Noah and the Ark - A New Perspective

This past week my wife and I participated in our first cruise. It was a Caribbean cruise originating in New Orleans and stopping at two places in Mexico. We were part of a ministry group consisting of 39 ministry couples. It was a wonderful experience. We enjoyed the calm beauty of the open ocean and  the fellowship with God's people. The laughter and practical jokes made memories that will last a lifetime. The Lord made this trip extra special for us by allowing another couple that we count as dear friends to be on the same ship, though it was unplanned. It was truly a wonderful week.


This week I am starting afresh in Genesis with my Bible reading. As I read about Noah this evening I realized that I can appreciate this story in a way I never really could before my first experience on the open sea. I grew up on the water. Being in a boat was a matter of course for me, but it was always in a river where land could be seen on either side. I had been out in the gulf for a day of fun on the barrier islands. Usually this ride was done by ferry. But the ride lasted an hour  at the most and I was on the island and then back on shore. This week was different. This week I experienced my first taste of being "at sea." Though I have watched the sun come up on the beach many times I had never before been surrounded by water for more than a couple of hours.


One thing that I noticed right off was the rocking of the ship. I was not prepared for this. I have never been one to be motion sick but that first day and night was rough. I was extremely disoriented. I had to take medicine to keep from being nauseated. I went to sleep while the boat was in the Mississippi river. I awoke when the waves of the gulf started and could sleep no more that night. By the time we docked in Cozumel on Wednesday I was beyond ready to get off of the ship and have some dry land under my feet. The return trip was much smoother and I was able to relax. Nevertheless, I was very glad to be in New Orleans by Saturday morning.


Reading about Noah this afternoon made me contemplate the differences between his trip in the Ark and my trip on a cruise ship. Allow me to share some of my thoughts with you.

• I was able to watch the beauty of the sea from a calm deck under sunny skies. Noah was closed into an Ark with constant rain for 40 days and nights.
• I was only at sea for a day and a night before setting foot on dry land again. Noah was in the Ark for 150 days.
• I had constant updates from the captain telling me where I was and when I would see land again. Noah's only understanding was that God would bring him through (though there couldn't be a better way to travel.)
• I had access to internet, television, and ship-to-shore telephone. Noah and his family were the only living beings on the planet.
• I enjoyed fine dining each evening with gracious servers attending to my every whim. Noah and his family were feeding the animals, keeping the ark clean, and attending to their own needs.

The lists of contrasts could go on and on. I will simply leave you with this thought. How challenging must it have been for Noah and his family to be all those days at sea, without compass or any idea where they were, and still trust God to bring them through. Yet God was faithful and He brought them safely through the flood and reestablished them in a brand new world. This is such a beautiful picture of God's grace. It is unfailing! Aren't you thankful!


Trusting Him Daily,


Sullivan Jones

Is my job important?

Have you ever heard of Tertius? No? Don't feel bad. He is not well known, though he plays a major role in scripture. He wrote the epistle to the Romans. What? You thought the Apostle Paul wrote Romans, didn't you? After all, it is probably his most famous epistle. Romans 10: 9-10 is quoted as much as John 3:16. But what does this have to do with Tertius? The answer is that he penned down the words of Paul.

                          Romans 16: 22 - I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.

The word of Romans come from Paul's mind and heart, no doubt. He is clearly identified as the author in the first lines of the book. Those of us who believe in the Holy Inspiration of scripture also understand that these were not really Paul's words, though we can see Paul's personality come through. These are the words the Holy Spirit spoke through the Great Apostle Paul, the apostle to the gentiles. And what important words they are!

What would the message of Christianity be like without the message of Romans 10? All who call on the name of the Lord, both Jew and Greek can be saved (Romans 10:12).

How many discouraged Christians have taken courage from Romans 8:28 - All things work together for good to them who love God!

And what about Paul's famous soliloquy on the wretched man in Romans 7? Surely we have all felt this way!

Yes, Romans is an important book for the New Testament Christian. Many of us would probably say it is our favorite book of the New Testament, for various reasons. I submit the thought to you today that we wouldn't have the book of Romans if not for a man named Tertius. For whatever reason, Paul needed help to pen down his letters. Some say that Paul was blind. Whether for this reason or some other, Tertius filled the role of Paul's scribe.

Surely, someone else could have filled this role, you might think. Can I offer you my personal opinion? I have come to believe that God chose the writers of scripture for their uniqueness. Inspiration of the Holy Ghost does not mean that the writers became robots. I believe it means that God moved on men who were sensitive to his will to write what he said to write. But because we are all human, he knew their thoughts would take a certain form. This does not damage the infallibility of scripture. It simply means that God allowed men to take part in his plan. From the way Tertius signs the letter, it is evident that he was an important part of this epistle. In what way, we can't be sure. He may have simply wrote everything Paul spoke verbatim. He may have taken notes, composed the letter, and then mailed it. Regardless, we know that a man named Tertius helped to compose one of the greatest letters of all time. Surely, his own writing style helped to shape the letter.

Tertius wasn't an apostle; at least the scripture doesn't call him one. Tertius is not mentioned anywhere else in scripture. There are no Biblical tales of Tertius healing the sick or raising the dead. He may not have even been a preacher. He seems to be insignificant. There was no way Tertius could have known that the words he penned would be read in every Christian church down through the centuries. He could not have known that Sunday school children would memorize these words or that scholars and theologians would debate them. Perhaps he thought that he was simply penning a private letter from a pastor to his congregation. I don't think even Paul realized the impact that his letters would have on the world. Yet the fact remains; Tertius helped Paul to spread the gospel around the world.

Are you feeling insignificant? Do you feel like nothing you do makes any difference? Perhaps you are keeping company with a man named Tertius? Your work may be much more important that you realize.  Everyone matters in God's kingdom. Be encouraged!Only eternity will reveal the rewards.

Blessings,
Spanish Pastor Jones
 

The Scientific Method and Bible Study

II Timothy 2:15 - Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

Here are a few thoughts I had about Bible study. I hope it helps you as it did me. 

The scientific method is a process of verifying a theory. The basic steps are:
1. Ask a question
2. Research
3. Construct Hypothesis
4. Test Hypothesis
5. Analyze Results and Draw Conclusions
a. hypothesis is correct
b. hypothesis is incorrect

This method can be used to to gain Biblical knowledge and understanding.
1. I have an idea about what the Bible teaches on a subject.
Example: What does it take to be saved?
2. Research - What have others said? What is my personal experience?
3. Construct an opinion
4. Test hypothesis - This is when we search out the scripture to see what it says. We must be unbiased if we are to discover if our ideas are correct or incorrect.
5. Analyze results - Do my opinions line up with what the Bible teaches.? I should see what the Apostles taught and what Jesus taught. What grandpa or pastor teaches does not equate what the Bible teaches.
a. Was my previous assumption correct?
b. If my previous assumption was incorrect I must be willing to change.

Borrowed from:
Stone, P. (2012). The Plan: God's Pattern for the Ages. USA: Xulon Press.

We must all be willing to evaluate our personal ideas and convictions in light of God's word. We humans are influenced by family values, personal experiences, and education, and culture. These views do not always line up with God's word. Am I ready and willing to change my views if they do not line up with scripture. This is what it means to be a true disciple. God help me to always be willing to re-evaluate my values and beliefs in light of the word of God. 

Blessings, 

Sullivan Jones