A few weeks ago many of you who are WAH were involved in a discussion about which translations we use / won't use and the whys. For the most part, the conversation focused on read-ability and personal preference. I shared that I used translations against one another when arguing (in my youth) with street evangelists. I also shared that in the early 90s that the topic of how we came to have so many translations, where those translations came from (people, places, geography and political climate) was something that held my attention and was the focus of many a years study. Some of you old timers may even remember a little blonde housewife who was very strong in her beliefs about corruption, etc. and spouted off a couple of complaints about one particular version and it's roots. It may surprise you to know that on just that one slim fraction of her argument (Wescott and Hort) I would be in agreement. The rest...well...there's a reason I'm not linking to her archived rant.
I'm not considered so much a conspiracy buff because I don't believe the popular conspiracies ala Davinci Code or Black Helicopters, etc. LOL, in my little realm of solo-sanity I believe that those are presented as conspiracy to dissuade or distract from the real conspiracy going on. And I think the real conspiracy isn't even trying to be a conspiracy. I think in large part what is happening is ignored because to accept the truth and it's consequences are painful or too horrible to hold for some. And, as a natural consequence, I think that those who choose to shut it out, teach a skewed version of what's happening or the gospel or what not. Some become what I call hippy dippy (those who know me knows all that that entails) and some become fierce and almost militant. The thing about both, however, that saddens me (because neither believes that they are incorrect, and both feel studied, but both haven't studied to completion so at best it's all suppositions). And to that extent I do agree that the little blonde housewife was gleaning that out of the two polar outcomes, the hippie dippie is actually more palatable because it requires so much less. There's a lot of work to be militant, and the sacrifice is huge. But, of course, it isn't a sacrifice we are ever asked or even advised to do. The Gospel itself is offensive to the hearing of this world...we don't need to help it along in that manner by increasing the volume with our own brackish behavior. Both, frankly, in my opinion - which of course I hold because I believe it to be correct - completely continue to grow and argue without spending the least little mustard seed of attention to what their purpose is (directive from the Bible). One will deny it's even their purpose because it would cause them to reign in their perceptions of themselves and leave them without justification for their anger prone tirades. The other denies because in order to be hippie dippie one has to not have faith in what is essential...and where do you find what is essential? God's Word...yeah...that little thing that became flesh and was crucified, died and resurrected.
I truly believe that the commission was that we (those of us who are spiritual descendants of Abraham) are called to bless the Jewish people. I realize that as believers we will often come across those who have a vision that is not compatible with our own. Sometimes it is because their vision is antithetical to Scripture. Though, seriously, sometimes it is simply because they were given a different vision, a different calling than we received. (Galatians 2:9 for example shows to diverse missions, different callings, but with the same uniting goal in mind).
Sometimes our own mission can be so tied up in our being that it's difficult to get/gain/keep perspective. It is very simply, without realizing, that we've adopted the mindset that those who don't believe as we do (about non-salvation issues) as simply wrong. It is difficult. I was in conversation with a gal the other day who mentioned that she felt there was a lack of normal people. Now, I laugh at this, because she included me in that mix and she and I are about as different as night and day on many issues. My handicap is I don't feel that people who differentiate from me to great degrees are normal...which leaves me also asking why there is a lack of normal people. LOL But if truth be told, I do believe that the things I'm doing should be done by others. It is not something that I feel they "have" to, but sometimes, if I'm nakedly honest with you, it makes me wonder why people don't when they can see for themselves the logic behind something.
The militant takes that wonderment a step further to basically stating that the only true and "authentic" Christian would do X, Y and Z (of course X, Y and Z are all things that the militant has mastered...and if A, B or C is also something that "could" be done beneficially it is only not mandatory because A, B or C isn't mastered yet by the militant). That's not to say the hippie dippies also corner the market with the authentic Christianity. Except, their philosophy is that A, B or C isn't to be mastered and X, Y and Z don't exist because it's suspected of being man made anyway as it doesn't jive with their understanding of God in the first place.
But back to the point I was trying to make earlier (did you even notice I rabbit trailed at least twice?)...our mission, as spiritual children of Abraham is all about the restoration of our Jewish brethren, not to create a negative message about the Gentile church (meaning dissing churches, or lam-blasting Christians who are called to a mission different from our own).
It is true that in our history, the church has embraced errors that do affect salvation issues in and of themselves. It does no good to claim that those who held such errors were not truly Christians but merely people taking on the name. That is not to say that the name has not been used to bolster some major errors and horrors by individuals who are not in any sense of the word Christian. As believers however, as the spiritual children of Abraham, we are not superior to any other part of the body nor is our mission or calling superior to any other part of the body.
Currently I've had the extreme pleasure of discussing with someone the merits of the individual books contained in the bible. In particular, the question has risen as to how certain books were allowed "in" and others were left "out" or found "heretical." (Please understand that not all books which were discluded from the Bible were found heretical.) For most believers it is acceptable to say that only the Old and New Testament is divinely inspired. (I'm saying most, because it is my second and third hand knowledge that tells me some sects /not cults/ within actually hold other material as being on equal status). My own brother for example, accepts the Bible for what it is, but still questions if it is applicable for us today. Another friend feels that at best these are just a bunch of thoughts (much like my blog) of varying men who complicated spiritual or religious things...and there's wisdom to be found, but not to be taken as divinely inspired or kept from alterations (both nefarious and copy write). And though there is enough evidence to address each of their issues, even specific to point and line, one has to be a serious inquirer to even put the time into looking at the evidence. For some, it seems to me, it is simply enough to have a passing knowledge for conversational purposes that stops at the very border of their belief system. They aren't really asking questions, seeking, so much as being uninterested.
But see...I think that's where we who have no doubt about the matter stumble and fail. Are we really supposed to just spout off facts and figures? I know if I'm having conversation with someone and they try to bury me with those things to prove me wrong I tune out myself. In all seriousness, I think that if the person was honest about their doubt and wanted the matter settled, a little more study and challenge would be done on their own. And as much as I love studying histories, biographies, political data and conspiracy, if you are going to study something, then you should study that something, not books on that something. Now that advice might not hold up with a lot of things...but what I'm claiming that others aren't believing (not completely) is that the Bible is the Word of God. If you are worried about translations and what not, I understand. In some cases I think I would completely agree with your doubty-ness. But if you are strong enough to put aside what you have a) been taught, b) want to believe, and c) currently believe about whatever issue it is that you have...then you can know this...if this is the Word of God then when you study it, if my claim that it is divine is true, then you should be able, in honest study, to hear the voice of God. That's right, if it's the Word, then there is also a voice. And if you can accept that the Old Testament chronicles the foretold Messiah, you must also then understand that the scriptures contained within the Old Testament say that the Messiah would be sent by God to speak the very word of God.
And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when the revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder and however murders will be in danger of the judgment.' But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you tot he judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and yo be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.
You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
Furthermore it has been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.
Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' "no." For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven' for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
And when you pray you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
Our daily bread
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever.
Amen.
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The lamp of the body is they eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value then they? Which of you can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lillies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes form thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.
And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matthew 5-7)
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