of being understood in what I want to say, I will use the the two phrases "disciple making " and "evangelism" interchangeably in the up coming posts on the subject of "biblical evangelism." It will take several posts and a ton of words to say all I want to say on the subject. But you are welcome to join me on this journey if you desire.
I'll begin by asking this question. What is evangelism/disciple-making really as far as the scripture is concerned? Whatever it is.. it will ultimately bring about what Paul the Apostle describes in 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 where he refers to the Thessalonians, whom he had personally evangelized, as his "hope, or joy or crown of rejoicing...at His [Christs] coming." So that passage, if it shows anything, shows that true evangelism will result in personal conversions, new congregations, and a continued walk of new believers with Christ. That certainly indicates evangelism is more than quoting the Roman road to someone or handing out a tract neither of which, by the way, is bad in and of itself. Only when such is viewed as evangelism fully defined.
So to answer the question of what constitutes evangelism/discipleship-making will require looking at several things. The first is the basis of evangelism/disciple-making so far as the scriptures are concerned. What do we base our message on that results in true biblical evangelism? Is it our telling people how badly they need deliverance? Is it addressing the emptiness of their life? Is it telling people God loves them and has a wonderful plan for their life? Do we begin with man even? Or is there a much stronger foundation to be laid for the gospel to impact human life?
I believe that the fundamental and absolutely necessary beginning point is that Jesus Christ has DONE something. According to Matthew 20:17-28 Jesus has suffered, died, and was raised from the dead as an accomplished fact. That fact is interpreted as to it's purpose in verse 28 where it is declared to be a "ransom for many." This makes very clear to me that the message we deliver is NOT one of something POTENTIALLY happening that we could call getting "saved" but something that has ACTUALLY happened that we announce as a "finished work" of the One who came to save. The gospel is about HIM.
So my personal testimony may have a place, but it isn't the foundation of the gospel. Everyone needing to be saved is certainly a reality, but it isn't the foundation of our gospel message. Even to talk of "sharing" the gospel must be thought of as speaking of what has been done in the Person and Finished Work of Christ. It all begins there.
All the rest we of our message is an explanation of the.. why He did this..to deal with sin and it's consequence..who it is doing this..the uniqueness of the birth, life, and death of Christ.. what was done in this..redemption and it's consequences personally. But the gospel [Good news] is not about man and his condition, society and it's failure, sin and it's consequences, FIRST. It begins with God..just as Genesis began with Him.. and His Revelation of Himself in Christ. It all begins here. To do otherwise is to introduce a man-centered gospel instead of a God-centered gospel and you wind up with a false gospel.
Next I'll look at the COMMISSION for evangelism/disciple-making and what that means for us
As an example of WHY I like his comments, here is what he recently said on my last post. "Paul, for far too long, we Baptists and other evangelicals, have maintained, rather arrogantly, that we have the right to seek to convert whomever we decide needs converting, and by whatever means. Jesus NEVER commanded that we make converts. Any good salesman can do that. I know that only too well from my experience as a young "pastor". If we would read His command properly and seek to be a follower of Christ who makes disciples, who, [those disciples] in turn, become disciple makers......now, that's another story."
Making disciples really is what it's all about as Aussie J. points out. Historically, Southern Baptists have called it "Evangelism." But, unfortunately, we've made the mistake of thinking of evangelism as something separate and apart from disciple-making. It isn't. So for the sake of being understood in what I want to say, I will use the the two phrases "disciple making " and "evangelism" interchangeably in the up coming posts on the subject of "biblical evangelism." It will take several posts and a ton of words to say all I want to say on the subject. But you are welcome to join me on this journey if you desire.
I'll begin by asking this question. What is evangelism/disciple-making really as far as the scripture is concerned? Whatever it is.. it will ultimately bring about what Paul the Apostle describes in 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 where he refers to the Thessalonians, whom he had personally evangelized, as his "hope, or joy or crown of rejoicing...at His [Christs] coming." So that passage, if it shows anything, shows that true evangelism will result in personal conversions, new congregations, and a continued walk of new believers with Christ. That certainly indicates evangelism is more than quoting the Roman road to someone or handing out a tract neither of which, by the way, is bad in and of itself. Only when such is viewed as evangelism fully defined.
So to answer the question of what constitutes evangelism/discipleship-making will require looking at several things. The first is the basis of evangelism/disciple-making so far as the scriptures are concerned. What do we base our message on that results in true biblical evangelism? Is it our telling people how badly they need deliverance? Is it addressing the emptiness of their life? Is it telling people God loves them and has a wonderful plan for their life? Do we begin with man even? Or is there a much stronger foundation to be laid for the gospel to impact human life?
I believe that the fundamental and absolutely necessary beginning point is that Jesus Christ has DONE something. According to Matthew 20:17-28 Jesus has suffered, died, and was raised from the dead as an accomplished fact. That fact is interpreted as to it's purpose in verse 28 where it is declared to be a "ransom for many." This makes very clear to me that the message we deliver is NOT one of something POTENTIALLY happening that we could call getting "saved" but something that has ACTUALLY happened that we announce as a "finished work" of the One who came to save. The gospel is about HIM.
So my personal testimony may have a place, but it isn't the foundation of the gospel. Everyone needing to be saved is certainly a reality, but it isn't the foundation of our gospel message. Even to talk of "sharing" the gospel must be thought of as speaking of what has been done in the Person and Finished Work of Christ. It all begins there.
All the rest we of our message is an explanation of the.. why He did this..to deal with sin and it's consequence..who it is doing this..the uniqueness of the birth, life, and death of Christ.. what was done in this..redemption and it's consequences personally. But the gospel [Good news] is not about man and his condition, society and it's failure, sin and it's consequences, FIRST. It begins with God..just as Genesis began with Him.. and His Revelation of Himself in Christ. It all begins here. To do otherwise is to introduce a man-centered gospel instead of a God-centered gospel and you wind up with a false gospel.
Next I'll look at the COMMISSION for evangelism/disciple-making and what that means for us
Monday, September 13, 2010
WHAT IF....[CAUTION..ABOUT TO ENTER A POLITICAL ZONE.]
I know I'm something of an idealist as an American citizen, but, speaking as one, I'm wondering what would happen if appropriate and seriously religious people got together and really got down to brass tacks concerning their religion and our American way of life. I'm imagining people of all Faiths willing to be as serious about their citizenship in America as those young men and women are who go off to fight wars to protect our way of life. If this were to be true, it might show up as something like the following.
What if Americans who say they follow the Christian Faith opened a major national web-site on which they presented the following positions on things in America today.....
One___On the eleventh of September 2001 nineteen people who believed they had a religious mandate to fly planes into buildings and slaughter thousands of innocent people did just that in a despicable manner. We condemn those people and their actions based on our own religious beliefs and we declare that what they did was nothing more than mass murder under the name of a false and perverted religion as have other similar acts been when perpetrated by other religions throughout history.
Two___We stand opposed to such violence and will lead out in rallying against it and will demand that any action of that nature done by anyone calling themselves Christians will be confronted by the truth as revealed in our sacred book, the Bible, and will call upon anyone who names Christ as their Lord to put away hatred and violence as part of their life. This pertains to any violence that is perpetrated on the basis of religion, race, creed or gender.
Three__We join hands in praying for the leaders of our nation and join with all Americans in respecting the rule of law in our society. While we hold our Faith to be foremost in our minds and hearts, we recognize that civil law is the guide to our pluralistic society and we do not demand that our government be guided by our beliefs. We do however, desire the government to protect a citizens right to practice or not practice, their own faith or non-faith, whichever the case may be, without fear of reprisal.
Four___We stand with all Americans in holding that our nation is founded upon natural law and our beloved constitution which recognizes that certain unalienable rights are held by all American citizens without regard to status, race, gender, or religion. We further commit that no person, religion, political party, or system that could be established will ever be allowed to deny those unalienable rights to any American citizen.
What if Americans who say they follow the Jewish Faith opened a major national web-site on which they presented these positions on things in America today.....
One___On the eleventh of September 2001 nineteen people who believed they had a religious mandate to fly planes into buildings and slaughter thousands of innocent people did just that in a despicable manner. We condemn those people and their actions based on our own religious beliefs and we declare that what they did was nothing more than mass murder under the name of a false and perverted religion as have other similar acts been when perpetrated by other religions throughout history.
Two___We stand opposed to such violence and will lead out in rallying against it and will demand that any action done of that nature done by anyone calling themselves Jews will be confronted by the truth as revealed in our sacred book, the Torah, and will call upon anyone who names Yahweh as their God to put away hatred and violence as part of their life. This pertains to any violence that is perpetrated on the basis of religion, race, creed or gender.
Three__We join hands in praying for the leaders of our nation and join with all Americans in respecting the rule of law in our society. While we hold our Faith to be foremost in our minds and hearts, we recognize that civil law is the guide to our pluralistic society and we do not demand that our government be guided by our beliefs. We do however, desire the government to protect a citizens right to practice or not practice, their own faith or non-faith, whichever the case may be, without fear of reprisal.
Four___We stand with all Americans in holding that our nation is founded upon natural law and our beloved constitution which recognizes certain unalienable rights that are held by all American citizens without regard to status, race, gender, or religion. We further commit that no person, religion, political party, or system that could be established will ever be allowed to deny those unalienable rights to any American citizen.
What if Americans who say they follow the Islamic Faith opened a major national web-site on which they presented these positions on things in America today.....
One___On the eleventh of September 2001 nineteen people who believed they had a religious mandate to fly planes into buildings and slaughter thousands of innocent people did just that in a despicable manner. We condemn those people and their actions based on our own religious beliefs and we declare that what they did was nothing more than mass murder under the name of a false and perverted religion as have other similar acts been when perpetrated by other religions throughout history.
Two___We stand opposed to such violence and will lead out in rallying against it and will demand that any action done of that nature done by anyone calling themselves followers of Islam will be confronted by the truth as revealed in our sacred book, the Koran, and will call upon anyone who names Mohammad as their Prophet to put away hatred and violence as part of their life. This pertains to any violence that is perpetrated on the basis of religion, race, creed or gender.
Three__We join hands in praying for the leaders of our nation and join with all Americans in respecting the rule of law in our society. While we hold our Faith to be foremost in our minds and hearts, we recognize that civil law is the guide to our pluralistic society and we do not demand that our government be guided by our beliefs. We do however, desire the government to protect a citizens right to practice or not practice, their own faith or non-faith, whichever the case may be, without fear of reprisal.
Four___We stand with all Americans in holding that our nation is founded upon natural law that recognizes certain unalienable rights that are held by all American citizens without regard to status, race, gender, or religion. We further commit that no person, religion, political party, or system that could be established will ever be allowed to deny those unalienable rights to any American citizen.
What if...?
I admitted I'm idealistic at the very outset but it's fun to speculate. I do have to also add that the tenants [ official beliefs] of the above religions would have to allow this kind of pluralistic society and the individual adherents of each would have to be willing to be a citizen of a nation that does not OFFICIALLY adopt ANY religion as its own. I'll leave for you to decide whether a follower of the Christian, Jewish or Islamic faith can do this and be a true follower of their particular religion. Mine does for me.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
USING PARAPROSDOKIAN LANGUAGE
PARAPROSDOKIAN [ PARA-PROS-DO-KIAN]
Paraprosdokian` is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or
phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener
to reframe the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic
effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax. For this reason, it is extremely
popular among comedians and satirists.
*****************************************
My good friend Tom Webb sent a fun e-mail today. He's quite a poet and something of a comedian too. He introduced me to the word
"prosdokian". What follows is his e-mail slightly adapted for my blog. Enjoy.
TOM WEBB said...."Were you aware that today is National Paraprosdokian
Day. Paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to
reframe or reinterpret the first part. Check out the following for
examples"
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way
so I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
Do not argue with an idiot because he will drag
you down to his level and beat you with experience
I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather
and not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you,
but that is on the list.
Light travels faster than sound and that's why some people
appear bright until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
War does not determine who is right just who is left.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit but
wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
The early bird might get the worm, but the
second mouse always gets the cheese.
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening',
and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
A bus station is where a bus stops and a train station
is where a train stops so my desk is a work station.
How is it one careless match can start a
forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire.
A bank is a place that will lend you
money, if you can prove that you don't need it.
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with
"Guess" on it...so I said "Implants?"
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four
billion stars, but always check when you say the paint is
wet?
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for
president and 50 for Miss America ?
Behind every successful man is his woman and behind the fall
of a successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive but you definitely
need a parachute to skydive twice.
The voices in my head may not be real, but
they have some darned good ideas!
Always borrow money from a pessimist because he
won't expect it back.
A diplomat is someone who can tell you to
go to hell in such a way that you will
look forward to the trip.
Hospitality: making your guests feel like
they're at home, even if you wish they were.
Money can't buy happiness, but it sure
makes misery easier to live with.
I've discovered I scream the same way whether
I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark
or if a piece of seaweed touches
my foot.
Some cause happiness wherever they go but others whenever they go.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure anymore.
I always take life with a grain of salt,
plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember
that the Fire Department usually uses water.
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and
call whatever you hit the target.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people
but others have no imagination whatsoever.
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast
when you are after it as when you are in it.
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
****************************************
TOM WEBB said...."By the way, I was just kidding about it
being National Paraprosdokian Day.
In any case, have a great day and love to all"
Paul B..
Paraprosdokian` is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or
phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener
to reframe the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic
effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax. For this reason, it is extremely
popular among comedians and satirists.
*****************************************
My good friend Tom Webb sent a fun e-mail today. He's quite a poet and something of a comedian too. He introduced me to the word
"prosdokian". What follows is his e-mail slightly adapted for my blog. Enjoy.
TOM WEBB said...."Were you aware that today is National Paraprosdokian
Day. Paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to
reframe or reinterpret the first part. Check out the following for
examples"
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way
so I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
Do not argue with an idiot because he will drag
you down to his level and beat you with experience
I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather
and not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you,
but that is on the list.
Light travels faster than sound and that's why some people
appear bright until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
War does not determine who is right just who is left.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit but
wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
The early bird might get the worm, but the
second mouse always gets the cheese.
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening',
and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
A bus station is where a bus stops and a train station
is where a train stops so my desk is a work station.
How is it one careless match can start a
forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire.
A bank is a place that will lend you
money, if you can prove that you don't need it.
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with
"Guess" on it...so I said "Implants?"
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four
billion stars, but always check when you say the paint is
wet?
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for
president and 50 for Miss America ?
Behind every successful man is his woman and behind the fall
of a successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive but you definitely
need a parachute to skydive twice.
The voices in my head may not be real, but
they have some darned good ideas!
Always borrow money from a pessimist because he
won't expect it back.
A diplomat is someone who can tell you to
go to hell in such a way that you will
look forward to the trip.
Hospitality: making your guests feel like
they're at home, even if you wish they were.
Money can't buy happiness, but it sure
makes misery easier to live with.
I've discovered I scream the same way whether
I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark
or if a piece of seaweed touches
my foot.
Some cause happiness wherever they go but others whenever they go.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure anymore.
I always take life with a grain of salt,
plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember
that the Fire Department usually uses water.
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and
call whatever you hit the target.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people
but others have no imagination whatsoever.
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast
when you are after it as when you are in it.
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
****************************************
TOM WEBB said...."By the way, I was just kidding about it
being National Paraprosdokian Day.
In any case, have a great day and love to all"
Paul B..
Friday, September 03, 2010
I'VE BEEN THINKING AGAIN..WHAT IF....?
An old friend, Jamall Badry, died last week. Three old friends, Bill Willard, Billy Hardy, and Pat Walker, all board members of VTM which is my ministry organization, died last year. I turned seventy a few weeks back. All this has got me to thinking again about the end of this life and the beginning of the new one in eternity. Do you suppose whatever eternity is like, as a place, it may not be "out there" or even "up there" but, perhaps "right here?"
Do you recall when Stephen was stoned he saw the Lord standing at the Father's throne but there's no mention of a telescope? How about when the Prophet's servant was concerned about the enemy attacking and the Prophet asked the Lord to let him see..and he did. He saw angels, hosts of them, surrounding the place. No telescope there either. When the Archangel was sent to announce the birth of Jesus to Mary are we to think of him coming past the milky way making his way to earth to that handmaiden?
Add to all that the fact of the Mt. of Transfiguration where Moses and Elijah were present with the Lord. Are we to think of them coming from a great distance to get there? Is it possible there is a better understanding than that? Does this "better understanding," if there is one, say something to us about our Christian loved ones who have preceded us in death?
As I said, all this has got me to thinking again about something I've mentioned before but want to look at again. Maybe I'm just looking for a comforting word about my family and friends who are dying. There seems to be quite a few deaths and I'm quite sure, all things being equal, there will be more to come, ultimately even my own, if Jesus tarries.
Could it be that wherever heaven is or the Lord is or our loved ones are, it is not a matter, really, of distance from us, but of a different dimension only. What do I mean by this? I'm glad you asked.
Let's just say, what if the physical world we know, made up of multiple dimensions which used to be thought of as only three, but then a fourth, time, was added, but now thought to be as many as from eleven to nineteen depending on the scientist one listened to, were actually separated from the spiritual or eternal dimension, which we can not now know, by simply a matter of dimension and not the distance at all? [Long sentence..read it again carefully observing the commas.] In other words, what if there is the natural realm [Multi-dimensional] and the supernatural realm [Multi-dimensional since Paul was caught up into the third heavens of the supernatural realm remember.] and both are as real as the bible says.
Now suppose we're programed to relate to the natural but also built for the supernatural. It's the scriptures that tell the story of our losing out on the spiritual and being confined to the natural. But further suppose that God operates in both being, as He is, the Person of the one [Spirit..Himself being such.] and the Creator of the other. [The natural.] So He steps from the one into the other manifesting His eteral presence in both. We call it a miracle since wherever God is manifested, is a miraculous moment. Thus all of life is miraculous.[A God-thing.]
Natural man [Lost people] cannot see nor know the spiritual. [1 Corinthians 2-3] But a Christian has been introduced to the spiritual by being born again spiritually, though still living in the natural also. Death, it seems to me, would then move that Christian completely into the spiritual from the natural.
But what if that spiritual is NOT "out there or up there" but right here without our being able to relate to it..YET.!! What does this do to life? Among a lot of other interesting things, it makes ALL of life a sacred thing, as stated above, and both natural and spiritual are lived in to a degree by the Christian. The "spiritual" presently limited to some degree but one day won't be. "Then we shall know even as we're known."
This is why I don't ever say "Oh that's just a natural thing and not a God thing [spiritual] so I'm not interested in it." That makes the natural less than spiritual and second rate as life contrary to scripture. [1 Corinthians 3 "All things are yours."] I'm very much interested in the natural world and enjoy all aspects of it totally. [That's why I'm something of an environmentalist you see.]
I even enjoy a motorcycle ride and celebrate it as a God thing in His creation and my life. I enjoy football, concerts, our swimming pool as a God thing. I enjoy my wife, in every relational sense, the same way. It's ALL sacred to me. This makes that verse "Whatsoever you do do all to the glory of God." that word "glory" [doxa] means "God seen/experienced as present." All of the natural world is sacred to me.
BUT neither do I ever say "Oh that's a spiritual thing and I don't really care about it or believe in it since it's not real or natural." For me to talk that way would be to miss out of half of realty, whichever half I'm not willing to admit as real, whether I understand it all or not. For me.. God is real in both the natural AND spiritual and Jesus is Lord of all. So as the chorus I love says it...
If I live well.. praise the Lord.
If I die well.. praise the Lord.
If I live or die..my only cry..
Is.. Jesus in me.. well praise the Lord.
So, I'm not so sure I'm not "praising the Lord" with my friends who've died, right now, albeit simply separated from them by a little thing called dimension only and maybe not by distance at all. What if........?
Paul B.
Do you recall when Stephen was stoned he saw the Lord standing at the Father's throne but there's no mention of a telescope? How about when the Prophet's servant was concerned about the enemy attacking and the Prophet asked the Lord to let him see..and he did. He saw angels, hosts of them, surrounding the place. No telescope there either. When the Archangel was sent to announce the birth of Jesus to Mary are we to think of him coming past the milky way making his way to earth to that handmaiden?
Add to all that the fact of the Mt. of Transfiguration where Moses and Elijah were present with the Lord. Are we to think of them coming from a great distance to get there? Is it possible there is a better understanding than that? Does this "better understanding," if there is one, say something to us about our Christian loved ones who have preceded us in death?
As I said, all this has got me to thinking again about something I've mentioned before but want to look at again. Maybe I'm just looking for a comforting word about my family and friends who are dying. There seems to be quite a few deaths and I'm quite sure, all things being equal, there will be more to come, ultimately even my own, if Jesus tarries.
Could it be that wherever heaven is or the Lord is or our loved ones are, it is not a matter, really, of distance from us, but of a different dimension only. What do I mean by this? I'm glad you asked.
Let's just say, what if the physical world we know, made up of multiple dimensions which used to be thought of as only three, but then a fourth, time, was added, but now thought to be as many as from eleven to nineteen depending on the scientist one listened to, were actually separated from the spiritual or eternal dimension, which we can not now know, by simply a matter of dimension and not the distance at all? [Long sentence..read it again carefully observing the commas.] In other words, what if there is the natural realm [Multi-dimensional] and the supernatural realm [Multi-dimensional since Paul was caught up into the third heavens of the supernatural realm remember.] and both are as real as the bible says.
Now suppose we're programed to relate to the natural but also built for the supernatural. It's the scriptures that tell the story of our losing out on the spiritual and being confined to the natural. But further suppose that God operates in both being, as He is, the Person of the one [Spirit..Himself being such.] and the Creator of the other. [The natural.] So He steps from the one into the other manifesting His eteral presence in both. We call it a miracle since wherever God is manifested, is a miraculous moment. Thus all of life is miraculous.[A God-thing.]
Natural man [Lost people] cannot see nor know the spiritual. [1 Corinthians 2-3] But a Christian has been introduced to the spiritual by being born again spiritually, though still living in the natural also. Death, it seems to me, would then move that Christian completely into the spiritual from the natural.
But what if that spiritual is NOT "out there or up there" but right here without our being able to relate to it..YET.!! What does this do to life? Among a lot of other interesting things, it makes ALL of life a sacred thing, as stated above, and both natural and spiritual are lived in to a degree by the Christian. The "spiritual" presently limited to some degree but one day won't be. "Then we shall know even as we're known."
This is why I don't ever say "Oh that's just a natural thing and not a God thing [spiritual] so I'm not interested in it." That makes the natural less than spiritual and second rate as life contrary to scripture. [1 Corinthians 3 "All things are yours."] I'm very much interested in the natural world and enjoy all aspects of it totally. [That's why I'm something of an environmentalist you see.]
I even enjoy a motorcycle ride and celebrate it as a God thing in His creation and my life. I enjoy football, concerts, our swimming pool as a God thing. I enjoy my wife, in every relational sense, the same way. It's ALL sacred to me. This makes that verse "Whatsoever you do do all to the glory of God." that word "glory" [doxa] means "God seen/experienced as present." All of the natural world is sacred to me.
BUT neither do I ever say "Oh that's a spiritual thing and I don't really care about it or believe in it since it's not real or natural." For me to talk that way would be to miss out of half of realty, whichever half I'm not willing to admit as real, whether I understand it all or not. For me.. God is real in both the natural AND spiritual and Jesus is Lord of all. So as the chorus I love says it...
If I live well.. praise the Lord.
If I die well.. praise the Lord.
If I live or die..my only cry..
Is.. Jesus in me.. well praise the Lord.
So, I'm not so sure I'm not "praising the Lord" with my friends who've died, right now, albeit simply separated from them by a little thing called dimension only and maybe not by distance at all. What if........?
Paul B.
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