JREnsey blog for October 2022

Thanks for visiting the JREnsey blog for October 2022! We welcome all of our new readers!

The Word for today

“Then the people said, “Come on, let’s plot a way to stop Jeremiah. We have plenty of priests and wise men and prophets. We don’t need him to teach the word and give us advice and prophecies. Let’s spread rumors about him and ignore what he says” (Jeremiah 18:18 NLT).

It’s strange that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

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Does biblical authenticity depend on identical wording?

I recently asked my wife who approaches genius status with computers, along with the thousand other things she does well, to put all the words of Jesus into a single document. So she took the KJV and selected the words that appear in red letters and promptly handed them to me in a single document. [I know you guys say the same of your own wife, but I just happened to have lucked out and got the best of the crop born in the 1940s.]

There are many events and spoken words recorded in the Four Gospels. The first thought that comes to mind when you read them on a printed sheet side by side is how they varied in word selection and details. How did this happen when all of them were inspired by the same Author? Does this detract from their authenticity?

Absolutely not. When you think about it, authenticity is in some ways enhanced. How can that be? Let’s take a closer look. Three factors stand out to me as I note the slight variation in the texts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

1) None of them contradicts the others. If four men were speaking from their own knowledge or memory, such harmonization would be highly unlikely. The level of accuracy in the records tells us that inspiration had to be involved for four different men with divergent backgrounds, writing in different locales yet with no contradictions. That fact provides another reason to trust the Bible. Some skeptics like to say that any differences in the texts indicate errors by the original writers. Sorry, that dog won’t hunt.

2) Certain information and details are provided in one Gospel that may not be in others because of the varying needs for particular emphases. For instance, Matthew will sometimes insert details that would be more relevant to Jewish readers than Luke’s targeted Gentile readers, as in the sign placed on the cross of Christ. Differences appear in stories like the Gadarene men (Matthew) or man (Mark and Luke) tending swine. If Matthew says there were two men from the tombs who came out to confront Jesus, but Mark and Luke mention only one, how many really did come of the tombs? Two. The fact that Mark and Luke only tell the story of one may suggest that only one of the two men responded to Jesus and was delivered.

3) The variations show us that syntax and linguistic features were not as important as the conveyance of the true meaning of what was said. Jesus often quoted from the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible even though it might say the same thing in a slightly different way from the actual Hebrew text. Jesus called that Greek Septuagint text from which He had just quoted “Scripture” (Luke 4:21), although it reads a little differently from the Hebrew text used in the KJV Bibles. The admonition of Paul seems to convey the sense that meaning trumps words or their order in a sentence order (I Timothy 6:4). When the words of the law were read, other knowledgeable men were present who “gave the sense” (Nehemiah 8:8) in the interest of “understanding.”

The authenticity of the NT is not based on each of the Gospel writers penning their thoughts with identical words. With each describing the same event, quoting the same sermon or admonition, but seeing a different view through the lens of their own divinely appointed purpose, they succeeded in conveying the necessary details for their readers. The Lord chose those particular writers in order to achieve that purpose. Each had his own focus. Each was correct in the autographs. Trust the Bible.

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Goodbye, “Mom” and “Dad”

The U.S. military continues its woke walk, but it is turning into a run. Soldiers are now being required to ask other soldiers what gender they are so they can use preferred pronouns. According to a U.S. Air Force Academy publication: “Now we’re instructing every cadet entering the Air Force to not say mom and dad, to not say boyfriend or girlfriend, and this kind of drive towards gender neutrality,” he said. “I think the Air Force should be worried about the macro aggressions against America that are happening all over the world.” Yes, failure to acknowledge “gender neutrality” is a much bigger threat than China, Russia, Iran, ISIS, or the invasion at the Southern border. Right?

Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., a Green Beret and Afghan War veteran, pointed out during an interview with Fox News Digital that “it’s been a tradition in the military to get letters from mom and dad or your boyfriend and girlfriend for as long as there’s been a military.” No more. “Mom” is verboten. Nixed. Taboo. Canceled. Just call her a “caregiver.” And drop “Dad” for “guardian” or something other than male-sounding Dad/Father. Is this another step in the disconnection of children from their birth mothers and fathers so manipulation becomes simpler? Must offsprings now think of themselves more as wards of the state rather than part of a family? Isn’t that the goal of socialism?

It doesn’t stop there. The Academy is promoting the Brooke Owens Fellowship at the training facility that describes itself thusly: “If you are a cisgender woman, a transgender woman, non-binary, agender, bigender, two-spirit, demigender, genderfluid, genderqueer, or another form of gender minority, this program is for you,” the application states. “If you are a cisgender man [read: real man], this program isn’t for you.” Hmmmm…we were told diversity is our strength.

Where is the “diversity” emphasis going to take Christianity? Your wildest guess may be closest to the real truth. Melding with the cultural philosophy didn’t bless the family of Lot. Will we someday knock on a door and when a green-skinned person with typical hands opens, will we say, “Oops, sorry—we were canvassing for six-fingered blue folks”?

“Colorblindness” is not the objective of today’s movers and shakers—its “color consciousness.” This cannot turn out well. Why can’t we take people as they come, as we meet them, as we encounter them in workplaces, in stores and restaurants, homes or anywhere and be able to present them with the good news of eternal life in Christ and invite them to our church?

Those who fail to see where they are going usually fall into a ditch.

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Christianity is not self-perpetuating

In 1854 the United States Congress said, “The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in our schools.” – Source: Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the 108^th Congress

In the mid-1950s Christianity and faith were peaking in America. Better than half of the population was in a church or synagogue on a typical weekend. Our high school had a student chaplain who prayed at all assemblies. Prayer was made before every football game and at all banquets. Converted during the summer after my junior year, I took my Bible to school every day as a senior. We had Bible discussions between classes, during study hall, on the school grounds—anywhere. It was never discouraged.

What a difference from today. To even show a Bible through the netting of a backpack may get a student sent home because it might “offend” someone, or make another student feel “threatened.” Certainly no prayers are offered to kick off assemblies or sporting events. A coach can be fired if he prays with his team. Parents have been too quiet about this, letting it go without notice or complaint. They even fear reprisals if a student speaks of Christian training in his or her home. Student are now seen as belonging more to the schools and the teachers than to the parents. This gives them a free reign to turn them toward any cultural quirkiness they desire. If parents complain to the school board, they are declared to be terrorists or worse by the teacher’s union.

So what? Let them rail against us. This is still a “Christian” majority country. We still have basic rights (I think). If we don’t use them, we will lose them! Teach your kids at home. Don’t leave it all to the church. Have nightly family devotions. Again, Christianity is not self-perpetuating. It is not caught like a virus. It is not passed along through food, or picked up from surfaces in kitchens or restrooms. Purposeful transference of the faith is the only way we can halt the slide into agnosticism and Christless socialism.

Don’t just have it or keep it, pass it on—instill it!

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A little TIC: What to do before the FBI drops by

CHARLOTTE, NC — Local housewife Shawna Coleman worked diligently all afternoon cleaning every baseboard in the house, intent that her home would look tidy if the FBI dropped in for a raid.

“I would be so humiliated if special agents searched my home and found it full of dust,” said Mrs. Coleman. “And what if they published pictures of my floors in the Washington Post? I better run the vacuum again.”

Having once attended a school board meeting, Mrs. Coleman figures a raid on her home is only a matter of time. “I have started setting out cookies at night as well. I’m sure they’ll be hungry after all their raiding!” said Mrs. Coleman. “It all started with liking this Facebook post about how schools needed to re-open during the COVID lockdowns. I wound up going to a school board meeting and next thing you know, there are three unmarked vans on my street and every guy on the block is wearing a Lacoste shirt and Ray-Bans. So, I’m trying to get the house all fixed up before they come in.”

Despite his protests, Mr. Coleman has again been roped into helping clean the baseboards. “Why? Why the baseboards? Every time someone comes over,” grumbled Mr. Coleman as he worked. “At least this time, there’s some chance the people coming over will be looking in the upstairs closet. Soon as this raid is over, I’m designing walls and floors that don’t have baseboards. What woman started this neurotic obsession with baseboards? Some mother-in-law looking to annoy a happy couple, no doubt.”

At publishing time, the FBI agents reported that the cookies were delicious and repeatedly expressed to Mrs. Coleman that it was the nicest home they had ever ransacked.

The Babylon Bee 9/11/22 (Sorry, this was just too funny not to pass on!)

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She did have a keen mind and a way with words

“I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together.” – Queen Elizabeth II

“I wish that the Lord would come in my lifetime,” the Queen once said. “Why?” asked the chaplain. She replied with quivering lips and whole countenance lighted up by deep emotion: “I should so love to lay my crown at his feet.”

Over seven decades as queen, the longest reign of any previous monarch, she never made a major misstep or created a scandal that I am aware of. Her husband, Prince Philip, passed away only last year at the age of 99.  Elizabeth’s queenship was extraordinary. She confidently met with many heads of state over the years and rendered helpful advice to those who actually made political decisions for the British government.

And didn’t you just love those colorful, matching hats?

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Potpourri: read and said

• Currently, less than 1% of the 250 million cars on American roads are EVs, and yet these owners are already being asked to not charge their electric cars during peak electric usage hours to keep from straining the electric grid. This is a disaster waiting to happen. When 90% of California cars are EVs, catastrophe can only result. But China will be smiling.
• Americans are now paying $450 a month more for the same items you spent your money for last year. Think about that before you check a box in November.
• Someone has suggested this for a new law: If you sneak into America illegally, you will NEVER become a citizen and NEVER get any special benefits. No exceptions!
• When police are killed in the line of duty, I always hear the same sentiments: “They knew the risk when they took the job.” Shouldn’t the same understanding be expressed when violent criminals are killed during shootouts or confrontations with police?
• Seen on the back window of a car: “I was once willing to give my life for what I believed this country stood for. Today I’d give my life to protect my family from what this country has become.”
• Seen on a billboard: Trump may have hurt your feelings, but Biden is hurting your family, your finances, and your freedom.
• Is it true that we live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so stupid people won’t be offended?
• If athletes can’t bet on games they can influence, why do we let members of congress invest in companies they can “bless” or “curse” through legislation?
• Is it true that we are more focused on being a part of the world than speaking truth into it?

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In case you haven’t heard

Gun and ammo purchases by credit card will be coded. According to Steve Bittenbender at thecentersquare.com, the international organization responsible for creating merchant category codes for credit card purchases has given its approval to establish one for transactions made at gun stores. This apparently comes after “New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta sent a letter to chief executives at American Express, Mastercard and Visa, urging them to support a merchant category code. They were joined on Wednesday morning by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who tweeted in support of an MCC.” In other words, Big Brother wants to know who has guns and ammo so they will know exactly what to look for in your home when the time comes. Some Republican congressmen are calling for a reversal of this policy.

Read about it here:

https://www.thecentersquare.com/new_york/gun-ammunition-purchases-by-credit-card-will-be-coded

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The potential mark is here

Two articles were published recently regarding the implantation of microchips in human hands, particularly those of children.

The World Economic Forum has laid out “solid, rational reasons” to implant microchips in kids. [www.childrenshealthdefense.org] by Michael Nevradakis, Ph.D.

Claiming “augmented reality” technology “has the ability to transform society and individual lives,” the World Economic Forum (WEF) recently suggested there are “solid, rational and ethical” reasons to consider implanting children with microchips.

According to an article published this month on the WEF website, “Implant technologies could become the norm in the future” and they “form part of a natural evolution that wearables once underwent.”

The article’s author, Kathleen Philips, said there are “compelling” arguments in favor of microchipping humans.

The potential benefits of these “amazing technologies,” Philips said, are endless — limited only by “ethical arguments” rather than “scientific capacity.”

Dismissing arguments that such expectations are “unattainable,” Philips said, “We’re already making the first strides towards an ‘augmented society,'” citing fitness-tracking apps on smartphones as part of an evolution “from health care to ‘well care.'”

Advancing technologies are bringing us ever closer to the ways the Antichrist will have to choose from in order to dominate the populace left on earth after the Rapture.

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There are no other books like these:

The New Cyclopedic Theological Dictionary  [eBook]

by J. R. Ensey
The only reference volume based on the biblical, Apostolic viewpoint! Compiled and written by J. R. Ensey.
When you want to know the meaning of a theological term, or the description of a religious movement, or the definition of over a thousand terms that are found in reference works and the Bible…turn to The New Cyclopedic Theological Dictionary!

Contains:
– Over 1000 entries
– Definitions and descriptions of many Bible words, theological terms, and religious movements
– 486 pages of easy-to-read, easy-to-use information
– The only reference volume of its kind! Written from a conser vative, apostolic viewpoint, this classic work has enhanced the study habits of thousands of ministers and laymen.

“This dictionary is far more than a word study; it is replete with the background and history of many doctrinal positions and teachings. It also serves as a standard for testing the validity of different theories—an invaluable tool!”
-Dr. Marvin Treece

AM Price $12.95

Searching the Scriptures  [eBook]

by J. R. Ensey

A number of years ago, I embarked on a journey to learn more about the actual text of the Bible. I wanted to know how it came to us in the present form. The research took me to libraries both here and abroad, the Internet, discussions with textual scholars, and the perusal of many books (a weariness of the flesh), and earnest prayer. I wanted to know the truth about the Bible we trust.

This largely polemic volume takes on the shallow claims of those who insist that only one 400-year old English translation—produced with pre-set biased rules, few resources, by Anglican clergy who did not fully understand that the New Testament was written in Koine rather than classical Greek—should be viewed as “the only Bible.” Finding truth behind the manuscripts, the texts and translations is a worthy objective that will build your faith in the Scriptures, not destroy it.

Searching the Scriptures: Merging Truth, Texts and Translations is the result of that effort. It puts the early English Bibles, including the KJV, in perspective where they can be evaluated with contemporary translations by the sciences of papyrology, textual analysis, and linguistics. No doctrines are lost or created in the process.

If you have questions about the ancient manuscripts, the Greek texts, the differences in the Textus Receptus, the Majority Text, and the Critical Text, or the translations that are available today, you will find some help here. What about the words or phrases in some translations that are not there in the 16th and 17th century versions or vice versa? You will find the answers in this book.

Includes charts, comparisons of Bible translations, and other addenda that you will find helpful in the study of the Scriptures.

Apostolics, of all people, have no need to fear truth. The more one learns about the Bible, the more it is respected and trusted.

AM Price $14.95

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Expressing the way we are

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Last Words

Thomas Sowell just keeps saying relevant stuff. We should listen carefully when wise men speak. “You cannot subsidize irresponsibility and expect people to become more responsible. …We seem to be getting closer and closer to a situation where nobody is responsible for what they did but we are all responsible for what somebody else did.” PatriotPost.us 9/2/22

Our prayers and condolences go out to our brothers and sisters in Florida and beyond who have sustained losses in hurricane Ian.

As the leaves begin to fall, may the church begin to rise. Have a great soul winning October.

God bless!

JREnsey