God Spot

margin-top: 30px

God Spot
This Christian Resource Blog has been created by a group of friends from around the world. Our purpose is to provide links to useful resources, some commentary on topical or doctrinal issues, a place where anyone can come with questions and a means whereby we can share our faith. And above all, to grow and encourage each other. As Christians, we believe we bear God's image in this world, and seek to glorify God's name in this endeavour. Any Christian who wants to join with us is very welcome!

Sunday, August 31, 2003

peace and troubles

I like what you wrote, Janice and in times of things going wrong "I call on the Lord" as does the psalmist. In my work a lot can go wrong, and there is quite an element of luck. Thus things don't always go right, I then do pray about it, (after praying for my football team, that's what's wrong with yours Geoff), and I never blame God for things going wrong. I think we are being tempted often to blame Him, but them we are given the chance to bring our needs to Him in prayer.

comments ...............

Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 7:43 am

0 comments

Geoff an answer

The Jews believed that the dead went to sleep in Sheol, cavers under the earth -- gloomy, grey. They had trouble with the phrases in Genesis that a dead person was gathered to his ancestors, and Elijah being taken up. Try some references: Ezk 3.15 & 17, Ps 86.13, Ps 94.17, Ps 16.10, Ezk 32.27. The Lord's teaching re Lazarus Lk 16. 19 - 31 shocked the people of the day, and his other references to paradise.

Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 7:28 am

0 comments

Saturday, August 30, 2003

Peace

Its taken me years and years to learn that God wants me to be "in need" all the time. So that I will depend on Him And its taken more years to be glad when I am!

A friend told me "When things are tough, she goes through every resource, and when she comes to the end of everything she prays to God "I will accept whatever is your will, I leave it all to you" and surprise!! God deals with it. What is more, He provides acceptance, and He provides peace. What a relief. (And she said, that stupid as it is, next time something happens, she will probably go through the same thing again..) I relate, unfortunately, because I'm quite good at that scenario myself.

We talked about the multitude of resources available to us.. knowledge,money, professional expertise, friends, family, colleagues. All too often these resources solve? our problems for us. Take them away till next
time. If we operate like this, it is a rare situation when we will run out of natural solutions, and then and only then we think - Oh yes, last resort - I can turn to God. And its only then that we understand "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus".

Sheriden

# posted by Anonymous @ 9:23 pm

0 comments

Tough Question!

This morning at BSF Craig asked me a question I haven't a clue about. Before I consult Matthew Henry, I thought some bright sparks here might be able to help.

The question basically is, when Saul consulted the witch of Endor (1Sam28), and she said "I see a spirit coming up out of the ground" and it turned out to be Samuel's spirit, from where exactly was he coming from (ie. where do spirits of dead people hang about)??

And in case that wasn't hard enough, Craig followed up with what did Samuel's spirit mean by the words "tomorrow you and your sons will be with me" - deady-bones, or some-place else (perhaps heaven)???

BTW, the above quotations are from the NIV; the ESV (more literal translation) says "I see a god coming up out of the earth", and same as NIV for the other.

There've been some good posts to read & think about, thanks for the contributions - we'll do a bit more recruiting now we're running smoothly.

# posted by geoff @ 2:26 pm

0 comments

Friday, August 29, 2003

I agree Carol

Yes I think that 'blend' is a better word. I think that when we are close to Jesus, living with him, seeing the world as he sees it, trying to do what he would have us do, listening, walking, ... we become more like him, realising his ways are ways of peace, whereas 'the world' is about anger, confrontation, winning, succeeding, and self.

I think that we 'blend' with friends too, as we assess their ideas and ways and take on that which suits us. Yet we want to be somewhat independant and offer them something too. With Jesus, there's a lot to understand and gently take on. We are just part of his enormous kingdom: what depends on us? very little.

BSf which Geoff writes about a lot talks about 'leadership' a lot. I don't see the call to leadrships much in the bible, its a call to sevice.

Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 10:34 pm

0 comments

I am only human.

These words are uttered a lot, and by christians too:)

How about this thought:
When we are not connected with God, or we are not feeling particularly close, these words "I am only human" are just an excuse!

BUT, when we ARE connected to God, and we feel as though He is with us, and yet we have weaknesses which show :( then to hear these words from God, are a comfort.

I have felt both of those situations in the last few days!!!

# posted by Caroline @ 2:20 pm

0 comments

Is "blend" a better word?

Gary, perhaps "blend" is a better word than "merge"?

I think it is more that just "being" like Jesus. I think we need to take Him on board and let Him possess us.

What do you think?

I love moments like you described with the Magnolia tree! They are the nicest moments of the day.

# posted by Caroline @ 2:13 pm

0 comments

Thursday, August 28, 2003

do we Carol

"and we eventually merge spirits with Him" Yes we become more like Him, but we don't lose ourselves in God, (or the universe --Nivarna to a Budhist). We retain our personality but we become more Chirst-like. We become gentler, more loving, because we are not so busy, with time we can get to know Jesus.

Geoff and I would say we are busy guys: we like our situation and the discipline of bsf and my fortnightly bible study at church. I relax while walking the dog. The street around from mine has a house with a white magnolia tree in front,now with the flowers out in full, but just a few past their best and the new leaves are coming: its so beautiful. Last night I just stopped and looked at it for a couple of minutes.

What does Jesus really say to us; not do this or not do that, (that's rules and legalisms), I think he says 'get to know me, and be like me', take time spend time with me.

Comments folks ...... Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 10:06 pm

0 comments

The bump in the road.

In thinking about life and death today, I felt that if we know Jesus for ourselves, and that relationship continues and grows closer.... and we eventually merge spirits with Him, then when the silver chord is broken, and we move on from this life ..... it will be just a small bump in the road. All that is important .... our soul, will continue on.

To focus, nurture, and care for our souls relationship with God ... it is not just for this life ... but forever. These are things we all know, but they hit me again with power today:)

# posted by Caroline @ 2:10 pm

0 comments

Samuel

I wonder if there is "something in the air" about Samuel. Every corner I turn lately, people seem to be bringing Samuel and Eli etc into any spiritual/Biblical conversations! I am certain all these people are not attending BSF!!
I also found myself asking inwardly for a Bible story with meaning to tell my little son two weeks ago, and was given Samuel's story!
I found myself floundering after Eli died and need to get reading myself to keep ahead!!

My son and I discussed the fact that God spoke to Samuel, and Samuel didn't yet know Gods voice! It took a few times .... and that was ok. He told me of a couple of times he knew God spoke to him. I was amazed again at how the little children just believe. It is as we grow into adults with our beliefs and opinions etc setting hard, that we seem to be unable to see the simplicity of Christ. To my son, Jesus is so real. To my son, when Jesus speaks to him, he believes. No doubts. I can see why Jesus wants us to become as little children again!

# posted by Caroline @ 2:05 pm

0 comments

Wednesday, August 27, 2003

Godly Influences

We decided that, for a young man, Samuel's circumstances were far from easy (with the "ugly sons" of Eli doing their thing around him). And the godly influences on his young life (before he actually personally knew God) were Hannah (once-a-year visits, but mum's prayers too), and dad Elkanah (quite a faithful guy!), God (already working, and certainly protecting Samuel), and also Eli.

Interesting, that last one. Eli was God's priest, but we know what God thought of him (1Sam2:27-36). And yet nevertheless he was still a godly influence on Samuel.

The take-home point for me was that someone who might even occupy a significant position in God's order (in the church, maybe our pastor!) yet be far from what they should be in terms of holiness, can still be a godly instrument and influence.

Not excusing Eli & his kind, simply acknowledging that it happens!

# posted by geoff @ 5:26 pm

0 comments

Power of One?

This week's BSF talk was on first 10 ch's of 1Samuel. The theme was "what can one person do?" Much, if that one person is a Samuel, apparently!

Grant summarised this section, where Israel was moving from a theocracy to the system of kings (where God could still work, the nation would now just have a natural ruler rather than God in control of the lot), as:

1. Samuel the boy - speaks God's words to Eli (1-3:18)
2. Samuel the judge - speaks God's words to Israel (3:19-11)
3. Samuel the prophet - speaks God's words to Saul (12-16)

Some study-points:
- Godly leadership strengthens the nation, and one individual can make a difference.
- just because we don't understand everything (way in which someone is worshipping in church, for instance) doesn't mean it's wrong (Eli jumping to conslusion that Hannah was drunk in the temple).
- The young Samuel was initially afraid to tell Eli the bad news that God told him about the judgement on Eli, until (3:17) Eli asked "What was it he said to you? Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you." At which point, Samuel proved he feared God more than he feared Eli.
- after Eli's death, Samuel became the last of Israel's judges and its first prophet.
- true revival is always accompanied by prayer & repentance (7:6).
- ch.8; we can feel personally hurt & rejected when being faithful to our God, but God explained to Samuel that the people were actually rejecting God!
- Saul was a shallow guy, a crowd-pleaser.

# posted by geoff @ 5:20 pm

0 comments

Buddhists etc.....

Gary, while reading your reference to Buddhists, I thought of the time a few years ago when I became interested in "Mind Power". It was a fascinating and powerful study and we absorbed it, used it and enjoyed it. Along side christianity.
However, since really learning and understanding God, at a much deeper level than I was at back then, I have realised that although there is a strong parallel between the two, Mind Power doesn't utilise God, it uses our own inner strength which comes from the Universe, and now comparing the two, I clearly see that Mind Power is limited.

I also know that God created this inner power for all mankind anyway! So we cannot scoff at it. But it must not, and cannot be what God is to us.

Mind power in itself can be a good thing, but the problem is, it is draws great crowds, because of the promises it offers. All for self.
God doesn't promise all those outward things, He 'merely' promises a great peace while on this earth, and a confidence in our future.
And when we have that, all else pales into insignificance!

# posted by Caroline @ 1:18 pm

0 comments

Tuesday, August 26, 2003

more on Eli and us

I think that Eli was a judge. He did all the things a judge did, in being close to God and settling disputes. In the Samuel chapters he (Eli) sat at the main pole of the Tabernacle tent: the place of a judge. I suspect that there was a continual line of judges from Moses to Samuel, then they gave way to the kings.
Carol is so right that temptations get to us where we are vunerable like our families. And temptations are frequent if not constant. I think that life is a battle to do what is right, its a great battle to be in for we have great help for our God in many forms. And from other people!

# posted by Anonymous @ 9:57 pm

0 comments

Yes Geoff it works

Geoff, Yes as you wrote 'Christianity does work'. Well I cannot imagine my life without some sort of faith; it must be so difficult and so lonely. At one stage I got into budhism in a big way and I think that there are things interesting there but, its a self-centred way and clearly impossible -- to become perfect seems impossible and a long way away for me. Grant was right when he said there are some aspects of life that only God can fill.

# posted by Anonymous @ 9:47 pm

0 comments

Monday, August 25, 2003

GoingFine!

OK, that's a play on the blog I want to advertise, which is goingjesus.com.

It's by a girl called Sara, 33 yo just now, church secretary who describes herself "Unlikely Christian, Episcopalian Division. Still amazed that this actually works, but it does." And if you look right now, you will see that she's responding to some publicity she's just got in the Australian papers.

She was looking for something "useful, but it turns out that my most fruitful ministry lately is this blog. Huh. I thought about stopping it earlier this week when I was feeling really hopeless and loser-ish, which is why I was gone so long, and then the Australia thing happened and then I got a sandal to the back of the head telling me that this is my ministry. I don't know if I'm the one ministering or the one being ministered to, but it's what I'm supposed to be doing."

Now, we have 6 members of our blog at present (Carol, Mike, Dave, Gary, Stan and Geoff). Wondering whether it's the same for any of us, that like Sara this could actually be part of our ministry? (but only if God says so!)

Anyway, I like the way Sara talks with hers and our Father God, about what He might have planned for her. And I was wondering about inviting her to join with us if she was inclined? Any thoughts?? BTW, she quite freely uses some language with attitude (like the "F" word) but personally, this doesn't seem to matter (unless it upsets/offends someone else?).

Like you Sara, it's amazing but this Christianity does actually work. But only when we stop working at it with our own faculties, I think. Which is the slightly scary thing about this blog - who knows why/how/where it's going (if anywhere!).

# posted by geoff @ 12:05 pm

0 comments

Eli...

Gary, you said: In the BSF today Eli showed that he's another man of God that lost it somewhere.

Thats the trouble! When one is feeling strong in Christ, one feels invincible in Christ! It's easy (even normal?) to think, we will not have any problem dealing with temptations and evil etc, because we feel so close to Him!

However, times come (is it Satan??) and we are hit in the sensitive places of our hearts and lives (like Eli and his sons! What a place to be hit .... your own dear family!) and suddenly, we find ourselves like reeds in the wind. Good job we have people like Abraham, to remind us that it CAN be done! (Thinking of Isaac here).

# posted by Caroline @ 10:51 am

0 comments

Saturday, August 23, 2003

settings

Geoff etc.

The problems of the story start with Isaac who should have had the whole family together and given blessings to both sons. But he acted in secret with Esau and the other events followed because Rebekah overheard Isaac's instructions to Esau. In the light of the situation I think she acted with shrewdness and 'wisdom', (You're big on situation ethics aren't you?), that's why I'm lenient on Rebekah and Jacob.

In the BSF today Eli showed that he's another man of God that lost it somewhere. He 'sat on the seat' by the pole, the stool seat of judgement, against the main pole to the Tent of the Meeting showing he was the chief priest, but he was 'soft' with his sons who were 'skimming' off what should have been sacrificed to God. Probably Eli is a minor judge but not counted as one.

Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 10:00 am

0 comments

Friday, August 22, 2003

Rebekah and Jacob - #2

I've been trying to get back to this. Still feel there's a lot of depths to plumb, and hopefully learn some useful things in the process. Following is the tack taken by the BSF notes (which were written, it tells us, by Audrey Wetherell Johnson herself!)

Gen 25 closes with Jacob's legitimate but unworthy victory over Esau whereby he obtained by strategy the birthright which God intended for him and which he would have given in grace in His own time.

I was intrigued by the word "unworthy" used to describe Jacob's actions; this is not how I have been brought up to view this bit of the story. But on reflection, a few fundamental principles seem to be seeping into my thick skull, which are perhaps applicable to this event; to the next bit about R&J deceiving and lying to Isaac as well as blaspheming; and even to our modern lives as Christians today?

These are that God chooses to do His work by means of humans in a way that leaves it clear that it is His power accomplishing the thing (there are any number of examples in scripture; eg. walls of Jericho); by this means all glory is to God alone (we take no credit; eg. Matt.5:16); and God specialises in the "just-in-time" principle (ref. Abraham offering Isaac) which does a number of things for us:

- leaves us gasping in grateful wonder and amazement, full of praise;
- tests our faith, to what degree do we really trust and depend on our heavenly Father's power; and
- teaches us a lesson in dependency which we are unlikely to forget (note the lesson Joshua learned in Ex.17 when he won a momentous battle, but only while Moses held his arms aloft!).

With these things in mind, back to BSF notes on R&J:

Whereas Jacob's method of his craftily obtaining the birthright was at least allowable, his conniving to obtain the promised blessing was totally wrong. While God honoured Jacob's good points and some of Jacob's basic attitudes, such as J's appreciation of the glory of God's promised inheritance and J's all-consuming passion to have a part in that which was promised, God at the same time strongly disciplined J for his deceit, his cunning, and his lies.

Clearly the way R&J went about achieving what they knew was God's intention (that J get the "blessing") violated all of the priciples that I'd gleaned above! (the voice of human reasoning would say "but what else could Rebekah have done?". What else indeed! - therein lies the lesson, for me at least, I feel)

But I liked the summary they gave of Jacob:
We are made to see Jacob's sins, his faith, and God's dealings with him in grace, in chastisement, by revelation, and by rebuke as He molds Jacob's character into that of the dignified man of stature he eventually became.

Hey, I'm finding I can relate to that guy!

# posted by geoff @ 5:14 pm

0 comments

Thursday, August 21, 2003

BSF info

Geoff,

BSF was started by Audrey Weatherall Johnson, and I would say that its led, not controlled, by the Board of Directors of which the three CEOs (Johnson, Rosemary Jensen, Jean Nystrand) so far have been women. There are a number of men on the Board.

Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 8:46 pm

0 comments

Spirit and Soul

Similar to Carols ideas;

I see the soul as that part os the person that continues after death whereas the body is lifeless. Death has a seperation on the body and the soul. Whether the spirit is seperate I'm not sure but but each person has a personality, hopefully changing for the better, and that contiues, so people in paradise are not the same. I expect still to have a quirky sense of humour and to like and enjoy the things I like now.

Comments ........

Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 8:41 pm

0 comments

VILs

Geoff,

I don't know what VILs are in bsf. I haven't been in it long.

Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 8:35 pm

0 comments

Spirit and Soul

As a preliminary answer to the question ..... what exactly is a spirit and a soul?..... I asked a wise and well studied christian that question tonight, and this was the answer they gave:

"Think of our soul as the inner most being - the "Me" deep within me. Think of the spirit as the attitude of the "me" within!"

Well, thats a start! You might say, the soul houses the spirit.

Any advance on this? (I'll do some more thinking tomorrow whilst walking:)

# posted by Caroline @ 8:03 pm

0 comments

Those VIL's

Well, BSF is a ladies' bible study started by a lady (Ms Wetherell-Johnson sp?) for ladies - and we are told that the men "pressed in" when they realised how good it was!

Anyway, that's how they explain the fact that the hierarchy is all controlled by women from the CEO down. And why those VIL's need to pay us men a visit once or twice a year, just to ensure that we're doing things right and not wandering too far off-track (as men do!)

But of course we're not about promoting BSF (even tho' it's a good form of bible-study) but I will try to summarise what appeals to me from the study itself as we go along (and hopefully Dave & Gary might do the same).

# posted by geoff @ 4:42 pm

0 comments

V.I.L.

Geoff, who are these V.I.L. personnel? Hmmm Saturday morning? Sure you don't have a Saturday Sabbath day bent? Now that could take us down a new track! Sounds like a bit of sport to me.

Have fun:))
(Thanks for letting me practice my hidden verses!)

# posted by Caroline @ 4:07 pm

0 comments

Rebels!

Carol, stimulating queries about "who we really are". I don't know, but you did write:

"You are not what you wear. You could wear different clothes every day and you are still you! You could wear someone elses clothes.... but you would still be you!"

and someone (defintely not me, I don't think..?) said "but BSF doesn't agree with that!" (we have a dress code, you see, and it will be strictly enforced this Sat morning as we're having a visit by some Very Important Ladies!)

I think it was a rebel speaking. The same rebel perhaps that's just said about creating a Yahoo group "what about a group of Christians that actually believe something!! Could have possibilities? Maybe unusual!!!". Definitely a rebel, eh Gary?? (BTW, get rid of those trackie pants!)

# posted by geoff @ 2:23 pm

0 comments

Tuesday, August 19, 2003

Who are We?

Geoff, I loved reading your summary of your meeting last night, and hope you can do this after every meeting? Thankyou!

Recently we were discussing who we are.
You are not your name. Other people could have the very same name, and they are not you. Change your name and you are still you!

You are not your body. You may gain 100 pounds or lose 100 pounds (what are pounds anyway! ) but whatever you weigh, you are still you!

You are not what you wear. You could wear different clothes every day and you are still you! You could wear someone elses clothes.... but you would still be you!

And so, who are we exactly? I suppose we are the part that continues on after death.

And so, if that is who we are, it makes sense to spend most of our energy on caring for that part of us!

When I was thinking along these lines, it made me see freshly how useless it is trying to spend our time and energy on the "outward", but to care more faithfully for our spirit.

Actually, can anyone tell me what a spirit is, and what a soul is? I wondered if our spirit houses our soul? Whats the deal here?

# posted by Caroline @ 9:49 pm

0 comments

Dame Edna's Disciples

Went to see Dame Edna (aka Barry Humphries) the other day. She had a good disciples line. While prowling backwards and forwards along the stage, scrutinizing the audience in the front rows to decide who to pick to get on stage (and then humiliate them!), she came out with "you're all thinking "hope she doesn't pick me". Is that the attitude? Think of the disciples on Galilee. Were they all saying "hope Jesus doesn't pick me today"? No. They were flaunting themselves. Waving their fish-nets at him and shouting "pick me Jesus". And he gave them enough material to write 4 best sellers!"

It was very funny. But I must admit to being under strict instructions not to book seats in the first half-dozen rows. Definitely not disciples' material!!

# posted by geoff @ 4:14 pm

0 comments

Joshua, Judges and Ruth

It wasn't quite "first night at the Proms" but it was first night for this year's BSF study of Israel & the Minor Prophets.

And it started with a good overview of Joshua, Judges and Ruth. Summarised as:
- God rallies Israel (Joshua)
- God rescues Israel (Judges)
- God redeems Israel (Ruth)

As always, BSF is quite practical in terms of emphasising applications for today's living from what we're studying. The general application seemed to be that God desires his redeemed people to take possession of what He's promised them.

Here's some of the points I found good, starting with Joshua:
- first of all, Joshua had to step out by faith. But sin gets in the way. And one person's sin can cause the whole body (family or church) to suffer.
- way to live a holy life is to understand who God really is (not to make God in our image).
- we get to really know God through what he's written to us!
- ch 9 of Joshua describes the Gideonites and their deception of the Israelites by flattery. Something we should be on the lookout for (all being susceptible to being flattered!) - antidote: enquire of God before making decisions.

And Judges:
- recurring phrase "the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord". Don't set our standards by those around us, easy to take comfort in this.
- lesson from Judges - how are we seen in the eyes of the Lord? (our basis for making decisions should be "what is right in the eyes of the Lord" - seek God's will from His word).

Finally Ruth:
- story of the Kinsman Redeemer (God buys us back, even tho' we belong to Him in the first place).
- define success as remaining true and faithful to God.

# posted by geoff @ 1:36 pm

0 comments

Monday, August 18, 2003

Deity of Christ

The concept of God coming in the flesh is difficult for us to grasp, with our earthly perspective and (for some) church traditions. I really liked and learnt something from the way that our friend Ron described how this appeals personally to him. I'm sure that he won't mind me sharing this with others:

"It is impossible to understand our union with Christ without understanding the union of God with his son and the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that we would be perfected in unity with him and the Father (Jn17:23) and that they would make their abode with us (Jn14:23) but went on to say that he would "send" the helper, the Holy Spirit. The three cannot be separated. We are hid with Christ in God and while in the flesh the Spirit is our lifeline. We cannot have one without the other. Even Jesus, having come from God and being one with God, it is said that "I will put my spirit upon him". As you can see, I'm not very good at articulating these things, but this subject is very deep and very wonderful."

Indeed, very wonderful, and actually the way you put it Ron rang very true for me.

# posted by geoff @ 2:22 pm

0 comments

Sunday, August 17, 2003

Growing in Christ

Hello David and Gary.
David, a little part of what you wrote caught my attention:
He made the point that we don't need to pray for these things because God IS all of these - God IS love, IS patient IS strong etc. These are the attributes of God.

I remember a few years ago being in despair about my human nature. JUST like what you said in Romans. Everything kept turning to custard again and again. So I decided (in my desperate groping to sort this problem out) to list my weaknesses and work on them one at a time till I had them conquered!

I started off with the first thing (don't ask what it was!!) but it wouldn't work! The more I tried, the more I seemed to fail, and the more all the things I wasn't concentrating on seemed to become worse!

And then I thought of a baby. He doesn't think: "Now I will learn to walk. Then I shall learn to eat with a spoon." Etc. He just lives .... depends on his parents for nurturing and sustanance, and each thing at its own pace begins to develop. The parents assist and help along the journey of growth ..... until finally one day, the baby has grown up and can do all these things! He hardly knew they were happening. (By the way, he never stops learning!)

And so, I stopped thinking about my failings and weaknesses. I stopped despairing. All I did, was start to love God more. I spent more time with Him. He spoke to me and we became an item:) Then one day I noticed that all the things I despaired over ... were sorting themselves out! I didn't even think about them any more, because as I began growing in Christ, these things were sorting themselves out slowly as and when God wished to deal with them.

Like a child cannot visibly be seen growing taller, (they say you can see asparagas growing!) nor can we. It just happens. Isn't that easy? No more worries and despair.... just love Him and get close..... and because He dwells in us, He becomes part of us!

Forgive the length here! Thankyou David:)

# posted by Caroline @ 11:35 pm

0 comments

Rebekah and Jacob from GaryB

I would like to throw in another idea, and that is that God often acts "at the last minute" in our lives. Now Geoff has already quoted me that Rebekah acted shrewdly, with Wisdon and rightly, but God may have undone Jacob's 'wrong'a the last moment -- he did with Abraham sacrificing Isaac. Anyway its not a salvaltion issue but it something I think we are supposed to do and that is consider and discuss the scripture.
Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 5:21 pm

0 comments

Friday, August 15, 2003

Rebekah and Jacob - #1

In another place, we have had a little (unresolved!) discussion on the whys and wherefores of Rebekah's part in Jacob getting the blessing from his old man, Isaac. Did Rebekah act in God's will in her deceipt of her husband to achieve the outcome that God had clearly revealed to her? Or not??

Here is our friend from BSF, Gary's "off the cuff" thoughts (I hasten to add, definitely not the BSF position, and actually not my current one - but I'm keeping an open mind!).

BTW, I hope others will add their understanding and wisdom on this here, so maybe if we run a sequence no. on the heading (as in this is #1) that will help keep track. Ta.

Gary on Rebekah ("First Thoughts"):
"The bible, especially the OT teaches extreme kindness and honesty between God's people but (that little word!) with other "wisdom" and shrewdness for the purposes of God -
- His kingdom
- His blessings on His people especially in health and business.

In Genesis Rebekah is not condemned but praised throughout the scripture, mainly for giving up her family and going to Jacob but also for her actions pro- the true God ans against the pagan gods of her family and people around.

I'm sure the Jewish view is that she is praiseworthy in all aspects."

# posted by geoff @ 4:20 pm

0 comments

Walking with the Lord

Recently the term "walking with the Lord" has taken on new meaning to me! Last week God put the thought into my mind, that if I take a long walk each day, He would speak with me. So, I have been making this a priority for each day lately, and walk up to 2 hours a day. It is exhiliarating. It is the most wonderful time to pray and communicate with God. Every moment of my walk, He and I speak together and it has become the most precious time of each day for me.
I ask Him many questions, and He answers them. He comforts. He encourages. He prompts me who to pray for.

This morning, amongst all our communication together, God spoke with me about His Holy angels and how much they help us here. They long to help more, and we humans have such closed minds and we limit what he could do for us, if we allowed Him.
Also, He promised me that if I take in my mind some pieces of scripture, or some incidents spoken of in the Bible, He will help me to understand them as He sees and meant them.

What a wonderful promise, and it is there for all of us! May we all enjoy and love and pursue all we can of Christ - He has so much to offer!

# posted by Caroline @ 10:40 am

0 comments

Thursday, August 14, 2003

Deliver us or Help us?

In some of my reading lately, I came across an interesting thought. Thought it was worth passing on. Many Christians seem to pray for "strength to endure temptations" and for "victory over the attacks of our enemy, Satan".
But Jesus said in Matthew 6:13,
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one".

In other words, we should pray not for strength to endure, or for victory, but for avoidance/protection over temptations, and for Him to keep us safe from evil!

I guess, as a friend of ours once said: "It is like injecting yourself with a dose of poison, just to see if you can take it"! Frightening thought.

These were just some thoughts running through my head lately ... wouldn't mind your comments, Geoff ? (After coffee, of course!!)

# posted by Caroline @ 7:06 pm

0 comments

"Exciting" and "Everything"

I think your first instinctive answer was perfect, Geoff. What could be better?

I was reading on a site this evening which showed "The Year's Most Intriguing Findings - From Barna Research Studies". It showed a chart with "Good News", "Bad News" and "Very Bad News" about born-again Christians.

One fact from the research in the "Good News" section said this:
"Half of all unchurched and non-Christian adults admit that they are seeking meaning and purpose in their life - providing a meaningful entry point for evangelizers."

From the "Bad News" section, we read:
"In a representative nationwide survey among born again adults, none of the individuals interviewed said that the single, most important goal in their life is to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ."

Soooooo, having said God means "everything" to you, Geoff, that must mean if you had been asked in this research survey, you would have made the statistic ONE, instead of NONE!!

(You know what? In all the millions and millions of surveys taken in the world ... I don't have a clue where all the people are who are being asked! Noone has ever asked ME .... or anyone I know! You don't think they make them up, do you?? I mean to say ... simply everyone believes surveys! If someone quotes survey figures, people are always impressed, and never argue, 'cos thems the facts, and thats that!!)

Well, for those who like checking sites out, try this for a few church facts!

# posted by Caroline @ 6:20 pm

0 comments

WWW Treasure Trove

A friend has recommended this website (monergism) which offers "literally thousands of articles on various biblical doctrines of the historic faith. It's an amazing treasure trove of good theology from a broad base of respected contributors. There's also a huge amount of Christian history.

Happy reading...you'll never finish!"

Here's what they say about themselves:
As a result of the proliferation of questionable theology and a certain worldliness among ourselves, it has become nearly impossible to exhaustivly address every theological error. Instead, this site is an attempt to direct the user to classic articles and resources of historical orthodoxy. This is done in the hope we will embrace, and recover the true Biblical doctrines of the historic faith. (It is easier to spot a counterfeit when you are familiar with the real item.) Furthermore, monergism.com does not usually point to specific Websites, but rather, to "MUST HAVE" articles, books, audio resources and sermons.

They've got a good quote too:
"To suppose that whatever God requireth of us that we have power of ourselves to do, is to make the cross and grace of Jesus Christ of none effect." JOHN OWEN, III:433

# posted by geoff @ 12:33 pm

0 comments

Welcome Carol

Carol, welcome and good to hear from you. But what a question to be hit with first thing before coffee "what is the first word that comes into your mind" to describe what it means to me to be a Christian?

It was "everything", actually. I suspect given a little time, and actually being awake, other words will come but that was first.

And thanks for the mention of Jephthah. I knew he was part of the OT cast (of thousands!) - but have just read in Judges 11 that:

"Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute. Gilead's wife also bore him sons, and when they were grown up, they drove Jephthah away. "You are not going to get any inheritance in our family," they said, "because you are the son of another woman." So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where a group of adventurers gathered around him and followed him."

Pleasant family! And Jephthah is one of the characters we are going to find out about in this year's BSF study of "Israel & the Minor Prophets".

# posted by geoff @ 12:08 pm

0 comments

Wednesday, August 13, 2003

OK....

All set! Found out how to post at last (after a few false starts!) but see that Geoff doesn't really need me! He looks to be doing pretty well on his own!
Thanks for the "Three Cheers" Geoff. Did I need reminding at this end of my life??

I was thinking of a few words to describe what it feels like to be filled with Christ. The first one that came immediately to mind was "exciting". (I could expand on why it is exciting sometime!) Now what is the first word that comes into your mind, Geoff? Be honest, now ...... (like Jephthah's daughter was the first! ) I want the first one!

There are times of course, when excitement is the last word one might use!!! But ..... generally speaking, the whole concept of Christ and salvation and living for Him is (amongst other things!) exciting:-)

# posted by Caroline @ 7:55 pm

0 comments

Monday, August 11, 2003

Our Sufficiency

Another good little adage is:
"You will never know that Christ is all you need,
until he's all you've got".

To which a friend added:
"All that we are, and have, get's seriously in the way".

Spoken about Elijah's experience at the brook in the Kerith Ravine when he went there obeying God's request, only to have the brook dry up.

Seems unfair, doing what God asks and suddenly it's all going wrong. Why? Perhaps to give us opportunity to learn that Christ is all we need!

Anyway, what did the prophet Elijah expect, the brook to flood? - after all, he's the guy who asked God to stop the rain in the first place.

# posted by geoff @ 12:39 pm

0 comments

Saturday, August 09, 2003

Israel & the Minor Prophets

We're about to begin this year's BSF bible-study of the above name. Much reading ahead, I fear! But this morning the discussion leaders in our BSF mens class spent the morning being revved up for the year ahead.

A few worthwhile points:

- The clenched fist of God is balanced by His open hand of grace - during the study we won't see one without the other.

- The greatest evidence of God's grace is that He continues to offer it to those who don't want it.

- Summing up the real message of the prophets - the whole study in one word: "turn". Turn back to God (or repent). Turn from your wicked ways and again experience His grace.

- The basic structure of the Minor Prophets has 3 parts:
1) prophets' statement of judgements against the people of God;
2) prophets' statement of divine judgement against nations of the world;
3) prophets' message of hope (good to come; salvation, fulfilment of Davidic covenant).

- It's a study of how Israel's leaders led. There were 3 types of leaders:
1) Judges - military deliverers (Joshua to Samuel, including the woman Deborah);
2) Kings - rule according to God's law; Saul onwards, the good and the bad;
3) Prophets - (the ugly?), generally bearers of bad news! Not the sort of guys to invite to your party!! Again, true and false ones. Even the bad ones were used by sovereign God to deliver messages of judgement to God's people. Kings and Prophets hung around simultaneously, and generally a bad King resulted in much activity by those Prophet guys.

So, that's a little foretaste of the year ahead in bible study. If you're keen, checkout a BSF class near you (class locations world-wide are listed on their web site).

# posted by geoff @ 7:15 pm

0 comments

Friday, August 08, 2003

Commandments or Promises?

A little aphorism that I've enjoyed...

The OT commandments become promises of Jesus for NT children of God.

(from Charles Price, speaking on Jesus' apparent tightening of the 10 commandments with all the But I say to you's in Matt5)

A bit like changing "thou shalt not" to "but you won't". Because that's the holy character of our Lord and God. Who indwells and empowers us!

# posted by geoff @ 10:29 am

0 comments

Billboards

New billboards are getting attention in Arizona. Here's a list of the variations of the "God Speaks" billboards. The billboards are a simple black background with white text. No fine print or sponsoring organization is included. Enjoy.

-----------------------------------
Tell the kids I love them.

-God
-----------------------------------
Let's meet at my house Sunday
before the game.

-God
-----------------------------------
C'mon over and bring the kids.

-God
-----------------------------------
What part of "Thou Shalt Not..."
didn't you understand?

-God
-----------------------------------
We need to talk.

-God
-----------------------------------
Keep using my name in vain,
I'll make rush hour longer.

-God
-----------------------------------
That "Love Thy Neighbor" thing...
I meant it.

-God
-----------------------------------
I love you and you
and you and you and...

-God
-----------------------------------
Will the road you're on
get you to my place?

-God
-----------------------------------
Big bang theory?
you've got to be kidding.

-God
-----------------------------------
Need directions?

-God
-----------------------------------
(And a personal favorite...)
Don't make me come down there.

-God

# posted by geoff @ 10:19 am

0 comments

Thursday, August 07, 2003

Special Day!

Yep, a very special day. It's been lonely here, and there's a limit to how much fun you can have on your own (the alternative view is, why be selfish and keep all the fun to myself!). But seriously, it will be good to get some dialogue going here (flip-side: to date, there's been no disagreements here!!).

And hopefully some robust discussions. Which means, just like way back in Genesis the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him", so we crave some companions.

So, today we begin sending out a few invitations for friends to join with us. First one goes to my fellow conspirator and ideas-person in this venture, Carol - whose encouragement and wisdom I value greatly.

And what better day to do it - bacause it's Carol's birthday. Happy birthday Carol! Enjoy!!

(oh, and we've somehow added a visit-counter to the bottom, to begin counting from day zero - today!)

# posted by geoff @ 12:36 pm

0 comments

Wednesday, August 06, 2003

Jesus: God or the Son of God?

An ad on our Blogger banner for this book:
Jesus-God or the Son of God? looks at the most popular scriptures used to teach Jesus is God and compares them to the scriptures that seem to show he is not. It attempts to make an honest assessment of both arguments and then asks the reader to decide for himself whom Jesus claims to be.

Find out why Jesus-God or the Son of God? has been the top selling book on the discussion of the nature of Jesus over the past year! If you are not familiar with the scores of arguments Trinitarians use, or the scores of arguments non-Trinitarians use, this book is for you.

Haven't read it, but thought it was worth a plug.

# posted by geoff @ 4:15 pm

0 comments

Tuesday, August 05, 2003

Interview with a Theologian

The Uniting Church here in Oz has copped some flak recently over the homosexual ministry issue. So here's some good news. An interview in Melbourne's Age with Rev Dr Christiaan Mostert of the Theological Hall, Uniting Church (teacher at the Faculty of Theology, University of Melbourne).

The bible passage that fills Dr Mostert with wonder is Jn1:1,14 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory". Dr Mostert's comment: To me, that says it all.

In response to the question "what are the best ways of reconciling Christ's deity and his humanity", Dr Mostert answered There is no "reconciling" these two claims in the normal sense of the word, by finding a middle way. Christian faith has tenaciously insisted that things fully divine and things fully human have to be said about this one person. There is no simple explanation. But Christians believe that God, in the Person of the Son, came among us as one of us.

It was a good interview, but I can't find the url!

# posted by geoff @ 4:58 pm

0 comments

Moral Challenges in Iraq

The occupation of Iraq by the Americans and British continues to throw up challenges to our morality. Yesterday's story of a father being forced by sheiks to kill his son was an absolute tear-jerker.

A cousin said "The darkness of life here now is like the 16th century. We accept the law, but the debt to the families of the others who were killed might have been settled with money, not blood".

And listen to Salem the grief-stricken father: "This is the most difficult period of my life - it will stay with me forever; I relive it every hour. No father should kill his own son, no matter what he has done. A father should only forgive a son for his wrong-doing. It wasn't my decision."

Salem broke down. A cousin continued: "Salem was put in a tight circle and the only exit was to kill Sabah. You must understand the feelings in this man's heart after killing his own boy."

But how will Salem cope with this emotional burden? It was Salem who answered: "It is our destiny. We have to face what the gods bring to us."

# posted by geoff @ 3:56 pm

0 comments

Sunday, August 03, 2003

Our Future Plans

Heard today that death is either part of our plans, or it will interrupt our plans! Good thought.

Actually, the preaching was from Luke 12:13-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool. Easy to confuse natural well-being with spiritual adequacy - fooling ourselves in the process! And any who are actually rich needn't get too upset - you've got opportunity to show where money figures in your priorities by helping the poor (vv. 33, 34)!!

# posted by geoff @ 7:03 pm

0 comments

<< That's it! But checkout the Archives for more...