We don't plan to usually duplicate material on our two websites, but today we make an exception. The article we have just posted on this site is one which has been among the most popular on TacticalChristianity.org
and we think it belongs here, too.

“Facing the Future without Fear” by Sherri Langton, associate editor of the Bible Advocate magazine, is directly faith-related and provides needed counsel for those looking at troubled times. I often think the old saying that “death and taxes” are the only certainties in life really deserves a third element:  uncertainty;  but “Facing the Future without Fear” puts that third inevitable in perspective.

If you are a regular visitor at this site, you know that we put up new material regularly – every few days.  With the RSS feed (to the right of this update) you can have an easy method of checking to see if there is a new blog posting and new material on the site.

But to make things even easier for our readers, we are changing to a regular publication schedule on both our sites.  Starting immediately, new material will usually be added twice each week – every Monday and Friday.  Announcements such as this one will still be added whenever appropriate, but will not affect the regular Monday / Friday schedule of new posts and/or articles.

If you are new to the site, you may want to come back more frequently to catch up on past posts and articles, but from now on all our readers will know when there will be new material here and on TacticalChristianity.org.  You may want to put a note in your planner!

Scripture in Question:  Matthew 20:29-34;                      Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43

 

Three of the Gospels tell the story of the healing of two blind men by Jesus in the vicinity of Jericho. The  accounts agree in most details regarding this story, though there are a couple of differences which sometimes confuse readers. Matthew states that there were two blind men healed, while Mark and Luke mention only one blind man. Mark and Luke obviously concentrate only on the one blind man who was perhaps the leader of the two.

Seemingly more problematic, Luke says the healing occurred as Jesus was entering Jericho, while Mark and Matthew record it happening as Jesus left Jericho. Although this is often cited as a contradiction within the biblical writings, there are several possible answers to the apparent conundrum.

First, it helps to realize that there were, by Jesus’ time, two Jerichos: the mound of the anciently destroyed city and the later inhabited city of Jericho to its side. So it is possible that Jesus could have healed the two men as He was leaving the area of the ancient city and entering the newer city of Jericho.

Another possibility is that, while Jesus was approaching Jericho, the blind men cried out, but were not heard because of the noise of the crowds. The next day, after Jesus stayed the night in the city, they may have waited on the road leaving Jericho (knowing that Jesus and the other pilgrims were going to Jerusalem for the Passover), and then called out again and more loudly.

Yet another possibility is that the Greek verb engizo, translated “drew near” in Luke 18:35, can also mean “to be near.” There are several instances of the word being used this way in the Septuagint Greek translation of the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 21:3; I Kings 21:2; Jeremiah 23:23, etc.) and in the New Testament, including usage by Luke himself (Luke 19:29, compare Matthew 21:1).  Given this understanding, Luke 18:35 can be understood as simply meaning that the healing took place while Jesus was near Jericho.

So there are three viable answers to the apparent discrepancy between Luke and the other Gospel writers regarding the location of the healing of the blind men. While we cannot know which answer is most likely correct, the fact that there are several possible answers discounts any need to see contradiction in the scriptural accounts.

This week, on both our websites, we will begin a new series of interspersed blog postings, aimed at increasing Biblical understanding. 

On our sister site, TacticalChristianity.org,  the new series will be called "Scripture in Focus" and will look at scriptures that are difficult to understand for some reason.

The new series on this site will be called "Scripture in Question" and will examine scriptures that are often cited to show "contradictions" in the Bible.  Whole books have been written on this topic to try to discredit the Bible, but we think you will find that there are rational and convincing answers to each of these so-called contradictions.  For some people, claims of biblical errors are troubling and eroding of faith.  This new series aims to show that scripture is indeed consistent - and something in which you can have untroubled faith.

We think you will find both the "Scripture in Question" and “Scripture in Focus” series of posts interesting and also helpful. Look for them here and on our other site starting in a day or two.

We put up a new review on the Books page of the site today and it is one to which I would like to draw your attention.  Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus was just published a few days ago, and it is a book that will resonate powerfully among the Christians and Muslims who read it.

The book will doubtless draw acrimony and acceptance alike, but it is much more than  just the story of the conversion of a young Muslim doctor from the faith of his upbringing to Christianity.  Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus is an examination of both faiths by an intelligent mind, and the author tells a moving and important story in its own right.  Read the short review and consider reading this book - it is certainly worth your time.

Ananias is one of my favorite characters in the Book of Acts.   He only appears briefly, but his role was pivotal in the conversion of Saul – the man who would become the apostle Paul.  It's easy to read over the story without thinking about the faith and bravery of Ananias, but it's worth our time to reflect on this.

Here in the United States we have a saying when discussing doing something that needs to be done, but which will be extremely difficult and dangerous. We say "Who'll bell the cat?" referring to the old story of mice that decided they would be much safer if they put a bell on the collar of the marauding cat that threatened them, to warn them of its approach. Although all the mice thought it was a great idea, the problem was, of course, "Who'll bell the cat?"

The story of the Ananias is the story of a man of faith to whom God gave the equivalent job of "belling" a  lion or other big cat – or, perhaps more accurately, of freeing a potentially very dangerous restrained lion.  You can read the story and come to know more about Ananias in the article "'Brother Saul' And the Faith of Ananias" uploaded to the Faith Hall of Fame section of our site today.

You may have wondered why the theme of sunbeams on this site. Someone also asked if there was a specific name for the kind of radiating sunrays seen in the photos on our pages. To explain the name first: radiating sunbeams  are called "crepuscular rays" - a singularly unattractive name for a beautiful phenomenon.

Crepuscular rays appear to radiate from the point in the sky where the sun is located, though the sun itself may be hidden behind clouds or other objects. The "rays" are actually columns of sunlit air separated by darker shadowed regions. They can also appear in forests, inside buildings and even underwater.

So why the name "crepuscular" which sounds like a strange life form out of an old Sci-Fi comic book? "Crepuscular" is derived from the Latin word "crepusculum," meaning twilight, as these rays are most likely to occur in the so-called crepuscular hours of early morning or late evening when the contrast between light and dark is most noticeable.  

As for why we have the sunbeams as a motif on the site, they are surely a most encouraging visual analog of faith - the knowledge that the light is always there behind the apparent darkness and that we will see it if we are patient.  That is something King David learned repeatedly through a long life with many hardships.  As David said in his last words, if God's people are patient and wait for that "light," they will see it when:  "He dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth ..." (2 Samuel 23:4).  It's something to be reminded of the next time you see those radiating rays of sunlight.

It's something we all like to receive and something we can all use.  What is it?   You'll see soon - but first you have to take a pop quiz!  Don’t worry, though – there are only two questions and I’ll take the quiz with you.

First Question: How many times (roughly, but estimating an average) do you think you could use some encouragement in a given month, considering your financial, health, family, work or other problems?  Answer: I don’t know about you, but I’d say a bit of friendly encouragement might certainly help once or twice a month – and I’m very fortunate not to have too many major problems at this point.

Second Question:  How many times, on average, do you think you encourage others in a given month?  Answer: Oops! I have to admit that if I don’t actively think about it, it might not be often – and if everyone around me could use some encouragement once or twice a month (doubtless there are others who could use a good bit more), that is quite a deficit.

Some people are upbeat and encouraging by nature.  Acts 4:36 mentions Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas - or “son of encouragement.”  We aren’t given further details, but if you know a man or woman like Barnabas, you know what a difference such an individual can make in our daily lives.  

Romans 12:8 shows that some people, like Barnabas, have this trait in large measure: “[If your gift is] to encourage, then give encouragement.” So although most of us may have to work at developing this trait,  encouragement is also one of the gifts of the Spirit of God (I Corinthians 12:4-11, 13:4-7) that we can claim in faith, as we see in this week’s article “Encouragement in the Faith.”  We encourage you to take a look ….

WHO AM I?  (Wer bin ich?)
- Remembering Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I won’t usually include poems in this Blog, but today, as this month is the anniversary of  Dietrich Bonhoeffer's birth,  I make an exception.  Rereading  Bonhoeffer’s “Who Am I?”  recently,  I  was reminded that it carries a message worth retelling. Bonhoeffer was a  German theologian and  pastor who was imprisoned and eventually executed in a Nazi concentration camp for his work in helping the Jews and conspiring against Hitler.   

“Who Am I?” was written by Bonhoeffer while he was imprisoned and  offers an open window into the mind and soul of someone naturally in anguish about his situation, yet equally calm in the face of probable death.  Witnesses say that he was a great comfort to fellow prisoners and even to some of his guards. He also went to his execution with great faith, despite doubts such as we all have, and  his poem “Wer bin ich?” indicates why.  For those who have never read it, it is worth reading. For those who have read it, it is worth reading again.


Who Am I? 

Who am I? They often tell me
I stepped from my cell’s confinement
Calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
Like a Squire from his country house.

Who am I? They often tell me
I used to speak to my warders
Freely and friendly and clearly,
As though it were mine to command.

Who am I? They also tell me
I bore the days of misfortune
Equably, smilingly, proudly,
like one accustomed to win.

Am I then really that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I myself know of myself?
Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
Struggling for breath, as though hands were compressing my throat,
Yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
Thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
Tossing in expectations of great events,
Powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
Weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
Faint, and ready to say farewell to it all.

Who am I? This or the Other?
Am I one person today and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
And before myself a contemptible woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army
Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?

Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.

Whoever I am, you know, O God, I am yours!

In addition to the series of articles  beginning soon on the Family of Faith (see the previous post), we are also starting a series on "Growing in Faith"  which will provide guidance and perspective for spiritual growth.   We begin this new series today with a great little article by Terrell Perkins on "How We Play The Game."   Be sure to read this first piece in the new series - it gives a memorable perspective on the importance of our character development.

The theme of this site is faith, of course, but as we explain on our home page, it's also about all aspects of living with faith. This broader view of faith involves many aspects of Christian living which interact with it constantly. In some cases, faith is expressed through these other  qualities such as courage, hope, endurance, peace, encouragement, etc.

Starting this week, in addition to our "articles of faith" essays  looking at aspects of faith itself, we will begin a series of articles dedicated to the other related qualities that are involved in truly living with faith.  Look for the first article in a couple of days!

Have you ever thought how great it would be to be like Paul or Peter, James or John in terms of the faith of those early apostles?  These were individuals who accomplished amazing things in God’s service and whose lives radiated fullness of faith.  The faith of these early Christians led them through great trials and even enabled them to face certain death with confidence. 

But for those of us who may feel like  “Johnny- or Susan-come-lately,”  living in an age far removed from those days of Christian beginnings, it seems hard sometimes to imagine ourselves as having the same potential as those early heroes of the faith.  We know that Christ gave the parable of the harvesters (Matthew 20:1-16) showing that those who enter the work “late in the day” are equally due reward, but can those of us living in later ages, “late in the day” as it were, ever really have the kind of faith we see in Hebrews 11, the “Faith Hall of Fame” chapter, for example?

The answer is actually a resounding Yes!  We have it on no less authority than the apostle Peter that we are, in fact, on equal footing with the New Testament disciples.  How can this be?  Notice what Peter wrote at the very beginning of his second letter:

 “Simon Peter, a servant  and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ”  (2 Peter 1:1 ESV).

This verse is not quite as clear in the NIV and most earlier versions, but the expression translated “equal standing” in the ESV, Holman  and other newer translations is isotimos from isos  or “equal” plus time the  “price,” “value” or “merit” of something. The expression is used only this once in the New Testament,  but its meaning  is clearly something of equal value or honor – something regarded as equal to something else of the same kind.  The expression was used in ancient Greek to speak of foreigners or outsiders who were given citizenship equal to that of native-born individuals.

Now this does not necessarily mean that we presently have the same amount of faith as Peter and the other apostles, but that our faith is of equal value – equally usable and of equal potential.  Peter tells us that we have the same source of equal faith that he and all the early Christians had – God Himself.   If there was ever a verse showing that faith is a gift of God for which we are all equally eligible, this is it.  Peter clearly puts you and me on the same page as himself – it’s not just that we share the same faith in terms of our beliefs, it is that we can have faith of equal standing and potential  through God’s help.  That is an empowering and tremendously encouraging understanding if we can come to grasp it and  live by it.  The only real question is, how much do we want to realize our full potential of faith?

“Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies …‘Go, look over the land,’ he said, ‘especially Jericho.’ So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there  (Joshua 2:1).

In this ancient spy story, whatever else the two spies did in Canaan is not disclosed (if this were a modern intelligence report, the information might have been redacted!), but the Bible tells us the spies came to the house of the prostitute Rahab.  Perhaps God led them there because He was willing to save this woman of faith, but it is also possible that her house which was “on” or “in” the great wall of the city (some ancient “casemate” walls contained rooms in which people lived) was actually an inn. This tradition is mentioned by the 1st century historian Josephus, as it was not uncommon for inns to function as brothels in the ancient world. In any event, the spies came to the house of Rahab and were hidden there from the king of Jericho who was searching for them.  This was, as one-time CIA director Allen Dulles remarked, the first known “safe house” for spies in history – and it proved, of course, to be the only “safe” house when Israel destroyed the city!

The story of the Canaanite woman Rahab and her house is an interesting account at a number of levels – not least that of understanding the right kind of faith that we should all have. Rahab is included in Hebrews 11, the Bible’s “Faith Hall of Fame” chapter, for this specific quality: “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace” (Hebrews 11:31, NKJV).

But we might question here exactly how Rahab exercised faith.  Certainly she believed that God was with the Israelites, but the Biblical account makes it clear that most of the inhabitants of Jericho felt exactly the same way.  Notice what Rahab told the spies:

“I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed ... for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below” (Joshua 2:9-11 and see also Joshua 5:1).

Clearly, the inhabitants of Jericho had human faith in the fact that God was with the Israelites. So what made Rahab different?  From the perspective of Jericho she was just a traitor who sided with the enemy, but from the perspective of the Bible it was precisely her actions to save the Israelite spies that made her faith real.  The other inhabitants of Jericho had the same information she had, but they reacted differently to the same knowledge. Once the Israelite army reached Jericho we see the people of Jericho’s reaction: “Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in” (Joshua 6:1).

Rahab not only protected and helped the spies when they were with her, but also exactly followed the command she was given to distinguish her house by a piece of red cloth (Joshua 2:18-19), perhaps symbolic of atoning sacrifice and certainly reminiscent of the Passover placing of blood on the houses to be spared (Exodus 12:13).  Her actions may have been simple ones, but they contrast starkly with those of the other inhabitants of Jericho: while they hardened their attitudes and shut themselves in, Rahab reached out and was obedient to what she was told to do. 

It is not that Rahab was physically saved by “works,” but by working faith – belief that was active – as Hebrews says: “Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe.”  Joshua 5:1 and Joshua 2:9-11 show that the other inhabitants did believe, but not with full, active belief – which is what Hebrews must mean. Unlike her believing but fearful neighbors (James 2:19: “…the devils also believe, and tremble”), Rahab believed with an active belief that was complete in its expression of obedience, and her story stands as a lasting example of faith that works as opposed to empty belief without action.

What became of Rahab? She evidently married Salmon - one of the two spies she had saved – and through him became one of the ancestors of  Joseph, adoptive father of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).  Her active faith not only enabled her to physically save the spies, her family and herself, but also to include her in the genealogy of the One who would enable the salvation of us all.

Theologians do like to debate. They debate scripture, interpretation, doctrine, theology, soteriology, eschatology, you name it and they will debate it.  It is said, of course, that during the Middle Ages theologians would debate how many angels could dance on the head of a pin, and whether or not that was regarded as a serious question or just an exercise in debate, there is no question that there has been no shortage of debates over the centuries.

One debate that has come and gone since the days of the apostles, and one which has far greater consequence for us than questions about dancing angels, is that of the relationship between faith and works.  Are we saved by faith alone, faith and works, faith with works, works through faith, faith through works?   Some have seen this as the great debate, and many have felt that the writings of the apostles Paul and James even contradict each other on this issue.

However, the interrelation of faith and works can be understood by carefully looking at what the Bible says regarding these issues.  Today's new article, "Faith That Works," examines this important question and provides a simple answer.  It's an important question that applies to all of us, so unless you are very confident you know what the answer is, and why, do take a look at the article. You may be surprised.

P.S.  There are no trick questions regarding dancing angels.