When speaking of creation, or a Creator ...you'd think we'd have a common understanding, but that is not the case.
When the Bible speaks of "In the beginning ..." in the very beginning line of the Book of Genesis, this beginning is for us, not for the angels or anything unimaginable that could of happened before us, but for us.
A baby book is a record of the beginning life of that child. It may describe gifts that were given, a description of the room that was prepared for that child, and names of direct family ...but all related to that introduction of that child.
The Bible is the introduction of humans ...man and woman.
Why do I believe the angels were created before our beginning ...well, there are many reasons, many of which you've probably have heard. But, I'm going to list something that you'd have less likely heard. Why repeat what you've likely heard.
You can do your own study on this, but the Bible speaks of the sons of God in the context (I believe) of those who can know God in the special way which I think is reserved for the angels (the two-thirds who didn't rebel, already decided in the past ...not the third who likely remained silent at creation, as the two-thirds shouted for joy ---the Book of Job, Chapter 38) and us humans who presently are provided the choice and who decide now and have decided ever since humans have been created (I believe, on day six) ...let it just be said that we have our lifetimes to respond to the unique call from God in our lives ---to become the sons of God.
God knows in advance what the thoughts and reasoning are that we so often stumble through, and which were also evident with the angels. I try to visualize this in attempting to understand why God created the angels first, instead of us. And I look to the example of Los Angeles when I was very young, but more recently in Baltimore, Maryland.
Okay, I know I just mentioned this, but I am just getting used to this new device and I thought this was a separate blog, not just a separate post on the same blog. I am glad God created me through that wonder of birth, before the computer came out. I was able to grasp the truth about God much before devices appeared to take over. I'm thankful I read the entire Bible in book form, not bits and pieces from some device as this. But, this is today ...and here I am. And though I knew I've mentioned this before, I didn't know it was so recently, and right here.
Anyway, politicians often don't seem to focus on the concept that history repeats itself. So, it would be good to repeat that which they don't seem to pay attention to, as repeating. So, if any politicians, or aspiring politicians are reading this, yes, I know I said it, but I'm saying it again.
Baltimore was cited as a city that was not doing well on the path it was taking. Not to discuss who contributed to making the path nor who led them down it ...it was just not going a way that was healthy for anyone. They were a city that was beyond the patience to listen to any possible conversation of why they went wrong. Beyond talk, beyond listening, they needed action. Crime had gotten out of control and the neighborhood were falling apart, but they didn't want to waste time looking into causes they felt they could not control. They didn't want talk, they wanted money. And a big city within perhaps the wealthiest nation on earth, they felt it was cruel and inexcusable that their call for money would not be met.
So, money was spent by the government. Not much changed for the good, so when the government met again, they decided the problems still existed because not enough money was spent.
People look at the United States of America with their wealth and nearly unlimited access to resources, knowledge, and know-how ...and they see no reason why anything should be withheld from its people. And I believe they view God in much the same way.
God created the angels with much power and splendor, as some angels felt absolutely they should be created ...but, I believe some of those angels (one third convinced) were wrong. I don't say this by my own wisdom or intellect, but by reading the Bible and seeing where that led. But, when the humans came next, it should be clearly evident that the other approach was presented first, and that this human creation by God had already been thought out. It should not be misunderstood by anyone that God knows this & everything else, and for our benefit of understanding, He did it this way ...then after the rebellion, created much more lowly creatures (ourselves) with the full picture clearly presented to us that the other way didn't work.
I don't think most cities see this as applying to them, and government isn't always the best teacher ...but, I think perhaps those who seek out God can see a bit of truth in this, and embrace the loving truth of the Bible.
Okay, now for something new:
I really enjoyed the movie, 'The Case for Christ'. Just last week, I read the
book, 'The Case for a Creator'.
I really enjoy Lee's journalistic skills and his style of writing is very helpful too.
When interviewing scientists, I feel almost all the time they know what they
are saying to more of a degree than what I know, but Lee's style of asking for
them to explain what they meant, or Lee asking for them to give an example
was very helpful to me ...as not just speaking to the intellectual, but also people
like me.
There were a couple questions I had that weren't answered in the book.
(I know it's impossible to address every imaginable question).
I was quite eager and wondering if he addressed the question in 'The Case for Faith'.
I didn't want to wait, and felt the immediate desire to get on the computer.
I read the summary of that book, but the summary was not that detailed.
But, sadly, one website of someone criticizing the book was quite detailed.
And to a certain degree answered my question.
That question is to the author and those who he interviewed: Your science was
quite precise, but how precisely do you view the Creator?
Yes, I'm referring to the Creator described in the first couple Chapters of the Bible.
Most of the scientists interviewed seemed to believe in the Bible.
(Many of the scientists also said they have a personal relationship with Him.)
Yes, they seemed to interpret that 'intelligent design' was significant enough.
But, that significant enough, was to have 'created' some aspect of life.
But there was not a firm view on how the first Chapter of Genesis is viewed by them.
During the isolation somewhat created by the pandemic, gatherings were not
filling our usual lives in the ways we were used to, so I went on Facebook and
joined a group called 'Creationism'. What I found was many people who don't
remotely believe what I believe (and that is fine, and can be expected). I didn't
have a list or idea of who all were 'Intelligent Design' classified, but I soon found
out that I didn't need a list as many of the people in the group seemed to know,
and would quickly dismiss what someone said if they were referring to someone
who was ID.
There was also much fun made of YECs (Young Earth Creationists).
And the Bible was not talked about as much as I had hoped, except
from a few that seemed too easily to be drawn into an argument that
quickly led to insults by those on either side of the argument.
There were a couple people who did not get drawn into the insult game,
but it was sadly a rare occasion.
I am aware of various (the group did serve this purpose) interpretations of
the Book of Genesis, but some of the people even believe that the entire
Book of Genesis is no more than a parable or fable. I wonder how the Bible
is viewed, and what role do we have in contributing to either the clarifying
or the confusion. Do we 'cherry pick' what we believe ...are we the authorities
who decide what we want to be literal and what is not?? And if we 'cherry pick'
the Bible, then isn't that a road paved for the next person to 'cherry pick' what
they believe?? (One person went so far as to say that Jesus didn't know certain
things because He didn't have the science we have today.)
I think this line of thinking needs a response.
Richard Dawkins' approach was not how awesome it is that documents were
preserved for a couple hundred years, protected from those who would have
wanted to destroy them. They already crucified or used whatever means to kill
those proclaiming the truth. I am so happy those truths were cared for and hidden
until they were safe to bring out. And to ignore all that, while boldly claiming contradictions ...well, that is so typical of unbelief, and to academia's credit, I can just say that is so lame.
My Mom died late last year. Obituaries can be found on the internet, and also
include a space for tributes. Not all tributes were the same, but all were about
Mom. I found it difficult to talk about it, and did not make it widely known, but
I did write down my thoughts on a lengthy post on Facebook in November of
last year (2020). Not everyone would agree exactly with my perspective on
how things happened in her last days with us. If reports are exactly alike, then
I believe there is collaboration. The apostles were spread out and very active.
When they chose to take moments to write, they did not have iPhones nor
a computer to share information.
As far as the Old Testament goes, Jesus read from those documents. If you
don't believe in Jesus, then that would probably not matter to you. But, when
Jesus turned over the tables at the temple, it was because they were conducting
business where worship was supposed to take place. The most references I see
is Jesus continually referring to 'The Father', and glorifying Him. I think this would
be even more important to Jesus if He saw the Old Testament also did not speak
truthfully about 'The Father' ...and there would likely be more action than turning
over tables.
Why is it important to Jesus that we know who He is?? Being part of the Personhood
of God, it is related to us that He loves us all ...and that He would that none would perish.
If our choice in life depends upon whether we choose to accept and follow Him, then
considering His love for us, He would want it to be clear that we know what choice we
are making ...and He is going to be fair about it. Yet, one of the questions that often
comes up ...is why bad things are allowed to happen.
To answer that, bad things are not forever going to be allowed to happen. The Accuser is
apt to do that very thing ...accuse. And to answer those accusations, I see that throughout
time we have read about several situational conditions that seem to meet those accusations
directly.
This next paragraph is not an accurate representation, it is only for the benefit of a 'what if' scenario to help us perhaps put things in perspective:
If you had the choice to live on earth for forever (never die), would you choose that, or would
you choose to live with God (in Heaven) for the remainder of your eternity?? If you choose
God for eternity, then why not choose Him now?? And you are not choosing Him if you
make up your own story of who He is ...He died for us, to know the truth and to accept the
truth (Him). If you would choose to live eternally here for forever on earth, then I believe that
is a choice made without clear thought. You may think your life is okay now, and I hope you do,
but what of those who have the most horrific life of anyone who has ever lived on earth ...what if
that occasion came to you. I hope it doesn't come to you, but I am not content that it comes to
anyone. I don't want others to suffer. Whether you believe it or not, we are eternal creatures ...and
life goes on after this life, in some realm.
We read in the Bible of past situational conditions ...and there are more to come. When I worked
in the prison, there were those who said they were glad they were imprisoned because if they
had not been deterred, they would have likely stayed on their same path. Others got out of prison,
and couldn't wait to resume their past behavior, they just felt they'd be wiser this time and not get
caught ...and some of them had more of a drive towards revenge against those in favor of curtailing
that behavior. The prison I worked at has a record of only one escape, and he left a trail to the other
side of the state, but came back to get even with the one he felt was responsible for his going to
prison. This led to him getting caught, and returning to a more secure prison. But, he put himself in
a position of needing immediate medical attention, and almost escaped again.
We cannot escape from God, and if people are seeking revenge in this life, they cannot touch you
in Heaven.
One future situational drama will take place in the thousand year reign. Those going through much
hardship will probably like that period, but others will likely be similar to those unrepentant
prisoners who will only behave when they have to (while incarcerated), and when the thousand
years end, they will join the group set on gathering their opposition to invade Israel. And that group
would not appear to me as preparing themselves for entering heaven with the One who had just
ruled for those thousand years (whenever that period will be).
For those of you who know me, I have much more to say on this, and I have said much more,
but this is enough for this post and for now. In closing, I say to look joyfully towards an existence
with God in heaven, but also accept Him now.
Doesn't that make sense??
