still kicking...

Hark the herald, Richard sings...

By now the sudden return of myself should not surprise you.

Dr. Charles Betters of Glasgow Reformed Presbyterian Church has been doing an utterly phenomenal series on the women in Christ's lineage. First he dealt with the saga of Tamar. Then he did a sermon on Rahab. Next, he did the David and BAthsheba passage. And today, he started a mini series on Ruth. Even he is just realizing the richness in that book. It's interesting how some scholars wonder why Ruth is not a part of Judges. He thinks (and I agree) that it is because it features righteousness being done in teh midst of a time of wickedness in Israel ("Each man did as he saw was fit in his own eyes)"). Having its own book helps the story of Ruth to be highlighted. First he was only going to do one sermon on it. Now it looks like there might be three. Today was part one.

The amazing point in this sermon is that all of the passages demonstrate God' sovereignty and control. He uses such awful and sinful situations to bring good things out, and through these people's line of descendants Christ is born. Naomi says in Ruth "God's hand is against me!" Yet Ruth sticks with this "cursed" old woman. And then NAomi's relative Boas marries Ruth.  And through that lineage Christ is born. So much for God's hand being against Naomi!!!!!

That kind of reminds me of how David mentions in the psalms being "brought as sheep for the slaughter. PAul quotes this in Romans 8: 36--37 and then responds to it: "Nay, but in all things we are more than conquerers." It is almost as though PAul is refuting David. Of course, though, he is not. In the literal sense the people of God were, are, and may always be persecuted. But becasue the true blessing that God promises His people is in the spiritual sense, as well as in the new heavens and earth, we can still be greater than conquerers if we have faith. this means having trust in God's sovereignty. It does not require that we "feel confident." Rather, belief is something done by our will, in spite of how we feel. And that belief manifests itself in actions that reflect trusting God. That's what Rahab did in one of the earlier passages.

Well, that's all for now. I check my footprints section on the blog. They are going low. Maybe this will bring more action, not that that's what I write for.

Also, I sometimes get a visitor, or visitors, from Washington DC. If you, whoever, you are, could send me a quick note, that would be great! It's always great when people you don't know read your blog and you get to meet them. And if more people read, I might post more. I really need to do that.

Everyone, watch for the snow tonight! Accuweather has somwhat less than Fox 29.

Ciao for now

Hello again...

Hello again to anyone still reading this PATHETIC excuse for a blog. If you do I think you would be crazier than me, if such was possible. It really is true that birds of a feather flock together. Hee Hee.

Interesting thing is that it looks more and more like I will major in Meterology. I'm sure that that's an earth shattering revelation to all of you. I mean, who saw THAT coming???? But what is in all seriousness ( recall that phrase's meaning!) interesting is that it will probably be at Millersville University, right near Lancaster. So if the rest of the Alexion clan moves south I MIGHT be up north here. A consoling thought, or a terrifying one, depending on your perspective.

So, what is interesting? I am thrilled to know that the Trinity Ref. Baptist church might pass legislation allowing people who are not members anywhere to have communion there. They also might get rid of this rule (which I hate) that says that members are required to attend on sunday evening and wed. night.

Not much time to study, but I am becoming more aware of how Christianity does relate to all of life. And how every issue that is out there is enriched and spoken to by Scripture.

That's all for now...

Where's Waldo?

Actually, he is for the moment at this hallowed locus in cyberspace know as XAnga. Ah. School is in full swing, as is planting season for grass and shrubs. Put those together, added to everything else, and you get no posts.

So in this brief time I will say that I think it will PROBABLY be a mild winter. But there are other factors to consider.

I would appreciate your prayers and support for Pastor Tom Omukhobero of EMC Kenya. It would be great if y'all could pray for him at IFRC. I am amazed at his steadfast joy. Even in all their trials, he called me with great joy after a pastors' meeting. We can learn from him.

REcently we've been going to crossroads Presbyterian church. Sometimes Chris and I go to Trinity REformed bAptist Church near baltimore.

And I only made one joke in this post! Amazing...

Listen to "Glory Defined" !

Interesting article soon

Yes, a lot of theology lately. But there is more to life. Remember in prayer, if possible, the Evangelical Methodist Church in Jamaica. Pastor McKnight's brother pastored there for a while. It seems Jamaica fared relatively well from Hurricane Dean, although there is still much damage in the country. Hope to find out more about how their church did.

I hope to post an article soon. It's by a a guy who says that we should not have congregational singing at all in church. Not even Psalms, and not even acappela (sp?).

The wording of the "first day of the week" phrase seems to have "sabbath" because that is how they marked the days. There was no "Sunday." Just "one from the sabbath," "threee from the sabbath," etc.

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