The Amazing Human Eye

The human eye is amazing. It is incredible how quickly an eye can heal. I’m told that with proper care, it takes only about 48 hours to repair a minor corneal scratch. Each eye is composed of more than 2 million working parts. It has more than 1 million nerve fibers that connect each eye to the brain. For this reason, doctors cannot do a total eye transplant since they are not able to reconstruct all those connections. They can transplant the cornea, but that is different than transplanting the entire eye.

Just think of it! All these intricate details developed over millions of years by random chance through accidental mutations. At least that is what many believe. But where there is design, there must be a Designer. I mentioned that to my eye doctor the other day and she agreed with me.

I went in for an eye exam at the beginning of August. I wear contact lenses and have astigmatism. Toric contact lenses will correct for astigmatism, but not all toric lenses are created equal. And my eyes are very finicky. The new toric lens for my right eye works great. But the new toric lens for my left eye, is really not working for me. It does not work as well as my old toric lens. Here’s the problem. CooperVision has discontinued that type of contact lens. My dilemma is to find another contact lens that will correct as well as my old CooperVision Hydrasoft lens. So far, I am not having much success. I would appreciate prayer for this. It is frustrating to have an old lens that works perfectly but needs to be replaced only to find out that new replacement lenses that I have tried do not work as well as the old standby.

Last month I mentioned that our Biblical Resources and Theology group was working on a paper for Ethnos360. The paper stresses the importance of following sound principles of Bible interpretation. So far it has had good reviews by those who have read it. We are also working on revising some old doctrinal papers that really need to be updated. We have 22 papers to review and revise, so this project could take a while. I am also helping to create an “internal webpage,” so to speak, where our folks will be able to access these papers as well as other Biblical resources that we are making available.

Blessings,

Bob

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God’s Purpose

The one purpose our Father has in view, in all His ways, is to conform us to the image of His Son. This may explain our perplexities as to the past; it will govern our behavior in the present; it is to be our guide in the future. The chief concern of our Lord is not to instruct us about a multitude of details, not to explain to us the reason for the trials which we are called to pass through. He is working out everything to serve His one supreme aim in manifesting the character of His Son in His saints.

—Henry Frost (Director of China Inland Mission)

 

The importance of Bible interpretation

I love this verse in the book of Nehemiah:

So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. (Neh. 8:8)

The Hebrew word sekel, which is translated “sense” could also be rendered insight, understanding or meaning.

Why was it necessary to give the sense or meaning to the people? The Aramaic language replaced Hebrew after the captivity. Therefore, it was necessary to explain many words of the Hebrew Scriptures.

The importance of sound principles for Bible interpretation cannot be overstated. Most doctrinal error can be traced back to erroneous methods of Bible interpretation.

Our Biblical Resources and Theology group is currently working on a paper for Ethnos360. The paper stresses the importance of following sound principles of interpretation. We begin the paper with this introduction:

Paul told Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).” It is critical that we handle God’s Word accurately. That begins with how we interpret the Bible. If we get that wrong, we are in danger of going off track.

As students of God’s Word, we need some principles and guidelines that will help us obtain objectivity in our interpretation of Scripture.

We will be presenting that paper to our organizational leadership team for approval. Once approved, the paper will be made available to all our members. We would appreciate your prayers regarding that approval process and any revisions that might need to be made to the paper.

Blessings,

Bob

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Literal Interpretation

“About the time of the End, a body of men will be raised up who will turn their attention to the prophecies, and insist upon their literal interpretation in the midst of much clamor and opposition.” —Sir Isaac Newton