Isn't it always the way, that you really want to start something and stick to it, then it peters out, slowly, you don't even notice, then one day you realize, oh yeah, that's gone.
Well that's the way I am with blogging. I really love it. I love writing my thoughts down like this. But for one reason or another I just can't seem to stay on top of it.
July and August were particularly busy months for us (I almost wrote weeks, because they seems more like it than months this year). In July we moved. I know. Get over it. That was a hassle. It didn't last all month, but the process of unpacking and trying to figure out what goes where and all that does. You would think we'd have it down by now, but it just doesn't seem to work out that way. And Stephanie's responsibilities at work tripled. She replaced a guy at work that decided to walk the Appalachian Trail instead of being a responsible adult (yes, I'm jealous) and she had to learn everything he knew well enough to do it when he left. It meant a lot of extended hours. It also meant I was playing Mr. Mom every evening. That lasted until near the end of August. We had virtually no free time and only ate about one meal a week together. Our most intimate moments were giving each other a kiss in the parking lot as we swapped our son for the evening. We're still on a similar schedule, but it's a little more relaxed now, so we at least get to eat two or three meals together every week.
Near the end of August we decided that I was going back to school, college specifically. So I started my general education classes at Onondaga. The end goal is seminary. I have a misty vision of starting an urban church where the Bible is preached clearly, thoroughly and expositionally. I'm not up to the task, but I'm going to give it everything I got. We're still unclear where I am going to go for both undergraduate and seminary and I'm very much open to suggestions.
An unfortunate side affect to busyness is a loss of priority. My reading has fallen to a new low, both Biblical and non-Biblical alike, which I'm not excited about. I've just recently picked back up Bonhoeffer: Pastor Martyr Prophet Spy, which is very interesting. I hope to have it finished sooner rather than later.
So, right now we're in a very interesting place. Stephanie is the breadwinner, I'm a student working part-time and our future is a little foggy. God has something in store for us, and He's trustworthy, I know that, it's just tough not really knowing when to pull the trigger and when to leave the safety on.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Genesis: A Rant
(originally published WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2008)
This is an excerpt from an impassioned email that I wrote to a friend, it's not quite a complete thought, yet, I would love to hear your comments...
-This is all I'm saying. Clearly scientist can show us good evidence that the Earth is billions of years old, that all life on Earth has one ancestor, that the universe is who-knows-how old and started with a big-bang. But what scientists never take into account, even the vast majority of believing ones, is the eye witness testimony of the person who was not only there, but actually did the whole thing to begin with, the person of Jesus Christ.
God said, through the prophet Moses, that He made the whole Earth, and everything on it, including all life, (which of course includes man) in six days. If those words are not to be trusted, then God is useless to me. If I cannot trust the very first words that are shared by God in His Holy Scriptures, then which ones can I trust.
But let us say for a moment that it is not a literal story, but just a story, telling us about God's character and lovingkindness. Well, then you have to make a choice I am not as quick to make, at what point does Genesis become literal?
Clearly, according to this new wisdom, (which is really no wisdom at all) the creation story is not literal. Obviously, this is the very thing in question. But, if chapter one in not intended to be literal, what of chapter two? In chapter two we get a close up account of when God created man. But that took place on day six, so we can assume that that also is not literal. Building on that assumption, Adam and Eve are not literal figures in the history of the world, and with that we write off chapter three as well. If we all descended, or ascended, I guess, which ever, from a common ancestor the concept of a single couple in a special place somewhere is down right irrational. So Adam and Eve were never literally tempted by anyone. Which really up to this point, is not that big of a deal, it's just a story, I can deal with that. But of course, if Adam and Eve are not literal, then neither are their children. Cain, Abel and Seth and such.
What are we up to? Oh yes, chapter six. The flood. Well, we have already ruled out Noah, by extension of genealogy. He was somebody's kid that was somebody's kid, so on and so on who was Adam's son. Which makes our job easy, because that is a long story. Now we are up to chapter eleven, not bad. Who would really believe a story like the flood anyway, it is utterly impossible for water to cover the entire Earth. Where did it come from, where did it go?
So the tower of Babel falls once again, lost in the fact that it was populated by the descendants of Noah and his children. Which leads us up to Abram, the Father of the Chosen Ones of God. Let us assume that up to this point it was just a story that leads us to Abram. I will not go as far to entertain that Abram is not a literal figure, that would be really crazy.
So we are left with eleven chapters of Genesis on the block, by way of rational scientific theory.
We are left with one little problem... Luke. Luke is considered one of the best historians of ancient times, his account of the Gospel is, from a historical perspective, flawless. In his account, around the end of the third chapter he gives a great genealogy that starts with Joseph, Jesus' earthly father and ends with "Seth was the son of Adam and Adam was the son of God."
This is why it is so important to have Genesis as our foundation. A story we can trust and believe in. Genesis is the foundation of all of the Scripture that comes after. If it cannot be trusted there is absolutely no reason to trust anything that follows.
Thank you for reading!
Scott
-This is all I'm saying. Clearly scientist can show us good evidence that the Earth is billions of years old, that all life on Earth has one ancestor, that the universe is who-knows-how old and started with a big-bang. But what scientists never take into account, even the vast majority of believing ones, is the eye witness testimony of the person who was not only there, but actually did the whole thing to begin with, the person of Jesus Christ.
God said, through the prophet Moses, that He made the whole Earth, and everything on it, including all life, (which of course includes man) in six days. If those words are not to be trusted, then God is useless to me. If I cannot trust the very first words that are shared by God in His Holy Scriptures, then which ones can I trust.
But let us say for a moment that it is not a literal story, but just a story, telling us about God's character and lovingkindness. Well, then you have to make a choice I am not as quick to make, at what point does Genesis become literal?
Clearly, according to this new wisdom, (which is really no wisdom at all) the creation story is not literal. Obviously, this is the very thing in question. But, if chapter one in not intended to be literal, what of chapter two? In chapter two we get a close up account of when God created man. But that took place on day six, so we can assume that that also is not literal. Building on that assumption, Adam and Eve are not literal figures in the history of the world, and with that we write off chapter three as well. If we all descended, or ascended, I guess, which ever, from a common ancestor the concept of a single couple in a special place somewhere is down right irrational. So Adam and Eve were never literally tempted by anyone. Which really up to this point, is not that big of a deal, it's just a story, I can deal with that. But of course, if Adam and Eve are not literal, then neither are their children. Cain, Abel and Seth and such.
What are we up to? Oh yes, chapter six. The flood. Well, we have already ruled out Noah, by extension of genealogy. He was somebody's kid that was somebody's kid, so on and so on who was Adam's son. Which makes our job easy, because that is a long story. Now we are up to chapter eleven, not bad. Who would really believe a story like the flood anyway, it is utterly impossible for water to cover the entire Earth. Where did it come from, where did it go?
So the tower of Babel falls once again, lost in the fact that it was populated by the descendants of Noah and his children. Which leads us up to Abram, the Father of the Chosen Ones of God. Let us assume that up to this point it was just a story that leads us to Abram. I will not go as far to entertain that Abram is not a literal figure, that would be really crazy.
So we are left with eleven chapters of Genesis on the block, by way of rational scientific theory.
We are left with one little problem... Luke. Luke is considered one of the best historians of ancient times, his account of the Gospel is, from a historical perspective, flawless. In his account, around the end of the third chapter he gives a great genealogy that starts with Joseph, Jesus' earthly father and ends with "Seth was the son of Adam and Adam was the son of God."
This is why it is so important to have Genesis as our foundation. A story we can trust and believe in. Genesis is the foundation of all of the Scripture that comes after. If it cannot be trusted there is absolutely no reason to trust anything that follows.
Thank you for reading!
Scott
SBE #7: The Will of Our Lord
(originally published FRIDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2006)
We are here to do the Will of the Lord. Like Jesus, we must forsake our own wills for that of His. We can say, "if it is possible let this cup pass," but we must be also willing to say, "not my will, yours." The Will of Our Lord is rarely easy, but the reward is always sweet. The problem we face as man is that we are so temporal, so here-and-now. If we are to be rewared to do the Will, we want our come-up-ins NOW. Having no experience with eternity, we find it hard to wait for it to come.
Two flaws in thought:
First: Doing the Will should always be reward enough. Knowing that we are doing exactly what Our Father wants should be bliss. Can we know what exactly is the Will, well, I think so. We can especially know what it is not. Call on Abba for His Will, and He will reveal it to you. Spend time in His Word, in His Presence, kneeling before His Throne. He wants us to do His Will, should He not let us know what it is?
Second: Why should we expect a reward in the first place? If the Sovereign of the universe tell us to do this or that, then we should, no questions asked, no reward expected. No one ever got a "you paid your taxes" bonus. I never heard of anyone getting a prize for not speeding. So why the expectation?
Thank you for reading!
Scott.
Two flaws in thought:
First: Doing the Will should always be reward enough. Knowing that we are doing exactly what Our Father wants should be bliss. Can we know what exactly is the Will, well, I think so. We can especially know what it is not. Call on Abba for His Will, and He will reveal it to you. Spend time in His Word, in His Presence, kneeling before His Throne. He wants us to do His Will, should He not let us know what it is?
Second: Why should we expect a reward in the first place? If the Sovereign of the universe tell us to do this or that, then we should, no questions asked, no reward expected. No one ever got a "you paid your taxes" bonus. I never heard of anyone getting a prize for not speeding. So why the expectation?
Thank you for reading!
Scott.
SBE #3: Hey God, What's the Deal with Satan?
(originally published WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2005)
I got an unexpected call the other day, the "anonymous" voice on the other line, whom I will call "grand-pa" said, "Scott, why does Satan exist? If God's so good, then why not get rid of him?"
Well, this is a pretty tough question, I'll do my best, no promises though. Here it goes!
God has a plan for the entire universe. Some of this plan God has graciously revealed to us, while much of it may still be shrouded from our knowledge. A part of that plan is that God desires a relationship with each and every one of us. However, He's not real comfortable forcing us into that relationship. Although He would be justified if He did, He's looking more for a genuine love relationship; we love Him, He loves us. There in lies a problem, if God is the only thing we know, is that a choice?
...The story behind the story...
Lucifer was created as an angel, not just any angel, but the Angel of Light. God apparently intended for him to bring Light (God's Light) and Truth into the world for man. Now the Bible does not tell us the time period between when angels and man were created, but somewhere in there Lucifer, a living being with freewill, decided he wanted to match wits with the Almighty, he wanted to become His equal, he then became Satan, which means "adversary." He decided that he would do what he could to thwart God's plan.
That's a very brief summary of Satan origins, now, what's that point?
Although Satan wants to thwart God's plan, he cannot. God is sovereign over all creation, including Satan. God does allow Satan to temp us, however, but of course, this begs the question, why? But I think this is where we are asking the wrong question. Really, who are we question God's motives? What is the clay to say to the potter, what will you make of me? Now I know what you are thinking, "this is a bit of a theological trump card", and it might be, but never the less, it's true. Man's wisdom, our smartest, our best effort, our most scholarly, it is all foolishness to God. His ways are so beyond us, His Wisdom so great, that we will never really understand it all. It seems bazaar to us that a "Good God," would allow Satan to exist...
God loves you. He wants to have a relationship with you, in which you are a real part of Him. Where you come to Him, as you would your father. But He's better than a father, He's a Father (with a capital F). You see, He knows you, He knew your name before you were born, He's counted the hairs on your head. And He wants you to know that He knows.
There will be a day when God throws Satan into the pit, never to torment again, it is promised. That day, however is for God to decide. Until then we must trust in His plan to do what is best for us. If we love God, He promises that He will work all things for our good, including anything Satan might have in store for us. Why does He allow Satan to continue? I am not sure I am totally qualified to say, I will let God's words speak:
we...exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about
perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character,
hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out
within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:3-5
Thank you for reading!
Scott.
I got an unexpected call the other day, the "anonymous" voice on the other line, whom I will call "grand-pa" said, "Scott, why does Satan exist? If God's so good, then why not get rid of him?"
Well, this is a pretty tough question, I'll do my best, no promises though. Here it goes!
God has a plan for the entire universe. Some of this plan God has graciously revealed to us, while much of it may still be shrouded from our knowledge. A part of that plan is that God desires a relationship with each and every one of us. However, He's not real comfortable forcing us into that relationship. Although He would be justified if He did, He's looking more for a genuine love relationship; we love Him, He loves us. There in lies a problem, if God is the only thing we know, is that a choice?
...The story behind the story...
Lucifer was created as an angel, not just any angel, but the Angel of Light. God apparently intended for him to bring Light (God's Light) and Truth into the world for man. Now the Bible does not tell us the time period between when angels and man were created, but somewhere in there Lucifer, a living being with freewill, decided he wanted to match wits with the Almighty, he wanted to become His equal, he then became Satan, which means "adversary." He decided that he would do what he could to thwart God's plan.
That's a very brief summary of Satan origins, now, what's that point?
Although Satan wants to thwart God's plan, he cannot. God is sovereign over all creation, including Satan. God does allow Satan to temp us, however, but of course, this begs the question, why? But I think this is where we are asking the wrong question. Really, who are we question God's motives? What is the clay to say to the potter, what will you make of me? Now I know what you are thinking, "this is a bit of a theological trump card", and it might be, but never the less, it's true. Man's wisdom, our smartest, our best effort, our most scholarly, it is all foolishness to God. His ways are so beyond us, His Wisdom so great, that we will never really understand it all. It seems bazaar to us that a "Good God," would allow Satan to exist...
God loves you. He wants to have a relationship with you, in which you are a real part of Him. Where you come to Him, as you would your father. But He's better than a father, He's a Father (with a capital F). You see, He knows you, He knew your name before you were born, He's counted the hairs on your head. And He wants you to know that He knows.
There will be a day when God throws Satan into the pit, never to torment again, it is promised. That day, however is for God to decide. Until then we must trust in His plan to do what is best for us. If we love God, He promises that He will work all things for our good, including anything Satan might have in store for us. Why does He allow Satan to continue? I am not sure I am totally qualified to say, I will let God's words speak:
we...exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about
perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character,
hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out
within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:3-5
Thank you for reading!
Scott.
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