Bookends

 

     In the spring of this year (2024), I was contemplating reading through the Bible again. As the thought occurred to me, I was reminded of my friend who told me that he had read through the Bible more that 60 times. The very next day, I heard of his passing. This spurred me on to get started and I am now more that 1/4 the way through. I am disciplined to do a bit every day but am not hurrying. Once again I am discovering things that I seemed to have not read the last number of times I have done this. 

     Every so often, a truth will jump up and grab me, something I may have known or heard in the past, but suddenly a new appreciation or insight will make me sit up and take notice. This time, it is about "Where does God reside?"

     Encounters with God were numerous and varied throughout the Old Testament. God was in the 'burning bush' when He spoke to Moses. He was in the pillar of cloud and fire for the Israelites when they crossed the wilderness on their way to the promised land. He was on the mountain in the thunder when Moses was on Mt. Saini. Then He dwelt in the Tabernacle that the Israelites built to exacting standards. Later, Solomon built the temple where the worship of God took place in the 'Holy of Holies', guarded by a curtain or veil, and none but the most high priests were allowed in.  

     The account of Christ's crucifixion talks about this 'veil being torn'. This is in reference to the fact that access to God is no longer through the Temple and through the High Priests, but now there is access to God for all. God was let out, or, we were let in, when the veil was torn. Christ's dwelling place is now in the hearts of his believers, his church universal. 

     The Bible is a collection of 66 books, written by 40 authors, over a period of 1500 years and yet the unified message and theme is unmistakable. The entire narrative is sandwiched between two bookends. It is about God and his relationship with his ultimate creation, mankind. The bookend at the beginning of this collection of books is 'God with Adam and Eve, in the cool of the day', communing without any encumbrances. Then, sin entered the picture and the sweet personal relationship with their creator was broken. The way back to that relationship is through Jesus and his death on the cross and his resurrection which paid the debt for sin and conquered death. The relationship is restored for those who believe, but it gets better. The bookend at the end of the Bible is this. Revelation 21: 3 "Now, the dwelling place of God is with men, and He will live with them"  In the beginning God dwelt with men, and in end God will dwell with men, but this time, it will be for forever.  Matching bookends to the greatest story ever told.  

      

History Channel's "The Bible"

 

There has been much fanfare over the series "The Bible" whose first episode aired on Sunday evening on the History Channel.

There are some inherent dangers in attempting such an ambitious project.

First, there is the audience's expectations. The scope of the Bible, its history, its characters, its stories, is really too large to try to capture in a ten hour series. (Actually with all the advertising, it is more realistically a six hour series.) If the audience expects to see everything contained in the pages of the Bible, they will be disappointed. Indeed, the entire story of Joseph and how the Israelites ended up in Egypt is not even given a mention.

 

Then there are the special effects. In today's movies, we expect the unbelievable to be depicted a most real fashion, something which is possible with the modern technology available. This series falls down in that regard. At least, so far.

 

Then there is interpretation and dramatic license. Staying true to the story is something Hollywood has never been able to do and this series is no exception. In fairness, the objective as stated by the producers, is to stay true to the spirit of the Bible. Again, this is open to interpretation. What I deem to be crucial to the fulfilment of that objective, may be deemed a trivial oversight by someone else.

For someone not familiar with the contents of the Bible, this series may be helpful, if no other reason that it may entice them to crack the pages of their own Bible.

 

I will continue to watch, but if the second episode does not do a better job of holding my attention, it will be my last. I am not used to watching TV, and I am reminded why I quit many years ago. I have zero patience for the proliferation of ads. Unfortunately, my biggest impression of episode one is that I could hardly sit through all the advertising. This does not bode well for my continued loyalty.   

Mission Accomplished

I feel like fireworks are in order. I almost always finish what I start, and I am most pleased that I have completed my "Read through the Bible and blog about it" project.

Reading almost always bring me enjoyment, education, enlightenment, and entertainment but reading the Bible from cover to cover has actually changed my thinking about certain things. I did have a number of questions I needed answered and I was looking for new insight for some tired old thinking of mine.

I have a new appreciation for God's story, for ancient history, and for the fact that man has not really changed since he was created.

 I have a bigger picture of who God is, what he requires of us, how he pursues us, and how he loves us.

I have new insight about our complacency, how we deceive ourselves, and how many of us have developed a customized and skewed view of our faith.

I have also acquired a desire to seek solutions in this book. The answers are there.

At times, this was an arduous task, but each time I finished a book, and thought about what I would write in the following post, I found myself really looking forward to getting into the next book.

I highly recommend this exercise for anyone of any faith. If the Bible is what it claims to be, the inspired word of God, why would anyone not want to read it? If, on the other hand, it is not the true word of God, I have just wasted a whole lot of my time.    

Revelation

If you are reading this to get some understanding about the Book of Revelation, look again. I can tell you this.

These words in Revelation, were given by God to John, to show "what must soon take place". Just as John found it difficult to write down what he saw, so we have trouble understanding all the symbolism and events that are described. We do get a glimpse of Heaven, the judgement, tribulations, the end of the world, and the destruction of Satan, his helpers, and all who reject Jesus Christ.

Impressions: The lavish descriptions are often horrific and always full of mystery. What does that mean? Who does that describe? Who is it that is suffering there? Will believers be spared some or all of the troubles that are ahead? Prophecy in the Bible has an excellent track record so we can be sure that what is told to John will come to pass. Several references are made to "being wise" when understanding these symbols. It is like a giant puzzle whose pieces are slowly revealing themselves as history unfolds, and we have to be discerning in figuring out where the pieces go and what the big picture looks like.

It is beyond me and there are probably as many interpretations as there are interpreters.

This movie will play out as it should and the plot will be incredible, but one thing I do know, and that is the ending, which is a happy ending for those that endure in faith that Jesus is their Lord and Saviour. 

Readability: 3 1/2 stars  

Jude

The church age began at Pentecost and will end with the return of Christ. This book is all about the great apostasy that will assault the church throughout its life, but especially in the latter days. In verse 3 Jude wanted to talk about our salvation, but ends up expounding on our contention for our faith, and the many false doctrines and false teachers that will lead many astray.

Impressions: This really is the challenge for us in our day, the ability to recognise false doctrine. This little book is very valuable for us in its warnings. The most effective way for false teaching to take hold is when the victims are unaware that the truth is being twisted, and that happens when we do not know the Word. Everything should be tested against the Word as it is the truth from God and it is God's truth.

Readability: 4 stars

2 & 3 John

These are very short books and I will combine them. Both are messages containing greetings and also warnings. There are again, ideas about Jesus' resurrection, being in spirit only, that are creeping into the church. There are also individuals who are not acting in love but being bullies and tyrants and John warns about not associating with people such as these.

Impressions: These early church problems were new to the believers, but as we see throughout history, they continually rear their heads to challenge Christians at all times and in all places. We are to be ever vigilant and train ourselves to recognise deception when we see it. This is achieved through knowing the Word of God.  

Readability: 4 stars

1 John

John is writing to believers who were being challenged with differing ideas of just who Jesus was. In his simple, straight forward, and basic language, John sets the record straight. He explains again who Jesus is and just how we know if we are abiding in him. There are tests to see if we are true believers and John lays them out straight.

Impressions: We know where we stand when we read John's writings in his gospel and also here. It does not leave one with an excuse of not being able to understand scripture. The main theme here is love, God's love, and our love for each other if we are true believers. Also, John has a unique perspective in that he walked with Jesus and had a close personal relationship with him in the flesh, and later, he had a close personal relationship with Jesus in the spirit. So, when he says that Jesus will be with us, he knows what he is talking about, and we should listen.   

Readability: 5 stars

2 Peter

It did not take long for apostasy to infiltrate the early church, and in this book the Apostle Peter is calling on Christians to grow strong in their faith so they could detect and combat the false teachings. He stresses the authenticity of God's word and the sure return of the  Lord Jesus. He challenges believers to add certain virtues to their every day living and thus become stronger in their faith and become better witnesses for the gospel.

Impressions: The strong warnings against false prophets is reminiscent of the Old Testament. This is something that has plagued true believers down through the ages and is with us today. There are always those who try to take advantage, or simply lead astray those who are not firmly grounded in the word of God. So, Peter's warnings were for the early church as well as for us today.

Readability: 4 stars

1 Peter

This is a letter from the Apostle Peter to the believers who had been dispersed throughout the ancient world and were under extreme persecution.  Peter, having been beaten, jailed, and threatened, knew what persecution was and knew how to endure without bitterness. He says to count it a privilege to suffer for the cause of Christ and that it is all for the furtherance of the gospel.

Impressions: Rejoicing in suffering takes on perspective when we realise how Christ suffered for us on the cross. We endure nothing compared to what he went through, willingly. Peter gives joyful encouragement when he reminds believers that Christ's soon return is the incentive for our hope and is what will ultimately give us endurance.

Readability: 4 stars

James

It is interesting that this book is probably the oldest in the New Testament, and written by James (the Just), Jesus' brother. James was not a believer until after the resurrection. This book is a parallel to the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7. It is a discourse on social justice and faith in action. There is a severe warning to the rich who horde their wealth and find security in it. And then there is encouragement to believers to be patient in suffering, praying and caring for one another,  and strengthening faith through fellowship.

Impressions: After so many warnings in Paul's writing about finding salvation in works and in keeping the law, here is a counter to that, but more a parallel. "Faith without works is dead" not because faith requires works, but because faith produces works. Our service to God arises out of our understanding of and gratitude for what Jesus has done for us, in completing our salvation apart from our own efforts. So the works we do are a result of, and a sign of, our faith.

Readability: 5 stars

 

Hebrews

This letter is not typical of Paul's writing so it is speculated that perhaps Luke wrote it. The late Dr. Martin, founder of the Christian Research Institute quipped that the Book of Hebrews was written by a Hebrew, to other Hebrews, telling the Hebrews to stop acting like Hebrews. Indeed, in order to avoid persecution, many of these new Christians were slipping back to the rights and rituals of Judaism. So, this letter is to encourage them to continue in the grace of Jesus Christ.

Impressions: The ceremonies and sacrifices of the Jews was all a foreshadowing, or a pointing to the coming Messiah. However, nothing can trump the real thing, Jesus. It all pales in comparison, even though the Jews hold the rituals and rites in such high esteem. This book is rich in foundational doctrine and is eloquently written as evidenced by the "Hall of Fame", a recalling of all the heroes of the faith who believed though they did not see. They are the 'cloud of witnesses' that urge us on to our goal, the completion of the race set before us.

Readability: 4 stars

 

Philemon

This is an interesting little letter to a Christina slave owner, Philemon, who had a slave, Onesimus. Onesimus robbed Philemon and then followed Paul to Rome where he became a Christian under Paul's preaching and mentoring. Paul is now asking Philemon to take back his old slave as a brother in the Lord.

Impressions: Early Christians did not attack slavery head on, but emphasised the brotherhood of believers and thus when a slave became a Christian, as did his master, a new relationship came about which did away with the slave/master relationship. Only after exposure to the light of the gospel could the institution of slavery die.

Readability: 4 stars

Titus

Similar to his letters to Timothy, Paul writes a pastoral letter to Titus with words of encouragement. Titus was left in Crete to lead the church there that Paul established on one of his missionary journeys. Again, as in Timothy, there are instruction as to the qualifications of leaders in the church. There is also an interesting warning about the reputation of those living on the Island of Crete.

Impressions: Paul refers several times to the 'circumcision party', Jews who were adamant about emphasizing works to earn salvation. He warns Titus, as he did Timothy, to ignore these people and their teachings. Paul says "Their mouths must be stopped." The Old Testament was really ingrained in these people and they just could not get over the idea that the old rituals were no longer necessary.

Readability: 4 stars

2 Timothy

Apparently, Paul is yet again imprisoned in Rome and this second letter to his beloved Timothy is essentially his last words. Paul was feeling lonely and abandoned and likely knew his end was at hand. But, he looks past his own circumstances and encourages Timothy.

Impressions: Paul is concerned for both the church and for Timothy, that they remain morally and doctrinally pure. There are many issues and false teachers that tug at the searching heart and we must remain true to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Christain does that by being grounded in the knowledge of God's word and firm in our refusal to accept anything that is unbiblical.  

Readability: 4 stars

1 Timothy

Paul is writing this letter to Timothy to encourage him and to instruct in certain ways of organizing and administering the church. Paul and Timothy have a close relationship, almost like father and son and the letter is full of encouragement to Timothy to stand firm in the faith. There is lots of instruction here on how to treat widows and how to discern pastors and deacons.

Impressions: This book is not just for church administrators, but all believers who must continually guard against false teachers and straying from the faith.

Readability: 4 stars

1 Thessalonians

This letter is written by Paul to the church in Thessalonica addressing a misunderstanding regarding the return of Christ. He starts off by saying how much he misses them and explains why he cannot come and see them. He also prays for them and then instructs them on how to live a holy life. He then explains how the "dead in Christ will rise first".

Impressions: Paul explains how the prophets of old were persecuted for the sake of the truth just as they were now, and would be in the future. Paul's letters often encourage the churches to keep the faith and rejoice in persecution as it is all in a day's work in furthering the gospel. The hope that Christians have is that all believers, living and dead, will reunite when Christ returns and will be together with Him.

Readability: 4 stars

2 Thessalonians

Paul once again greets the church in Thessalonica and encourages them (they were being badly persecuted) and has to go into more detail about the end times. Apparently they thought it had already come and so they had stopped with their work. Then there is instruction to stay away from idle men who do not live by the gospel.

Impressions: His teaching on the end times confirms the Old Testament prophets, basing much of what he says on the prophet of Daniel and his vision. There is much information here on the return of the Lord, as well as some great examples of praying for others. And, of course, this is where my own father got his rant from, "if you don't work, you can't eat". Being one who likes to eat, I have tried to follow this Biblical mandate.  

Readability: 4 stars

Collossians

Paul seems to be wrting this letter to counter some kind of heresy that was entering the church, something about denying Christ's full humanity and full deity. Paul also emphasises the sufficiency of Christ. Because the idea of salvation apart from the old law was so new at that time, there were those that kept adding legal requirements such as circumcission.  But, Paul points out that the ceremonial rituals of the old covenant are no longer required.

Impressions: This book is a mini ethics course addressing many areas of Christain life .... home and family, work, and the way we should treat others.

Collosians 2:8 "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."

Readability: 3 1/2 stars

Philippians

Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome. He seems to have a soft spot for this church as there is little in the way of doctrinal correction, but he thanks them for a gift of money sent to him by way of Epaphroditus. It is by now an established church as he first visited this place on his second missionary journey and now he addresses "bishops and deacons". Paul also encourages them to speak more boldly and without fear, as he has done.

Impressions: Paul's joy comes through in this letter. He has been through a lot of rough treatment, and is writing from prison, and yet he can rejoice. There is a very telling remark right at the end of the last chapter. He sends greetings from various people, and then includes in that list "those that belong to Caesar's household"! He has apparently been preaching to those closest to Caesar, and with some success. What a trooper!

Readability: 4 stars

Ephesians

 

Paul's letter to the Ephesians affirms and equips a maturing church.

Ephesians 2:8-10: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

I think what Paul is saying here is that our position in Christ is clear and once he establishes what that is, the goal is to stop waffling every time we hear a new teaching or a doctrine outside of that which Paul proclaims, emphasizing that his instruction is under the inspiration of God's Spirit.

Impressions: Doctrine is important, and, moreover, correct doctrine is important in order to get the practical aspects of our faith in right standing.

Readability: 4 stars