We have come to tell you the Good News. It was to our ancestors that God made the promise but it is to us, their children, [ Var. 'for our children'.] that he has fulfilled it, by raising Jesus from the dead. As Sacred Scripture says in the first psalm: [ 'first psalm' Western reading (following the ancient custom of reading Psalms 1 and 2 as one); var. 'second psalm'.] You are my son: today I have become your father. [ By his resurrection Christ was enthroned as Messiah, and from then on his human nature enjoyed all the privileges of the Son of God. Cf. Rom. 1:4+.] The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to return to corruption, is no more than what he had declared:

To you I shall give the sure and holy things promised to David. [ The quotation from Isaiah introduces the reference to Psalms 16 (the 'holy things promised to - lit. 'of' - David' are explained as the assurance to David in Psalms 16 that 'the holy one of God' would not experience corruption).] This is explained by another text: You will not allow your holy one to experience corruption. Now when David in his own time had served God's purposes he died; he was buried with his ancestors and has certainly experienced corruption. The one whom God has raised up, however, has not experienced corruption. 

My brothers, I want you to realise that it is through him that forgiveness of your sins is proclaimed. Through him justification from all sins which the Law of Moses was unable to justify is offered to every believer.

'So be careful - or what the prophets say will happen to you.

                          Cast your eyes around you, mockers;
                          be amazed, and perish!
                          For I am doing something in your own days
                          that you would not believe if you were to be told of it.' [ The disbelief and rejection of the Jews (cf. Matt. 21:33+; 22:1+) are a favourite theme of Luke, cf. Acts 13:5+; he uses it again as a conclusion to Acts 28:26-27.]

As they left they were asked to [ Var. 'When they left they felt it appropriate to'.] preach on the same theme the following Sabbath. When the meeting broke up many Jews and devout converts [ 'converts' or 'proselytes', here in the wide sense, is equivalent to 'those who feared God' or 'those who worshipped God', cf. 10:2+.] joined Paul and Barnabas, [ Add. 'considering it fitting to accept baptism'.] and in their talks with them Paul and Barnabas urged them to remain faithful to the grace God had given them. [ Add. West. 'And in this way the word of God spread through the whole town'.] - Acts 13:32-43 -

Paul and Barnabas preach to the pagans

The next Sabbath almost the whole town assembled to hear the word of God. [ Var. 'the word of the Lord', or '(to hear) Paul who spoke for a long time about the Lord'.] When they saw the crowds, the Jews, prompted by jealousy, used blasphemies and contradicted everything Paul said. Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly. [ The 'courage' and 'confidence' of the apostles has been already stressed, 4:13, 29, 31; Luke repeatedly attributes these qualities to Paul, 9:27-28; 14:3; 19:8; 26:26; 28:31, and Paul himself lays emphasis on them, 1 Thess. 2:2; 2 Cor. 3:12; 7:4; Phill. 1:20; Eph. 3:12; 6:19-20.] 'We had to proclaim the word of God to you first, but since you have rejected it, since you do not think yourselves worthy of eternal life, we must turn to the pagans. For this what the Lord commanded us to do when he said:

                                            I have made you a light for the nations,
                                            so that my salvation may reach the ends of the earth.' 

[ LXX text quoted freely. The words may be taken either as referring to Paul himself (cf. 26:17-18), apostle and teacher of the pagans (cf. Rom. 11:13; 1 Tim. 2:7; Eph. 3:8, etc.) or to the risen Christ (see Acts 26:23 which also, it seems, is based on Isaiah 49:6; and see Luke 2:32, dependent on Isaiah 49:6,9). Christ is the light of the pagans, but since only the apostles' witness can spread this light, cf. Acts 1:8+, Paul considers this prophecy as a command that he must carry out.] 

It made the pagans very happy to hear this and they thanked the Lord for his message; [ Var. 'the word of God'.] all who were destined for eternal life became believers. [ 'eternal life' cf. v. 46, that is, the life of the world to come, cf. 3:15+; only those achieve it whose names are 'written in heaven', Luke 10:20, in 'the Book of Life'. Phil. 4:3; Rev. 20:12+. 'Destined for the life of the world to come' was a common rabbinic expression. In Christian teaching the first prerequisite of this predestination to glory is faith in Christ. See John 10:26+; Rom. 8:28-30, and earlier in Acts 2:39.] Thus, the word of the Lord spread through the whole countryside.

But the Jews worked upon some of the devout women of the upper classes and the leading men of the city and persuaded them to turn against Paul and Barnabas and expel them from their territory, So they shook the dust from their feet in defiance and went off to Iconium; but the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. - Acts 13:44-52 -

Iconium evangelised

At Iconium they went to the Jewish synagogue, as they had at Antioch, [ Lit. 'At Iconium they went to the Jewish synagogue in the same way (or: together)'.] and they spoke so effectively that a great many Jews and Greeks became believers. [ V. 1 is continued in v. 3.]  Some of the Jews, however, refused to believe, and they poisoned the minds of the pagans against the brothers. [ Refusal to believe becomes in a short time active opposition, cf. 19:9; 28:24 and 9:23; 13:45-50; 17:5-8,13; 18:6,13.] 

Accordingly, Paul and Barnabas stayed on for same time, preaching fearlessly for the Lord; and the Lord supported all they said about his gift of grace, allowing signs and wonders to be performed by them.

The people in the city were divided, [ Continuation of v.2.] some supported the Jews, others the apostles, but eventually with the connivance of the authorities a move was made by pagans as well as Jews to make attacks on them and to stone them. When the apostles came to hear of this, they went off for safety to Lycaonia where, in the towns of Lystra and Derbe and in the surrounding country, [ Lystra, a Roman colony. Timothy's home town, cf. 16:1-2. The events of vv. 8-19 take place in Lystra; Paul is not in Derbe until v.20.] they preached the Good News. - Acts 14:1-7 -

Healing of a cripple

HOW? AND IN WHAT WAY, WHEN IT COME TO UNDERSTANDING MATTERS: WHAT I WAS ALWAYS BEING TOLD IS: THERE ARE WAYS AND PREFERENCES TO COMPREHEND ALL MATTERS, WHETHER IT IS OF SPIRITUALITY AND OF UNSPIRITUALITY.

FIRSTLY, IN A LITERALLY MANNER: THAT IS, USED FOR EMPHASIS OR TO EXPRESS STRONG FEELING WHILE NOT BEING LITERALLY TRUE.

SECONDLY, IN A HUMANLY MANNER: THAT IS, FROM A HUMAN POINT OF VIEW, IN A HUMANLY MANNER, BY HUMAN MEANS; WITHIN ABILITY; WITH HUMAN FEELING OR KINDNESS.

THIRDLY, IN A SPIRITUALLY MANNER: THAT IS, IN A WAY THAT RELATES TO OR AFFECTS THE HUMAN SPIRIT OR, SOUL AS OPPOSED TO MATERIAL OR PHYSICAL THINGS.

FINALLY, IN AN UNSPIRITUAL MANNER: THAT IS, NOT SPIRITUAL. BUT SECULAR AND WORLDLY.

WELCOME TO SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE READER'S COMMUNITY. - Wishing you, 'Happy Reading', and may God, the Father, the Son of the living God, Jesus Christ, fills your heart, mind, thoughts, and grants you: The Holy Spirit, that is, Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Counsel, Piety, Fortitude, and the fear of the Lord, and also His fruits of the Holy Spirit, that is, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Trustfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Amen! God blessing be upon you!

To you my friends I say: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after can do no more. I will tell you whom to fear: fear Him who after he has killed, has the power to cast into hell. - Luke 12:4-5 -

I shall not call you servants anymore,

because a servant does not know

his/her master's business;

I call you friends, 

because I have made known to you

everything I have learnt from my Father. - John 15:15 -

We are all aware who it was that said: Vengeance is mine; I will repay. And again: The Lord will judge his people. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. - Hebrews 10:31 -

'Fear God and praise Him because the time has come for Him to sit in judgement; worship the maker of heaven and earth and sea and every water-spring.' - Revelation 14:7 -
                                                

                                                      Page 49

Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless. 

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

III. THE MISSION OF BARNABAS AND PAUL - THE COUNCIL OF JERUSALEM -

The mission sent out

In the church at Antioch the following were prophets and teachers: [ On the 'prophets', see 11:27+. The charisma of the teacher, or didaskalos, was his ability to instruct others on matters of morality and doctrine, instruction usually based on the sacred scriptures. Cf. 1 Cor. 12:14+. The five prophets and teachers here named represent the governing body of the church of Antioch; cf. the list of the Twelve, Acts 1:13, and of the Seven, 6:5. Like the latter, the Antiochene Five are, it seems, hellenistic Jews.]

Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. One day while they were offering worship [ The use of the term for Christian prayer in common puts this on a level with the sacrificial worship of the Old Law, cf. Rom. 1:9+.] to the Lord and keeping a fast, the Holy Spirit said, 'I want Barnabas and Saul set apart for the work to which I have called them'. So it was that after fasting and prayer they laid their hands on them [ It seems, to judge by 14:26 (cf. 15:40), that by this act the community commends to God's grace the new missionaries chosen, v. 2, and sent, v. 4, by the Holy Spirit. The significance of the rite is not, therefore, exactly the same as that of 6:6 by which the Seven receive their commission from the apostles. Cf. 1 Tim. 4:14+.] and sent them off. - Acts 13:1-3 -

Cyprus: the magician Elymas

So these two, sent on their mission by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus. [ Barnabas' native country, 4:36.] They landed at Salamis and proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; [ Paul's regular policy, 17:2, is to approach the Jews first, cf. 13:14; 14:1; 16:13; 17:10,17; 18:4,19; 19:8; 28:17,23;, on the principle that the Jews have first claim, see 3:26; 13:46; Rom. 1:16; 2:9-10; Mark 7:27; only after their refusal does Paul turn to the pagans, cf. 13:46; 18:6; 28:28.] John acted as their assistant.

They travelled the whole length of the island, and at Paphos they came in contact with a Jewish magician called Bar-jesus. This false prophet was one of the attendants of the proconsul Sergius Paulus who was an extremely intelligent man. The proconsul summoned Barnabas and Saul and asked to hear the word of God, but Elymas Magos - as he was called in Greek - tried to stop them so as to prevent the proconsul's conversion to the faith. Then Saul, whose other name is Paul, [ The Jews, and the eastern peoples in general, adopted names familiar in the Graeco-Roman world: John took 'Mark', 12:12. Joseph-Barsabbas took 'Justus', 1:23, Simeon 'Niger', 13:1, Tabitha 'Dorcas', 9:36, etc. Luke has given Paul his Roman name for the first time and does not use 'Saul' again. He also gives prominence now to Paul who is no longer a subordinate of Barnabas but the real missionary leader, v. 13.] looked him full in the face and said, 'You utter fraud, you impostor, you son of the devil, you enemy of all true religion, why don't you stop twisting the straight forward ways of the Lord?

Now watch how the hand of the Lord will strike you: you will be blind, and for a time you will not see the sun.' That instant, everything went misty and dark for him, and he groped about to find someone to lead him by the hand. The proconsul, who had watched everything, became a believer, being astonished by what he had learnt about the Lord. - Acts 13:4-12 -

They arrive at Antioch in Pisidia

Paul and his friends went by sea from Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia where John left them to go back to Jerusalem. The others carried on from Perga till they reached Antioch in Pisidia. Here they went to synagogue on the Sabbath and took their seats. After the lessons from the Law and the Prophets had been read, the presidents of the synagogue sent them a message: 'Brothers, if you would like to address some words of encouragement [ That is, a sermon based upon the Sacred Scriptures, cf. Rom. 15:4. The synagogue custom mentioned here was followed also when Christians met for worship: the sermons were preached by the 'prophets' or teachers, cf. 1 Cor. 14:3, 31; 1 Tim. 4:13; Heb. 13:22; Acts 11:23; 14:22; 15:32; 16:40;20;1,2.] to the congregation, please do so' Paul stood up, held up a hand for silence and began to speak: - Acts 13:13-16 -

Paul's preaching before the Jews [ The great inaugural discourse of Paul which Luke offers as typical of the apostle's preaching to the Jews. It falls into two parts: vv. 16-25 are a summary of the history of salvation (cf. Stephen's sermon, chapter 7) with an appendix recalling John the Baptist's testimony: vv. 26-39 claim that Jesus who died and has risen is the expected Messiah (thus closely resembling Peter's discourses, though this discourse ends with a suggestion of the Pauline doctrine of justification by faith). The conclusion, vv. 40-41, is a grave warning taken from the Sacred Scriptures, cf. 28:26-27.]

'Men of Israel, and fearers of God, [ The two classes of listeners: Jews by birth and 'God-fearers', 10:2+.] listen! The God of our nation Israel [ Lit. 'the God of this people Israel'.] chose our ancestor, and made our people great when they were living as foreigners in Egypt; then by divine power he led them out, and for forty years took care of [ Var. 'upheld' (or: 'bore with').] them in the wilderness. When he had destroyed seven nations in Canaan, he put them in possession of their land for about four hundred and fifty years. [ Western (and Antiochene) Text 'For about four hundred and fifty years he gave them judges'. The text is obscure.]

After this he gave them judges, down to the prophet Samuel. Then they demanded a king, and God gave them Saul, son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin. [ Paul's own name, and he too was the tribe of Benjamin, Rom. 11:1; Phil. 3:5.] After forty years, he deposed him and made David their king, of whom he approved in these words, "I have selected David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will carry out my whole purpose". 

To keep his promise, God has raised up [ Or 'raised from the dead'. The Greek verb can mean either, and this ambivalence is exploited in the argument, as in 3:20-26; the 'promise' finds fulfillment in Christ's resurrection, vv. 32-33; see also 26:6-8; moreover, it is by his resurrection that Jesus is established as saviour, cf. 5:31; see also 2:21; 4:12; Rom. 5:9-10; Phil. 3:20, etc. Thus the verb which means 'raise up' in v. 22 equivocally means 'raise from the dead' from v. 30 onwards. In v. 23 it is transitional and ambiguous.] for Israel one of David's descendants, Jesus, as Saviour, whose coming was heralded by John when he proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the whole people of Israel. Before John the Baptist ended his career he said, "I am not the one [ Var. 'what'.] you imagine me to be; that one is coming after me and I am not fit to undo his sandal". - Acts 13:17-25 -

My brothers, sons of Abraham's race, and all you who fear God, this message of salvation is meant for you. [ Var. 'for us'.] What the people of Jerusalem and their rulers did, though they did not realise it, was in fact to fulfil the prophecies read on every Sabbath. [ Following Western Text. Current text 'For those who live in Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognise him or (understand) the prophecies read on every Sabbath: but they fulfilled the prophecies by condemning him'.] Though they found nothing to justify his death, [ A recurring element of the Christian plea: the innocence and unjust condemnation of Jesus, cf. 3:13-14; Luke 23:16, 22, 47; Matt. 27:3-10, 19, 23-24.] they condemned him and asked Pilate to have him executed. [ 'asked Pilate to have him executed', alternatively (the textual witnesses vary) 'that (he) should be executed'; or 'that (they might) execute him'. Var. 'handed him over to Pilate that he might be executed'.]

When they had carried out everything that Sacred Scripture foretells about him they took him down from the tree and buried him in a tomb. [ Western Text'... foretells about him, after he had been crucified they asked Pilate for permission to take him down from the tree, and when they received it they took him down and buried him in a tomb'.] God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had accompanied him from Galilee to Jerusalem: and it is these same companions of his who are now his witnesses before our people.

We have come to tell you the Good News.......

WELCOME TO SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE READER'S COMMUNITY. - Wishing you, 'Happy Reading', and may God, the Father, the Son of the living God, Jesus Christ, fills your heart, mind, thoughts, and grants you: The Holy Spirit, that is, Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Counsel, Piety, Fortitude, and the fear of the Lord, and also His fruits of the Holy Spirit, that is, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Trustfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Amen! God blessing be upon you!

THEOLOGY? ISN'T THAT THE STUDY OF RELIGION? SO, WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH ME? ISN'T IT CONCERN PRIESTS, THEOLOGIANS AND THE VATICAN?

THEOLOGY HAS LITTLE TO DO WITH ME, HASN'T IT?

Most of us think that theology is the concern of specialists, an academic subject that has little to do with lay person. Yet, the Christian theology that we accept today has its roots in the faith experiences of the Hebrews' search for God, their reflection on those experiences and their response to Him.

As Rev. Fr. Michael Amaladoss SJ, the Assistant to Father General Peter-Hans Kolvenbach SJ, responsible for Dialogue and Ecumenism (May 1992-...) puts it, "Faith looks, not only backward to God's saving and powerful presence in history, but also to the future that God invites us to create in the power of the Word and of the Spirit. Theology is therefore not an abstract philosophical elaboration of eternal verities reserved to a few expert professionals. It is a discerning search for God in the here and now of history that is the concern of everyone".

In this sense, theology must be the concern of every Christian and more so of every Christian in Malaysia.

It is the recognition of the Malaysian situation, specifically that of Saint Francis Xavier's Church (Petaling Jaya, Selangor.), that has prompted the central argument in Theology of Shoes-off, an initial effort on the part of Rev. Fr. Joseph (Jojo) Fung SJ to identify the elements that could form our very own Malaysian Theology.

Rev. Fr. Amaladoss SJ has this to say about Theology of Shoes-off. The flowering of local theology is a sign of the rootedness and maturity of a particular Church. So I am glad to welcome and introduce this pioneering effort by Rev. Fr. Joseph (Jojo) Fung SJ to develop a Malaysian theology of "Shoes-off".


BY REV. FR. JOSEPH  MATTHEW  FUNG  JEE  VUI  ( JOJO ) SJ, was the Parish Priest of SFX Church (Petaling Jaya, Selangor.) from 1988 to 1992.

The Lord Jesus Christ, promised to us that our mission on this earth is really and utmost important for our own salvation.

"I tell you solemnly, there is no one who has left house, wife, brothers, parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not be given repayment many times over in this present time, in the world to come, Eternal Life." - Luke 18:28-30 -

                                                              Page 48

Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless. 

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

WELCOME TO SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE READER'S COMMUNITY. - Wishing you, 'Happy Reading', and may God, the Father, the Son of the living God, Jesus Christ, fills your heart, mind, thoughts, and grants you: The Holy Spirit, that is, Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Counsel, Piety, Fortitude, and the fear of the Lord, and also His fruits of the Holy Spirit, that is, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Trustfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Amen! God blessing be upon you!

"NOW YOU TOGETHER ARE CHRIST'S BODY; BUT EACH OF YOU IS A DIFFERENT PART OF IT. IN THE CHURCH, GOD HAS GIVEN THE FIRST PLACE TO APOSTLES, THE SECOND TO PROPHETS, THE THIRD TO TEACHERS; AFTER THEM, MIRACLES, AND AFTER THEM THE GIFT OF HEALING; HELPERS, GOOD LEADERS, THOSE WITH MANY LANGUAGES." - 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27-28 -

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS (VICAR OF CHRIST) TO THEOLOGIANS: DON'T DO THEOLOGY AWAY FROM PEOPLE. "A THEOLOGY THAT HELPS EVERY CHRISTIAN PROCLAIM THE SAVING FACE OF GOD IS NECESSARY."

FOR POPE FRANCIS (VICAR OF CHRIST), THE THEOLOGIAN ISN'T JUST A SIMPLE SCHOLAR OF GOD, BUT RATHER MUCH MORE. HE OR SHE IS A SCHOLAR AT THE SERVICE OF A PEOPLE, THE CHURCH, TO WHICH HE OR SHE BELONGS AND IS NURTURED BY. THERE'S NO ROOM FOR INDIVIDUALIST THEOLOGIANS WHO COMPETE AMONGST THEMSELVES TO SEE WHO KNOWS MORE.

BEFORE MEMBERS OF THE ITALIAN THEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, THE POPE SAID THEOLOGY MUST BE USED TO HELP EVANGELIZE.

HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS (VICAR OF CHRIST),

"A THEOLOGY THAT HELPS EVERY CHRISTIAN PROCLAIM AND SHOW IS NECESSARY; ABOVE ALL, THE SAVING FACE OF GOD OF THE MERCIFUL GOD, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF SOME UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES THE HUMAN BEING FACES TODAY."

POPE FRANCIS MET WITH THE ORGANIZATION IN HONOR OF ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY. THE ASSOCIATION WAS CREATED WITH THE GOAL OF HELPING PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL. - ROMEREPORTS.COM DECEMBER 29, 2017 -

HENCE, I EARNESTLY AND PROFOUNDLY BELIEVED THAT AS FAR AS SPIRITUALITY IS CONCERN. IT CAN ONLY COME FROM GOD, THE AUTHOR. THUS, THERE IS NO SUCH THING, AS COPYRIGHT, OR IT IS PRODUCED OR WRITTEN BY ME OR IT IS MINE; THE WORD OF GOD, THE SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE.

"I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE." - JOHN 16:12-15 -

ALL WRITERS, PERTAINING TO SPIRITUALITY WERE DEFINITELY QUOTED OR TAKE FROM HERE AND THERE, WHICH MAY BE ON AND FROM SOME OTHER WRITERS ARTICLES, BOOKS, BLOGS, OR SITES, ESPECIALLY THE "WORD OF GOD" THE SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE. BUT IN REALITY, IT IS FIRST USED ALREADY, PERHAPS, LONG, LONG TIME AGO.

"THIS DISCIPLE IS THE ONE WHO VOUCHES FOR THESE THINGS AND HAS WRITTEN THEM DOWN, AND WE KNOW THAT HIS TESTIMONY IS TRUE. THERE ARE MANY OTHER THINGS THAT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST DID; IF ALL WERE WRITTEN DOWN, THE WORLD ITSELF, I SUPPOSE, WOULD NOT HOLD ALL THE BOOKS THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE WRITTEN." - JOHN 21:24-25 -

JUST AS GOD ORIGINALLY INSPIRED THE SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE. GOD HAS USED THIS MEANS TO PRESERVE HIS 'WORD' FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. BUT BEHIND THE WRITING LAY PERIODS OF TIME WHEN THESE MESSAGES WERE CIRCULATED IN SPOKEN FORM. (ORAL TRADITION) THE STORIES OF THE PATRIARCHS WERE PASSED FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION BY WORD OF MOUTH BEFORE THEY WERE WRITTEN. (WRITTEN TRADITION)

THE MESSAGES OF THE PROPHETS WERE DELIVERED ORALLY BEFORE THEY WERE FIXED IN WRITING. NARRATIVES OF THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF CHRIST JESUS WERE REPEATED ORALLY FOR TWO OR THREE DECADES BEFORE THEY WERE FIXED IN WRITING.

THEREFORE, SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE QUOTATION, THAT IS, HOW ANYONE AND I PUT WORD OF GOD INTO SENTENCES OR PUT WORDS INTO SENTENCES. REMEMBER ALWAYS! NO MATTER HOW THE "WORD OF GOD" AND WORDS PUT INTO SENTENCES, IN TRUTH, EVERYONE STARTED AND TOOK IT FROM THE MAIN SOURCE, THAT IS, FROM THE WITNESSES AND FROM THE SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE; "WORD OF GOD."

"IT IS TRUE, GOD SENT HIS WORD TO THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL, AND IT WAS TO THEM THAT THE GOOD NEWS OF PEACE WAS BROUGHT BY JESUS CHRIST - BUT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD OF ALL MEN. 

YOU MUST HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE RECENT HAPPENINGS IN JUDAEA; ABOUT JESUS OF NAZARETH AND HOW HE BEGAN IN GALILEE, AFTER JOHN THE BAPTIST HAD BEEN PREACHING BAPTISM. GOD HAD ANOINTED HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WITH POWER, AND BECAUSE GOD WAS WITH HIM, JESUS WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD AND CURING ALL WHO HAD FALLEN INTO THE POWER OF THE DEVIL.

NOW I, ( SIMON PETER / PETER ) AND THOSE WITH ME, CAN WITNESS TO EVERYTHING JESUS DID THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRYSIDE OF JUDAEA AND IN JERUSALEM ITSELF; AND ALSO TO THE FACT THAT THEY KILLED HIM BY HANGING HIM ON A TREE, YET THREE DAYS AFTERWARDS GOD RAISED HIM TO LIFE AND ALLOWED HIM TO BE SEEN, NOT BY THE WHOLE PEOPLE BUT ONLY BY CERTAIN WITNESSES GOD HAD CHOSEN BEFOREHAND.

NOW WE ARE THOSE WITNESSES - WE HAVE EATEN AND DRUNK WITH HIM AFTER HIS RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD - AND JESUS CHRIST HAS ORDERED US TO PROCLAIM THIS TO HIS PEOPLE AND TO TELL THEM THAT GOD HAS APPOINTED HIM TO JUDGE EVERYONE, ALIVE AND DEAD.

IT IS TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST THAT ALL THE PROPHETS BEAR THIS WITNESS: THAT ALL WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS WILL HAVE THEIR SINS FORGIVEN THROUGH HIS NAME." - ACTS 10:36-43 -

Barnabas and Saul sent as deputies to Jerusalem

While they were there some prophets [ Like the O.T. prophets, Deut. 18:18+; 2 Peter 1:21; Matt. 5:12, those of the N.T. are charismatics, 1 Cor. 12:1+, who speak in God's name, being inspired by his Spirit. Under the New Covenant this charisma is bestowed even more generously. Acts 2:17-18, and at times it is enjoyed by the faithful at large. Acts 19:6; 1 Cor. 11:4-5; 14:26,29-33,37. But particular individuals are so specially endowed with the charisma that they are always referred to 'as prophets', Acts 11:27; 13:1; 15:32; 21:9-10. 

These normally occupy the second place after the apostles in the order of charisma, 1 Cor. 12:28-29; Eph. 4:11; but cf. 1 Vor. 12:10; Rom. 12:6; Luke 11:49; this is because they are the appointed witnesses of the Spirit, rev. 2:7, etc.., 1 Thess. 5:19-20, whose 'revelations' they communicate, 1 Cor. 14:6,26,30; Eph. 3:5; Rev. 1:1, just as the apostles are witnesses to the risen Christ, Rom. 1:1+; Acts 1:8+, and proclaim the kerygma, Acts 2:22+. They do not simply foretell the future, Acts 11:28; 2:11, or read hearts, 1 Cor. 14:24-25; cf. 1 Tim. 1:18. When they 'edify, exhort, console', 1 Cor. 14:3; cf. Acts 4:36; 11:23-24, they do so by a supernatural revelation; in this they resemble those who 'speak strange languages', Acts 2:4+; 19:6, but their gift is greater because their speech is intelligible, 1 Cor. 14. 

Their chief work was evidently to explain the oracles of sacred scripture under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, especially those of the O.T. prophets, 1 Peter 1:10-12, and thus expound the 'mystery' of the divine plan, 1 Cor. 13:2; Eph. 3:5; Rom. 16:25+. For this reason they are named with the apostles as the foundation of the Church, Eph. 2:20+. The Revelation of Saint John is a typical example of this New Testament 'prophecy', Rev.1:3; 10:11; 19:10; 22:7-10, 18-19. For all its dignity, the prophetic charisma communicates knowledge that is imperfect and provisional, being bound with faith, Rom. 12:6, which is itself destined to vanish in face of the beatific vision, 1 Cor. 13:8-12.] came down to Antioch from Jerusalem, [ Western Text adds 'and there was great rejoicing. While we were together, one of them...' If this reading is correct, this is the first of the 'We-sections', cf. 16:10.]

And one of them whose name was Agabus, seized by the Spirit, stood up and predicted that a famine would spread over the whole empire. This in fact happened before the reign of Claudius came to an end. [ In the reign of Claudius (41-54) famine swept through the empire (49-50) through Greece first, and later Rome. Josephus puts it in the time of Tiberius Alexander the procurator (46-48).] 

The disciples decided to send relief, each to contribute what he could afford, to the brothers living in Judaea. They did this and delivered their contributions to the elders [ The apostles are not mentioned, unlike 15:2, etc.; they had perhaps left Jerusalem. According to Acts 9:26; 11:29f; 15:2, it would seem that Paul made three journeys to Jerusalem before his two visits to Galatia, 16:6; 18:23. Paul himself, however, in Gal. 1:18; 2:1f; cf. 4:13, mentions only two. The impression produced by Acts arises perhaps from Luke's method of combining his sources. It may be that the journey of 11:29 is the same as that of 15:2. The 'help' which is the purpose of the journey is probably to be distinguished from that which Paul supplied later, Acts 24:17, when the great collection, made at the appeal of the Jerusalem church, was completed, Gal. 2:10; cf. 1 Cor. 16:1+; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:1,12,13; Rom. 15:31. ] in the care of Barnabas and Saul. - Acts 11:27-30 -

Peter's arrest and miraculous deliverance [ This episode which 11:30 and 12:25 seem to place at the same time as the visit of Barnabas and Saul to Jerusalem, must in fact have preceded it, for Herod Agrippa 1 (called 'king' to distinguish him from his uncle Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of the Passion story, and awarded the royal title by Caligula in 37) was not actually king of Judaea and Samaria until 41; he died in 44. The events here described took place, therefore, between 41 and 44. the narrative has been rather clumsily fitted into its present literary context.]

It was about this time that king Herod started persecuting certain members of the Church. He beheaded James the brother of John, and when he saw that this pleased the Jews he decided to arrest Peter as well. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread, and he put Peter in prison, assigning four squads of four soldiers each to guard him in turns. Herod meant to try Peter in public after the end of Passover week. All the time Peter was under guard the Church prayed to God for him unremittingly.

On the night before Herod was to try him, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, fastened with double chains, [ Each one to a soldier on either side.] while guards kept watch at the main entrance to the prison. Then suddenly the angel of the Lord stood there, and the cell was filled light. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him. 'Get up!' he said 'Hurry!' - and the chains fell from his hands. The angel then said, 'Put on your belt and sandals'. After he had done this, the angel next said, 'Wrap your cloak round you and follow me'. Peter followed him, but had no idea that what the angel did was all happening in reality; he thought he was seeing a vision. 

They passed through two guard posts one after the other, and reached the iron gate leading to the city. This opened of its own accord; they went through it [ Add. 'went down the seven steps'.] and had walked the whole length of one street when suddenly the angel left him. It was only then that Peter came to himself. 'Now I know it is all true' he said. 'The Lord really did sent his angel and has saved me from Herod and from all that the Jewish people were so certain would happen to me.' - Acts 12:1-11 -

As soon as he realised this he went straight to the house of Mary the mother of John Mark, [ John Mark is mentioned again in 12:25; 13:5,13; 15:37,39; he was cousin to Barnabas, Col. 4:10. During Paul's first Rome captivity John Mark was with him, Col. 4:10, Philemon 24, and shortly before he died Paul asked for Mark's assistance, 2 Tim. 4:11. John Mark was also a disciple of Peter, 1 Peter 5:13, and tradition names him as author of the second gospel.] where a number of people had assembled and were praying. He knocked at the outside door and a servant called Rhoda came to answer it. She recognised Peter's voice and was so overcome with joy that, instead of opening the door, she ran inside with the news that Peter was standing at the main entrance. 

They said to her, 'You are out of your mind', but she insisted that it was true. Then they said, 'It must be his angel!' [ It was popularly believed that guardian angels were a kind of spiritual 'double' of their charges.] Peter, meanwhile, was still knocking, so they opened the door and were amazed to see that it really was Peter himself. With gesture of his hand he stopped them talking, and described to them how the Lord had led him out of prison. he added, 'Tell James [ 'James' without qualification means the 'brother of the Lord'. At the time of Paul's first visit to Jerusalem, Gal. 1:19 (that is, in 38-39, cf. Acts 9:1+) and afterwards, James was leader of the 'Hebrew' section of the Jerusalem Christians. After Peter's departure he was in charge of the mother church. See also Acts 15:13; 21:18; 1 Cor. 15:7. The Letter of James appears under his name.] and the brothers'. Then he left and went to another place. 

When daylight came there was a great commotion among the soldiers, who could not imagine what had become of Peter. Herod put out an unsuccessful search for him; he had the guards questioned, and before leaving Judaea to take up residence in Caesarea he gave orders for their execution. [ Soldiers were liable to the punishment intended for their escaped prisoners, cf. 16:27; 27:42.] - Acts 12:12-19 -

The death of the persecutor

Now Herod was on bad terms with the Tyrians and Sidonians. However, they sent a joint deputation which managed to enlist the support of Blastus, the king's chamberlain, and through him negotiated a treaty, since their country depended for its food supply on king Herod's territory. A day was fixed, and Herod, wearing his robes of state and enthroned on a dais, made a speech to them. The people acclaimed him with, 'It is a god speaking, not a man!', and at that moment the angel of the Lord struck him down, because he had not given the glory to God. He was eaten away with worms and died. [ Var. 'When he had come down from the tribune he became food for worms even while he still lived; and so he died'.]

Barnabas and Saul return to Antioch

The word of God continued to spread and to gain followers. Barnabas and Saul completed their task and came back from Jerusalem, [ Var. 'to Jerusalem', but cf. 11:29.] bringing John Mark with them. - Acts 12:20-25 -


III. THE MISSION OF BARNABAS AND PAUL 

           THE COUNCIL OF JERUSALEM
                                                          
                                                           Page 47
Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless. 

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Baptism of the first pagans

While Peter was still speaking the Holy Spirit came down [ 'The Pentecost of the pagans'. As Peter notes, v. 47; 11:15; 15:8. Its resembles the first Pentecost.] on all the listeners. Jewish believers who had accompanied Peter were all astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit should poured out on the pagans too, since they could hear them speaking strange languages and proclaiming the greatness of God. Peter himself then said, 'Could anyone refuse the water of baptism to these people, now they have received the Holy Spirit just as much as we have?' He then gave orders [ It was usual for the apostles to administer baptism themselves, cf. 19:5; 1 Cor. 1:14,17. See also 1 John 4:2.] for them to be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterwards they begged him to stay on for some days. [ That Peter should lodge with the uncircumcised seems to the Jerusalem 'Hebrews' even more shocking and contrary to the Law than that he should authorise their baptism (11:2-3; cf. 10:28). This same question gave rise to the Antioch incident, Gal. 2:11f.] - Acts 10:44-48 -

Jerusalem: Peter justifies his conduct

The apostles and the brothers in Judaea heard that the pagans too had accepted the word of God, and when Peter came up to Jerusalem the Jew criticised him [ Western Text 'So after some time Peter determined to set out for Jerusalem. After speaking to the brothers and encouraging them, he set out, delivering many sermons throughout the countryside and instructing the people. When he reached them and told them of the favour God had granted, the circumcised brothers remonstrated with him'.] and said, 'So you have been visiting the uncircumcised and eating with them, have you?'

Peter in reply gave them the details point by point: 'One day, when I was in the town of Jaffa,' he began 'I fell into a trance as I was praying and had a vision of something like a big sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners. This sheet reached the ground quite close to me. I watched intently and saw all sorts of animals and wild beasts - everything possible that could walk, crawl or fly. Then I heard a voice that said to me, "Now, Peter; kill and eat!" But I answered: Certainly not, Lord; nothing profane of unclean has ever crossed my lips. And a second time the voice spoke from heaven, "What God has made clean, you have no right to call profane". This was repeated three times, before the whole of it was drawn up to heaven again. - Acts 11:1-10 -

'Just at that moment, three men stopped outside the house where we were staying; they had been sent from Caesarea to fetch me, and the Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going back with them. The six brothers here came with me as well, and we entered the man's house. He told us he had seen an angel standing in his house who said, "Send to Jaffa and fetch Simon known as Peter; he has a message for you that will save you and your entire household".

'I had scarcely begun to speak when the Holy Spirit came down on them in the same way as it came on us at the beginning, and I remembered that the Lord had said, "John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit". I realised then that God [ 'God' omitted by Western Text (because it is Christ who gives the Spirit).] was giving them the identical thing he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; and who was I to stand in God's way?' [ Peter explains why he allowed a pagan to be baptised; he does not answer the objection that he had lodged with the uncircumcised, cf. v. 3, see 10:1+. According to Luke, Peter was considered to have been the first to receive pagans into the Church, in spite of the episode of the Ethiopian eunuch, 8:26-39, and the date of evangelisation of Antioch to which Luke does not refer till later, vv. 19f. Against this background the council of Jerusalem, 15:5-29, appears as a kind of sequel to, or repetition of, the discussion in 11:1-18.]

This account satisfied them, and they gave glory to God. 'God' they said 'can evidently grant even the pagans the repentance that leads to life.' - Acts 11:11-18 -

Foundation of the Church of Antioch

Those who had escaped [ V.19 takes up from 8:1 and 8:4 and then presents the episode of the Antiochene Church's foundation as an immediate sequel to Stephen's martyrdom from which it has been separated by the insertion of the Acts of Philip, 8:5-40 and of Peter, 9:31-11:18. Nevertheless, the narrative presupposes the story of Saul's vocation, 9:1-30, itself concerned with Stephen's martyrdom.] during the persecution that happened because of Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, [ Antioch on the Orontes, capital of the Roman province of Syria third city of the empire after Rome and Alexandria.] but they usually proclaimed the message only to Jews. 

Some of them, however, who came from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch where they started preaching to the Greeks, [ Var. 'Hellenists', cf. 9:29. 'Greeks', as opposed to 'Jews', v.19, includes all the uncircumcised.] proclaiming the Good News of the Lord Jesus [ Not 'Christ', a title more suited to a Jewish audience with its messianic expectation; in preaching to pagans Jesus was called 'Lord', cf. 25:26+. He is 'Lord' because in virtue of his elevation to the Father's right hand, he rules over the kingdom in this fulness of time, cf. 2:21,36; 7:59-60; 10:36; 1 Thess. 4:15-17; 2 Thess. 1:7-12; Romans 10:9-13.] to them as well. The Lord helped them, and a great number believed and were converted to the Lord.

The Church in Jerusalem [Which enjoyed right of supervision over the other churches, cf. 8:14; 11:1, and see Gal. 2:2+.] heard about this and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. There he could see for himself that God had given grace, and this pleased him, and urged [ Apparently a play on the name 'Barnabas', 'son of exhortation', 4:36.] them all to remain faithful to the Lord [ Var. 'in the Lord'.] with heartfelt devotion; for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. And a large number of people were won over to the Lord. - Acts 11:19-24 -

Barnabas then left for Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. As things turned out they were to live together in that church [ Meaning doubtful. Possibly 'they worked together', 'they were received (by the church)' that is, were guests of the church.] a whole year, instructing a large number of people. It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called 'Christians'. [ That is, supporters or followers of Christus (or Chrestus). The nickname shows that the pagans of Antioch took the title 'Christ' (anointed) for a proper name.] - Acts 11:25-26 -

Barnabas and Saul sent as deputies to Jerusalem

WELCOME TO SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE READER'S COMMUNITY. - Wishing you, 'Happy Reading', and may God, the Father, the Son of the living God, Jesus Christ, fills your heart, mind, thoughts, and grants you: The Holy Spirit, that is, Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Counsel, Piety, Fortitude, and the fear of the Lord, and also His fruits of the Holy Spirit, that is, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Trustfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Amen! God blessing be upon you!

The Lord Jesus Christ, promised to us that our mission on this earth is really and utmost important for our own salvation.

"I tell you solemnly, there is no one who has left house, wife, brothers, parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not be given repayment many times over in this present time, in the world to come, Eternal Life." - Luke 18:28-30 -


"EACH ONE OF US, HOWEVER, HAS BEEN GIVEN HIS OWN SHARE OF GRACE, GIVEN AS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST ALLOTTED IT. IT WAS SAID THAT HE WOULD:

             WHEN HE ASCENDED TO THE HEIGHT, HE CAPTURED PRISONERS,
             HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.

WHEN IT SAYS, 'HE ASCENDED,' WHAT CAN IT MEAN IF NOT THAT HE DESCENDED RIGHT DOWN TO THE LOWER REGIONS OF THE EARTH? THE ONE WHO ROSE HIGHER THAN ALL THE HEAVENS TO FILL ALL THINGS IS NONE OTHER THAN THE ONE WHO DESCENDED.

AND TO SOME, HIS GIFT WAS THAT THEY SHOULD BE APOSTLES; TO SOME, PROPHETS; TO SOME, EVANGELISTS; TO SOME, PASTORS AND TEACHERS; SO THAT THE SAINTS TOGETHER MAKE A UNITY IN THE WORK OF SERVICE, BUILDING UP THE BODY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

IN THIS WAY WE ARE ALL TO COME TO UNITY IN OUR FAITH AND IN OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD, UNTIL WE BECOME THE PERFECT MAN, FULLY MATURE WITH THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST HIMSELF.

THEN WE SHALL NOT BE CHILDREN ANY LONGER, OR TOSSED ONE WAY AND ANOTHER AND CARRIED ALONG BY EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE, AT THE MERCY OF ALL THE TRICKS MEN PLAY AND THEY CLEVERNESS IN PRACTISING DECEIT.

IF WE LIVE BY THE TRUTH AND IN LOVE, WE SHALL GROW IN ALL WAYS INTO CHRIST JESUS, WHO IS THE HEAD BY WHOM THE WHOLE BODY IS FITTED AND JOINED TOGETHER, EVERY JOINT ADDING ITS OWN STRENGTH, FOR EACH SEPARATE PART TO WORK ACCORDING TO IT FUNCTION. SO THE BODY GROWS UNTIL IT HAS BUILT ITSELF UP, IN LOVE." - EPHESIANS 4:7-16 -

                                        

                                                           Page 46
Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless. 

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:

Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -