THE SCAR Project on Raz'n Cain Live on BlogTV

Our next show is scheduled for Friday, August 13, 2010 @ 7:00 PM CST with some of the awesome ladies who modeled for David Jay for THE SCAR Project. Please, please join us and share with others and help us not only raise awareness for breast cancer, but fight for a cure!!!


Even if you are unable to join us for the event, please share it with others. We will also have the show saved in our archives, for those who must miss the show.

The chat room will be available for viewers to converse and ask questions if they'd like, but please remember to keep the conversation appropriate, as the chat logs are included in the recorded archives of the show and we do expect viewers of all ages.

For those of you who are not familiar with THE SCAR Project, it it a collection of outstanding photographs of these beautiful and amazingly strong ladies who are in various stages of post-mastectomy reconstruction (and some who have chosen not to opt for reconstruction) following breast cancer diagnoses or as a prophylactic option to prevent breast cancer.

Please visit The SCAR Project or their Facebook Page and not only support breast cancer awareness, but these courageous women who have not just survived, they have LIVED!!!

Also, please visit the pages of these amazing ladies who participated in The SCAR Project:  Sara Bartosiewicz-Hamilton's, "That Girl... Tales From the Edge," Melissa Ward's, "Cancer Fighting Princess," and Sylvia Soo's, "Breast Cancer Smancer, I HEART LIFE."

From THE SCAR Project's Facebook page:

The SCAR Project is a series of large-scale portraits of young breast cancer survivors shot by fashion photographer David Jay. Primarily an awareness raising campaign; The SCAR Project puts a raw, unflinching face on early onset breast cancer while paying tribute to the courage and spirit of so many brave young women.

The SCAR Project exhibition will open October 14th in NYC.






All photos are copyrighted and the sole property of David Jay.  Used with permission.

From Saul to Paul: Martyr or Spiritual Predator?

Although well known throughout Christendom, the Apostle Paul remains an enigma to many who fail to question the historical dogma that has been passed down through the generations.

As a Pharisee, Paul’s life as Saul was one of laws, rules, and education. At an early age, his educational level far exceeded what most people today could achieve in a lifetime. He vowed early in inception of Christianity to destroy all Christians, even standing guard over the cloaks of the council as the disciple Stephen was murdered.

His hatred of Christians ran so deep that he requested permission from the Jewish high priests to bring any and all Christians, both man and woman alike, to Jerusalem for trial as heretics. It was his belief that Christianity would be the end of Judaism and of course, to his lurid career. We must remember though, that Saul’s passion of Judaism was no less than those with a passion for the teachings of Christ. And so he continued to seek out and persecute those who followed Christ in an effort to put an end to the threat to his beliefs, race, his way of life, and all that he held dear to his heart.

Perhaps it is safe to say that Saul was the last one to expect to see a miracle, let alone experience one that would change his life. While so many fervent followers of Christianity hoped and prayed that they too might experience Christ, it would be the one man who sought to destroy them that God Himself would reach down and deliver from his own anger and hatred and in doing so, completely alter the path that Saul so desperately and determinedly sought to continue upon.

As Saul left Jerusalem to arrest believers in Damascus, a bright light caused him to fall to his face in the road. And as those who know the story of Saul, a disembodied voice cried out, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” Now one would assume that Saul, having heard the rumors of miracles and the fantastic stories of how God spoke to His followers, would have known immediately who it was that spoke to him. But instead, he asked who was speaking. Jesus answered that it was he, the very one Saul was trying to destroy, then instructed him to arise and await further instructions in Damascus.

As scripture tells us, Saul was accompanied by other men who heard the voice, but saw no one or no thing to attribute it to. Blinded by the light and apparently unable to eat or drink, he was led to Damascus by his companions where he waited for three days. At the instruction of God, a man named Ananias approached Saul and laid hands upon him, causing him to open his eyes and see once more. Just the miracle Saul needed to make a true believer out of him and bring about one of the greatest testimonies for Christ that history has ever seen.

As Saul became Paul, his fervor did not end but rather, only strengthened with his newfound faith and agenda to spread the word of Christ. It is interesting to note though, that Paul, the orthodox learned Jew, set out to countries that were, by demographics, basically non-Jewish (1).

While no one is able to really justify or explain the nature of Paul’s conversion or his sudden abandonment of his assuredly comfortable lifestyle, it is apparent that his change of heart spread to those that he normally would not associate with. Gentiles and “half-Jews” would have been the scourge of his society, yet it was those that he brought the brunt of Christ’s message to. Those with no former education of Judaism or knowledge of the traditions, cultures, and laws, those who searched for a savior, if not the promised Messiah (having heard this from the Jews) or perhaps, those easiest to fool?

Over the next few years, Paul became mentor to many, but most profoundly mentioned, that of Timothy. Although the Bible leads us to believe that Paul treated Timothy with at least some disdain, as the time of his execution neared, it would be Timothy that was handed the ministry of Paul to carry on. During his imprisonment, Paul wrote letters to numerous churches, chastising them of their bastardization of Christ’s message. Looking deeper into Paul’s own teachings, it is easy to see that he too, was guilty of the very same thing. He took the love, mercy, and inclusiveness of Christ and turned it into dogma, rituals, and confusing metaphors that I believe Christ would have found embarrassing.

Even today, the authorship of Paul’s letters fall under scrutiny as to their authenticity (2). But regardless of how they came about, they are widely accepted by most Christians as scripture and therefore not to be questioned. But it is those letters to the churches and his missionary trips in an effort to convert others to Christianity which Christians today look upon as their example of how to live a godly life. Paul was willing to give up everything he knew in order to help others find the salvation that he had been granted.

Did Paul have an agenda to be a spiritual micromanager thus a predator or was he truly a martyr for the cause? It’s difficult to ascertain given the fact that he gave up a life of luxury and high social status to become basically a beggar and lowly road scholar living day to day off the handouts of others, knowing that one day, his life would hang in the balance and ultimately be lost for the very cause that he himself once vowed to destroy.


References



1. Savitri Devi. “Paul of Tarsus, or Christianity and Jewry.” Last accessed 24 March 2008.

< http://library.flawlesslogic.com/tarsus.htm>.

2. N.S. Gill. “Paul of Tarsus.” Last accessed 24 March 2008.

< http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/christians/p/PaulTarsus.htm>.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke: An Analytical Comparison of Faith vs. Scripture (From July 13, 2010)

Perhaps in some instances, faith and theology have no business as bed partners. Even though they consistently awaken in an embrace of connubial pandemonium, neither can seem to find a legitimate ground for divorce. And sadly, the seed that was sewn through Christ’s message of love and salvation, has brought about endless discord regarding faith vs. fact through the Christian community simply through individual interpretation of what is now considered to be Scripture.

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, offer the reader an intimate yet incomplete look at the early life and later ministry of Jesus. While the Book of John is easily compared to the three Gospels, it must be noted that while each provide a similar recollection of the life of Jesus it is also very clear that each gives a very different narrative to the events that have become some of the most important views in the Christian religion.

Therein lies the issue with faith. Are the Gospels accurate and to be accepted with their differences and attributed to artistic freedom? Or are they misleading and deliberately vague due to the different cultural and religious backgrounds and political agendas of the writers? Are the Gospels to retain the title and authority of Scripture or will an examination of them give cause to the questioning of their authenticity and reliability and to the very foundation of the single most powerful religious movement that has spanned nearly two millennia?

Known as the “Synoptic Gospels,” it is important to understand the definition of the term synoptic. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines synoptic as “1. affording a general view of a whole; 2. manifesting or characterized by comprehensiveness or breadth of view; 3. presenting or taking the same or common view; specifically often capitalized : of or relating to the first three Gospels of the New Testament; 4. relating to or displaying conditions (as of the atmosphere or weather) as they exist simultaneously over a broad area” (1).

Essentially, what the Synoptic Gospels give us is an “overview” of Jesus’ life from birth to twelve years and then from the age of thirty until his death, resurrection, and ascension. The problem however, lies in the inconsistencies that lead to the questionable authenticity of at least two of these Gospels, specifically Matthew and Luke, as well as the question of who wrote which book first and who copied what information and rewrote it from whom.

Although Matthew and Luke are listed first and third in the New Testament, it is widely believed and accepted that Mark was the first account written of the life of Jesus. Known as the Markan Theory, this is based upon the minor errors found in the Book of Mark, such as incorrect timelines, geographical locations, and historical events, which the Books of Matthew and Luke correct (2). Had either Matthew or Luke been written first, it would seem obvious that Mark would have taken the time to make these corrections to preserve the continuity and assumed validity of the information presented.

With yet another theory to the corrections found in Matthew and Luke, we introduce “Q” or “Quelle,” a hypothetical source of writings, teachings, and sayings of Jesus that Matthew and Luke used to, in effect, fill in the blanks and elaborate on certain events, causing Jesus to appear even more divine and powerful in his ministry and claims of being the prophesied Messiah. Although the assumed writings of “Q” have been long lost, the idea of this author has become the most widely accepted theory for scholars and teachers alike, as it gives a commonality to Matthew and Luke that cannot otherwise be explained.

In his introduction, Luke instructs the reader in chapter 1 verses 1-4 that, “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (3).

In reading this, we can assume that not only is Luke aware that others had written of Jesus but that oral tradition also played a large role in what he planned to commit to writing. In a sense, he is stating that although others had made written accounts, he felt it necessary since he had investigated everything from the beginning, that it was he who could provide the most accurate account of the life of Jesus.

As a well educated man and physician, it is easy to see why Luke would believe that he was more than capable of giving the most exact and dependable history of Jesus. As a Greek and the only Gentile author in the New Testament, it is understandable that he would pen his account in Greek rather than Hebrew or Aramaic, the language which Jesus most likely spoke, yet we must still ask the question of whether or not the teachings of Jesus were adequately translated in the way that he spoke them (4).
Matthew begins his writings with the genealogy of Jesus through the line of King David until he reached Abraham (5), thus proving his “royal” lineage. Luke, however, lists the genealogy of Jesus down through Adam (6), both of which are interesting as Jewish genealogy is traced through the matriarchal lines in order to give validity to the Hebrew ancestry, which may or may not come from the father. It’s also interesting to note that Luke ends his genealogy of Jesus with “the Son of God” before Adam.
The problem with both of these genealogies is that only direct bloodlines were considered authentic and, assuming the story of the virgin birth is true, Jesus cannot be considered a descendant of King David. One genealogy is traced through King David’s son Solomon and the other through his son
Nathan. Matthew shows the royal line and Luke the natural line.

Perhaps what Matthew and Luke were attempting to do was show both the divine and human nature of Jesus, corroborating the idea that he was both God and man combined (7). It is feasible to assume that Matthew embellished a bit more than Luke and Mark, as his reputation as a tax collector preceded him and those who knew of his profession were less than likely to believe anything he had to say without Scriptural basis and comparison.

Mark though was very simplistic and basic in his representation of the life and ministry of Christ. He began his writings with the short note, “The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (8). Mark relied on the teachings of Isaiah to present the prophesies of the upcoming Messiah. His purpose was to present Jesus in a human aspect as a teacher and identify his work and miracles (9).

Although not one of the original twelve disciples, Mark (also known as John Mark) was an avid follower and companion of Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul the Apostle, with whom he accompanied on his first missionary trip. In his writings, which are thought to have occurred between A.D. 55 and 65, Mark focuses on the miracles of Jesus and records more than Matthew and Luke. It is also worthy to note that both Matthew and Luke cite all but 31 verses in the Book of Mark, and that Mark portrays Jesus as a servant of the people rather than “King of the Jews” (9).

Meanwhile, Matthew, set out to prove the divinity of Jesus that he was, in fact, the Messiah and the Savior of the world. His writings, believed to have been written between A.D. 60 and 65, focused on fulfillment of the Scripture rather than the miracles or humanity of Jesus. Although Matthew mentions the miracles of Jesus, he points out numerous times that Jesus is the “Son of David” (9).

Luke, on the other hand, wrote his account sometime around A.D. 60 and centered his writings to show Jesus as the perfect human as well as the Savior. Luke wrote about the relationship Jesus had with the public and is one of the few who even bothers to mention the role of women in the ministry of Jesus.

Given these accounts, both with the similarities and diversities, we see three very different men with very different agendas portraying the person that Jesus was, yet all firmly believing that he was the one begotten Son of God to whom the responsibility fell for bringing about salvation of the world.
With the citations of Mark within the books of Matthew and Luke , we must also give credence to the idea that each were written after Mark’s version, thus giving even more credibility that both Matthew and Luke borrowed the words of Mark as well as those of “Q.”

While many set out to solve the Synoptic Problem, many also may ask why the problem requires solving. As a matter of faith, the Synoptic Gospels simply give differing versions from different men who are telling the same story long after the death and resurrection of Christ. While some may argue that Mark’s account has no validity, it is still widely accepted that his words were penned first and those of Matthew and Luke merely corroborated them and gave further detail to the birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.

They are not seen as inconsistencies or contradictions, but rather as oral accounts set to paper in order to preserve their existence for fear that the tradition of oral accountability would lose its place in the culture, and these historical and miraculous events of the life of Christ would be lost forever.
More controversially, there are many who believe that the differences in the Synoptic Gospels are a deliberate misrepresentation in order to confuse those with little faith or little education in the Scriptures or history of Christianity. It is for those that the “problem” exists and continues to perpetuate a reason to research and find the legitimacy that seems to evade mankind throughout the centuries, of who and what the man Jesus Christ may or may not have been.

For those with faith, the details and differences are mundane, senseless, and meaningless. To live their lives as the Christ commanded and spread his word of unconditional love, salvation, kindness, and humility is enough, and there is no need to further explore his persona. Yet for those who look into the life and ministry of Jesus, the proverbial mustard seed, will always feel as the splinter in the bottom of the foot; always irritating, always elusive, and always, not quite within sight or reach.

Is there a solution to the Synoptic Problem? With the writings of “Q” long lost and the enigma of wording lost in translation, it would seem that the only solution is to continue to examine the literature surrounding the controversy or simply accept the Gospels in faith that whatever the “Word” may be, it has been and will be revealed in the love and salvation of Christ himself.


References

1. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. “Synoptic.” Accessed 03 February 2008.
< http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=synoptic>.
2. The Synoptic Problem. Felix Just, S.J., Ph. D. Accessed 03 February 2008.
< http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Synoptic_Problem.htm>.
3. BibleGateway.com. “Luke 1 (New International Version). Accessed 03 February 2008. <http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=49&chapter=1&version=31>.
4. About.Com: Christianity. “Luke.” Mary Fairchild. Accessed 03 February 2008. <http://christianity.about.com/od/newtestamentbooks/qt/gospellukeintro.htm>
5. BibleGateway.com. “Matthew 1:1-16.” Accessed 03 February 2008.
< http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=1&version=31>.
6. BibleGateway.com. “Luke 3:23-37.” Accessed 03 February 2008.
<<http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=49&chapter=3&version=31&context=chapter>.
7. Response to the Fabulous Prophesies of the Messiah. Part IV: Problems in the Genealogies of Jesus [Revised: July 2006]. Accessed 03 February 2008.
< http://www.christian-thinktank.com/fabprof4.html>.
8. BibleGateway.Com. “Mark 1:1.” Accessed 03 February 2008.
< http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=48&chapter=1&version=31>.
9. Life Application Bible (The Living Bible). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. and Youth for Christ/USA. Copyright 1988. Pgs. 1398-1400, 1316-1317, & 1460-1463.

The New Testament in a Pinch (From July 13, 2010)

Something I wrote back in 2008 while taking a class on the New Testament. It breaks down, in very basic form, when why, and by whom the "books" in the New Testament were written.

• Matthew
Written by Jesus’ disciple Matthew (Levi) around A.D. 60-65. There are twenty-eight chapters written primarily to the Jews to tell them that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah.

Matthew introduces Jesus as the Messiah and eternal King of Kings and shows his brief ministry as one that will withstand throughout the ages through love, faith, salvation, and living life as Christ did.

• Mark
Written by Mark, the companion of Paul around A.D. 55 and 65. There are sixteen chapters written primarily to the Christians in Rome to show the person that Jesus was, his teachings, and his works.

Mark shows that Christ is the son of God and profiles Jesus’ miraculous “powers” through miracles and defeating death in his resurrection.

• Luke
Written by Luke, a doctor (and only known Gentile author of the New Testament) who was a close personal friend and companion of Paul’s around A.D. 60. There are twenty-four chapters written primarily to Theophilus, the Gentiles, and people everywhere to present Christ as the perfect man and Savior.

Luke introduces Jesus as the ultimate perfection and creates an account of God entering man’s world on man’s level with the promise to never leave, illustrated by the appearance of the Holy Spirit following the ascension of Jesus into Heaven.

• John
Written by the apostle John (son of Zebedee and brother of James) around A.D. 85-90. There are twenty-one chapters written primarily to the new Christians and non-Christians who were seeking a new truth to prove that Jesus was truly the son of God and offered eternal life through faith in Him.

John shows Jesus as a human man, full of man’s desires and weaknesses yet fully as God and through faith in Jesus, our place in Heaven is not only guaranteed but welcomed and most wanted.

• Acts
Written by Luke (also the author of the book of Luke) around A.D. 63-70. There are twenty-eight chapters written to Theophilus to give an accurate account of the birth and development of the Christian church.

Luke presents the atrocities and tribulations that early Christians encountered due to their faith in Christ and by their willingness to endure whatever mankind brought about, their faith proved that this new faith was most certainly from God.

• Romans
Written by Paul (formerly Saul the Pharisee and persecutor of Christians and the most prolific author of the New Testament) around A.D. 57. There are sixteen chapters written to Christians in Rome and everywhere mainly to provide an introduction for Paul to the Romans and provide a “sample” of his message before his arrival in Rome.

Paul’s letter emphasizes the grasp of sin on mankind and that through faith, love, and obedience in Christ, one is able to overcome sin and effectively spread the gospel to others in the while God cares about His children, he will not abide unbridled sin and mankind must come to God for forgiveness.

• 1 Corinthians
Written by Paul around A.D. 55. There are sixteen chapters written to the church in Corinth for the purpose of identifying the problems in the church as well as alerting the church about false preachers and how to live in a Christ-less society.

Paul’s letter warns of a church divided due to false teachings and preachers and tells the church to rely on the teachings and examples of Christ alone and in the dogma that he himself had provided as a basis of true Christian worship.


• 2 Corinthians
Written by Paul around A.D. 55-57 from Macedonia. There are thirteen chapters written to the church in Corinth and all Christians to validate his own ministry as an apostle and rebut the false preachers in Corinth.

Paul’s letter speaks of discipline and tells followers not to focus on the opposition to Christianity but rather to remain faithful and diligent in presenting the gospel of Christ in a true and right manner.

• Galatians
Written by Paul around A.D. 49 from Antioch. There are five chapters written to the churches in southern Galatia to refute and challenge the Judaizers (those who taught that the Gentile “Christians” must follow Judaic laws in order to be saved) and challenge the Christians to act upon their faith in Christ.

Paul’s refutes the idea that Gentiles must follow Judaic laws in order to be recognized as Christians in that salvation and faith and love in Christ were more important that rituals and ceremonies.

• Ephesians
Written by Paul around A.D. 60 from Rome during his imprisonment. There are six chapters written to the church of Ephesus and to Christians everywhere to help their foundation of faith and strengthen their belief in Christ by telling them of the purpose of the church and teaching them of the nature of the “body of Christ.”

Paul encourages Christians to remain faithful in their love of Christ in that God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice upholds their salvation.

• Philippians
Written by Paul around A.D. 61 from Rome during his imprisonment. There are four chapters written to the Christians at Philippi and everywhere to thank them for the gift they had sent to him and to strengthen their faith by showing that true happiness comes from Christ and Christ alone.

Paul is encouraging believers to hold fast to their faith and find peace and security in the knowledge that Christ loves them.

• Colossians
Written by Paul around A.D. 60 from Rome during his imprisonment. There are four chapters written to the church at Colosse and to Christians everywhere to refute errors in the church and to show believers everywhere that they lack nothing if their faith is in Christ alone.

Paul reminds Christians that Christ is everything and anything that they need and not to fall prey to false preachers and teaching when they feel the struggle in their faith has become unbearable or unbelievable.

• 1 Thessalonians
Written by Paul around A.D. 51 from Corinth (this was one of Paul’s earliest letters). There are five chapters written to the church at Thessalonica and to Christians everywhere to strengthen their faith and to assure them of Christ’s return.

Paul warns of persecution and even death for their faith in Christ but assures them that Christ loves them and will return for the faithful.

• 2 Thessalonians
Written by Paul around A.D. 51 or 52 from Corinth (it is suggested that Paul wrote this letter a few months after 1 Thessalonians). There are two chapters written to the church at Thessalonica and Christians everywhere to clear up any confusion regarding the second coming of Christ.

Paul encourages Christians to remain faithful and true to the teachings of Christ and berates those who have misconstrued the gospel for their own gain.

• 1 Timothy
Written by Paul around A.D. 64 from Rome, Macedonia, or Philippi probably just prior to his last imprisonment in Rome. There are six chapters written to Paul’s young companion Timothy to encourage him and give him instructions as a leader for Christ.

Paul instructs Timothy to keep the foundation of Christ’s teachings intact and to fight against corruption in the church by remaining true to the gospel and life of Christ.

• 2 Timothy
Written by Paul around A.D. 66 or 67 from Rome during his imprisonment. There are two chapters written to Timothy (a companion and elder at the church of Ephesus) to give him final instructions to follow after Paul’s death and to offer him encouragement to strengthen his faith and help him grow as a leader.

Paul encourages Timothy to remain faithful in the face of adversity as Christ remained faithful to his mission to the point of sacrificing his own life for the eternity of mankind.

• Titus
Written by Paul around A.D. 64 probably from Macedonia and about the same time he wrote 1 Timothy. There are three chapters written to Titus to give him support and instruction regarding his responsibility of leading the churches on the island of Cree.

Paul reminds Titus that good works are nothing without faith and vise versa and one must be a good example as much as a good leader.


• Philemon
Written by Paul around A.D. 60 from Romeduring his imprisonment around the same time he wrote Ephesians and Colossians. There is one chapter written to Philemon telling him to forgive his runaway slave Onesimus and to accept him in faith as a Christian brother.

Paul encourages Philemon to remember that all men are equal in Christ and that slavery is not of God.

• Hebrews
The “true” author is unknown but it has been attributed to Paul, Luke, Barnabas, Apollos, Silas, Philip, Pricilla, and many others. The author’s name is not given in the text itself but whomever he or she is, refers to Timothy as “brother.” Hebrews was penned probably around A.D. 70 which is supported by the naming of ceremonies and sacrifices without mention of the destruction of the Temple’s destruction. There are thirteen chapters and written for the Hebrew Christians who were struggling with their newfound faith and considering returning to the Judaic ways for lack of faith and understanding of this new way of religious life.

Hebrews reminds us all that perseverance an faith in Christ alone, throughout trials and uncertainty in mankind, we are one with Christ and are able to count on our salvation to help us love and assist others whether they believe the same or not.

• James
Assumed to be written by James, brother of Jesus around A.D. 49 before the Jerusalem Council held in A.D. 50. There are five chapters written to the first Jewish Christians in the Gentile communities outside of Palatine and to Christians everywhere to open their eyes to unethical behaviors and to teach them how to be good Christians in their actions and words.

James presents the message of salvation through grace in God’s love and mercy for all mankind and encourages believers to spread the gospel in the same manner of Christ.

• 1 Peter
Written by Peter around A.D. 62-64 from Rome. There are five chapters written to the Jewish Christians who were driven out of Jerusalem, those in Asia Minor, and everywhere to give them encouragement through their suffering for their faith.

Peter comforts believers in that their faith will carry them through the persecution that is sure to follow them and instructs them to maintain a pure relationship with God.

• 2 Peter Written by Peter around A.D. 67 about three years after 1 Peter
probably from Rome. There are three chapters written to the entire church of Christ (Christians everywhere) to warn them of false prophets and preachers and to encourage them to grow in their faith and knowledge of Christ.

Peter tells believers that if their faith is true, it will be evident in their walk and others will see and want to share in the peace and love they see coming from them.

• 1 John
Written by the apostle John around A.D. 85 and 90 from Ephesus. There are five chapters written to no one in particular. This was a pastoral letter and sent to several Gentile congregations but was also for Christians everywhere to help encourage and reassure them in their faith and warn them of false prophets and false teachings.

John instructs believers to remember that no matter what, God is in control and regardless of what they may experience in this life, it is nothing compared to the love they will experience from God in the next life.

• 2 John
Written by the apostle John around A.D. 90 fro Ephesus. There is one chapter written to Cyria and those in her home to instruct and the basic teachings of Christ and to war against the false teachers and teachings.

John warns of false teachers and that following the Word of God with faith is essential in teaching and living the true gospel of Christ.


• 3 John
Written by the apostle John around A.D. 90 from Ephesus. There is one chapter written to a man names Gaius to praise him for his hospitality and to encourage his growth in his Christian life.
John praises Gaius for taking in traveling Christians and encourages believers to do the same in that humbleness and openness to others is an essential part of the Christian life.

• Jude
Written by Jude (half-brother to James and Jesus) around A.D. 65. There is one chapter written to Jewish Christians and Christians everywhere to remind them that there must be a constant mindset to remain in one’s faith in order to remain strong in their walk and protect the message of Christ from those who would distort it.

Jude reminds believers to remain true to the teachings of Christ and warns those who misrepresent it, as well as their followers, that ultimately, they will be punished.

• Revelation
Written by the apostle John around A.D. 95 from the island of Patmos where he had been exiled. There are twenty-two chapters written to the seven churches in Asia and to Christians everywhere to reveal all of who and what Christ was and is, to warn of false prophets and teachings, and to give hope to everyone that ultimately Christ’s love will overcome the works of Satan.

John encourages faith in Christ but also warns of the consequences to those who reject God’s love and salvation and to those that follow anyone who preaches against the gospel of Jesus.

References
1. Life Application Bible. “The Living Bible.” Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. and Youth for Christ/USA. Copyright 1988.

Contributing to the Needs of the Saints (From July 11, 2010)

Ron and I went to church today at my old church in Topeka, First Congregational Church . It's the first time I've set foot inside a church in nearly five years and before anyone gets all excited and starts "welcoming" me back to the "fold," just hold your horses for a minute and calm down.

I began my relationship with the United Church of Christ in 2001. At the time, I attended Seabrook United Church of Christ in Topeka until it joined together with First Congregational Church in 2004, I believe (Tobias can correct me if I'm wrong on this). When I first began attending church there, I met Rev. Tobias Schlingensiepen and immediately enjoyed not only his personality and attitude, but the presentations of his sermons and apparent mentoring and ministering spirit about him.

I left the church sometime in late 2005 because of personal reasons at the time, but reconnected with Tobias shortly after my return to Kansas in mid-2009. When Ron was in ICU in Topeka, my brother JD Nash and Tobias, along with Paul Beck from the church (another good friend of mine), came to visit us. While re-connecting in person was nice, it was obviously a difficult and stressful time for Ron and me, so a more casual meeting would have to wait.

Well, we've had the opportunity to do so, having had brunch with Tobias in Topeka just a few weeks ago after one of Ron's doctor appointments. We discussed the possibility of Ron and I attending a service and last night, we decided that today was the day. My reason for going, was to see old friends again and perhaps make some new ones and as always, to learn from Tobias' sermon as I've always done. Ron's reason for going, well, you'll just have to ask him.

And yes... it rained not long after my presence "darkened" (as one friend of mine so lovingly put it, lol!) the door of the church.

Well, the moment we pulled up to the church, I updated my status here and it read as follows:

Are you talking the talk, or walking the walk? Talking doesn't feed, clothe, shelter, quench thirst, comfort, protect, or love.

It doesn't take a person of any particular "faith," to do these things.

Just someone who cares.

When you see others less fortunate than you, don't be grateful for what you have, be grateful that you can give to those who have less.

Now, the reason I wrote this is, last week a good friend of mine had on her status that she'd seen homeless people and was grateful to God for what she had and shouldn't complain so much about what she didn't have. Another comment a few days later was regarding the "simple" things in life and how wonderful they are. And while this is true, it sparked a little anger in me and caused me to think do a little reflection on my own life.

Well, when the sermon began, I nearly disrupted Tobias laughing when I saw the scripture he was using. It eerily mirrored my status update from less than an hour before.

Now, before I go any further, let me remind you that I am not a Christian, nor do I wish to be one. I am an ordained minister and have been for years, but I subscribe to no particular faith and again, nor do I choose to. I define myself as an Existential Agnostic Deist, and I will go into the definition, MY definition, of that term later on in this note.

The title of the sermon today was Drawing Together, and Tobias used Romans chapter 12 as the scripture. Yes, I said Romans 12, the entire chapter. I however, am going to focus on verse 13, which tells us, "Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers."

Note the words in bold... you'll be seeing them again.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Let's get this straight right off, I am NOT a fan of Paul; never have been, never will be. But let's look at what he's really saying in his epistle to the Romans. I'm going to borrow some definitions from Tobias (one of the many reasons I've enjoyed talking with him, he's a wonderful and patient teacher and always leaves me wanting to know more).

Paul wrote in Greek, not Hebrew, although he was a Jew. Most of the Biblical texts we English readers have today have been translated into Latin, German, and then English, if my memory serves.

So, back to verse 13.

Let's look at the word "contribute." Tobias pointed this out today and it's stuck with me. First of all, what do you think of when you hear the word "contribute?" Easy, you give, right? But what do you give? Money? Food? Clothing? Well, certainly but...

What about yourself? The word "contribute" in Greek, is "koinónos," which means to "share" or "have a share of." So, if you are contributing to the needs of the saints, what exactly are you doing? You are sharing, taking an active part in not "donating" to what they need, but to all their needs. Whether it be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, etc., you take an active part in their lives, sharing in their need, and helping wherever you can. Prayer's great folks, but it doesn't fix a leaky faucet or comfort the spirit of someone who is hurting.

Tobias spoke of twenty people in the congregation who came together last week (or perhaps I should say "gathered," considering the title of today's sermon) and went to someone's home and helped them paint. Good food, helping hands, joined spirits, and a job well done for someone who needed action, not words.

Now let's look at the word, "saint." Just who should be considered a saint? The Greek transliteration of the word, is "agiōn," which means "sacred," or "holy." Okay, and who is considered sacred or holy? Well, are we all not one in Christ, irregardless of our background?

In Paul's epistle to the Galatians, chapter 3 verse 28 it tells us, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." So, does this apply to non-Christians? Are they not God's creation as well? Does a father not love his children, regardless of whether or not they follow the path he has chosen for them? Even if they are strangers to us, are they not still family, under the provisions that we are all children of God?

Hang on a minute... strangers. Paul mentioned strangers too. Feeling a little uncomfortable now? He said to extend hospitality to strangers. Bet you're REALLY feeling uncomfortable now. Are you squirming? Not yet? Give it time... Hospitality... what did he mean by that?

"Hospitality" comes from the Greek word, "philoxenos," meaning "love of," and what better way to "love" a stranger, than with the all-encompassing love and provisions of God, that God has blessed you with?

If a stranger came to your door in need of food, clothing, or water? Would you give it to him? More than likely, yes. If a stranger came to your door in need of shelter, would you offer it? More than likely... not. And yet you call them brothers and sisters?

I'm going to go a little off here and refer to the word "genuine," and what it means. Yep, Greek again. "Anupokritos," is the transliteration for " without hypocrisy." Let's look at that instruction again... "Let love be genuine..." Let love be without hypocrisy.

Tell me then, if you close your door to a stranger, how can your love be genuine?

Matthew 25:44-45 describes Jesus explaining a hypocritical love. "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' "

The least of these. Is not the persona of Christ himself to be assumed in whomever we meet? Do you give a homeless man a cup of coffee or do you offer him a meal, a shoulder, an ear, and a ride to the shelter? Do you see a woman crying on a bench and offer to pray for her, or do you ask her what's wrong and take action to correct her situation.

While in this day and age it may not be safe to offer shelter in one's home to a stranger, there are alternatives to assuring no one goes hungry, thirsty, cold, or without shelter. But do we bother? Or do we sadly shake our heads, peeking from behind our comfort zone and say, "I'm sorry, but I can't help you, maybe the church down the road can give you what you need."

Well my friends, WE are the church down the road. No buildings, no hymnals, no stained glass windows, no coffee and cookies after the sermon, and not even a Bible can "contribute to the needs of the saints," simply because we are the church. The congregation. The community. The very embodiment of Christ himself, sanctioned with the responsibility to carry on his ministry, which was not one of liturgy, baptism, confirmation, communion or gathering of "like minds," or religious beliefs, but rather one of love, compassion, healing, and helping for all mankind.

And as I end, what was that scripture about angels unaware... oh yes, Hebrews 13:2. "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

Here we go with the Greek again... the word "entertain," transliterates to "xenisantes," meaning "to receive as a guest or to surprise," and the word "angels," transliterates to "angelous," meaning "a messenger or angel."

Kind of goes along with that whole "hospitality," "genuine," and "saints" thing doesn't it? And was not Christ the Messiah? Messiah... comes from the Greek, "ma·shi·ach," meaning "anointed," was he not a messenger of God, the anointed one? And aren't we, as children of God and followers of Christ, not messengers of that very ministry of Christ and messengers of God?

James 2:20 tells us "You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?" (in older translations, "dead"). Foolish... Greek transliteration is "kene," meaning "empty." Useless... Greek transliteration is "argē," meaning "inactive, or idle..."

So, an empty man has no faith, for without works, it is idle. Kind of harsh, isn't it?

Not really... just another way of asking... Are you talking the talk, or walking the walk?"

Oh and about that definition of the Existential Agnostic Deist bit? It just means I'm someone who takes responsibility for what I do, say, and think, I do not have all the knowledge, and I believe in a Deity based on science and nature.

Now, I'll just let you decide, just how much of a heathen I am... ;-)