Part II: Our FATHER...exploring KINGDOM Relationship with the Most High God

"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." Amos 3.7...Come Join us this evening for a great discussion regarding the Gospel of the Kingdom of God! 8:00pm CST, call in 347-855-8971 or just listen! Thanks for your support.

Part II: Our FATHER...exploring KINGDOM Relationship with the Most High God

Spiritual Milk to Spiritual Meat...

Tonight's show we will talk about Spiritual growth, Christians going from Babes to Maturity in Christ! Please join us you can call in tonight at 8pm CST (347) 855-8971, or tune in and listen along! Looking forward to you all this evening!

Spiritual Milk to Spiritual Meat...

What is Original Sin?

Original Sin. The Christian theological doctrine defines “Original Sin” as the state humans are in because of the Fall of Man (the actions of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis). The term “original sin” itself is not used in the Old or the New Testaments, yet both the New and the Old Testaments speak of the sinful nature of human beings.

Basically, the doctrine states that all humans fall short of God's standard of righteousness no matter how “good” they think they are, that they are born with a “sinful” nature and require something outside of themselves to make them righteous and / or acceptable before God.

Many people have a fundamental problem with accepting the premise that they are “sinful” in nature. Some people will say that they are “good” people and often cite this as the reason that they cannot or will not accept Jesus and / or the Christian faith. This is partly because many people make the fundamental flaw of confusing “Sin” which is breaking God's Laws with “Crime” which is breaking the laws of man.

Sin as defined in the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Strong's Number: 266, the word “Hamartia” meaning: offence, sin(-ful).

Sin, wrong doing, usually any act CONTRARY TO THE WILL and law of God I don't believe anyone who is honest with themselves and claims to believe in God (The Father of Jesus) can say that they have not done or or does not do anything that is contrary to the Will and / or Law of God.

It is the epitome of pride for a person to deny what is or should be a very self evident fact. Again, some people mistake “Sin” for “Crime” and by their willful or unintentional lack of making such a distinction, they are unable to see themselves in proper context.

Many “crimes” are “sins”, many “sins” are crimes, yet there are many “crimes” that are not “sins” and many “sins” that are not “crimes”. For example, most people in our Western society at least agree that “murder” is a sin and a crime, yet not helping the poor or widow and the orphan, which is a serious sin, is often not considered a “crime”. In that light, people who don't kill people will believe that because of not doing these big obvious sins / crimes they are at base “good” people. This may be the case when “good” is defined as being an obedient and productive citizen in our society. However, what is good in as in making the standard that is set by God is a different mater entirely.

Jesus made it pretty clear here in Mathew 19.16-17 (KJV) “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments”

Before we go any further let me clarify that JESUS was good, because HE and the Father are One, therefore Jesus' He has the Righteousness of His Father (John 14.10).

In the reference scripture Jesus is giving Glory to God for “His” goodness, making it plain that it was not of Himself, but because He was and is in relationship with His Father. This outlines the problem, when people, Christians in particular believe that outside of God in Christ that they are good, they are basically are calling Jesus a liar.

Jesus is stressing that through Him, all who accept Him on His terms, can have through Him this same abiding / relationship with the Father that He has and demontsrated, by accepting His righteousness in place of our own.

This by understanding that within ourselves and without God we cannot truly be “Good”. The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance defines the Greek word for “Good” used in the reference scripture as “Kalos” meaning: “Virtuous”.

I believe that this very definition of Good is what lead the people to choose Jesus to be executed in place of the murderer Barrabas. You see, people were not that different at that time then we are now, let me explain how.

Back then, as it is today, religion and politics were bedfellows. Jesus was neither political or religious, therefore the religious (Pharisees) and the political (The Roman Government) didn't have much use for Jesus. Primarily because Jesus threatened both of their worldly systems. However, it wasn't these people alone who killed Jesus, the masses, yes the same people that Jesus healed, feed and ministered to were also a party to His execution.

When the masses had the choice to either have executed a man that was a known murderer or a man who was a known healer of mind, body and spirit, the people chose Jesus to be executed. The view that people had and that many of us today have of being “good” was a factor that was utilized to push these people towards that decision. Jesus showed the Father in all of His actions (John 8.25), yet he was doing this walking around amongst the masses. Being kind and compassionate to those he came across, and this made the people hate him that much more. Why? Because he showed them their shortcomings, not by His words, but by His actions. He showed them that they were NOT truly good, that their good was like a filthy rag when looked at in the pure light that he radiated. Therefore, the people wanted Him gone.

They would rather have the murderer amongst them, because they could always point at the murderer as someone THEY FELT THEY WERE BETTER THAN. They felt good in comparison to Barrabas the murderer. History teaches us this lesson, as the easiest way to get killed, is to show light in this dark world by bringing truth into a dishonest world. When light is shown in dark place people are shown their frailties and shortcomings, this occurs because people will always compare themselves to someone who strives for a higher standard in their actions, and either consciously or subconsciously, people will compare themselves and be reminded that they do not measure up to the standard that is being demonstrated right in front of them.

In a Christian world view, as defined by Christ and not “church doctrine or dogma”, to be truly good, we must strive to meet Christ standard by being in relationship with our Father through Him. By acknowledging that our GOOD cannot be and will never be GOOD ENOUGH.

I'm just saying...

Sodom and Gommorah-Destroyed because of "homosexuality"? Not exactly...

Last week's discussion brought up some political / sociological issues as well as theological ones. This evening we will begin a series that discusses our politics in context with our Biblical based faith and ask WWJ "REALLY" DO in regard to some modern political / social actualities we deal with. Gen. 18:20-21 and 19:24-28 will be discussed.

Sodom and Gommorah-Destroyed because of "homosexuality"? Not exactly...

The BURGER KING Jesus part II, people who want to have Jesus "their" way...

The BURGER KING JESUS part II...Many people have a "version" of Jesus they follow, we will discuss the "Burger King have it your way Jesus" that many have and the BIBLICAL Jesus revealed to us by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Please join us this evening at 8:00pm CST, feel free to call in or just listen along! Call-in Number: (347) 855-8971

The BURGER KING Jesus part II, people who want to have Jesus "their" way...

Jesus: "The Word of the Lord", poetic words or a spiritual actuality?

The BURGER KING JESUS...Many people have a "version" of Jesus they follow, we will discuss the "Burger King have it your way Jesus" that many have and the BIBLICAL Jesus revealed to us by Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Please join us this evening at 8:00pm CST, feel free to call in or just listen along! Call-in Number: (347) 855-8971

Jesus: "The Word of the Lord", poetic words or a spiritual actuality?

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What is the difference?

Please join us for tonight's biblical discussion title: "What's the difference?". What is being born again? What is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God? What is being Led by God's Spirit? These are questions that have come up in some of the feedback I have recieved regarding our last discussion, questions we will touch upon this evening. We begin at 8:00pm CST and the call in number is (347) 855-8971. Scriptures we will cover today is John 3.1-7 and further from 2 Corinthians chapter 2. You are welcome to listen even if you choose not to call in! Looking forward to this evening!

What is the difference?

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What is the difference?

Well folks, we had a great (and a bit long) discussion regarding The LAW (Torah), the Prophets (Nevi'im) and their fulfillment in the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and what that means. We then began to discuss the Holy Spirit and its work in the lives of believers and how we can be Led by Him. We will continue discussing HOW to be Led by the Spirit of God and how to be KINGDOM PEOPLE this week, please join us!

What is the difference?

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Part II: SEPARATING Religion, Ritual, Routine from Relationship with God through Christ

Today's online study will deal with the various degrees of bondage people try to keep Christians under trying to force the New Wine of the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD into to Old Wine Skin of the Mosaic Law, we will also talk about what it means to be Led by the Spirit of God! Please listen and feel free to call in tonight at 8:00pm CST. E-mail me at richardgraves@live.com for an outline of the study.


Part II: SEPARATING Religion, Ritual, Routine from Relationship with God through Christ

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Online Bible Study tonight!

Online Bible Study tonight. The link provided will allow you to listen to our conversation; you can listen and / or call in and participate. Our discussion this evening will center on how we as Christians can value the gifts that God has given us through Jesus and how we can really walk in relationship with Christ and not be side tracked by “religion”. The call in number is (347) 855-8971, study starts tonight 09/22/2009 at 8:00pm CST

Here is the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Richard-Graves/2009/09/23/Seperating-Religion-Ritual-Routine-from-Relationship-with-God-through-Christ

looking forward to the study!

Online Bible Study

A few of the Facebook, Blog and internet Christian friends and I are going to have an online call in Bible "class" on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-8:30pm (CST) starting Sep 22nd. It will cover some of the subjects in my book "Unbelieving Believers", anybody else interested let me know and I'll e-mail you details. Also, if you don't have my book yet, you can purchase it directly from me for $15.00 (s/h included) by PayPal at richardgraves@live.com

The Gospel of the Kingdom in contrast to "philosophy"....

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1st Corinthians 2:14. This scripture often comes to mind when I consider the question of faith and “reason”. In today’s world, there is a clash between “faith” and “reason”, albeit in the observation of this writer the clash is really a false dichotomy. People like Bill Maher and Richard Dawkins posit that if one has faith one cannot be “reasonable”, surprisingly this isn’t a new concept.

Back in the winter of 1619-1620 a philosopher from France by the name of Rene’ Descartes’ developed a new formula for “rationalism” stating in its first principle “Cogito ergo sum” (I think therefore I am) (Dowley 485).

Some Christians, such as Magistar Archbishop William Temple, considered this philosophical movement to be “the most disastrous moment in European history”. This primarily because Descartes started from a presupposition of doubt, whereas the believer starts at a presupposition that God is an actuality that we accept as our starting point (485). These positions are diametrically opposed, however; one does not necessarily exclude the other. It can be expected that the unbeliever is coming from a position of doubt and may want God “proven” to them in a way that they can measure and or accept. In Descartes case his initial presupposition was: “I entirely abandoned the study of letters. Resolving to seek no knowledge other than that of which could be found in myself or else in the great book of the world, I spent the rest of my youth traveling, visiting courts and armies, mixing with people of diverse temperaments and ranks, gathering various experiences, testing myself in the situations which fortune offered me, and at all times reflecting upon whatever came my way so as to derive some profit from it.” (Descartes, Discourse on the Method). This statement reminds me of another popular Latin phrase: “eventus stultorum magister” as events are often the teachers of fools. Not that Mr. Descarte was a fool, however with that statement he had done what others in the rationality of their atheism do even to this day, that is make themselves their own measure in the subjective perceptions, in essence their own god. This Temple found problematic, yet ironically Temple saw the reformation under Luther as problematic as well as Luther bucked the system which was another form of indivualism as far as Temple was concerned (485).

The problem with Temple’s logic was that unlike Descartes, who was his own god, or who was dependent upon his own subjective apprehension of the temporal and spatial world, Luther was subject to the scriptures, which it appears that Temple was unaware or unwilling to acknowledge that the church was not always in line with what scripture was presenting.

We see these two worlds collide in the person of Blaise Pascal (1623-62). He was one of the greatest thinkers the West has given us as he was a “mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer and religious thinker.”. This is something that would be best pointed out in this current world we live in where people like Bill Maher and Richard Dawkins continue to present that rationality (science) and Faith (religion) are “mutually exclusive”. This man made incredible contributions to geometry and the calculus and worked out the theory of probability. “In physics ‘Pascal’s law’ stated the principle which makes possible all modern hydraulic operations” (488). Because this great thinker became a Christian as the result of a mystical vision in 1654.

“Pascal wrote that God can be known through Jesus Christ by an act of faith, itself given by God.”, this mirrors Christ own statements, in particular: “All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.” Matthew 11.27. This scientist posited that ours need for God is made clear by our misery because of our separation from Him. Though this great thinker posited that “God may only be known by faith”, he was also clear to acknowledge that there is ample evidence to hold up belief: “fulfilled prophecies, miracles, the witness of history, the self–authentication of Scripture, ‘The heart has its reasons, which the reason does not know,’ wrote Pascal (488).

That is what really it comes down to, and as we see from this bit of history, the more things change the more they stay the same.

Bibliography:

Dowley, Tim ; Briggs, J. H. Y. ; Linder, Robert Dean ; Wright, David F.: Introduction to the History of Christianity. Minneapolis : Fortress Press, 2002

One of the flaws I find with Islamic Doctrine regarding Jesus is...

I have a few Muslim friends, some Sunni, some NOI, some 5 Percenters some Moorish Americans. One of the flaws I find with the Islamic Doctrine regarding Jesus is that Muslims say:

1. They believe Jesus was a Prophet, some even say Messiah

2. We don't believe he was the son of God, died on the cross, will be King and rule the Kingdom of God that the Father has given him, etc., etc.

The problem here is that one cannot accept Jesus (Joshua, Yahshuyah) as the who is the Messiah (Moshiach) and then try to redefine what the books of the books of the Law (Torah) and the Prophets (Nevi’im) said the Messiah would be, to fit ones doctrine. The real choices here is:

A. Jesus is the Messiah and ALL that is written in the Old Testament (Tanakh) about Him is correct.... or

B. To say Jesus was NOT the Messiah, and therefore he could not even by a true prophet, because HE said he was the Messiah and that would mean he was a liar.

These are the ONLY valid options that hold any water. Islam says that Jesus is the Messiah, but denies who or what a messiah is supposed to be. In this vein, I prepared the following for understanding..

Salvation Map in the Scriptures, Part 1: © Richard Graves, 2002

To understand the PATH of SALVATION and the REASON for it, first one would have to understand the nature of the Mosaic Covenant (given at Sinai). The covenant (when you re read the books of Law, the Torah or the Pentateuch as it is called) you see that it was an IF / THEN situation. God would say to the people, IF you keep my covenant, THEN I will BLESS you, If you DO NOT then (basically speaking) I will Curse you. To quote him specifically from the Torah in this regard:

Deuteronomy 28:45: "Moreover all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue
thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed; because thou hearkenedst not unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded thee:"

1st God tells Moses that the Jews / Hebrews (Israelites) WOULD NOT
keep this covenant. 1st, here God tell Moses what will happen with Israel in Deut 31:16

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them"

Moses Then reiterates this to the people, here in Deut 31:29

"For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands."

So this is definitely going to happen at some point after Moses dies. Now latter in the Ketivum (writings) and the Nevi'im (Prophets) we see this punishment eventually come. Now during this time God makes some promises. 1st, in the Books of Law God sets up the redemption of the people LONG before Moses was even around.

THIS we find by paying VERY close attention to the prophecies of the OT (Tanakh): Here is a map for the meaning of certain names, not for the purpose of "religiously" reciting names, or being "deep" but to see the Prophetic Picture of the Messiah and to Spiritually see Gods
plan for the KINGDOM:

Gen. 29:35: "And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name JUDAH; and left bearing"

So we see JUDAH means to PRAISE the LORD. A very simple, yet POWERFUL tool to get in relationship with the Father. This King David (who was from the Tribe of JUDAH) did OFTEN, as should WE.

Next we see a Prophecy to JUDAH from JACOB, Gen. 49:8-10, look at some of these words of PROPHECY to JUDAH:

In verse 8: "Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: THY HAND SHALL BE IN THE NECK OF THINE ENEMIES; THY FATHER'S CHILDREN SHALL BOW OWN BEFORE THEE."

So we see that the KING of ISRAEL (or God's people) WILL be from JUDAH (As Jesus / Yashuwah IS) HaMoshiach Adonai (Messiah / King) Next in verse 9 & 10,

"Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The SCEPTRE SHALL NOT DEPART FROM JUDAH, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto HIM SHALL THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE BE."

So here we see that the sceptre of LAW will be to JUDAH. When the people are scattered the gathering of ISRAEL will be unto HIM. Again, this is about Jesu. This is important, I will elaborate more at another time, for now we shall go on to, we know DAVID was the 1st King of the Tribe of Judah, GOD made some specific Promises, i.e. 2nd Samuel 7:12-13: "And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I WILL ESTABLISH HIS KINGDOM. He shall build an house for my name, and I WILL STABLISH THE THRONE OF HIS KINGDOM FOR EVER. I WILL BE HIS FATHER, AND HE SHALL BE MY SON. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men"

Now here we see a few more things about the Lawgiver, or KING who will rule from the Line of JUDAH. The ones I will talk with you about are CAPITALIZED, however there are many things the Spirit (which is the Holy Ghost) shows here. God says HE will ESTABLISH this KINGDOM, this being the KINGDOM of GOD. God says HE will be his FATHER (Hence Jesus reference to El Elyon or Yah as some say as FATHER).

Now when you READ Isaiah the 1st chapter, you see by this time, Israel has gone and done it. God is now visiting his Judgment for their (or our) disobedience. HOWEVER, Because he LOVES Israel and WILL keep his PROMISES (i.e., the ones he Promised to Abraham and David) He tells the Prophet Isaiah this in Isaiah 49:6:

"And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my SALVATION unto the end of the earth"

Isaiah and Jeremiah and Ezekiel are full of Messianic prophecies, as the Spirit of God reveals. Now, let’s look at one "tie in" between the Prophecies of the OT and a Fulfillment of the New Testament….

In Acts 1:9, Jesus is taken up in a cloud. Now in the OT, this is witnessed by Daniel, where this cloud takes Jesus, take a look here at Daniel 7:13-14.

"I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like THE SON OF MAN CAME WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. AND THERE WAS GIVEN HIM DOMINION, AND GLORY, AND A KINGDOM, THAT ALL PEOPLE, NATIONS, AND LANGUAGES, SHOULD SERVE HIM: HIS DOMINION IS AN EVERLASTING DOMINION, WHICH SHALL NOT PASS AWAY, AND HIS KINGDOM THAT WHICH SHALL NOT BE DESTROYED."

Again, the King and KINGDOM that God Promised David.

Amen.

“Wisdom of the Spirit of God” An Exegesis of 1st Corinthians 1-2

“It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err” Mohandas K. Gandhi: 1865-1948 (Chang 750).

The Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines Wisdom as: “An accumulated philosophic or scientific learning: knowledge b: ability to discern inner qualities and relationships: insight c: good sense: judgment” The concept of wisdom is a significant one, in particular to our modern technological society, because we place a strong emphasis on knowledge.

A cursory look at the Bible shows that wisdom is a very significant concept in the Old and New Testaments because it concerns how we live or lives. The Bible is clear that only when our life is oriented to God and when we apply God’s standards to our day to day lives are we truly wise.

The wisdom that the Bible speaks of is “spiritual or divine wisdom”, as it comes from God, this is the wisdom to follow His precepts as revealed to us through Christ Jesus (Richards “Wisdom”).

Apostle Paul’s use of wisdom in 1st Corinthians 1-3 defines spiritual or divine wisdom from God more specifically, in relation to his own rabbinical idea of what wisdom is and also in contrast with the common Greek philosophical view. Since the term “spiritual or divine wisdom” is a term utilized by many esoteric practices, philosophies, and religions, we must be clear in what the Apostle was communicating. Apostle Paul is clear in demonstrating this “wisdom” as wisdom which comes from God, by His Spirit, the Holy Ghost (1st Corinthians 2.12).

Of course, this is not a matter of supplanting scholarship or study; and it is more than a matter of supplement, it is a tool that can be utilized for greater spiritual growth within the faith. This is also not to suggest secret revelation to the believer or extra-biblical revelation; spiritual or divine wisdom that comes from God is a tool to demonstrate God’s Kingdom more effectively by showing Christ in the day to day walk. In Apostle Paul’s 1st Epistle to the Church at Corinth, this topic is addressed in a detail that can be readily applied to the church of it’s time as well as our own. In order to better understand how Paul contrasted spiritual or divine wisdom from his own rabbinical ideas, we must take a look at the most likely source of his rabbinical understanding of “wisdom”.

Before Paul was an Apostle, according to Acts 22.3, he studied in Jerusalem under the Rabbi Gamaliel. We are not told either the nature or the extent of the influence which Gamaliel exercised upon Paul of the Gentiles, however; it is known that Gamaliel did occupy a leading position in the great council of Jerusalem, and as his grandfather Hillel, received the nickname "Ha-Zaḳen” (The “Elder”) (“Gamaliel” Brittanica 434).

Gamaliel taught in the school of Hillel; Hillel’s teachings were known and authoritative 50 years before Jesus was born. These rabbinical interpretations of the Hebrew scriptures were accepted gradually permitting the adaptation of inherited laws rather than literal interpretation, which began to dominate pre and post 70 AD Judaism (Von Deshen & Harris 87).

The Mishnah at this time however; had not yet developed any contrary view regarding “wisdom” from the Old Testament, therefore we may presuppose that the rabbinical view at that time in Hillel’s school was more Tanakh based (specifically based on the books of Wisdom). In the Old Testament, the basic word group expressing the concept of wisdom includes hakam (Strong’s #2449, Hebrew) and its cognates hokmah (Strong’s #2451, Hebrew) and hakam (Strong’s #2450, Hebrew). Together these words occur over three hundred times in the Old Testament and the closest words in meaning to this group of words are cognates of bin, or buna which mean "understanding." (Strong’s, #8394, Hebrew “Buna”).

The Hebrew view is very practical in its focus, as wisdom is expressed in godly living (Pr 2.6, 9-10, 12). Wisdom literature in the Old Testament includes Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, and many psalms, this type of literature does don’t express itself in a legalistic form, not even in clarification of the Mosaic Law, wisdom literature deals with lifestyle, contrasting the wisdom and foolishness in the choices that people make (Scott et al “1st Corinthians”). In addition to the Rabbinical view, Paul may have become familiar with concepts of wisdom from other parts of Jewish scholarship of that time, particularly the teachings of Philo of Alexandria (20 BCE - 50 CE) on regard to the logos.

Philo’s method of interpretation was partially influenced by the Mishnah, yet he in turn influenced the Mishnah as well; for many of his ideas were adopted by Palestinian scholars, and are still found scattered throughout the Talmud and the Midrashim yet that influence had not yet manifested during Paul’s time under Gamaliel in Hillel’s school (Runia 215). Philo of Alexandria (20 BCE - 50 CE), a Hellenized Jew, followed the Platonic distinction between imperfect matter and perfect idea. The logos was necessary, he taught, because God cannot come into contact with matter. Philo sometimes identified logos as “divine wisdom”.

Philo connected his doctrine of the Logos with the Hebrew Scriptures, partially predicated on Genesis 1.27. He translates the passage as follows: "He made man after the image of God,"; he posited that this image of God was the type for all other things (the "Archetypal Idea" of Plato). The “Logos” in his philosophical view is a shadow cast by God, having the outlines but not the blinding light of the Divine Being (New Jewish Encyclopedia, Philo Judaeus).

It must be specified, that though Philo was a Jew, and that perhaps Paul was familiar with his philosophy, Philo's conception of the matter out of which the world was created is not Biblical; he is here at one with Plato and the Stoics. Following the Stoics, he designates God as "the efficient cause," and matter as "the affected cause." (New Jewish Encyclopedia, Philo Judaeus) yet he also refers to this concept from the Bible (Genesis 1.2), as the Spirit of God hovered above the waters during creation, so Philo was staunchly in the Greek view, but still related to the Hebrew viewpoint. In contrast to Apostle Paul’s influences, the congregation at Corinth’s being from the mostly Roman and Greek population had their influence primarily from Greco-Roman philosophical thought and Hellenistic mystery religious thought, which were prominent amongst the Corinthian congregation (Witherington 177).

The Corinthian church was said to have the distinction of being “the most confused congregation, or group of congregations, that Paul addressed”. The main problem was that the Corinthian congregation was being torn apart by quarreling (1st Cor 1.11). Paul’s opponents at Corinth were Jews, proto-Gnostics, libertines, ascetics, ecstatics, realized eschatologists, anti-resurrectionists, etc. (1 Corinthians 1.10-17). In addressing this problem of division, Paul implies that their division may be the result of heeding human wisdom rather than divine wisdom (1 Cor 1.18-31) (Elwell & Yarbrough 288-289).

In Greco-Roman culture, "wisdom" represented an unusual attribute or ability, philosophic or speculative knowledge. These types of words in this group are used rarely in the Gospels, however when used, they are utilized in the OT sense. The greatest number of uses of "wise" and "wisdom" are in 1st Cor 1-3. It can be assumed that the educated in the Corinthian congregation had a Platonic view of “wisdom” or “sophia”.

Prior to Plato, the Greek word “Sophia” had the same wide connotation as the Hebrew hakma. Wisdom in a practical sense, learning. Whereas, Plato saw “philosophia” as a transcendent form of wisdom, an "aspiration to a Sophia”. Basicaly, Plato thought that true wisdom could not be attained but that it could be aspired to. Contrary to this, Paul taught that wisdom to understand that which transcends man, which is God, comes from God and is given to those who have received the Gospel of the Kingdom through Christ Jesus. Paul taught that this “wisdom” that he spoke of could be apprehended by believers. In 1 Corintians 1.18-31, Paul makes clears that the philosophers “philosophia” did not bring knowledge of God. Platonic worldview did not leave room to recognize Christ as the power and wisdom of God (1 Co 1.24), so Paul put the subject in proper context for them.

The Corinthians had a view that in many ways transcended simple earthly scholarship as wisdom, yet the were not yet seeing that wisdom that was beyond man was available to them. This is further clarified in 1 Corinthians 1.19: “It is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of those who are wise. I will do away with the cleverness of those who think they are so smart.” (NIV). Here the Apostle references one of the books of the Nevi’im (Isaiah 29.14) to illustrate that the wisdom he is speaking of is not intellect or human knowledge, or simply an unattainable transcendent wisdom, but a gift that is given of God. This would also speak to the Jews of the audience who may have been familiar with this scripture, and Philo of Alexandria’s philosophy, but not yet clear in having access to the Spirit of God in a more relationship style manner.

The rabbinical view did deal with that following God’s written precepts was ideal, however, it did not deal with the spiritual component of spiritual truth being revealed to the Christian, as Paul expanded upon. Apostle Paul continues in verses 20-21, specifically asking “Where is the educated person? Where are the great thinkers of this world? Hasn’t God made the wisdom of the world foolish?”. This further referencing the power of the Christ the Wisdom of God (v24), clearly stating that God is wiser than men (v25). Connecting God’s greater wisdom to accessibility by the believer was part of what Paul was communicating and he did so by demonstration as well as words. Even though Paul was educated, Paul was clear in indicating that the “wisdom” he spoke of was beyond his scholarship or simply keeping what was written in the Tanakh and more importantly, that this wisdom was attainable because of the cross to those who believed.

1 Corinthians 2.1-5 addresses that topic, Apostle Paul specifies that when he came to the church of Corinth, he didn’t profess his own wisdom, but declared “The Testimony of God”. Not with enticing words but in demonstration of the Spirit. The scripture is emphasizing that our faith should not be in the “Wisdom of Men” but in the POWER of GOD.

Apostle Paul continues to put the subject of wisdom in its spiritual context in 1st Corinthians 2.12: “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” As Jesus stated in John 14, the Spirit we have received (which is the Holy Ghost) is of God and that we can know the things that are freely given to us by God from the Spirit. In verses 13 and 14 Paul speaks about how spiritual things are spiritually discerned. Clearly stating that the natural mind does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, in fact they are foolishness to a natural minded person.

True wisdom, the wisdom which comes from God, can be known only by believers (2.6-10), and fully grasped only by mature believers (2.11-16). The unbeliever, because of his volition, is not at all able to grasp the wisdom of God (2.14). This foundation can be found in the Gospels as well, specifically in John 14.26. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”, further, in that same chapter Jesus makes clear that the Holy Ghost (Spirit of God) is for believers only. In 1st Corinthians 3.16, Paul reminds that Corinthians of the fact that the Holy Ghost is in them, therefore; they need to mature and be able to be led by Him, above their allegiances to individual leaders. However, the divisions among the Corinthians was evidence that they were still operating in worldly wisdom; and did not have a grasp on the actuality of what was their in Christ (3.1-4).

Apostle Paul has been able to bring light on what constituted true wisdom by showing that true wisdom comes by way of revelation, not reason. Since the Corinthians had put too much of an emphasis on the messengers of the Christian message as opposed to the Christian message itself, divisions were inevitable. In this manner also we find a problem that would plague Christian even until this day. Just as the Corinthian church dealt with their separations in following Paul or Apollos, so did we see the pattern continue as heresies and divisions formed during Christian history, as well we see this today. Paul posited that he and Apollos were merely farmers and builders, but that only God caused growth. What was to be grown and built was mature Christians, and Paul appeals to them to regard him and Apollos as mere servants of Christ (4.1-5).

Paul came humbly, showing them by example of what he was communicating with them. Paul answers there divisions and philosophies not with an apologetic argument, but with demonstration and proclamation in which he shows that the wisdom of men is of no avail in regard to spiritual truth. He expresses the lack of spiritual wisdom, the wisdom of God; which the lack of is the root of their problems. That they can never get to the root of their problems by trying to pursue the insights of their individual philosophies predicated on secular philosophers.

That is still true today; the Christian community will never solve its problems relying solely on scholarship and wisdom neither of today’s philosophies; nor by following specific Christian leaders or ideologies without focus being on what God gives us by His Spirit through Christ Jesus. Paul answers these schisms and factions and divisions by confronting them with the word of the cross -- the word that presents the cross the Christ as that instrument by which God cuts off all human wisdom, not as being worthless in its own narrow realm, but as being useless in solving the major problems of man. When we understand this, we realize that we will never begin to learn until we first learn that we do not know anything.

When we come to appreciate the word of the cross, we understand that in the cross of Jesus Christ, God took his own Son, now become man like us, identified with us in every way, and nailed him up to die as being useless as far as solving any of the problems of mankind is concerned. The wisdom of God looks so foolish to the natural man; because proceeds on a totally different principle than the wisdom of the world.

Paul posits that when we accept this, we can then discover that true, secret. Most importantly we understand ourselves, and then can apprehend the world around us. Paul’s answer is mighty, and resonates to this day in answer to the worship of the intellectualism that has constantly hounded the church, and attempts to undermine it, “a false intellectualism.” The word of God never attempts to disregard the pursuit of knowledge, God intends for people to learn things, however; for the Christian, knowledge and wisdom should be predicated upon a right beginning and we are called back to the principle set forth in the Old Testament, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9.10 RSV) (Stedham).

Bibliography:

Bridger, David. The New Jewish Encyclopedia. New York: Behrman House, 1962. Chang, Larry. Wisdom for the Soul Five Millennia of Prescriptions for Spiritual Healing. Washington, D.C.: Gnosophia, 2006.

Chisholm, Hugh. The Encyclopædia Britannica; A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature and General Information. Cambridge, Eng: At the University Press, 1910.

Elwell, Walter A., and Robert W. Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament A Historical and Theological Survey. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Books, 1998.

Gigot, Francis E. “Gamaliel” The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VI. Published 1909. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, September 1, 1909. Remy Lafort, Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York

Merriam-Webster, Inc. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, Mass: Merriam-Webster, Inc, 2003.

Richards, Larry. New International Encyclopedia of Bible Words Based on the NIV and the NASB. Zondervan's understand the Bible reference series. Grand Rapids, Mich: ZondervanPublishingHouse, 1999.

Scott, Thomas, Matthew Henry, and William Jenks. The Comprehensive Commentary on the Holy Bible Containing the Text According to the Authorized Version; Scott's Marginal References; Matthew Henry's Commentary, Condensed ... the Practical Observations of Rev. Thomas Scott, D.D. with Extensive Explanatory, Critical, and Philological Notes. Making of America. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co, 1865.

Stedman, Ray C. THE MESSAGE OF FIRST CORINTHIANS, Discovery Publishing, 1967 < http://www.pbc.org/files/messages/3202/0247.html> accessed 5 Feb 2008

Von Dehsen, Christian D., and Scott L. Harris. Philosophers and Religious Leaders. Lives and legacies. Phoenix, Ariz: Oryx Press, 1999.

Witherington, Ben. Conflict and Community in Corinth A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on 1 and 2 Corinthians. Grand Rapids, Mich: W.B. Eerdmans, 1995.

Runia, David T. Exegesis and Philosophy Studies on Philo of Alexandria. Collected studies, CS332. Aldershot, Hampshire, Great Britain: Variorum, 1990. 

Christian RE-Education 101 begins...

This is pointedly to those who profess Christ, however, atheist, agnostics and people of other faiths are welcome and encouraged to comment (respectfully, even in disagreement).

I have written a book that deals with some of the topics I will discuss: “Unbelieving Believers”, it is an e-book, anyone who can’t afford it can e-mail me at christianreed101@yahoo.com and I will send you a free pdf of it.

Anyway, I have come to a conclusion over the last year with conversations with Christians of the various types I come across, that conclusion being; that Christians – Believers and Followers of Christ Jesus need to get past their denominational / theological / sectarian brainwashing teaching and / or indoctrination, and get to understanding the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, the essential message of Christ above and in spite of that indoctrination.

Seriously, I am glad I wasn’t raised in the “church” (That being the Catholic Church, the Protestant Church, the Orthodox Church, the Baptist Church, the Pentecostal Church, the Black Church, the White Church, the Evangelical Church, the Liberal Church, Church’s Fried Chicken, whatever church!), because people get waaayyyyy to caught up in their church’s traditions, dogma, theology, doctrine, politics, etc., etc. and quite often miss the point of scripture, and more importantly, they miss real relevant spiritual growth.

Further, I have found that many people have left the Christian faith and more importantly abandoned their relationship with Christ, because of some of the hurt that they have received from within the established traditions of the Christian faith. These are some of the issues that I will be addressing in this series, however the first issue I would like to deal with the “Unbelieving Believers” (An oxymoron that is painfully often a truism), is: “Spiritual re-birth should lead to Spiritual growth”.

People, if we call ourselves Christians, if we say we believe what is communicated in scripture, then SPIRITUAL GROWTH is something that we should be striving for. If we claim to be “Spiritually” reborn, then as with anything that is born, we should GROW, in this case: “Spiritually grow”.

There is a point where we should listen to the Spirit of God, the Spirit of God which is in those of us who profess to be followers of Christ. THIS IS NOT the same as “COMMON SENSE”. Anyone, believer or non believer can have “COMMON SENSE” (or not have it). Wisdom from the Spirit of God that is IN us is a gift to the Church from God, a gift that it seems many of us choose to squander.

1st Corinthians 3.16 communicates a serious truth which we as Christians should embrace: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of GOD DWELLETH IN YOU?” which is a reiteartion of Jesus’ own words in John 14.17: ““Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: BUT YE KNOW HIM; FOR HE DWELLETH WITH YOU, AND SHALL BE IN YOU” It appears that this is a concept that people who claim to follow Christ are avoiding. Why we are avoiding it? Perhaps some folks fear to leave their "religious" comfort zone, others may wish to rely purely on intellect and their own personal theologies, I am sure the reasons are many.

At any rate, if you are happy being religious and have no desire to try to grow spiritually, you can feel free to ignore my next question, that being; "If we are reborn spiritually, and the Spirit of God is in us, why are we not listening to God’s Spirit and / or following His leadings? I’ll leave it at that for now, feel free to comment.