The Bold Witness

I recently attended a Bible Study were the subject scripture passage was Mark 6:1-8. That is the passage that tells of Jesus being rejected by the folks of his home town. The teacher reminded us that even Jesus's mother and siblings were not sure what he was up to and tried to get him to go home with them at one point. That is when Jesus declared that those who followed him were his family. And latter Jesus warned that he would devide families, and that chosing to follow him would men leaving behind one's family. I have a very close friend who is studying to be a minister, and he does not enjoy the support of his family in his pursuit. They have questioned his desire, and even suggested that he get a "real" job instead of chasing a dream. Far from being encouraging his efforts to become a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they are detractors. And thought they do not directly fight against his efforts, if one is not your friend can it not be said that pers...

I am not certain why, but I sense I am entering into a new phase in my life. The way I spend my free time, the things that interest me, and the things that I am loosing interest in are all changing. The changes are slow and suptle, but I do sense a change, none the less. I suppose it is a matter of growth and maturity, especially in my fainth and understanding of scripture and Christian theology. I have been reading two seminary level text books recently. As a result of that reading and thinking, my understanding of the Word of God is deeping and growing stronger. That, in turn, is have an effect on the rest of my life. I am not sure where all this is heading at this point, but I feel quite certain that the new year will bring some changes. And some of those might be signifigant. We shall just wait to see what God has in store for me. Whatever it is, praise God!

Scripture reference: Judges 5:28-30 Natalia sat on a cushion of lamb fleece covered in purple silk at the window of her bed chamber starring anxiously through the lattice. It had been one cycle of the moon since her son, Sisera, had gone off to fight the rebellious Israelis. He should have made quick work of those weak and silly people, and have returned home by now. What could it be that has slowed his chariot? Why has the sound of its wheels not filled the air beneath her window? What has so delayed her precious son? "Oh, my lady," spoke Muriel, one of her attendants, "do not be worried. No doubt they are busy dividing the spoils. I hear the Israelis have many fine items of gold. It must be that which is delaying your son's return." "And also," spoke another of the women, "there are the fine young Israeli girls to be divided among your son's army. If they are arguing over which is the best and who has first rights, that will surely ...

Scripture reference: Acts 3:1-10 The pews across America are filled every Sunday with people who autonomically go to church. They do it like breathing or going to the bathroom. They do it without thought. They do it in the same way at the same time with the same mind set. It is a routine function of their life, just like eating and sleeping. These are the sort of people depicted in our reference scripture. These friends of the lame man who bring him to the same Temple gate at the same hour of every Sabbath. They do it autonomically without any conviction or faith. It is just something they have gotten used to doing. Just like so many church-goers of today. Who were these men who brought this lame man to the Temple and just left him outside the gate every week? Why did they do this? Why did they not take the man into the Temple? What, if anything, were they expecting to result from this activity? These are the same questions we could ask of people who just go to church on a...

Scripture reference: Mark 2:1-12 "There is no way we can ask him to come way the heck out here into the middle of nowhere. We simply must take Jesse to him." Jacob spoke to his brothers Jason and Saul, and their cousin Matthew, as he stitched up the leather sleeve a wooden pole would go through. This would complete one side of the stretcher he was making which he, his brothers, and thier cousin would use to carry their neighbor, Jesse, to the Rabbi they had heard of living in Capernaum. Word had come to even their remote location that this man, named Jesus, can heal all ailments. Without doubt or question, as soon as Jacob and his brothers had heard this news, they made the decision to take their friend, Jesse, to him. Capernaum is a good half day journey under normal conditions. Four men carry the weight of another between them would add difficulty and time to the journey. For that reason they had decided to set out before dawn of the next day. So Jacob worked quickly...

Scripture reference: Luke 17:12-19 It seems that asking for a blessing is something we can find time for. We will actually plan and set aside a specific time and place to make a request of the Lord. And receiving an unexpected blessing that was not requested is even easier. What seems to require thought and effort is remembering to give thanks and praise to God for every blessing. Even the ones we do not recognize when they occur. In our reference passage there is a clear point being made by the fact that the only one of the ten lepers who gave thanks to Jesus for being healed was a Samaritan. It tells us that those who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob tend to take him for granted. While those who are not inclined to think of God as their friend are greatly moved by his grace. The problem lies in the fact that we think we are worthy of God's blessings because we are Christians. When the truth is that none are worthy, "for all have sinned, and come short o...

Scripture reference: Matthew 8:5-13 My name is Marcus Giaus Marcellus. I was born in the city of Tyre, and was raised in the city of Ceasarea. I am the only son of a guard of the Summer Palace of King Herod. My mother is a weaver of fine linen used in the king's palace. My father died of a fever when I was twelve years old. At that time my mother turned me over to the captain of the palace guard to train me in the ways of a man and a soldier. I lived with him for the next four years. I enjoyed my life among the men of the guard. I got pleasure from the games and activities we participated in. My master had one of the men under him teach me to read and write Greek. I also received instruction in math, science, growing crops, the names and cycles of the stars and planets, riding a horse, and sailing a boat. I grew strong in body and mind, and brought honor to my guardian and his company. My experiences with the guard unit taught me about authority and discipline. The wa...