This is a story that my sister, Cathy, sent to me. I like it, so I'm posting it here.
The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could.
One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible
just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?" The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water."
The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.
At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!"
"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."
The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean.
"Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out.
That is the work of God in our lives - to change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His son.
Take time to read a portion of God's word each day
Thought for Today: God's Love is like the ocean, you can see its beginnings but not its end.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Dr. Laura's Bible
Several years ago someone sent a letter to Dr. Laura Schlessinger, the talk show host. That letter was quoted in Playboy and mentioned in a dialog on the TV show The West Wing. I find it humorous and something to consider when pondering New Testament versus Old Testament. Here is the letter:
My own take on this is that many of the Old Testament laws were fulfilled by Jesus the Christ when he suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane and then died on a cross. Also, many of the laws given in Leviticus and Exodus applied only to the Levites, who where the priests for the rest of Israel. Some Christians tell me that Jesus did away with the Old Testament to include the Ten Commandments. Others tell me that the Ten Commandments were given to us to show us that we are not perfect and need a savior.
Consider this, God doesn't change but man does. God gives us commandments and takes them away according to our abilities to obey them. God is not going to condemn us by giving us commandments that our civil governments will not allow us to obey. In Old Testament days the church was also the government. This is no longer true for most of the world. Thus, the church can no longer condemn someone to death for breaking some Biblical law. This is probably a good thing. Also, I have serious doubts about how many of these laws really came from God! I think that some of these laws were based more on tradition, or the personal preferences of the prophets, than on any divine revelation. I personally believe that the Bible contains the word of God, but I won't go as far as to say that it is the word of God! The Bible also contains the words of men, angels, Lucifer, and even a talking donkey!
That is my rant for today!
Thank you for doing so much to deducate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to follow them.
(1) When I burn a bull as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is, my neighbors claim the odor is not pleasing. Should I smite them?
(2)I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
(3) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstral uncleanliness (Lev. 15: 19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
(4) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed posses slaves, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
(5) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obliged to kill him?
(6) A friend feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. Can you settle this?
(7) Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the alter of God if I have a defect in my sight. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there wiggle room?
(8) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around the temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
(9) I know from Lev. 11:7-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
(10) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton-polyester blend). Is it necessary to get the whole town together to stone them (Lev. 24: 10-16)? Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their inlaws (Lev. 20:14)?
I know that you have studied this, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
My own take on this is that many of the Old Testament laws were fulfilled by Jesus the Christ when he suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane and then died on a cross. Also, many of the laws given in Leviticus and Exodus applied only to the Levites, who where the priests for the rest of Israel. Some Christians tell me that Jesus did away with the Old Testament to include the Ten Commandments. Others tell me that the Ten Commandments were given to us to show us that we are not perfect and need a savior.
Consider this, God doesn't change but man does. God gives us commandments and takes them away according to our abilities to obey them. God is not going to condemn us by giving us commandments that our civil governments will not allow us to obey. In Old Testament days the church was also the government. This is no longer true for most of the world. Thus, the church can no longer condemn someone to death for breaking some Biblical law. This is probably a good thing. Also, I have serious doubts about how many of these laws really came from God! I think that some of these laws were based more on tradition, or the personal preferences of the prophets, than on any divine revelation. I personally believe that the Bible contains the word of God, but I won't go as far as to say that it is the word of God! The Bible also contains the words of men, angels, Lucifer, and even a talking donkey!
That is my rant for today!
Friday, July 01, 2005
The 13 Articles of Faith of the LDS Church
Some people ask me what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) actually believe. Others tell me what we believe and then try to prove that what they just told me is false. It is a game of "straw man". So, to set the record straight, I have decided to quote our 13 Articles of Faith.
1) We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2) We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3) We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4) We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5) We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6) We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7) We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8) We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9) We believe all that God has revealed, all He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10) We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaical glory.
11) We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12) We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13) We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
I hope that this sets the record straight on a few things. Yes, we do believe that the Book of Mormon is scripture equal in authority to the Bible, but it is not a replacement for the Bible. It is a companion and a supplement. The Book of Mormon tells the history of the New World just as the Bible tells the history of the Old World. God gave revelation to prophets on both continents. Each book contains a record of God's revelations. Eventually the lost Ten Tribes of the northern kingsom will be found and their records will be found along with them. When these records are found they will be added to the Bible. I personally believe that publication of these lost records will shake up many current Christian churches and doctrines.
1) We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2) We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3) We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4) We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5) We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6) We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7) We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8) We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9) We believe all that God has revealed, all He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10) We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaical glory.
11) We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12) We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13) We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
I hope that this sets the record straight on a few things. Yes, we do believe that the Book of Mormon is scripture equal in authority to the Bible, but it is not a replacement for the Bible. It is a companion and a supplement. The Book of Mormon tells the history of the New World just as the Bible tells the history of the Old World. God gave revelation to prophets on both continents. Each book contains a record of God's revelations. Eventually the lost Ten Tribes of the northern kingsom will be found and their records will be found along with them. When these records are found they will be added to the Bible. I personally believe that publication of these lost records will shake up many current Christian churches and doctrines.
Friday, June 17, 2005
My First Post to My New Blog On Religion
I was thinking about converting www.mikeserovey.us to a personal site and have some pages on religion, or registering the domain name of mikeseroveyonreligion.com. Then, I discovered that I can have a blog on religion hosted by blogger.com and save the costs of registering a domain name and hosting a website. That means that I can use www.mikeserovey.us for other purposes.
The reason that I wanted to write about religion is because I have gotten rather fed up with some of the garbage that is passing for religion these days. For example, you have Bible thumping "born again" Christians telling other people that Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists and Later Day Saints (Mormons) aren't real Christians because they believe some concepts that the mainstream rejects. What these Nimrods fail to realize is that the original meaning of "Christian" is Christ like, and they are anything but Christ like! I believe that it was Nietche who said that there was only one Christian and he died on a cross long ago. I agree whole-heartedly with him!
Another thing that tics me off is religion being used as an excuse to hurt other people. Parents have disowned their own children for joining the "wrong" church! That is reprehensible! The ultimate in this lunacy is suicide bombers who kill themselves and as many others as they can just because the others have a different viewpoint on religion and politics. Religion is supposed to bring us closer to God and to each other, not be used as an excuse to kill each other! Get it right people!
I plan to post to this blog about once or twice a week at first. In time, I may post every day. Others, of course, are welcome to post their comments on this blog. I will set up the buttons that will allow you to get the RSS feeds to this blog so that you can read my posts on your RSS aggregator. This allows you to read these at your leisure and not have to deal with the problems of email getting past filters, etc.
Until Next Time
Mike Serovey
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Mike Serovey is an ordained elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) and has been since 1982. He is familiar with several religions and has a library that includes the Bible, Book of Mormon, the Cabala, the Koran, and books on the Masons and the Rosicrucians.
The reason that I wanted to write about religion is because I have gotten rather fed up with some of the garbage that is passing for religion these days. For example, you have Bible thumping "born again" Christians telling other people that Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists and Later Day Saints (Mormons) aren't real Christians because they believe some concepts that the mainstream rejects. What these Nimrods fail to realize is that the original meaning of "Christian" is Christ like, and they are anything but Christ like! I believe that it was Nietche who said that there was only one Christian and he died on a cross long ago. I agree whole-heartedly with him!
Another thing that tics me off is religion being used as an excuse to hurt other people. Parents have disowned their own children for joining the "wrong" church! That is reprehensible! The ultimate in this lunacy is suicide bombers who kill themselves and as many others as they can just because the others have a different viewpoint on religion and politics. Religion is supposed to bring us closer to God and to each other, not be used as an excuse to kill each other! Get it right people!
I plan to post to this blog about once or twice a week at first. In time, I may post every day. Others, of course, are welcome to post their comments on this blog. I will set up the buttons that will allow you to get the RSS feeds to this blog so that you can read my posts on your RSS aggregator. This allows you to read these at your leisure and not have to deal with the problems of email getting past filters, etc.
Until Next Time
Mike Serovey
-------------------------------------------------------------
Mike Serovey is an ordained elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) and has been since 1982. He is familiar with several religions and has a library that includes the Bible, Book of Mormon, the Cabala, the Koran, and books on the Masons and the Rosicrucians.
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