The Teacher by Sandra F. Cobble

https://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Cobble/Sandra/Fontaine/1933/teacher.html

The Teacher

Sandy almost wished she was not required to wear her helmet. The warm June breeze would feel good flowing through her hair as she rode home on her motor scooter. She was happy. Today, her whole world seemed right to her. Last week she had led the procession through graduation exercises. When she finished the quarter for which she had just registered, she would receive her Associate of Arts Degree, Magna cum laude. And she had already been accepted by David Lipscomb College where she would pursue her Bachelor's Degree, and perhaps even her Master's. After nearly forty-four years, a seemingly impossible dream of teaching was becoming a reality.

The desire to become a teacher had taken root when Sandy was seven. She had been in an orphanage several months. As usual, that morning the children were scattered out by two's and three's along the several blocks to the school. Sandy preferred to walk alone. She liked to think about things. But this morning was different. There was something about the little girl she had just passed. Sandy turned and went back. The girl was dragging -- really dragging her feet -- making every step last as long as possible.

As they talked, Sandy learned that the girl was terrified of crossing streets. Having been raised in Los Angeles, Sandy had known how to read signals and observe traffic almost by the time she could walk. When they got to the first crossing, Sandy even had to help the girl off the curb. As she helped, she also explained the signals, and how important it was to look both ways before crossing. The next street was easier. Then their steps quickened. By the time they reached school, the girl was eagerly explaining to Sandy how to cross safely!

But the climax came that afternoon. The girl was walking with a group a little ahead of Sandy. One girl in the group started to cross before the light changed. The girl whom Sandy had taught held her back and began explaining the proper way to cross! It was a thrill to Sandy. She had done her job well. And she knew she must teach.

However, the realities of life had forced Sandy to lay aside her dream. Then shortly after her husband's death nearly three years before, she had become acquainted with a minister who thought in terms of possibilities, rather than impossibilities. At his encouragement, she had completed her high school studies. Then at her request he had begun teaching her the Koine Greek of the New Testament. As he taught, he also taught her how to meet the challenges of life. Then an opportunity had come for her to attend the local community college. It had been thirty two years since she had sat in a classroom. She was hesitant. But with his encouragement she entered. And now her dream was on its way to becoming a reality.

Sandy fastened the strap securely under her chin and began the five mile trip home. It was good to be alive. "You are in St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville," the voice said. "You have been in an accident." "Apparently your helmet came off," the voice continued. "Your skull has been fractured." "And", the voice went on enumerating, "both of your legs have been broken. You have broken ribs and a punctured lung. The bones of your left hand have been broken." Sandy was left-handed! "And," the voice continued, "two of your vertebrae are cracked. Probably you were thrown forward, then backward. Your spinal cord is severed." Her world stood still.... "You will be permanently paralyzed from your chest down."

"Sandra," her teacher friend told her, "You have climbed mountains before by doing what you can, where you are, with what you have. Now God will enable you to climb another mountain by doing what you can't, where you are not, with what you do not have. Peter could not walk on water, but he did. Jesus, on the cross, did more for the world than any other off the cross. So you may be able to do more to help and inspire mankind, on this cross, or in a wheelchair as you learn and teach than you could walking around on two good legs."

Sandy believed him. Then came the infection in the lining of her heart. "Crash cart, room 226, stat!" came the voice over the intercom. That was her room! But even eight weeks in the hospital did not diminish her determination to continue her education and to become a teacher.

But she cried all night her first night in the nursing home. Within a few days she began physical therapy. Therapy was intense and rigorous. But every effort, no matter how feeble, met with approval. Sometimes, though, it seemed to Sandy that she progressed one inch forward and two inches backwards. When not in therapy, she was free to pursue her own interests. While in college she had begun writing, and some of her work had been published. She wrote an article on being in control of one's own life. It was quickly published. About the same time, her hometown newspaper did a feature story on her. After months of therapy she had finally come to the point of being able to transfer from her chair to the mat. Then while practicing transfers she fell -- on concrete.

She had broken her fall with her left hand. Her hand was not broken. But it was some time before she was allowed to use it in transferring. The fall made Sandy do some serious thinking. Would she ever reach the point where she could live alone? And, if she did, would it be wise? Would not she be imposing too great a burden on her friends? Other paraplegics had been held up to her as examples, but on investigating, Sandy found that each either had a family, or at least part-time help. She would have neither.

There were two paraplegics in the nursing home. Elizabeth had her spinal cord severed at the same point as Sandy's. She had been in the nursing home over thirty years. She could not even bother to dress herself. Nor could she transfer. And there was Don. He, too, was injured as she. And he was helpless. He had been there eight years. Was she not a fool for thinking she could make it on her own? She began to get despondent. And remembering the words which she had written, Sandy became even more despondent. She could write words, but she could not live by her own words!

"Whether you ever reach the point where you can live alone," admonished the therapist, "will depend on you." And Sandy knew he spoke truth. Other things began to come into her consideration. Most of the patients were very elderly. Would she possibly have to spend thirty years or more here? And what about those who cared about her? Would not she be letting them down if she gave up without trying further? She could not give up. She might not make it. But she was not going to give up.

Months passed. To qualify for Medicaid, Sandy had to sell her home. The money she received from her own life insurance for loss of the use of her legs had to go on medical expenses. Then she learned that the drunken driver who had rammed her motor scooter from behind only got a three year sentence, and would probably serve less than one year. She faced a lifetime sentence in a wheelchair. She had already lost everything . Her hopes and dreams, her home, and almost her life. Now this! Bitterly, she slammed the trapeze bar with a left hook. Life was unfair! She had been refused Medicaid again -- this time because of a trust fund her church had established for her.

Sandy knew she was getting into deep water, and she knew she needed help. But she was ashamed to call home. Surely she could work this out by herself. But as the evening wore on, she knew she had better call someone. Thoughts of suicide were already venturing into her mind. It was late, but the local minister stayed until she calmed down. Two elders from her home congregation came the next day. So did her teacher friend. She knew they had been called. But they did not rebuke her. They cared. They were there to help. They were there because they loved her. And together they found a solution. Her world was right again. And her determination was renewed.

Finally the day arrived! It was moving day! A day which Sandy had thought might never come. She was home in her new apartment. She adjusted more quickly to independent living than anyone had anticipated. Sandy had resumed her studies while in the nursing home. Shortly after returning home she had received her degree. Now there was a new class for which she registered.

The assignment called for her to write two short stories. Sandy had chosen to write from her own personal experience. The first had been submitted. Now she was working on the second. "Tell your readers," instructed her professor, "why you were so determined to leave the nursing home." She really had intended to write about some characters and incidents which took place. And she was still free to do so. But his suggestion made her stop and think. Why was she so determined to leave? She knew she could serve God wherever she might be. She knew those who loved her would not be disappointed in her if she had chosen to stay, even after she was capable of leaving. And she knew she was taking a very big risk. But she still had been determined to leave. Why?

As Sandy pondered the question, her understanding began to be opened. Crossing a street can be a challenge in the life of a child. Because Sandy had early learned to meet that challenge, she had been able to teach another through word and example. She had done more than just teach a child to cross a street safely. She had taught her to meet the challenges of life. And now through her writing and through her example of determination she would teach others to meet the challenges in their lives.

God had enabled her to climb another mountain! She had become the teacher she had dreamed of becoming! The textbooks from which she taught were the eternal truths of God, written both in the Bible and in the universe, and the examples of her own life. Her classroom was the hearts and minds of men. And her students were scattered throughout the world. For already those who had seen her life and read her words, were using them to teach others -- even in other nations! The encouragement she had received from those who had heard about her efforts to fight victoriously in the battles of life, including a personal note from Nancy Reagan in the White House, would help her to encourage them to do the same in their battles.

Look! Is not that another mountain out yonder? And is not that a Doctorate in Languages and Linguistics at the peak? What challenges will be along the way?

Sandra F. Cobble

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

 

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS UNDER THE NEW COVENANT? BY STEVE FINNELL

https://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2016/11/musical-instruments-under-new-covenant.html

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS UNDER THE NEW COVENANT? BY STEVE FINNELL

Did God authorize the use of musical instruments under the New Covenant? Yes, He did. Not only did God authorize musical instrument in the New Testament, He commanded them. He also commanded we sing without instruments.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (NKJV)

We are commanded to sing psalms. Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19.

What is a psalm? Psalm 81:2 Raise a song, strike the timbrel, The sweet sounding lyre with the harp. (NASB)

PSALM DEFINED

1. Word Origin: Old English, from Late Latin psalmus. from Greek psalmos accompanied on the harp, from psallein to play (the harp) (Ref. Collins English Dictionary)

 2. Primarily denoted a striking or twitching with the finger (on musical strings), then, a sacred song, sung to musical accompaniment, a psalm. (Ref. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words)

3. Word Origin and History for psalm: Old English psealm, salm, partly from Old French psaume, saume, partly from Church Latin psalmus, from Greek psalmos "song sung to a harp," originally "performance on stringed instrument; a plucking of a harp (cf. psaltes "harper"), from psallein "play on a stringed instrument, pull, twitch"

Used in Septuagint for Hebrew mizmor "song," especially the sort sung by David to the harp. Related: Psalmodize; psalmody.... (Ref. Online Etymology Dictionary, 2010 Douglas Harper)

4. Origin of Psalm: Middle English, from Old English psealm, from Late Latin psalmus, from Greek psalmos, literally, twanging of a harp. from psallein to pluck, play a stringed instrument. First Known Use: before 12th century. (REF. Merriam Webster)

God did not change the definition of the word psalm from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Psalm did not mean with musical instruments on 32 AD and then on the Day of Pentecost change to mean without instruments.

If God says it, it is His tradition. If men speak things that God did not, it is man-made tradition.

I believe worshipping with or without musical instruments is acceptable to God. It should never be a test of fellowship.   

5 Things to Do During Troubling Times by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

https://thepreachersword.com/2020/10/08/5-things-to-do-during-troubling-times/#more-14321

5 Things to Do During Troubling Times

“I’m in trouble.”

Trouble.

It’s a word that stops us in our tracks. Gets our attention. And causes us to listen.

There are all kinds of trouble. Car trouble. Financial trouble. Relational trouble. Legal trouble. Marital trouble.

Some troubles are physical. Others are mental. Emotional. Or even spiritual.

We encounter trouble in our jobs. At home. In our neighborhoods. And even at church.

Sometimes, we sing a hymn by Bill Gaither that begins like this.

Troublesome times are here, filling men’s hearts with fear
Freedom we all hold dear now is at stake
Humbling your hearts to God saves from the chastening rod
Seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians awake

During this highly polarized, and partisan election year we talk about our country being in trouble. It reminds me of a quip by the American novelist and social critic Sinclair Lewis “The trouble with this country is that there are too many people going about saying, ‘The trouble with this country is….’”

Whatever trouble you’re facing right now, here are 5 suggestions from Scripture that will help you deal with trouble.

#1 Realize your troubles are not unique or unusual.

The patriarch Job affirmed, “Man who is born of woman Is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).

Some of life’s troubles are the result of others’ misdeeds or mistreatment. Some troubles are self-inflicted. And other troubles are simply the result of time and chance (Eccl. 9:11). Also God may use trouble as a means of discipline (Heb 12:3-11).

The advice columnist Ann Landers was once asked what the single piece of advice she would offer humanity. She replied, “Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high, look it squarely in the eye and say, ‘I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.”

#2 Call on the Lord.

The Psalms often speak of the trial of trouble. David’s often repeated answer was, “I will call upon God (Ps. 55:16). Asaph said, In the day of trouble I sought the Lord (Ps. 77:2).

The Bible teaches that God knows about our troubles. Cares about our problems. Hears our cry. And will answer our fervent prayer.

#3 Remember past blessings.

When Asaph faced trouble, he said, “I will remember the works of the Lord.” He recalled the Lord’s works of old. His greatness. His goodness. His grace. And the blessings he received through the years (Ps. 77:10-15).

When we’re in the midst of some troubling situation, it’s easy to forget about all the good things we’ve enjoyed. How God has blessed us. And the Divine promise to never leave us or forsake us.

#4 Meditate on the Word.

In our hectic, fast-paced culture, with a demanding agenda, never-ending task lists, and jam-packed schedules, meditation is a lost virtue.

Unfortunately, when trouble comes, we may waste time wringing our hands and worrying, instead of meditating on God’s Word. His works. And His will for our lives.

In the face of trouble, Asaph resolved to meditate on God’s mighty deeds. David provides for us the right focus when he wrote in Ps 119:15-16

I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.

“Meditation is vital to spiritual development,” opined Dee Bowman. And it’s vital to look at our troubles with the right perspective and moving forward.

#5 Declare God’s goodness.

As Asaph worked his way through trouble, he realized that God is great, works wonders, and offers redemption. So he exclaimed, “I will declare your strength among the peoples” (Ps 77:13-15).

Too often we grumble and grip against God when we face trouble. Or worse yet, we blame God.

You will feel better and your troubles will be easier to face and resolve when you enlist God’s help. Praise Him. And verbally proclaim His presence, providence and power working in your life.

Finally, it’s well to remember the succinct advice of William Arthur Ward. “Wise are they who have learned these truths: Trouble is temporary. Time is tonic. Tribulation is a test tube.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK" Beware Of Pretentious Scribes (12:38-40) by Mark Copeland

 

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

 Beware Of Pretentious Scribes (12:38-40)

INTRODUCTION

1. Teaching in the temple on Tuesday of the Last Week, Jesus has
   countered the doctrines of various religious and political leaders...
   a. The Pharisees and Herodians
   b. The Sadducees and scribes

2. Toward the end, He then addressed the practices of some of them...
   a. Especially the scribes - Mk 12:38-40
   b. But also the Pharisees - cf. Mt 23:1-39

[Mark’s gospel limits Jesus’ censure to pretentious (self-important and
affected, made to look or sound important) scribes, which we shall also
do in this lesson.  Let’s begin with what is said about the...]

I. PRETENTIOUS SCRIBES IN JESUS’ DAY

   A. DESIRED TO WEAR THEIR LONG ROBES...
      1. Their "flowing robes" were full-length prayer shawls with
         tassels attached to the four corners, in contrast to the
         colorful common Jewish dress. - J.R. Edwards (PNTC)
      2. Made of wool or linen, these blanket-like mantles, known as
         tallits, distinguished rabbis and scholars as men of wealth and eminence. - ibid.
      -- They relished the distinction of their robes and the attention it gave them

   B. LOVED GREETINGS IN THE MARKETPLACES...
      1. "the formal salutations in the market-places, and to have the
         people address them as ‘rabbi.’ " - Hendriksen (NTC); cf. Mt 23:6
      2. What the men who are here rebuked were always longing for was
         not a mere token of friendliness but rather a demonstration of
         respect, a public recognition of their prominence. - ibid.
      -- They wanted to be addressed by titles that distinguished and elevated them

   C. BEST SEATS IN THE SYNAGOGUES...
      1. Refers to the benches along the walls of the synagogues, and
         especially to the dais at the front of the synagogue, which
         faced the congregation seated on the floor in the middle of the
         synagogue. - Edwards (PNTC)
      2. These "first seats," as they were called in Greek, were
         reserved for teachers and persons of rank, and afforded the
         best position from which to address the congregation. - ibid.
      -- They loved the honor and attention such seats gave them

   D. BEST PLACES AT FEASTS...
      1. Seating at banquets was either according to age or according to
         importance. - C.A. Evans (WBC)
      2. Jesus had warned against seeking out the best places at a feast - Lk 14:7-11
      -- They wanted privileges they felt due their position and stature

   E. DEVOUR WIDOWS’ HOUSES...
      1. By embezzling funds set up for the care of widows - Evans (WBC)
      2. By freeloading on the hospitality of widows - ibid.
      3. By mismanaging estates or wills of widows entrusted to them - ibid.
      -- They took advantage of widows who trusted them

   F. FOR SHOW OFFER LONG PRAYERS...
      1. The scribes were capable of lengthy, eloquent prayers - Evans (WBC)
      2. But this they did in pretense, consistent with their
         ostentation in dress and pursuit of honors and recognition - ibid.
      -- They paraded their religious knowledge and supposed piety

[Human nature being what it is, it should not surprise us that there can also be...]

II. PRETENTIOUS ‘SCRIBES’ IN OUR DAY

   A. MINISTERS ARE OFTEN ELEVATED...
      1. Distinctive clerical garb, without NT authority
      2. Religious titles (Reverend, Father, Pastor, Preacher) - contra Mt 23:8-10
         a. Apostle, prophet, pastor, elder, evangelist, teacher are
            descriptive terms in the NT
         b. They are never used as religious titles in the NT
      3. Reserved seating in worship
      4. Preferred treatment at social gatherings
      5. Unaccountable control of financial resources
      6. Always being asked to lead public prayers
      -- Even well-intentioned respect can easily lead to pretentiousness

   B. MINISTERS OFTEN ELEVATE THEMSELVES...
      1. Preferring to wear distinctive clothing to stand out, gain respect
      2. Expecting others to address them by religious titles
      3. Demanding special seating in worship
      4. Assuming preferred treatment in social settings
      5. Embezzling church funds, taking advantage of widows
      6. Praying long, showy prayers by rote
      -- Ministers of Christ are called to be humble servants - Mt 23:11-12

CONCLUSION

1. The words of Jesus should serve as a warning...
   a. Not just to those who might be led astray by the pretentiousness of religious leaders
   b. But by religious leaders themselves, lest they no longer serve as
      true ministers of Christ

2. It is not just religious leaders who can have problems with pretentiousness...
   a. The average Christian can easily be ostentatious in their conduct and clothing
   b. Thus we should give careful thought to these words of Jesus:

   And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles
   himself will be exalted. - Mt 23:12         

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

Pope Francis Claims God Will Save Atheists by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=4667

Pope Francis Claims God Will Save Atheists

by	Kyle Butt, M.Div.

On Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Pope Francis conducted Mass in Rome. During that service, he made one of the most memorable and astonishing statements ever spoken by anyone who calls himself a Christian. The theme of his sermon was that all humans should do good deeds for others. In the course of the talk he stated:

The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! “Father, the atheists?” Even the atheists. Everyone! And this Blood makes us children of God of the first class! We are created children in the likeness of God and the Blood of Christ has redeemed us all! And we all have a duty to do good. And this commandment for everyone to do good, I think, is a beautiful path towards peace. If we, each doing our own part, if we do good to others, if we meet there, doing good, and we go slowly, gently, little by little, we will make that culture of encounter: we need that so much. We must meet one another doing good. “But I don’t believe, Father, I am an atheist!” But do good: we will meet one another there (“Pope at Mass...,” 2013, emp. added).

The Pope’s statement highlights two very important issues. First, it shows how far the Pope and the Catholic Church have fallen from the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus explained to the first-century Jews: “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). His point could not have been more clear: acceptance of the fact that Jesus is the Son of God is required for salvation. That is why Jesus told His apostles: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Furthermore, the inspired apostle Paul explained that Jesus Christ is coming “from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, emp. added). John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, boldly stated: “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” Make no mistake, neither Jesus nor His inspired apostles ever once hinted at the possibility that people who do not believe in God will be saved. They will not. Revelation 21:8 explains: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral…shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (emp. added).

The second issue evident in Francis’ statement is the fact that pressure from the unbelieving community is mounting. As the number of unbelievers gradually increases, so does the temptation to appease them and attempt to bend the truth to ingratiate one’s self or organization with unbelievers. As Christians—followers of Jesus Christ—we must resist this tempation at all cost. Yes, praise God, Jesus’ blood is powerful enough to redeem unbelievers, if and only if, those unbelievers turn to Him with humble hearts, confess that He is God’s son, and obey the Gospel (Lyons and Butt, n.d.). Barring that response, unbelievers can look forward to nothing in the afterlife except a “certain fearful expectation of judgment” (Hebrews 10:27).

REFERENCES

Lyons, Eric and Kyle Butt (No Date), Receiving the Gift of Salvation, Apologetics Press, http://apologeticspress.org/pdfs/e-books_pdf/Receiving%20the%20Gift%20of%20Salvation.pdf.

“Pope at Mass: Culture of Encounter Is the Foundation of Peace” (2013), Vatican Radio, http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2013/05/22/pope_at_mass:_culture_of_encounter_is_the_foundation_of_peace/en1-694445.

Proving Your Faith by Wayne Jackson, M.A.

 

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=1361

Proving Your Faith

by	Wayne Jackson, M.A.

How do we know that Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God? Is our faith based merely upon tradition? Is faith the result of religious fanaticism? No, genuine faith stands firmly upon evidence.

After the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, the newly appointed apostle entered the Jewish synagogues and “proclaimed Jesus, that he is the son of God” (Acts 9:20). His message continually amazed those who heard it. It seemed incredible that one who had so opposed the Christian Way could now be one of its most zealous advocates. The historian Luke informed his readers that Saul increased in strength, and he “confounded the Jews that lived in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ” (Acts 9:22).

Of interest in this passage is the term “proving.” It is a translation of the Greek word sumbibazon. It is a present tense participle form, which suggests that Paul's preaching was characterized consistently by a demonstrative line of argumentation. The original term, from an etymological viewpoint means “to bring together,” as when, for example, parts of the body are brought together (i.e., tied together) by sinew, ligament, etc. (see Ephesians 4:16).

In the context of Acts 9:22, the word connotes bringing together pieces of information from which a logical conclusion is drawn. In “proving” to the Jews that Jesus is the “Christ” (i.e., the promised Old Testament Messiah), Paul would have: (1) introduced specific Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Messiah; (2) compared those predictions with factual data that pertained to Jesus of Nazareth; and, (3) from the preceding, he would have drawn irresistible conclusions that no rational and honest person could deny.

The critic who alleges that Christianity is merely emotional, and not intellectual, simply does not know the facts.

Quantum Mechanics: "No Universal Cause Necessary"? by Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=5422

Quantum Mechanics: "No Universal Cause Necessary"?

by	Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

Q:

If causality fails in quantum mechanics, doesn’t that prove that a Universal Cause isn’t necessary?

A:

Writing in Nature, Howard Wiseman, Professor of Physics at Griffith University, explained that, “In 1964, Northern Irish physicist John Bell proved mathematically that certain quantum correlations, unlike all other correlations in the Universe, cannot arise from any local cause.”¹ Does that mean that a cause for the Universe is unnecessary? If a “quantum fluctuation” does not necessarily require a local cause, doesn’t that mean that a Universe-generating quantum fluctuation would not necessarily require a cause?

The key word that must not be overlooked in a proper understanding of Bell’s Theorem is the word “local.” In order to answer the above questions, that term must be defined and understood. Consider a simplified example: it takes about eight minutes for light from the Sun to reach Earth. But let’s say you were standing on the Sun by yourself, without any interaction with me, but every time I clicked my computer mouse on Earth, you immediately and uncontrollably hopped. There was not a delay of eight minutes. The effect was immediate. The effect of you hopping would be the result of a “non-local” cause. In his article, “Spooky Action at a Distance,” Dr. Gary Felder, Professor of Physics at Smith College, explains locality as “the principle that an event which happens at one place can’t instantaneously affect an event someplace else. For example: if a distant star were to suddenly blow up tomorrow, the principle of locality says that there is no way we could know about this event or be affected by it until something, e.g. a light beam, had time to travel from that star to Earth.”² The question is, does that principle always hold true? According to what’s known as Bell’s Theorem, at the quantum level, the principle of locality does not hold true. Jacob Aron, writing in New Scientist, explained that in quantum theory, “particles could become entangled, so that measuring one would instantly influence the measurement of the other, even if they were far apart.”³ Felder explained: “Bell proved that the results predicted by quantum mechanics could not be explained by any theory which preserved locality. In other words, if you set up an experiment like that described by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen, and you get the results predicted by quantum mechanics, then there is no way that locality could be true…. In short, locality is dead.”⁴

Now what does this mean for using the Law of Causality to prove the Universe could not create itself?⁵ Three quick points to consider in response to that question:

• Most important: even if Bell’s Theorem holds true, and it very well may, it does not disprove the Law of Causality—i.e., the need of a cause for every effect in the Universe. Bell’s Theorem argues that there is not a need for a local cause at the quantum level (i.e., locality), but it does not claim that there is not still a necessary relationship between cause and effect—i.e., that causality still holds. While Bell experiments seem to show that there is not always a direct correlation between a cause and effect at the local level, scientists see that there does still seem to be a correlation between the causes and effects in Bell’s Theorem experiments, even if the correlation is not local. According to Bell’s Theorem, a cause can create a distant effect instantly without apparent (or, at least, understandable) interaction (e.g., separated electrons can “affect each other instantly”⁶), but there is still an acknowledged relationship between the cause and effect even if it is distant and immediate. My clicks are undeniably causing you to jump, even if we do not understand why. In the words of Wiseman, concerning the non-local reality interpretation of Bell’s Theorem, it is possible that “the setting of one measuring device can influence the reading of another instrument, however remote”⁷—i.e., the cause and effect are still apparently correlated. So, Bell’s Theorem may highlight another type of cause and effect relationship, but it does not negate the need for a cause in the first place.
• Scientists recognize that they do not completely understand why Bell’s Theorem seems to hold true. They acknowledge that there may be things we have not discovered about reality which could affect our understanding of what is happening at the quantum level and which could prove that the cause is ultimately still “local.”⁸ In other words, compared to what we know about the macroscopic realm from centuries of study, we are relative novices when it comes to the study of the quantum world. We simply do not have all the answers as to what is happening in that realm, but, on the other hand, the evidence for the Law of Causality is abundant and undeniable.
• Scientists even acknowledge that Bell’s Theorem may be false and that further investigation and accumulation of knowledge may reveal that fact. According to Felder, hidden assumptions (e.g., the assumption that “no signal can propagate faster than the speed of light,” which is a fundamental element of Einstein’s theory of relativity) could be corrupting the Bell experiment results.⁹ Wiseman conceded that “[b]efore investing too much angst or money, one wants to be sure that Bell correlations really exist. As of now, there are no loophole-free Bell experiments.”¹⁰

Bottom line: all observed evidence in the Universe, whether at the quantum or super-quantum level, indicates that in the realm in which we live, an effect must have a cause. The Universe is an effect, and if one is to be rational (i.e., follow the evidence we have at our disposal), he must acknowledge that there must be an ultimate cause for the Universe, whether it be local or non-local. According to the evidence, that Cause is none other than the God of the Bible.¹¹

Endnotes

¹ Howard Wiseman (2014), “Bell’s Theorem Still Reverberates,” Nature, 510[7506]:467-469, p. 467.

² Gary Felder (1999), “Spooky Action at a Distance,” Math and Physics Help, http://www.felderbooks.com/papers/bell.html, italics in orig.

³ Jacob Aron (2015), “Quantum Weirdness is Reality,” New Scientist, 227[3037]:8-9, September 5, p. 8.

⁴ Felder.

⁵ Jeff Miller (2011), “God and the Laws of Science: The Law of Causality,” Apologetics Press, http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=3716&topic=90.

⁶ Felder.

⁷ Wiseman, p. 468.

⁸ Felder.

⁹ Ibid.

¹⁰ Wiseman, p. 468.

¹¹ Jeff Miller (2015), “How Can a Person Know Which God Exists?” Reason & Revelation, 35[5]:52-53, May, http://apologeticspress.org/pub_rar/35_5/1505.pdf.

One by Gary Rose

 

I was working on my checkbook when my wife said to me: “Gary, you need to hear this”. Then, I stopped what I was doing and listened and as I heard the words, I realized that I had never heard a description of Jesus’ crucifixion like this. My wife, Linda, posted this on Facebook for me to use today and I am very glad she did, for what was said is significant for us all to hear.

I especially like the Apostle John’s account of the crucifixion…

John 19 ( World English Bible )

¹⁰ Pilate therefore said to him, “Aren’t you speaking to me? Don’t you know that I have power to release you, and have power to crucify you?”

¹¹ Jesus answered, “You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin.”

¹² At this, Pilate was seeking to release him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you release this man, you aren’t Caesar’s friend! Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar!”

¹³ When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called “The Pavement,” but in Hebrew, “Gabbatha.”

¹⁴ Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!”

¹⁵ They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”

¹⁶ So then he delivered him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away.

¹⁷ He went out, bearing his cross, to the place called “The Place of a Skull,” which is called in Hebrew, “Golgotha,”

¹⁸ where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the middle.

¹⁹ Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. There was written, “JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

²⁰ Therefore many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.

²¹ The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘he said, I am King of the Jews.’”

²² Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

²³ Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

²⁴ Then they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says, “They parted my garments among them. For my cloak they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.

²⁵ But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

²⁶ Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son!”

²⁷ Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.

²⁸ After this, Jesus, seeing that all things were now finished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I am thirsty.”

²⁹ Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop, and held it at his mouth.

³⁰ When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished.” He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.

³¹ Therefore the Jews, because it was the Preparation Day, so that the bodies wouldn’t remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special one), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

³² Therefore the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was crucified with him;

³³ but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was already dead, they didn’t break his legs.

³⁴ However one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

³⁵ He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe.

God hates sin and was determined to do something about it. That desire turned to action when Jesus was born. As a child he did the things a child would do, but when he began his ministry, it was obvious to all that here was a person of significance. He taught about the things of God and man in a way that showed a heavenly inspired insight. He healed the sick and raised the dead. Ultimately, it was revealed that he was a man with a mission. He was hated by many and those who did so, conspired to put him to death. So, eventually, he went before Pilate and was condemned to be crucified.

Three men on a cross, being executed; only one didn’t deserve to be there. That one (Jesus) was there willingly, for being the son of God, he could have prevented his own death. His sacrifice was nothing less that the will of God almighty that God alone should pay the price of sin.

The crucifixion is in a way, the representation of the situation between God and all of mankind. God, on the cross, supplies a way out of sin; some will accept that way, others will not. Blessed will be the person who listens, believes and submits to the will of God. That one will be given complete fellowship with God and life eternal.

Question: Will you be one of them who accept God’s will for your life or not?

Bible Reading for April 14 and 15 by Gary Rose

 

Bible Reading for April 14 and 15 

World  English  Bible

 

Apr. 14

Numbers 19, 20

Num 19:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

Num 19:2 This is the statute of the law which Yahweh has commanded, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring you a red heifer without spot, in which is no blemish, and on which never came yoke.

Num 19:3 You shall give her to Eleazar the priest, and he shall bring her forth outside of the camp, and one shall kill her before his face:

Num 19:4 and Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle her blood toward the front of the Tent of Meeting seven times.

Num 19:5 One shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn:

Num 19:6 and the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.

Num 19:7 Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be unclean until the even.

Num 19:8 He who burns her shall wash his clothes in water, and bathe his flesh in water, and shall be unclean until the even.

Num 19:9 A man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up outside of the camp in a clean place; and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water for impurity: it is a sin offering.

Num 19:10 He who gathers the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: and it shall be to the children of Israel, and to the stranger who lives as a foreigner among them, for a statute forever.

Num 19:11 He who touches the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days:

Num 19:12 the same shall purify himself with water on the third day, and on the seventh day he shall be clean: but if he doesn't purify himself the third day, then the seventh day he shall not be clean.

Num 19:13 Whoever touches a dead person, the body of a man who has died, and doesn't purify himself, defiles the tabernacle of Yahweh; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water for impurity was not sprinkled on him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet on him.

Num 19:14 This is the law when a man dies in a tent: everyone who comes into the tent, and everyone who is in the tent, shall be unclean seven days.

Num 19:15 Every open vessel, which has no covering bound on it, is unclean.

Num 19:16 Whoever in the open field touches one who is slain with a sword, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.

Num 19:17 For the unclean they shall take of the ashes of the burning of the sin offering; and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel:

Num 19:18 and a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it on the tent, and on all the vessels, and on the persons who were there, and on him who touched the bone, or the slain, or the dead, or the grave:

Num 19:19 and the clean person shall sprinkle on the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify him; and he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even.

Num 19:20 But the man who shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from the midst of the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of Yahweh: the water for impurity has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean.

Num 19:21 It shall be a perpetual statute to them: and he who sprinkles the water for impurity shall wash his clothes, and he who touches the water for impurity shall be unclean until even.

Num 19:22 Whatever the unclean person touches shall be unclean; and the soul that touches it shall be unclean until evening.

Num 20:1 The children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

Num 20:2 There was no water for the congregation: and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.

Num 20:3 The people strove with Moses, and spoke, saying, Would that we had died when our brothers died before Yahweh!

Num 20:4 Why have you brought the assembly of Yahweh into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our animals?

Num 20:5 Why have you made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in to this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.

Num 20:6 Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and fell on their faces: and the glory of Yahweh appeared to them.

Num 20:7 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

Num 20:8 Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it give forth its water; and you shall bring forth to them water out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.

Num 20:9 Moses took the rod from before Yahweh, as he commanded him.

Num 20:10 Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, Hear now, you rebels; shall we bring you water out of this rock for you?

Num 20:11 Moses lifted up his hand, and struck the rock with his rod twice: and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock.

Num 20:12 Yahweh said to Moses and Aaron, Because you didn't believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.

Num 20:13 These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with Yahweh, and he was sanctified in them.

Num 20:14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, Thus says your brother Israel, You know all the travail that has happened to us:

Num 20:15 how our fathers went down into Egypt, and we lived in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians dealt ill with us, and our fathers:

Num 20:16 and when we cried to Yahweh, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and brought us forth out of Egypt: and behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of your border.

Num 20:17 Please let us pass through your land: we will not pass through field or through vineyard, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go along the king's highway; we will not turn aside to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed your border.

Num 20:18 Edom said to him, You shall not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against you.

Num 20:19 The children of Israel said to him, We will go up by the highway; and if we drink of your water, I and my livestock, then will I give its price: let me only, without doing anything else, pass through on my feet.

Num 20:20 He said, You shall not pass through. Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.

Num 20:21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border, so Israel turned away from him.

Num 20:22 They traveled from Kadesh: and the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came to Mount Hor.

Num 20:23 Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron in Mount Hor, by the border of the land of Edom, saying,

Num 20:24 Aaron shall be gathered to his people; for he shall not enter into the land which I have given to the children of Israel, because you rebelled against my word at the waters of Meribah.

Num 20:25 Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up to Mount Hor;

Num 20:26 and strip Aaron of his garments, and put them on Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered to his people, and shall die there.

Num 20:27 Moses did as Yahweh commanded: and they went up into Mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.

Num 20:28 Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them on Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there on the top of the mountain: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.

Num 20:29 When all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they wept for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel. 

 

Apr. 15

Numbers 21, 22

Num 21:1 The Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the South, heard tell that Israel came by the way of Atharim; and he fought against Israel, and took some of them captive.

Num 21:2 Israel vowed a vow to Yahweh, and said, If you will indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.

Num 21:3 Yahweh listened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and the name of the place was called Hormah.

Num 21:4 They traveled from Mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.

Num 21:5 The people spoke against God, and against Moses, Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, and there is no water; and our soul loathes this light bread.

Num 21:6 Yahweh sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

Num 21:7 The people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, because we have spoken against Yahweh, and against you; pray to Yahweh, that he take away the serpents from us. Moses prayed for the people.

Num 21:8 Yahweh said to Moses, Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a standard: and it shall happen, that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.

Num 21:9 Moses made a serpent of brass, and set it on the standard: and it happened, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked to the serpent of brass, he lived.

Num 21:10 The children of Israel traveled, and encamped in Oboth.

Num 21:11 They traveled from Oboth, and encamped at Iyeabarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrise.

Num 21:12 From there they traveled, and encamped in the valley of Zered.

Num 21:13 From there they traveled, and encamped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness, that comes out of the border of the Amorites: for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.

Num 21:14 Therefore it is said in the book of the Wars of Yahweh, "Vaheb in Suphah, the valleys of the Arnon,

Num 21:15 the slope of the valleys that incline toward the dwelling of Ar, leans on the border of Moab."

Num 21:16 From there they traveled to Beer: that is the well of which Yahweh said to Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.

Num 21:17 Then sang Israel this song: "Spring up, well; sing to it:

Num 21:18 the well, which the princes dug, which the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter, and with their poles." From the wilderness they traveled to Mattanah;

Num 21:19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel; and from Nahaliel to Bamoth;

Num 21:20 and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the field of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looks down on the desert.

Num 21:21 Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,

Num 21:22 Let me pass through your land: we will not turn aside into field, or into vineyard; we will not drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's highway, until we have passed your border.

Num 21:23 Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness, and came to Jahaz; and he fought against Israel.

Num 21:24 Israel struck him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, even to the children of Ammon; for the border of the children of Ammon was strong.

Num 21:25 Israel took all these cities: and Israel lived in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all its towns.

Num 21:26 For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even to the Arnon.

Num 21:27 Therefore those who speak in proverbs say, "Come to Heshbon. Let the city of Sihon be built and established;

Num 21:28 for a fire has gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon. It has devoured Ar of Moab, The lords of the high places of the Arnon.

Num 21:29 Woe to you, Moab! You are undone, people of Chemosh! He has given his sons as fugitives, and his daughters into captivity, to Sihon king of the Amorites.

Num 21:30 We have shot at them. Heshbon has perished even to Dibon. We have laid waste even to Nophah, Which reaches to Medeba."

Num 21:31 Thus Israel lived in the land of the Amorites.

Num 21:32 Moses sent to spy out Jazer; and they took its towns, and drove out the Amorites who were there.

Num 21:33 They turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.

Num 21:34 Yahweh said to Moses, Don't fear him: for I have delivered him into your hand, and all his people, and his land; and you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.

Num 21:35 So they struck him, and his sons and all his people, until there was none left him remaining: and they possessed his land.

Num 22:1 The children of Israel traveled, and encamped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho.

Num 22:2 Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.

Num 22:3 Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

Num 22:4 Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now will this multitude lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.

Num 22:5 He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the surface of the earth, and they abide over against me.

Num 22:6 Please come now therefore curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may strike them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.

Num 22:7 The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.

Num 22:8 He said to them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as Yahweh shall speak to me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.

Num 22:9 God came to Balaam, and said, What men are these with you?

Num 22:10 Balaam said to God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying,

Num 22:11 Behold, the people that is come out of Egypt, it covers the surface of the earth: now, come curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to fight against them, and shall drive them out.

Num 22:12 God said to Balaam, You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people; for they are blessed.

Num 22:13 Balaam rose up in the morning, and said to the princes of Balak, Go to your land; for Yahweh refuses to permit me to go with you.

Num 22:14 The princes of Moab rose up, and they went to Balak, and said, Balaam refuses to come with us.

Num 22:15 Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.

Num 22:16 They came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus says Balak the son of Zippor, Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me:

Num 22:17 for I will promote you to very great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Please come therefore, and curse this people for me.

Num 22:18 Balaam answered the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can't go beyond the word of Yahweh my God, to do less or more.

Num 22:19 Now therefore, please wait also here this night, that I may know what Yahweh will speak to me more.

Num 22:20 God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, If the men have come to call you, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak to you, that you shall do.

Num 22:21 Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.

Num 22:22 God's anger was kindled because he went; and the angel of Yahweh placed himself in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.

Num 22:23 The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and the donkey turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the way.

Num 22:24 Then the angel of Yahweh stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.

Num 22:25 The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh, and she thrust herself to the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he struck her again.

Num 22:26 The angel of Yahweh went further, and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.

Num 22:27 The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh, and she lay down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff.

Num 22:28 Yahweh opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?

Num 22:29 Balaam said to the donkey, Because you have mocked me, I would there were a sword in my hand, for now I had killed you.

Num 22:30 The donkey said to Balaam, Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? was I ever wont to do so to you? and he said, No.

Num 22:31 Then Yahweh opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of Yahweh standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head, and fell on his face.

Num 22:32 The angel of Yahweh said to him, Why have you struck your donkey these three times? behold, I am come forth for an adversary, because your way is perverse before me:

Num 22:33 and the donkey saw me, and turned aside before me these three times: unless she had turned aside from me, surely now I had even slain you, and saved her alive.

Num 22:34 Balaam said to the angel of Yahweh, I have sinned; for I didn't know that you stood in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease you, I will get me back again.

Num 22:35 The angel of Yahweh said to Balaam, Go with the men; but only the word that I shall speak to you, that you shall speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

Num 22:36 When Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him to the City of Moab, which is on the border of the Arnon, which is in the utmost part of the border.

Num 22:37 Balak said to Balaam, Didn't I earnestly send to you to call you? why didn't you come to me? am I not able indeed to promote you to honor?

Num 22:38 Balaam said to Balak, Behold, I have come to you: have I now any power at all to speak anything? the word that God puts in my mouth, that shall I speak.

Num 22:39 Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath Huzoth.

Num 22:40 Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes who were with him.

Num 22:41 It happened in the morning, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal; and he saw from there the utmost part of the people. 

 

 Apr. 14, 15

Luke 9

Luk 9:1 He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.

Luk 9:2 He sent them forth to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Luk 9:3 He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey-neither staffs, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats apiece.

Luk 9:4 Into whatever house you enter, stay there, and depart from there.

Luk 9:5 As many as don't receive you, when you depart from that city, shake off even the dust from your feet for a testimony against them."

Luk 9:6 They departed, and went throughout the villages, preaching the Good News, and healing everywhere.

Luk 9:7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him; and he was very perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead,

Luk 9:8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again.

Luk 9:9 Herod said, "John I beheaded, but who is this, about whom I hear such things?" He sought to see him.

Luk 9:10 The apostles, when they had returned, told him what things they had done. He took them, and withdrew apart to a deserted place of a city called Bethsaida.

Luk 9:11 But the multitudes, perceiving it, followed him. He welcomed them, and spoke to them of the Kingdom of God, and he cured those who needed healing.

Luk 9:12 The day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said to him, "Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and farms, and lodge, and get food, for we are here in a deserted place."

Luk 9:13 But he said to them, "You give them something to eat." They said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we should go and buy food for all these people."

Luk 9:14 For they were about five thousand men. He said to his disciples, "Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each."

Luk 9:15 They did so, and made them all sit down.

Luk 9:16 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to the sky, he blessed them, and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude.

Luk 9:17 They ate, and were all filled. They gathered up twelve baskets of broken pieces that were left over.

Luk 9:18 It happened, as he was praying alone, that the disciples were with him, and he asked them, "Who do the multitudes say that I am?"

Luk 9:19 They answered, " 'John the Baptizer,' but others say, 'Elijah,' and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again."

Luk 9:20 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, "The Christ of God."

Luk 9:21 But he warned them, and commanded them to tell this to no one,

Luk 9:22 saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up."

Luk 9:23 He said to all, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

Luk 9:24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it.

Luk 9:25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self?

Luk 9:26 For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed, when he comes in his glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels.

Luk 9:27 But I tell you the truth: There are some of those who stand here, who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Kingdom of God."

Luk 9:28 It happened about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up onto the mountain to pray.

Luk 9:29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling.

Luk 9:30 Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah,

Luk 9:31 who appeared in glory, and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

Luk 9:32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men who stood with him.

Luk 9:33 It happened, as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let's make three tents: one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah," not knowing what he said.

Luk 9:34 While he said these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud.

Luk 9:35 A voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!"

Luk 9:36 When the voice came, Jesus was found alone. They were silent, and told no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.

Luk 9:37 It happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met him.

Luk 9:38 Behold, a man from the crowd called out, saying, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child.

Luk 9:39 Behold, a spirit takes him, he suddenly cries out, and it convulses him so that he foams, and it hardly departs from him, bruising him severely.

Luk 9:40 I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they couldn't."

Luk 9:41 Jesus answered, "Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here."

Luk 9:42 While he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him violently. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.

Luk 9:43 They were all astonished at the majesty of God. But while all were marveling at all the things which Jesus did, he said to his disciples,

Luk 9:44 "Let these words sink into your ears, for the Son of Man will be delivered up into the hands of men."

Luk 9:45 But they didn't understand this saying. It was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Luk 9:46 There arose an argument among them about which of them was the greatest.

Luk 9:47 Jesus, perceiving the reasoning of their hearts, took a little child, and set him by his side,

Luk 9:48 and said to them, "Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me. Whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For whoever is least among you all, this one will be great."

Luk 9:49 John answered, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he doesn't follow with us."

Luk 9:50 Jesus said to him, "Don't forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us."

Luk 9:51 It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem,

Luk 9:52 and sent messengers before his face. They went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, so as to prepare for him.

Luk 9:53 They didn't receive him, because he was traveling with his face set towards Jerusalem.

Luk 9:54 When his disciples, James and John, saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from the sky, and destroy them, just as Elijah did?"

Luk 9:55 But he turned and rebuked them, "You don't know of what kind of spirit you are.

Luk 9:56 For the Son of Man didn't come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." They went to another village.

Luk 9:57 As they went on the way, a certain man said to him, "I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord."

Luk 9:58 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

Luk 9:59 He said to another, "Follow me!" But he said, "Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father."

Luk 9:60 But Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce the Kingdom of God."

Luk 9:61 Another also said, "I want to follow you, Lord, but first allow me to bid farewell to those who are at my house."

Luk 9:62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God."