Recently this editor had in mind to do some research on the end of the age and possibly write an article for The Reminder on that subject. With no particular Scripture in mind I decided to type "last days" into my computer's Bible Program for searching. The result was rather surprising. Eight references came up, three in the Old Testament and five in the new. See below:
Gen. 49:1 "And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days."
Isa 2:2 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
Mic. 4:1 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it."
Acts 2:17 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:"
2 Tim. 3:1 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."
Heb 1:2 "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;"
Jas. 5:3 "Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
2 Pet. 3:3 "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,"
At first this seemed very confusing, but as I examine the references I find them very instructive.
Changing the search letters the results were still very instructive. I typed in "latter days" this time. And there were eleven references, all in the Old Testament. In both search sequences the same word for last and latter was used, and the same word for days.
Frankly I do not know why the translators of the KJV changed to latter instead of last. In each of these series, the topic seems to be correctly represented as the later history of the inspired record. They possibly were weighing the significance of the time and when saying last indicated that such actions were terminal, that is, the superlative of late, whereas latter is merely the comparative of late. Later is a form used today more than latter, though the time factor may be more nearly marked by the one than the other. When using later we are more nearly thinking of the immediate past, whereas latter seems to comprehend the distant past more than later. This distinction is less likely to affect our doctrine than the history supports.
We want to point out first, that "last days" in the New Testament may seem to some of us to reach too far back in time. We lived in days which pass more rapidly in our consciences. Note in Heb. 1:2 that God is said to speak to us in His Son. This began about four thousand years after the creation of Adam. This refers, of course, to the incarnation in the virgin birth. Joel, according to Peter in Acts 2:17 prophesied of the gift of tongues in Joel 2:2-30 and spoke of great miracles among God's people. He first described this as "afterward," referencing the harsher times which Israel endured because of their sins, but that God would show himself in power and great benefits in the midst of his people, the early and the latter rain, and the harvests.. This does not speak merely of wheat and harvests of crops, but points to the out pouring of God's spirit to cause a response in the sin hardened, dry hearts of men. Perhaps we should understand this in two senses. The early rain came soon after the resurrection and ascension of the Christ. The latter rain will come in the end of the age. Read (Zechariah 12 – 14). The harvest in the early pouring out of the spirit included many Jews, but in the later outpouring there shall doubtless be many Gentiles who shall be broken and brought to repentance. This work will reach right up to the end of the age, for this part is at the coming of the Lord. Isaiah also describes the response in Jewish hearts when they see the coming of the Christ in glory (Isa. 53:1-12; spec. Vv. 4-6) Gentiles are surely to turn in large numbers when they see the Lord in His glory. You say, But it will be too late. I like to think that God's heart of love never considers it too late when men turn to Him in repentance. Consider that judgment scene in "the valley of Jehoshaphat" (Joe. 3:2, 12). Some of you older preachers may want to consider that text you have yearned to preach (Joe. 3:12: "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision." So much of the Scriptures speaks to Israel in the Old Testament and to the church in the New Testament. See an example of how Israel influences the Gentiles (Joel 3:11-17). Then notice how God provides a special fountain to purge Israel, though it says "the valley of Shittim" (Joel 3:18). Zechariah 13:1 describes this fountain "as opened for the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness." The verses right before this one tells of the weeping and mourning in repentance which they do for having crucified their Savior. The next verse describes the response in Judah as cutting off the idols which for centuries were a curse to them. It is interesting, then, to notice that God should "save the tents of Judah first" (Zech. 12:7). The reason given for this was to demonstrate that no tribe should be inclined to exalt itself against Judah, the tribe to which belonged the Kingly authority.
We want to use the 8 passages which mention the "last days" as a sort of outline on the Endtime.
Here we see Jacob, the old man, facing his death, now possessed of a "spirit of prophecy." He has at last come to believe that He has a responsibility for his children. Though their sin is a rebuke to him, he intends that God's purpose be realized in establishing their inheritance. He remembers Abraham and his desire to see God's promises fulfilled in his descendants. Abraham had not yet inherited any of the land which God had given him (Gen. 15:18-21), "And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child" (Acts 7:5). Nor did Jacob yet have the privilege of claiming it. He was in Egypt, his and the family's lives saved in God's providence.
Each son is named, though Jacob's heart was grieved to remember some of them. The great prophecy of the King to sit on David's throne, of the seed of Judah, is specified in Gen. 49:10. The inheritance was to pass to Joseph instead of Reuben because of Reuben's sin. Just how this came to pass was through God's providence, not through the conniving efforts of the older sons.
The details of their lives are not given, but later Scripture adds the details. Joseph was to become the "stone of Israel," the type of Christ (Gen. 49:24). See this developed in Ps. 80.
Benjamin, his younger brother, is called a "ravening wolf." His history in the record of the tribes shows him to be exceedingly strong in battle. See Jacob's language in Gen. 49:27. He becomes a type of Christ when He returns in glory. We should expect God to choose and develop in every person that quality which will glorify Him. It is our tendency to think that we make the decisions as to the course we shall pursue in life. We do have powers of choice, but God is able to move upon us by His grace to enable us to make those choices which honor Him.
When Jesus came in the his goal was not, at that time, to judge the world. John. 12:47: "And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world." But His coming the next time will be different: Acts 17:31: "Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead." See also Ps. 9:7-8: "But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. 8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness." To judge means to rule. The millennium is a thousand year judgment, a Day with the Lord.
Following the opening of the sixth seal here is the scene, Rev. 6:15-17: "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"
Thus we have seen in this note on the last days that the time extends all the way from the lifetime of certain natural descendants who lived when Jesus came to earth on to the end of the age and through the sixth trumpet of Revelation.
Isa 2:2 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it."
Become familiar with a few prophetic terms here. We have noted that a mountain even in Israel of Old was often the designated location of places of worship, so that mountain became a symbol of God's dwelling among His people and Jerusalem was called such a mountain., the verse following this text: Isa 2:3 "And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." Its being high has as much to say about its worth as its elevation.
Observe that the thought is more to learning of the Lord and His ways, in His house, than of a government rulership. The promise of its value could have been taken for the time of any man's life, but ultimately it comes to a time when the "mountain of the LORD'S house" becomes the rule for all the earth. I was taught in school that "mountain" means "kingdom." It is true that this situation describes the future kingdom of the Lord during the millennium, though the emphasis is on the authority and the dignity of that which shall be taught there. This pattern of activity extends into the age to come, the kingdom age.
The "mountain of the Lord's house" being established in "the top of the mountains" suggests that however high other ways may have been, as of idolatry, the way of God and truth shall overreach those ways. Men need to learn now how to walk in God's ways, in His paths, but in that future day all the world shall walk with God. The surprising thing is that all nations shall be inquiring of that way and asking to walk in those paths. We Americans may feel that our system of government is best and all nations should, or maybe will, learn of our ways and accept our form of government. But this shall never be. They only want the liberties afforded under our system, and be allowed to worship our idol – money – though not really a worship in spirit and truth as is required in God's house.
All idolatry, even America's kind, must give way to the Truth of God. We are now living in a time when many in government, and the news media supporting their thinking, have exacted a system which is contrary to the original system. At first there was a consent to the idea of God and righteousness as essential to peace and well-being. Now, however, we have substituted privacy for righteousness and truth. Often those in high places have found, or thought they found, that the evil of religion, including prayer and the scriptures, are the cause of friction between peoples. Bible standards are thought to conflict with human liberty. Rather than admit that such standards of righteousness are safer, more healthful, and afford more peace and righteousness, the world has accepted standards long used by heathen or pagan societies.
Among Christians the exercise of liberties to do as one pleases, ignoring God's restrictions, often results in their wielding a sort of compulsion upon other men, taking away true peace and liberty. We Christians see that the world does not have to agree with each other, but we all must agree with God. To set a system of beliefs above the walking in God's path becomes a very unholy way. Such professing Christians have not learned that it is not our task to create a system of beliefs which will be right for all men.. What works for some is not pleasing to others. But when we all agree with God's way and begin to walk in His paths we find the peace which is available to all men wherever they may live.
Allow me a few words about this difference in professing Christians: Prov. 1:7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This seems to me to say that the experience of God's truth – how to perform – is more important than studying and learning in our heads what is correct. All professing believers, I suppose, feel that they have an accurate knowledge of what is right and wrong. But they often go off in a wrong direction based on their mistaken view of how to walk in obedience before the Lord.
The News Media are almost unanimous in their references to something they call the "religious right." Who knows what they think is right? Perhaps it is what they call "politically correct." Usually it includes most anyone holding conservative views. Thus the rest of the professors describe "fundamentalists," or anyone who takes the Bible literally, as "radically right." Satan is very sly. He gives names which may have one meaning to one person, but many others take to mean something else. Remember the Witch hunts of early American history? Untaught in Bible Truth a number of people are easily led to believe that taking the Bible at face value is a form of blindness, or ignorance, and they then feel those of us who believe the Bible are ready to take the country over and run it by our standards. I admit that some of my views seem radical to those who do not know that truth. Such makes me appear to be radical, and possibly puts me into the camp of the "radical right." That is a political term which describes an extreme position. I surely advocate believing what the Bible says is right and not only believing it is right, but so convinced it is my view that all men would be better off if accepting in their hearts this Bible view as the way to live, make a living, bring up a family, treat one's neighbors, go to church, pray, and grow old.
A lot of good brethren who formerly loved me and trusted me are now split off and making it their business to destroy me. I am not glad about this, but I console myself in the fact that the best religious men in Jesus' day thought the same way about Jesus and made it their business to put Him out of business.
The above thoughts grew out of my pointing out that the "last days" have been described in the Bible for a long time. If men would only realize that His ways are the right way for all men. No, I did not say, my church, or my denomination. These may be close or far from the paths of the Lord which He will ultimately teach to all nations and bring all into obedience to Himself. His judgments will be "the law of the land, of the world, and there will be no debating or disagreement that can prevail.
This raises a question which I feel Satan has caused to come into many minds. Remember he is a liar, a deceiver, and the Bible is the only place to learn this and to find what is the real truth. The implied objection is that the Bible is a bunch of myths, long rejected ideas which were held by people without education. Would we like to know just what the Bible says? Satan makes it seem that it is difficult. Even God's people often make it appear that it takes education, knowledge of Greek or Hebrew, to understand its meaning. This overlooks some of the strongest assurances in the Bible: Ps. 25:12-14: "What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. 13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. 14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant."
Surely this is the one requirement which God makes of men to bring Him to teach them right and wrong, and the way to go. The first use of this word in the Bible well illustrates the point: Gen. 22:12 "And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." Yes, this word does mean fear, but it has a deeper meaning much of the time. Many who feared God also feared their idol gods. This idea of being afraid to disobey a god or The God, is in the Word. Such a fear induces one to submit or obey the one feared. Is this a good attitude? It is if the one feared is the true God, or if it is a loving father of the flesh.
While we must fear God, the sense is that we must have a healthy respect for His power, His righteousness, and His law. Such a fear of the true God is promoted by many elements in nature and in God's providence. At the same time, He does not compel any man to agree with Him. He gives them every reason to know He is the only true God. Having so admitted we find this fear begins to teach us to walk in His ways and to avoid the ways of the world. At the same time the Word of God, the Bible, explains that a holy God, full of grace, is also a righteous God and will ultimately enforce the Truth on all men. How long is He patient? Perhaps much longer than we deserve. It is His will that all men come to know Him and ultimately come to walk in obedience to His ways.
Study of the prophecies of the Scriptures will reveal that God is anxious that all men come to know Him and His ways. 1 Tim. 2:4: "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." This explains His patience, His longsuffering, and His willingness to allow men to stray far, before bringing them back. It explains his dealings with all men, even though most do not show much evidence that they see His hand in their lives or recognize Him in any sense. All through the Bible, particularly in the prophetic portions which reveal God's over- all plan and his purposes, it is evident that God wants all men to know Him as He is. The labors of most churches rather make it appear that the teaching of their own limited grasp of what is revealed is what is needed. This allows for a view among those who are not close to the Bible every day that it is irrelevant how one lives his own life. In today's society it has become the norm for most people to ignore the church, the Bible, and the God who loves us and wants our undivided attention.
Mic. 4:1 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it."
So may we review a few facts as to the significance of these prophetic references. 1. Jacob was addressing his sons, but his language touched his descendants on to the end of the age. 2. The language as to what our future holds is God's way of getting our attention to His purpose for men. 3. Each of the references to "last days" points up an inevitable, successful conclusion of God's dealings with men. 4. It is all men that God would have know Him and obey Him. 5. What conclusion is left us but that God will bring "all nations" to seek Him and accept His ways.
The inevitable result in no way forces men to God's ways, but is an evidence of His great grace and love. Eph. 3:9: "And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ." Please read the context, Eph. 3:1-12. I confess that my own knowledge of God's purpose in separating a special people was abbreviated, but in recent months I have had the privilege of making a more detailed study of God's calling of a special people, making a covenant with them, and then revealing His purposes to them. It has given a more comprehensive view and greater appreciation of the Person of our God and greatly enlarges my comprehension of His grace. His love certainly looms large in this view.
Acts 2:17 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams."
This passage has a New Testament sense attached, as it quotes from Joel (2:28-29) and makes reference to "those days." This would mean a reference to the history of Israel. Other uses in the N. T. apply to the end of the age, that is, the days of the Messiah, fulfilled particularly in the Millennium, as we have seen. Jesus used rather the expression "last day" as the high point in the days of the Messiah, and each usage applies to the resurrection at the end of this age (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54; 7:37; 11:24; 12:48). Our note 4 passage has an emphasis, for the most part, on the church for these last days. Note this emphasis in 1 Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 3:1-17; Heb. 1:1,2; 1 Pet. 1:2, 4, 5; 2 Pet. 3:1-9; 1 Jn. 2:18, 19-27; Jude 1:17-21. It is important that we note how last days applied to Israel in Joel's emphasis.
"Last days" as this relates to the church, began with the first coming of the Christ (Heb. 1:2), but it shows a decline as the end draws nearer (2 Tim. 3:1; 4:4). As "last days apply to Israel it is on the exaltation and blessing, particularly known to us as "the kingdom," or Millennium (Isa. 2:2-4; Mic. 4:1-7).
Studying in context is always necessary if we are to avoid confusion. The quotation in Acts 2:17 says "last days" as does Isa. 2:2. The reference to Joel in Acts 2:17 is not a direct quotation. Joel says "afterward, which could be confusing unless we remember that he is thinking of the earlier deliverance of the nation from Babylonian captivity, and he is looking to the end of the age. God's pouring out of his spirit on "all flesh" evidently means (of the nation of Israel) for His Spirit was never given to alien sinners. The promise was to the church when Jesus gave the information to His disciples. Joel was speaking to the Jewish people, but in Hebrews we are told that God in "the last days" is speaking by his Son (1:2). Its being called the last days is a common way of speaking of the time from the coming of Messiah the first time. God has always dealt with all men, but his special promises are confined to His covenant people. This accords with the promise of Jesus to His church, God's New Covenant people today (Joel 2:23-27; Jn. 14:16-19).
The richness of New Covenant promises causes some people to claim them for all believers, but it is not honest to apply what was spoken to the church to all who are saved. Such is a manner of speaking by those who interpret the word church to apply to all saved people. The outpouring of the Spirit came as a special blessing to the disciples whom Jesus called His church. It came on the Pentecost next after the crucifixion and resurrection of the Christ. (Read Peter's explanation in Acts 2.)
This benefit has enabled the church to be "the pillar and ground of the truth" through the centuries. It will continue to support those willing to meet the conditions for receiving such a blessing. The church's ministry was largely to the Gentiles. Paul's ministry in the New Testament illustrates this.
For a better understanding of these promises early in the life of the church, read Acts 8:16-17; 10:44-45. For illustration that the promise was conditional see Acts 5:29-32. See also Lk. 11:13.
The full passage from Joel as quoted by Peter would require more space than one issue of The Reminder will allow. We want to insist that this passage be carefully studied, along with Peter's review in this message, covering most all of Acts 2. Observe that he puts to the Jews the strong emphasis of the words and actions of the Christ whom they had rejected. The supernatural signs -- miracles, tongues, revelations in dreams, prophesies by all categories of prophets, not just one taught in the schools of the prophets, together with signs in the heavens, including powerful workings of a spiritual sort -- were all designed to put special pressure on the Jews and those at Jerusalem, for the gospel was first to the Jews. Then those gifts and powers bore a testimony which reached out to other nations, witnessing to the gospel of the Christ. These spiritual gifts gave to the church the courtage and the ability to reach out to men in every walk of life. An overwhelming testimony was in their hands to cause men to turn from sin and to trust God. The immediate result was the profession of some five thousand in one day. It was because of the pouring out of spiritual power upon so many. This promise had come to the church for their strengthening and to accomplish the launching of the church's witness for this age.
The Apostle Paul (1 Cor. 12:1 – 14:40; Eph. 4:11-116) explains that these were "spiritual gifts," designed to overreach the logic of Satan and to make the church an effective witness, so he would not have them to be ignorant of the gifts. Yes these were mighty powers in the hands of simple men. But this list of gifts was not to continue. Paul illustrated when he said, "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things" (1 Cor. 13:11; cf. Eph. 4:14). Children love magic. They love fairy stories. The supernatural is acceptable to them, and is a way of explaining to the childlike mind those things which are beyond logic. But when one becomes mature he does not resort to childlike stories of magic and the unreasonable.
God used these spiritual gifts during the childhood days of the church, but as she matured and saw His hand working in their lives, they accepted by faith the testimonials of revelation. This is his meaning as to putting away "childish things." For children they are good. and acceptable. But for mature Christians a walk of faith gives deep peace and satisfaction, even more than tongues or miracles. So only three gifts remain today, faith, hope, and love. Love is the great- est of these gifts. Can we not see how well this sweet quality holds the church together today and is recognized, even by those outside.
The other four passages will have to wait until a later issue of the paper, possibly next month. q
The Reminder, June 2003
This section of the paper may seem the easiest to write to those of you who look here first. For what? Perhaps it is to see what has happened at my church, in my life or the family's, or to catch up on reports of events in other churches. In this area I feel less informed than any, for news items do not often get to my attention in time to be included in an issue of the paper. So we are not a good "news paper." We would like for it to be more of a history, current if at all possible, definitely strengthening to the brethren.
This editor is not pastor at your church, nor would he interfere where he is serving well, but we feel a good many pastors would be appreciative for some means of reminding him of things which touch the spiritual lives of his people. In God's providence I have gained a fairly wide acquaintance, at least in the past several decades, and God has allowed me to live through and witness changes among the brethren which may have a wide influence, so we all need to be acquainted with these happenings. Do you remember how uninformed you feel in your own community when you have no local paper coming into your home. You then are dependent upon radio or TV and on social contacts on the street, at the store, and at church. These, however, do not reach to other communities, nor to other states and beyond.
In the past I have felt a large advantage gained through personal acquaintance with pastors and editors scattered widely among Missionary Baptists. As I look back on these contacts today I am made to realize that much of it may have been a hindrance rather than a help. Our nature tends to cause us to lean on others, even not very close, for help when our understanding is limited. But as I grow older and my contact is less, I see a dependence on the local church brethren more and more appreciated, along with private study of the Word to keep up with the needs of the church. At the present I find myself deeply appreciating the correspondence from many brethren who have been friends over the years, some for more than 50 years. It is a joy to have any of these contacts renew fellowship by e-mail or by letter and by telephone. Even these contacts inquiring of my opinion are challenging and produce comfort in the Lord. Often the very questions include suggestions of the thoughts of the caller or writer, and these are frequently filled with information I needed.
A few brethren write regular devotional thoughts which teach or lift up the soul. Of such is Bro. Carlton Elkins with his Daily Bread. He has made profitable suggestions which I truly appreciate. It will come to you by e-mail if you will send him your e-mail address. His is <carlton@bb.din.or.jp>
Another wonderful help is from Lamar Hill who writes an occasional comment on the language of the Bible. His series is called Koine. His address <koine02@att.net>
Another brother, frequently sends me historical material in the form of quotations from a library where records of Missionary Baptists are found. I appreciate these, but I do not know his intention as to sending to any and everybody, so I do not include his e-mail here. He may not be set up to send copies to others.
We often have visitors from beyond our community. Welcome brethren.
Recent visitors; Bro. and Sister David Weiss of Fountain Valley. Calif. With them was Sister Vickie Gray of Garnett, Kans. These three surprised us by coming out to the house briefly before church time on Wednesday. Bro. Weiss consented to preach and blessed us in doing so. Also, Bro. Mike Benge and his wife and children from Trussville, Ala., visited on a Sunday. He also consented to preach. His topic, "Time," a very important topic in the Scriptures. We all are given just so much. Our God will hold us accountable for the way in which we use it. Bro. Benge's mother is one of our members here in Harrison.
R. W. Horne and wife, Jackie, of Avondale, CO, were recent visitors. They are parents of our Bro. Mike Horne, S. S. teacher in our church.
Bro. Jamie Barker and wife, Julie, much appreciated members here have moved to Russellville, Ark., because of his job. We miss them greatly, and even their two young sons, Jacob and Joel. Joel not yet in school, was handy with an Amen after the closing prayer. Then he always ran to me and hugged me. You may be sure I really miss him.
Preachers who visit will not be required to preach, but our church may determine that you will be a blessing to them. Welcome anyway.
Our church recently finished a series of lessons from The Trail of Blood, by J. M. Carroll. This opened some avenues of thought which serve to bless a church which is anxious to fit the mold found in the New Testament. Mike Horne, our S. S. teacher, planned to begin a series in the book of Hebrews, but the text was not ready, so we have begun a verse by verse study in Proverbs. It has become obvious that this is not just a disconnected series of trite sayings, but a harmonious layout of wisdom for children and adults, how to live. It is becoming obvious that the metaphorical use of two contrasted women provide us with an emphasis on spiritual life experience as essential to soundness in the faith. The two, Wisdom and a Stranger of a particular variety, must be recognized for what they are.
We will get around to Hebrews soon enough. God's Word is rich in all of its parts. The manuscript which was delayed is one that I prepared some fifty years ago, partly to answer the charges of a brother who thought the book of Hebrews was explaining initial salvation to alien sinners. I believed, that it is an encouragement to saved people, specially Jews in the flesh, as to the importance of remaining with the church, rather than lapsing back to Judaism.. Persecution of ;professing believers among the Jews were wondering if it would be just as well to go back to the faith they left. A good brother who got a copy of the manuscript asked for permission to reprint it, feeling it would be worthwhile to many others. I granted the permission, but he found it to be too time consuming for him to print, so asked Bro. Mike Maney of the web sight The Aletheian Landmarks. This he did and Bro. Maney has scanned the manuscript and you may order it from him. His e-mail address is mike@anabaptist.com
Bro. Maney has also printed a few other of my books. Check his web page. This printing by Bro. Maney is very good, and it overcomes the steep price for regular commercial printing.
Our son, Ben, has bought land and moved with his family into a new home near us. Grandma is specially glad for this to happen. He felt that since his parents are getting along in years they should have someone nearby who cared.
The grading and noise has been very noticeable and we now see that the highway is not as quiet as it once was. He brought his dogs. His and ours make some noise as they get used to each other.
They now share our large garden space. We are happy to have them close by. His family includes his wife, Dana, and daughters Laura and Lacey. Lacey catches the bus where Paula and Ben used to.