The Word Is Not Imprisoned

When I began this blog, I did not have in mind my wife desiring to do this with me. After some hints from her and her persistance in prayer for me to live with her in an understanding way, I have asked if she would like to blog together. She has accepted and I thought we should change the name (and theme) in order to reflect the purpose of this blog as we do it together. Thus, the new name is “Together as Vessels of Mercy” with the tag “to make known the riches of His glory” Rom. 9:23. We want to do things that demonstrate how God is making known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy (together). So, this will be our attempt at doing this from now on.

Preach the gospel “for it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe.” (Rom. 1:16)  As the flow of Romans goes, this gospel is the revelation of God’s righteousness. This righteousness is in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul quotes, “The righteous shall live by faith.” He unpacks this in Romans. He then states that God’s wrath is against all unrighteousness. Paul then displays the unrighteousness of the nations. Then, he exposes the unrighteousness of the Jews who have His law. And in ch. 3, he concludes all peoples are unrighteous.

So, there is a big problem–namely, we are unrighteous and God’s wrath is against all unrighteousness. That means His wrath is pending on us. We need to be righteous, so how shall we get this righteousness? The answer is Christ. He is our righteousness. “The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.” (Rom. 3:22) “And all are justified (counted righteous though you are ungodly) by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith.” (Rom. 3:24, 25)

These are the sweetest words a sinner (like myself) will ever hear. You can be righteous, though you are ungodly, by receiving the gift that is in Christ. It is a gift that will never disappoint you. It is a gift not a wage…you can’t work for it. If you tried how much is enough? Well the fact is, only Christ is enough. Not only that, in Him alone you will find and receive forgiveness of your sins and the righteousness needed to turn back the wrath of God.

Throw yourself at the mercy of God in Christ by receiving Him as the treasure of your life!

What liberties do we have for interpreting Scripture? Some suggest the social sciences are needed to help explain (or enhance) Scripture. These include anthropology and sociology for the most part. Can these be used to interpret Scripture? What is the danger, if any, in using these disciplines? If we use these disciplines we seem to be saying Scripture is not sufficient…that it has holes thus needing some help. I bring this up because almost every thing I read these days seems to use these sciences in some form or fashion.

Let me give an example that was given to me. This particular example deals with the understanding of honor and shame within first century Palestine. These are two critical areas needed to understand the culture of that time. With these in mind, someone should go to the Gospels now and see how they work out in Scripture. 

The example that was given included one of the many encounters Jesus had with the Pharisees.  This was suppose to reveal a need for understanding honor and shame to enhance my understanding of Scripture. I was told that Jesus always “won” the argument thus gaining honor. The Pharisees always “lost” the argument thus gaining shame (i.e. losing face). Through Jesus’ gifted reasoning and cleverness he won these debates. This is, supposedly, a theme in the Gospels.

I have yet to see the point of this example. In fact, I think it misses the point. I believe it to be very easy to be lost in the woods of the social sciences and miss the meaning of the Scriptures.

I have no intention of giving every detail in this post about defining honor and shame or what the point of the encounters Jesus had with the Pharisees. I only write this post to point out and ask your opinion on using the social sciences for interpretation. Just for the record, I believe that Scripture is sufficient and the social sciences are not needed. What do you think reader?

The Gospel is a message to be heralded to all peoples. It is our joy to share the hope we have in Christ Jesus. All people have the same problem and all people have the same need–Jesus!

I encourage everyone to listen to a pointed sermon that cuts to the heart of Christian liberty. This issue, unfortunately, goes unaddressed by many or handled inappropriately. While listening to the sermon, I would caution you to reframe from choosing which category you fall into. In fact, I doubt you can assess correctly. Therefore, just listen to the sermon and repent…that’s what I did.

Also, if you would like to hear an ongoing discussion on addressing the weaker brother check it out here.

You can find out more information from this link Redeemer Church.

Please view and print our latest Prayer Update. microsoft-word-update-from-the-snider-family-20081408

I am posting a link for prayer needs of our dear friends J.D. and Traci Cashion. Please check out the prayer needs and see if you or someone you know can help them. It may be as simple as getting them in contact with churches that you know who are eager to give.