There was a feud between the Pastor and the Choir Director of a Southern Baptist Church.
It seems the first hint of trouble came when the Pastor preached on "Dedicating Yourselves to Service" and the Choir Director chose to sing: "I Shall Not Be Moved". Trying to believe it was a coincidence, the Pastor put the incident behind Him.
The next Sunday he preached on "Giving." Afterwards, the choir squirmed as the director led them in the hymn: "Jesus Paid It All".
By this time, the Pastor was losing his temper. Sunday morning attendance swelled as the tension between the two built. A large crowd showed up the next week to hear his sermon on "The Sin of Gossiping." Would you believe the Choir Director selected the song: "I Love To Tell The Story"?
There was no turning back. The following Sunday the Pastor told the congregation that unless something changed, he was considering resignation. The entire church gasped when the Choir Director led them in: "Why Not Tonight"?
Truthfully, no one was surprised when the Pastor resigned a week later, explaining that Jesus had led him there and Jesus was leading him away. The Choir Director could not resist: "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Clarification of My Thought Processes
I think I need to clarify my position in regards to something in the previous post. I mentioned the Book of Enoch. Let me say that in no way is the Book of Enoch considered a part of the Protestant Bible. It is part of the un-canonized religious text that were rejected when the King James Version was put together. The Catholic Church recognizes it and several other un-canonized books as suitable religious text. The Protestant church does not. I am an Apostolic Pentecostal. Basically, Protestant. You can research that and find exactly what I believe, with some variations. But overall like most Protestant groups, we do not recognize the Apocrypha for religious guidance.
Jesus quoted the book of Enoch. I believe there are a couple of other places in the KJV where it is quoted by a disciple. Obviously, it was being read during Jesus' time. So, I became curious and began to wonder why it was excluded. I found a copy and read it for myself. After reading it, I understood why it was excluded from the Protestant Bible. I do not suggest here it is "gospel". It is not. I merely indicate it is of interest. Most of it is just a confusing mishmash but there are sections that I found very interesting. They read much like a mythological tale.
If you are familiar with Roman or Greek mythology and you read Enoch, you will know why I found it so. There is a school of thought out there that the "gods" of these mythologies were in fact, the Nephilim mentioned in the Old Testament in Genesis 6:1-4. The book of Enoch also relates information about the fallen angels and it is easy to see why this connection to Greco-Roman mythology seems plausible. I actually think there may be something to it. Maybe sometime I'll post what I've found in my studies. However, it has absolutely nothing to do with the plan of salvation, living for God, or Christianity in general. It is simply an interesting concept. I tend to find weird stuff interesting.
My point here is that I don't want to misdirect anyone or give the wrong impression. I believe the Bible and my preferred version is the KJV. I do on occasion, refer to other translations to clarify a passage. This is simply to give me a clearer understanding of the language and not to replace the meaning of a passage. If a passage in another translation seems to disagree, in my view, with the original KJV, I will usually ignore that translation or at the least, take it with a grain of salt. In my view, narrow though it may be, any teaching or text that is clearly opposite to the teachings of Jesus Christ and his disciples, it NOT valid. The Bible is the only source that relates the plan of salvation accurately. I say this not to offend, simply to clarify my position. You are free to respectfully disagree.
That being said, I am grateful for you, my friends who have commented and found the subject interesting. It is so refreshing to know that you are all more than a hair color! I have brilliant and wonderful friends.
Jesus quoted the book of Enoch. I believe there are a couple of other places in the KJV where it is quoted by a disciple. Obviously, it was being read during Jesus' time. So, I became curious and began to wonder why it was excluded. I found a copy and read it for myself. After reading it, I understood why it was excluded from the Protestant Bible. I do not suggest here it is "gospel". It is not. I merely indicate it is of interest. Most of it is just a confusing mishmash but there are sections that I found very interesting. They read much like a mythological tale.
If you are familiar with Roman or Greek mythology and you read Enoch, you will know why I found it so. There is a school of thought out there that the "gods" of these mythologies were in fact, the Nephilim mentioned in the Old Testament in Genesis 6:1-4. The book of Enoch also relates information about the fallen angels and it is easy to see why this connection to Greco-Roman mythology seems plausible. I actually think there may be something to it. Maybe sometime I'll post what I've found in my studies. However, it has absolutely nothing to do with the plan of salvation, living for God, or Christianity in general. It is simply an interesting concept. I tend to find weird stuff interesting.
My point here is that I don't want to misdirect anyone or give the wrong impression. I believe the Bible and my preferred version is the KJV. I do on occasion, refer to other translations to clarify a passage. This is simply to give me a clearer understanding of the language and not to replace the meaning of a passage. If a passage in another translation seems to disagree, in my view, with the original KJV, I will usually ignore that translation or at the least, take it with a grain of salt. In my view, narrow though it may be, any teaching or text that is clearly opposite to the teachings of Jesus Christ and his disciples, it NOT valid. The Bible is the only source that relates the plan of salvation accurately. I say this not to offend, simply to clarify my position. You are free to respectfully disagree.
That being said, I am grateful for you, my friends who have commented and found the subject interesting. It is so refreshing to know that you are all more than a hair color! I have brilliant and wonderful friends.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The Rank and File of Archangels?
I don't presume to be an expert on Biblical issues. I just read the Bible. I've read it cover to cover straight thorough once and over the years in many other orders. My friend Sheila posted an interesting blog on her site regarding archangels and who Michael is. I wanted to weigh in with my opinion and almost put it in her comments. Then, I realized, I had a nice long post and decided to post a link to her post instead and put my response here. I hope she isn't offended. It is unintentional. Please realize this is my OPINION based solely on what I've read in the Bible and rationalized based on my experiences.
Link Sheila's Place
There appear to be several archangels mentioned in the Bible. The three known by name are Lucifer, Michael, and Gabriel. Based on the episodes they appear in, each holds a different office although their rank may be the same. This is the way it is in any military organization. There are lots of generals of varying ranks. The top generals may hold the same rank but they have different positions within the military. Arch-angles are also God's messengers. If you compare the messages they deliver in the Bible, you will can get an idea of the difference in their positions.
Lucifer, of whom little is said in the Scriptures, appears to have held the highest office at one point. He also led the choirs of heaven and is purported to be the most beautiful creature in heaven. Pride in his position, his accomplishments and his beauty resulted in a rebellion in heaven that led to war and ultimately destroyed him. He exalted himself above God.
His position was one charged with the eternal worship and praise of the Creator. I suspect any messages he would have had to deliver would have been related to to praise and worship. Is it any wonder that he tries to prevent that very thing in human beings. Is it surprising he has warped and corrupted music! His goal is to prevent praise and worship of almighty God, the very thing he was in charge of, and to cause humanity to turn their praise and worship on things that insult God!
Michael appears to always have been in charge of the armies of God. He probably was the leader against Lucifer's rebellious army. He probably fought directly with Lucifer. Michael also appears to deliver specific kinds of messages. They tend to be related to his position as a leader of the holy armies and are often related to battles of one sort or another and the victory of God's armies.
Gabriel appears to deliver completely different types of messages. He usually delivers exciting, joyful news. Gabriel was the messenger who appeared to Mary to inform her she was pregnant with the Saviour of the world. Michael may deliver urgent, disturbing news, such as he did to Daniel.
The fact that Michael seems to now have the highest ranking office, at least in the minds of men, is not a mystery or surprising. As in any organization, when someone at the top is removed, the next highest ranking officer is moved up. Michael very likely took Lucifer's place as the highest ranking angel but his talents were not in leading the choirs. He was leader of the military. That is the logical conclusion based on the mentions of him in scripture.
The choirs still sing but their current leader appears to be an unknown. Perhaps for a reason. That position could never ever be held again by any creature willing to usurp God. As leader of the heavenly troops, Michael probably oversees this position closely. The potential for pride of life would be very great for the one in charge of eternal worship and praise.
The ranking order is not unsurprising either. In the beginning, God's priority was worship and praise first, defense of the kingdom second, and glad tidings third. Why glad tidings third? Before the rebellion, there was no one to send them to nor much need! The rebellion was before man was created. Heaven was all good.
Now it would seem His priority, after the traitorous Lucifer, has shifted slightly. Now, defense of the kingdom comes first and then, glad tidings. Eternal worship and praise will be the priority after Satan is defeated. We are, after all, at war.
Of course, debates can be held from now to eternity but relying solely on the Bible, I think there is enough evidence to support this view.
If you are interested in such things, the Book of Enoch is quite interesting. Much of it is confusing and difficult to read and understand but there are sections which are very interesting in regards to the rebellion in heaven and the angels, both faithful and fallen.
Thanks to Sheila for a thought provoking post.
Link Sheila's Place
There appear to be several archangels mentioned in the Bible. The three known by name are Lucifer, Michael, and Gabriel. Based on the episodes they appear in, each holds a different office although their rank may be the same. This is the way it is in any military organization. There are lots of generals of varying ranks. The top generals may hold the same rank but they have different positions within the military. Arch-angles are also God's messengers. If you compare the messages they deliver in the Bible, you will can get an idea of the difference in their positions.
Lucifer, of whom little is said in the Scriptures, appears to have held the highest office at one point. He also led the choirs of heaven and is purported to be the most beautiful creature in heaven. Pride in his position, his accomplishments and his beauty resulted in a rebellion in heaven that led to war and ultimately destroyed him. He exalted himself above God.
His position was one charged with the eternal worship and praise of the Creator. I suspect any messages he would have had to deliver would have been related to to praise and worship. Is it any wonder that he tries to prevent that very thing in human beings. Is it surprising he has warped and corrupted music! His goal is to prevent praise and worship of almighty God, the very thing he was in charge of, and to cause humanity to turn their praise and worship on things that insult God!
Michael appears to always have been in charge of the armies of God. He probably was the leader against Lucifer's rebellious army. He probably fought directly with Lucifer. Michael also appears to deliver specific kinds of messages. They tend to be related to his position as a leader of the holy armies and are often related to battles of one sort or another and the victory of God's armies.
Gabriel appears to deliver completely different types of messages. He usually delivers exciting, joyful news. Gabriel was the messenger who appeared to Mary to inform her she was pregnant with the Saviour of the world. Michael may deliver urgent, disturbing news, such as he did to Daniel.
The fact that Michael seems to now have the highest ranking office, at least in the minds of men, is not a mystery or surprising. As in any organization, when someone at the top is removed, the next highest ranking officer is moved up. Michael very likely took Lucifer's place as the highest ranking angel but his talents were not in leading the choirs. He was leader of the military. That is the logical conclusion based on the mentions of him in scripture.
The choirs still sing but their current leader appears to be an unknown. Perhaps for a reason. That position could never ever be held again by any creature willing to usurp God. As leader of the heavenly troops, Michael probably oversees this position closely. The potential for pride of life would be very great for the one in charge of eternal worship and praise.
The ranking order is not unsurprising either. In the beginning, God's priority was worship and praise first, defense of the kingdom second, and glad tidings third. Why glad tidings third? Before the rebellion, there was no one to send them to nor much need! The rebellion was before man was created. Heaven was all good.
Now it would seem His priority, after the traitorous Lucifer, has shifted slightly. Now, defense of the kingdom comes first and then, glad tidings. Eternal worship and praise will be the priority after Satan is defeated. We are, after all, at war.
Of course, debates can be held from now to eternity but relying solely on the Bible, I think there is enough evidence to support this view.
If you are interested in such things, the Book of Enoch is quite interesting. Much of it is confusing and difficult to read and understand but there are sections which are very interesting in regards to the rebellion in heaven and the angels, both faithful and fallen.
Thanks to Sheila for a thought provoking post.
The Weekend Is Finally HERE!
I am so tired. I have been so exhausted ever night by the time I get home from work but I have trouble getting to bed early and getting to sleep. People hang around my house all the time. Last night I finally headed them all off. Jerry slept and went to work, Mike was gone but when he came in he went to his room. I more or less let Becca know I was going to bed.
That was the plan. The boss let us off early and when I got home, I napped on the sofa. But people kept calling. My aunt, Becca, Mike. Every time I dozed off the phone rang. I stayed on the sofa, getting up only to eat and answer the call of nature until midnight. I watched Enterprise Marathon on Sci-Fi. I was just too tired to move.
This morning I got up at 8:30 a.m. and my bedroom is cleaned... finally. I swear there was a whole graveyard of people in there. Dust everywhere! I wouldn't let Jerry go to bed until it was cleaned. I've asked Becca to come over and help me dust everything. I know part of the problems I'm having is the dust. I don't know why it is so bad in this house. I think because the dryer is in the house and I don't have the time or energy to dust like I used to and Jerry NEVER dust.
I am going to do some other things but I really just want to relax today. I probably won't because Becca and Sarah will be here.
It occurred to me this morning I have to start planning for NaNoWriMo soon. I have not got a single idea on what to write. Last year, my planning is what helped me to reach the goal. If I don't get a plan, I'm up a creek I think. I won't finish it. There are a lot of things that go on in November anyway that cause delays so I really need the plan.
I am going now to vacuum this room and do a couple of other things. I hope I can drop back by later today.
That was the plan. The boss let us off early and when I got home, I napped on the sofa. But people kept calling. My aunt, Becca, Mike. Every time I dozed off the phone rang. I stayed on the sofa, getting up only to eat and answer the call of nature until midnight. I watched Enterprise Marathon on Sci-Fi. I was just too tired to move.
This morning I got up at 8:30 a.m. and my bedroom is cleaned... finally. I swear there was a whole graveyard of people in there. Dust everywhere! I wouldn't let Jerry go to bed until it was cleaned. I've asked Becca to come over and help me dust everything. I know part of the problems I'm having is the dust. I don't know why it is so bad in this house. I think because the dryer is in the house and I don't have the time or energy to dust like I used to and Jerry NEVER dust.
I am going to do some other things but I really just want to relax today. I probably won't because Becca and Sarah will be here.
It occurred to me this morning I have to start planning for NaNoWriMo soon. I have not got a single idea on what to write. Last year, my planning is what helped me to reach the goal. If I don't get a plan, I'm up a creek I think. I won't finish it. There are a lot of things that go on in November anyway that cause delays so I really need the plan.
I am going now to vacuum this room and do a couple of other things. I hope I can drop back by later today.
Monday, August 25, 2008
A Complete List of Things Caused by Global Warming
This should clear up some confusion. If you want to know what causes global warming you can spend the next couple of years reading up on it. I found it very interesting, indeed, to look at things that were contradictory. For example, look at earth slowing down and then earth spinning faster. Check glacier growth and glacier retreat. There are others. What interested me was that much of the information tends to cancel each other out. And the "experts" either wrote or are quoted in ALL of them.
Of particular interest is the one titled "brothels struggle". {wink - nudge - nudge} Global warming and hookers? Yep. To be fair, there is disturbing information here. If you are prone to worry, you may what to just ignore it all.
At any rate, it is educational.
Link
Of particular interest is the one titled "brothels struggle". {wink - nudge - nudge} Global warming and hookers? Yep. To be fair, there is disturbing information here. If you are prone to worry, you may what to just ignore it all.
At any rate, it is educational.
Link
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