Drifting by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/top/drift.htm

What is the process of those who fall away from Christ?...Gary

Pumpkin pie

I admit this is not a belly laugh; but, in its own way its funny.  Pumpkin pie, its a new one to me!  Humor is something we humans do, its just one way we have a good time.  And although this example is a little "out there", still in a "big bang theory" sort of way it IS FUNNY.  Which prompted the question: I wonder if Jesus ever told a joke?  Honestly, I don't know the answer to that one, but I do know he liked children and did enjoy a good party.  The following is what I am talking about...

WEB: John Chapter 2
[1] The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. [2] Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage. [3] When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.”

[4] Jesus said to her, "“Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.”"

[5] His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.” [6] Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece. [7] Jesus said to them, "“Fill the water pots with water.”" They filled them up to the brim. [8] He said to them, "“Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.”" So they took it. [9] When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom, [10] and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!” [11] This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

I was a little curious about what Jesus actually did, so I looked up the embolden word for wine and Vine's dictionary gave me this definition:

"Strongs 3631: oinos  is the general word for "wine." The mention of the bursting of the wineskins, Matt. 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37, implies fermentation."

So, in other places in the scriptures the word wine may not indicate alcoholic wine, but it seems to here.  Which shows Jesus' attitude towards weddings and of course his power over the physical world.  Remember, Jesus was a Jew and not a Gentile, so it is possible that their attitude towards drinking could have been different.  See also, Rom 14:21.  But, back to the question of humor... Did Jesus have a sense of humor?  Again, I don't know, but since he did go to a wedding and encouraged the light hearted attitude that alcohol seems to bring out... I like to think so, but remember I am prejudiced towards him... but that's just me.

Are you an apatheist? by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/top/apathy.htm

This is a new term for me; interesting!!!... Gary

Reminders are a good thing!!!

This picture caught my eye, because I can relate to it easily today.  What started as a head cold has gone into my chest and it feels like I have the flu.  So, everything seems odd to me today.  When I saw this picture, I remembered I should take my medicine if I want to get better.   There was someone in the Old Testament who was sick and didn't realize it and needed to take the treatment of humility to get better...

WEB: Daniel Chapter 4

[29] At the end of twelve months he was walking in the royal palace of Babylon. [30] The king spoke and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty? [31] While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from the sky, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you: [32] and you shall be driven from men; and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field; you shall be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will. [33] The same hour was the thing fulfilled on Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and ate grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky, until his hair was grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws. [34] At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who lives forever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation. [35] All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or ask him, What are you doing? [36] At the same time my understanding returned to me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and brightness returned to me; and my counselors and my lords sought to me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent greatness was added to me. [37] Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase.

In the verses preceding this passage, God had warned Nebuchadnezzar through the prophet Daniel about the dangers associated with pridefulness. Nebuchadnezzar did not listen and when pride raised its ugly head, God brought the king low.  After a time, he was restored and gave glory and honor to the king of heaven.  Seven years of humility is a harsh treatment, but in his case a necessary one.  Hopefully, we can see the signs in our life and change for the better before God humbles us!!!  There is one thing that is bothering me, though, and that is what could possibly be wrong with the person who sees a breakfast in this way???  Maybe I shouldn't even ask, but simply say: "Take your meds... now"!!!!

Are you a disciple of Jesus by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/top/disciple.htm

What is a disciple of Jesus??....  Gary

Is he... there?

My wife told me yesterday that NCIS was listed in the paper as the number one TV show in America and I believe it!  Everything about it just catches your attention.  From the assistant coroner to the leader Jethro Gibbs himself, each and every character is interesting.  I find Abby especially interesting because she is both kooky and intelligent at the same time.  But, it is Gibbs that makes the show!!!  He has an uncanny way of knowing what everyone is doing, seeing through each persons' character and knowing what they are going to do BEFORE they do it that I find very curious indeed!!!  Like someone else in the Bible that the apostle John presents...

WEB: John Chapter 1
[35] Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples, [36] and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” [37] The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. [38] Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "“What are you looking for?”"

They said to him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), “where are you staying?”

[39] He said to them, "“Come, and see.”"

They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour. [40] One of the two who heard John, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. [41] He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is, being interpreted, Christ). [42] He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, "“You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas”" (which is by interpretation, Peter). [43] On the next day, he was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, "“Follow me.”" [44] Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. [45] Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

[46] Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”

Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

[47] Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, "“Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”"

[48] Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”

Jesus answered him, "“Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”"

[49] Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!”

[50] Jesus answered him, "“Because I told you, ‘I saw you underneath the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these!”" [51] He said to him, "“Most certainly, I tell you, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”"

Jesus has such a range of attitudes that sometimes he is a little hard for me to understand.  Yet, like Gibbs in NCIS, he knows what is going on before it happens and even more than that, he can perceive peoples' thoughts!!!!  I have often wondered what it would have been like to have walked with Jesus as the twelve did.  To actually hear his words and see his deeds!!!  Well, that is not going to happen, but we do have the scriptures to his us insights into Jesus' character, but I wonder.... Did Jesus ever make faces...??????

Apostolic succession by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/top/aposucc.htm

Is authority important?  What kind?  Read and see... Gary