What did Abel understand?

At this time of year, it’s good to pause and reflect on our many blessings. One of the things I’m very thankful for is the opportunity to serve with the Biblical Resource Group of Ethnos360. In addition to working on doctrinal papers for the mission, the Biblical Resource Group also responds to questions from our missionaries. An interesting question that came our way recently concerned the sacrifice of Abel in Genesis 4. Commenting on Abel’s offering, the writer of Hebrews noted: “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous...” (Heb. 11:4).

It’s often said that hindsight is 20/20. From our perspective, we can see that many sacrifices in the Old Testament, including Abel’s, were foreshadows of what Christ would accomplish on the cross of Calvary. But did Abel understand what Christ would do at the cross, so far in the future from his own time? That was the question this missionary wanted us to answer.

Some assert that Old Testament saints looked forward to the cross in the same way we now look back to it. However, this simplistic perspective raises significant questions. Did they truly understand the person of Christ and the significance of His death on the cross?

Some theologians, who minimize distinctions in God’s Word, argue that salvation has always been identical in every era. They often assert that the conscious object of the faith of Old Testament saints was Christ Himself. For example, Charles Hodge wrote: “It was not mere faith or trust in God, or simple piety, which was required, but faith in the promised Redeemer… The covenant of grace, or plan of salvation, … has always had the same promise, the same Redeemer, and the same condition of membership, namely, faith in the Son of God as the Savior of the world.”

However, the New Testament paints a different picture. Acts 17:30 refers to the Old Testament era as “times of ignorance” compared to the greater revelation given in the New Testament. This suggests that Old Testament believers did not have a clear understanding of the person and work of Christ before the cross.

The understanding of the average Israelite concerning the Messiah during Jesus’ earthly ministry was quite limited. For instance, when Jesus spoke of His impending death, Peter rebuked Him. The disciples believed that Jesus was the Messiah but did not grasp that He would die. If they failed to see Messiah’s death when looking back at Isaiah 53, how could the average Old Testament saint have understood that Messiah would die?

Because of Calvary,

Bob

* * *

Astounding Facts about the Exodus

How many people were there?

According to Numbers 1:45-46 there were more than 600,000 fighting men. Add to that an equal number of women, plus an average of four children per family (remember, the Egyptians were afraid because the Israelites were multiplying so rapidly, Exodus 1:7-10), and the population looks like this:

Men..................... 600,000
Women............... 600,000
Children........... 2,400,000
Total................. 3,600,000

How long a column would that make?

Marching 50 abreast, it would stretch for 40 miles into the desert. At a modest pace of 2 ½ miles per hour, the people would require more than 16 hours to pass by the same point.

How much food and water did the people require?

Just to provide the minimum ration of food and water for the people (not including provisions for their animals) would take the equivalent of 30 boxcars of food and 300 tank cars of water every day of their 40 year journey.

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. –Phil. 4:19

 

Interpreting God’s Word

With the arrival of November, we look forward to Thanksgiving. We certainly have much to be thankful for. I am grateful that I only have to endure those annoying campaign ads for a few more days. I am also thankful that of the three hurricanes which made landfall in Florida, only one affected us in Central Florida. Even though the eye of Hurricane Milton came close to us, we experienced no significant damage to our property. I am thankful that Milton spared my fall garden for the most part, though I did have to replace a couple of tomato plants. Finally, I am thankful that the end of November also marks the end of hurricane season here.

The Biblical Resource Group of Ethnos360 continues to produce doctrinal papers. Our latest paper is titled "Key Principles of Bible Interpretation." It has four main sections:

1.      Interpreting God's Word

2.      Viewing Israel and the Church

3.      Understanding God's Purposes in History

4.      Embracing the Freeness of God's Grace

The paper begins with the following purpose statement:

This paper will explore some key principles of Bible interpretation, an area of study known as hermeneutics. Hermeneutics provides the rules and principles that guide us in correctly interpreting the Bible. It acts as a bridge, connecting the world of the Bible with our own. A correct understanding of Scripture helps us apply God's Word to our lives today.

The Biblical Resource Group has produced 27 doctrinal papers covering various topics such as Salvation, Calvinism, End Times, Bible Interpretation, and Theistic Evolution. Several people outside of Ethnos360 have asked how they might get access to these papers. The original doctrinal papers contain information that is only pertinent to our missionaries. However, we recognize that these papers could be an invaluable resource to a broader audience. Therefore, we revised the papers to accommodate that broader audience and reposted the 27 papers on the website of Sanford Bible Church for all to access. The web link to those papers is: https://www.sanfordbiblechurch.org/Resources.

If you go to the main webpage of Sanford Bible Church, click on "Resources." Then click on "A Collection of Doctrinal Papers." We hope you find them helpful.

Because of Calvary,

Bob

* * *

Allegorical Interpretation

The faultiest style of teaching is to corrupt the meaning of scripture, and to drag its reluctant utterance to our own will, making scriptural mysteries out of our own imaginations.

–St. Jerome (347-420 A.D.)

 

Hurricane Report

Hurricane Helene recently made a significant impact on our region. This powerful storm has left a lasting mark on the communities in its path. Here are a few details about this storm:

• Landfall: Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane near Perry, Florida, at approximately 11:10 p.m. ET.
• Wind Speeds: The hurricane brought devastating winds of up to 140 mph, causing widespread damage.
• Size: At roughly 420 miles wide, Helene is one of the largest storms on record to strike the Gulf Coast.
• Storm Surge: Areas between Panama City and Tampa experienced dangerous storm surges, with water levels rising between 10 and 15 feet in some locations.
• Impact: The storm has resulted in at least 25 fatalities and left over 3.2 million people without power across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
  
  

Thankfully, the hurricane only had minimal impact where we live. Last night, we experienced tropical storm-force winds of around 33 mph, with one gust reaching about 58 mph. When I went to chapel this morning, I noticed lots of leaves and a few small branches on the ground, but there were no trees or large limbs down.

This is fall garden season in Central Florida. I have a number of tomato and pepper plants that I started not too long ago. Some of the tomato plants are about two to three feet tall and are supported by bamboo stakes. This morning, I noticed that the stakes were bent at an angle from the wind, but the plants suffered no damage.

Hurricane season in Florida officially runs from June 1 to November 30. The peak of the season typically occurs from mid-August to mid-October. Right now there are two hurricanes in the middle of the Atlantic. But neither one appeared to be a threat to us.

Because of Calvary,

Bob

* * *

Can You Sleep When the Wind Blows?

Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals.

Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. “Are you a good farm hand?” the farmer asked him. “Well, I can sleep when the wind blows,” answered the little man.

Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man’s work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand’s sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, “Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!” The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, “No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows.”

Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down.

Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

Moral: When you’re prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life? The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm. We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God. We don’t need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the middle of storms.

 

Fall Gardening in Central Florida

As the summer heat begins to decrease, it’s time to start my fall garden. Here in Central Florida, the unique climate allows us to enjoy gardening almost year-round.

I’ve already started my seedlings, with some growing indoors under grow lights and others thriving outside. This fall, I’m focusing on growing peppers and tomatoes, which have always been staples in my garden. Additionally, I’m planting a few varieties of basil and other herbs to add fresh flavors to my cooking.

In the spirit of trying something new, I’ve decided to experiment with Mexican Sour Gherkins also known as Cucamelons. They look like miniature watermelons and have a refreshing cucumber-like flavor with a hint of citrus tang. I think they would be great for pickling. I am also trying West Indies Burr Gherkins. Both plants are vigorous climbers with long vines. They are highly resistant to pests and diseases, making them ideal for hot, humid climates. They promise to add an interesting twist to my garden and, hopefully, to my kitchen as well.

One of the methods I find particularly effective is using grow bags. They offer excellent drainage and are easy to move around, which is especially useful in our unpredictable weather. If a hurricane threatens, I can bring some of my plants into the lanai for protection, though I can’t bring them all inside.

Before planting, it’s essential to prepare the garden. I have been amending the soil with compost from my composter and have added other nutrients to ensure the plants have a healthy start. I have a drip irrigation system so that I don’t have to stand outside swatting mosquitoes while I water my plants.

Gardening in Central Florida comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. We need to keep an eye on the forecast, especially during hurricane season. We need to be vigilant about pests and diseases, which can be more prevalent in our warm climate.

Gardening is not just a solitary activity; it’s a wonderful way to connect with neighbors and friends. In our retirement community, we often share produce and gardening tips. It’s a joy to see how everyone’s gardens are flourishing and to exchange ideas and experiences.

As we move into the fall, I look forward to seeing how our gardens grow. Gardening is a journey filled with learning and surprises, and I’m excited to see what this season brings.

Because of Calvary,

Bob

* * *

Fruit ripens slowly; days of sunshine and days of storm each add their share. Blessing will succeed blessing, and storm follow storm before the fruit is full grown or comes to maturity.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6).

 

Knowing your limitations

“A man’s got to know his limitations!” That line comes from an old film starring Clint Eastwood. I think that it is pretty good advice. If you have a broken arm, it is better to see a doctor rather than a carpenter. And if you have a theological question, it’s much better to consult a respected Bible teacher than a country-western musician!

Recently, Tucker Carlson interviewed the country singer, John Rich, about his popular song Revelation. I watched that whole interview and I could probably write a book on all the Biblical and historical errors that John Rich made. But I will spare you my entire rant.

According to John Rich, the pre-tribulational rapture teaching began about 200 years ago with a theologian named John Nelson Darby. This falsehood has been thoroughly debunked, with numerous references from early church fathers proving that Darby did not invent the pre-tribulational rapture. I highly recommend Myths of the Origin of the Rapture by Thomas Ice. This is just one of many articles and books debunking this false claim.

The reason that John Rich is so confused about the events of the end times is because he equates the rapture of the church with the Second Coming of Christ. Those are two separate events. The rapture of the church occurs before the 7-year tribulation. The Second Coming of Christ occurs at the end of the tribulation when Jesus returns to establish His millennial kingdom. When you compare the details of those events in scripture, it becomes obvious that they cannot be the same event. If you use the ram, cram and jam method of Bible interpretation to make them the same event, you end up with many irreconcilable contradictions. At the rapture, Jesus is the one who gathers believers to Himself (see Jn. 14:3). Paul wrote, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven…” (1 Thes. 4:16). The word “Himself” in New Testament Greek is an emphatic form and could be translated “The Lord Himself and no other.” However, at the Second Coming of Christ we are told that the angels will gather the elect (see Mt. 24:31, Mk. 13:27). If these are the same event, then there is no way to reconcile this contradiction.

A major problem with the view of John Rich is that it destroys the Biblical teaching of the imminent return of Christ for His church at the rapture. For more on that, watch my message about The Imminent Return of Christ and the Rapture.

“A man’s got to know his limitations!” Though I play guitar, mandolin and banjo, there is a reason that I do not play at the Grand Ole Opry! People should really stay in their own lanes. John Rich should stick with what he knows how to do best—country music. But I have to admit, that as a marketing strategy, his outlandish rapture claims have certainly made a larger audience aware of his song Revelation.

Because of Calvary,

Bob

* * *

A Motivating Message

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13

After the Sunday morning message about the rapture, a little girl had a number of questions for her mother.

“Mommy, do you believe Jesus will come back?”

“Yes.”

“Could He come today?”

“Yes.”

“In a few minutes?”

“Yes, dear.”

“Mommy, would you comb my hair?”

The doctrine of the immanency of the rapture should motivate us to be ready for it. Just as the little girl wanted to be prepared for Jesus’ return, we too should live each day with a sense of anticipation and readiness.

 

Companion planting and the body of Christ

Imagine a garden where every plant thrives, not just despite the challenges but because of the companionship around them. This is the essence of companion planting, and it mirrors the beautiful synergy within the Body of Christ.

Recently, I heard about “companion planting.” It's an age-old technique that harnesses the power of plant partnerships to optimize growth, deter pests, and improve overall yield. By strategically planting compatible plants together, you can create a healthy garden ecosystem that thrives with minimal effort. Companion planting offers a natural approach to pest control. Companion plants can confuse pests with their scents, repel them with their natural compounds, or attract beneficial insects that prey on pests, creating a balanced ecosystem within the garden.

Spider mites, one of my greatest nemeses, are known to be repelled by the strong scents of certain plants, including basil and green onions. By planting these alongside your tomatoes, you can create a natural barrier against these pests as well as a whole host of other despicable critters. I always grow basil and green onions in my garden. But I never thought about growing them next to my tomato plants. I am definitely going to give that a try the next time I plant tomatoes.

This harmonious interplay in the garden is reflective of a greater design, one that we see mirrored in the Body of Christ. Just as in companion planting, where each plant plays a unique role in supporting and nourishing the others, so too does each member of the Body of Christ have a unique and important role to play. In companion planting, the basil plant helps protect the tomato plant from pests, and in turn, the tomato plant provides shade for the basil. Similarly, in the Body of Christ, each member has unique gifts and talents that can be used to support and uplift others. Each person’s gifts are necessary and valuable for the health and growth of the whole body. Certain plants deter pests and protect their companions. So also, members of the Body of Christ are called to look out for one another, offering protection and support in times of spiritual attack. Just as companion plants enhance each other’s growth and productivity, members of the Body of Christ are meant to spur one another on towards love and good deeds, encouraging spiritual growth and fruitfulness within the community.

Companion planting is a beautiful picture of the interconnectedness and mutual support that is meant to characterize the Body of Christ. Each member, like each plant, has a vital role to play in the health and growth of the whole.

Because of Calvary,

Bob

* * *

Failure Cannot Negate Grace
by Michael Card

When Jesus is your friend you know you will never be excluded by your failures or shortcomings. We cannot earn more of His love with good behavior. Even as we do not forfeit His love when we fail. He loves us as we are and not as we should be. We don’t change so that He will love us. He loves us so we can change.