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The Truth Of The Matter is Episode 181: Give The Big OLD Book A Change Part 2
30 Plays1 month ago
This Week I Returns after (Mia) for 2-3 weeks due to work related commitments. Instead of continuing with the Gospel of Matthew Series This week I felt inspired to go much deeper into a conversation that got started at the outskirts of the genesis of this podcast dealing with episode 1. It was episode 1 that I never went back and provided a much more comprehensive breakdown of what the Bible has to offer in greater detail followed with examples, and food for comments and connection. I have to admit the Bible study that I had with the seniors inspired me to finish what I started in episode 181. My suggestion is if you plan on tuning in, take notes and be willing to dive into the scripture during your own personal time to draw the connections. If need be give this episode a few more listens in order to see where I went with everything in detail. From “The truth of the matter is” podcast Happy Thanksgiving and I hope everyone enjoys each other's company safely. I hope this blesses you!
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Transcript
Introduction and Listener Gratitude
00:00:01
Speaker
Welcome to the Truth of the Matterist podcast. I'm your host Jonathan and this is episode 181. Let's begin by recognizing and appreciating all of our new and consistent listeners.
00:00:25
Speaker
We thank you all in advance for continuing to press play at your own convenience. I pray that this podcast, regardless of the episode that you decide to press play on, can and will be a blessing to you. So first and foremost, I wanna thank you all so much for continuing to press play. I wanna thank you so much for continuously making this podcast something that you consume weekly. I also want to thank you so much for leaving a rating and a comment under this podcast, especially for Apple podcast.
Recent Guest Episodes and Work Priorities
00:01:06
Speaker
One of the reasons why I want to thank you so much because in the last two to three weeks was the first time where I had to prioritize work arrangements, obligations,
00:01:23
Speaker
before my own podcast.
Faith Testimonies and Understanding God's Work
00:01:25
Speaker
Which is why if you notice the last two weeks I've actually posted guest episodes, episodes in which highlight individuals and their personal testimonies. The truth of the matter is, I think just as much as our desire to read the scriptures have to be prevalent, I also think We need to be mindful of the impact that we can also have in listening and so many people get saved based on testimonies. There are testimonies that exist that actually are extremely relatable to each and every one of us.
00:02:12
Speaker
So don't overlook a person's testimony. and In fact, I think testimonies highlight what God is doing in other people's life, just as much as what he's doing in your life. So having an opportunity to tune in and learn what God is doing in somebody else's life shines a light in who God is.
Pause in Gospel of Matthew Series
00:02:35
Speaker
that he's not just a god for you but he's a god for each and every one of us okay so i want to thank you so much for tuning in and i hope that you've learned something from what they've had to share with that being said we are not going to continue with the gospel of matthew series this time around i'm actually feeling inspired i'm actually believing that what I actually started needs to be complete.
Insights from Senior Bible Study
00:03:11
Speaker
And I get to that a little bit later in regards to what I'm talking about.
00:03:26
Speaker
And I think it's important that I continue to do that because it really speaks to the value of reflection. So the first way God has blessed me this past week is that he's given me a new opportunity to actually run a Bible study among seniors.
00:03:46
Speaker
And I have to be honest, my expectations going into it was that I was gonna share the gospel with the seniors, but I had never anticipated their desire to want to learn.
00:04:01
Speaker
their desire to actually have notepads, pens, taking notes on everything that I say to them, asking inquisitive questions, right? I really am admire their desire to learn something. And it just goes to show you, even though they have moved up in age, their wisdom is impeccable. It's actually,
00:04:32
Speaker
very fascinating and the mere fact that I work with the youth and it's a challenge with them just being able to get them to tune in and listen to me It's the quiet opposite with seniors. Those who have gained wisdom and knowledge over the years can still show a humble ability to sit there and want to retain information that can help them even though their time here on earth is ticking.
00:05:07
Speaker
That was extremely impressive. Me also being young never would have thought that they would care so much about what it is that I have to share with them. They've gotten my respect to the highest level.
00:05:23
Speaker
So that's been a blessing because I learned a lot just about interaction with people who have lived on this earth probably twice or triple as much as I've been here. And yet the respect that they showed me is one of a kind.
Podcast Dynamics and Audience Connection
00:05:41
Speaker
So much so that I think I'm going to continue on with the Bible study that I have with them because of how they have treasured and appreciated my time and efforts of traveling and also putting things together for us to have productive, insightful, and conversations that I believe have played such a tremendous role, especially with the feedback, right?
00:06:11
Speaker
and changed my whole mindset and thought process as it pertains to preparation. But most importantly, the things that you say and the impact that it has, it's changed my outlook that obviously a preparation is important, but you just never know who's listening, right? It's one thing. Like for an example, when dealing with the podcast space,
00:06:38
Speaker
I'm talking to people that I probably would never, ever speak with. There are people that are pressing play from all around the world tuning into what I have to say. And unfortunately, with so many, so much episodes that's been produced, I don't know who's continuing to press play. I don't know who's a new listener. I have no idea.
Scripture in Action and Everyday Reflection
00:07:01
Speaker
It can fluctuate.
00:07:03
Speaker
right But what I can tell you is that it is a good feeling to look at the people who are actually listening to you, to engage the people that actually are coming to hear you speak. right There's an energy that's provided in the middle of that dialogue that's unmatched.
00:07:28
Speaker
Yes, I can speak into a microphone and share information and share how God has opened up my eyes to certain things and after I press play and I edit and I post it, my hope is that people will discover it.
00:07:45
Speaker
right But we live in a technological space where not everybody is going to retain it. In fact, there are going to be people who press play on the first five minutes of this podcast and never listen to it again.
00:08:01
Speaker
But when you have people that show up who take public transportation, who come from one destination to the next to hear you say certain things, that means they truly value your expertise or even opinion on matters. And to me, that's moving and life changing for a speaker. Okay. So the second way.
00:08:29
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that God has blessed me is that He showed me thee the value and the significance of why we should not give up on people in general.
00:08:41
Speaker
And what I was speaking to is I saw strangers helping out strangers and far rock away, you know, and it was amazing to me because one thing that I talk about quite often when it comes to just reading the scriptures is actually seeing it play out in real life.
00:09:03
Speaker
and the particular passage that I'm referencing that I actually saw in action that was quite remarkable in my opinion was 1st John chapter 3 verse 18 and it says dear children let us not love with words or speech but with action and in truth. And what I saw quickly was I was leaving Far Rockaway and there was an individual who had pieces of wood in his trunk. Now he's driving the truck but his trunk is obviously open and the pieces of wood fell out of the trunk onto to the ground. This particular day was extremely windy, right? The weather played a huge role in what transpired.
00:09:51
Speaker
And ongoing traffic, the gentleman stops at a red light, the pieces of wood fall out, the wind is carrying it. And what was remarkable about this setting was that it was at a red light where traffic was at a complete stop. And I watched strangers come and assist the gentleman in the car and grab the pieces of wood, help him carry it and put it back in his trunk I saw the light turn green and not a soul haunt. Not an individual got stink. Not an individual made anything a big deal. It's sort of like they recognize the situation, understood the sensitivity attached to the moment, and they sat back and they waited patiently until the gentleman got all his pieces of wood put back into the trunk.
00:10:50
Speaker
and he got back in the car and traffic moved along approximately two minutes later. And that to me is a prime example of showing love, not with words of speech, but in actions and in truth.
00:11:12
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And I love, I love it, right? I love it when people are actually living out scripture and they probably don't even know about it. Right? Again, they're living out scripture, but they have no idea the impact that it has on those who read scripture and see it play out in real time because it's a moment of thinking God, but it's also a realization of how the shirt serves the scriptures can come to life at any moment in time.
Prayer of Thanks and Reflection
00:11:44
Speaker
Even God using individuals to do his bidding. That's what's remarkable to me. Now, of course, as I stated previously,
00:11:57
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It's important that we reflect. And the reason why I actually started reflecting in my own personal life, and I'm actually encouraging you to do so here on this podcast, right? Is that I believe reflection and encouragement would play a huge role in you being able to identify and notice the presence of God with you daily.
00:12:23
Speaker
All it takes is for you to pay close attention to the details of your life, and I believe you will start to easily notice that God is blessing you and others around you, and that He's looking out for you. So I suggest that you try this out, give it a chance, and I bet Without question, you're going to see His grace and mercy over your life and just the little things. Amen. Now, of course, with such a openness statement about just the reflection on the importance of reflection that leads us right into prayer.
00:13:06
Speaker
Heavenly Father in Jesus name, I am just constantly reminded
00:13:14
Speaker
of how amazing and great you are. How extremely mindful you are of each and every one of us. How loving and careful and thoughtful you are when it comes to our development, when it comes to the way we all see the world, and when it comes to our needs.
00:13:42
Speaker
You know Lord how powerful and intelligent up doors that need to be that you know what's best for us and therefore you're not allowing us to do harm to ourselves by giving us
00:14:18
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just want to honor you I want to glorify you today as we go into your word acts that you teach us acts that you open up our eyes to see our ears to hear our hearts to receive and our minds to understand what you want to reveal to us Lord, I thank you so much for those I've encountered in life that you continue to use me as your instrument for righteousness, not wickedness. That you continue to use me as a representative to share truth to people who really need to know it. That truth is not just a concept, but it's the life and person of Jesus Christ. And Lord, I thank you for that. And I appreciate you for that.
00:15:04
Speaker
that division that you have for each and every one of our lives is rooted in our desire to get to know your son. And through knowing your son, we have purpose. And through purpose, we have a don't know where I would be without you.
00:15:33
Speaker
And with that being said, Lord, I ask that you use me for the sole purpose to open up people's perspective, to give them something to hold on to, but ultimately let it all point back to you. And with that being said, Lord, I ask you all these things with shorty and in honesty, allowing you to be the one that makes things grow. Yes, I might be the individual that waters. Yes, I might be the individual that plants, but ultimately you decide how it grows. And with that being said, I am humbly appreciative of this platform, this opportunity.
00:16:20
Speaker
to continue to share Christ with the world and with everyone listening and with the people that I speak with on a regular basis. I thank you for those who crossed my path and I hope that they can see the Christ in me. With that being said, Lord, I say this in Jesus name. I pray.
Genesis of the Podcast
00:16:41
Speaker
Amen.
00:16:43
Speaker
So obviously, I'm making mention that we are not going to continue with the Gospel of Matthew series today. Instead, I want to talk about the genesis of this podcast and how it began. And how it began was the inspiration of episode one. And the title of of the first episode of this podcast is called The Old Big Book.
00:17:14
Speaker
And I spoke about how we need to give the old big book a chance. And I call it big is because the Bible is extremely big. It has so much in it. And when I was young, when I was a middle schooler, a high schooler, I viewed it as a big old book.
00:17:43
Speaker
And when I came up with the first episode and I titled it, Give the Old Bit Book a Chance, I was speaking about the wisdom and insight that it provides if you are open to the possibility of reading it. Now, of course, I've had no idea that I will be doing a part two, but I'm feeling inspired, not just feeling inspired,
00:18:11
Speaker
As a result of this episode and as a result of what I did for the past three weeks where I spoke at a senior home, I felt like there was an obligation. An obligation was to share a much more detailed portion of episode one, to actually go in greater detail.
00:18:34
Speaker
And I felt like at the time I mentioned these components but didn't necessarily elaborate on it because it was the first episode, right? So this time around, I'm gonna take my time in doing it.
Poetry and Hyperbole in the Bible
00:18:50
Speaker
And that is informing you of examples of the very things that I think highlight what it means to have a healthy hermeneuic.
00:19:03
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Not just that, to actually highlight the different elements in the Bible that I think we don't necessarily get a chance to discuss.
00:19:17
Speaker
And with this 20 minute intro, we're gonna dive right into this thing. Thank you so much for your patience. And my hope is that you have a takeaway that will inspire you to notice how impactful this Bible really is for the believer and also for the skeptic.
00:19:41
Speaker
So for starters, I want to talk about how, you know, the Bible can be read in various lenses. You have a practical aspect. You have a historical perspective. It has religious intentions,
00:20:00
Speaker
intentions right? Religious narratives, political, psychological, philosophical, sociological approaches. The Bible is an amazing book with numerous authors partnering with God to bring about perspective and highlighting and shaping the thoughts and the attitudes and the mindsets within a time period that was pivotal within world history. And one of the first things I want to say is that
00:20:41
Speaker
The scriptures highlight poetry as a very important element or component in the scriptures. Some of those books are the book of Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastics, of course, songs of songs, songs of Solomon, right? Or songs of songs and Lammutations.
00:21:10
Speaker
Again, poetry is found in the book of Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and Lamentations.
00:21:23
Speaker
And what I want to do for you actually is I want to provide a couple of examples. So let's go to the book of Psalms, chapter 40. verses 11 through 13. And it reads this again, Psalms 40 verses 11 through 13. And it reads, do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord, may your love and faithfulness always protect me for troubles without number surround me. My sins have overtaken me and I cannot see.
00:22:01
Speaker
They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fills within me. Be pleased to save me, Lord. Come quickly to help me." Sounds very poetic to me. Let's look at Songs of Solomon, chapter two, verse 13. Songs of Solomon, chapter two, verse 13. My suggestion is that you want to take notes. So take out a pen and a paper, or just be prepared to listen to this episode a number of times, because there's going to be a lot of references, right?
00:22:38
Speaker
So much references that it's going to be overpowering. A lot of information to retain, but I promise it's all worth the while. Songs of Solomon chapter 2 verse 13 reads, Arise my love.
00:22:54
Speaker
my beautiful one and come away for behold the winter has passed the rain is over and gone the flowers appear on the earth and the time of singing has come and the voice of the turtle love or turtle dove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens is fixed and the vines are in blossom. They give forth fragrance. Arise my love, my beautiful one and come away.
00:23:30
Speaker
Lastly I want to look at lamb mutations chapter 3 verses 22 through 23 lamb mutations chapter 3 verses 22 through 23 and it reads because of the Lord's great love we are not cons consumed for this compassion never fails There are new every morning, great is your faithfulness, great is your faithfulness. So three examples of how when you read scripture, you're gonna find poetry. And we looked at Psalms as an example, Song of Solomon as an example, and Amutations. Next, I wanna highlight the importance of hyperbole.
00:24:18
Speaker
hyperbole. So hyperbole actually comes from the Greek word meaning excess, right? It's to figure a figurative speech that uses extreme exaggeration to ultimately what make a point or to show emphasis on a particular story or a particular narrative.
Symbolism and Allegory in Biblical Texts
00:24:36
Speaker
And the reason why this is important is because you can really get caught up in misunderstanding the scriptures when you don't realize that some scriptures highlight hyperbole.
00:24:48
Speaker
Again, figure of speech, extremely exaggerating points to show emphasis on something that's of value, especially in the story that's being told. So what example do I have? Ah, yes. Let's look at the gospel of Luke chapter six, verse 41, gospel of Luke chapter six, verse 41. This is is an example of hyperbole.
00:25:19
Speaker
Why do you look at the speck of soldiers in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? So why is this high hyperbole? Because what is highlighting is that if you look at the eye and imagine a plank covering that eye, ultimately, what do you notice? You're blind. You can't see anything, right? And if you can't see anything,
00:25:49
Speaker
then what does that mean? That means your perspective and hindsight doesn't matter because you don't see anything. So what is Jesus saying? He's saying, why do you look at the speck of sawdust and a brother or sister's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? The rest of your verse says, remove the plank out of your own eye so that you can see clearly to remove the speck of sawdust.
00:26:16
Speaker
out of somebody else's eyes, also pointing to the judgment and the unnecessary views that we have about people while not paying attention to our own own issues and problems.
00:26:30
Speaker
And that's the reason why it's problematic. That's the reason why this exaggerated example highlights the misconception of the human experience, especially when dealing with our own issues and yet pointing the force of other issues that other people have.
00:26:49
Speaker
This is where you become to face it. This is where you become hypocritical because you want to police and criticize other people, but you don't want that accountability to be placed on yourself. Which is why Jesus told this story and addressing the Pharisees and Sadducees because of their behavior.
00:27:13
Speaker
Next, let's go to the gospel of Mark chapter 10 verse 25, Mark chapter 10 verse 25. And it says, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone one who was rich to enter the kingdom of God. What is he talking about? Well, he's talking about the humble ability or the lack of humble ability of the Pharisees and Sadducees. And what he's saying is,
00:27:44
Speaker
is easier and And more or less, I think it's a phrase here, but it's easier. Again, this is an exaggeration. It's easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
00:27:57
Speaker
and other words The actual possibility of a camel going to an eye of a needle is much more recognizable or much more reasonable than it is for a rich person who might be arrogant, who might be above reproach, who might be so into their own possessions and where they are in life that the idea of this camel going through an eye of a needle is much more reasonable than it is for a rich person to actually enter the kingdom of God and unfortunately we see that a lot when we talk about
00:28:37
Speaker
the reliability on God. That in some cases, money is a God to people. It's not just a God to people, but more importantly, it's something that people would rather put themselves, their faith into those and so money itself because of how it solves issues and how ultimately it gets you to places where other people can't. Right? It's the God of money.
00:29:06
Speaker
that will force people to think that they can get away with things and that they don't ever have to address it. and They don't have to take accountability. And we see this in different narratives and shows and movies where when you have so much money, right, the responsibilities that maybe the average person does, you don't do. Right. Or the times in which you would do like a normal portion would do you pay somebody else to do.
00:29:33
Speaker
So you have to consider those things when reading a verse like that. So I'm gonna give you one more, one more.
00:29:42
Speaker
Matthew chapter 5 verses 29 through 30. Matthew chapter 5 verses 29 through 30. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. Again, a very much Exaggerated statement so much of exaggerated statement that if you pay close attention to this statement Jesus is talking about a sacrificial Position that you also take in order to keep your whole body from entering hell So, what does he say? It's better for your eye to go than your whole body It's better for your arm to go than your whole body
00:30:41
Speaker
Right? And he's talking about the danger of how sin can spread. So of sin is forcing one part of your body to do things that is not like God. God wants you to cut it off. He's talking about how sin can exploit you. And before it spreads like a virus, address it, deal with it. Right?
00:31:11
Speaker
That's maybe chasing habits. That's getting help assistance because ultimately in the book of James, it says anything. It's pretty much sin. If it's full bloom can do what lead to death. So also the surpasses in Genesis, where it says that if sin is not going at the door, we have to get it under control, right? And I'm talking about it.
00:31:38
Speaker
pretty much paraphrasing these points, because I have so much scriptures to read to you that I can't get to it all. But notice what I'm doing. I'm using the scriptures to give it context. um'm not I have my philosophical approaches to these things, but I'm also relying on the very words that were written in partner with God to explain what God has said in another text, Jesus Christ has said in another text.
00:32:06
Speaker
Point is, it's an exaggerated portion in scripture that's not telling you to do anything literal, but it's telling you how you should treat it, how you should view the situation in terms of what are the next additional steps to address it. Next, I want to talk about symbolism.
00:32:26
Speaker
And symbolism really is the idea that things represent other things or the practice of using symbols to represent something other than their literal meaning tends to happen quite often. So what am I talking about?
00:32:39
Speaker
water right water is a symbol of cleansing this or purity and is really a central part of baptism not just in the christian faith but in other religious practices yes i know baptism is not originated from the christian faith is also a practice that happens in other belief systems it's important that we are aware of that because there is the narrative that the christian faith steals from other belief systems it shouldn't be a shocker to you and I want to let you know that it's it's it's very prevalent it's a real thing and that's why they challenge the Christian faith now on those bases alone so be mindful that when you're going into conversations with other people there are going to be practice and traditions that are done in other belief systems the same thing with tiding and offering
00:33:31
Speaker
It's not original Krishna idea. It's happening in numerous belief systems. And no, just because it's happening in numerous belief systems doesn't mean that Christianity stole from it and therefore Christianity is not true.
Metaphors, Paradoxes, and Hermeneutics
00:33:44
Speaker
Get that idea out of your mind right now.
00:33:47
Speaker
Another form of symbolism is the rainbow, right? A sign of God's promise in a way for God to reveal his covenant with humanity. Obviously, if you read Genesis, you'll learn of what the rainbow represents. We know that the flood came and God said, or he pointed out the rainbow aspect to point out what he would never do again.
00:34:09
Speaker
And obviously we know how it was co-op to the degree that it's a sign for the gay trans and lesbian community, the LBG plus all the other different ways of life that people are living now. Okay.
00:34:27
Speaker
The dove, right? It's a symbol of innocence and purity and it represents the Holy Spirit. If you read in the book of Luke, it talks about how the dove descended on Jesus and the presence of the Trinity is within the context of scripture. I think it's in Luke and I think it's also in Matthew. Okay, very good. Let's move along. Al Gore.
00:34:53
Speaker
allegory is a story, a poem or a picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. I say that one more time. A allegory is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. So what am I talking about? Let's go to Galatians chapter four, verses 21 through 31. Galatians chapter four, verses 21 through 31. And this is what it reads.
00:35:26
Speaker
Tell me you who want to be under the law. Are you not aware what the law says? For it is written that Abraham had two sons one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh But his son by the free woman was born as a result of a divine promise these things are Being taken figuratively you find out why I'm emphasizing that later on The woman was born as a result of a divine promise. The free woman was born as a result of a divine promise. These things are being taken figuratively. The woman represents two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are the beast slaves. This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia in co-response to the present city of Jerusalem.
00:36:22
Speaker
because she is in slavery with her child but the Jerusalem that is above is free and she is our mother for it is written be glad-bearing woman you who never bore child shout for joy cry aloud you who were never in labor because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband Now you brothers and sisters like Isaac are children of promise. At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the spirit of this born by the power of the spirit it is the same now. But what does scripture say? Give rid of the slave woman and her son for the slave woman's son will never share an inheritance with the free woman's son.
00:37:15
Speaker
Therefore brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave women, but of the free women. Talking about two different covenants. We're not under the new covenant, not under the old, and therefore we're under the woman that is free. We read that story. It's a very powerful and significant meaning. We will come back to that eventually, but that is an allegory, right? There's a hidden message in that story.
00:37:41
Speaker
So more on it, okay? Next allegory that comes to mind, John, chapter 15, verses one through eight. Gospel of John, chapter 15, verses one through eight. And it reads, I am the true vine, and my father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruits. Why, every branch that does not bear fruit, he prunes, so that it is his will be even more faithful.
00:38:10
Speaker
you are already clean but because of the word i have spoken to you remaining me and i also remain in you no branch can bear fruit by itself it remains and divine it must remain in the vine neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me i am the divine you are the branches if you remain in me and i in you you will bear much fruit apart from me you can do nothing if you do not remain in me you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers each or such branches are picked up, thrown into fire, and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. This is my Father's glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
00:38:59
Speaker
Again, an allegory. There's an interpretation behind it. There's a hidden message behind it. And if so myself, I explain it. Basically, God's the gardener. He makes things grow. We are the branches.
00:39:17
Speaker
If we are the branches, we must be attached to the vine. Being attached to the vine is rooted or connected to the root. Once we are cut off from the vine as branches, that has to symbolize our connection at least so far.
00:39:36
Speaker
and its attachment to the vine. Who is the vine again? Jesus. Who are we? The branches. If we're cut from the vine, we can no longer bear fruit. So think about that in a second. As long as the vine exists and the branch is attached to the vine, we're going to bear much fruit, which means If we are in association with Jesus, Jesus is going to continue to work within us to bless us and ultimately use us to produce not just success, but we're going to leave people to Christ.
00:40:14
Speaker
right Everything that we touch will be a blessing. Why? Because of our attachment to Christ, just like the branch's attachment to the vine. The minute the branch is cut off, it withers and dies because it's not connected to the vine. If it's not connected to the vine, it's not connected to the root. And if it's not connected to the root, how is it gonna grow? It won't. right That is an amazing allegory. Moving along.
00:40:42
Speaker
Matthew chapter 13. And we're gonna look at verses three through nine. And it's amazing because the explanation is provided in verses 18 through 23 in that same chapter. So we'll read it both. Matthew chapter 13 verses three through nine. Then he told them many things and parables saying a farmer went out to sow his seed as he was scattered to see As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on the rocky places where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shadowed. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched and it withered because they had no roots. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plant. Still other seed fell on good soil.
00:41:41
Speaker
where it produced a crop. 160 or 30 times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
00:41:55
Speaker
explanation provided in verses 18 through 23. Listen then to what the parable of the sower means. When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is a seed sown along the path. The seed fallen on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root,
00:42:25
Speaker
They last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorn refers to someone one who hears the Word, but the worry of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the Word, making it unfruitful.
00:42:46
Speaker
But the C falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop yielding 160 or 30 times what was sown. Again, amazing allegory by suggesting as you go, you read it, you study it, because there's an explanation in verses 18-23 and there's the introduction of it from verses 3-9. Moving along.
00:43:11
Speaker
The Bible provides metaphors, metaphors or a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or an action to which it is not literally applicable.
00:43:24
Speaker
Okay. Again, a figure of speech. This is a metaphor, a figure of speech in which a word of phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. So what are some examples of that? I'm glad you asked. Let's go to the gospel of John. I think the gospel of John has plenty of metaphors. John chapter six, verse 35 says, I and the bread of life.
00:43:54
Speaker
Is he really the bread of life? No, but the phrase is being applied to an object, right? So don't take it as a literal application. Here's another one. John chapter eight, verse 12. I am the light of the world. Are we lights? We let our light shine before our Father in heaven.
00:44:22
Speaker
That means the impact, that means the emphasis of the change that we can make in the world because of our attachment and commitment to God makes us light. We're constantly having the spotlight shine on us as a result of our attachment to who? Jesus Christ. Gospel of John chapter 10, verses 11. I am the good shepherd. Who is being prepared here? Jesus. To what? A shepherd.
00:44:54
Speaker
right to a shepherd. Is it a literal thing? No, but he's talking about his role, his impact, and the voice that he has, and how sheep follow who? The shepherd. Who are sheep? Those who are familiar with his voice, those who know his voice, and ultimately those who hang on his every word. Last one, John chapter eight, verse 12.
00:45:25
Speaker
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Very straightforward, very much to the point. Moving along.
00:45:43
Speaker
Paradox, love this. you know A paradox is a seemingly absurd and sometimes a self-contradictory statement or proposition. But when investigated or explained, can and may be proven to be well found or true.
00:46:03
Speaker
Why is it so important? Because the definition of paradox speaks to how something seems impossible or very unlikely. But then guess what? If you take the time to really diligently and carefully analyze and unpack it, you'll realize there may be some truth to it.
00:46:28
Speaker
And that's the beautiful thing about paradoxes. So what example in scripture do we have of paradoxes or the emphasis of how a paradox can come about? I'm glad you asked. Let's go right to first Corinthians chapter the two verses nine through 12.
00:46:51
Speaker
and it reads 1 Corinthians chapter 2 verses 9 through 12 and it reads, what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived, the things God has prepared for those who love Him. These are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit.
00:47:10
Speaker
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God has except the spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.
00:47:35
Speaker
It has to do with knowing the Spirit of God. Again, on the surface, for a person who doesn't believe in the presence of the Holy Spirit will look at this and deem it impossible. But for us, those who have placed their faith in Christ, those who have had an encounter with Christ knows exactly what's being said here. It's been revealed. God has revealed Himself to you. And as a result, you know that the truth has been shared with you. You know what's valid. Most importantly, you received it because you believed it. And you understand how this gift that we have right of everlasting life is truly a gift, right?
00:48:31
Speaker
Not by works, but by grace so that no one can boast. Here's another paradox. Matthew 7-7. Keep on asking, you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and a door will be open to you. Again, I love this in the NLT because what it speaks to is it speaks to the desire of never giving up. What makes this a paradox
00:49:02
Speaker
is people start to wonder, well, how much do I have to keep on action? How much do I have to keep on seeking? How much do I have to keep on knocking? To where do I ask and where do I seek and where do I knock when I can start to get some answers?
00:49:25
Speaker
And in some cases they see this as a riddle, a riddle that sounds good and well, but doesn't produce to me any confidence or reliability on it. This is where it can get problematic for people who don't understand that in doing these things, it doesn't come at the cost that you give up as a result of it not happening in your time, because we know that it's not about our time, but it's about God's timing that matters.
00:49:55
Speaker
Of course, this is the difficulty when it comes to discussing these things. Cause this tends to happen more often than we want to know it happened. Last paradox. First John chapter five or seven, for there are the three that bear record in heaven, the father of the word and the Holy ghost. And these three are one, the Trinity, right? The concept of the Trinity is constantly measured in scripture, but guess what?
00:50:26
Speaker
It seems almost impossible to people. How can God be three distinct persons and yet one God? Again, it's a mystery. One of the reasons why I pointed out the verse prior, as first Corinthians chapter two verses nine through 12, because it says that in receiving the Holy Spirit,
00:50:47
Speaker
We know that the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. So for you to know that the presence of the Holy Spirit as well as the Father and Son exist, and as Jesus makes mention in the Gospel of John, that they've come and made home with you. You know the reality of those concepts are real because you're experiencing it in real time, right?
00:51:12
Speaker
The issue is, these things are only prepared for those who place their faith and those who love God. they're revealed by his spirit, because it's known as a spirit of truth. Again, these can become very complicated situations, especially when it comes to explaining it to people who haven't done or who haven't taken the time to truly and diligently search for the truth, come to discover it, and then start to apply it and live it out.
00:51:43
Speaker
These are the challenges that we come across when it comes to this text. It comes to reading the Bible. I want to talk about Herman Newick's here, which is pretty much a lot of the different elements of the components that I've been sharing with you thus far. You know, Herman Newick's in lamest terms or a definition or the artificial definition. I call it artificial because I don't believe it's the correct definition. But Herman Newes is the study or an interpretation and the theory and methodology used to understand and interpret text. I say that again. Herman Newes is the study of interpretation and the theory and methodology that is used to understand and interpret text.
00:52:29
Speaker
Right? And one thing that I think that's overdrawn is this definition of theology. They said the study of God. And I don't believe you can study God. What I believe is that in belief of God,
00:52:49
Speaker
Right? viahweh The Yahweh, the one true God. I believe faith plays a pivotal role in the acceptance and belief that God exists. Moreover, I'll take it a step further. I believe theology is one who practices and is convinced of the idea of faith and they're seeking understanding, right? The imago day, the image of God and how it's implanted in the hearts of people and is revealed and each and every one of us that's deserving dignity and respect. That's what I believe. Truly that's what I believe. Now let's take it a bit deeper here. Let's talk about the concept of worldview.
00:53:39
Speaker
worldview refers to the relatable times and periods that highlight the framework of ideas and beliefs that I believe is expressed through the human experience, right? Some perfect examples of that that come to mind is actually shown in the parables in which Jesus told to his disciples and to the people surrounding the area of Jerusalem and Judea. And I believe those parables reflect the worldview in times.
00:54:10
Speaker
If I'm not mistaken, I believe there are a total of about 40 parables that Jesus tells us throughout the gospels. And if I were to name some off my mind, so the sprouting seed is one, the children in the marketplace is another, the unclean spirit, the tree and its fruit, the strong man's house, this the dishonest Stewart faithful versus wicked servant the two builders So my suggestion is that if you're reading the gospels I believe there are about 40 parables within the four gospels that highlight Things that represent the worldview of what's happening around this Just something that comes to mind
00:54:59
Speaker
All right, moving along, let me think. What's the next thing that comes to mind? Oh, yes, the purpose. Why was it written? Who was it written to? right and And you can sort of pair the purpose with the theme, the main element of the text, the audience. But let's let's let's stick with the idea. Let's actually talk about the purpose. It's pretty much the background information.
00:55:28
Speaker
And if you read every chapter, beginning of that chapter, what you're going to find is you're going to find the background information of what inspired the text in the first place. So let me give you, let me give you three examples. Let's go to first John chapter one, verses one to four.
00:55:49
Speaker
and really you can read any beginning chapter in the Bible and you're gonna find that but let's go to 1st John chapter 1 through 4 it says that which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched and This we proclaim concerning the word of life. The life appeared, we have seen it and testified to it. And what is he talking about the life? And what is he talking about proclaiming the word? So of course, these are key words. The word is Jesus. That was his beginning, Jesus, right? He's always existed. He was never created.
00:56:35
Speaker
I would suggest reading Proverbs chapter 8 to learn about that, right? The life, right? John 14, 6, I am the way, the truth, and the life, okay?
00:56:51
Speaker
They've seen it and testified to it proclaiming you the eternal life. Where did we get the eternal life? First John chapter five, verse 20 is it talks specifically about the fact that Jesus is the true God in the sense, keep yourself of idols. But the purpose is this is all in reflection of Jesus Christ.
00:57:18
Speaker
right and also the Holy Spirit and the Father but verse 3 says we proclaim to you what we have seen and what we have heard say you also may have fellowship with us and our fellowship is with the Father and his son Jesus Christ we write this to make our joy cook complete so we know thus far what the purpose and why it was written he wants John wants us to be a part of the fellowship that him and his disciples have had with Christ. And it's a summary of why their joy is complete and why they want us to have that joy. Right? Fascinating stuff. First Corinthians chapter one.
00:58:07
Speaker
One, two, three. Again, theme. Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God and our brother, Sophonis. To the church of God in Corinth, to those sacrificed in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people. Together with all of those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.
00:58:36
Speaker
grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a letter from Paul writing to who? The Church of Corinth.
00:58:49
Speaker
Who is it in reference to? Who is it addressing? All those that place their faith and trust into Jesus Christ. We also get a greeting here, grace and peace from our God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amazing stuff. One more. Let's go to 2 Peter chapter 1, verses 1 through 4. Simon Peter.
00:59:16
Speaker
serving and apostle of Jesus Christ to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ has received a faith as precious as ours grace and peace be yours in abundance to the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ confirming one's calling and election. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises that through them you may participate in the divine nature having escaped the corruption of the world caused by evil desires.
01:00:05
Speaker
amazing introduction and background, right? Amazing. This passage is amazing because it's talking about specifically, right? His divine power, his resurrection ultimate, he has given us everything we need, right? In terms of our belief in Jesus Christ has everything to do with the fact that he was resurrected.
01:00:32
Speaker
right? And since he was resurrected, all the things that have been proclaimed about him are to be taken as factual and true. In fact, we know enough is that because he was risen, he rose again, right? We have all that we need to place our faith in and to live a godly life through our knowledge of him who has called us by his own glory and goodness." Again, when we talked about Ephesians 2.8-9, that we are saved by his grace through what? Faith, right? So that no one may boast, but most importantly, it highlights that this is not all we're doing. It's not by works, but it's by his grace that we are here today. Amen for that.
01:01:27
Speaker
Now I want to talk about the audience. It's amazing. At some point I spoke about the importance, really, about the four gospels, right? And I spoke about how, if you've read the Gospel of Luke, you know that it's an eye testimony book. It's portraying Jesus as a man. It's speaking to the Gentiles and the Greeks. And specifically that gospel highlights the parables, right? That is the audience for the Gospel of Luke. Gentiles, which is everybody else outside the Jewish community. Greeks, right? We are Gentiles.
01:02:01
Speaker
At least we were considered that, right? The Gospel of Mark speaks as Jesus as servant. Who is being addressed there? Who is the audience, the Romans? What does it specifically identify the miracles? Why is this so important? Because thinking about Greek mythology, right? Miracles was a pivotal thing back then because of Greek mythology.
01:02:33
Speaker
because of what they believed, because of what they witnessed. Even when you think about the spitting on people, they thought certain people had special powers and uniqueness. It meant something, especially to the gods there, right? I mean, read some of those stories.
01:02:53
Speaker
Matthew portrays Jesus as what? King. Who's the audience there? The Jews. Was it specified? Was it speak to? His sermons.
01:03:05
Speaker
John portrays God or portrays Jesus as who? God. Who's the audience? Everyone. What are the specifics? The teachings. The teachings. Again, this is why I want to go dive into this a bit more deeply because these things are extremely important.
Context and Language in Scripture Interpretation
01:03:29
Speaker
Can't overlook this stuff. Extremely, extremely important.
01:03:34
Speaker
Now I want to take a deep dive into contact o context. Ooh, context is so important. Why is context so important? Why do we need to make sure that we double down on the context? Why? Because the circumstances that create the setting and the unnecessary remarks to which we can fully comprehend something and evaluate it is based upon why context is king.
01:04:00
Speaker
Now, I wanted to go back and highlight a passage that I've already read and utilized when it came to speaking about allegories. And I want to speak to why that context matters in that particular passage. So let's go to Galatians chapter four, verse 26. Galatians chapter four, verse 26. I'm so into this stuff that I had dropped my phone, but that's okay. I dropped my phone, that's okay.
01:04:29
Speaker
not even looking at the phone that's fine okay Galatians chapter 4 verse 26 reads but the Jerusalem that is above is free and she is our mother Now, short story, I've told this story before, but I think it's apropos here, is I remember I was going to go get some Chinese food from the store. And I remember a gentleman who came up to me, he had a yin yang tattoo, by the way. The church was a universal church. And what he told me, how he started the conversations, he said, you know, you know that Jesus is both a male and female? And I said, oh, really? I said, well, where do you get that from?
01:05:13
Speaker
He took out Galatians 4.26 and left out the context. He read that verse singly and he tried to justify it by telling me that God is a woman. I mean, read this, right? Just imagine Galatians 4.26 standing on his own. But the Jerusalem that is above is free and she is our mother. That is the dangers of reading verses without proper hermeneutic and context and running with those ideas. You can lead people astray, you can cause conflict, and you're pretty much preaching or talking about things in a blasphemous way.
01:05:57
Speaker
What is the context of this? Glad you asked. Start at verse 21. When anytime we're talking about context, read the before and after verses. Get perspective. Don't just single-handedly pull out a verse and just think about it and just apply it because those are the dangers that we have to be mindful of and be aware of, okay? Here's the context. Tell me, let's start at verse 21 and we'll read till we get to verse 25.
01:06:28
Speaker
It says, tell me you who want to be under the law, are you aware of what the law says? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other one by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as a result of a divine promise. These things are being taken figuratively. See that? Figuratively. Which means the two examples he's mentioning are figuratively.
01:07:05
Speaker
Okay. The rest of the verse says, the woman represents two covenants. So you understand that the two, were the woman represents two covenants, right? One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves. This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands from Mount Sinai and Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem because she is in slavery with her children. And what does the next verse say? But the Jerusalem that is above is free and she is our mother.
01:07:36
Speaker
So obviously, the mother that is free is talking about the covenant that's associated with what Jesus does for us, where we are under grace and mercy, no on no longer under the law. That's how you break that text down.
01:07:52
Speaker
That's the reason why you can't read a single verse on its own, but not pay attention to the context. Context is important. It shouldn't be overlooked. Next piece of context that I think matters is Philippians chapter 2, verses 5-8. Philippians chapter 2, verses 5-8. And it reads, In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
01:08:15
Speaker
who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. The context matters here. Why? Because the question is, well,
01:08:47
Speaker
How could God be human? Why would God come down in human form, right? And if you look at that concept and idea and you compare it to other belief systems, they believe that God would never be reachable or tangible or communitive with us at such a close range. Instead, God is to be viewed horizontally.
01:09:14
Speaker
not vertically, but horizontally. And to show you that frame of mind and that thinking, you have to understand that this is what makes God you unique. This is what makes at least the biblical Christian unique.
01:09:33
Speaker
is that it says that I will be, you know, that God says that they will be my people and I will be their God. And a lot of that comes in the context of Jesus and his association with the disciples and living with them, right? And talking with them, right? And even eating fish.
01:09:51
Speaker
to represent the fact that he's not only resurrected, but he's also able to eat. And he also is able to spend time with them, right? It's the uniqueness of God's decision to be among his own creation. But to take it a step further, I think Philippians 2 verses 5 through 8 tells us how God wants relationship with us. And how does he want relationship with us? Look at Christ's relationship with the disciples.
01:10:29
Speaker
Right? Look at the mere fact that when I spoke about the importance of the gospels, how I highlighted that the testimony, the actual gospel of Luke highlights Jesus as a man. And if he's highlighting Jesus as a man and highlighting Jesus as a servant and highlighting Jesus as King and highlighting Jesus as God, those are the pieces of context that we need to show that God is very much desiring to being among us.
01:11:00
Speaker
Right? Which means, again, he did not consider to be equal with God to be something used as his own evangelist, but rather he made himself nothing by taking on the very nature of a servant, showing us what it is to serve, by being made human, to show us his desire to grow in favor with man and to grow in favor in God. And he taught us how to pray. He taught us how to build relationships with people. Right?
01:11:28
Speaker
Quite often in the scriptures, he often withdrew to pray. right He's laying out a blueprint. This is the value of context. that the Gospels highlight God as a man, God as a servant, God as king, God as Jesus in the flesh. And here, when we look at Philippians chapter 2 verses 5 through 8, it shows how he's humbled himself, how he's been obedient, how he died. And that's the reason why we have the Gospel of John verses 14 through 6 that speaks to the importance
01:12:06
Speaker
of all of doing all these things. He is the way, the truth, and the light. No one can come to the Father except through him. He speaks of why he is the path. Okay next and last portion of context Matthew chapter 7 verses 1 through 2. Do not judge or you too will be judged for in the same way you judge others you will be judged and with that measure you use it will be measured
01:12:40
Speaker
to you. Why is this important? Why am I highlighting it? Why am I mentioning it? Because someone will argue. You shouldn't judge at all, right? You shouldn't judge at all. Jesus here is talking about righteous judgment and the need and the value for righteous judgment. Why is that in important? How do you pick friends? You pick friends because you have to evaluate the people that come into your life and you have to decide how they're going to make you a better person, how they're going to elevate your way of thinking, or how they're going to bring you down, right? Bad company cross good behavior. We see passages and scriptures that highlight these very things. We can't ignore these things, but we have to pay close attention to them. Now, we move on to supportive texts.
01:13:36
Speaker
love this why is supportive text extremely important because supportive text is scripture interpreting scripture right the bible is full of patterns principles and precepts The Bible is a complete book because it supports itself in different time periods with different conclusions. Regardless of the writer, no matter who the author is, it completes itself. What examples do I have of the scriptures highlighting supportive texts? I've mentioned this all the time and I'm mentioning here.
01:14:24
Speaker
James chapter the one, verses two through six. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many times. and Another one says consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not liking anything. If anyone likes anything,
01:14:52
Speaker
Anyone likes wisdom, you should ask God who gets generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to you. So what is this talking about? It's talking about considering pure joy when trials come, hardships come because through that is how you're able to strengthen your faith. Your faith is not going to improve without tests and trials.
01:15:14
Speaker
This is the uniqueness, the brilliance, the intelligence of God, because he understands that if you're growing, you're going to grow in relationship with him. If you're going to grow and how you practice or exercise your faith, you need trials, you need tribulations, you need hardships, right? Because those are moments are times where you can exercise and practice that faith.
01:15:41
Speaker
So what is Romans chapter 5 verse 3 to 5 says? We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance. Endurance produces character. Character produces hope. Hope is not put as a shame because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
01:16:01
Speaker
So what does Romans say? Rejoice, be thankful in your suffering because you know that suffering is going to produce your endurance, your ability to handle it. Endurance is going to develop your character. Character is going to produce your ability to have hope. Hope is going to put you in a place where you're not shameful.
01:16:23
Speaker
Why shouldn't you be shameful? Because you just you should be relying on God's love. And his love has been poured into the hearts through the Holy Spirit who's been given to us. amaze Amazing. Amazing, amazing, amazing.
01:16:37
Speaker
Next, I want to talk about original language. Why is original language so important? I'm glad you asked. Original language is so important because what it does is it highlights certain words.
01:16:56
Speaker
And in highlighting certain words, you understand that the Old Testament has portions where it's written in Aramaic and in Hebrew, right? It's written in Greek, right? And because it's written in these different languages, portions of it, it helps you to understand the significance of what certain words meant or means. For an example,
01:17:20
Speaker
Logos, let's talk about Greek words. Logos means word, speech, right? Or the action of speaking.
Prejudice, Bias, and Biblical Understanding
01:17:31
Speaker
Kyrous means grace, favor, or goodwill. When we talk about love, agape love means affection or warm regard.
01:17:42
Speaker
talking about Hebrew words. Yeshua means salvation. It was also the name Jesus disciples called them. Yeshua Messiah means Christ the anointing one Emmanuel, which is God with us. Elohim, right? Another name for God, right? One of these things that I learned and sitting under a person that I thought was not only very intelligent, but also is a huge voice in the space of theology. When it comes to the Christian walk. el benard as He talks about all Elohims can't be Yahweh, but Yahweh can be Elohims. He taught that he had mentioned that and I agree with him. Right?
01:18:32
Speaker
Now this is where we get you know Exodus chapter the three and how the angel of the Lord was and is God, right? Let's talk about Arameric, one particular word. Abba is in the text. It means father and also appears in the gospel of Mark chapter 14 verse 36. Abba, which means father. Again,
01:18:57
Speaker
You have to pay attention to these things because by paying attention to these things, it opens up the door for you to take and for you to understand things much more deeply. Let's talk about Precious. We have two more things and we're done Prejudice. Prejudice is a pre ah preconceived judgment or opinion that is based on reason or actual experience.
01:19:23
Speaker
So what passage or what portion of scripture can I be talking about? Well, first one that comes to mind is the gospel of Luke chapter 10 verses 25 through 26. And it says, on occasion, an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus, teach he acts. What must I do to inherit eternal life? What is written in the law? He replied. The question is, how do you read it?
01:19:53
Speaker
How do you read it? And I love this passage. And the reason why I speak to it being biased is because in one instance, the gentleman is supposed to be an expert in the law, which means if he's an expert in the law, his understanding of it is what frames the perspective and how he understands it.
01:20:18
Speaker
However, if that frame is compromised, if that frame is tainted, then guess what? It can corrupt the whole meaning of the text. So bias and prejudice can play a huge role in how someone reads the text, the experience that the person has with the text, and ultimately, when you put those two things together, it spells trouble.
01:20:44
Speaker
It spells trouble because it creates division, right? We get this all the time. Oh, if you don't, we've heard this in the Christian space. If you don't speak in tongues, you're not a Christian, right? These are portions of prejudice that happen. And if we're not careful, if we're not mindful, it can cause the division and chaos. And we don't want that. Another passage of scripture.
01:21:13
Speaker
that I love, that I wanna mention to you. And and I love this passage of scripture because again, it highlights the destruction that it can cause believers. It really can. And if we're not mindful of the fact that it can cause that, then we then we get were were we're being highly mistaken. Gospel of Luke chapter nine,
01:21:43
Speaker
Verses 51 to 56 it says at the time It says that's the time approach for him to be taken up to heaven Jesus resolute sets out for Jerusalem. And he sent measures ahead who went into a Sumerian village to get things ready for him. But the people there did not welcome him because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them? But Jesus turned and rebuked them.
01:22:25
Speaker
Then he and his disciples went to another village. Now that's the basic breakdown in the NIV. This is the value of translations. There's another translation that says that the son of man did not come to take lives or destroy his lives, but to save them. That's what the son of man came to do. And they're supportive by that.
01:22:57
Speaker
And then first John, why is this so important?
01:23:03
Speaker
This is so important because when you understand the message of the gospel, you realize that the gospel message is not a prejudice to a group of people, but it's accessible to all people who place their faith in God, right? It's not limited and it's not restrictive.
01:23:28
Speaker
but is available to all people. And the translation that I'm talking about is the improvised version and it says, for the son of man, verse 56, for the son of man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And when you understand why Jesus came, you understand that his intention is not to destroy them, but to be viewed as the one that's here to save, to redeem, to assist in delivering them for more of the things that they've gone through. Right? There's another passage where he says that he says that don't the sick need a doctor. He has grace and mercy.
01:24:22
Speaker
He requires sacrifice.
01:24:27
Speaker
Again, very important thing to understand. Last passage that comes to mind in addressing the whole concept of prejudice is is this passage here. And I feel like a lot of people tend to overlook this passage. And not only that, this is also a passage that I believe is gonna highlight the last thing we're going to discuss and that's grammar.
01:24:54
Speaker
go Go to the book of James chapter two verses thirty verses three to four. It says, if you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, here's a good seat for you, but say to the poor man, you stand there or sit on the floor by my feet. Have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
01:25:22
Speaker
Again, prejudice by placing the value of importance of one person and lowering another standard. Another idea comes to mind is when Jesus talks about this idea among the rich people and what he says to them that, again, this is again, profound and edifying is he talks us about, you know, the people praying.
01:25:51
Speaker
in the streets rather than going behind closed doors and pain praying in secret. He says that they've received their reward in full because of their desire to be seen and given glory, right? And given praise by everyone else, right? That if I do this in the public, everyone will notice me. And if you notice me, oh my God, right?
01:26:19
Speaker
It makes me feel good. But what does it say? Pray to the, pray to the father who is in secret, who also sees what is done in secret. Right? When you, when you look at these things, these very slight intentional choices and stuff that is made is to give the preconceived notion that these are things that are good.
Conclusion and Closing Prayer
01:26:44
Speaker
When in fact they aren't.
01:26:47
Speaker
grammar. When I look at James chapter two, and I look at the usage of the distinction between the poor man
01:27:05
Speaker
And the man that's wearing clothes, that's fine. Right. We even, we get the, the Sumerian, right? that There's so many stories that highlight all these different things, but I just want to close here. And I just want to talk about the importance of grandma. Right. So a.
01:27:28
Speaker
colon is used to introduce a list, right, quotations, explanations. We know that grammar is the rules of how words are used to express the things that you would like to say. And it's articulated and expressed in a way that's received. And When I look at this passage in Galatians chapter to five verses 19 through 21, it says the acts of the flesh are obvious with the colon, which means you're going to get either a list, quotation, or an explanation. In this case, we'll get in the list.
01:28:01
Speaker
It says the acts of the flesh are obvious, sexual and but immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of race, selfish ambition, dissensions and fashions, and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like period. I warn you, comma, as I did before, comma, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Very straightforward, very straight to the point.
01:28:30
Speaker
not even parsing words.
01:28:35
Speaker
Why grammar is important here. Here's another thing. First Corinthians chapter eight, verses four through six. And this would be the last thing that is said, of course, before we close out in prayer. It's been my honor to talk to you for this long. And I want to take the time out to give you something as tangible and as real and as authentic and as direct as I've done for something like this, because I think it's important.
01:29:07
Speaker
The pastor says, so then about eating food, sacrifice, the idols, we know that an idol is nothing that at all in the world and that there is no God, but one for even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords,
01:29:32
Speaker
Yet for us, there is but one God and Father from whom all things came and for whom we live. And there is but one Lord Jesus Christ through whom all things came and through whom we live." If you pay close attention to 1 Corinthians 8 verses 4 through 6, the good grammar emphasizes something that should be taken very seriously.
01:30:02
Speaker
the upper cage g represents the one true god there is no god but one then this is in verse five but even if there are so-called gods little g Right, it signifies that they are not at the level or the significance as the one true God. Then it says, whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods, right? Paul is recognizing that there are many gods to different belief systems and people around the world. He also says there are many lords. So don't be mistaken.
01:30:37
Speaker
The Bible highlights that there are many gods in the world, there are many lords. But what does it mean for the believer, the follower of Christ, the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and as God of all? Yet, for us, there is one God, capital G, the Father.
01:30:56
Speaker
For whom all things came, and for whom we lived. And there is but one Lord, capitalized Lord, capitalized Jesus Christ, through whom all things came, and through whom we lived. And I don't have to speak about the significance of grammar, and how certain things are capitalized, because it speaks to the dominant aspect of it, and how certain things are lowercase, because it speaks to how it's not in the same playing field.
01:31:24
Speaker
I want to thank you so much for taking the time out and tuning into everything that I said today. It's been over an hour and 30 minutes of me breaking down the importance of hermeneutics and me breaking down the significance of how the Bible is full of poetry, hyperbole, symbolism, allegory, metaphors, paradoxes, right?
01:31:44
Speaker
how the intentions of having a healthy hermeneux speaks to a worldview, a purpose, a theme, an audience. How you can overlook, but you must acknowledge the context. How you have to also add in the importance of how supportive texts makes a difference to how there are verses that support one another. But more importantly,
01:32:07
Speaker
why we shouldn't overlook the original language because the original language plays a pivotal role in how and what certain things mean and how yes in the scripture there's prejudice and the desire to try to get things right is structured by the value of grammar and with that being said again thank you so much for tuning in i hope this is a blessing to you as much as has been a blessing to me this obviously is going to be part two of the genesis of this podcast with the first episode right being titled and being mentioned as give the old book the give the old book a chance and with that being said I hope this has blessed you as much as has blessed me and we'll close out in prayer
01:33:06
Speaker
Father God, thank you so much for giving me the passion and desire to share your word and how it's not only changed my life and how it's going to change lives around this nation, around the world.
01:33:24
Speaker
I thank you so much for this relationship that I have with you because not only has it impacted me, but it's given me the courage to produce content that highlights who you are, that highlights how you've been a blessing and you're going to continue to be a blessing. to all of those who place their faith in you. Lord, I pray that you watch over all people as they attempt to enjoy their Thanksgiving food. I pray that there are organizations out there who
01:34:03
Speaker
are blessed as they make an attempt to be a blessing to those who don't have turkey who don't have a Thanksgiving dinner. I thank all of the organizations who's taken a time out to give away yams, whether it's greens, right, different forms of vegetables. I thank you for that.
01:34:28
Speaker
I think we all in good faith have a reason to be thankful for something. I'm thankful for those who find value in this podcast. I'm thankful for my family. I'm thankful i'm thankful for people that I encounter with as coworkers, rather it's people that I didn't even know there would be a relationship with, that I have a relationship now. I thank you for those people. I thank you for allowing us to cross paths.
01:34:55
Speaker
So from the truth of the matter is podcast family. I am wishing and hoping that everybody who is hearing the sound of my
01:35:21
Speaker
the Gospel of Matthew series. Thank you so much. God bless, you be safe, be mindful, be vigilant, be careful, be thoughtful, and keep all your friends, family, and even your enemies in prayer. Till next time, God bless.