Resting Wednesday

Going forward, I am going to make Wednesday a day that I do not schedule any posts. If I already have posts scheduled on a Wednesday, or if there is a special occasion, you may see posts on Wednesdays. Otherwise, you will not.

Have a blessed day.

Setting up stones

Joshua 4:6 … What mean ye by these stones? (Read Joshua Chapter 4.)

Joshua chapters 3 and 4 recount the Israelites passing over the Jordan River into the promised land. A momentous and meaningful lesson flows from the account of a simple act of removing twelve stones from the Jordan River. God opened up the Jordan River as he had done with the Red Sea (4:23; 3:16). The water coming down the river stood up in a heap. The waters flowing downstream separated from the standing water and passed on to the Salt Sea. The Israelites passed over Jordan into Canaan on dry ground (3:17). Joshua, as commanded by the LORD, chose one man from each of the twelve tribes to bring twelve stones out of Jordan (4:2-5, 8).[i]

These stones abided as a memorial of testimony (4:7). Joshua “pitched” the stones where they “pitched” for the night, at Gilgal (4:19-20).[ii] The memorial magnified Joshua’s leadership (4:14). Moses is dead (1:2). The power of God rests on Joshua (1:9). The people following God must follow Joshua (1:16-17).

The memorial marked the site of their first encampment (4:19). In Gilgal they set up these stones.[iii] In Gilgal they camped; they observed the Passover (5:10), they ate the old corn of the land (5:11), and they saw the disappearance of the manna (5:12). Joshua continued to camp there.[iv]

The memorial marked God’s marvelous miracle (4:22). They arrived in the land by means of God’s sovereign might (4:24). What the Canaanites have heard (and will hear) strikes fear in their hearts (2:11; 5:1; 9:24; 10:2). Now they will hear more! “…when all the kings … heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of Jordan … their heart melted…”

These stones provided a motivation to testify. The “oddly placed” stones would incite questions (4:6, 21).[v] Later, children, grandchildren, and descendants would arrive on the scene who had not experienced the crossing of Jordan – had not seen the stones being placed. They would see the stones and ask, “What mean these stones?” The “oddly placed” stones would invite answers (4:7, 22). “I’m glad you asked…Let me tell you…Those stones came out of the Jordan River when God dried it up!” “Oh, by the way, that was not the first time God did something like that. Let me tell you about when Moses brought the children of Israel out of Egypt…God revealed his power then, too!”

These stones suggest the value of providing means of testimony. When our children do not remember or know an experience in which the Lord worked in a marvelous way, some “stones” we have set up might cause them to ask, “What does that mean?” When we forget to keep narrating the wonderful experiences God has brought up through, some “stones” we have set up might cause us to need to relate it again. What tangible reminders do we have around the house, in our yards, in our lives?

Are we “setting up stones” that will generate curiosity in our children, our grandchildren, our churches, our communities? Or are we forgetting to provide a lasting testimony?[vi] Are we providing answers to those who ask up about “the stones” we have set up? May God help us.

• Joel 1:3 Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.
• 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

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[i] There seems to have been stones set up in Jordan as well, 4:9. “…there was a double monument to perpetually commemorate Israel’s passing through the place of judgment: the one in the midst of the Jordan, the other in their new camping-ground at Gilgal. What anointed eye can fail to see in them the two signs and memorials which Christ has instituted to symbolize that, as the result of their faith in His atoning death, His people have not only passed through death and judgment, but are now united to a risen Christ and are ‘alive unto God’! .... ‘Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death’ ... Christian baptism is designed to symbolize the believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, as well as being his personal profession that he is dead to the world and has resolved to walk in newness of life. … The Lord’s Supper also, while it celebrates our passage with Christ through death, yet it is with the added blessedness and triumph of being now on the resurrection side of judgment.” (Arthur W. Pink, Gleanings in Joshua, 1945).
[ii] To erect or set up (a tent or camp, for example); to set in a fixed or definite place or position.
[iii] Gilgal means a rolling or rolling away. “And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.” Joshua 5:9
[iv] For example, Joshua 9:6; 10:6, 43; 14:6.
[v] By “oddly placed” I mean something that is different and far enough from what they generally expect so as to raise the level of curiosity. “Well-placed” might be a better term. The stones were in an advantageous position. They made the descendants of Israel wonder.

[vi] Some of the testimonies can outlive us! Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

In Me ye shall have peace

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

“Not always seen the wisdom and the love;
“And sometimes hard to be believed, when pain
“Wrestles with faith, and almost overcomes.
“Yet even in conflict thy sure words sustain—
“‘In Me ye shall have peace!’”

Above is the fourth stanza of what may have been the last hymn written by Horatius Bonar (and perhaps written on his deathbed, the last stanza beginning “Father the hour is come, the hour when I shall with these fading eyes behold thy face…).

A Baptist Hymn, with History

1. The bright and shining heav’nly host,
Unitedly agree:
To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
They all submissive be.
 
2. They constantly engagèd be,
In what God doth allow;
But saints upon the highest key,
Will make the lowest bow.
 
3. They sing redeeming grace and love;
From what they feel and know,
Which angels, that high rank above,
Desire to look into.
 
Refrain:
 
O! what mysterious grace is this?
How should we it admire?
Which angels in the realms of bliss,
To view so much desire.

(I have not been able to find the original book, so have copied this as it has been reproduced in some hymnals. I suspect what is the refrain was originally just another stanza, changed to a refrain by a music composer.)

Thomas Nichols wrote “O! What Mysterious Grace Is This?” This hymn adores the mystery of the grace of God for sinners. The hymn being in common meter opens many possible tunes for setting it nicely.

Little is known of Nichols. He published Hymns and Anthems: Composed on Divine Subjects, Agreeable to Sacred Scripture, Inspected and approved by the Rev. Isaac Backus (Albany, NY: Charles R. & George Webster, 1793). According to David Music, this Thomas Nichols was affiliated with the New-Britain Baptist Church in Rensselaer County, New York (see also The Universal Register of the Baptist denomination in North America, 1790-1794). Music further states that the book contains “206 hymns and thirty-two anthems” which “appear to be entirely original.” The book contained a recommendation by Isaac Backus.

It is probable that this Thomas Nichols is the same Thomas Nichols who lived at Stephen Town (Stephentown), Albany County, New York in the 1790 U. S. Census. Rensselaer County would be created from Albany County in 1791. In 1796, the Thomas Nichols who compiled Hymns and Anthems published “A Discourse on Poverty & Riches, in a Medium of Gospel Doctrine.” The fact that no address was given for ordering, but that it was available for purchase at the office of the Vermont Gazette (in Bennington, Vermont) suggests that the author probably lived in that general area. Bennington is in a neighboring county of Rensselaer County, New York and is roughly 30 miles from Stephentown, New York. 

Lots of ifs are used in trying to identify this Baptist preacher and hymn book compiler. Some genealogists have a Thomas Nichols who was born in East Greenwich, Rhode Island in 1723 and died in 1798 in Vermont (however, I believe the 1798 death in Vermont is confused with a different Thomas Nichols who came from Rhode Island). The birth in East Greenwich agrees with Isaac Backus’s note in his diary in 1791, “…Feb…The 15th, old Mr. Thomas Nichols, of Eastgreenwich, came here, and got me to examine and recommend a Hymn-book which he had composed, in an evangelical strain. He went away the 17th.” (Backus would only have to have been referencing where he was originally from, not where he currently lived in 1791.)

Vermont Gazette (Bennington, Vermont) Wednesday, April 20, 1796, p. 4

(This ad appeared numerous times in this period.)

If abortion is healthcare, and other quotes

The posting of quotes by human authors does not constitute agreement with either the quotes or their sources. (I try to confirm the sources that I give, but may miss on occasion; please verify if possible.)

“If abortion is healthcare, my question is: what disease are you treating?” -- Dr. Monique Wubbenhorst

“Nothing alienates the mind more from God than the indulgence of the flesh.” -- Matthew Henry (Job Commentary)

“There should be at least a part of every sermon that will suit the little ones. It is an error which permits us to forget this.” -- Charles H. Spurgeon

“Say not, the child may not come till he is like a man, but know that you cannot come till you are like him.” -- Charles H. Spurgeon

“The [1611] translation focused on finding the right English words; the [Westcott and Hort] translation focused on a new and untried Greek text.” -- David Pitman

“Culture is not the landscape that we see; it is the glasses we see through.” -- Unknown

“To burn heretics is to confess Christ in appearance but to deny him in reality.” -- Balthasar Hubmaier

“Paul recognized the power behind providence.” -- Windell Gann (1 Thessalonians Commentary)

“The Law is the needle, and the Gospel is the thread; you can’t sew without both.” -- Ray Comfort

“A true Christian is one who has not only peace of conscience, but war within.  He may be known by his warfare as well as by his peace.” -- J. C. Ryle

“A church exists by mission, just as a fire exists by burning.” -- Emil Brunner

Truth matters. “Better to be wrong than indifferent.” -- J. Gresham Machen

“To love Christ more is the deepest need, the constant cry of my soul.” -- Elizabeth Payson Prentiss

Italics and the NKJV

Information on the New King James Version translation and italic type.

Use of Italics

Most lovers of the King James Bible know that the italicized words denote language that is not in the original Greek or Hebrew, but which is supplied by the translators to complete the sense of the English sentence. These words have always been a problem to editors because it is often hard to determine whether certain words should be considered as part of a word in the original or italicized as a supplied word. Most places, however, are clear.

In 1979, when the New Testament was published in the New King James Version, the editors and publisher agreed to do away with italics for two reasons. First was the problem mentioned above as to exactly which words should be italicized. A second problem is that today italics usually mean emphasis (or a foreign word). Occasionally, even preachers will not know the KJV tradition and emphasize the very words that have no specific words behind them in the original!

On this issue the public spoke out in no uncertain terms: “Restore the italics!” Many people feel safer with a translation if they are able to tell where the words have been added.

Two other small items of accuracy regarding italics: First, italics have been used more consistently in the New King James Version to reflect the structure and meaning of the original text. Also, some italicized words that were formerly in the King James Bible are omitted in the New King James because they are no longer needed to complete the English sense.

The New King James Version: In the Great Tradition, Arthur L. Farstad, Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989, p. 53

Acts 23:23-24

Acts 23:23-24 And [the chief captain] called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Cæsarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; and provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

The transfer of Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea:

• demonstrates a standard style of letter from a captain of troops writing to a provincial governor
• reminds us how often (in the case of God’s people) that deliverance comes at the last moment, when the opposition is all prepared (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown)
• witnesses that God has instruments for every work (Matthew Henry)
• models God’s ability to use the military might of an empire to protect his gospel messengers (Ken Baker)
• accentuates that the Lord readily disappoints the best concerted schemes of iniquity (Matthew Henry)
• stands as Paul’s final departure from the city of Jerusalem

Baptism and the thief on the cross

Hebrew 9:15-17 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Baptist preacher David Kingdon (1934–2021) makes an argument against the Campbellite position that the thief on the cross was saved under the Old Covenant. Regardless of what you think of the argument by Kingdon and the response by Allen, Kingdom clearly made Jimmy Allen shift from forcefully identifying the time of the death of Jesus to that of the time of probating the will (which he claimed happened on Pentecost). So much for being silent where the Bible is silent (for in the context of Hebrews, it is the offering of his blood that seals the new testament, 9:23-28, rather than the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost).

David Kingdon: “The argument of our friends is that the thief on the cross was not saved under the New Covenant because the New Covenant was not yet in force, on the basis of Hebrews chapter 9, namely that the Covenant or Testament comes into force on the death of the testator – in this case Jesus Christ. So he’d not yet died; therefore, the thief on the cross was not saved under the New Covenant. Right?”

Jimmy Allen: “That’s correct.

David Kingdon: “Well, now could I ask you the question, ‘who died first, the thief or the Lord Jesus Christ?’”

See John 19:31-33.

This is a 60-second loop clip, but you should be able to shift from it to the entire video by selecting watch full video.

An appeal to Jehovah’s Witnesses

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for [Jehovah’s Witnesses] is, that they might be saved.”

Ever since I was in Junior High school with a friend who was a Jehovah’s Witness, I have had an interest in their teachings and the people. (By interest in the teachings, I mean intrigued by them, not that I favor them in any way.) I still have the green-back New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures that Bruce gave me way back when.

Of the many things believed by Jehovah’s Witnesses, perhaps the most egregious is that they deny the deity of Jesus Christ. They say they believe that by exercising faith in Jesus (and good works) they gain everlasting life. They also say “we do not worship Jesus, as we do not believe that he is Almighty God.” Jehovah’s Witnesses are not Christians in the generally understood meaning of that term.

Though the deity of Christ is somewhat obscured by the New World Translation and its commentary, the teaching can be found in many places. Please consider these examples directly from your own version, the New World Translation. I present it with very little commentary so that you may solemnly and diligently examine it yourself. These are some of many verses that could be presented.

Conclusions about Jesus based on the New World Translation (follow link for online version).

Salvation is from God, Jehovah.

• Psalm 62:1-2  Indeed, I wait silently for God. My salvation comes from him. Indeed, he is my rock and my salvation, my secure refuge; I will never be greatly shaken.
• Jonah 2:9  But as for me, with the voice of thanksgiving I will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed, I will pay. Salvation is from Jehovah.”

Salvation is from Jesus.

• Acts 4:12  Furthermore, there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.”
• Titus 3:4-7  However, when the kindness of our Savior, God, and his love for mankind were manifested (not because of any righteous works we had done, but because of his own mercy), he saved us by means of the bath that brought us to life and by making us new by holy spirit. He poured this spirit out richly on us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that after being declared righteous through the undeserved kindness of that one, we might become heirs according to a hope of everlasting life.

Conclusion: Jesus is God.

Jesus, the Word, created all things.

• John 1:3  All things came into existence through him, and apart from him not even one thing came into existence.

God created all things.

• Ephesians 3:9  and should make everyone see the administration of the sacred secret that has been hidden through the ages in God, who created all things.

Conclusion: Jesus is God.

The Son (Jesus) laid foundations of the earth.

• Hebrews 1:8-12  But about the Son, he says: “God is your throne forever and ever, and the scepter of your Kingdom is the scepter of uprightness. You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness. That is why God, your God, anointed your with the oil of exultation more than your companions.” And: “At the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; and just like a garment, they will all wear out, and you will wrap them up just as a cloak, as a garment, and they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never come to an end.”

God laid the foundations of the earth.

• Psalm 102:24-26  I said: “O my God, Do not do away with me in the middle of my life, You whose years span all generations. Long ago you laid the foundations of the earth, And the heavens are the work of your hands.  They will perish, but you will remain; Just like a garment they will all wear out. Just like clothing you will replace them, and they will pass away.

Conclusion: Jesus is God.

John refers this testimony of glory to Jesus.

• John 12:37-41  Although he had performed so many signs before them, they were not putting faith in him, so that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, who said: “Jehovah, who has put faith in the thing heard from us? And as for the arm of Jehovah, to whom has it been revealed?”  The reason why they were not able to believe is that again Isaiah said: “He has blinded their eyes and has made their hearts hard, so that they would not see with their eyes and understand with their hearts and turn around and I heal them.”  Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory, and he spoke about him. (Saw whose glory? Jehovah’s: Isaiah 6:1)

Isaiah refers this testimony of glory to Jehovah.

• Isaiah 6: 9-11  And he replied, “Go, and say to this people: ‘You will hear again and again, But you will not understand; You will see again and again, But you will not get any knowledge.’  Make the heart of this people unreceptive, Make their ears unresponsive, And paste their eyes together, So that they may not see with their eyes And hear with their ears, So that their heart may not understand And they may not turn back and be healed.” At this I said: “How long, O Jehovah?” …

Conclusion: Jesus is Jehovah.

Jesus received the praise “Save” out of the mouth of children and infants, fulfilling Psalm 8:2.

• Matthew 21:15-16  When the chief priests and the scribes saw the marvelous things he did and the boys who were shouting in the temple, “Save, we pray, the Son of David!” they became indignant and said to him: “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them: “Yes. Did you never read this, ‘Out of the mouth of children and infants, you have brought forth praise’?”

The praise out of the mouth of children and infants in Psalm 8:2 was for Jehovah.

• Psalm 8:1-2  O Jehovah our Lord, how majestic your name is throughout the earth; You have set your splendor even higher than the heavens! Out of the mouth of children and infants you have established strength On account of your adversaries, To silence the enemy and the avenger.

Conclusion: Jesus is Jehovah.

Jehovah God is the first and last.

• Isaiah 44:6  This is what Jehovah says, The King of Israel and his Repurchaser, Jehovah of armies: ‘I am the first and I am the last. There is no God but me.
• Isaiah 48:12  Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I have called. I am the same One. I am the first; I am also the last.
• Revelation 1:8  “I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,” says Jehovah* God, “the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.”

Jesus is the first and last.

• Revelation 1:17-18  When I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet. And he laid his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the living one, and I became dead, but look! I am living forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and of the Grave.
• Revelation 2:8  “And to the angel of the congregation in Smyrʹna write: These are the things that he says, ‘the First and the Last,’ who became dead and came to life again:
• Revelation 22:13  I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

Conclusion: Jesus is Jehovah God.

Please prayerfully consider the testimony of Jesus that remains in the New World Translation, even though the translators themselves did not believe it.

• John 5:39  “You are searching the Scriptures because you think that you will have everlasting life by means of them; and these are the very ones that bear witness about me [i.e., Jesus].
• 2 Timothy 2:9  ...the word of God is not bound.

Properly understood

Church polity properly understood refers only to the organization of the local churches and their relation to other bodies. A church, then, in the Baptist view of the matter, is a local body or society of baptized believers in Christ, where the true worship of God is observed, the word of God is preached and the ordinances of the New Testament are properly administered.

Edwin Charles Dargan (1852-1930), Ecclesiology, A Study of the Churches, Louisville, KY: Charles T. Dearing, 1905, p. 22

Eternal Father, Strong to Save

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. (Psalm 107:29-30).

1. Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave.
Who bid’st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the sea.

2. O Christ, whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at thy word,
Who walkedst on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
O hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the sea.
 
3. Most Holy Spirit, who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
O hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the sea.

4. O Trinity of love and pow’r,
Our brethren shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them where-soe’er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

An Englishman named William Whiting wrote “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” in 1860. It is known to many as “The Navy Hymn.” In the first three stanzas, the hymn addresses a different person of the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Ghost – in reference to the sea. Then the last stanza mentions the “Trinity,” then prays for protection and extols eternal praise to the great Three-in-One. According to Fred Landon (Journal of Inland Seas, Volume XX, No. 1) Whiting “composed the hymn after passing through a violent storm in the Mediterranean in 1860. It was printed in the United States in 1870 and in 1879 a young officer, Charles J. Train, in charge of the midshipman’s choir, initiated the singing of the hymn in the chapel of the U.S. Naval Academy. It has become popularly known as ‘The Navy Hymn,’ and the first stanza is always sung at the close of each chapel service.”

Though it does not appear that Whiting specifically addressed his source of biblical inspiration, the words appear to be related to God’s protection in the dangers of the sea, as described in Psalm 107:23-32.

The hymn is included in the “For Those at Sea” section of Hymns Ancient and Modern, paired with the tune Melita by John B. Dykes. Dykes composed the tune for Whiting’s text and named it Melita (the island now known as Malta), where wrecked the ship that was carrying the apostle Paul to Rome. “And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land. And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita” (Acts 27:44-28:1).” The editors added above the hymn Psalm 107:24, “these [men] see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.”

Whiting was born in Kensington, November 1, 1825. It is currently uncertain who were his parents. He was educated at Clapham and Winchester Colleges. He was later master of Winchester College Choristers’ School for over 35 years. While there, he produced Rural Thoughts and Scenes: with Other Poems (London: Joseph Masters, 1851).

William Whiting died May 3, 1878. He and his wife, Fanny Lucas Whiting (whom he married in 1850), are buried in the West Hill Cemetery at Winchester, Hampshire, England.

Does Cinnamon Kill Ants, and other links

The posting of links does not constitute an endorsement of the sites linked, and not necessarily even agreement with the specific posts linked.

• 10 Cemetery Walking Tours from Around the World -- “...if art, history, and nature are your passions, a cemetery walking tour will probably be right up your alley.”
• 20 Natural Repellents to Get Rid of Ants -- “Fortunately, there are natural and DIY ant-repellent methods to get rid of ants without calling an exterminator.”
• A challenge to Calvinism: M.T. Martin and the controversy that rocked Mississippi Baptists in the 1890s -- “The crux of the controversy was Martin’s emphasis on full assurance, which often led people who had previously professed faith and been baptized, to question their salvation...”
• Center for New Testament Restoration -- “Electronic transcriptions of every available extant Greek manuscript containing portions of the New Testament up to the year 400 AD.”
• Communities Make Small Town Charm a Priority Amid Diverse Influences -- “The small towns and cultural districts are the superstars of the Upper East Side of Texas, each with its own unique personality.”
• Directional Adverbs in our King James Bible -- “These adverbs carry precise meanings that faithfully convey the sense of the underlying Greek and Hebrew words.”
• Does Cinnamon Kill Ants? -- “Cinnamon confuses ant navigation by disrupting their scent trails.”
• First Things First -- “When reviewing the census we need to look for any variations we can think of for our ancestor’s names. ”
• Hearty egg meal -- “Salsa Verde, Hash Brown & Bacon Breakfast Skillet.”
• Ode to a Mighty Hunter -- “Texas’ diversity of colorful dragonflies and damselflies beguiles bird and butterfly watchers.”
• Should the Threat of Lawsuits Keep You from Practicing Church Discipline? -- “Discipline, when done rightly, is a form of love. It upholds the seriousness of sin, but also opens the door to restoration. The goal is not mere exclusion—it’s repentance and reconciliation.”
• The Cradle and the Cross -- “...two sabbaths followed Christ’s death, preventing the women from coming to the grave until the third day, Sunday morning.”
• The death of the university may soon be upon us. Good riddance. -- “The advent of ChatGPT two years ago has made coursework essays and online exams completely pointless.”
• The WASPs Who Flew Out of Sweetwater -- “The Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, who trained at the remote airbase, about 40 miles west of Abilene, were part of an experimental wartime program designed to free up male pilots for combat.”
• Understanding The King James Verb Suffixes (-est and -eth). -- “Understand that both forms are singular. They describe the action of a single individual.”
• Was Isaac Watts a Unitarian? Athanasian Trinitarianism and the Boundary of Christian Fellowship -- “How the wondrous doctrine of the blessed Trinity shines, through the whole of our religion, and sheds a glory upon every part of it!”
• Why Is Hot Honey Everywhere All of a Sudden — and What Is Hot Honey Anyway? -- “To get to the root of this hot honey frenzy, we need to go back in time by about two decades.”

Weep not: a funeral procession is interrupted

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

...sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

The cancelled burial, Luke 7:11-15.

When Jesus and his disciples entered the city of Nain (v. 11), a dead man was being carried out for burial (v. 12a). A large congregation accompanied the grieving mother (v. 12c), who was a widow (v. 12b). The dead man was the only son of this widow woman (v. 12b).

Jesus saw the woman and her situation, sympathized with her, and spoke to her (v. 13). Jesus stopped the funeral procession (v. 14a). Jesus spoke to the dead (v. 14b; cf. John 5:25-29). The dead man sat up, talked, and was taken to his mother (v. 15).

The direct outcome, Luke 7:16-17.

• God was feared.
• God was glorified.
• The news was spread.

Thoughts. The Lord has the power of life and death. He is the way, the truth, and the life. In him is life. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die? Why will ye die, when the power of life is so nearby?

---

Some weep not verses:

Luke 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

Luke 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Psalm 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Ecclesiastes 3:4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Claudius Lysias

Comments on the character of Claudius Lysias, by John Reed.

In the providence of God Claudius Lysias, commander of the garrison at Jerusalem, was an honourable soldier who God used to protect Paul and to provide safe conduct on the first stage of his journey to Rome.

• Claudius was a highly competent leader: prompt, brave, reasonable, ruthless, approachable, sagacious, and thorough.
• Claudius was humane.
• Claudius developed a good relationship with Paul.
• Claudius was not perfect.

Some things worth thinking about and researching.

Ten Ministerial Mistakes

Ten Ministerial Mistakes (copied from somewhere I forgot to set down. Do not know whom to credit. Sorry.)

1. Loving the spotlight but not the secret place.
2. Treating correction as an attack rather than an advantage.
3. Wanting authority without accountability.
4. Burning bridges instead of building bridges.
5. Following societal trends rather than scriptural tenets.
6. Planning functions rather than pastoring the flock.
7. Climbing the ladder rather than condescending to wash feet.
8. Fancying fans but not treasuring teachers.
9. Preaching on Sunday but not pursuing all week.
10. Ministering to get rather than give.

Christians ministers must be in it for the outcome and not the income!

King James Bible Adverbs

The King James Bible uses six adverbs – hence, hither, thence, thither, whence, whither – that are not archaic but nevertheless used less than some other adverbs in modern times.

• Hence, adverb. From this place; from here.
• Hither, adverb. To or toward this place; to here.

• Thence, adverb. From there; from that place.
• Thither, adverb. To there; to or toward that place.

• Whence, adverb. From what place? from where?
• Whither, adverb. To what place? to where?

The adverbs whence and whither ask direction or location; the adverbs hence, hither, thence, and thither give direction or location. The “ence” forms carry the general sense out of (exit). The “ither” forms carry the sense into. Robert Hammond, pastor of Long Hill Baptist Church, has suggested this mnemonic to help remember – those with “e” think exit; those with “i” think into. Also, the beginning letters help to focus on their location – “h” here; “th” there; “wh” where.

For more information, see Directional Adverbs in our King James Bible.

The bitter and the sweet

“When you are joyful, be joyful; when you are sad, be sad. If God has given you a sweet cup, don’t make it bitter; and if He has given you a bitter cup, don’t try and make it sweet; take things as they come. One of the last lessons we learn is not to be an amateur providence—“I shall not allow that person to suffer.” Suffering, and the inevitable result of suffering, is the only way some of us can learn, and if we are shielded God will ultimately take the one who interferes by the scruff of the neck and remove him. The fingers that caress a child may also hurt its flesh; it is the power of love that makes them hurt.”

“Over The Top, Ecclesiastes 7:13-22,” Oswald Chambers, in The Complete Works of Oswald Chambers (Discovery House, 2000), p. 1226

Heaven will surely be worth it all

Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

1. Often I’m hindered on my way,
Burdened so heavy I almost fall; 
Then I hear Jesus sweetly say,
“Heaven will surely be worth it all.”

Refrain:

Heaven will surely be worth it all,
Worth all the sorrows that here befall;
After this life with all its strife,
Heaven will surely be worth it all.

2. Many the trials, toils and tears, 
Many a heartache may here appall;
But the dear Lord so truly says,
“Heaven will surely be worth it all.”
(Refrain)

3. Toiling and pain I will endure,
Till I shall hear the death angel call;
Jesus has promised and I’m sure,
“Heaven will surely be worth it all.”
(Refrain)

The song Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All was written by Winston Oliver Cooper (words) and Minzo Chesley Jones (music). It was copyrighted in 1946 by gospel music publisher Oren A. Parris, in the songbook Charming Refuge. It reminds us that, whatever we go through here, the glory of heaven is worth all of it.

W. Oliver Cooper, as he was often known, was born in Meriwether County, Georgia in 1885, the son of Philip A. Cooper and Rachel Frances “Fannie” Wright. He taught singing schools, and wrote both hymns and music. He wrote the words “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth it All” in 1945. Cooper was taught music in various singing schools and normals. He sang in a radio quartet in Birmingham, Alabama for several years. For many years, he served as president of the Cullman County, Alabama Singing Convention. He was on the faculty at Hartford Musical Institute, and served as musical editor for Hartford Music Company’s song books. According to Hymnary.Org, Cooper also wrote using the pseudonym Oscar J. Schwab.

W. Oliver Cooper married Cammella Williford 1910. He died in 1963 at age 78, and Cammella died in 1979. They are buried at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Crane Hill, Cullman County, Alabama

Minzo Chesley Jones was born in Belle Sumter, Jefferson County, Alabama in 1888, the son of Elbert Pinkney Jones and Sarah Catherine Howton. He was music publisher, composer, and hymnwriter. Minzo married Rosa M. “Rosie” Green in 1907. They had 4 children. Rosie died in 1974 and Minzo died in 1977 at age 88. They are buried at the Valhalla Cemetery in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.

Listen to an a cappella rendition of Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All HERE.

Still thinking...

...that I thought some things.

“Some folks who object to using ‘proof texts’ have ‘no texts’ for their own doctrines.”

“Why is it that ‘Christian’ higher education often leads Christians to believe less of the Bible rather than more of the Bible?”

The inspiration of the Scriptures has no expiration of its standing.

“We do not use the Scriptures as our ‘sole resource’ – but it is the ‘sole recourse.’ There is no higher court of appeal.”

“If I read and interpret a passage of scripture and my interpretation is correct, while others who read that same passage interpret it wrongly, what makes the difference? Is it because I am more sincere, intelligent, and educated than the others are? More spiritual? What about others who are spiritual, sincere, intelligent, and educated? Will/should they read and interpret the Bible in exactly the same way I do? What makes the difference?”

“When health care becomes big business, the main business is no longer health care.”

“When you think God is four days late, he is really right on time.” -- Gospel of John, Chapter 11 (I did think of this, but thousands of others probably have also!)

“What’s the best soul food? The B-I-B-L-E.”

“Consistency is a jewel, unless you are consistently wrong!”

“Duty never ceases, and evil never sleeps.”

hate speech: Speech that is hated by the people defining it.

“Dissatisfaction rises from an unwarranted attention to circumstances. Contentment rests in a wise allegiance to God who is over the circumstances.”

If we would be faithful obeying “teach the generation following” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 48:13; 2 Timothy 2:2), there would not be a need for an every-generation update of the Bible.

“Conformity is doing what everyone else is doing, regardless of what is right. Biblical obedience is doing what is right, regardless of what everyone else is doing.”

“Cain did not become evil because he slew his brother; he slew his brother because he was evil.”

“Marriage should be a bomb shelter, not a bomb explosion.”

“If any of you could know all there is to know about me, you wouldn’t love me. You wouldn’t even like me. God knows it all, yet he loved me and sent his Son to die for my sins, that I might have everlasting life. It doesn’t get any better than that!”

Now I get me up to work;

Keep me, Lord, in all the murk.

Let me work until I die,

And then to heaven swiftly fly.

Who, look what they did there!

How 55 Verses Were Removed From the Bible and More, by Aaron Shryock.

This is an interesting article about the odd and controversial ways some translations have handled Numbers 7:12-83, determining it to be too long and repetitious and needed to be reduced for readers.

“In 1995, the American Bible Society published the Contemporary English Version. This version took the previous approaches to Numbers 7:12-83 one step further. The translators rendered this historical narrative as two lists.”

See how Numbers 7:12-83 looks in the King James Bible for a regular translation: Click HERE.

See how Numbers 7:12-83 looks in the Good News Translation: Click HERE.

See how Numbers 7:12-83 looks in the Contemporary English Version: Click HERE.