Proper Biblical Interpretation
Sound Biblical Interpretation must be:
1. Historical
2. Grammatical
3. Theological
Historical
Since the books of the Bible were written at certain times over a 1550-year period of
history and at certain places on earth and for various purposes and groups of readers,
biblical interpretation must be historical. Accordingly, the exegete must carefully consider
the historical circumstances under which each Bible book was written, as well as
the the historical contents of each book.
Grammatical
Rule #1 - Since the books of the Bible were written by men in certain ordinary, human
languages, no interpretation of Scripture is to be accepted which does not agree with
the established rules of grammar. Here the term grammar is employed in a broad
sense, signifying the study of all aspects of language.
Rule #2 - An interpreter’s primary and chief aim should be to ascertain the meaning of
words according to the meaning in actual popular usage (usus loquendi).
The etymological meaning of a word may or may not have been retained in popular usage.
Rule #2b - The meaning of a word according to the meaning it most generally carried in
common/popular usage (uses generalis) is to be preferred, unless there are sufficient
reasons to compel the exegete to accept some other meaning.
We must assume that a speaker or writer would use his words in that sense in which
those to whom he speaks or writes are accustomed to use them.
Rule #3 - A special meaning of a word (uses specialis), differing from the uses generalis,
is often found in certain circles or with certain classes of men. At times a writer employs
various words altogether or preponderantly in a certain sense, different from the
uses generalis. The exegete must take into consideration an usus specialis in his exposition
of a biblical text; also any variations within the usus speicalis, as used in a
broader or narrower sense.
Rule #4 - The exposition of a passage must agree with the context, immediate and remote.
The immediate context is the more important and usually decisive.
Rule #5 - Every word in holy scripture can have only one intended meaning in any one
place and in any one relation. The intended sense is one (sensus literalis unus est).
This rule enunciates a fundamental law of human communication, without which intelligent
communication would be impossible.
Rule #6 - The literal meaning (sesus literae) of a word should in all cases be accepted
as one intended sense (sensus literalis), unless sufficient reasons prompt the interpreter
to accept figurative use of a word, or figurative speech.
The reason for departing from the literal meaning of words is usually provided in the
immediate context.
In this connection, the literary genre of a Bible book should be taken into consideration;
this at the outset of this study will help the exegete decide whether to interpret a passage
literally, figuratively or symbolically.
Theological
Rule #1 - Because the Scripture is of divine origin and is the verbally inspired Word of
God, it is wholly without inconsistency of thought or speech, without contradiction, without
the slightest error (in the original manuscripts).
The Bible is the inscripurated Word of God, and as such presents the truth in ordinary
language in all matters of which it treats. The kind of truth the Bible claims for itself is
correspondence to reality (the correspondence theory of truth)
Rule #2 - Scripture (not human reason, personal feeling, church, or tradition) is the sole
source and norm of true doctrine in the sphere of religion and theology.
This is the Sola Scriptura Principle of the Lutheran Reformation
Rule #3 - The less clear or plain passages of scripture MUST be interpreted in the light
of the clearer passages.
This method must NEVER be reversed.
Scripture interprets scripture.
Rule #4 - All biblical interpretation must take cognizance of, and be guided by, Scripture’s
self-announced purpose - to make people wise unto salvation and to train them in
holy living. All interpretation must be edifying.
2 Tim. 3:15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings,
which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All
Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,
and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped
for every good work.
Rule #5 - To rightly understand and interpret Scripture is to necessarily distinguish between
Law & Gospel elements in the text and then properly relate the former (law) to
the latter (gospel). Justification by grace through faith in Christ is the res (main subject)
of all true biblical and Christian theology.
The interpreter MUST see to it the his interpretation of the text has CHRIST as its center,
teaches HIM, and glorifies HIM as Savior and Lord.
1Tim. 1:8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully,
John 5: 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal
life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you
may have life.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
For this year this is my heart...
God-centeredness is the basis for the grace that saves people. Without grace-full God-centeredness, evangelism will evolve into nice people being nice to other people in hopes that they will be nice to God, a compromised gospel with a mild God who exists to benefit me. This results in nice “Christians” who are unconverted, not knowing the joy of forgiving and empowering grace, and unready to meet God on that final day.
- William Metzger
- William Metzger
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Don't waste your life
Suffer Yeah do it for Christ if you trying to figure what to do with your life
if you making money hope you doing it right
because the money is Gods you better steward it right
stay focused if you aint got no ride
your life aint wrapped up in what you drive
the clothes you wear the job you work
the color your skin naw we Christian first
people living life for a job make a lil money start living for a car
get em a house a wife kids and a dog when they retire they living high on the hog
but guess what they didn't ever really live at all to live is Christ yeah that's Paul I recall
to die is gain so for Christ we give it all he's the treasure you'll find in the mall
Your money your singleness marriage talent and time
they were loaned to you to show the world that Christ is Divine
that's why it's Christ in my rhymes That's why it's Christ all the time
my whole world is built around him He's the life in my lines
I refused to waste my life he's too true ta chase that ice
heres my gifts and time cause I'm constantly trying to be used to praise the Christ
If he's truly raised to life then this news should change your life
and by his grace you can put your faith in place that rules your days and nights
if you making money hope you doing it right
because the money is Gods you better steward it right
stay focused if you aint got no ride
your life aint wrapped up in what you drive
the clothes you wear the job you work
the color your skin naw we Christian first
people living life for a job make a lil money start living for a car
get em a house a wife kids and a dog when they retire they living high on the hog
but guess what they didn't ever really live at all to live is Christ yeah that's Paul I recall
to die is gain so for Christ we give it all he's the treasure you'll find in the mall
Your money your singleness marriage talent and time
they were loaned to you to show the world that Christ is Divine
that's why it's Christ in my rhymes That's why it's Christ all the time
my whole world is built around him He's the life in my lines
I refused to waste my life he's too true ta chase that ice
heres my gifts and time cause I'm constantly trying to be used to praise the Christ
If he's truly raised to life then this news should change your life
and by his grace you can put your faith in place that rules your days and nights
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Where to learn things about the Bible:
Check out:
www.theopedia.com
It has a search bar and you can search for many things about Christianity.
For example, check out a few definitions from the site -
Sin:"Sin is any lack of conformity, active or passive, to the moral law of God. This may be a matter of act, of thought, or of inner disposition or state," (Millard Erickson, Christian Theology, 578).
The theological term for the study if sin is hamartiology from the Greek hamartia for sin, error, or missing the mark. The Apostle Paul used the verb hamartano when he wrote, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
Law:The Law is a term used to refer narrowly to the Ten Commandments (also called the "Decalogue"; cf. Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21), and more broadly to the first five books of the Old Testament (or Pentateuch, also the Torah), but especially to the material found in chapters 20-40 of the book of Exodus, the whole book of Leviticus, and chapters 5-30 of the book of Deuteronomy. The Law establishes the fundamental principles and specific commands which distinguished Israel as God's chosen people and governed their social relations and worship of God.
As Christians, we are released from the condemnation of the Law, which exposed our sin and rightly condemned us to hell.
Gospel:The Gospel is the foundation of Christian theology, setting it apart from other all other religions, particularly other Judeo-Christian-Muslim traditions, by the manner in which it relays the hope of salvation. The word gospel originates from the meaning of the New Testament Greek word evangelion meaning "good news". This meaning was transmitted literally into Old English as godspell, eventually becoming gospel. The Gospel is epitomized by Jesus Christ in the following proclamation: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." (Mark 1:15)
Reformed Theology:Reformation theology represents the thought, doctrines and teachings of the theologians from the Reformation era (1400 - 1650).
Check it out, its worth your time
:)
tim.
reformata.
www.theopedia.com
It has a search bar and you can search for many things about Christianity.
For example, check out a few definitions from the site -
Sin:"Sin is any lack of conformity, active or passive, to the moral law of God. This may be a matter of act, of thought, or of inner disposition or state," (Millard Erickson, Christian Theology, 578).
The theological term for the study if sin is hamartiology from the Greek hamartia for sin, error, or missing the mark. The Apostle Paul used the verb hamartano when he wrote, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
Law:The Law is a term used to refer narrowly to the Ten Commandments (also called the "Decalogue"; cf. Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21), and more broadly to the first five books of the Old Testament (or Pentateuch, also the Torah), but especially to the material found in chapters 20-40 of the book of Exodus, the whole book of Leviticus, and chapters 5-30 of the book of Deuteronomy. The Law establishes the fundamental principles and specific commands which distinguished Israel as God's chosen people and governed their social relations and worship of God.
As Christians, we are released from the condemnation of the Law, which exposed our sin and rightly condemned us to hell.
Gospel:The Gospel is the foundation of Christian theology, setting it apart from other all other religions, particularly other Judeo-Christian-Muslim traditions, by the manner in which it relays the hope of salvation. The word gospel originates from the meaning of the New Testament Greek word evangelion meaning "good news". This meaning was transmitted literally into Old English as godspell, eventually becoming gospel. The Gospel is epitomized by Jesus Christ in the following proclamation: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." (Mark 1:15)
Reformed Theology:Reformation theology represents the thought, doctrines and teachings of the theologians from the Reformation era (1400 - 1650).
Check it out, its worth your time
:)
tim.
reformata.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Youth Group?
Here is a conversation I have been having with Melonie's old youth pastor over facebook:
Youth Pastor:
We are so bad at this!
First thing to address this time is that Foursquare has a polity and doctrine for how a specific church is to be run, but that specific pastor then runs his church the way he/she feels. The key word is "feels." Feelings change, doctrine doesn't.
Just to throw one at you before I go further, Mister Calvin (I say in all love!), what is your stance on the unpardonable sin? And another inherent question then arises, can a person lose their salvation? Please answer these based on your studies!
Okay, back to denoms. Our is pretty interesting as a whole because at one time, various other churches from other denoms actually began calling themselves Foursquare. The reason being was back in the 1920's and 1930's, the four tenants of the "Foursquare gospel" became popular with methodist and baptist and others that really did not have strong denom ties! BTW: Savior, Baptizer, Healer, Soon and Coming King were/are the four. So, even though we have refined the large folders of Foursquare theology since that time, churches tend to follow their pastor's leanings. I have actually noticed that some denoms focus on mercy and are packed with ministers who are ultra-laid back. Some have righteousness and justice as their themes and are crammed with conservative uptight (usually) men. I think the last group seems to be fairly even keel, balanced, and find grace and holiness as the byproducts.
Now for the Youth Pastor thing: Not there, doesn't mean it is unbiblical, but not in the Word! The need is there in my opinion as our culture shifted in the 1950's for the first time in history. There had never been to that point discretionary income. Yes, there were some royals and aristocrats throughout history who had rich kids, but America changed everything with the word "teenager." We started a worldwide trend that keeps permeating. Kids were not expected, in general, to have jobs. They were expected to get educated through 12th grade! So, unfortunately in some regards, the church responded to a perceived need and has been doing so ever since (i.e Singles, College, parachurch, etc...) Call it marketing, but the reality of when you start a nursery at your church, then you have moved away from the first century model.
I choose to end here due to time restraints.
Love ya,
In His Cross,
Scott
Me:
Mister Calvin, ha ha yeah I take it in love. I would be honored to be called Mister Calvin. : ) What is my stance on the unpardonable sin? I would have to say, it's unpardonable. What is my stance on loosing salvation? I would have to say, no, it's not possible to loose ones salvation. Even, if we think on this, using different words to describe salvation. I want to speak of "eternal life" (John 17:3). Can someone loose eternal life? Well if it is truly "eternal" then it can not be lost…if it was lost then was it "eternal"? I would have to say no. Now I can bring in some Bible verses if you would like, I'll just throw a few out there and let it be.(John 6:37-39, Phil. 1:6, 2 Tim. 4:18) What are your thoughts on these two questions?
I would agree that just because it's not in the Bible does not mean it's unbiblical, this is true. However, tell me your thoughts about this. There is nothing that says "no youth pastors or yes youth pastors" but there is something that says "Fathers train your children." So this is my thought, whatever we do, can not over ride what is in the Bible. What the role should really be doing, is helping what is already written in the Bible. Does that make sense? Because I see you say there is a "need" for it, but I might disagree with that. Let me put it in another light. If people in the congregation are not tithing, do we start a ministry to help them start tithing? Nope, we preach the Word and teach them why to tithe. Same here, if fathers are not training their Children, should we start a ministry for that? Nope, preach the Word on what parents role is and how to do it. I have more concerns then just that, but we can stop there.
: )
Thoughts?
Tim.
Reformata.
Youth Pastor:
So what does that do for the child whose parents, or in this case, fathers are not Christ-followers? It would be irresponsible for the church to overlook these orphans when the Word tells us that GOD puts the lonely into families. As a father, I treat my children as my responsibility to raise. As a youth pastor, I treat my youth as a father should or can to the extent that is possible. It is so easy to make cut and dry statements about church, but ministry is done in the real world! I stood in the prayer gap, and to some degree, the parenting gap for your girlfriend at one time in her life where no father was anywhere to be found. So was I wrong for doing this? Was the church wrong for funding it?
Regarding the teaching of tithing, many churches have used ministries, such as Financial Peace University and Crown, to teach sound, biblical money management. Many pastors use professional lessons to encourage their congregations to learn. There has to be an awareness of your own strengths as a leader and also that many of your congregants are at varying levels of maturity. Yes, you teach tithing and provide a godly example. You also use tools beyond your own abilities. I am amazed at how many people won't use "canned" sermons or curriculum. Jesus taught us relational outreach and too many pastors place pride in their own talents and spend all their time preparing to minister and not being with their flock. That is where real value comes in!
Lastly, some thoughts on the unpardonable sin. How much of your belief system (and I am not openingly disagreeing with you!) on this issue is based on how you want to believe. Mnay Christians I know want to feel like their family members are in Heaven because they said a prayer at some event or holiday service. When I look at what Jesus says in the Parable of the Sower and the Seed, I am struck with the question or the various soils and the fruit of the harvest. Does unpardonable mean that they head confessed (no heart change) but knew the truth in knowledge, but still decided to live a life of unrepentant? Just what I'm walking through...
Love ya,
In His Cross,
Scott
Me:
ah I was no not speaking against Financial Peace University at all. I like Dave Ramsey. But Dave's ministry does not tithe for the people. It teaches them how to tithe and this is right and well. Praise the Lord for Him and his ministry, but I would say that is different then a youth group. Why? Because youth groups, are in some ways filling the role of a spiritual leader...Mr. Ramsey is not filling the role as a tither for the people. Does that make more sense?
And it's a good question, what to do with Christian youth who do not have Christian parents? What then? What will they do with out a youth group or youth pastor? Well I would love to speak to that. It's a great question!
My first suggestion is as follows: First and for most they can sit under Sunday Service preaching of the Word. The Pastor should be continually expositing the text in lay mans terms for young foke to understand. Now does that mean they will understand everything? Nope, but they have to start some where. So that is suggestion one.
Suggestion two is this: Families in the church take the Children in and are trained in a house hold setting underneath the farther of the house hold. Will the teenager live in the house...no. But maybe on Sunday after church he will come over, maybe during the week he will come visit the family and be trained by that father in their house. If the young people can come to youth group once a week, then they can come to a families house once or twice a week. That way he is not trained in a youth group surrounded and influenced primarily by youth, but is in family setting influenced mostly by Godly parents. Proverbs does not speak very highly about the wisdom of youth. With that said, if we are going to surround our young people with a group of people, I would suggest parents or adults over other youth. Lets take you in Melonie's life for example. Do I think it was wrong for you and the church? I don't know. But I would say it could have been done better. What if, instead of her coming to youth group, she would have came to your house twice a week? How much more could you have trained her, developed her, poured into and been there for her? You said "As a youth pastor, I treat my youth as a father should or can to the extent that is possible." Would you agree, you can play more of a father role to a youth in your house, with your wife there then to an entire youth group? That’s what I'm suggesting. I'm suggesting that each family in the church makes disciples, the Church as a whole comes together to raise the youth.
Hmm how much of it is based on "how I want to believe."? Zero. It's all based on what the Bible says. I know that many of my friends, right now are probably going to hell. Did they say a prayer? Yes. Did they grow up going to church? Yes. Did they cry at an alter call? Yes, some of them. But the life style they live of un-repentance to, sex and alcohol is not the life of a Christian. That's no different then the World. They have no fruit of the spirit in their life at all. So, I would say, its based on scripture, and those saints what are saved will make it to the end.
Wow I wrote a lot. Lol
Great conversation though! I enjoy this.
Tim.
Reformata.
and I'm waiting for his response.
: )
tim.
reformata.
Youth Pastor:
We are so bad at this!
First thing to address this time is that Foursquare has a polity and doctrine for how a specific church is to be run, but that specific pastor then runs his church the way he/she feels. The key word is "feels." Feelings change, doctrine doesn't.
Just to throw one at you before I go further, Mister Calvin (I say in all love!), what is your stance on the unpardonable sin? And another inherent question then arises, can a person lose their salvation? Please answer these based on your studies!
Okay, back to denoms. Our is pretty interesting as a whole because at one time, various other churches from other denoms actually began calling themselves Foursquare. The reason being was back in the 1920's and 1930's, the four tenants of the "Foursquare gospel" became popular with methodist and baptist and others that really did not have strong denom ties! BTW: Savior, Baptizer, Healer, Soon and Coming King were/are the four. So, even though we have refined the large folders of Foursquare theology since that time, churches tend to follow their pastor's leanings. I have actually noticed that some denoms focus on mercy and are packed with ministers who are ultra-laid back. Some have righteousness and justice as their themes and are crammed with conservative uptight (usually) men. I think the last group seems to be fairly even keel, balanced, and find grace and holiness as the byproducts.
Now for the Youth Pastor thing: Not there, doesn't mean it is unbiblical, but not in the Word! The need is there in my opinion as our culture shifted in the 1950's for the first time in history. There had never been to that point discretionary income. Yes, there were some royals and aristocrats throughout history who had rich kids, but America changed everything with the word "teenager." We started a worldwide trend that keeps permeating. Kids were not expected, in general, to have jobs. They were expected to get educated through 12th grade! So, unfortunately in some regards, the church responded to a perceived need and has been doing so ever since (i.e Singles, College, parachurch, etc...) Call it marketing, but the reality of when you start a nursery at your church, then you have moved away from the first century model.
I choose to end here due to time restraints.
Love ya,
In His Cross,
Scott
Me:
Mister Calvin, ha ha yeah I take it in love. I would be honored to be called Mister Calvin. : ) What is my stance on the unpardonable sin? I would have to say, it's unpardonable. What is my stance on loosing salvation? I would have to say, no, it's not possible to loose ones salvation. Even, if we think on this, using different words to describe salvation. I want to speak of "eternal life" (John 17:3). Can someone loose eternal life? Well if it is truly "eternal" then it can not be lost…if it was lost then was it "eternal"? I would have to say no. Now I can bring in some Bible verses if you would like, I'll just throw a few out there and let it be.(John 6:37-39, Phil. 1:6, 2 Tim. 4:18) What are your thoughts on these two questions?
I would agree that just because it's not in the Bible does not mean it's unbiblical, this is true. However, tell me your thoughts about this. There is nothing that says "no youth pastors or yes youth pastors" but there is something that says "Fathers train your children." So this is my thought, whatever we do, can not over ride what is in the Bible. What the role should really be doing, is helping what is already written in the Bible. Does that make sense? Because I see you say there is a "need" for it, but I might disagree with that. Let me put it in another light. If people in the congregation are not tithing, do we start a ministry to help them start tithing? Nope, we preach the Word and teach them why to tithe. Same here, if fathers are not training their Children, should we start a ministry for that? Nope, preach the Word on what parents role is and how to do it. I have more concerns then just that, but we can stop there.
: )
Thoughts?
Tim.
Reformata.
Youth Pastor:
So what does that do for the child whose parents, or in this case, fathers are not Christ-followers? It would be irresponsible for the church to overlook these orphans when the Word tells us that GOD puts the lonely into families. As a father, I treat my children as my responsibility to raise. As a youth pastor, I treat my youth as a father should or can to the extent that is possible. It is so easy to make cut and dry statements about church, but ministry is done in the real world! I stood in the prayer gap, and to some degree, the parenting gap for your girlfriend at one time in her life where no father was anywhere to be found. So was I wrong for doing this? Was the church wrong for funding it?
Regarding the teaching of tithing, many churches have used ministries, such as Financial Peace University and Crown, to teach sound, biblical money management. Many pastors use professional lessons to encourage their congregations to learn. There has to be an awareness of your own strengths as a leader and also that many of your congregants are at varying levels of maturity. Yes, you teach tithing and provide a godly example. You also use tools beyond your own abilities. I am amazed at how many people won't use "canned" sermons or curriculum. Jesus taught us relational outreach and too many pastors place pride in their own talents and spend all their time preparing to minister and not being with their flock. That is where real value comes in!
Lastly, some thoughts on the unpardonable sin. How much of your belief system (and I am not openingly disagreeing with you!) on this issue is based on how you want to believe. Mnay Christians I know want to feel like their family members are in Heaven because they said a prayer at some event or holiday service. When I look at what Jesus says in the Parable of the Sower and the Seed, I am struck with the question or the various soils and the fruit of the harvest. Does unpardonable mean that they head confessed (no heart change) but knew the truth in knowledge, but still decided to live a life of unrepentant? Just what I'm walking through...
Love ya,
In His Cross,
Scott
Me:
ah I was no not speaking against Financial Peace University at all. I like Dave Ramsey. But Dave's ministry does not tithe for the people. It teaches them how to tithe and this is right and well. Praise the Lord for Him and his ministry, but I would say that is different then a youth group. Why? Because youth groups, are in some ways filling the role of a spiritual leader...Mr. Ramsey is not filling the role as a tither for the people. Does that make more sense?
And it's a good question, what to do with Christian youth who do not have Christian parents? What then? What will they do with out a youth group or youth pastor? Well I would love to speak to that. It's a great question!
My first suggestion is as follows: First and for most they can sit under Sunday Service preaching of the Word. The Pastor should be continually expositing the text in lay mans terms for young foke to understand. Now does that mean they will understand everything? Nope, but they have to start some where. So that is suggestion one.
Suggestion two is this: Families in the church take the Children in and are trained in a house hold setting underneath the farther of the house hold. Will the teenager live in the house...no. But maybe on Sunday after church he will come over, maybe during the week he will come visit the family and be trained by that father in their house. If the young people can come to youth group once a week, then they can come to a families house once or twice a week. That way he is not trained in a youth group surrounded and influenced primarily by youth, but is in family setting influenced mostly by Godly parents. Proverbs does not speak very highly about the wisdom of youth. With that said, if we are going to surround our young people with a group of people, I would suggest parents or adults over other youth. Lets take you in Melonie's life for example. Do I think it was wrong for you and the church? I don't know. But I would say it could have been done better. What if, instead of her coming to youth group, she would have came to your house twice a week? How much more could you have trained her, developed her, poured into and been there for her? You said "As a youth pastor, I treat my youth as a father should or can to the extent that is possible." Would you agree, you can play more of a father role to a youth in your house, with your wife there then to an entire youth group? That’s what I'm suggesting. I'm suggesting that each family in the church makes disciples, the Church as a whole comes together to raise the youth.
Hmm how much of it is based on "how I want to believe."? Zero. It's all based on what the Bible says. I know that many of my friends, right now are probably going to hell. Did they say a prayer? Yes. Did they grow up going to church? Yes. Did they cry at an alter call? Yes, some of them. But the life style they live of un-repentance to, sex and alcohol is not the life of a Christian. That's no different then the World. They have no fruit of the spirit in their life at all. So, I would say, its based on scripture, and those saints what are saved will make it to the end.
Wow I wrote a lot. Lol
Great conversation though! I enjoy this.
Tim.
Reformata.
and I'm waiting for his response.
: )
tim.
reformata.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Update time!
Hello friends and family,
Big news has happened in my life. I am no longer at the Honor Academy. Yes, it's true and many of you will be shocked to hear that. Even more if you have been supporting me for a while. I would like to say thank you for your past support, and I'm thankful to the Lord you did not have to support me this year. When my internship was supported on your money, I don't know that I would have left. Your support is very important to me, and I want to make the most out the money you have provided. This year, the Honor Academy paid for me to be there, as many of you know. With them funding my ability to to be there, I did not have a problem leaving.
Now let me explain to you why I left and what happened. I did not break my commitment. I hold strongly to commitments and believe the Lord would have not been happy if I just up and left. Truly it would have been a sin for me to do that. Is the Lord pleased with breaking a marriage commitment? no. Neither would He in this situation. Alright, here me out. Since I came to the HA I have had a few problems with certain activities within the Honor Academy. After being there 2 1/2 years I have seen my fair share of un-Biblical things. This year, it drove me to ask to be released of my commitment. It was on my conscience "Ask... Just ask, the worst that can happen is they say no and you have to stay." With that, I went to upper leadership of the Honor Academy and asked. I brought a list of "Pros and Cons" that I saw within the HA. I said, "The thins on the con list are what I would like to see changed, it's not my job to change them, but is there a chance they will change? If not, I would like to be released. We can shake hands a agree to disagree." After two meetings like that, the decision was made, "Tim we decided it's best that you are released" and I left March 9th 2009. That's what happened.
I'm sorry to all those people I did get to say good-bye too. It was not intended to happen that way at all; however it did happen. I hope this has been able to clear up some details on what happened. If you anyone said "Tim was dismissed" or "Tim broke is commitment" neither of those are true. I had the HA's blessing to leave. Thank you for being understanding.
To those who did support me the past years. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I have become a different man as a result of the HA. I love the Lord so much more, and I pursue him everyday now. A lot of who I am, I owe to the grace of God through the HA. Praise Jesus not the HA. To God be all the Glory (1CO 10:31; 1PE 4:11)With that, I want to make sure you do not send me any more money or send anything to the HA. I don't need the money and you have already given me more then I need. Thank you so much, and know the Lord did great things with that money, it did not go to waste. Thank God for the good that did happen, and continue to support other people (missionaries across the world) who need the money.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask. I was pretty vague on purpose to save face of the HA, I'm not interested in talking bad about the HA; however you do need to know whats going on.
I love you all, have a great day!!
tim.
reformata.
Big news has happened in my life. I am no longer at the Honor Academy. Yes, it's true and many of you will be shocked to hear that. Even more if you have been supporting me for a while. I would like to say thank you for your past support, and I'm thankful to the Lord you did not have to support me this year. When my internship was supported on your money, I don't know that I would have left. Your support is very important to me, and I want to make the most out the money you have provided. This year, the Honor Academy paid for me to be there, as many of you know. With them funding my ability to to be there, I did not have a problem leaving.
Now let me explain to you why I left and what happened. I did not break my commitment. I hold strongly to commitments and believe the Lord would have not been happy if I just up and left. Truly it would have been a sin for me to do that. Is the Lord pleased with breaking a marriage commitment? no. Neither would He in this situation. Alright, here me out. Since I came to the HA I have had a few problems with certain activities within the Honor Academy. After being there 2 1/2 years I have seen my fair share of un-Biblical things. This year, it drove me to ask to be released of my commitment. It was on my conscience "Ask... Just ask, the worst that can happen is they say no and you have to stay." With that, I went to upper leadership of the Honor Academy and asked. I brought a list of "Pros and Cons" that I saw within the HA. I said, "The thins on the con list are what I would like to see changed, it's not my job to change them, but is there a chance they will change? If not, I would like to be released. We can shake hands a agree to disagree." After two meetings like that, the decision was made, "Tim we decided it's best that you are released" and I left March 9th 2009. That's what happened.
I'm sorry to all those people I did get to say good-bye too. It was not intended to happen that way at all; however it did happen. I hope this has been able to clear up some details on what happened. If you anyone said "Tim was dismissed" or "Tim broke is commitment" neither of those are true. I had the HA's blessing to leave. Thank you for being understanding.
To those who did support me the past years. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I have become a different man as a result of the HA. I love the Lord so much more, and I pursue him everyday now. A lot of who I am, I owe to the grace of God through the HA. Praise Jesus not the HA. To God be all the Glory (1CO 10:31; 1PE 4:11)With that, I want to make sure you do not send me any more money or send anything to the HA. I don't need the money and you have already given me more then I need. Thank you so much, and know the Lord did great things with that money, it did not go to waste. Thank God for the good that did happen, and continue to support other people (missionaries across the world) who need the money.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask. I was pretty vague on purpose to save face of the HA, I'm not interested in talking bad about the HA; however you do need to know whats going on.
I love you all, have a great day!!
tim.
reformata.
Friday, February 27, 2009
“The worth of a man must be measured by his life, not by his failure under a singular and peculiar trial…” - Froude
“Rules of Civility”
George Washington's
In the late nineteenth century, a school notebook entitled "Forms of Writing" was discovered at Mount Vernon, Virginia, George Washington's plantation home on the Potomac River. The notebook apparently dates from about 1745, when George was fourteen years old and attending school in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Inside, in George's own handwriting, we find the foundation of a solid character education for an eighteenth-century youth: some 110 "Rules of Civility in Conversation Amongst Men." Historical research has shown that young George probably copied them from a 1664 English translation of an even older French work. Most of the rules are still delightfully applicable as a modern code of personal conduct. On the assumption that what was good enough for the first president of the United States is good enough for the rest of us, here are fifty-four of George Washington's "Rules of Civility."
1. Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those present.
2. In the presence of others sing not to yourself with a humming voice, nor drum with your fingers or feet.
3. Speak not when others speak, sit not when others stand, and walk not when others stop.
4. Turn not your back to others, especially in speaking; jog not the table or desk on which another reads or writes; lean not on anyone.
5. Be no flatterer, neither play with anyone that delights not to be played with.
6. Read no letters, books, or papers in company; but when there is a necessity for doing it, you must ask leave. Come not near the books or writings of anyone so as to read them unasked; also look not nigh when another is writing a letter.
7. Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious matters somewhat grave.
8. Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy.
9. They that are in dignity or office have in all places precedency, but whilst they are young, they ought to respect those that are their equals in birth or other qualities, though they have no public charge.
10. It is good manners to prefer them to whom we speak before ourselves, especially if they be above us, with whom in no sort we ought to begin.
11. Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive.
12. In visiting the sick do not presently play the physician if you be not knowing therein.
13. In writing or speaking give to every person his due title according to his degree and the custom of the place.
14. Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.
15. Undertake not to teach your equal in the art he himself professes; it savors of arrogancy.
16. When a man does all he can, though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.
17. Being to advise or reprehend anyone, consider whether it ought to be in public or in private, presently or at some other time, also in what terms to do it; and in reproving show no signs of choler, but do it with sweetness and mildness.
18. Mock not nor jest at anything of importance; break no jests that are sharp or biting; and if you deliver anything witty or pleasant, abstain from laughing thereat yourself.
19. Wherein you reprove another be unblamable yourself, for example is more prevalent than precept.
20. Use no reproachful language against anyone, neither curses nor revilings.
21. Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of anyone.
22. In your apparel be modest, and endeavor to accommodate nature rather than procure admiration. Keep to the fashion of your equals, such as are civil and orderly with respect to time and place.
23. Play not the peacock, looking everywhere about you to see if you be well decked, if your shoes fit well, if your stockings set neatly and clothes handsomely.
24. Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.
25. Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for it is a sign of tractable and commendable nature; and in all causes of passion admit reason to govern.
26. Be not immodest in urging your friend to discover a secret.
27. Utter not base and frivolous things amongst grown and learned men, nor very difficult questions or subjects amongst the ignorant, nor things hard to be believed.
28. Speak not of doleful things in time of mirth nor at the table; speak not of melancholy things, as death and wounds; and if others mention them, change, if you can, the discourse. Tell not your dreams but to your intimate friends.
29. Break not a jest when none take pleasure in mirth. Laugh not aloud, nor at all without occasion. Deride no man's misfortunes, though there seem to be some cause.
30. Speak not injurious words, neither in jest or earnest. Scoff at none, although they give occasion.
31. Be not forward, but friendly and courteous, the first to salute, hear and answer, and be not pensive when it is time to converse.
32. Detract not from others, but neither be excessive in commending.
33. Go not thither where you know not whether you shall be welcome or not. Give not advice without being asked; and when desired, do it briefly.
34. If two contend together, take not the part of either unconstrained, and be not obstinate in your opinion; in things indifferent be of the major side.
35. Reprehend not the imperfection of others, for that belongs to parents, masters, and superiors.
36. Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of others, and ask not how they came. What you may speak in secret to your friend deliver not before others.
37. Speak not in an unknown tongue in company, but in your own language; and that as those of quality do, and not as the vulgar. Sublime matters treat seriously.
38. Think before you speak; pronounce not imperfectly, nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly.
39. When another speaks, be attentive yourself, and disturb not the audience. If any hesitate in his words, help him not, nor prompt him without being desired; interrupt him not, nor answer him till his speech be ended.
40. Treat with men at fit times about business, and whisper not in the company of others.
41. Make no comparisons; and if any of the company be commended for any brave act of virtue, commend not another for the same.
42. Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof. In discoursing of things you have heard, name not your author always. A secret discover not.
43. Be not curious to know the affairs of others, neither approach to those that speak in private.
44. Undertake not what you cannot perform; but be careful to keep your promise.
45. When you deliver a matter, do it without passion and indiscretion, however mean the person may be you do it to.
46. When your superiors talk to anybody, hear them; neither speak or laugh.
47. In disputes be not so desirous to overcome as not to give liberty to each one to deliver his opinion, and submit to the judgment of the major part, especially if they are judges of the dispute.
48. Be not tedious in discourse, make not many digressions, nor repeat often the same matter of discourse.
49. Speak no evil of the absent, for it is unjust.
50. Be not angry at table, whatever happens; and if you have reason to be so show it not; put on a cheerful countenance, especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish a feast.
51. Set not yourself at the upper end of the table; but if it be your due, or the master of the house will have it so, contend not, lest you should trouble the company.
52. When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously, in reverence and honor, and obey your natural parents.
53. Let your recreations be manful, not sinful.
54. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.
George Washington's
In the late nineteenth century, a school notebook entitled "Forms of Writing" was discovered at Mount Vernon, Virginia, George Washington's plantation home on the Potomac River. The notebook apparently dates from about 1745, when George was fourteen years old and attending school in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Inside, in George's own handwriting, we find the foundation of a solid character education for an eighteenth-century youth: some 110 "Rules of Civility in Conversation Amongst Men." Historical research has shown that young George probably copied them from a 1664 English translation of an even older French work. Most of the rules are still delightfully applicable as a modern code of personal conduct. On the assumption that what was good enough for the first president of the United States is good enough for the rest of us, here are fifty-four of George Washington's "Rules of Civility."
1. Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those present.
2. In the presence of others sing not to yourself with a humming voice, nor drum with your fingers or feet.
3. Speak not when others speak, sit not when others stand, and walk not when others stop.
4. Turn not your back to others, especially in speaking; jog not the table or desk on which another reads or writes; lean not on anyone.
5. Be no flatterer, neither play with anyone that delights not to be played with.
6. Read no letters, books, or papers in company; but when there is a necessity for doing it, you must ask leave. Come not near the books or writings of anyone so as to read them unasked; also look not nigh when another is writing a letter.
7. Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious matters somewhat grave.
8. Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy.
9. They that are in dignity or office have in all places precedency, but whilst they are young, they ought to respect those that are their equals in birth or other qualities, though they have no public charge.
10. It is good manners to prefer them to whom we speak before ourselves, especially if they be above us, with whom in no sort we ought to begin.
11. Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive.
12. In visiting the sick do not presently play the physician if you be not knowing therein.
13. In writing or speaking give to every person his due title according to his degree and the custom of the place.
14. Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.
15. Undertake not to teach your equal in the art he himself professes; it savors of arrogancy.
16. When a man does all he can, though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.
17. Being to advise or reprehend anyone, consider whether it ought to be in public or in private, presently or at some other time, also in what terms to do it; and in reproving show no signs of choler, but do it with sweetness and mildness.
18. Mock not nor jest at anything of importance; break no jests that are sharp or biting; and if you deliver anything witty or pleasant, abstain from laughing thereat yourself.
19. Wherein you reprove another be unblamable yourself, for example is more prevalent than precept.
20. Use no reproachful language against anyone, neither curses nor revilings.
21. Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of anyone.
22. In your apparel be modest, and endeavor to accommodate nature rather than procure admiration. Keep to the fashion of your equals, such as are civil and orderly with respect to time and place.
23. Play not the peacock, looking everywhere about you to see if you be well decked, if your shoes fit well, if your stockings set neatly and clothes handsomely.
24. Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.
25. Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for it is a sign of tractable and commendable nature; and in all causes of passion admit reason to govern.
26. Be not immodest in urging your friend to discover a secret.
27. Utter not base and frivolous things amongst grown and learned men, nor very difficult questions or subjects amongst the ignorant, nor things hard to be believed.
28. Speak not of doleful things in time of mirth nor at the table; speak not of melancholy things, as death and wounds; and if others mention them, change, if you can, the discourse. Tell not your dreams but to your intimate friends.
29. Break not a jest when none take pleasure in mirth. Laugh not aloud, nor at all without occasion. Deride no man's misfortunes, though there seem to be some cause.
30. Speak not injurious words, neither in jest or earnest. Scoff at none, although they give occasion.
31. Be not forward, but friendly and courteous, the first to salute, hear and answer, and be not pensive when it is time to converse.
32. Detract not from others, but neither be excessive in commending.
33. Go not thither where you know not whether you shall be welcome or not. Give not advice without being asked; and when desired, do it briefly.
34. If two contend together, take not the part of either unconstrained, and be not obstinate in your opinion; in things indifferent be of the major side.
35. Reprehend not the imperfection of others, for that belongs to parents, masters, and superiors.
36. Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of others, and ask not how they came. What you may speak in secret to your friend deliver not before others.
37. Speak not in an unknown tongue in company, but in your own language; and that as those of quality do, and not as the vulgar. Sublime matters treat seriously.
38. Think before you speak; pronounce not imperfectly, nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly.
39. When another speaks, be attentive yourself, and disturb not the audience. If any hesitate in his words, help him not, nor prompt him without being desired; interrupt him not, nor answer him till his speech be ended.
40. Treat with men at fit times about business, and whisper not in the company of others.
41. Make no comparisons; and if any of the company be commended for any brave act of virtue, commend not another for the same.
42. Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof. In discoursing of things you have heard, name not your author always. A secret discover not.
43. Be not curious to know the affairs of others, neither approach to those that speak in private.
44. Undertake not what you cannot perform; but be careful to keep your promise.
45. When you deliver a matter, do it without passion and indiscretion, however mean the person may be you do it to.
46. When your superiors talk to anybody, hear them; neither speak or laugh.
47. In disputes be not so desirous to overcome as not to give liberty to each one to deliver his opinion, and submit to the judgment of the major part, especially if they are judges of the dispute.
48. Be not tedious in discourse, make not many digressions, nor repeat often the same matter of discourse.
49. Speak no evil of the absent, for it is unjust.
50. Be not angry at table, whatever happens; and if you have reason to be so show it not; put on a cheerful countenance, especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish a feast.
51. Set not yourself at the upper end of the table; but if it be your due, or the master of the house will have it so, contend not, lest you should trouble the company.
52. When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously, in reverence and honor, and obey your natural parents.
53. Let your recreations be manful, not sinful.
54. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.
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