When I first met Ranulfo, he had been ministering to his small congregation for a number of years. I was impressed with his faithfulness and determination, but I needed to know more about the content of his teaching. While we certainly didn’t have time to examine and debate every facet of theology, I wanted to know 2 things, initially, in order to assess whether or not we had any common ground on which we could fellowship. First off, I wanted to know what he thought about Jesus. Ranulfo didn’t disappoint me with his answer. He had a remarkably well thought -out understanding of the Trinity. Secondly, I wanted to know about his view of salvation. Again, I was amazed at his clarity of understanding and ability to explain how he believed that God saves men by grace alone through faith and keeps them by His grace, on the basis of Christ‘s saving work alone.
From that day on, I was privileged to spend much time with Ranulfo, observing his Christ-like spirit and ministry. Since I had other missions where I preached on Sundays, I was never able to attend their Sunday services. However, we made arrangements to have special services once per month, so that I could worship with them. These times of worship and fellowship with these humble believers were a great encouragement to me in my ministry.
The very existence of this little group of faithful believers was testimony to the sovereign grace of God. The way in which they had come to faith, and the way in which God had raised up a pastor to lead them is an example of what God can and will do through His Word alone.
Eventually, I became convinced that God wanted me to help Ranulfo build a meeting house. Although services were only held in Boca del Monte on alternating Sundays, the congregation was having to meet in the very small “house” (hut would be more accurate) of Ranulfo and his family. Therefore, the new building would double as a more substantial dwelling for the family and also as a place of worship. When I spoke to Ranulfo about this, I was sure that he would be excited about my plans. He, however, was cautious. He said “Yes, brother, that sounds good, but we need to spend time in prayer to be sure that it is God’s will.” At first, I was a little hurt by his response. Didn’t he think that I knew God’s will? How could that not be the will of God?
My hurt feelings were quickly mended as I remembered the kind of man Ranulfo was. He was not only content with his place in life, he was convinced that much of the prosperity that his neighbors seemed to be continually seeking , was a danger to the soul. Don’t misunderstand. He would be happy to be able to provide adequately for his family, but he didn’t want them to ever come to the place where they did not sense their utter dependency on God. On the few occasions that Ranulfo visited my house, he was doubtful of me, that I could live in comfort and still depend totally on God and look forward to heaven. This was something new to me. I was used to looking on the poverty of the Mexican people and feeling pity for them, but here was one of the poorest of them having pity on me because of my abundance.
So, when Ranulfo didn’t leap for joy when I told him about my plans, it wasn’t because he did not want a better house for his family and a better building in which to worship; it was because he wanted to be sure that having that would not injure his soul. He eventually did come to the conclusion that it was okay for us to build, however that lead to more learning experiences for me. STAY TUNED!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
RANULFO COTO (PART 4)
As we began to make plans to build a more substantial building that would both provide Ranulfo a better house and provide the believers a place of worship, a number of problems needed to be considered. One problem was how to get the materials to the site of the proposed building. I personally had doubts about a large delivery truck's ability to even get to Boca del Monte. Ranulfo reminded me that there were other concrete houses there, so it was possible. However, the materials could not be delivered to the construction site, because there was no way to cross the river. That meant that everything would have to be dropped off on the other side of the river, and we would have to bring it across little-by-little.
It was cheaper to make the block ourselves than to buy them pre-fab, so, we bought the sand, gravel, and cement, which we had delivered to the edge of the river on the other side. We had to carry everything across. We carried the sand and gravel in buckets; the bags of cement by hand. We also had to carry water from the river. We mixed it all by hand with pick, hoe and shovel. We poured/packed the mixture into forms and laid the homemade blocks out to dry. Meanwhile, Ranulfo worked his field and dug the footer for the building. He had his older children looking for rocks and bringing the biggest ones they could carry to put in the footer along with the concrete.This was brutal, back-breaking work.
I usually worked with Ranulfo and his 17 year old son 2 or 3 days per week. We would work 4 or 5 hours in the mornings before it became unbearably hot. Ranulfo and his older children would work later in the afternoons when he returned from the fields. After awhile, the believers from the other village began to come over and help, so I kinda faded back and let them do it. I'm a pretty lazy guy, but I didn't back off because of my laziness. I believed that they needed to do it for themselves. Also, at that time, I was preaching and teaching 9 times per week.
Those were the physical issues that we faced as we began to build. However, there were several other philosophical and spiritual issues that had to be addressed. This is where I got some more education from a guy who had never been to school a day in his life. That will require another post (or three), so stay tuned.
BTW, mission work is not just translating, teaching and traveling. It also often involves strenuous physical labor. Pray for the missionaries that you know, and don't begrudge the small financial compensation they get. I promise you, if he is a faithful missionary, he earns his pay.
It was cheaper to make the block ourselves than to buy them pre-fab, so, we bought the sand, gravel, and cement, which we had delivered to the edge of the river on the other side. We had to carry everything across. We carried the sand and gravel in buckets; the bags of cement by hand. We also had to carry water from the river. We mixed it all by hand with pick, hoe and shovel. We poured/packed the mixture into forms and laid the homemade blocks out to dry. Meanwhile, Ranulfo worked his field and dug the footer for the building. He had his older children looking for rocks and bringing the biggest ones they could carry to put in the footer along with the concrete.This was brutal, back-breaking work.
I usually worked with Ranulfo and his 17 year old son 2 or 3 days per week. We would work 4 or 5 hours in the mornings before it became unbearably hot. Ranulfo and his older children would work later in the afternoons when he returned from the fields. After awhile, the believers from the other village began to come over and help, so I kinda faded back and let them do it. I'm a pretty lazy guy, but I didn't back off because of my laziness. I believed that they needed to do it for themselves. Also, at that time, I was preaching and teaching 9 times per week.
Those were the physical issues that we faced as we began to build. However, there were several other philosophical and spiritual issues that had to be addressed. This is where I got some more education from a guy who had never been to school a day in his life. That will require another post (or three), so stay tuned.
BTW, mission work is not just translating, teaching and traveling. It also often involves strenuous physical labor. Pray for the missionaries that you know, and don't begrudge the small financial compensation they get. I promise you, if he is a faithful missionary, he earns his pay.
RANULFO COTO (PART 5)
I apologize for the length of this post. I hope you will read it anyway and give me your thoughts.
As I mentioned in the previous post, our building project was faced with much physical difficulty. However, there were other issues to be faced that were more on a philosophical and doctrinal plane. There was the issue of the Boca del Monte church's status as a church as defined by government regulations. Also, the identity of the Church doctrinally needed to be addressed.
For us who live in the U.S.A., where we still enjoy a great deal of religious freedom, the government regulations with which missionaries serving in foreign countries must wrestle are hard to imagine. As a missionary working legally in Mexico, I had a special permit known as the FM3. It gave me legal status as a missionary to preach the gospel anywhere and everywhere in the country. There was no restriction as to the content of my preaching. Under this permit, I was required to be in the country under the ministry of a church that was recognized (registered) by the government of Mexico. That church would be responsible for my actions and I would be accountable to them. According to the government, the registration of churches was not for the purpose of government control, but for the purpose of protecting the property rights of churches, and protecting the right to freedom of religion which is guaranteed by the constitution of Mexico. Therefore, any church that I started, had to be started as a mission of the church under whose ministry I was working. Also, it had to be registered.
When I began to try to explain this to Ranulfo, well... he didn't hit the ceiling, he went through it. (It was only tar-coated cardboard.) He said,"No, brother! We will never register with the government!" Bear in mind that this was a man who had no access to history. He knew nothing of John Bunyan, nor did he have any clue as to the debates that had taken place in the U.S. over government intervention in church affairs. He didn't even know about his own country's rules on the subject until I told him.
In true reformer fashion, he declared (referring to his little flock) "Jesus died for them, the Holy Spirit called them, I'm preaching to them and we are building the building. The government can't own it!" Also, he said things like,"The government didn't call me to preach, God did. Therefore all the registration I need is in the Lamb's Book of Life!" He said a lot of other stuff too, but I think you get the drift. I was again amazed at his clarity of thought and his understanding of issues that often take others years of study to evaluate. He understood that government oversight of a church equals government ownership of a church.
I was 100% in agreement with him. I didn't like the rules any more than he did. The thing is, that he was a citizen of that country and I was not. If he wanted to civilly disobey unjust laws of his country based on spiritual convictions he could do it, just as we do in our own country. The outcome of this discussion was that it would not be a registered church.
The next issue sprang from my mindset as an IFB'er (Independent Fundamental Baptist) . What would be the name of the church? Of course, I had an agenda. I was flexible on the name as long as it included the label "Independent Baptist", or at least "Baptist". I hadn't considered that Ranulfo knew nothing whatsoever about denominational divisions among Christian believers. So, when I said, "What will we call it?" he began to suggest a variety of possible names. For example, La Iglesia de Dios (The Church Of God), or Iglesia de Cristo (Church Of Christ). I patiently listened to his suggestions and smiled indulgently, realizing that I would have to explain to him why it had to be a Baptist church. (Do you sense my gringo pride?)
My explanation didn't go as I expected. When I began to tell him that it had to be a Baptist church, he said, "Why?" I said, "It has to have the name of Baptist on it to identify it. To distinguish it from other denominations." He asked me to show him scripture for that." Well," I said, "it's not so much spelled out in scripture, but it just makes sense that you need to be identified by a statement of faith and a system of belief." He responded,"My statement of faith is the Bible." I could see that I wasn't going to get very far with that approach, so I said, "I am a Baptist missionary, sent by Baptist churches to establish Baptist churches. Any church that I establish will have to be a Baptist church." Brother", he said, "You didn't establish this church. Jesus did. So, let's just call it by His name." So, I tried yet another line of reasoning. I said," Well, Brother, in reality the earliest Baptists didn't call themselves by that name, it was a name given to them by their enemies and it stuck." "Then, let my enemies call me what they will, and if it sticks, let that be the name."
As you can see, I was not making much head way in my reasoning with Ranulfo. Being a hard-headed Independent Baptist, though, I couldn't loose the argument. After all, we have all the answers. Right? So at this point, I brought out the big gun. This would be the volley that would win the day for my point of view. I said, "Ranulfo, that is fine for right now. You are healthy and faithfully teaching your people, but there will come a day, if Jesus doesn't come very soon, that you will no longer be here to guide and to protect your people. When you are gone, if they are not identified with a sound, doctrinal name, a false teacher could easily come in and lead them away from the truth." He had a shocked look on his face. I assumed that meant that I had finally made him understand that I was right about this. I was mistaken. His response was, "Brother! Are you saying that after God chose these little sheep before the foundation of the world, sent His Son to die for them on the cross, called them by the gospel and is keeping them by His grace now; that, just because I am not here, He would allow some deceiver to come and lead His sheep away? No Brother! That cannot happen!"
The result? There is a small church in Boca del Monte. If it has a name, I don't know it. I do know this: God raised it up, and He has given them the wonderful gift of a wise and faithful pastor. O, for the simplicity of uncontaminated Christianity,
As I mentioned in the previous post, our building project was faced with much physical difficulty. However, there were other issues to be faced that were more on a philosophical and doctrinal plane. There was the issue of the Boca del Monte church's status as a church as defined by government regulations. Also, the identity of the Church doctrinally needed to be addressed.
For us who live in the U.S.A., where we still enjoy a great deal of religious freedom, the government regulations with which missionaries serving in foreign countries must wrestle are hard to imagine. As a missionary working legally in Mexico, I had a special permit known as the FM3. It gave me legal status as a missionary to preach the gospel anywhere and everywhere in the country. There was no restriction as to the content of my preaching. Under this permit, I was required to be in the country under the ministry of a church that was recognized (registered) by the government of Mexico. That church would be responsible for my actions and I would be accountable to them. According to the government, the registration of churches was not for the purpose of government control, but for the purpose of protecting the property rights of churches, and protecting the right to freedom of religion which is guaranteed by the constitution of Mexico. Therefore, any church that I started, had to be started as a mission of the church under whose ministry I was working. Also, it had to be registered.
When I began to try to explain this to Ranulfo, well... he didn't hit the ceiling, he went through it. (It was only tar-coated cardboard.) He said,"No, brother! We will never register with the government!" Bear in mind that this was a man who had no access to history. He knew nothing of John Bunyan, nor did he have any clue as to the debates that had taken place in the U.S. over government intervention in church affairs. He didn't even know about his own country's rules on the subject until I told him.
In true reformer fashion, he declared (referring to his little flock) "Jesus died for them, the Holy Spirit called them, I'm preaching to them and we are building the building. The government can't own it!" Also, he said things like,"The government didn't call me to preach, God did. Therefore all the registration I need is in the Lamb's Book of Life!" He said a lot of other stuff too, but I think you get the drift. I was again amazed at his clarity of thought and his understanding of issues that often take others years of study to evaluate. He understood that government oversight of a church equals government ownership of a church.
I was 100% in agreement with him. I didn't like the rules any more than he did. The thing is, that he was a citizen of that country and I was not. If he wanted to civilly disobey unjust laws of his country based on spiritual convictions he could do it, just as we do in our own country. The outcome of this discussion was that it would not be a registered church.
The next issue sprang from my mindset as an IFB'er (Independent Fundamental Baptist) . What would be the name of the church? Of course, I had an agenda. I was flexible on the name as long as it included the label "Independent Baptist", or at least "Baptist". I hadn't considered that Ranulfo knew nothing whatsoever about denominational divisions among Christian believers. So, when I said, "What will we call it?" he began to suggest a variety of possible names. For example, La Iglesia de Dios (The Church Of God), or Iglesia de Cristo (Church Of Christ). I patiently listened to his suggestions and smiled indulgently, realizing that I would have to explain to him why it had to be a Baptist church. (Do you sense my gringo pride?)
My explanation didn't go as I expected. When I began to tell him that it had to be a Baptist church, he said, "Why?" I said, "It has to have the name of Baptist on it to identify it. To distinguish it from other denominations." He asked me to show him scripture for that." Well," I said, "it's not so much spelled out in scripture, but it just makes sense that you need to be identified by a statement of faith and a system of belief." He responded,"My statement of faith is the Bible." I could see that I wasn't going to get very far with that approach, so I said, "I am a Baptist missionary, sent by Baptist churches to establish Baptist churches. Any church that I establish will have to be a Baptist church." Brother", he said, "You didn't establish this church. Jesus did. So, let's just call it by His name." So, I tried yet another line of reasoning. I said," Well, Brother, in reality the earliest Baptists didn't call themselves by that name, it was a name given to them by their enemies and it stuck." "Then, let my enemies call me what they will, and if it sticks, let that be the name."
As you can see, I was not making much head way in my reasoning with Ranulfo. Being a hard-headed Independent Baptist, though, I couldn't loose the argument. After all, we have all the answers. Right? So at this point, I brought out the big gun. This would be the volley that would win the day for my point of view. I said, "Ranulfo, that is fine for right now. You are healthy and faithfully teaching your people, but there will come a day, if Jesus doesn't come very soon, that you will no longer be here to guide and to protect your people. When you are gone, if they are not identified with a sound, doctrinal name, a false teacher could easily come in and lead them away from the truth." He had a shocked look on his face. I assumed that meant that I had finally made him understand that I was right about this. I was mistaken. His response was, "Brother! Are you saying that after God chose these little sheep before the foundation of the world, sent His Son to die for them on the cross, called them by the gospel and is keeping them by His grace now; that, just because I am not here, He would allow some deceiver to come and lead His sheep away? No Brother! That cannot happen!"
The result? There is a small church in Boca del Monte. If it has a name, I don't know it. I do know this: God raised it up, and He has given them the wonderful gift of a wise and faithful pastor. O, for the simplicity of uncontaminated Christianity,
Sunday, November 21, 2010
RAT RATTLE AND ROLL
This is my new toy. It is a'31 Ford pickup with a 350 Chevy engine and turbo 350 automatic transmission. Built "Ford Tuff" using Chevy stuff!
This is a "Ratrod". Definition: A rat rod is a style of hot rod or custom car that, in most cases, imitates (or exaggerates) the early hot rods of the 40s, 50s, and 60s.The rat rod is the visualization of the idea of function over form. Rat rods are meant to be driven, not shown off. Sometimes the customization will include using spare parts, or parts from another car altogether.(Wikipedia)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if our current leaders shared the same commitment to God and a like vision of what government should be?
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if our current leaders shared the same commitment to God and a like vision of what government should be?
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Monday, August 03, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
ALWAYS LOCK YOUR CAR WHEN IT IS UNATTENDED
When we got back home from Tennessee last night, these two guys were in the back seat demanding food. I thought I had locked the doors when we left the car during the trip, but some how, somebody threw some kids in there. Let that be a lesson to you.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
...AND IN AN IRONIC AND ALMOST COMEDIC TURN OF EVENTS...
I just bought this truck. It has everything a guy could want in an old truck. It has power steering, power disc brakes, a built 350ci engine, a 700r4 overdrive automatic transmission, and a tilt steering wheel.It's even tubbed, so there is literally no limit to the size tires I can stuff under it. There is one thing that it doesn't have, though... It doesn't have turn signals.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
ENTIRELY SATIRICAL, but read it anyhow.
Normally,while speaking in a spiritual context, I try never to make statements that cannot be clearly proven by at least one Scriptural text. However, I am about to go against that rule of thumb, and set forth a carefully reasoned opinion that, while I can't readily point to a proof-text, I still hold to be a self-evident and logical conclusion.
Before I reveal my sincerely held conviction, I must set the context. Many times, over the years, I have heard it said that when the rapture of the Church takes place, there will be mass chaos. Airplanes will fall from the sky. People will disappear before the very eyes of their loved ones. Also there will be multiple car crashes when the saved drivers are caught away. Makes sense, I guess.
However, it is my most dogmatically held opinion that, if you are driving an automobile on any public roadway when the rapture occurs, and if at the moment of the rapture you happen to be making a turn that requires you to signal your intention to other motorists, and you do not signal, you will not be going in the rapture!
I'm sorry! Really, I am! However, after years of driving on Florida streets and highways, I have concluded that there is no place for you in heaven."Then, what shall be my fate?" You may ask. I'm not sure, but I suspect that you are probably gonna go to the same place where professing Christians who don't correctly use "there","their",and "they're in their writing go. To the place where those who confuse "two, "too",and "to" go, and "your" and "you're", and those so-called Christians who voted for Obama go. I don't have any Scripture on where that place is, but I'm sure it's gonna be horrible. I'll bet they all drive Fords there.(SHUDDER)
Before I reveal my sincerely held conviction, I must set the context. Many times, over the years, I have heard it said that when the rapture of the Church takes place, there will be mass chaos. Airplanes will fall from the sky. People will disappear before the very eyes of their loved ones. Also there will be multiple car crashes when the saved drivers are caught away. Makes sense, I guess.
However, it is my most dogmatically held opinion that, if you are driving an automobile on any public roadway when the rapture occurs, and if at the moment of the rapture you happen to be making a turn that requires you to signal your intention to other motorists, and you do not signal, you will not be going in the rapture!
I'm sorry! Really, I am! However, after years of driving on Florida streets and highways, I have concluded that there is no place for you in heaven."Then, what shall be my fate?" You may ask. I'm not sure, but I suspect that you are probably gonna go to the same place where professing Christians who don't correctly use "there","their",and "they're in their writing go. To the place where those who confuse "two, "too",and "to" go, and "your" and "you're", and those so-called Christians who voted for Obama go. I don't have any Scripture on where that place is, but I'm sure it's gonna be horrible. I'll bet they all drive Fords there.(SHUDDER)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
REJOICE!
HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY, everyone! I certainly hope you will all have a joyous celebration with your Church family today.
While multitudes around the world are struggling to achieve salvation through the rites and rituals of a false religion; and still others, in so-called Christian religions will have themselves whipped or even crucified, we will rejoice in a salvation already completed!
The whipping has already been done. The Crucifixion is over.My sins have been forever punished. The cross is bare. For the One who hung there has left it. He has passed into the grave and out again with complete life and victory for His people. He is "The Author and Finisher of our faith."
There are some in more 'mainstream' denominations believing that if they can "hold out and hang on and endure to the end..." then they might be able to make it through to eternal life. To them, I say: The only one who could hold out, hang on and endure to the end, has held out and hung on and has come through victorious in the end! REJOICE!
While multitudes around the world are struggling to achieve salvation through the rites and rituals of a false religion; and still others, in so-called Christian religions will have themselves whipped or even crucified, we will rejoice in a salvation already completed!
The whipping has already been done. The Crucifixion is over.My sins have been forever punished. The cross is bare. For the One who hung there has left it. He has passed into the grave and out again with complete life and victory for His people. He is "The Author and Finisher of our faith."
There are some in more 'mainstream' denominations believing that if they can "hold out and hang on and endure to the end..." then they might be able to make it through to eternal life. To them, I say: The only one who could hold out, hang on and endure to the end, has held out and hung on and has come through victorious in the end! REJOICE!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
PRELIMINARY CONCIDERATIONS CONCERNING "TONGUES"
I have been preaching through the book of 1st Corinthians in the Sunday morning services at the Church, and I am now in ch.12. As you know this chapter deals with the "gifts of the Spirit". Right now, I am concentrating on each of the gifts that are named in verses 8-10.
Ever since I began dealing with these gifts individually, I have had the "gift of Tongues" in the back of my mind. I realise that this is a very divisive issue, however, there are a couple of things that I believe need to be considered no matter what ones orientation is concerning tongues.
The first is this: Before you get too concerned about 'another tongue', learn first to control the one you have. As James said "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."(James 3:6) As a matter of fact, in verse #2 of the same chapter, he implies that if a man were able to control his speech, he could control his whole body. I mean, what does it profit me to be able to speak in 'other tongues' and at the same time, be enslaved to my fleshly appetites?
The second thing that I wish professing Christians would consider is that you should educate yourself sufficiently in Scripture so that what you say with your tongue will be doctrinally sound. I'm pretty sure that Paul is going to make the point in ch.14, that speaking truth in a way that is understood by the hearers trumps an 'unknown tongue' in every case.
Maybe if everyone who claims the Christian faith would start here, the issue of 'tongues' could be put in a proper perspective.
This ain't all I'm gonna say about it. I'm just thinkin'.
Ever since I began dealing with these gifts individually, I have had the "gift of Tongues" in the back of my mind. I realise that this is a very divisive issue, however, there are a couple of things that I believe need to be considered no matter what ones orientation is concerning tongues.
The first is this: Before you get too concerned about 'another tongue', learn first to control the one you have. As James said "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."(James 3:6) As a matter of fact, in verse #2 of the same chapter, he implies that if a man were able to control his speech, he could control his whole body. I mean, what does it profit me to be able to speak in 'other tongues' and at the same time, be enslaved to my fleshly appetites?
The second thing that I wish professing Christians would consider is that you should educate yourself sufficiently in Scripture so that what you say with your tongue will be doctrinally sound. I'm pretty sure that Paul is going to make the point in ch.14, that speaking truth in a way that is understood by the hearers trumps an 'unknown tongue' in every case.
Maybe if everyone who claims the Christian faith would start here, the issue of 'tongues' could be put in a proper perspective.
This ain't all I'm gonna say about it. I'm just thinkin'.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sunday, February 01, 2009
INDECISION
I wanted to get that ugly post off the top of my bloggypoo, but I am undecided about what I should put on here. Sooo...anyhoo... see if ye c'n figger this 'un out.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
SHUT THE "F" UP!!!
I mean it! I'm tired of hearing it! Sick and tired! There is almost no refuge left, it seems, where one is not blasted by the "F" bomb. The word has become an adjective, adverb, noun, verb, and gerund in every day usage by multitudes.
Evidently, it has to embody all those parts of speech, because the empty headed people who use it so profusely, don't have a large enough vocabulary to express themselves adequately. I can understand a lack of language skills in those who are unlearned or mentally deficient. However, being ignorant does not give anyone a pass for uttering such vile rubbish.
The appalling thing, to me, is that so many otherwise articulate people who occupy leading roles in society (Teachers, Politicians, Business men, Entertainers, Parents) use it openly without hesitation or shame. They seem to give no thought to who might hear them, nor do they care who may be offended by it. I seem to remember a time when, even those who were even a little over the line in their use of "color" in their language, would, at the very least, take note of who was within ear-shot before they used questionable language. But not any more!
Evidently, it is no longer possible for a comedian to "make it" in the "business" unless he incorporates the most vile language and subject matter that the human mind is capable of conjuring, into his/her act.
I enjoy watching some of the motorcycle/auto reality shows in which they build cars or bikes, but even in those shows, I am constantly subjected to "that word". Oh, sure, they bleep it out, but it comes through almost as plainly as if they didn't bleep it. I know that much of what goes on in those shows is staged, but what kind of message are the viewers supposed to get from hearing an employer flinging the "F" word at his employees, or a father shouting it at his sons?
For the last couple of years, I have been driving a school bus. I had to pick up the side job in order to get the health insurance that it provides. Having been basically living a sheltered life for the last 30 years, I was totally caught off guard by both the conduct and the language that kids use. To hear young boys and girls throw that "word" around so carelessly, breaks my heart. After rebuking one grammar school girl for her shameful vulgarity, I asked her, "Does your mother know that you talk like that?" She replied, "Who do you think taught it to me?"
By the way, I would never, never, no never ever send my children to a public school. I mean, never! Not under any circumstances. Nope! Not a gonna do 'er. Unh, uh.
I believe that this coarseness is an indicator of where our society is, morally. The problem is more than just an ignorance problem. It is a serious spiritual problem. To a crowd of blasphemous people, Jesus said, "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." (Matt.12:34) According to what Jesus said in this verse, the reason people say the things that they say, is because whatever is in the the heart comes out through the conversation. People speak evil because they are evil.
Some would love to be able to separate what they are from how they speak, but, alas! that is not possible. Not long ago, I was talking to a professing Christian who is known to be very loose in his language and down right nasty in his humor. He said, " You know, brother Garry, I like to have a good time. I like to tell jokes and see people laugh. Sometimes I'll tell one that might be a little off color, but I don't mean anything by it. God knows my heart. I'm His 100%." I opened my handy little New Testament and read him the preceding verse and said, " Jesus said what you talk about is what you are! " He didn't seem to get too mad at me, but either way, mad or not mad, it is the truth.
While I'm at it, I may as well hit those "sanitized" versions of the "F" word that are so widely used by many, such as: Flippin', frickin', friggin' and other similar words that are just close enough to let everyone know what you mean and just different enough that you can't be tied to a naughty word. Well, I'm tying you to it! You use those forms of the "F" word because you wish you could say the word for real. It is only a thinly disguised substitute for language that no child of God should be associated with.
I'm sorry to keep ranting on and on. And I'm sorry to even deal with such an issue that is bound to leave my readers feeling a little degraded. I know I feel that way, but I really am fed up! So,in conclusion, GET A VOCABULARY! And remember, when you use profanity, it reveals at least two very embarrassing things about you,: (1)That you have an empty head. And (2) You have a wicked heart. The first can be easily remedied by learning the use of a dictionary. The other can only be fixed by a living relationship with God.
Evidently, it has to embody all those parts of speech, because the empty headed people who use it so profusely, don't have a large enough vocabulary to express themselves adequately. I can understand a lack of language skills in those who are unlearned or mentally deficient. However, being ignorant does not give anyone a pass for uttering such vile rubbish.
The appalling thing, to me, is that so many otherwise articulate people who occupy leading roles in society (Teachers, Politicians, Business men, Entertainers, Parents) use it openly without hesitation or shame. They seem to give no thought to who might hear them, nor do they care who may be offended by it. I seem to remember a time when, even those who were even a little over the line in their use of "color" in their language, would, at the very least, take note of who was within ear-shot before they used questionable language. But not any more!
Evidently, it is no longer possible for a comedian to "make it" in the "business" unless he incorporates the most vile language and subject matter that the human mind is capable of conjuring, into his/her act.
I enjoy watching some of the motorcycle/auto reality shows in which they build cars or bikes, but even in those shows, I am constantly subjected to "that word". Oh, sure, they bleep it out, but it comes through almost as plainly as if they didn't bleep it. I know that much of what goes on in those shows is staged, but what kind of message are the viewers supposed to get from hearing an employer flinging the "F" word at his employees, or a father shouting it at his sons?
For the last couple of years, I have been driving a school bus. I had to pick up the side job in order to get the health insurance that it provides. Having been basically living a sheltered life for the last 30 years, I was totally caught off guard by both the conduct and the language that kids use. To hear young boys and girls throw that "word" around so carelessly, breaks my heart. After rebuking one grammar school girl for her shameful vulgarity, I asked her, "Does your mother know that you talk like that?" She replied, "Who do you think taught it to me?"
By the way, I would never, never, no never ever send my children to a public school. I mean, never! Not under any circumstances. Nope! Not a gonna do 'er. Unh, uh.
I believe that this coarseness is an indicator of where our society is, morally. The problem is more than just an ignorance problem. It is a serious spiritual problem. To a crowd of blasphemous people, Jesus said, "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." (Matt.12:34) According to what Jesus said in this verse, the reason people say the things that they say, is because whatever is in the the heart comes out through the conversation. People speak evil because they are evil.
Some would love to be able to separate what they are from how they speak, but, alas! that is not possible. Not long ago, I was talking to a professing Christian who is known to be very loose in his language and down right nasty in his humor. He said, " You know, brother Garry, I like to have a good time. I like to tell jokes and see people laugh. Sometimes I'll tell one that might be a little off color, but I don't mean anything by it. God knows my heart. I'm His 100%." I opened my handy little New Testament and read him the preceding verse and said, " Jesus said what you talk about is what you are! " He didn't seem to get too mad at me, but either way, mad or not mad, it is the truth.
While I'm at it, I may as well hit those "sanitized" versions of the "F" word that are so widely used by many, such as: Flippin', frickin', friggin' and other similar words that are just close enough to let everyone know what you mean and just different enough that you can't be tied to a naughty word. Well, I'm tying you to it! You use those forms of the "F" word because you wish you could say the word for real. It is only a thinly disguised substitute for language that no child of God should be associated with.
I'm sorry to keep ranting on and on. And I'm sorry to even deal with such an issue that is bound to leave my readers feeling a little degraded. I know I feel that way, but I really am fed up! So,in conclusion, GET A VOCABULARY! And remember, when you use profanity, it reveals at least two very embarrassing things about you,: (1)That you have an empty head. And (2) You have a wicked heart. The first can be easily remedied by learning the use of a dictionary. The other can only be fixed by a living relationship with God.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
IF I HAD $200,000 ...
I'D BUY ME ONE OF THESE!!! according to a TIMES ON LINE article , the flying car will be ready for testing in about a month. I wonder how it would look with a set of Corvette rallye wheels!?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER
A hardy congratulations to Jan Weaver who is celebrating the 36th anniversary of her wedded bliss (To me).
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, YOU LUCKY GIRL, YOU!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, YOU LUCKY GIRL, YOU!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
THE TROUBLE WITH OUR POLITICAL LEADERS
The main problem with our political leaders is, that we must choose them from among ourselves.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
