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THE SOWER<br />
The Sower is <strong>the</strong> bimonthly magaz<strong>in</strong>e of <strong>Spirit</strong> & <strong>Truth</strong> <strong>Fellowship</strong> International<br />
®<br />
Nov/Dec 2007 | STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org<br />
<strong>Glory</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong><br />
<strong>heavens</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>...
Letter from <strong>the</strong> President<br />
Nov/Dec 2007<br />
Letter from <strong>the</strong> President<br />
John W. Schoenheit<br />
The Holiday Season is here aga<strong>in</strong>, and <strong>in</strong> this<br />
issue of The Sower we are focus<strong>in</strong>g on holiday<br />
<strong>the</strong>mes. The holidays can be a time of excitement and<br />
joy as we spend extra time with family and friends.<br />
However, it can also be a time of <strong>in</strong>creased pressure<br />
and anxiety, because some families are more like<br />
enemies than friends, and spend<strong>in</strong>g time <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r is<br />
very challeng<strong>in</strong>g. Also, some people have no family,<br />
or none available, and for <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> holidays can be a<br />
lonely time. There is also <strong>the</strong> extra time pressure we<br />
face as we decorate our houses, go <strong>to</strong> parties, shop<br />
for presents, and do extra bak<strong>in</strong>g and cook<strong>in</strong>g. Many<br />
of us are already squeezed for time <strong>in</strong> our “normal”<br />
schedule, and now we have <strong>to</strong> figure out how <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d<br />
even more time. Added <strong>to</strong> all that is <strong>the</strong> extra f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
pressure that comes with <strong>the</strong> holiday season as we<br />
buy gifts and holiday outfits, and pay for extra travel.<br />
The holiday season is a time when we need <strong>to</strong> let <strong>the</strong><br />
peace of <strong>God</strong> rule <strong>in</strong> our hearts.<br />
It is appropriate, <strong>the</strong>n, that several of <strong>the</strong> articles<br />
and letters <strong>in</strong> this issue of The Sower focus on peace.<br />
There is also an article on Mary, <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r of Jesus,<br />
who would likely have had a mental breakdown by<br />
her late teens had she not had <strong>the</strong> peace of <strong>God</strong> liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> her heart. While I am on <strong>the</strong> subject of Mary, let<br />
me say that this issue of The Sower conta<strong>in</strong>s <strong>the</strong> first<br />
article I have ever written about her, and I have been<br />
writ<strong>in</strong>g on biblical subjects for more than 30 years.<br />
Frankly, I was amazed at <strong>the</strong> wonderful th<strong>in</strong>gs that<br />
are revealed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Word of <strong>God</strong> about Mary, no<br />
doubt more than I have written. As I studied about<br />
her, first for my own benefit, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>to</strong> write and teach<br />
about her, I became aware that my knowledge of<br />
Mary was more about what she was not than what<br />
she was. I knew she was not “a perpetual virg<strong>in</strong>,” not<br />
“assumed bodily” <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> heaven, and that she does not<br />
accept and answer prayers, but I had never taken <strong>the</strong><br />
time <strong>to</strong> do more than some surface study of who she<br />
was. It was an honor and privilege <strong>to</strong> meet her <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
pages of <strong>the</strong> Bible <strong>in</strong> a new and deeper way.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> subject of peace dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> holidays,<br />
it is a good idea <strong>to</strong> plan ahead <strong>to</strong> handle <strong>the</strong> extra<br />
pressure, and make sure that your personal prayer<br />
and meditation time, your personal time with your<br />
family, and your personal time for read<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
Bible are not squeezed out of your life. Too often<br />
it is those th<strong>in</strong>gs that get elim<strong>in</strong>ated when we need<br />
extra time, but <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> end that never works out well.<br />
Without peace we damage our health, do not seem<br />
lov<strong>in</strong>g or Christ-like <strong>to</strong> those around us, and, <strong>in</strong>stead<br />
of enjoy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> wonderful holiday season, we look<br />
back at <strong>the</strong> blur it was with relief that it is over.<br />
This time of year let’s make up our m<strong>in</strong>ds and<br />
position our hearts <strong>to</strong> have a wonderful time—with<br />
<strong>God</strong> and His Son, with our friends and families, and<br />
with ourselves. Let us allow <strong>the</strong> peace of <strong>God</strong> <strong>to</strong><br />
reign <strong>in</strong> our hearts, and <strong>the</strong>n let us spread that peace,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Gospel of Peace, <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> world around us that<br />
so desperately needs it.<br />
Have a Thankful Thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g, a Merry<br />
Christmas, and a Happy and Hopeful New Year.<br />
John<br />
2 www.STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org
Ta b l e o f Co n t e n t s<br />
Credits<br />
Publisher<br />
<strong>Spirit</strong> & <strong>Truth</strong> <strong>Fellowship</strong><br />
International ®<br />
Executive Edi<strong>to</strong>r<br />
John W. Schoenheit<br />
Production Edi<strong>to</strong>r<br />
John A. Lynn<br />
General & Style Edi<strong>to</strong>r<br />
Bob Maffit<br />
Graphic Design & Layout<br />
Ryan Maher<br />
Contents<br />
Volume 9 | Issue 6 | November/December 2007<br />
2 Letter from <strong>the</strong> President<br />
6 New Audio Teach<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
7 Spr<strong>in</strong>g Bible Study<br />
8 In Memorium<br />
14 S<strong>to</strong>ck<strong>in</strong>g Stuffers / Events<br />
19 Teach<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Month<br />
20 Unwrap <strong>God</strong>’s Gift <strong>to</strong> you<br />
22 Figure of Speech<br />
26 M<strong>in</strong>istry Feedback<br />
Featured Article The Contender Partner Profile<br />
Staff Writers<br />
John W. Schoenheit<br />
John A. Lynn<br />
Dan Gallagher<br />
Jeffrey W. Blackburn<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Johnson<br />
Ryan Maher<br />
Production Coord<strong>in</strong>a<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
Jeffrey Blackburn<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Johnson<br />
Peace on<br />
Earth<br />
To whom is <strong>the</strong><br />
Peace<br />
Alissa Wassung<br />
Research Websites<br />
<strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com<br />
Read hundreds of articles<br />
perta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> many biblical<br />
issues.<br />
BiblicalUnitarian.com<br />
Explore an entire website<br />
dedicated <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> truth of One<br />
<strong>God</strong> & One Lord.<br />
Home Office<br />
by John A. Lynn<br />
Page 4<br />
The Bible clearly says<br />
that <strong>the</strong>re will be no<br />
“peace on earth” until <strong>the</strong><br />
“Pr<strong>in</strong>ce of Peace” comes<br />
back <strong>to</strong> earth & destroys<br />
all <strong>the</strong> enemies of <strong>God</strong>.<br />
by John W. Schoenheit<br />
Page 10<br />
Scripture never says that<br />
<strong>the</strong> ungodly or unsaved<br />
have peace with <strong>God</strong>.<br />
The peace we have with<br />
Him is due <strong>to</strong>...<br />
by Alissa Wassung<br />
Page 15<br />
Alissa expla<strong>in</strong>s why she<br />
is a partner with <strong>Spirit</strong> &<br />
<strong>Truth</strong>.<br />
2144 East 52nd Street<br />
Indianapolis, IN 46205<br />
888.255.6189 or<br />
317.255.6189<br />
M-F 8:30 <strong>to</strong> 5 (EST)<br />
Fax: 317.255.6249<br />
STF@STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org<br />
www.STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org<br />
Bonus Feature<br />
Fuel For <strong>the</strong> Fire<br />
New Onl<strong>in</strong>e S<strong>to</strong>re<br />
You may view <strong>the</strong> electronic<br />
version of this magaz<strong>in</strong>e at<br />
www.STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org/sower<br />
All scripture quotations, unless o<strong>the</strong>rwise<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicated, are taken from <strong>the</strong> HOLY BIBLE,<br />
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ® .<br />
NIV ® . Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984<br />
by International Bible Society. Used<br />
by permission of Zondervan. All rights<br />
reserved. References taken from o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
translations or versions will be noted, e.g.,<br />
K<strong>in</strong>g James Version=(KJV). In verses or<br />
quotations from o<strong>the</strong>r authors, <strong>the</strong> author<br />
has emphasized words by plac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong><br />
bold pr<strong>in</strong>t. Words <strong>in</strong>side [brackets] have<br />
been added by <strong>the</strong> author.<br />
Mary, The<br />
Mo<strong>the</strong>r of Jesus<br />
by John W. Schoenheit<br />
Page 16<br />
Mary showed us that<br />
true greatness comes<br />
from plac<strong>in</strong>g your life <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>God</strong>’s hands and do<strong>in</strong>g<br />
whatever He calls you<br />
<strong>to</strong> do.<br />
Treasure <strong>in</strong><br />
Heaven &<br />
Peace on Earth<br />
by Joshua Anderson<br />
Page 24<br />
Imag<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong><br />
embarrassment of<br />
stand<strong>in</strong>g before <strong>the</strong> Lord<br />
& be<strong>in</strong>g asked what you<br />
have <strong>to</strong> show for your life<br />
& you pull out a bag of<br />
fool’s gold<br />
A Special Thanks<br />
<strong>to</strong> our Travis<br />
Williams<br />
Page 9 & back cover<br />
Thank you Travis<br />
Williams for all your hard<br />
work and dedication!<br />
STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org/s<strong>to</strong>re<br />
The Sower Nov/Dec 2007 3
PEACE<br />
on Earth<br />
by John A. Lynn<br />
<br />
Today “peace on earth” is available only <strong>to</strong> those who choose <strong>to</strong> become<br />
children of <strong>God</strong> and walk <strong>in</strong> fellowship with Him.<br />
As we enter this “holiday” season, dur<strong>in</strong>g which<br />
we <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA celebrate our national day of<br />
Thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g and Christians around <strong>the</strong> world<br />
celebrate Christmas, one of <strong>the</strong> messages proclaimed by<br />
countless Christmas cards is “Peace on Earth.” And what<br />
an <strong>in</strong>describably wonderful vision that is. Th<strong>in</strong>k about it:<br />
no warr<strong>in</strong>g between nations and no hurtful conflict between<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual people. No wonder people dream of and long for<br />
such conditions.<br />
John Schoenheit’s excellent article <strong>in</strong> this issue (“To<br />
Whom is <strong>the</strong> Peace”) shows that <strong>to</strong>day “peace on earth” is<br />
available only <strong>to</strong> those who choose <strong>to</strong> become children of<br />
<strong>God</strong> and walk <strong>in</strong> fellowship with Him. That is peace as <strong>God</strong><br />
def<strong>in</strong>es it, as opposed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> temporary “peacefulness” that<br />
some people atta<strong>in</strong> by controll<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir thoughts <strong>to</strong> shut out<br />
<strong>the</strong> negative aspects of life, which often is little more than<br />
denial of reality. In this article we will look at what is <strong>the</strong><br />
peace of <strong>God</strong> and how, amidst <strong>the</strong> basic spiritual conflict<br />
rag<strong>in</strong>g around us, with all its ramifications <strong>in</strong> our personal<br />
lives, a Christian can ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> this “peace that passes<br />
understand<strong>in</strong>g.”<br />
The Bible clearly says that <strong>the</strong>re will be no “peace on<br />
earth” until <strong>the</strong> “Pr<strong>in</strong>ce of Peace” (Isa. 9:6) comes back <strong>to</strong><br />
earth and destroys all <strong>the</strong> enemies of <strong>God</strong>, which he will<br />
do. It also tells us that until <strong>the</strong>n, th<strong>in</strong>gs will get worse and<br />
worse as <strong>the</strong> majority of mank<strong>in</strong>d turns <strong>the</strong>ir hearts away<br />
from <strong>God</strong> and His truth (e.g., 2 Tim. 3:13, 4:3 and 4). So<br />
where does that leave us now In a perpetual war zone.<br />
Though <strong>the</strong>re will not be peace on earth until <strong>the</strong> Lord<br />
Jesus comes back here, <strong>the</strong>re can be peace <strong>in</strong> earth now,<br />
so <strong>to</strong> speak. How so Because we Christians are “ear<strong>the</strong>n<br />
vessels” (2 Cor. 4:7-KJV), and we can have <strong>in</strong>ternal peace,<br />
no matter what is go<strong>in</strong>g on around us.<br />
Peace With <strong>God</strong><br />
Let us first def<strong>in</strong>e what peace is. The Greek word<br />
thus translated is eirene (from which we get <strong>the</strong> English<br />
name, “Irene”). Some of its def<strong>in</strong>itions <strong>in</strong> Bible Works 1 are:<br />
“exemption from <strong>the</strong> rage and havoc of war; <strong>the</strong> tranquil<br />
state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and<br />
so fear<strong>in</strong>g noth<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>God</strong>.”<br />
In his Greek Lexicon, E. W. Bull<strong>in</strong>ger writes that it<br />
is: “…<strong>the</strong> end or absence of strife; a state of untroubled,<br />
undisturbed well-be<strong>in</strong>g….” He also makes a monumentally<br />
important dist<strong>in</strong>ction: “The peace that is <strong>the</strong> result of<br />
forgiveness enjoyed must not be confused with <strong>the</strong> peace<br />
Christ has made by <strong>the</strong> blood of his cross.” 2<br />
That statement po<strong>in</strong>ts up <strong>the</strong> truth that peace is a twosided<br />
co<strong>in</strong>. One side is <strong>the</strong> doctr<strong>in</strong>al aspect and <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r is<br />
<strong>the</strong> practical aspect. The first is <strong>the</strong> peace we have with <strong>God</strong><br />
4 www.STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org
Fe a t u r e Art i c l e<br />
because of what Jesus Christ did by liv<strong>in</strong>g a perfect life<br />
and lay<strong>in</strong>g it down for us at <strong>the</strong> Cross. The second is <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>ternal, mental “peace of <strong>God</strong>” that we must pursue and<br />
fight for. Cement<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> our hearts <strong>the</strong> truth about our peace<br />
with <strong>God</strong> is <strong>the</strong> key <strong>to</strong> atta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> peace of <strong>God</strong> day by<br />
day. Look at <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g verses, which show how and<br />
why we are forever <strong>in</strong> a state of peace with <strong>God</strong>:<br />
Romans 5:1 and 2<br />
(1) Therefore, s<strong>in</strong>ce we have been justified<br />
through faith, we have peace with <strong>God</strong> through<br />
our Lord Jesus Christ,<br />
(2) through whom we have ga<strong>in</strong>ed access by faith<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> this grace <strong>in</strong> which we now stand. And we<br />
rejoice <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> hope of <strong>the</strong> glory of <strong>God</strong>.<br />
The hallmark of Christianity, as opposed <strong>to</strong> false<br />
systems of faith, is salvation by faith, not by works.<br />
Because of <strong>the</strong> sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and our trust<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> his work, you and I are justified <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> sight of <strong>God</strong>.<br />
That is, our s<strong>in</strong>s have been washed away, and we have a<br />
clean slate before him. <strong>God</strong>’s judgment has been passed,<br />
and we are forever “NOT GUILTY!” We stand <strong>in</strong> His<br />
grace, guaranteed of a glorious future at <strong>the</strong> appear<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
His Son, our Lord Jesus. Doesn’t that just make you feel<br />
like tak<strong>in</strong>g a huge breath and lett<strong>in</strong>g it out with a giant<br />
“WHEW!” How liberat<strong>in</strong>g!<br />
Here is ano<strong>the</strong>r verse along <strong>the</strong> same l<strong>in</strong>e:<br />
Colossians 1:20<br />
and through him [Jesus Christ] <strong>to</strong> reconcile <strong>to</strong><br />
himself all th<strong>in</strong>gs, whe<strong>the</strong>r th<strong>in</strong>gs on earth or<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> heaven, by mak<strong>in</strong>g peace through his<br />
blood, shed on <strong>the</strong> cross.<br />
It required <strong>the</strong> very lifeblood of <strong>the</strong> Son of <strong>God</strong> <strong>to</strong><br />
pay <strong>the</strong> price for <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong> and s<strong>in</strong>s of all mank<strong>in</strong>d, and <strong>to</strong><br />
reconcile us from a position of enmity with <strong>God</strong> back<br />
<strong>to</strong> a relationship of perpetual peace with Him. Because<br />
<strong>God</strong> made him genetically s<strong>in</strong>less like <strong>the</strong> first Adam,<br />
and because, unlike Adam, he chose <strong>to</strong> live a s<strong>in</strong>less life,<br />
all <strong>the</strong> way <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cross, Jesus became <strong>the</strong> perfect and<br />
sufficient sacrifice. Now we who have made him our<br />
DID YOU KNOW...<br />
That Proverbs 23:7 (NASB) says...<br />
“For as he th<strong>in</strong>ks with<strong>in</strong> himself, so he is.”<br />
Our m<strong>in</strong>ds are battlefields and we’re <strong>in</strong> control!<br />
Check out <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/selftalk<br />
We often have no control over <strong>the</strong><br />
external circumstances that beset us,<br />
but we do have control over our own<br />
thoughts about those circumstances.<br />
Lord are forever saved, sealed, and delivered <strong>in</strong> him. We<br />
are forever at peace with <strong>God</strong>.<br />
Fight<strong>in</strong>g for Peace<br />
To live a fruitful Christian life, we must understand<br />
that though we have been delivered from <strong>the</strong> penalty of<br />
s<strong>in</strong>, we are not yet free from <strong>the</strong> power of s<strong>in</strong>, that s<strong>in</strong><br />
which “dwells” with<strong>in</strong> us (Rom. 7:18-NKJV). 3 We must<br />
do our best <strong>to</strong> live free from <strong>the</strong> presence of strife, and <strong>the</strong><br />
only way <strong>to</strong> do that is by dispatch<strong>in</strong>g our <strong>in</strong>ternal enemy<br />
when he comes aga<strong>in</strong>st us. The biblical pr<strong>in</strong>ciple is peace<br />
through strength. Th<strong>in</strong>k about it: If <strong>the</strong> neighborhood<br />
bully punches you and you proceed <strong>to</strong> pulverize him, how<br />
likely is he <strong>to</strong> hit you aga<strong>in</strong> Yes, if he is just downright<br />
mean, he may well do so, but if each time he does, you<br />
reduce him <strong>to</strong> rubble, chances are that he will back off.<br />
Likewise, we must fight for our peace. Who or what<br />
are we fight<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st Satan, <strong>the</strong> thief who comes “…<br />
only <strong>to</strong> steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10). More<br />
specifically, we fight aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternal and external<br />
enemies bent on destroy<strong>in</strong>g our peace. We can’t destroy<br />
our s<strong>in</strong> nature, but we can destroy (put <strong>to</strong> death) its fruit<br />
<strong>in</strong> our lives. We often have no control over <strong>the</strong> external<br />
circumstances that beset us, but we do have control over<br />
our own thoughts about those circumstances. It is vital<br />
that we realize that truth and take up <strong>the</strong> sword of <strong>the</strong><br />
spirit, <strong>the</strong> Word of <strong>God</strong>, <strong>to</strong> do battle <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> arena of our<br />
The Sower Nov/Dec 2007 5
Fe a t u r e Art i c l e<br />
There is no situation <strong>in</strong> your life <strong>to</strong>o big or <strong>to</strong>o small for your heavenly<br />
Fa<strong>the</strong>r, and your Lord, <strong>to</strong> care about and want <strong>to</strong> get <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong>. They<br />
have your back.<br />
m<strong>in</strong>d. In terms of <strong>the</strong> quality of our lives, it is a matter of life<br />
and death.<br />
Romans 8:13<br />
For if you live accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong>ful nature, you<br />
will die; but if by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spirit</strong> you put <strong>to</strong> death <strong>the</strong><br />
misdeeds of <strong>the</strong> body, you will live.<br />
Here we see that it is our responsibility <strong>to</strong> “put <strong>to</strong> death”<br />
<strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong>ful thoughts that lead <strong>to</strong> s<strong>in</strong>ful behavior. Hey, that<br />
sounds like war. That’s right, because <strong>the</strong> purpose of war is <strong>to</strong><br />
break th<strong>in</strong>gs and kill <strong>the</strong> enemy. The follow<strong>in</strong>g verses show<br />
us quite a bit more about <strong>the</strong> battle we are <strong>in</strong>, <strong>the</strong> weapons we<br />
must use, and what we must demolish.<br />
2 Cor<strong>in</strong>thians 10:3-5<br />
(3) For though we live <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world, we do not wage<br />
war as <strong>the</strong> world does.<br />
(4) The weapons we fight with are not <strong>the</strong> weapons<br />
of <strong>the</strong> world. On <strong>the</strong> contrary, <strong>the</strong>y have div<strong>in</strong>e<br />
power <strong>to</strong> demolish strongholds.<br />
(5) We demolish arguments and every pretension<br />
that sets itself up aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> knowledge of <strong>God</strong>,<br />
and we take captive every thought <strong>to</strong> make it<br />
obedient <strong>to</strong> Christ.<br />
Like m<strong>in</strong>e, your m<strong>in</strong>d is an arena, <strong>in</strong> which it is <strong>the</strong><br />
Christian (you) versus <strong>the</strong> lion. You must pay attention <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
thoughts that are prowl<strong>in</strong>g around <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> arena of your m<strong>in</strong>d.<br />
If you spot a “lion,” or ra<strong>the</strong>r a “ly<strong>in</strong>’” (thought), you must<br />
realize that it is attack<strong>in</strong>g you, and fight back with <strong>the</strong> sword<br />
of <strong>the</strong> spirit, <strong>the</strong> Word.<br />
Because of <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong> that dwells with<strong>in</strong> each of us, peace<br />
does not come naturally or easily <strong>to</strong> us. In fact, we must<br />
vigorously pursue it <strong>in</strong> our thoughts, our words, and our<br />
deeds.<br />
1 Peter 3:10-12<br />
(10) For, “Whoever would love life and see good<br />
days must keep his <strong>to</strong>ngue from evil and his lips<br />
from deceitful speech.<br />
(11) He must turn from evil and do good; he must<br />
seek peace and pursue it.<br />
(12) For <strong>the</strong> eyes of <strong>the</strong> Lord are on <strong>the</strong> righteous<br />
and his ears are attentive <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir prayer, but <strong>the</strong> face<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Lord is aga<strong>in</strong>st those who do evil.”<br />
Those verses exactly convey <strong>the</strong> truth of Luke 2:14 that<br />
John Schoenheit so eloquently exposited <strong>in</strong> his article: peace<br />
is only for those who humbly turn <strong>the</strong>ir hearts <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> and<br />
receive what He gives. And <strong>God</strong> makes it clear <strong>to</strong> us how<br />
will<strong>in</strong>g He is <strong>to</strong> help us have His peace. The follow<strong>in</strong>g two<br />
verses show that just as Jesus promised peace <strong>to</strong> his disciples,<br />
so he is with us <strong>to</strong>day via his spirit, and walks with us through<br />
<strong>the</strong> trials and tribulations of life <strong>to</strong> give us <strong>the</strong> same peace.<br />
John 14:27<br />
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not<br />
give <strong>to</strong> you as <strong>the</strong> world gives [a counterfeit peace<br />
based upon circumstances]. Do not let your hearts<br />
be troubled and do not be afraid.<br />
2 Thessalonians 3:16<br />
Now may <strong>the</strong> Lord of peace himself give you peace<br />
at all times and <strong>in</strong> every way. The Lord be with all<br />
of you.<br />
The Peace of <strong>God</strong><br />
Our everlast<strong>in</strong>g peace with <strong>God</strong> is <strong>the</strong> basis of our liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with peace <strong>in</strong> our hearts now. <strong>God</strong> tells us how <strong>to</strong> have and<br />
manifest His peace, <strong>the</strong> peace of <strong>God</strong>, also called <strong>the</strong> peace<br />
of Christ. It is important <strong>to</strong> note that <strong>the</strong> choice is yours, and<br />
that when you do your part, <strong>God</strong> most certa<strong>in</strong>ly will do His.<br />
Philippians 4:6-9<br />
(6) Do not be anxious about anyth<strong>in</strong>g, but<br />
<strong>in</strong> everyth<strong>in</strong>g, by prayer and petition, with<br />
thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g, present your requests <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />
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New! Take up <strong>the</strong> Armor of <strong>God</strong> (Oct 2007)<br />
New! The Purpose of <strong>the</strong> Ages (May/Jun 1997)<br />
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Spr<strong>in</strong>g Bible Study 2008<br />
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April 16-20, 2008<br />
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(7) And <strong>the</strong> peace of <strong>God</strong>, which transcends all<br />
understand<strong>in</strong>g, will guard [as with a military guard]<br />
your hearts and your m<strong>in</strong>ds <strong>in</strong> Christ Jesus.<br />
(8) F<strong>in</strong>ally, bro<strong>the</strong>rs, whatever is true, whatever is<br />
noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever<br />
is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
is excellent or praiseworthy—th<strong>in</strong>k about such<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
(9) Whatever you have learned or received or heard<br />
from me, or seen <strong>in</strong> me—put it <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> practice. And<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>God</strong> of peace will be with you.<br />
There is no situation <strong>in</strong> your life <strong>to</strong>o big or <strong>to</strong>o small<br />
for your heavenly Fa<strong>the</strong>r, and your Lord, <strong>to</strong> care about and<br />
want <strong>to</strong> get <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong>. They have your back. Your part <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> reciprocal relationship with <strong>the</strong>m is clear: do not freak<br />
out, come <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m with your requests, th<strong>in</strong>k about godly<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs, practice <strong>the</strong> same. Of course, <strong>God</strong> would never ask<br />
you <strong>to</strong> do someth<strong>in</strong>g you can’t. And all He asks is that you<br />
do what you can (Mark 14:8a). 4 When you do, <strong>the</strong> peace of<br />
<strong>God</strong> guards your heart, and <strong>the</strong> <strong>God</strong> of peace is with you. It<br />
doesn’t get any better than that.<br />
In light of this be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> season of both Thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
Christmas, I th<strong>in</strong>k that <strong>in</strong> clos<strong>in</strong>g it is appropriate <strong>to</strong> exam<strong>in</strong>e<br />
what we just saw <strong>in</strong> Philippians 4:6, which I believe is <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>separable correlation between peace and thankfulness.<br />
Take a look at <strong>the</strong>se fabulous verses:<br />
Colossians 3:15-17<br />
(15) Let <strong>the</strong> peace of Christ rule <strong>in</strong> your hearts,<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce as members of one body you were called <strong>to</strong><br />
peace. And be thankful.<br />
(16) Let <strong>the</strong> word of Christ dwell <strong>in</strong> you richly as you<br />
teach and admonish one ano<strong>the</strong>r with all wisdom,<br />
and as you s<strong>in</strong>g psalms, hymns and spiritual songs<br />
with gratitude <strong>in</strong> your hearts <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />
(17) And whatever you do, whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> word or<br />
deed, do it all <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> name of <strong>the</strong> Lord Jesus, giv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
thanks <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r through him.<br />
In verse 15, <strong>the</strong> Greek word translated “rule” means “<strong>to</strong><br />
be an umpire.” What is an umpire He is one who watches<br />
very closely <strong>to</strong> see if <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong> slightest <strong>in</strong>fraction of <strong>the</strong><br />
rules, and when he sees one, he lets you know about it <strong>in</strong><br />
no uncerta<strong>in</strong> terms by loudly blow<strong>in</strong>g his whistle! As we<br />
put “<strong>the</strong> word of Christ” <strong>in</strong> our hearts, it acts as an alarm<br />
system <strong>to</strong> warn us when we are hav<strong>in</strong>g a thought that is not<br />
<strong>in</strong> keep<strong>in</strong>g with “<strong>the</strong> rules.” Anxious, agitated, un-peaceful<br />
thoughts are “whistled dead,” so <strong>to</strong> speak. One big key <strong>to</strong><br />
stay<strong>in</strong>g peaceful is <strong>to</strong> stay thankful. Thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g focuses<br />
our hearts upon <strong>the</strong> Source of that for which we are thankful,<br />
and Isaiah 26:3 says that <strong>God</strong> will keep <strong>in</strong> perfect peace him<br />
whose m<strong>in</strong>d is steadfast, because he trusts <strong>in</strong> Him. Amen.<br />
The greater our <strong>in</strong>dividual peace, <strong>the</strong> more likely we will<br />
be <strong>to</strong> act <strong>in</strong> such a way so as <strong>to</strong> br<strong>in</strong>g corporate peace <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Body of Christ. The more we pursue peace <strong>in</strong> our own heart,<br />
<strong>the</strong> more we will relate <strong>to</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>in</strong> a peaceful way, and, as<br />
per Ephesians 4:3, that is critical <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> effective work<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Body.<br />
Ephesians 4:3-6<br />
(3) Make every effort <strong>to</strong> keep <strong>the</strong> unity of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spirit</strong><br />
through <strong>the</strong> bond of peace.<br />
(4) There is one body and one <strong>Spirit</strong>—just as you<br />
were called <strong>to</strong> one hope when you were called—<br />
(5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism;<br />
(6) one <strong>God</strong> and Fa<strong>the</strong>r of all, who is over all and<br />
through all and <strong>in</strong> all.<br />
The Sower Nov/Dec 2007 7
You will note that I <strong>in</strong>cluded verses 4-6, and that is<br />
because <strong>the</strong>y set forth “<strong>the</strong> magnificent seven,” that is, <strong>the</strong><br />
seven primary doctr<strong>in</strong>al truths that Christians must properly<br />
understand from <strong>the</strong> Word and agree upon if we are <strong>to</strong> “…<br />
keep <strong>the</strong> unity of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Spirit</strong> through <strong>the</strong> bond of peace.” It<br />
is be<strong>in</strong>g likem<strong>in</strong>ded on those basic truths that gives us <strong>the</strong><br />
greatest possibility for true unity. I encourage you <strong>to</strong> consider<br />
how well you can articulate each of <strong>the</strong>m, first for yourself<br />
and second for o<strong>the</strong>rs. <strong>Spirit</strong> & <strong>Truth</strong> <strong>Fellowship</strong> has much<br />
teach<strong>in</strong>g material on all of <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
And f<strong>in</strong>ally, if we hold on <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> peace of <strong>God</strong>, we can<br />
give it away <strong>to</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs, both by our words and our deeds.<br />
James 3:18 (NKJV)<br />
Now <strong>the</strong> fruit of righteousness is sown <strong>in</strong> peace by<br />
those who make peace.<br />
Remember that Jesus is <strong>the</strong> reason for <strong>the</strong> season, and<br />
that HE is our peace (Eph. 2:14). As you live for him, each<br />
day can be a holy day, or, if you prefer, a “holiday.” All you<br />
need <strong>to</strong> do is start each morn<strong>in</strong>g with that giant “WHEW!”<br />
signify<strong>in</strong>g your awareness of <strong>the</strong> truth that no matter what<br />
happens, you and <strong>God</strong> are at peace, 5 He loves you fervently,<br />
and you are guaranteed <strong>to</strong> live forever <strong>in</strong> Paradise with Him,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Lord, and lots of nice folks. Everyth<strong>in</strong>g will be better than<br />
OK. So enjoy this holiday season. Give thanks, and walk <strong>in</strong><br />
peace, reach<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>in</strong> love <strong>to</strong> those <strong>in</strong> your world. Spread <strong>the</strong><br />
peace <strong>to</strong> those on earth.<br />
Notes:<br />
1. BibleWorks Copyright © 1992-2005 BibleWorks, LLC. (P.O. Box<br />
6158, Norfolk, VA, 23508). All rights reserved. For more <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
on BibleWorks, visit STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org/software or see page 11 of <strong>the</strong><br />
enclosed price list.<br />
2. Bull<strong>in</strong>ger, E.W. A Critical Lexicon and Concordance <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> English<br />
and Greek New Testament. Samuel Bagster and Sons Ltd., London,<br />
Tenth Edition, 1971.<br />
3. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from <strong>the</strong> New K<strong>in</strong>g<br />
James Version ® . © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.<br />
All rights reserved.<br />
4. You are <strong>the</strong> only you <strong>God</strong> has! - Visit <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/you<br />
5. Read “Righteousness: Every Christian’s Gift from <strong>God</strong>” at<br />
<strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/righteousness<br />
In Memorium<br />
Michael Heron<br />
Dubl<strong>in</strong>, Ireland<br />
Born December 6, 1943<br />
Died June 10, 2007<br />
Wendy J. Buchanan<br />
Bartlesville, Oklahoma<br />
Born January 20, 1949<br />
Died July 6, 2007<br />
Patrick Roberge<br />
Starksboro, Vermont<br />
Born February 6, 1956<br />
Died November 8, 2006<br />
V<strong>in</strong>cent John Pellegr<strong>in</strong>i<br />
Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania<br />
Born April 11, 1960<br />
Died August 10, 2007<br />
George Benecke (husband of Shirley)<br />
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania<br />
Born August 1, 1941<br />
Died Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 18, 2007<br />
<strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com / Over 800 articles and grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Articles of Interest<br />
• Are Angels real - <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/angels<br />
• What is an Apostle - <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/apostle<br />
• The Christian’s Hope: The Anchor of <strong>the</strong> Soul - <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/hope<br />
• What was Paul’s Thorn <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Flesh - <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/thorn<br />
• Articles on Biblical Love - <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/love<br />
• My <strong>God</strong>, My <strong>God</strong>, Why Have You Forsaken Me - <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/forsake<br />
• Articles about Jesus - <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/jesus<br />
• Articles on Evangelism - <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/evangelism<br />
• What is Hell - <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/hell<br />
• The Genealogy of Jesus Christ - <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/genealogy<br />
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The Sower Nov/Dec 2007 9
THE CONTENDER<br />
“...I felt I had <strong>to</strong> write and urge you <strong>to</strong> contend for <strong>the</strong> faith that was once for all entrusted <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> sa<strong>in</strong>ts” (Jude 3)<br />
To Whom<br />
is <strong>the</strong><br />
Peace<br />
by John W. Schoenheit<br />
How many times <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ry of<br />
<strong>the</strong> world has <strong>the</strong> multitude of<br />
<strong>the</strong> heavenly army appeared <strong>to</strong><br />
people, speak<strong>in</strong>g audibly and prais<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>God</strong> 1 The only time Scripture records<br />
this as happen<strong>in</strong>g was at <strong>the</strong> birth of<br />
Jesus Christ, a s<strong>in</strong>gularly momen<strong>to</strong>us<br />
event. Certa<strong>in</strong>ly we should want <strong>to</strong><br />
know exactly what <strong>the</strong> angels said on<br />
that September night, 2 and what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
meant, especially because <strong>the</strong>re is some<br />
confusion about it. This confusion is<br />
evident <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> four versions below,<br />
which are divided <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> two groups.<br />
Luke 2:14 (KJV)<br />
<strong>Glory</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong>,<br />
and on earth peace, good will<br />
<strong>to</strong>ward men.<br />
Luke 2:14 (NKJV) 3<br />
“<strong>Glory</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong>,<br />
And on earth peace, goodwill<br />
<strong>to</strong>ward men!”<br />
Luke 2:14 (NASB) 4<br />
“<strong>Glory</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong>,<br />
And on earth peace among men<br />
with whom He is pleased.”<br />
Luke 2:14 (NIV)<br />
“<strong>Glory</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong>,<br />
and on earth peace <strong>to</strong> men on<br />
whom his favor rests.”<br />
Why <strong>the</strong> difference<br />
The answer <strong>to</strong> that question lies <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> way this verse was copied from one<br />
Greek manuscript <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> next at some<br />
early date <strong>in</strong> his<strong>to</strong>ry. The copy<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
one manuscript <strong>to</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r is referred<br />
<strong>to</strong> as <strong>the</strong> “transmission of <strong>the</strong> text,”<br />
and sometimes mistakes were made <strong>in</strong><br />
copy<strong>in</strong>g, just as can happen <strong>to</strong>day when<br />
someone copies someth<strong>in</strong>g. Thankfully,<br />
due <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> extensive number of early<br />
manuscripts available <strong>to</strong>day, computer<br />
technology that allows very accurate<br />
comparison of <strong>the</strong> texts, and <strong>the</strong> hard<br />
work of scholars, <strong>the</strong> modern Greek<br />
text of <strong>the</strong> New Testament is very, very<br />
accurate.<br />
The problem <strong>in</strong> translat<strong>in</strong>g Luke<br />
2:14 has <strong>to</strong> do with <strong>the</strong> very last word<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Greek text of <strong>the</strong> verse, which<br />
<strong>in</strong> some manuscripts is eudokias (a<br />
genitive) and <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs eudokia (a<br />
nom<strong>in</strong>ative). Debates raged hot and<br />
heavy for centuries as <strong>to</strong> which read<strong>in</strong>g<br />
was orig<strong>in</strong>al, with scholars on both<br />
sides argu<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong>ir po<strong>in</strong>t of view.<br />
The debate cont<strong>in</strong>ued through <strong>the</strong> early<br />
1900’s, subsided dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> middle of<br />
that century, and <strong>to</strong>day is considered<br />
settled by textual scholars. This is <strong>in</strong><br />
part due <strong>to</strong> a better understand<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
<strong>the</strong> development of <strong>the</strong> Greek text over<br />
time, <strong>in</strong> part due <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> discovery and<br />
coord<strong>in</strong>ation of more texts, and even<br />
<strong>in</strong> part due <strong>to</strong> a discovery <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dead<br />
Sea Scrolls (first discovered <strong>in</strong> 1947).<br />
Thus, <strong>the</strong> modern versions of <strong>the</strong> Bible,<br />
such as <strong>the</strong> English Standard Version, 5<br />
New Revised Standard Version Bible, 6<br />
10 www.STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org
Amplified Bible, 7 and more, all say someth<strong>in</strong>g that parallels <strong>the</strong> NASB<br />
and NIV shown above. The read<strong>in</strong>g eudokias, which is <strong>the</strong> genitive<br />
case, is clearly <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al read<strong>in</strong>g, and <strong>the</strong> variant, eudokia, was<br />
created when <strong>the</strong> “s” was dropped.<br />
If modern textual scholars agree concern<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> read<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong><br />
Greek text, why, <strong>the</strong>n, does <strong>the</strong> New K<strong>in</strong>g James Version, which is very<br />
recent, read like <strong>the</strong> K<strong>in</strong>g James and not like <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> modern<br />
versions The answer is that <strong>the</strong> NKJV was specifically designed <strong>to</strong><br />
read like <strong>the</strong> KJV except for updat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> English from that of 1611 <strong>to</strong><br />
our modern use of words, such as chang<strong>in</strong>g “ye” <strong>to</strong> “you.” However, it<br />
is significant that <strong>in</strong> my NKJV study Bible, <strong>the</strong>re is a text note on Luke<br />
2:14 <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> read<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> NKJV differs from <strong>the</strong> modern<br />
Greek text.<br />
This verse is say<strong>in</strong>g that all through <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>heavens</strong>, even <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong> parts, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
is glory given <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> at <strong>the</strong> birth of <strong>the</strong><br />
Messiah.<br />
Luke 2:14 is one verse that clearly demonstrates <strong>the</strong> need for<br />
research us<strong>in</strong>g up-<strong>to</strong>-date texts, versions, commentaries, and scholastic<br />
works. Older commentaries and research materials can often be very<br />
helpful, and <strong>the</strong>re are many th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> biblical research that have not<br />
changed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last century, but many areas have changed, primarily<br />
due <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> work of archaeologists and textual scholars. Thankfully, <strong>the</strong><br />
modern work is often more readily available than <strong>the</strong> older material,<br />
so it is easy <strong>to</strong> study. It is a bless<strong>in</strong>g and joy <strong>to</strong> know that we live <strong>in</strong> an<br />
age when so much is known about <strong>the</strong> Bible, <strong>the</strong> text of <strong>the</strong> Bible, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> culture of biblical times.<br />
Understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Text<br />
The issue of <strong>the</strong> correct read<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Greek text be<strong>in</strong>g settled,<br />
it is now a matter of translat<strong>in</strong>g that text <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> English <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> best<br />
way possible. The first phrase of <strong>the</strong> Greek text has only four words,<br />
and what <strong>the</strong>y mean is not debated by scholars. Never<strong>the</strong>less, most<br />
modern versions say, “<strong>Glory</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong>,” which does not<br />
communicate well <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> modern reader, and <strong>in</strong> fact can be confus<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Is it say<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong>re is glory given <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> by those spiritual be<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
who dwell <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong> places, or is it say<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong>re is glory given<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> who Himself dwells <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong> places<br />
Scholars agree that <strong>the</strong> idea of <strong>the</strong> verse is that it is <strong>the</strong> angels and<br />
spiritual be<strong>in</strong>gs who dwell <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong> places who give glory <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />
The word “<strong>highest</strong>” is a common Greek word that means <strong>highest</strong> place<br />
or <strong>highest</strong> rank. In this verse it is an adjective, and thus <strong>in</strong> English it<br />
needs a noun <strong>to</strong> fully complete its sense. We would say, “<strong>Glory</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong> places,” us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> italics like <strong>the</strong> KJV, NASB, and ASV, 8<br />
<strong>to</strong> show that “places” is not <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Greek text but added for clarity.<br />
I would translate <strong>the</strong> phrase as, “<strong>Glory</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong><br />
<strong>heavens</strong>.” This is not <strong>to</strong> imply <strong>the</strong>re is more than one heaven, but<br />
ra<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> use <strong>the</strong> word “heaven” <strong>in</strong> its biblical sense and help <strong>the</strong> reader<br />
get a better understand<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> biblical culture and use of words.<br />
The s<strong>in</strong>gular word “heaven” never occurs <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Hebrew text, which always reads “<strong>heavens</strong>.”<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong> plural “<strong>heavens</strong>” occurs many<br />
times <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> New Testament as well. We English<br />
readers do not get <strong>to</strong> see this, because <strong>the</strong><br />
transla<strong>to</strong>rs almost always say “heaven” no matter<br />
what <strong>the</strong> Hebrew or Greek says.<br />
Both <strong>the</strong> Hebrew and Greek texts <strong>in</strong>dicate that<br />
“<strong>the</strong> <strong>heavens</strong>” are a vast realm, with higher and<br />
lower parts, which is what we see <strong>in</strong> part when we<br />
look up. We know <strong>the</strong> moon is “lower” than <strong>the</strong><br />
sun, and <strong>the</strong> sun is “lower” than <strong>the</strong> stars, but even<br />
so we consider all of what is above us “heaven.”<br />
People <strong>in</strong> Bible times said, “<strong>the</strong> <strong>heavens</strong>.” Thus,<br />
<strong>the</strong> “<strong>highest</strong> places” or “<strong>highest</strong> <strong>heavens</strong>” refers<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong> places <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> heavenly realm.<br />
This alludes <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong>re is a hierarchy<br />
among spirits, with some be<strong>in</strong>g more powerful or<br />
prom<strong>in</strong>ent than o<strong>the</strong>rs, someth<strong>in</strong>g we see <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
places <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible as well. This verse is say<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that all through <strong>the</strong> <strong>heavens</strong>, even <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong><br />
parts, <strong>the</strong>re is glory given <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> at <strong>the</strong> birth of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Messiah.<br />
To make English versions read more clearly<br />
that <strong>the</strong> glory comes <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> from <strong>the</strong> spirits who<br />
dwell <strong>in</strong> heaven, let us move <strong>the</strong> prepositional<br />
phrase, “<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong> places” <strong>to</strong> after “glory”<br />
and before “<strong>God</strong>.” This makes <strong>the</strong> verse read,<br />
“<strong>Glory</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong> places <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>.” Young’s<br />
Literal Translation 9 moves <strong>the</strong> prepositional<br />
phrase <strong>in</strong> that manner. Once we understand that<br />
it is <strong>the</strong> angels and spirits even <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong><br />
places of heaven who gave glory <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong> at <strong>the</strong><br />
birth of <strong>the</strong> Savior, we are able <strong>to</strong> see <strong>the</strong> contrast<br />
between heaven and earth with great clarity: “<strong>in</strong>”<br />
(<strong>the</strong> Greek reads “<strong>in</strong>”) heaven <strong>the</strong>re is glory, and<br />
“upon” (<strong>the</strong> Greek reads “on” or “upon”) <strong>the</strong><br />
earth, peace.<br />
Why would <strong>the</strong> angels be glorify<strong>in</strong>g <strong>God</strong><br />
at <strong>the</strong> birth of a human savior Because angels<br />
are godly and lov<strong>in</strong>g, and desire <strong>the</strong> salvation of<br />
mank<strong>in</strong>d and <strong>the</strong> end of human suffer<strong>in</strong>g just as<br />
we do, but <strong>the</strong>re is also ano<strong>the</strong>r reason. Because of<br />
<strong>the</strong> fall of Lucifer and Adam, <strong>the</strong> whole universe<br />
is suffer<strong>in</strong>g pa<strong>in</strong> and is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> bondage of decay<br />
(Rom. 8:21 and 22). The Savior, Jesus Christ, is<br />
not only <strong>the</strong> Savior of mank<strong>in</strong>d, he is <strong>the</strong> Savior<br />
of <strong>the</strong> universe itself. Therefore, it is no wonder<br />
that at his birth <strong>the</strong> heavenly army appeared <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
shepherds, say<strong>in</strong>g, “<strong>Glory</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong> <strong>heavens</strong><br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>.”<br />
The Sower Nov/Dec 2007 11
Th e Co n t e n d e r<br />
Because of <strong>the</strong> fall of Lucifer and Adam,<br />
<strong>the</strong> whole universe is suffer<strong>in</strong>g pa<strong>in</strong> and<br />
is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> bondage of decay.<br />
Along with <strong>the</strong> glory that <strong>the</strong> angels of heaven give <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
is <strong>to</strong> be peace on earth. But <strong>to</strong> whom The Greek phrase is only<br />
three words, and is literally translated, “among men of goodwill.”<br />
The truth be<strong>in</strong>g communicated is <strong>the</strong>re is peace from <strong>God</strong> <strong>to</strong> people<br />
with whom He has goodwill. Modern versions try <strong>to</strong> express this<br />
idea, with, <strong>in</strong> my op<strong>in</strong>ion, vary<strong>in</strong>g degrees of success, but <strong>the</strong> po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
is that <strong>God</strong>’s peace is not <strong>to</strong> everyone; it is for those who have<br />
turned <strong>the</strong>ir hearts <strong>to</strong> Him. This fits perfectly with <strong>the</strong> Old Testament<br />
prophecies and predictions of <strong>the</strong> com<strong>in</strong>g Messiah, who was fore<strong>to</strong>ld<br />
<strong>to</strong> be a warrior for <strong>God</strong>, deliver<strong>in</strong>g His people while destroy<strong>in</strong>g His<br />
enemies.<br />
The very first prophecy of <strong>the</strong> Redeemer, <strong>in</strong> Genesis 3:15,<br />
foretells him be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> conflict with <strong>the</strong> Devil, and by extension, <strong>the</strong><br />
ungodly. That prophecy was confirmed <strong>in</strong> Moses’ time when Balaam<br />
fore<strong>to</strong>ld that <strong>the</strong> Messiah would “…crush <strong>the</strong> foreheads of Moab, <strong>the</strong><br />
skulls of all <strong>the</strong> sons of Sheth” (Num. 24:17b). David cont<strong>in</strong>ued <strong>the</strong><br />
picture of <strong>the</strong> Messiah as execut<strong>in</strong>g judgment on those who did not<br />
turn <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>:<br />
Psalm 2:12<br />
Kiss <strong>the</strong> Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed <strong>in</strong> your<br />
way, for his wrath can flare up <strong>in</strong> a moment. Blessed are all<br />
who take refuge <strong>in</strong> him.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> biblical culture, <strong>to</strong> kiss someone showed love, respect,<br />
honor, or homage. <strong>God</strong> and His Messiah deserve and demand love<br />
and respect, and those who refuse <strong>God</strong> will be destroyed, while those<br />
who take refuge <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Son will be blessed, just as <strong>the</strong> verse says.<br />
The message about <strong>the</strong> Messiah as an execu<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>God</strong>’s judgment<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ued through <strong>the</strong> prophetic books, and <strong>the</strong> last prophet, Malachi,<br />
wrote:<br />
DID YOU KNOW...<br />
That Genesis 3:15 conta<strong>in</strong>s <strong>the</strong> first prophetic<br />
words about <strong>the</strong> com<strong>in</strong>g Savior, who we know<br />
will crush <strong>the</strong> head of Lucifer, <strong>God</strong>’s arch-enemy.<br />
THAT is someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> praise <strong>God</strong> about !!!<br />
Malachi 3:1b-3a and 5a<br />
(1b) …<strong>the</strong> Lord you are seek<strong>in</strong>g will come <strong>to</strong> his temple; <strong>the</strong><br />
messenger of <strong>the</strong> covenant, whom you desire, will come,”<br />
says <strong>the</strong> Lo r d Almighty.<br />
(2) But who can endure <strong>the</strong> day of his com<strong>in</strong>g Who can<br />
stand when he appears For he will be<br />
like a ref<strong>in</strong>er’s fire or a launderer’s soap.<br />
(3a) He will sit as a ref<strong>in</strong>er and purifier of<br />
silver…<br />
(5a) “So I will come near <strong>to</strong> you for<br />
judgment….<br />
John <strong>the</strong> Baptist cont<strong>in</strong>ued <strong>to</strong> portray <strong>the</strong><br />
Messiah as one who would bless <strong>the</strong> people of<br />
<strong>God</strong> but execute judgment upon <strong>the</strong> ungodly. One<br />
way he expressed that was <strong>to</strong> compare <strong>the</strong> people<br />
of earth <strong>to</strong> a harvest. The evil people would be<br />
burned up like chaff, while <strong>the</strong> godly would be<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>red <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> barn (Matt. 3:12). Thus, <strong>the</strong><br />
Messiah would br<strong>in</strong>g peace, but he would br<strong>in</strong>g it<br />
only <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> people with whom <strong>God</strong> was pleased.<br />
Someth<strong>in</strong>g else about <strong>the</strong> peace that people<br />
of <strong>God</strong> will enjoy is that it is clearly l<strong>in</strong>ked <strong>in</strong><br />
prophecy <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> destruction of those who oppose<br />
<strong>God</strong>. It is undeniable that <strong>the</strong> lives of everyone<br />
on earth would be more peaceful if <strong>the</strong>re were no<br />
wicked people here. The people of <strong>God</strong> will enjoy<br />
peace <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> future <strong>in</strong> part because Jesus Christ<br />
will destroy <strong>the</strong> wicked and unrepentant.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r aspect of <strong>the</strong> “peace” that would<br />
come <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> people of <strong>God</strong> was that it would exist<br />
forever between <strong>God</strong> and His people due <strong>to</strong> Jesus’<br />
offer<strong>in</strong>g himself as <strong>the</strong> “…Lamb of <strong>God</strong>, who<br />
takes away <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong> of <strong>the</strong> world” (John 1:29b). 10<br />
Despite our best efforts <strong>to</strong> obey and please <strong>God</strong>,<br />
our s<strong>in</strong> nature and seem<strong>in</strong>gly overpower<strong>in</strong>g<br />
desires cause us <strong>to</strong> s<strong>in</strong> aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>God</strong> on a regular<br />
basis. The Old Testament portrays <strong>the</strong> separation<br />
between <strong>God</strong> and men very clearly, and <strong>in</strong> those<br />
days people approached <strong>God</strong> with blood sacrifices<br />
<strong>to</strong> cover and a<strong>to</strong>ne for <strong>the</strong>ir s<strong>in</strong>. Leviticus reveals<br />
an important aspect of <strong>the</strong>se offer<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>, an<br />
aspect that is usually not clearly presented <strong>in</strong> our<br />
English versions.<br />
Leviticus 1:9<br />
He [<strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong>ner with <strong>the</strong> offer<strong>in</strong>g] is <strong>to</strong> wash<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ner parts and <strong>the</strong> legs with water, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> priest is <strong>to</strong> burn all of it on <strong>the</strong> altar.<br />
It is a burnt offer<strong>in</strong>g, an offer<strong>in</strong>g made by<br />
fire, an aroma pleas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lo r d.<br />
The NIV says that <strong>the</strong> burnt offer<strong>in</strong>g made an<br />
aroma “pleas<strong>in</strong>g” <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>, but <strong>the</strong> Hebrew word<br />
means more than that. The NASB is much closer<br />
when it says a “sooth<strong>in</strong>g” aroma. The Hebrew<br />
word, nichowach, means “sooth<strong>in</strong>g, quiet<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
12 www.STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org
Romans 5:1 says, “...we [Christians] have peace with <strong>God</strong><br />
through our Lord Jesus Christ,” and not, “Everyone now<br />
has peace with <strong>God</strong>.”<br />
tranquiliz<strong>in</strong>g,” and <strong>the</strong>n by extension, “pleas<strong>in</strong>g.” The offer<strong>in</strong>g did<br />
please <strong>God</strong>, but it did so by sooth<strong>in</strong>g and quiet<strong>in</strong>g Him. The picture<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g pa<strong>in</strong>ted for us <strong>in</strong> Leviticus is that <strong>God</strong> is agitated, even angered,<br />
by our s<strong>in</strong>, but He is soo<strong>the</strong>d, quieted, and pleased by <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong> offer<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Via <strong>the</strong> offer<strong>in</strong>g, which quiets and pleases <strong>God</strong>, <strong>the</strong> offerer has peace<br />
with Him.<br />
Scripture never says that <strong>the</strong> ungodly or unsaved have peace with<br />
<strong>God</strong>. The peace we have with Him is due <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> substitutionary sacrifice<br />
of Christ, which soo<strong>the</strong>s and quiets <strong>God</strong> and keeps us from His wrath.<br />
That is why Romans 5:1 says, “…we [Christians] have peace with <strong>God</strong><br />
through our Lord Jesus Christ,” and not, “Everyone now has peace<br />
with <strong>God</strong>.” The Church Epistles thus echo what <strong>the</strong> Old Testament and<br />
Gospels proclaim: that <strong>the</strong> peace of <strong>God</strong> is for those who have turned<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir hearts <strong>to</strong> Him.<br />
Once <strong>the</strong> Messiah was born, <strong>the</strong> promises of <strong>God</strong> were well on<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir way <strong>to</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g fulfilled. Heaven and earth, <strong>in</strong> bondage and pa<strong>in</strong>,<br />
could be rescued, and mank<strong>in</strong>d, seem<strong>in</strong>gly ever displeas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>,<br />
could once and for all be at peace with Him. Because Jesus walked out<br />
<strong>the</strong> path <strong>God</strong> set before him, all <strong>the</strong> way <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cross, where with his<br />
dy<strong>in</strong>g breaths he said, “It is f<strong>in</strong>ished,” <strong>God</strong>’s plan of peace on earth will<br />
one day be fulfilled. Thus it was appropriate that on <strong>the</strong> day of Christ’s<br />
birth some 2,000 years ago, <strong>the</strong> angelic army of heaven descended <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> earth and proclaimed <strong>to</strong> mank<strong>in</strong>d,<br />
“<strong>Glory</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>highest</strong> <strong>heavens</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>, and<br />
on earth peace among men with whom he is<br />
well pleased” (Author’s translation).<br />
Notes:<br />
1. I say “heavenly army” while most transla<strong>to</strong>rs say, “heavenly host.” The Greek<br />
is stratia, and it was a common word for an army or band of soldiers. Robertson<br />
(Word Pictures <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> New Testament) writes: “A military term for a band of<br />
soldiers common <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> ancient Greek.”<br />
2. We believe that Jesus was born <strong>in</strong> September, not December. Cp. Ernest L.<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong>, The Star that As<strong>to</strong>nished <strong>the</strong> World (ASK Publications, 1991), Vic<strong>to</strong>r<br />
P. Wierwille, Jesus Christ Our Promised Seed (American Christian Press,<br />
New Knoxville, OH, 1982). For fur<strong>the</strong>r study on when Jesus was born see<br />
<strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/birth<br />
3. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from <strong>the</strong> New K<strong>in</strong>g James<br />
Version®. © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights<br />
reserved.<br />
4. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from <strong>the</strong> New American<br />
Standard Bible®, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by<br />
The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.<br />
5. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a<br />
division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.<br />
6. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian<br />
Education of <strong>the</strong> National Council of <strong>the</strong> Churches<br />
of Christ <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States of America. Used by<br />
permission. All rights reserved.<br />
7. Amplified Bible, © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987<br />
by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.<br />
8. The American Standard Version, 1901.<br />
9. Young’s Literal Translation, by Robert Young, 1898.<br />
10. For fur<strong>the</strong>r study, visit <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/<br />
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Pa r t n e r Pr o f i l e<br />
Alissa Wassung<br />
“<br />
I support <strong>Spirit</strong> & <strong>Truth</strong> <strong>Fellowship</strong> because it upholds Reason itself.<br />
”<br />
My name is Alissa Wassung, and I<br />
recently moved from New York City, where<br />
I lived for ten years, <strong>to</strong> attend school at<br />
Yale University. In New York I worked as a<br />
professional ballet dancer with <strong>the</strong> American<br />
Ballet Theater, and also a costume designer.<br />
Both New York City and <strong>the</strong> arts are famous<br />
for question<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> mere existence of truth.<br />
There are, sadly, many people <strong>in</strong> bondage<br />
<strong>to</strong> ignorance and despair because <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
ignorant of <strong>the</strong> whole truth. Dur<strong>in</strong>g my time<br />
<strong>in</strong> that great city, <strong>Spirit</strong> & <strong>Truth</strong> <strong>Fellowship</strong><br />
International was a blessed resource for<br />
materials that s<strong>to</strong>od for ultimate truth and<br />
our ability <strong>to</strong> know it.<br />
John 8:31 and 32<br />
(31) To <strong>the</strong> Jews who had believed<br />
him, Jesus said, “If you hold <strong>to</strong><br />
my teach<strong>in</strong>g, you are really my<br />
disciples.<br />
(32) Then you will know <strong>the</strong> truth,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> truth will set you free.”<br />
I firmly believe that <strong>God</strong>, by “fearfully and wonderfully” creat<strong>in</strong>g each<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual, has placed <strong>in</strong> us <strong>the</strong> rational ability <strong>to</strong> know Him. Not just that He<br />
philosophically exists, but that <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>tricacies of His be<strong>in</strong>g and His declared<br />
will for mank<strong>in</strong>d are fathomable by our human m<strong>in</strong>ds.<br />
Proverbs 25:2<br />
It is <strong>the</strong> glory of <strong>God</strong> <strong>to</strong> conceal a matter; <strong>to</strong> search out a matter is <strong>the</strong><br />
glory of k<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
<strong>Spirit</strong> & <strong>Truth</strong> <strong>Fellowship</strong> International is a group of believers who want<br />
<strong>to</strong> know more, and we believe that <strong>the</strong> “more” is knowable. With <strong>God</strong>, His<br />
Son, and this m<strong>in</strong>istry, I cont<strong>in</strong>ue <strong>to</strong> go on treasure hunts <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> depths of<br />
Scripture, where my digg<strong>in</strong>g is always richly rewarded.<br />
We are <strong>in</strong> a battle <strong>to</strong> make known <strong>the</strong> unadulterated truth of <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
teach<strong>in</strong>gs, and we fight not only aga<strong>in</strong>st our Enemy, but also, sad <strong>to</strong> say,<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st some of our fellow soldiers, who are bl<strong>in</strong>ded by <strong>the</strong> traditions of men.<br />
With great exultation <strong>in</strong> my heart, I have observed that <strong>the</strong> people of this<br />
m<strong>in</strong>istry endeavor <strong>to</strong> be merciful and not pompous <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> quest <strong>to</strong> keep <strong>the</strong><br />
unity of <strong>the</strong> spirit <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> bond of peace. As part of <strong>the</strong> extended v<strong>in</strong>e, I have<br />
seen firsthand how <strong>the</strong> truth of <strong>God</strong>’s Word, coupled with <strong>the</strong> humility of this<br />
m<strong>in</strong>istry’s people, is a heal<strong>in</strong>g balm <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> hearts of many <strong>in</strong>jured Christians<br />
and non-believers.<br />
The last part of this verse is often<br />
quoted without <strong>the</strong> first and most important<br />
part: “If you hold <strong>to</strong> my teach<strong>in</strong>gs...” These<br />
are <strong>God</strong>’s teach<strong>in</strong>gs, not man’s traditions.<br />
I serve <strong>God</strong> with this m<strong>in</strong>istry because I<br />
believe <strong>the</strong> people of this m<strong>in</strong>istry do <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
best <strong>to</strong> accurately set forth <strong>the</strong> Word of<br />
<strong>God</strong>.<br />
When I agreed <strong>to</strong> write this profile, I<br />
didn’t realize what a challenge it would be<br />
<strong>to</strong> condense <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> 500 words my motives<br />
for be<strong>in</strong>g a partner with this m<strong>in</strong>istry!<br />
The pr<strong>in</strong>cipal tenets we pursue, and <strong>the</strong><br />
wonderful communion of a local fellowship,<br />
are fantastic reasons, yet I have tried <strong>to</strong><br />
distill my <strong>in</strong>tention down <strong>to</strong> an essence. I<br />
support <strong>Spirit</strong> & <strong>Truth</strong> <strong>Fellowship</strong> because<br />
it upholds Reason itself.<br />
Happily, amidst <strong>the</strong> conflict <strong>the</strong>re are vic<strong>to</strong>ries, and many soldiers<br />
experience <strong>the</strong> joy of know<strong>in</strong>g Jesus, as we do, as he truly is.<br />
Alissa Wassung, Salem, CT<br />
PARTNER<br />
with <strong>Spirit</strong> & <strong>Truth</strong> <strong>Fellowship</strong> International<br />
To become a partner, go <strong>to</strong><br />
STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org/partnership<br />
or use <strong>the</strong> enclosed partnership form<br />
or call 1.888.255.6189 M-F 8:30-5 (EST)<br />
The Sower Nov/Dec 2007 15
Def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g True Greatness<br />
Mary<br />
The<br />
Mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
of<br />
Jesus<br />
by John Schoenheit<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> truly great women of <strong>the</strong> Bible is Mary, <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
of Jesus. She was a woman of faith, courage, humility,<br />
praise, and prayer. She was a good wife and mo<strong>the</strong>r, and an<br />
exemplary disciple of Christ. Never<strong>the</strong>less, Mary often is not given<br />
<strong>the</strong> recognition she deserves, and that is primarily due <strong>to</strong> all <strong>the</strong><br />
fanciful th<strong>in</strong>gs that have been taught about her, such as that she<br />
was a “perpetual virg<strong>in</strong>,” or that she answers prayers and dispenses<br />
grace. These unbiblical th<strong>in</strong>gs tend <strong>to</strong> make <strong>the</strong> average Protestant<br />
Christian avoid study<strong>in</strong>g her life, which is <strong>to</strong>o bad because she was<br />
an awesome believer. We can learn a lot from <strong>the</strong> woman who was<br />
chosen by <strong>God</strong> <strong>to</strong> bear His Son.<br />
A Woman with a Pedigree<br />
Mary’s family pedigree was exalted and spotless. She was<br />
born <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> spiritual royalty because she was a descendant of David<br />
through his son Solomon, and down through <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>gs of Judah,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g such greats as Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah. 1<br />
Mary, of course, did not choose her family heritage, one that made<br />
it possible for her <strong>to</strong> bear <strong>the</strong> promised Messiah. Never<strong>the</strong>less, Old<br />
Testament Scripture made clear that <strong>the</strong> Christ would be from <strong>the</strong><br />
l<strong>in</strong>e of David, and <strong>the</strong>re is little doubt that <strong>the</strong> subject was discussed<br />
<strong>in</strong> her home, just as godly people <strong>to</strong>day often speak of <strong>the</strong> Rapture<br />
and return of Jesus Christ. However, it is clear that Mary never<br />
thought of herself as better than o<strong>the</strong>rs, and <strong>in</strong>stead saw herself as<br />
an Israelite whose work was <strong>to</strong> be a good wife and mo<strong>the</strong>r, and <strong>to</strong><br />
live her life <strong>in</strong> service <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />
A Woman of Faith<br />
We do not know how cold, or perhaps even snowy, it was that<br />
December day <strong>in</strong> Galilee when <strong>the</strong> young woman we know as<br />
Mary was surprised by <strong>the</strong> angel Gabriel. 2 We do know that Mary<br />
would have been <strong>in</strong> her early teenage years, most likely twelve <strong>to</strong><br />
16 www.STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org<br />
fourteen years old. We can tell her age because she<br />
was engaged, but not yet married, <strong>to</strong> a man named<br />
Joseph, and yet was physically mature enough <strong>to</strong><br />
both have and rear <strong>God</strong>’s Son, someth<strong>in</strong>g she did<br />
for at least a couple of years without much family<br />
support. While twelve <strong>to</strong> fourteen may seem very<br />
young <strong>to</strong> us, it was common <strong>in</strong> biblical times for<br />
women <strong>to</strong> be married at that age, and much older<br />
than fourteen would have been uncharacteristically<br />
old for marriage <strong>in</strong> her culture. We can better<br />
understand <strong>the</strong> great courage and faith Mary had<br />
when we realize that she was not a middle-aged<br />
and experienced woman of <strong>the</strong> world, but ra<strong>the</strong>r a<br />
young woman of faith who accepted <strong>the</strong> call <strong>to</strong> be<br />
<strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> Christ.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> angel Gabriel appeared <strong>to</strong> Mary, he<br />
said, …“Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you”<br />
(Luke 1:28b NASB). 3 The angel <strong>to</strong>ld Mary that she<br />
had “found favor with <strong>God</strong>” (Luke 1:30), and that<br />
she would be impregnated by <strong>God</strong> and give birth <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> promised Messiah, whose “k<strong>in</strong>gdom will never<br />
end” (v. 33). Although we do not know a lot of<br />
details about Mary’s life, we can tell from Scripture<br />
that even at her young age she was familiar with<br />
Scripture, and would have immediately unders<strong>to</strong>od<br />
some of <strong>the</strong> immensity of <strong>the</strong> task be<strong>in</strong>g asked of<br />
her. She also would have known, though only <strong>in</strong><br />
part, <strong>the</strong> personal price she would have <strong>to</strong> pay <strong>to</strong> be<br />
<strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> Messiah.<br />
Part of <strong>the</strong> price she paid was <strong>the</strong> doubt,<br />
suspicion, and rejection she encountered because
Mary believed what <strong>the</strong> angel Gabriel<br />
<strong>to</strong>ld her, but it had <strong>to</strong> occur <strong>to</strong> her that it<br />
would be difficult, and often impossible,<br />
<strong>to</strong> get people <strong>to</strong> believe what she would<br />
tell <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
<strong>the</strong> sexual property of <strong>the</strong> owner, someth<strong>in</strong>g that<br />
devastated many marriages <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> ancient world.<br />
Mary did not th<strong>in</strong>k of herself as a servant who could<br />
leave if <strong>the</strong> employment was unfavorable or <strong>the</strong> pay<br />
was not good enough. No, she thought of herself as<br />
<strong>the</strong> slave of <strong>God</strong>, will<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> do whatever he asked. A<br />
better example of faith could hardly be set by anyone<br />
at any time.<br />
A Woman of Character<br />
Very shortly after <strong>the</strong> angel <strong>to</strong>ld Mary she would<br />
be pregnant by <strong>God</strong>, she left Nazareth and went<br />
south <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> hill country of Judea, <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> house of a<br />
relative named Elizabeth, who was a descendant of<br />
Aaron, and married <strong>to</strong> Zechariah, who was also from<br />
Aaron (Luke 1:39-56). Scripture does not tell us why<br />
Mary went <strong>to</strong> visit Elizabeth, but we can quite safely<br />
assume that it was <strong>to</strong> prepare herself for <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>rm<br />
she knew would break when her pregnancy became<br />
known.<br />
of her virg<strong>in</strong> conception and birth. Nei<strong>the</strong>r Mary nor her fellow<br />
believers were expect<strong>in</strong>g a virg<strong>in</strong> birth. Isaiah 7:14 is quoted <strong>in</strong><br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w 1:23 (“The virg<strong>in</strong> will be with child and will give birth<br />
<strong>to</strong> a son…), and <strong>the</strong>refore Christians, with 20/20 h<strong>in</strong>dsight, realize<br />
that Isaiah was at least <strong>in</strong> part foretell<strong>in</strong>g a virg<strong>in</strong> birth. But <strong>in</strong> its<br />
context, <strong>the</strong> “son” <strong>in</strong> Isaiah 7 was born dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> lifetime of Isaiah<br />
(Isa. 7:15-17), and <strong>the</strong>re is no his<strong>to</strong>rical record that <strong>the</strong> Jews were<br />
expect<strong>in</strong>g a virg<strong>in</strong> birth until it actually happened. 4<br />
On be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong>ld she would have a child, Mary herself said, “How<br />
will this be, s<strong>in</strong>ce I am not know<strong>in</strong>g a man” (Author’s translation). 5<br />
Mary was confused about how she would get pregnant when she was<br />
not “know<strong>in</strong>g,” actively hav<strong>in</strong>g sexual relations with, a man. The<br />
angel <strong>to</strong>ld her that she would be impregnated by <strong>God</strong> Himself (Luke<br />
1:35). Mary believed what <strong>the</strong> angel Gabriel <strong>to</strong>ld her, but it had <strong>to</strong><br />
occur <strong>to</strong> her that it would be difficult, and often impossible, <strong>to</strong> get<br />
people <strong>to</strong> believe what she would tell <strong>the</strong>m. Even so, <strong>in</strong> a statement<br />
of faith that has echoed through <strong>the</strong> ages and been an <strong>in</strong>spiration for<br />
millions of believers, she replied <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> angel, “Behold!, <strong>the</strong> slavemaid<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Lord, may it be <strong>to</strong> me accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> your word” (Luke<br />
1:38b - Author’s translation).<br />
Mary’s humility and faith sh<strong>in</strong>e brilliantly through her statement.<br />
She referred <strong>to</strong> herself as <strong>the</strong> “slave-maid” of <strong>the</strong> Lord, <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that she completely submitted her will, her agenda, even her life, <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>God</strong>. The Greek word I translate “slave-maid” (follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> wellknown<br />
biblical scholar, R. C. H. Lenski), is doule, <strong>the</strong> fem<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>e<br />
form of <strong>the</strong> better-known mascul<strong>in</strong>e noun doulos, and it can refer<br />
ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> a servant or a slave. In <strong>the</strong> biblical culture, servants were<br />
not owned, and thus were free <strong>to</strong> stay or leave as <strong>the</strong>y wished, and<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were paid for <strong>the</strong>ir work. Slaves, on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, were owned<br />
and thus were not free <strong>to</strong> come and go, and <strong>the</strong>y were seldom paid<br />
for any service. Also noteworthy <strong>in</strong> this context is that a slave was<br />
Scripture never tells us why she picked Elizabeth<br />
<strong>to</strong> go visit for three months. She may have prayed<br />
about it and gotten direction from <strong>God</strong>, or perhaps<br />
it was because Gabriel mentioned Elizabeth when<br />
he <strong>to</strong>ld Mary she would bear <strong>the</strong> promised Messiah.<br />
Scripture also never tells us <strong>to</strong> what degree she<br />
wrestled with concern, perhaps worry, perhaps even<br />
fear, of what would happen <strong>to</strong> her when her pregnancy<br />
became known. She may have even wrestled with<br />
how <strong>to</strong> tell Elizabeth, and whe<strong>the</strong>r Elizabeth would<br />
believe her. What a weight must have come off her<br />
shoulders when she went <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> house of Elizabeth.<br />
She had barely said “Hello,” when Elizabeth loudly<br />
proclaimed that Mary and <strong>the</strong> child were blessed by<br />
<strong>God</strong>.<br />
Luke 1:42b-45<br />
(42b) …“Blessed are you among women,<br />
and blessed is <strong>the</strong> child you will bear!<br />
(43) But why am I so favored, that <strong>the</strong><br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r of my Lord should come <strong>to</strong> me<br />
(44) As soon as <strong>the</strong> sound of your greet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
reached my ears, <strong>the</strong> baby <strong>in</strong> my womb<br />
leaped for joy.<br />
(45) Blessed is she who has believed<br />
that what <strong>the</strong> Lord has said <strong>to</strong> her will be<br />
accomplished!”<br />
<strong>God</strong> revealed <strong>to</strong> Elizabeth via <strong>the</strong> holy spirit upon<br />
her what she could not have known by her senses;<br />
and her words provided comfort and assurance <strong>to</strong><br />
Mary. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, like Mary, Elizabeth was also a<br />
woman of faith and humility. Herself pregnant by<br />
a miracle, Elizabeth none<strong>the</strong>less was honored <strong>to</strong> be<br />
The Sower Nov/Dec 2007 17
She (Mary) was one of <strong>the</strong> few who loved <strong>God</strong> with her heart, soul, m<strong>in</strong>d,<br />
and strength, and expressed that love <strong>in</strong> selfless service <strong>to</strong> Him.<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> presence of <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> Messiah, and asked how it<br />
was that she was so favored. A humble heart is one of <strong>the</strong> great<br />
characteristics of a godly person, and Mary and Elizabeth stand as<br />
wonderful examples <strong>to</strong> us <strong>to</strong>day.<br />
Mary responded <strong>to</strong> Elizabeth’s prophecy with a beautiful<br />
psalm. 6 If it came by revelation <strong>the</strong> text never says so, and even if<br />
it did, we know that what came from her mouth lived <strong>in</strong> her heart.<br />
Mary’s psalm reveals much about her.<br />
It reveals <strong>the</strong> praise for <strong>God</strong> that lived <strong>in</strong> her heart, that burn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and upwell<strong>in</strong>g love and thankfulness that expressed itself <strong>in</strong> praise<br />
and overshadowed any personal grief she would have from her<br />
service <strong>to</strong> <strong>God</strong>. She said, “My soul magnifies <strong>the</strong> Lord,” and it<br />
truly did.<br />
It revealed her knowledge of Scripture, because many th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
she said relate directly <strong>to</strong> verses <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Old Testament (cp. v. 46<br />
with Ps. 34:2; v. 47 with Isa. 61:10; v. 48 with Ps. 138:6; v. 49<br />
with Ps. 111:9; v. 50 with Exod. 20:6; v. 51 with Ps. 98:1; v. 52<br />
with 2 Sam. 22:28; and v. 53 with Ps. 107:9). Mary obviously paid<br />
attention when <strong>the</strong> scrolls were read <strong>in</strong> synagogue, and believed<br />
what she heard.<br />
It revealed her humility, for she aga<strong>in</strong> referred <strong>to</strong> herself as <strong>the</strong><br />
slave-maid of <strong>God</strong> (v. 48). She was one of <strong>the</strong> few who loved <strong>God</strong><br />
with her heart, soul, m<strong>in</strong>d, and strength, and expressed that love <strong>in</strong><br />
selfless service <strong>to</strong> Him.<br />
It revealed <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ner strength <strong>in</strong> her soul and her keen <strong>in</strong>sight<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> life. Surely <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> Messiah would be a woman<br />
with great <strong>in</strong>ner strength, and it comes out <strong>in</strong> her psalm. She<br />
boldly proclaimed th<strong>in</strong>gs that <strong>God</strong> had done and will do, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
scatter<strong>in</strong>g those who are proud and br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g down rulers. The<br />
rulers <strong>in</strong> her world were men like Herod <strong>the</strong> Great, who would<br />
soon try <strong>to</strong> kill her son. Ra<strong>the</strong>r than be<strong>in</strong>g awed by <strong>the</strong>ir earthly<br />
power or <strong>the</strong> glitzy life <strong>the</strong>y lived, she saw <strong>the</strong> evil <strong>in</strong> what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
did and was quick <strong>to</strong> proclaim that <strong>God</strong> would deal with it, which<br />
she had <strong>to</strong> know would be <strong>in</strong> part through <strong>the</strong> agency of <strong>the</strong> child<br />
<strong>in</strong> her womb.<br />
It revealed her compassion for those who, <strong>in</strong> this life, have<br />
been downtrodden and abused. Mary proclaimed that <strong>the</strong> humble<br />
would be lifted up, <strong>the</strong> hungry would be filled with good th<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />
and mercy would be extended <strong>to</strong> Abraham and his seed forever.<br />
It revealed that Mary believed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Messianic Age, <strong>the</strong> com<strong>in</strong>g<br />
k<strong>in</strong>gdom that would be ruled by her son, when <strong>the</strong>re would be no<br />
more hunger, disease, war, or political oppression. She knew <strong>God</strong><br />
would be merciful <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> seed of Abraham “forever,” even as he<br />
had said <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> ancient fa<strong>the</strong>rs and had recorded <strong>in</strong><br />
His Word.<br />
Mary and Elizabeth were both great women of<br />
faith, one very young, and one very old, and <strong>the</strong>y<br />
spent three months <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r, talk<strong>in</strong>g and pray<strong>in</strong>g<br />
about what was <strong>to</strong> come. No doubt <strong>the</strong>y did <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
best <strong>to</strong> prepare Mary for <strong>the</strong> joys and tribulations<br />
of be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> Messiah. Little did<br />
Mary know that, even as her virg<strong>in</strong> pregnancy was<br />
unexpected, and a shock and stumbl<strong>in</strong>gblock <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Jews, so <strong>the</strong> path of peace and love that her son<br />
would take would be a shock and stumbl<strong>in</strong>gblock<br />
<strong>to</strong> her.<br />
A Woman of Courage<br />
After spend<strong>in</strong>g three months with Elizabeth,<br />
Mary went back <strong>to</strong> Nazareth, know<strong>in</strong>g that she was<br />
head<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> a s<strong>to</strong>rm. The people of Nazareth would<br />
not be as Elizabeth was. No, <strong>the</strong>y would be shocked,<br />
hurt, dismayed, doubtful, and express every o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
emotion that “nice” parents and relatives of “nice”<br />
girls usually express when a beloved daughter<br />
shows up pregnant. It is a testimony of <strong>the</strong> courage<br />
and faith of young Mary that she went home <strong>to</strong> face<br />
her relatives, know<strong>in</strong>g what <strong>the</strong> situation would be<br />
like. People <strong>to</strong>day, who avoid conflict, lie <strong>to</strong> cover<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir actions, have a “victim mentality,” and make<br />
excuse after excuse, could learn a lot from Mary.<br />
We can imag<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> scene. Mary’s pregnancy<br />
was discovered, likely because her expand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tummy showed a little after three months, and<br />
perhaps also her complexion had changed. No<br />
doubt <strong>the</strong>re was shout<strong>in</strong>g, endless questions, and<br />
many tears. The rabbi would have been called <strong>to</strong><br />
see if <strong>the</strong>re was anyth<strong>in</strong>g about a virg<strong>in</strong> birth <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Old Testament. Eventually Joseph was <strong>to</strong>ld. He<br />
did not believe Mary’s s<strong>to</strong>ry ei<strong>the</strong>r. Can you blame<br />
him Who could have guessed But Joseph’s godly<br />
character showed itself <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> situation. He was not<br />
a hard, v<strong>in</strong>dictive man who wanted Mary publicly<br />
embarrassed, he was content <strong>to</strong> make <strong>the</strong> divorce<br />
a quiet family matter. No doubt Mary prayed for<br />
wisdom and peace, and <strong>God</strong> was good, show<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Joseph <strong>in</strong> a dream that Mary really was pregnant<br />
by <strong>God</strong>.<br />
Know<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> truth about Mary, Joseph acted<br />
decisively and <strong>to</strong>ok Mary home as his wife (Matt.<br />
18 www.STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org
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1:24). At this po<strong>in</strong>t Mary had a husband who was a husband <strong>in</strong>deed:<br />
a friend, ally, and confidant. Joseph was a godly man who valued<br />
truth over convenience. We know this because now Joseph would<br />
be <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>rm that raged around Mary and her soon-<strong>to</strong>be<br />
born baby. Interest<strong>in</strong>gly, it has been 2,000 years s<strong>in</strong>ce Jesus was<br />
born, and <strong>the</strong>re is still a s<strong>to</strong>rm that rages around <strong>the</strong> truth of who<br />
Jesus is, a s<strong>to</strong>rm that some people enter <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> for <strong>God</strong>’s sake and<br />
truth’s sake, and that o<strong>the</strong>rs avoid, usually because <strong>the</strong>y “don’t like<br />
conflict.”<br />
The s<strong>to</strong>rm of doubt, anger, and unbelief rag<strong>in</strong>g around Mary<br />
and Joseph was most likely <strong>the</strong> reason why <strong>the</strong>y did not return<br />
<strong>to</strong> Nazareth after Jesus was born <strong>in</strong> Bethlehem. They stayed <strong>in</strong><br />
Bethlehem for almost a year and a half, until <strong>the</strong> angel <strong>to</strong>ld <strong>the</strong>m<br />
<strong>to</strong> flee <strong>to</strong> Egypt <strong>to</strong> save young Jesus’ life. For <strong>the</strong>ir part, Mary and<br />
Joseph had better th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>to</strong> do than try <strong>to</strong> expla<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir situation<br />
<strong>to</strong> unbeliev<strong>in</strong>g relatives <strong>in</strong> Nazareth. They needed <strong>to</strong> get started<br />
rais<strong>in</strong>g <strong>God</strong>’s Son, who was not only <strong>the</strong> Savior of <strong>the</strong> world, but<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir Savior as well. There is a lesson for us <strong>in</strong> how Joseph and<br />
Mary lived, because far <strong>to</strong>o many people waste <strong>the</strong>ir lives try<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />
justify <strong>the</strong>ir actions <strong>to</strong> angry and unbeliev<strong>in</strong>g people who are never<br />
satisfied. Like Joseph and Mary, we need <strong>to</strong> get about do<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
work of <strong>the</strong> Lord, and not be distracted by compla<strong>in</strong>ers.<br />
A Woman of Self-control<br />
Both Joseph and Mary recognized <strong>the</strong> tremendous significance<br />
of <strong>the</strong> birth and pedigree of <strong>the</strong> Messiah, and <strong>the</strong> gospel of Mat<strong>the</strong>w<br />
makes it clear that <strong>the</strong>y did not have sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse until after<br />
Jesus was born.<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w 1:25 (KJV)<br />
And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn<br />
son: and he called his name JESUS.<br />
That Joseph did not “know” Mary before she gave birth <strong>to</strong> Jesus<br />
is a clear statement reveal<strong>in</strong>g that he did not have sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse<br />
with her until after Jesus was born. In <strong>to</strong>day’s world, when it seems<br />
that a large percentage of Christians do not wait until marriage <strong>to</strong><br />
have sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse with <strong>the</strong>ir partner, <strong>the</strong> discipl<strong>in</strong>e and focus<br />
of Mary and Joseph stands as a sterl<strong>in</strong>g example, show<strong>in</strong>g that if<br />
we really want <strong>to</strong>, we can follow not only <strong>the</strong> Law of <strong>God</strong>, but <strong>the</strong><br />
heart of <strong>God</strong> as well. After all, <strong>the</strong>re was no law say<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>y could<br />
not have sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse after marriage, but<br />
both of <strong>the</strong>m knew <strong>the</strong> obvious: if <strong>the</strong>y had sexual<br />
<strong>in</strong>tercourse, it would give place for o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> doubt<br />
that Mary really had been impregnated by <strong>God</strong>. So<br />
<strong>the</strong>y waited until Jesus was born before engag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> sex, so <strong>the</strong>re was both a virg<strong>in</strong> conception and a<br />
virg<strong>in</strong> birth of <strong>the</strong> Son of <strong>God</strong>.<br />
A Woman of <strong>the</strong> Word<br />
Most Christians do not pay <strong>to</strong>o much attention<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> regulations <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Law of Moses that perta<strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> birth of a firstborn son and <strong>the</strong> ritual cleans<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and sacrifices that had <strong>to</strong> be offered afterward.<br />
However, <strong>to</strong> one who called herself <strong>the</strong> slave-maid<br />
of <strong>God</strong>, His Word and His regulations were <strong>the</strong> law<br />
she lived by. After all, how can you say you love<br />
<strong>God</strong> and <strong>the</strong>n not do what He says Joseph and<br />
Mary diligently carried out all <strong>the</strong> regulations <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Law of Moses concern<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> birth of a firstborn<br />
boy (Luke 2:21-24). 7<br />
A Woman of Meditation and Reflection<br />
Just as <strong>the</strong> world was taken by surprise at<br />
<strong>the</strong> virg<strong>in</strong> birth, Mary was herself surprised by<br />
much that happened <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> life of her son. She<br />
developed <strong>the</strong> habit of keep<strong>in</strong>g her own counsel,<br />
treasur<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> her heart, ponder<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m<br />
and no doubt pray<strong>in</strong>g about <strong>the</strong>m. For example,<br />
imag<strong>in</strong>e how surprised she was on <strong>the</strong> night she<br />
gave birth. She was spend<strong>in</strong>g time with her new<br />
family, unnoticed by <strong>the</strong> world around her that did<br />
not even care enough about her or her royal son<br />
<strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>m a room <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>n. Their peace was<br />
suddenly shattered by some shepherds who burst<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong> see <strong>the</strong> baby, excitedly tell<strong>in</strong>g what seemed <strong>to</strong><br />
be a wild s<strong>to</strong>ry about be<strong>in</strong>g frightened by a brilliant<br />
light and see<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> hillsides covered with <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
army of angels. 8 Very quickly <strong>the</strong> news spread, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> woman who had given birth <strong>in</strong> obscurity was<br />
now be<strong>in</strong>g spoken of all over <strong>to</strong>wn. Mary was no<br />
doubt surprised by all <strong>the</strong> commotion, but <strong>to</strong>ok <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gs that were go<strong>in</strong>g on, treasur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong><br />
TEACHING OF THE MONTH<br />
Mary, The Mo<strong>the</strong>r of Jesus:<br />
Def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g True Greatness<br />
(November 2007) Also available on STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org/podcast<br />
Order onl<strong>in</strong>e at<br />
STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org/s<strong>to</strong>re<br />
or call us <strong>to</strong>ll free at<br />
888.255.6189 or 317.255.6189<br />
M-F 8:30 <strong>to</strong> 5 (EST)<br />
Ask for <strong>the</strong> November 2007 audio<br />
teach<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> month<br />
by John Schoenheit<br />
The Sower Nov/Dec 2007 19
her heart and ponder<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m (Luke 2:19).<br />
She would still be treasur<strong>in</strong>g those th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> her heart<br />
twelve years later when she and her husband <strong>to</strong>ok <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
family <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Passover <strong>in</strong> Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-52) after<br />
which <strong>the</strong>y went back home <strong>to</strong> Nazareth. By this time<br />
Mary’s family had grown considerably. Jesus was her<br />
firstborn son, but Scripture tells us she also had James,<br />
Joseph, Simon and Judas, and daughters as well (Matt.<br />
13:55 and 56). Thus, by <strong>the</strong> time Jesus was twelve, Mary<br />
was <strong>in</strong> her mid-twenties and would have been well on<br />
her way <strong>to</strong> hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> at least eight children <strong>the</strong> Word<br />
of <strong>God</strong> <strong>in</strong>dicates she had, which would not be unusual<br />
<strong>in</strong> her culture.<br />
Mary was busy with <strong>the</strong> younger children, so as <strong>the</strong>y<br />
headed home, Jesus was trusted <strong>to</strong> stay with <strong>the</strong> family<br />
on his own. After all, he was almost as old as Mary<br />
herself had been when <strong>the</strong> angel <strong>to</strong>ld her she would bear<br />
<strong>the</strong> Messiah. But when Joseph and Mary rounded up <strong>the</strong><br />
family that night, Jesus was nowhere <strong>to</strong> be found. The<br />
panic that arises <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> heart of any mo<strong>the</strong>r whose child<br />
is miss<strong>in</strong>g is hard <strong>to</strong> describe, and Mary and Joseph<br />
hurried back <strong>to</strong> Jerusalem, only <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d Jesus sitt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Temple with <strong>the</strong> teachers of <strong>the</strong> Law.<br />
Upon be<strong>in</strong>g reproved for his <strong>in</strong>consideration, Jesus<br />
asked Mary and Joseph why <strong>the</strong>y did not know that<br />
he must be <strong>in</strong> his Fa<strong>the</strong>r’s house. After that, however,<br />
Scripture tells us that, for his part, Jesus now stayed<br />
subject <strong>to</strong> his parents as he grew up, and it also lets us<br />
know that nei<strong>the</strong>r Mary nor Joseph unders<strong>to</strong>od what<br />
Jesus meant <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Temple that day. However, Mary<br />
once aga<strong>in</strong> treasured up <strong>the</strong>se th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> her heart (Luke<br />
2:50 and 51).<br />
A Woman of Understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Parents understand that children must leave <strong>the</strong> nest,<br />
so <strong>to</strong> speak, and live on <strong>the</strong>ir own as adults, but parent<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>st<strong>in</strong>cts do not just go away when a child reaches a<br />
certa<strong>in</strong> age. Parents need understand<strong>in</strong>g and maturity <strong>to</strong><br />
let children live <strong>the</strong>ir own lives as <strong>the</strong>y grow up. Children,<br />
who for years have needed seem<strong>in</strong>gly constant care and<br />
attention, grow and mature, and may come <strong>to</strong> resent<br />
what <strong>the</strong>y see as needless “mo<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g.” They want <strong>to</strong> be<br />
on <strong>the</strong>ir own, mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir own decisions. For Mary and<br />
Jesus, that separation, <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d if not <strong>in</strong> liv<strong>in</strong>g space, was<br />
unique for both of <strong>the</strong>m. Mary not only had <strong>to</strong> let her<br />
son go, but also beg<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> relationship with him that was<br />
dest<strong>in</strong>ed from his conception: that he was <strong>the</strong> Savior,<br />
and Mary, like <strong>the</strong> rest of us, was a s<strong>in</strong>ner <strong>in</strong> need of<br />
salvation. For Jesus’ part, he had <strong>to</strong> walk <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fullness<br />
of his call<strong>in</strong>g, realiz<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong>re was much about him<br />
and his life that Mary, <strong>in</strong> spite of her love for him, would<br />
not fully comprehend.<br />
Been <strong>to</strong> a movie lately It cost you,<br />
didn’t it And even though you paid <strong>the</strong><br />
required price, it may have greatly disappo<strong>in</strong>ted<br />
you. When it comes <strong>to</strong> movies, “you w<strong>in</strong> some and you<br />
lose some.” Why did you go <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ater you did at <strong>the</strong><br />
time you did Maybe because you saw that <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> newspaper or onl<strong>in</strong>e, or because you called <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ater<br />
and listened <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> recorded announcement of <strong>the</strong> show<br />
times.<br />
Th<strong>in</strong>k about that. A strange voice on <strong>the</strong> phone,<br />
someone <strong>in</strong> whom you have no reason at all <strong>to</strong> trust, <strong>to</strong>ld<br />
you that Dracula vs. <strong>God</strong>zilla started at that <strong>the</strong>ater at<br />
7:00 pm, and you made whatever plans were necessary<br />
<strong>to</strong> get home from work at a certa<strong>in</strong> time, eat d<strong>in</strong>ner at<br />
a certa<strong>in</strong> time, leave home at a certa<strong>in</strong> time, and drive<br />
whatever distance it was <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ater. You <strong>the</strong>n spent<br />
$9 on a worthless movie while eat<strong>in</strong>g 25 cents worth of<br />
popcorn for which you paid $6.50.<br />
1 John 5:9<br />
We accept man’s testimony, but <strong>God</strong>’s testimony<br />
is greater because it is <strong>the</strong> testimony of <strong>God</strong>,<br />
which he has given about his Son.<br />
Yes, we do accept man’s testimony—constantly, and<br />
often with disappo<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g results. But <strong>God</strong>’s testimony is<br />
truth, and it has s<strong>to</strong>od <strong>the</strong> test of time. When it comes<br />
<strong>to</strong> all th<strong>in</strong>gs that perta<strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong> life and godl<strong>in</strong>ess, <strong>God</strong> says,<br />
“Take my Word for it.” Never has anyone done so without<br />
receiv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>God</strong>’s promise. His greatest promise is JESUS<br />
CHRIST. What is <strong>God</strong>’s testimony about His Son<br />
Romans 10:9<br />
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is<br />
Lord,” and believe <strong>in</strong> your heart that <strong>God</strong> raised<br />
him from <strong>the</strong> dead, you will be saved.<br />
Salvation, that is, everlast<strong>in</strong>g life <strong>in</strong> Paradise, a life<br />
beyond our wildest dreams, is a FREE GIFT from <strong>God</strong>,<br />
because it was paid for by His Son, who gave his life so<br />
that you could live. The above verse tells you exactly how<br />
<strong>to</strong> “unwrap” and receive that precious gift. The choice is<br />
yours. If you take <strong>God</strong>’s Word for<br />
it, you won’t be disappo<strong>in</strong>ted.<br />
[For fur<strong>the</strong>r study please read our booklet,<br />
Becom<strong>in</strong>g a Christian: Why What How<br />
at <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/salvation]<br />
UNWRAP GOD’S<br />
GIFT TO YOU<br />
20 www.STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org
The mature relationships between<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r and son, and s<strong>in</strong>ner and Savior,<br />
no doubt <strong>to</strong>ok some time <strong>to</strong> develop.<br />
Their relationship was perhaps made<br />
more complex because, at some po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
before Jesus started his m<strong>in</strong>istry, Joseph<br />
died. Although Scripture does not<br />
directly say that, Joseph’s conspicuous<br />
absence <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gospel narratives dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> years of Jesus’ m<strong>in</strong>istry allows us<br />
<strong>to</strong> draw this conclusion with certa<strong>in</strong>ty.<br />
Thus, Mary, now <strong>the</strong> family matriarch,<br />
would tend <strong>to</strong> oversee <strong>the</strong> family more<br />
decisively than she o<strong>the</strong>rwise may have<br />
done. One example of Mary still act<strong>in</strong>g<br />
as his mo<strong>the</strong>r, and perhaps be<strong>in</strong>g a little<br />
pushy, occurred early <strong>in</strong> his m<strong>in</strong>istry<br />
at <strong>the</strong> wedd<strong>in</strong>g at Cana (John 2:1-11).<br />
Mary po<strong>in</strong>ted out that <strong>the</strong> host ran out<br />
of w<strong>in</strong>e. Jesus answered her politely<br />
but firmly, address<strong>in</strong>g her as “woman.”<br />
It is much harsher <strong>in</strong> English than <strong>in</strong><br />
Greek. It was a polite but appropriately<br />
distant way of address<strong>in</strong>g her, show<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that Jesus had begun <strong>to</strong> def<strong>in</strong>e his life<br />
as Lord and Savior. He had faced <strong>the</strong><br />
Devil himself <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> wilderness of<br />
Judea, his m<strong>in</strong>istry had begun, and<br />
it would be different than his mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
imag<strong>in</strong>ed. Earthly relationships were<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g subjugated <strong>to</strong> div<strong>in</strong>e mission.<br />
Perhaps Mary rem<strong>in</strong>ded herself<br />
of how surprised she was <strong>to</strong> learn<br />
from Gabriel that <strong>the</strong> Messiah would<br />
be born of a virg<strong>in</strong>. If she did, it no<br />
doubt helped her keep <strong>in</strong> perspective<br />
how surprised she was at <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong><br />
m<strong>in</strong>istry of her son was play<strong>in</strong>g out.<br />
She even got <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> po<strong>in</strong>t of th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that Jesus had lost his m<strong>in</strong>d about his<br />
mission and purpose, and rounded<br />
up her o<strong>the</strong>r sons <strong>to</strong> br<strong>in</strong>g him home<br />
(Matt. 12:46; Mark 3:21 and 31). Jesus<br />
was not try<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> be rude <strong>to</strong> his family<br />
when he did not go out <strong>to</strong> greet <strong>the</strong>m,<br />
but <strong>in</strong>stead looked at those around him<br />
and said, “Who are my mo<strong>the</strong>r and my<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>rs Whoever does <strong>God</strong>’s will<br />
is my bro<strong>the</strong>r and sister and mo<strong>the</strong>r”<br />
(Mark 3:33a and 35). Jesus was try<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> get his family <strong>to</strong> realize what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
must come <strong>to</strong> know if <strong>the</strong>y were <strong>to</strong> be<br />
saved, that <strong>the</strong>y all had <strong>to</strong> become his<br />
followers and disciples, for he was <strong>the</strong><br />
Messiah.<br />
A Disciple of Christ<br />
It is not surpris<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> spunky,<br />
godly teenager who <strong>God</strong> picked <strong>to</strong> be<br />
<strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r of His only Son would grow<br />
and mature <strong>to</strong> be an important member<br />
of <strong>the</strong> early Church. Never<strong>the</strong>less, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
is no h<strong>in</strong>t that she ever tried <strong>to</strong> throw<br />
her weight around as “<strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r of<br />
Jesus.” The humility she showed <strong>in</strong> her<br />
teenage years, when she called herself<br />
<strong>the</strong> “slave-maid” of <strong>the</strong> Lord, was<br />
still present when, <strong>in</strong> her mid-forties,<br />
she s<strong>to</strong>od at <strong>the</strong> foot of <strong>the</strong> cross and<br />
looked up at her son and Lord. There<br />
is no evidence that she unders<strong>to</strong>od<br />
more than <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r disciples. Like<br />
<strong>the</strong> rest, it seems clear that she did<br />
not comprehend his substitutionary<br />
death for all mank<strong>in</strong>d. Never<strong>the</strong>less,<br />
she quietly accepted his direction<br />
<strong>to</strong> go home with <strong>the</strong> Apostle John<br />
(John 19:25-27) and unders<strong>to</strong>od <strong>the</strong><br />
appropriate distance <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> relationship<br />
when Jesus aga<strong>in</strong> addressed her as<br />
“woman.”<br />
The last mention of Mary is <strong>in</strong><br />
Acts 1:14, after her son ascended <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong><br />
heaven. The disciples had assembled<br />
<strong>in</strong> Jerusalem and she was counted<br />
among <strong>the</strong>m. Her work as <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
of <strong>the</strong> only Son of <strong>God</strong> was done,<br />
and her place was <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church, as<br />
a disciple. Many people <strong>to</strong>day go <strong>to</strong><br />
great lengths <strong>to</strong> be “someone great.”<br />
Mary showed us that true greatness<br />
comes from plac<strong>in</strong>g your life <strong>in</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
hands and do<strong>in</strong>g whatever He calls you<br />
<strong>to</strong> do. She accepted <strong>the</strong> task that <strong>God</strong><br />
assigned her <strong>in</strong> spite of its difficulty,<br />
and she lived with humility and great<br />
faith, even <strong>in</strong> becom<strong>in</strong>g a disciple of<br />
her son, <strong>the</strong> Christ. You do not get any<br />
greater than that.<br />
Notes:<br />
1. The genealogy of Mary is recorded <strong>in</strong><br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w 1:2-16. It is often thought that<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w conta<strong>in</strong>s Joseph’s genealogy<br />
and Luke conta<strong>in</strong>s Mary’s, but this cannot<br />
be correct. For one th<strong>in</strong>g, Mary is never<br />
mentioned <strong>in</strong> Luke, while Joseph is <strong>the</strong> last<br />
person <strong>in</strong> Luke’s genealogy. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore,<br />
Mary is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> genealogy <strong>in</strong> Mat<strong>the</strong>w 1:16,<br />
between Joseph (her fa<strong>the</strong>r) and Jesus (her<br />
son). The reason for <strong>the</strong> confusion is that <strong>in</strong><br />
almost all versions, Joseph is said <strong>to</strong> be <strong>the</strong><br />
“husband” of Mary. Although <strong>the</strong> Greek<br />
word most versions translate “husband” is<br />
normally translated that way, it does not<br />
have <strong>to</strong> be, and <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Aramaic text, <strong>the</strong><br />
word is more normally translated fa<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
and a completely different word, mean<strong>in</strong>g<br />
‘husband,” is used just three verses later<br />
<strong>in</strong> verse 19. When Joseph is counted as<br />
Mary’s fa<strong>the</strong>r, and <strong>the</strong>n Mary and Jesus<br />
are counted, <strong>the</strong>re are <strong>in</strong>deed fourteen<br />
generations from <strong>the</strong> exile <strong>to</strong> Babylon<br />
<strong>to</strong> Jesus, just as Mat<strong>the</strong>w 1:17 says. For<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r study, visit <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/<br />
genealogy<br />
2. We believe Jesus was born <strong>in</strong> mid-<br />
September (Cp. Ernest Mart<strong>in</strong>, The<br />
Star that As<strong>to</strong>nished <strong>the</strong> World; ASK<br />
Publications, Portland, OR, 1996, pp.<br />
67-102). That would mean that Mary was<br />
impregnated by <strong>God</strong> <strong>in</strong> December. For<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r study on when Jesus was actually<br />
born visit <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/birth<br />
3. Scripture quotations marked (NASB)<br />
are taken from <strong>the</strong> New American Standard<br />
Bible®, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971,<br />
1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman<br />
Foundation. Used by permission.<br />
4. The Hebrew word that most English<br />
versions translate “virg<strong>in</strong>” (almah)<br />
does not have <strong>to</strong> be translated that way,<br />
and can refer <strong>to</strong> a young woman who<br />
is not necessarily a virg<strong>in</strong>, as many<br />
commentaries admit. This is especially<br />
important when we realize that <strong>the</strong>re is<br />
a Hebrew word that more naturally does<br />
refer <strong>to</strong> a virg<strong>in</strong> (bethula). The Jewish<br />
Publication Societies Bible says “young<br />
woman,” as do some Christian Bibles<br />
such as <strong>the</strong> RSV*1, NRSV*2, and Moffatt<br />
Bible.*3 Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong> future tense,<br />
“shall conceive” may be also translated<br />
“is pregnant,” as is represented <strong>in</strong> those<br />
same versions. Given <strong>the</strong> fact that Isaiah<br />
7:14 does not demand a virg<strong>in</strong> birth, but<br />
can refer <strong>to</strong> a natural pregnancy and birth,<br />
it is no wonder that <strong>the</strong> Jewish people<br />
thought <strong>the</strong> birth of <strong>the</strong> Messiah would be<br />
a natural childbirth, and that is especially<br />
true when we take <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> account that no<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r verse <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Old Testament clearly<br />
supports a virg<strong>in</strong> birth. The wonderful<br />
th<strong>in</strong>g about <strong>the</strong> Hebrew text <strong>in</strong> Isaiah 7:14<br />
is that allows for, but does not demand, a<br />
virg<strong>in</strong> birth, so <strong>the</strong> text can readily apply<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> virg<strong>in</strong> birth of Christ. *1 Scripture<br />
quotations marked (RSV) are taken from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Revised Standard Version of <strong>the</strong> Bible,<br />
© 1952, 1971 by <strong>the</strong> Division of Christian<br />
Education of <strong>the</strong> National Council of <strong>the</strong><br />
Churches of Christ <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States of<br />
America. All rights reserved. *2 Scripture<br />
(cont<strong>in</strong>ued on page 26)<br />
The Sower Nov/Dec 2007 21
Figures<br />
Keys <strong>to</strong> Effective Communication<br />
of<br />
Speech<br />
- Anacoluthon -<br />
The ability <strong>to</strong> communicate by words<br />
is one th<strong>in</strong>g that sets apart mank<strong>in</strong>d<br />
from all o<strong>the</strong>r creatures. <strong>God</strong> is <strong>the</strong><br />
Author of language, and no one has ever<br />
used language as precisely as <strong>God</strong> does<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g His use of figures<br />
of speech. When most people say, “a<br />
figure of speech,” <strong>the</strong>y are speak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
general terms of someth<strong>in</strong>g that is not<br />
true <strong>to</strong> fact. However, genu<strong>in</strong>e “figures<br />
of speech” are legitimate grammatical<br />
and lexical forms that add emphasis<br />
and feel<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> what we say and write.<br />
Recogniz<strong>in</strong>g and properly <strong>in</strong>terpret<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> figures of speech <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible has<br />
many advantages. We can understand<br />
<strong>the</strong> true mean<strong>in</strong>g of Scripture and be<br />
able <strong>to</strong> more fully enjoy <strong>the</strong> richness of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Word of <strong>God</strong>. It is important that<br />
we become at least somewhat familiar<br />
with <strong>the</strong> figures of speech <strong>in</strong> Scripture,<br />
of which <strong>the</strong>re are more than 200<br />
varieties. 1<br />
The figure we are go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> cover <strong>in</strong><br />
this issue of The Sower is Anacoluthon.<br />
This is a figure of speech that we all<br />
use, and even sometimes get angry at<br />
ourselves or o<strong>the</strong>rs for us<strong>in</strong>g, so it is<br />
very familiar <strong>to</strong> us. Never<strong>the</strong>less, most<br />
people use <strong>the</strong> figure accidentally, and<br />
without know<strong>in</strong>g its name. Have you<br />
ever started a new sentence before you<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ished <strong>the</strong> one you were speak<strong>in</strong>g, or<br />
<strong>in</strong>terrupted yourself and changed <strong>the</strong><br />
subject If so, you have used <strong>the</strong> figure<br />
Anacoluthon.<br />
Merriam Webster’s Collegiate<br />
Dictionary (11 th edition) def<strong>in</strong>es<br />
Anacoluthon as a: “syntactical<br />
<strong>in</strong>consistency or <strong>in</strong>coherence with<strong>in</strong><br />
a sentence; especially a shift <strong>in</strong> an<br />
unf<strong>in</strong>ished sentence from one syntactic<br />
construction <strong>to</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r (as <strong>in</strong> ‘you<br />
really ought—well, do it your own<br />
way’).”<br />
Anacoluthon comes from <strong>the</strong> Greek<br />
“a” or “an,” a negative prefix and<br />
akolouthos, “a follow<strong>in</strong>g.” Thus it is a<br />
“not follow<strong>in</strong>g,” or non-sequence, and<br />
it is most noticeable when one sentence<br />
is completely broken off and a new<br />
thought beg<strong>in</strong>s. However, much less<br />
noticeable Anacoluthons occur when <strong>the</strong><br />
subject of a sentence changes abruptly<br />
from s<strong>in</strong>gular <strong>to</strong> plural, or vice versa,<br />
<strong>the</strong> gender changes from mascul<strong>in</strong>e <strong>to</strong><br />
fem<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>e, or vice versa, or even when<br />
<strong>the</strong> voice, mood, or tense <strong>in</strong> a sentence<br />
suddenly changes. These changes may<br />
leave <strong>the</strong> listener somewhat puzzled or<br />
confused as <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>tent and mean<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of <strong>the</strong> speaker or author.<br />
When we humans use Anacoluthon,<br />
we usually do so by accident. We start<br />
a sentence and <strong>the</strong>n change our m<strong>in</strong>d<br />
about what we are say<strong>in</strong>g, or we get<br />
distracted and do not properly f<strong>in</strong>ish<br />
our thought, which is precisely why we<br />
tend <strong>to</strong> get annoyed with someone who<br />
uses a lot of Anacoluthons. However,<br />
<strong>God</strong> always uses Anacoluthon on<br />
purpose <strong>to</strong> catch our attention and/or<br />
br<strong>in</strong>g emphasis <strong>to</strong> what He is say<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Christians can become confused by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Anacoluthons <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible, because<br />
although we are used <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong> speech,<br />
we are not used <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g. After<br />
all, if we did not complete a sentence <strong>in</strong><br />
an essay we were writ<strong>in</strong>g for English<br />
class, or if we changed <strong>the</strong> subject <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> middle of a sentence, our teacher<br />
was sure <strong>to</strong> circle it <strong>in</strong> red and make a<br />
comment <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> marg<strong>in</strong> about how we<br />
should write <strong>in</strong> complete sentences.<br />
Most Anacoluthons <strong>in</strong> Scripture<br />
are hard <strong>to</strong> recognize for a couple of<br />
reasons. The presence of this figure can<br />
make <strong>the</strong> sentence read very roughly,<br />
and so some Bible versions translate<br />
it out of <strong>the</strong> English version so <strong>the</strong><br />
text reads smoothly. Also, some of <strong>the</strong><br />
Anacoluthons that occur <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Greek or<br />
Hebrew grammar do not transfer well<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> English. For example, <strong>in</strong> English<br />
<strong>the</strong> word “you” is both s<strong>in</strong>gular and<br />
plural, so a sentence conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g both<br />
a s<strong>in</strong>gular and plural “you” would still<br />
read smoothly and seem unified even if<br />
<strong>the</strong> speaker meant <strong>to</strong> change <strong>the</strong> number<br />
of people he was address<strong>in</strong>g. However,<br />
<strong>in</strong> Greek, su is <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong>gular “you,”<br />
while humeis is <strong>the</strong> plural “you” (or as<br />
we say <strong>in</strong> North Carol<strong>in</strong>a, “you all,”<br />
pronounced “y’all”). Thus <strong>the</strong> change <strong>in</strong><br />
Greek would be very noticeable. Let’s<br />
look at some examples of Anacoluthon<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible.<br />
In Mark 11:32 (ASV), 2 this<br />
Anacoluthon is an unf<strong>in</strong>ished sentence,<br />
and <strong>to</strong> best see and understand it, we<br />
must understand <strong>the</strong> context.<br />
Mark 11:29-32 (ASV)<br />
(29) And Jesus said un<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m,<br />
I will ask of you one question,<br />
and answer me, and I will tell<br />
you by what authority I do<br />
<strong>the</strong>se th<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
(30) The baptism of John, was<br />
it from heaven, or from men<br />
Answer me.<br />
(31) And <strong>the</strong>y reasoned with<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves, say<strong>in</strong>g, If we shall<br />
say, From heaven; He will say,<br />
Why <strong>the</strong>n did ye not believe<br />
him<br />
(32) But should we say, From<br />
men—<strong>the</strong>y feared <strong>the</strong> people:<br />
22 www.STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org
For many more Figures of Speech visit <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/figures<br />
for all verily held John <strong>to</strong> be<br />
a prophet.<br />
The verses above speak of an<br />
event that unfolded <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Temple <strong>in</strong><br />
Jerusalem just before <strong>the</strong> Passover<br />
on which Jesus was crucified. The<br />
religious leaders were try<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> trap<br />
and arrest him, and <strong>the</strong>y questioned<br />
him concern<strong>in</strong>g his authority. He<br />
questioned <strong>the</strong>m back, ask<strong>in</strong>g about<br />
<strong>the</strong> authority of John <strong>the</strong> Baptist. They<br />
knew <strong>the</strong>y were trapped, and huddled<br />
<strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> discuss <strong>the</strong> situation. If <strong>the</strong>y<br />
said John got his authority from <strong>God</strong>,<br />
<strong>the</strong> people would ask why <strong>the</strong>y would<br />
not allow <strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>to</strong> be baptized by<br />
him. But if <strong>the</strong>y said John’s authority<br />
was not div<strong>in</strong>e, but human…well,<br />
<strong>the</strong> consequences would be so dire<br />
that <strong>the</strong>y could not even f<strong>in</strong>ish <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
sentence. The text lets us know why:<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were afraid of <strong>the</strong> people. The<br />
Anacoluthon <strong>in</strong> this verse is one we<br />
can relate <strong>to</strong> easily.<br />
Galatians 2:6 (Author’s<br />
translation)<br />
But from those who seemed <strong>to</strong><br />
be important (whatever <strong>the</strong>y<br />
were at one time, it does not<br />
matter <strong>to</strong> me, <strong>God</strong> does not<br />
accept a man’s face)—before<br />
me, <strong>the</strong>n, those seem<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> be<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g placed noth<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
This Anacoluthon is <strong>in</strong>terrupted by<br />
<strong>the</strong> paren<strong>the</strong>sis. Take <strong>the</strong> paren<strong>the</strong>sis<br />
out and it shows up powerfully, but, as<br />
was stated above, it can be confus<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> student of <strong>the</strong> Bible. The first<br />
part of <strong>the</strong> sentence would logically<br />
be completed by someth<strong>in</strong>g that Paul<br />
received, such as “I received noth<strong>in</strong>g.”<br />
But that would hardly be true, for Paul<br />
certa<strong>in</strong>ly received some th<strong>in</strong>gs from<br />
<strong>the</strong> leaders <strong>in</strong> Jerusalem. The Apostles<br />
acceptance of Paul is much more<br />
graciously expressed by chang<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
emphasis from what Paul received <strong>to</strong><br />
what <strong>the</strong> Apostles did, which <strong>in</strong> this<br />
case was <strong>to</strong> recognize Paul’s m<strong>in</strong>istry<br />
and call<strong>in</strong>g and not place any burden<br />
on him, someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>y would readily<br />
have done if <strong>the</strong>y felt that someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
was lack<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Paul’s m<strong>in</strong>istry.<br />
Most versions are <strong>in</strong>correct when<br />
<strong>the</strong>y say such th<strong>in</strong>gs as <strong>the</strong> Apostles<br />
“added noth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> me” (KJV, ESV 3 ) or<br />
“contributed noth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> me” (NASB 4 ).<br />
The Greek word many versions<br />
translate as “impart,” “add,” “or<br />
contribute” can also mean <strong>to</strong> lay<br />
before, or <strong>to</strong> place before, and that<br />
is its mean<strong>in</strong>g here. I am sure <strong>the</strong><br />
Apostles <strong>in</strong> Jerusalem contributed<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Paul, even if it was <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
encouragement and bless<strong>in</strong>g, but<br />
<strong>the</strong>y did not place any extra work or<br />
burden on him, realiz<strong>in</strong>g he had his<br />
own call<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> Lord <strong>to</strong> fulfill.<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, although Paul was try<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> establish his own credibility <strong>in</strong> this<br />
section of <strong>the</strong> book of Galatians, he<br />
would hardly have done so by po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />
out that <strong>the</strong> Apostles <strong>in</strong> Jerusalem, who<br />
were men of stand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church,<br />
“added noth<strong>in</strong>g” <strong>to</strong> Paul. By us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
Anacoluthon, Paul makes <strong>the</strong> delicate<br />
po<strong>in</strong>t that his m<strong>in</strong>istry was recognized<br />
by, and acceptable <strong>to</strong>, <strong>the</strong> Apostles<br />
<strong>in</strong> Jerusalem (so it should be <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Galatians, <strong>to</strong>o!), without seem<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />
denigrate <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong> any way.<br />
Galatians 6:1 (KJV)<br />
Brethren, if a man be overtaken<br />
<strong>in</strong> a fault, ye [plural] which<br />
are spiritual, res<strong>to</strong>re such an<br />
one <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> spirit of meekness;<br />
consider<strong>in</strong>g thyself [s<strong>in</strong>gular],<br />
lest thou also be tempted.<br />
This is an example of an<br />
Anacoluthon <strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong> plural<br />
suddenly switches <strong>to</strong> a s<strong>in</strong>gular,<br />
which is hard <strong>to</strong> see <strong>in</strong> English, and<br />
some versions avoid <strong>the</strong> problem<br />
by translat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Anacoluthon out<br />
of <strong>the</strong> text. Everyone [plural: thus<br />
“ye”] pitches <strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> help<br />
res<strong>to</strong>re bro<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>in</strong> need, but each<br />
person [s<strong>in</strong>gular: <strong>the</strong>refore “thyself”]<br />
must personally watch out for<br />
temptations. Proper grammar without<br />
<strong>the</strong> Anacoluthon would be “…you<br />
[plural] who are spiritual…consider<strong>in</strong>g<br />
yourselves….<br />
Mark 6:11 (Author’s<br />
translation)<br />
And whatever place does not<br />
receive you or listen <strong>to</strong> you, as<br />
you go forth from <strong>the</strong>re, shake<br />
off <strong>the</strong> dust that is under your<br />
feet for a testimony aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
<strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Here <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong>gular “place,” referr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> a <strong>to</strong>wn, suddenly changes at <strong>the</strong> end<br />
of <strong>the</strong> sentence <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> plural, “<strong>the</strong>m,”<br />
referr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> people. Never<strong>the</strong>less, <strong>the</strong><br />
Anacoluthon seems natural, because<br />
we au<strong>to</strong>matically make <strong>the</strong> jump <strong>in</strong><br />
logic from <strong>the</strong> fact that one walks <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong><br />
a “place,” but can be rejected by <strong>the</strong><br />
people who live <strong>the</strong>re. Proper grammar<br />
would end <strong>the</strong> sentence with “it.”<br />
There are many more examples of<br />
Anacoluthon <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible, and many<br />
of those can be found <strong>in</strong> Bull<strong>in</strong>ger’s<br />
wonderful book, Figures of Speech<br />
Used <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible. 5<br />
Notes:<br />
1. E. W. Bull<strong>in</strong>ger, Figures of Speech Used<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible (Baker Book House, Grand<br />
Rapids, MI, repr<strong>in</strong>ted 1968).<br />
2. Scripture quotations marked (ASV)<br />
are taken from The American Standard<br />
Version, 1901.<br />
3. Scripture quotations marked (ESV)<br />
are taken from The Holy Bible, English<br />
Standard Version © 2001 by Crossway<br />
Bibles, a division of Good News<br />
Publishers. All rights reserved.<br />
4. Scripture quotations marked (NASB)<br />
are taken from <strong>the</strong> New American Standard<br />
Bible ® , © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971,<br />
1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman<br />
Foundation. Used by permission.<br />
5. Bull<strong>in</strong>ger, op. cit., Figures of Speech<br />
Used <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible.<br />
The Sower Nov/Dec 2007 23
Fuel for <strong>the</strong> Fire is written by <strong>the</strong> Teens and Twenties of <strong>Spirit</strong> & <strong>Truth</strong> <strong>Fellowship</strong> International.<br />
Treasure <strong>in</strong> Heaven & Peace on Earth<br />
by Joshua Anderson<br />
Although I personally believe that Christ was born <strong>in</strong><br />
September of 3 b.c.—probably September 11 th <strong>to</strong> be<br />
exact 1 —I still th<strong>in</strong>k it’s great that our culture takes time <strong>to</strong><br />
celebrate <strong>the</strong> Lord’s birth <strong>in</strong> this up-and-com<strong>in</strong>g month of<br />
December. I’m thankful for anytime we spend celebrat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Christ! Yet, as I’ve gotten older—old enough <strong>to</strong> take my<br />
eyes away from <strong>the</strong> presents under <strong>the</strong> tree and look around<br />
a bit—I can’t help but notice <strong>the</strong> rampant materialism and<br />
consumer mentality that is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world <strong>to</strong>day. It is especially<br />
noticeable at this time of year.<br />
I wonder how much of Christmas is really about<br />
celebrat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Lord, his birth, and all he stands for, and<br />
how much of it is really just about stuff we want. In our<br />
society we are constantly bombarded with images of what<br />
“we need,” what will “make us happy,” and how some new<br />
<strong>to</strong>y will f<strong>in</strong>ally fill that hole <strong>in</strong> our hearts for good this time.<br />
Yet, as many of us have experienced, once Christmas is<br />
over and <strong>the</strong> luster beg<strong>in</strong>s <strong>to</strong> fade, we are back <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same<br />
situation where we began—only with more <strong>to</strong>ys.<br />
I don’t know if you have noticed, but America is<br />
experienc<strong>in</strong>g ano<strong>the</strong>r “Gold Rush.” Except this time you<br />
don’t have <strong>to</strong> scuttle off <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Wild West for <strong>the</strong> gold; just<br />
mosey on down <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> local department s<strong>to</strong>re. Developers,<br />
marketers, and scientists have made <strong>the</strong> discovery this time,<br />
not “gold diggers,” and everyone is scrambl<strong>in</strong>g ahead <strong>to</strong> get<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir piece of <strong>the</strong> pie. iPods, lap<strong>to</strong>ps, flat-screen televisions,<br />
etc. There are literally thousands of neat little pieces of gold<br />
<strong>to</strong> lust over that didn’t exist just ten years ago.<br />
In stark contrast, <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ry of <strong>the</strong> birth of Christ is <strong>the</strong><br />
anti<strong>the</strong>sis of such a Gold Rush. Remember <strong>the</strong> Magi They<br />
were rid<strong>in</strong>g West <strong>to</strong> give <strong>the</strong>ir gold away! They laid <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
treasure at <strong>the</strong> feet of <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>g and worshiped him. How<br />
backwards is our society Everyone is rush<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> get rich<br />
by buy<strong>in</strong>g fool’s gold from <strong>the</strong> world when <strong>the</strong> Lord is <strong>the</strong><br />
one whom we should be rush<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong>ward. He’s got <strong>the</strong> real<br />
gold.<br />
Revelation 3:17-19 (ESV) 2<br />
(17) For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I<br />
need noth<strong>in</strong>g, not realiz<strong>in</strong>g that you are wretched,<br />
pitiable, poor, bl<strong>in</strong>d, and naked.<br />
(18) I counsel you <strong>to</strong> buy from me gold ref<strong>in</strong>ed by<br />
fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so<br />
that you may clo<strong>the</strong> yourself and <strong>the</strong> shame of your<br />
nakedness may not be seen, and salve <strong>to</strong> ano<strong>in</strong>t<br />
your eyes, so that you may see.<br />
(19) Those whom I love, I reprove and discipl<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
so be zealous and repent.<br />
Scripture speaks of those who th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>the</strong>y’re rich but<br />
are not really: “One pretends <strong>to</strong> be rich, yet has noth<strong>in</strong>g;<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r pretends <strong>to</strong> be poor, yet has great wealth” (Prov.<br />
13:7-ESV). So many people go through this life with <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
m<strong>in</strong>ds set more on acquir<strong>in</strong>g riches than on ponder<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
path of <strong>the</strong>ir feet and s<strong>to</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g up for <strong>the</strong>mselves treasure <strong>in</strong><br />
heaven. Can you imag<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> embarrassment of stand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
before <strong>the</strong> Lord at <strong>the</strong> Judgment and be<strong>in</strong>g asked what you<br />
have <strong>to</strong> show for your life, and you proudly pull out a bag of<br />
fool’s gold Fools gold! It’s worthless! You wasted all that<br />
time m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g and all you have <strong>to</strong> show for it is<br />
some worthless fool’s gold. That would not be cool at all.<br />
But sadly, that is just what will happen <strong>to</strong> many people.<br />
24 www.STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org
Was Jesus really born on December 25th<br />
<strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/birth<br />
as much new, cool stuff as possible and move it <strong>in</strong> No<br />
way. I’d probably be try<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> mentally prepare myself <strong>to</strong><br />
be as detached from my belong<strong>in</strong>gs as possible. Yet <strong>to</strong> what<br />
extent do I live my life with that attitude now Honestly,<br />
not anywhere near enough.<br />
Everyone is rush<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> get rich by buy<strong>in</strong>g fool’s gold<br />
from <strong>the</strong> world when <strong>the</strong> Lord is <strong>the</strong> one whom we<br />
should be rush<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong>ward. He’s got <strong>the</strong> real gold.<br />
The th<strong>in</strong>gs of this world are only temporary, and <strong>God</strong><br />
tells us that <strong>the</strong>y are go<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>in</strong> smoke, along with all <strong>the</strong><br />
so-called “riches” we acquire <strong>in</strong> this life.<br />
2 Peter 3:10-14 (ESV)<br />
(10) But <strong>the</strong> day of <strong>the</strong> Lord will come like a thief,<br />
and <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> <strong>heavens</strong> will pass away with a roar,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> heavenly bodies will be burned up and<br />
dissolved, and <strong>the</strong> earth and <strong>the</strong> works that are done<br />
on it will be exposed.<br />
(11) S<strong>in</strong>ce all <strong>the</strong>se th<strong>in</strong>gs are thus <strong>to</strong> be dissolved,<br />
what sort of people ought you <strong>to</strong> be <strong>in</strong> lives of<br />
hol<strong>in</strong>ess and godl<strong>in</strong>ess,<br />
(12) wait<strong>in</strong>g for and hasten<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> com<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong><br />
day of <strong>God</strong>, because of which <strong>the</strong> <strong>heavens</strong> will be<br />
set on fire and dissolved, and <strong>the</strong> heavenly bodies<br />
will melt as <strong>the</strong>y burn!<br />
(13) But accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> his promise we are wait<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for new <strong>heavens</strong> and a new earth <strong>in</strong> which<br />
righteousness dwells.<br />
(14) Therefore, beloved, s<strong>in</strong>ce you are wait<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
<strong>the</strong>se, be diligent <strong>to</strong> be found by him without spot<br />
or blemish, and at peace.<br />
I love that question, “…what sort of people ought you<br />
<strong>to</strong> be…” If you knew your house were go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> burn down<br />
next week, would you spend all your time try<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> buy<br />
Now, <strong>to</strong> be sure, be<strong>in</strong>g a Christian doesn’t mean you<br />
can’t want or have nice th<strong>in</strong>gs. But <strong>God</strong> makes it clear<br />
that He doesn’t want earthly riches <strong>to</strong> be our treasure<br />
(Matt. 6:19-21). In o<strong>the</strong>r words, <strong>God</strong> doesn’t m<strong>in</strong>d if you<br />
have a treasure chest, just make sure it’s your Bible that’s<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>re. <strong>God</strong>’s Word is <strong>to</strong> be <strong>the</strong> joy and rejoic<strong>in</strong>g of our<br />
hearts, and where our treasure is found. The Word of <strong>God</strong><br />
is “More <strong>to</strong> be desired…than gold…” (Ps. 19:10-ESV). In<br />
it we f<strong>in</strong>d true mean<strong>in</strong>g and freedom, and we are loosed<br />
from <strong>the</strong> cha<strong>in</strong>s of a materialistic culture that could never<br />
truly satisfy our hearts anyway. So let’s get out our Bibles<br />
and start gold digg<strong>in</strong>g! Look<strong>in</strong>g anywhere else for truth and<br />
life is like pann<strong>in</strong>g for gold <strong>in</strong> a kitty litter box. You’re not<br />
go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d any because <strong>the</strong> world has “litter-ally” (pun<br />
<strong>in</strong>tended!) noth<strong>in</strong>g of any last<strong>in</strong>g value <strong>to</strong> offer. We must<br />
look beyond <strong>the</strong> world and start s<strong>to</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g up our treasures<br />
<strong>in</strong> heaven where “…nei<strong>the</strong>r moth nor rust destroys and<br />
where thieves do not break <strong>in</strong> and steal” (Matt. 6:20-ESV).<br />
This is <strong>the</strong> only way we will ever have “peace on earth”—<br />
especially at this time of year.<br />
Notes:<br />
1. If you are <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> study<strong>in</strong>g this, I recommend <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sources: <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.com/birth<br />
Versebyverse.org/doctr<strong>in</strong>e/birthofchrist.html<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong>, Ernest L. The Star That As<strong>to</strong>nished <strong>the</strong> World. Portland:<br />
ASK Publications, 1996. Wierwille, Vic<strong>to</strong>r P. Jesus Christ Our<br />
Promise Seed. New Knoxville: American Christian Press, 1982.<br />
Also, see our Free Indeed video, Tape 9, “The Birth of Christ, Part<br />
1-4” on page 6 of <strong>the</strong> enclosed price list.<br />
2. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from The Holy<br />
Bible, English Standard Version © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a<br />
division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.<br />
Teens and 20s needed!<br />
If you would like <strong>to</strong> write a short article for<br />
Fuel For <strong>the</strong> Fire, please contact us at<br />
STF@STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org<br />
The Sower Nov/Dec 2007 25
Dear<br />
Sower...<br />
M<strong>in</strong>istry Feedback<br />
I want <strong>to</strong> share with you how your<br />
work <strong>in</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g known <strong>the</strong> truth of<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s Word has <strong>to</strong>uched my life. My<br />
fa<strong>the</strong>r passed away this past July 26<br />
from a bra<strong>in</strong> tumor. We always had<br />
wonderful conversations as long as<br />
we did not discuss politics, money, or<br />
religion. Early <strong>in</strong> his illness I shared<br />
1 Thessalonians 4:13 with him. We had a<br />
wonderful cry and hug <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r, know<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that his impend<strong>in</strong>g death would be only<br />
a temporary pause along <strong>the</strong> way. We<br />
actually agreed on someth<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
So he is on his deathbed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
hospital and I’m read<strong>in</strong>g your book,<br />
Don’t Blame <strong>God</strong>, for <strong>the</strong> tenth time. A<br />
Roman Catholic nun walks <strong>in</strong> and asks<br />
what I am read<strong>in</strong>g (I was raised <strong>in</strong> that<br />
Church). I <strong>to</strong>ld her and offered her <strong>the</strong><br />
book, which at first she wouldn’t take.<br />
When I <strong>to</strong>ld her I have many o<strong>the</strong>r copies<br />
at home, she f<strong>in</strong>ally <strong>to</strong>ok it. I <strong>to</strong>ld her it<br />
would challenge her beliefs. My mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
and bro<strong>the</strong>r were cr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g as I asked<br />
her <strong>to</strong> challenge her beliefs. I never<br />
could have done that without know<strong>in</strong>g<br />
what I have learned from <strong>Spirit</strong> & <strong>Truth</strong><br />
<strong>Fellowship</strong>. Witness<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> a nun was<br />
pretty cool. It was <strong>the</strong> right th<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> do<br />
at <strong>the</strong> right time.<br />
Fast-forward a few hours. My dad<br />
had been struggl<strong>in</strong>g all day. I<br />
left for d<strong>in</strong>ner and came back<br />
<strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d him rest<strong>in</strong>g peacefully.<br />
It was just he and I <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> room.<br />
I pulled out my Bible <strong>to</strong> read<br />
quietly <strong>to</strong> him. I don’t know<br />
my Bible very well yet, so I just<br />
started turn<strong>in</strong>g and prayed <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>God</strong> <strong>to</strong> help me f<strong>in</strong>d someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>to</strong> read <strong>to</strong> my fa<strong>the</strong>r. I s<strong>to</strong>pped<br />
at 1 Cor<strong>in</strong>thians 15:35 and<br />
began read<strong>in</strong>g. A few verses<br />
later, I saw that my fa<strong>the</strong>r had s<strong>to</strong>pped breath<strong>in</strong>g. Then I watched as his heart<br />
s<strong>to</strong>pped. I f<strong>in</strong>ished that chapter as my fa<strong>the</strong>r fell asleep. If it had been a movie,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re would not have been a dry eye <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ater.<br />
Two days later, I witnessed <strong>to</strong> my bro<strong>the</strong>r and mo<strong>the</strong>r late at night over<br />
some w<strong>in</strong>e. My bro<strong>the</strong>r is where I was many years ago—lots of questions and<br />
no answers. My mo<strong>the</strong>r is steeped <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same doctr<strong>in</strong>e I was raised <strong>in</strong> with all<br />
of its trapp<strong>in</strong>gs. We eventually got around <strong>to</strong> talk<strong>in</strong>g about salvation, and <strong>the</strong>y<br />
both confessed Romans 10:9 and 10. What an <strong>in</strong>credible series of events <strong>in</strong> a<br />
few short days. I felt blessed <strong>to</strong> have taken part <strong>in</strong> all three.<br />
If you knew me, where I’ve been and what I’ve done, you would know<br />
that writ<strong>in</strong>g this is noth<strong>in</strong>g but a liv<strong>in</strong>g witness <strong>to</strong> Christ’s love and forgiveness.<br />
You would have never thought that I would be where I am <strong>to</strong>day. <strong>Spirit</strong> &<br />
<strong>Truth</strong> <strong>Fellowship</strong> has had a great <strong>in</strong>fluence on my walk with <strong>God</strong>, and I am<br />
very thankful. I hope that puts a smile on your face <strong>to</strong>day know<strong>in</strong>g how your<br />
work is help<strong>in</strong>g people come <strong>to</strong> Christ.<br />
<strong>God</strong> bless you.<br />
Dan (and Dorothy) Allan<br />
McK<strong>in</strong>ney, TX<br />
(cont<strong>in</strong>ued from page 21)<br />
quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from <strong>the</strong> New Revised Standard<br />
Version Bible, © 1989, all o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>the</strong> same as RSV, *3<br />
Moffatt Bible, Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI, 1994.<br />
5. This is a very literal render<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Greek text. To “know”<br />
someone was an idiom <strong>in</strong> both Greek and Hebrew (and Lat<strong>in</strong> as<br />
well) for hav<strong>in</strong>g sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse with that person. It is <strong>in</strong>terwoven<br />
<strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> very fabric of humanity that our self and our sexuality are<br />
<strong>in</strong>separable, and <strong>the</strong> most <strong>in</strong>timate knowledge of a person comes<br />
through sexual relations. That is one reason why we feel so deeply<br />
violated when someone forces himself or herself on us sexually. In<br />
this verse, <strong>the</strong> word “know” is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> present tense, active voice,<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g that Mary was not currently ‘know<strong>in</strong>g” anyone, i.e.,<br />
hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>tercourse with anyone. Given that, it is no wonder she was<br />
confused as <strong>to</strong> how she was go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> get pregnant.<br />
6. In this psalm, or hymn, some of <strong>the</strong> words are moved forward for<br />
emphasis, so <strong>the</strong> text literally reads: “Magnify does my soul <strong>the</strong> Lord;<br />
Rejoiced has my spirit <strong>in</strong> <strong>God</strong> my Savior.” The open<strong>in</strong>g word <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Lat<strong>in</strong> versions is Magnificat, and so <strong>the</strong> psalm is known <strong>the</strong>ologically<br />
Back row: Our Son Zachary, Dorothy, Dan. Front row: My Dad<br />
Bob Allan (fell asleep July 26th), my son Jimmy, my mo<strong>the</strong>r Sheila,<br />
and my daughter Grace.<br />
We would love <strong>to</strong><br />
hear from you!<br />
Email us at<br />
STF@STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org<br />
by that name.<br />
7. These regulations provide conv<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>g proof that <strong>the</strong> Magi did<br />
not come <strong>to</strong> Bethlehem <strong>the</strong> night of Jesus’ birth, but ra<strong>the</strong>r quite a<br />
bit later (we believe about 16 months later). Scripture is clear that<br />
Joseph <strong>to</strong>ok his wife and child and left for Egypt <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong><br />
night after <strong>the</strong> Magi left his house. However, accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Law<br />
of Moses (Lev. 12), a woman had <strong>to</strong> wait for 40 days after childbirth<br />
<strong>to</strong> br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> boy <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Temple, which Luke 2:22 said <strong>the</strong>y did. Also,<br />
a woman was allowed <strong>to</strong> sacrifice only what Joseph and Mary did,<br />
doves or pigeons, if <strong>the</strong>y could not afford a lamb (Lev. 12:8). Had <strong>the</strong><br />
Magi visited Jesus on <strong>the</strong> night of his birth, Joseph and Mary would<br />
<strong>the</strong>n have certa<strong>in</strong>ly been able <strong>to</strong> afford a lamb.<br />
8. In Scripture, angels almost never appeared <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> sky, and when<br />
<strong>the</strong>y did <strong>the</strong> text lets us know that. A quick study will show that<br />
angels regularly appeared on <strong>the</strong> ground, and <strong>the</strong>re is no reason <strong>to</strong><br />
suppose that this record would be different unless it specifically said<br />
so. For fur<strong>the</strong>r study on <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>istry of angels visit <strong>Truth</strong>OrTradition.<br />
com/angels<br />
26 www.STFonl<strong>in</strong>e.org
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Would you like <strong>to</strong> be a part of help<strong>in</strong>g us<br />
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The Sower Nov/Dec 2007 27
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