Recently, I posted a sermon series concerning the topic of God
(theology), which is a bit more of an advanced topic than I usually
address in this medium. However, sometimes it is good to stretch the
mind a bit and grow in ones thoughts. This morning I saw this picture
on facebook (concerning Nikola Tesla, inventor) and grew ever so slightly.
Frankly, I was never very good with numbers- just enough to get by. So,
the concept of numbers as shapes other that their representations (1,
2, 3, etc.) is a new one to me.
All this leads to yet another question; what do we study Biblically? Are
we beyond the "first principles" yet, or something a bit more advanced?
After saying this, it would be a good thing to define what "first
principles" are. Obviously, our definition comes from the Bible...
Hebrews, Chapter 6 (World English Bible)
1 Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let’s press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, 2 of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 This will we do, if God permits. (emp. added vss. 1b-3)
2 Peter, Chapter 3 (World English Bible)
8 But don’t forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The
Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he
is patient with us, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all
should come to repentance. 10 But
the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the
heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be
dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it
will be burned up. 11 Therefore
since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people
ought you to be in holy living and godliness, 12 looking
for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will
cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt
with fervent heat? 13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
14 Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without defect and blameless in his sight. 15 Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. (emp. added vss. 15-17) 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (emp. added vs. 18)
14 Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without defect and blameless in his sight. 15 Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. (emp. added vss. 15-17) 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (emp. added vs. 18)
2 Timothy, Chapter 2 (WEB)
15 Give
diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t
need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
First principles should be studied and then mastered. Then what?
Figures of speech, or the original languages or prophecy? Well, all of
those things are fine and worthy of consideration, but for me, the study
of God (theology) from a Biblical perspective is the highest goal a
Christian can set for growth. It makes sense, doesn't it? If you really
want to understand more about the Bible, then study about its author!!!
To put it another way- study about God, know HIM better and it will be
easier to understand what his book says!!
And, oh, yes- be diligent about it (2 Tim 2:15)!!!
The
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the
Humane Society, and other animal rights groups have devoted themselves
for years to preventing cruelty to animals. Such groups now seek to
convince the rest of the world that animals should be “celebrated” and
treated like “family” (e.g., “About Us…,” 2011). Such humanistic,
evolution-based thinking has resulted in the frequent arrest and
prosecution of those who are deemed guilty of mistreating animals. For
example, a woman in Missouri was “charged with six counts of felony
animal abuse after authorities seized six dogs from a flea-infested property
in Iron Mountain Lake” (“Six Dogs…,” 2008, emp. added). As city workers
and volunteers worked to clean up the neglected property where the dogs
were kept, the local police chief explained: “We have a lot of debris
to remove…. We are also going to burn off the ground to get rid of the flea infestation that exists”
(“Case Updates,” 2009, emp. added). In a case in Connecticut, a woman
was charged with animal cruelty when an animal control officer
documented the condition of two dogs, noting that the abuse included “a
terrible flea infestation” (“Dogs Neglected…,” 2009,
emp. added). In California, a man was arrested on animal cruelty charges
for tossing from his vehicle an unwanted Chihuahua, described
as“flea-ridden” and “emaciated” (“Flea-infested…,” 2011). In New York,
authorities “rescued” 23 dogs that were found to be “underfed, anemic,
and flea-infested,” having “never seen a veterinarian
to receive vaccinations or checkups” (Berke, 2012, emp. added). A host
of such instances could be cited in which people are charged with animal
cruelty for allowing animals to become, among other things,
“flea-infested” (e.g., Braden, 1992; Eims, 2012; Michigan Animal Abuse…, 2011).