Tag Archives: christianity

Three Wise Men? Maybe.

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It never fails to amaze me how people insist on there being three wise men who visited Jesus on the night of his birth. It shows how tradition can be so misleading.

The biblical narrative of Jesus’s birth reveals nuanced details often misunderstood in popular depictions. Scripture clearly indicates that shepherds were the first to visit the newborn Jesus on the night of his birth, while the wise men arrived later at a house, not the stable. Though traditional nativity scenes frequently portray three wise men, the Gospel of Matthew does not specify their exact number. The actual count could have been two, three, or potentially even twenty travelers who journeyed to pay homage to the child.

Biblical scholars and nativity scene artists often depict an inaccurate representation of the wise men’s visit to Jesus. According to scriptural accounts, the magi did not arrive at the stable where Jesus was born, but rather visited him later in a house, when he was likely a young child. Please read it yourself. Don’t take my word for it.

If we go by the Scripture, which we should, the wise men might have visited as much as two years after Jesus’ birth and likely at least a month later. It may have taken a month or more to move from the manger to a house. Moreover, Matthew calls Jesus a child, not a baby.

Many scholars suggest the visit occurred when Jesus was around one to two years old, based on King Herod’s decree to kill male children under two. While the exact age remains uncertain, it seems most likely that Jesus was slightly older than a toddler. Matthew’s gospel implies he was no longer an infant, as the term “baby” was not used to describe him at this point.

Periodically, I find myself compelled to address this topic, recognizing that not everyone is fully informed. Though some may question its significance, I believe the matter is crucial. Subtle misquotations can be particularly misleading, as even a slight distortion of context or a few misplaced words can fundamentally alter understanding. I’ve often contemplated whether the narrative of the wise men truly belongs within the traditional Christmas narrative, given the potential for misinterpretation.

Something New

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At 78 years old, I’ve been a devoted Christian since my early teens. Despite decades of church attendance, I continue to be humbled by new revelations. Surprisingly, I still encounter profound insights that are remarkably simple—revelations I should have grasped long ago, yet they continue to surprise and enlighten me.

Despite owning multiple Bibles throughout my life, the core text has remained remarkably consistent. I’ve read three different versions completely, cycling through them eight times in total. One might assume such extensive reading would render the scripture entirely familiar. Yet, surprisingly, just hours ago, I discovered a fresh theological insight that had previously escaped my understanding.

Even more surprising, it is based on a parable I must have heard a hundred times. Okay, let’s say ninety-nine. Actually, that too is an exaggeration. Nonetheless, I am so familiar with it that I can almost quote it from memory.

Nestled within Matthew 20:1-16, this compelling parable offers profound insights into divine generosity and fairness. The narrative centers on a vineyard owner who hires laborers throughout the day, yet remarkably compensates each worker equally with a full day’s wage of one denarius, regardless of the hours worked. This powerful story invites readers to explore deeper themes of grace, equity, and unexpected compassion beyond conventional economic expectations. I would hope you would read the parable, especially if you are not familiar with it. I must admit, I was among those that was confused by the parable the first dozen times I heard and read it. It does seem a bit unfair. However, Jesus does not promise us fairness. If he treated us fairly, we would all end up in Hell. What he offers is mercy for those willing to accept his forgiveness.

Now, let me digress to some of my own experience before explaining my recent revelation. When I went into the Marines, the most common advice I got from veterans was, “Keep your nose clean and do as you’re told, and the stripes will come along on their own.”

Though I thought little of it at the time, I did find it to be true. In spite of mistakes I made along the way, I did sew on my my sergeant strips before the end of my first four years. Also, I found it also worked well in the civilian world as well.

Throughout my career, several personal choices set me apart from my colleagues. My abstinence from alcohol meant I rarely attended social gatherings where drinks were served. I maintained a principled stance against contributing to United Way and I never had an interest in golf. I’ll let you determine which of these choices was most significant, but I am sure sure golfing would have had real advantages.

Now, have you ever pondered the divine principles of advancement? Until recently, such a contemplation had never crossed my mind. It never seemed that important.

I recognize my inherent limitations in measuring up to divine standards. What criteria does God use when selecting and determining an individual’s purpose and path?

It almost seems that Jesus chose his disciples randomly. If you stop and ponder it for a moment, you know that isn’t true. He knew each of the disciples before forming the earth, and He knew exactly where to locate each one.

In the realm of leadership, the vineyard owner faces the critical task of selecting and empowering capable leaders. Unlike human leaders, God possesses an unparalleled advantage, with omniscient insight into the potential and limitations of those He chooses. His divine perspective allows Him to anticipate success and failure with absolute certainty, rendering human attempts to impress or surprise Him through leadership prowess ultimately futile. This supreme understanding ensures that no individual can exceed or fall short of His expectations.

And here it is, folks. Playing golf or rubbing shoulders will get you nothing in God’s kingdom. He will place everyone where he wants them. In the end, they will accomplish exactly what God expects from them. He will always know the best person for the job. There will be absolutely no room for pride or boasting.

Will there be rewards. I think so but I can’t say for sure. It’s just one of those things I can’t figure out. One day, soon, I’ll know.

The important thing is, God will be there. Without God, there is no life, there is no light, there is no love. And when it is forever, there is no hope.

The Great Pretenders

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The haunting melody of “The Great Pretender” by The Platters resonates deeply with my personal journey. This timeless song has become an anthem that mirrors my own experiences of masking inner turmoil. When life dealt me a devastating blow, I perfected the art of wearing a facade, skillfully concealing the profound pain that churned beneath my composed exterior. No one could glimpse the emotional storm raging within me, as I maintained an impenetrable mask of normalcy and strength.

Most people, if they’re honest, experience a period of putting on a facade. In fact, I’d argue that this is universal. Feel free to challenge my perspective, but I remain skeptical of anyone claiming complete authenticity from the start. We all wear masks at some point, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.

The captivating television series “The Pretender” featured a protagonist with extraordinary intellectual capabilities, enabling him to seamlessly adopt diverse professional identities. In a memorable scene, when questioned about his medical expertise, the main character confidently responded, “I am today,” highlighting his remarkable ability to adapt and excel in any role. Throughout the episode, he skillfully navigated both medical challenges and complex social criminal investigations, ultimately helping a young patient while unraveling a deeper mystery.

To be sure, there are real professional pretenders. Years ago, they told us the greatest danger facing man was global climate change. They pretended to be great experts on the subject.

The silence surrounding the previous climate discussions is puzzling. Have the critical issues truly dissipated, or have they simply been swept under the rug? What unprecedented meteorological phenomenon emerged that warranted such abrupt dismissal? More importantly, why has the discourse fallen silent? Did the purported meteorological authorities conveniently shift their focus, abandoning this critical narrative without substantive explanation? This, of course, while pretending great knowing on who knows what else.

I’m Afraid That Age & Reality is Catching up With Me

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It’s getting more difficult for me to think of the words I want to say. Sometimes it forces me to abandon the way I want to say things. I am now 78 and even with the help of the computer, I am afraid it is getting time for me cease writing posts.

My guess is that there are those that will be glad to hear it. I am not sure exactly when I will write my last message to my readers, but I can’t imagine it will be much more than a month. Much more than that, it will likely be mandatory. It is taking me longer each time I sit down to write something.

Well, at least, for what it is worth, I did last long enough to help get another old man into the Oval Office. I likely didn’t help him that much, but I like to think I was contributing much more than I did. I also like to think I didn’t hurt the effort.

If nothing else, I would like to leave any atheist with this challenge, assuming they all have the courage. It is what I call the three prayer challenge. Three times, once a day, pray this prayer. “If you are real, God, tell me.” Of course, if the atheist is right, they have nought to fear. On the other hand, if he or she does get a reply, it just might change your life forever. That, for sure is why it takes real courage to participate in the challenge. If you receive a reply, then you will need to make a decision. Regardless of what decision you make, your atheist days will be over, which is why it is a real challenge.

I say this so that you take this challenge now, before you become to old, you know, like me. I have already made my decision. However, you really want to make sure you take the challenge before age and reality catch up with you. You don’t want to wait until you are too old to make the decision.

Don’t tell me, you don’t have the time, 2 seconds a day. I think it is the fear, not time, which stands in the way. And if you get an answer, that means there is a God. It becomes indisputable. My best guess, you won’t do it. You are afraid you will get an answer.

Well, as you read this, you can already see, I am sure that I am beginning to ramble a little. Still, you get the idea.

Casting Pearls Before Swine

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Although most of the American populace do not consider themselves Christian, most recognize the the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. The entire verse is “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you,” Matthew 7:6

I haven’t a clue why the words came to mind. To be sure, God could have reminded me of it. On the other hand, I just might have thought of it on my own. Regardless which way it was, God did know, even before my birth that I was going to think of it. To some degree, He just might want me to write about it. I am not saying he wants me to. However, apparently, He is going to allow me to express my thoughts on the subject.

Even if He has not told me to do it, I apparently have His permission, that is, if this gets published. He can do things like that you know. He can speak by giving me the words and He can speak by keeping me from writing the words. It is in His power.

Even so, and here is the strange part, He still gives me the choice of if I want or don’t want to write on it.

That is a sort of ultra short sermon on the theology of free will and predestination. Enough to confuse the most learned theologian, with a doctor’s degree.

At any rate, as I said, I was thinking about the verse. As in many cases, I believe that He is using His words of instruction for a multipurpose. The one most look at, the obvious one is that we should not speak His word before those who will likely treat is lightly, or worse, as if it is false.

This does prompt the question, if the guy is bad, should we never preach the word to him?

I don’t think that was the idea at all. To understand, we must look at the second meaning. To understand the second meaning, we must understand the way they looked at dogs and pigs. At that time, in that society, dogs and pigs were the worst unclean animals.

I suspect, He was talking of the pigs and dogs as much as the pearls. The pearls are highly prized. The dogs and pigs were good for nothings; bottom of the heap. It was His method of representing the worst of the worst of the human race. That is the bottom of the heap of humanity.

Now, let’s take a close look at the verse before, 7:5 which was about people who are judgmental. My guess, but do you suppose that when He is talking about the bottom of the heap, he just might be talking about those who were judgmental. Many times, Jesus spoke of two types of people, those who were sinners who sought salvation and healing, spiritually as well as physically. The others were those who were too good to need salvation. You see, the Pharisees were convinced that they didn’t need salvation. They were, by their standards without sin.

You see, he was targeting those who were “too good” to need salvation. It was they that were He was comparing with the dogs and the pigs.

To be sure, the most difficult people to lead to salvation are those who are too good to need it. Also, they are the ones who really need it the most. By Jesus’s own words, they are the dogs and the pigs. Moreover, he has warned us that if we should take care. If we try to speak the Good News to them, they just might turn on us and “rend” us, that is to say, destroy those trying to bring the Word to them.

You see, many of them have been vaccinated. They have received the vaccine of the false prophets so that they are now immune to the real word of God.

Righteous Judgement

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Knowing all I have done, all that I’ve said, and all that I’ve thought, the thought makes me shudder to think I would have to pay for it all. There are, believe it or not, some who would have more to pay for than I.

Apart from Jesus, I would have to face justice for all of it. Well, I am not alone. At some point, we all would have to face the justice of the Holy God.

Without Jesus, God would look at all we have done and all we have failed to do and pronounce judgment upon us. He would look on us and cast us all into hell. For some, the judgment would be a little less harsh. For others, a little more.

You see, God is perfectly just. When He finishes putting it all on the figurative scales of justice, everything must balance. It can’t be out in the slightest one way or the other. There is a word that would then represent our situation. That word is lost.

However, Jesus provided a way for us to avoid having to face that judgment. He has agreed to take on all that judgment, every bit of it for every person. Only He has the power to do that. If we pay any of the price, we must pay it all. If we ask Jesus to pay the price for it, he has willingly already on the cross.

However, you must ask him to save you. You must accept the gift of his salvation. You must agree to let him pay for every bit of it. You do not have the power to help even a little in your salvation.

That… is how it works, all or nothing. You must rely totally on faith in Him, or you are not satisfying His condition. Since He is paying the price for us, it only stands to reason that He can set the rules.

There is something of an unusual result from this. It mostly makes it impossible for us to tell if someone else is going to heaven. We do get a few hints. The Bible does seem to make it clear that some are eternally in punishment, such as Judas Iscariot, although it is also clear that even he could have been saved had he repented and believed. Among all those who ever walked the earth, his punishment is likely among the worst of all, as he was directly under the teachings of Jesus for three years.

It does make me wonder how such a thing can happen. It also illustrates that we all have the freedom of choice. Jesus never made anyone accept or reject Him.

Which brings me to another point. Everyone makes their decision for themselves. God has told us of His preference. He wants us all to be saved. However, He has decided to leave the decision in our hands.

So, when those of us going to heaven arrive there, we will be surprised in two ways. Some people whom we figure will be a shoo-in, won’t be there. Some whom we figure would never make it there, will be there.

The fact is, it’s not how good we are but whether we have put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone. I suspect many who consider themselves clergy may not make it. Anyone who teaches and believes that salvation must be earned, we can pretty much assume they won’t be there, regardless of what church they belong to.

It’s not that I am pronouncing judgment; he’s admitting to me that he believes a lie and refuses to accept the word in the Bible.

Still, I’m not going to judge them. God will do that. As I say, God will settle it all in the end.

How-some-ever, if you hear anyone try to tell you that you need to do anything more than accept Jesus as your savior for salvation, do not listen to anything they say. Well, you can believe the time they tell you, but you might want to be suspicious of that.

Can You Lose Eternal Life?

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It is a question that has been argued down through the centuries. Some say this. Some say that. As for me, I believe it can be answered with one simple question and again reinforced with a second.

If you are in danger of losing your eternal life, then was it ever truly eternal life? If you lose eternal life, can you again regain it? If so, how many times can this be repeated?

In my book, eternal life is eternal, by definition. Those who don’t have eternal life, never had it.

Eternal life is a gift given to us by God. By definition, gifts are not earned but can only be received. If you work for a gift, then what you get, cannot be a gift but a reward.

More important, earning eternal life is not in our power. To say that it is, is an attempt to negate the need for the gift. With his death and resurrection, he has paid for our eternal life. How can anyone add to that? Why would anyone turn down such a valuable gift.

Yet, people try to earn salvation. Every day, people turn their backs on the gift. So instead of the gift of eternal life, they receive the punishment of eternal death.

Then & Now

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I was listening to a preacher one time. By the way, it is a good idea to listen to good spirit filled preachers. It is possible to learn things; things that can really help you.

At any rate, he was explaining the reason reason the Romans rejected Christianity. His explanation did make sense. I also suspect, with his education, he knew what he was talking about.

At any rate, you ever notice the Romans had no problems accepting the Greek gods. To them, the way they figured it, the more the merrier. I’m not sure anyone knows how many gods the Romans had. They had one for this and the one for that. If a person wanted to add a god, no problem. You could add your own god and your own religion and no one would complain.

The difference with Christianity was John 14: 6: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me.” It is a quote by Jesus Himself.

You see that made Christianity different and exclusive. If a person believed in Christianity, he could no longer believe in his gods. Well, in a way, I suppose he might but for one thing. If he tries to believe in both, the above statement by Jesus requires the denouncing of all other gods or he does not believe not believe Jesus.

The Romans didn’t like that. I mean everyone was getting along really well and then Jesus comes along and tells us that if you are going to accept Jesus as your savior, you must deny all the rest.

Believe it or not, some people actually had investments in the other gods. They sold idols and I am sure that they took offerings to them. Moreover, they had their customs, some of which encouraged some very horrible rituals. Strange as it may seem, some actually offered their children as sacrifices.

So it was, if a person was to become a Christian, they had to give that all up. Moreover, those that did not accept Christianity were looked on by the Christians as godless and lost. They were always going around seeking people to convert to this new faith. It was bothersome, you see. One minute you are carrying this nice conversation with an acquaintance and then, of all things, they were talking about you being a sinner and being in danger of hell forever.

That is basically what the preacher said, though I did add a little. You can imagine how this irritated the Romans. Think about it. Sort of the way that Christian neighbor keeps trying to get you to accept Jesus as your savior. I mean, it is a bummer trying to come up with all these excuses as to why you just can’t go to church with him.

The way it was back then, is sort of the way it is now. It’s sort of why people don’t like us Christians acting like Christians.

There is one more thing that is the same. Those that die without Jesus as their savior, will spend eternity in hell. It is kind of why we Christians become so bothersome. We are only trying to provide you with some very important information. It just might save you.

One more thing that is the same now as then. Jesus is the only way to salvation. It is perfectly exclusive and there is no other way. If your faith is in another religion of any kind, it will do you no good. You call yourself Catholic or Baptist, it won’t help you. You must accept Jesus as your savior.

The tragedy is that there will be many “good men” who don’t make it to heaven. Being good does not help you at all. No one, but no one is good enough to go to heaven. If we could be good enough, Jesus would not have needed to go to the Cross. If you say you are good enough you don’t need salvation, you are calling Jesus a liar. That in itself will be enough to send you to hell.

What’s in a Name?

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I happened to land on station where a Church of Christ preacher was trying to convince us that The Church of Christ is the only true church. He said it is only logical as it is named The Church of Christ. Better for him to teach about Jesus and salvation than to take such pride in his church. I mean, he has the attention of people for 15 to 20 minutes. Is it more important to speak on the Church of Christ or about Christ and salvation in that short time.

I listened to him for a while. I found it rather interesting the mental gymnastics he was going through to prove his point. The thing is, it had no standings. There is nowhere in the Bible that says that only the church named, Church of Christ is the real church. On the contrary. In the one place where people were trying to do anything like that, Paul scolded them. He said that some were saying that they they only believed Jesus, and some only Peter. (I Cor. 1:12…)

The only real important thing was what they taught. If they taught the word of God accurately, then they were part of the church of Christ. For years, the Catholics tried to claim they were the only Church. Today, there are still some that believe it. The hitch is that many of the things they teach are not biblical.

The way I judge a Church is very simple. If they teach the word of God accurately; if the church, especially the leadership practices what they preach, then I will give that church at least part of my approval. However, to give it my full approval, I have to see evidence that the Holy Spirit is moving in the church. If the Spirit of God approves of the church, who am I to say any different.

How do I know if the Holy Spirit is moving in the Church? It’s easy. If you have seen the Holy Spirit move in a church, you’d never again ask that question.

How-some-ever, here are some hints. The Holy Spirit always points to Jesus. It is part of his mission. If the preacher tries to claim the glory, he is not working under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If he says, his church is the only church, it is time to get highly suspicious. I believe there are likely 4 or 5 major denominations are valid representatives of God, though there may be more.

I am Southern Baptist. However, I have listened to several Presbyterian preachers that I respect very much. I have heard some non-denominational preachers too that I believe teach the word accurately. I have heard a few, not many, Lutheran preachers who knew of what they spoke. And, yes I have heard a few Church of Christ preachers who I respected. Strange as it may seem, I have even heard a few Catholic preachers who seemed to have it right.

The thing this. We really need to be careful about who we say are not of Jesus Christ. If the church is teaching good sound doctrine and the Holy Spirit is on them, maybe we should just hold our tongue.

If they are teaching unbiblical doctrine, yeah, then it is open season on them. However, take care. Before you open your mouth, open the Bible and make sure of your position.

Finally, one more thing. I have noticed that preachers of different faiths do have discussions with each other from time to time. This, believe it or not, without throwing bookends at each other. The good thing about that, each preacher will go away better for it. They will both understand the Bible better after when their ideology is challenged.

Two Flags?

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I have said more than once, a person is really only has an allegiance to one flag. That creep that used that car as a weapon in New Orleans had an allegiance to one flag and what it represented. For some reason he decided to act on that allegiance at that time in that place.

My best guess is, someone gave him the order and he obeyed. My best guess is that there are a lot more men in this country who owe their allegiance to other flags, to other countries. It’s time to brace ourselves. My best guess is there will be more… for which we can thank Old Joe. He invited them in by the thousands. My best guess is that that character that set that bomb in Los Vegas got his marching orders too. My best guess is that his allegiance is to some other country too. Old Joe made the decision. We will be the ones to pay the price.