Print this page

There Are Words And Then There Are Words

A child recited a Bible verse this way: "Go ye into all the
world and preach the gospel to every monster." That's
understandable because in modern English monster can actually be
a synonym for creature.

This shows the errancy of words. The 500 most common terms in
our language have over 14,000 possible meanings. In fact, words
are mere symbols. They mean nothing until the receiver brings
meaning to them.

Also, words are different in different places. An elevator in
America is a lift in
England. Words are also different in different times. Villain
once meant a man who lived in a villa. Now, it means a scoundrel.

If the Bible is inerrant, why did Jesus have to spend so much
time overturning Old Testament prohibitions and clarifying Old
Testament misconceptions? If something can be misunderstood,
it's not inerrant.

God said, "Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you.
Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any
work on that day must be cut off from his people" (Exo. 31:14);
yet

Jesus said, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit
on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?
How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is
lawful to do good on the Sabbath" (Matt. 12:11-12).

God said, "Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting, they shall
wash with water so that they will not die . . ." (Exo. 30:20);
yet when the Pharisees criticized him saying, "Why do your
disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash
their hands before they eat!" (Matt. 15:2); Jesus replied,
"Eating with unwashed hands does not make him unclean" (Matt.
15:20).

God said, "You are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for
tooth . . ." (Exo. 21: 23-24); yet Jesus said, "You have heard
that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I
tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you
on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matt. 5:38-39).

In the temptations, Satan quoted Scripture: "He will command his
angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will
lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your
foot against a stone" (Psa. 91:11-12). Now, this was a correct
quotation. But Jesus knew reality and he knew that other
Scriptures take precedence over that one, so he replied, "Do not
test the LORD your God . . ." (Deut. 6:16).

Clearance Sale
Still available, please take advantage of our Clearance Sale.
ALL of our religious books are going for $2.00 for the 1st book,
which is little more than the Postage. Add $1.00 for each
additional book. No limits.
Order while supplies last.

GREETINGS:
From Miles Wesner

IS IT NECESSARY TO KNOW IF THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS ARE AUTHENTIC?

The Jesus Seminar has tried to ascertain what are the authentic
words of Jesus and what was added. It's interesting, but
disputing what is recorded in the New Testament understandably
upsets many people.

Our job, today, should be to try to emphasize the
psychologically valid principles which can be gleaned from the
teachings attributed to Christ.

We don't have to prove that Christ "actually said" something to
prove that it's true. If it's true, it can stand alone. If
it's not true, it should be rejected, even if it could be proven
beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus actually said and taught
it.

We must understand that literary output in ancient times was
often attributed to a recognized authority. This gave it
instant credibility. So, it's not surprising that many things
were written "In Christ's name."

Case in point:

There is no way that Christ could have actually said, "If any
man will come after me, let him take up his cross daily and
follow me" (Matt. 16:24). Yet the principle taught in these few
words is earthshaking.

Many think "Taking up our cross" means being pious,
sanctimonious and judgmental of all they disapprove. But it
really means "to stand for truth and righteousness regardless of
the cost."

Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. did this, and it cost them
their lives. However, by doing so their names have been
immortalized. The "cost" was great, but the "pay off" was
infinitely greater. The dividends keep coming long after the
initial incident has been forgotten.

For instance, the concept of nonviolent resistance, advocated by
Gandhi, accomplished what a revolution could never have
achieved. Had Gandhi advocated revolution, countless citizens
of India would have been killed and England's rule would have
been extended.

If Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had not advocated the same
approach to the Civil Rights Movement, it would have resulted in
another Civil War and justice would not have been established
another hundred years.

If the U.S. had tried to destroy Communism by military might, we
would have ensured it's continued existence.

The Near East problem between the Israelis and Palestinians is
another case in point. The conflict is being prolonged by
overreaction and revenge. Using these methods, the problem will
be extended for another thousand years.

Each side believes they have right on their side, when actually
there is no "right side." Each side must call a halt to its
part in the conflict and negotiate an agreement, no matter how
long it takes. Peacemakers are in desperately short supply at
the moment.

No one ever benefits by war. We only perpetuate what we abhor.
For instance, the embargo against Cuba and Iraq has only
strengthened Castro and Saddam Hussain. I realize that there
comes a time when armed resistance is unavoidable; but, we must
end hostilities as soon as possible and try to accomplish by
negotiation what conflict only exacerbates.
The same arguments could be made for many of the other teachings
attributed to Jesus which are disputed. It makes very little
difference whether Christ "actually said" what is reported in
the New Testament. The writers and compilers of the New
Testament have given us a great body of literature. We're going
to have to learn to live with it. The Jesus Seminar has given
us yet another tool to help us understand it's teachings and
demystify the .

LIFE AIN'T FAIR!
(Graduation: Delivered May 19, 2002)
(Matt. 5:1-12; John 15:18-21)

Scott Peck gave this description of the lessons taught in the
Beatitudes. He said, "When Jesus took his disciples up on the
mountain and taught them, he said:

'Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . Blessed are the meek.
Blessed are they that mourn. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed
are they who thirst for justice. Blessed are you when
persecuted. Blessed are you when you suffer. Be glad and
rejoice for your reward is great in heaven.'

Then, Simon Peter said, 'Teacher, Do we have to write this down?'

And James said, 'Are we going to have a test on this?'

And Philip said, 'John's disciples didn't have to learn this.'

And Judas said, 'What does this have to do with real life?'

And, Jesus wept . . ."

Well, all teachers feel like crying sometimes, when they're
trying to explain new material to reluctant students; and, Jesus
did introduce a lot of new material in his Sermon on the mount.
These Beatitudes summarized his philosophy of life. He made
strange and paradoxical statements; and he raised morals to a
higher level.

The Scriptures say, "When he saw the crowds, he went up on a
mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he
began to teach them, saying: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who
mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for
they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are
the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the
pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are
those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you,
persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you
because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your
reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the
prophets who were before you' " (Matt. 5:1-12).

Now, this sermon was different. It contained no parables or
stories. It quoted no Old Testament Scriptures. In fact, it
turned several traditional doctrines up-side down. It certainly
wasn't what Jesus' audience wanted to hear. These crowds of
poor, oppressed people were hoping for something entirely
different.

Many wanted a powerful military leader who would overthrow the
Roman rule. Some wanted a supernatural deliverer who would
destroy the sinners and reward the faithful. Others wanted to
be reassured that they were righteous because they kept the law.

Instead, they heard that enemies are to be loved! They heard
that persecution is to be welcomed. They heard that poverty is
to be appreciated.

Jesus' movement was just gaining attention and growing in
popularity. But this was definitely no way to win friends and
influence people. What on earth was Jesus thinking? He seemed
to be telling people that they were lucky to be poor and sad and
helpless. It made no sense. A lot of these men and women
probably left feeling confused and angry. Why do you suppose
Jesus emphasized these principles?

Well, Jesus was refuting several false and unrealistic beliefs.

I. FIRST, IN THE BEATITUDES JESUS WAS SAYING, "BAD THINGS CAN
HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE."

In the Jewish theology of that day, most people believed if you
were rich and strong and successful, that proved you were being
blessed by God. Therefore, if you were poor or sick or
unsuccessful, that proved you were a sinner being punished by
God.

Even Jesus' disciples believed this. Once, when Jesus and his
disciples passed by a blind man, "His disciples asked him,
'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born
blind?' " (John 9:2).

Jesus rejected the claim. He said, "Neither this man nor his
parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might
be displayed in his life" (John 9:3).

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was clearly disputing this
cruel doctrine. He was saying that good things do happen to bad
people, and bad things do happen to good people. He was saying
that physical life on this earth is not necessarily fair.

II. NEXT, IN THE BEATITUDES, JESUS WAS SAYING, "JOY COMES FROM
THE INSIDE."

Most people think happiness is caused by having nice people "out
there"; and pleasurable events "out there"; and successful
achievements "out there". We say, "You make me happy!" "That
makes me happy!"

But Jesus explained that true joy is not dependent upon external
circumstances. He stressed that worldly things are totally
unreliable. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and
steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in
and steal" (Matt. 6:19-20).

We usually say, "I'll be happy when I get more money; or a
better job; or a different house." But, contentment is not so
much in having what we want as it is in wanting what we have.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was saying that faithfulness
is it's own reward and our future is assured. It's unrealistic
to think that there's an ideal perfect moment somewhere waiting
for us-a moment when all the cantankerous people will become
pleasant; all the mechanical devices will operate efficiently;
and all the problems will be solved. That's not how life works!

III. FINALLY, IN THE BEATITUDES, JESUS WAS SAYING THAT "LOVE IS
THE ANSWER TO EVIL."

Unfortunately, many people of that day, and indeed, many people
of our day, still believe retaliation is the answer to evil.
Even the majority of Christians believe that revenge will
balance the scales of justice. They live by an opposite set of
"Beatitudes." J.B. Phillips paraphrased the world's Beatitudes
this way:

Happy are the ruthless; for they get on in the world.
Happy are the hard-boiled; for they never let life
hurt them.
Happy are they who complain; for they get their own
way in the end.
Happy are the slave-drivers; for they get results.
Happy are the deceitful tricksters; for they know
their way around.
Happy are the trouble-makers; for they make people
take notice of them."

They interpret the golden rule this way: "Do unto others before
they do unto you."

Sometimes it does seem that "might makes right"; but Jesus said,
"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?
Even `sinners' love those who love them. But love your enemies,
do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get
anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be
sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and
wicked" (Luke 6:32,35).

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus was defining a new and very
different theme. He summed it up this way, "A new command I
give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must
love one another" (John 13:34).

Jesus never claimed that life is fair; but he did promise that
God is good. He never claimed that life is fair; but he did
promise that truth will triumph. He never claimed that life is
fair; but he did promise that fulfillment will come.

He said if we expect to always get earthly rewards for good
behavior, we'll be disappointed. He said if we expect material
things to make us happy, we'll be disappointed. He said if we
expect an eye for an eye vengeance to achieve justice, we'll be
disappointed.

So, what's the answer? Well, as Christians, we must see the big
picture. We must view life from the eternal perspective. Above
all, we must keep moving and never give up. Langston Hughes
expressed it this way:

"Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it and splinters and broken boards;
but all the time I've been climbing.
I've reached landings and turned corners and walked in
the dark;
but I didn't turn back and I didn't sit down.
I just kept climbing-but life for me ain't been no
crystal stair."

Life isn't a "bowl of cherries" for anyone. Life is a challenge!
Life is tough! Life is sickness and terminal illness. Life is
broken hearts and broken marriages. Life is not enough food and
not enough hope. Life is discouragement and depression. Life
is bewilderment and uncertainty. In short life is reality!

But each of us has a responsibility to be such a person and live
such a life that if every person was like me and every life was
like mine, this world would be a better place.

Jesus was a realist. He said, "Bad things will happen!" He
said, "Joy must come from within." He said "Love is the only
answer to evil."

Now, these are very hard sayings. Seeing unfair treatment is
frustrating. Seeing evil destroy good is depressing. Seeing
innocent people suffer is heartbreaking.
Feeling peace in the midst of chaos is difficult. Feeling joy
in the midst of misery is unnatural. Feeling hope in the midst
of despair is almost impossible.

Trying to be kind when everyone else is ruthless takes courage.
Trying to be unselfish when everyone else is selfish takes
determination. Trying to be spiritual when everyone else is
worldly takes dedication.

But Jesus said that's what being a Christian means: Even though
"life ain't fair," we have a responsibility.

Edwin Chapin said, "The creed of every true saint is to take the
life he has been given and make the best of it!"

Norman V. Peale once asked President Eisenhower, "Who was the
greatest man you have ever known." His instant reply was, "It
wasn't a man. It was a woman-my mother. Her wisdom came from a
life-long study of the Bible. Often I have wished I could
consult her. One night my mother, my brothers and I were
playing a card game. When the hands were dealt, I drew a bad
one and began to complain. Mother turned to me and said.
'Dwight, this is just a friendly game in your home where you are
loved. But, out in the world, where there isn't so much love,
you will be dealt many a bad hand. You've got to learn to take
the hands life deals you without complaining. Just play them
out.' "

The Scripture says, "Be faithful until death, and I will give
you the crown of life" (Rev. 2:10b).

An anonymous poet wrote:

When things go wrong,
as they sometimes will,
When the road you're treading
seems all uphill;
When the funds are low
and the debts are high;
And you want to smile,
but you have to cry;
When care is pressing
you down a bit;
Rest, if you must,
but don't you quit.

Life is queer
with its twists and turns,
As every one of us
sometimes learns.
And many a failure
comes about
When he might have won
had he stuck it out;
Don't give up,
though the pace seems slow-
You might succeed
with another blow.

Success is failure
turned inside out-
The silver tint
of the clouds of doubt-
And you never can tell
how close you are,
It may be near
when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight
when you're hardest hit-
It's when things seem worst
that you mustn't quit!

QUESTION FOR EXPLORATION:

WHY DO WE?
By Maralene Wesner

Why do we go so much further in our "belief requirements" than
Jesus did? Jesus never asked his disciples, or even the 12
apostles to sign a "creedal statement of faith." On the rare
occasion when Jesus did inquire about their opinions, only one
person seemed able to even answer the basic question as to his
identity. " 'Who do you say I am?' Simon Peter answered, 'You
are the Christ, the Son of the living God' " (Matt. 16:15-16).

It's significant that Jesus didn't turn to the others and say,
"Now, you must believe this too!" In fact, he seemed rather
unconcerned about what people "must believe."

Over and over again he healed, taught, accepted and praised
those from diverse belief systems without trying to ensure their
"orthodoxy." "A woman whose little daughter had an unclean
spirit . . . came and fell at his feet. Now this woman was a
Gentile, of the Phoenician race. And she kept asking Him to
cast the demon out of her daughter. And He was saying to her,
'Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take
the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.' But she
answered and said to Him, 'Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under
table feed on the children's crumbs.' And he said to her,
'Because of this answer go your way; the demon has gone out of
your daughter' " (Mark 7:26-29).

Now, why didn't he try to "convert" this lady to "the right
religion?"

He even praised one man from another "faith." "When Jesus had
entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help.
'Lord,' he said, 'my servant lies at home paralyzed and in
terrible suffering.' Jesus said to him, 'I will go and heal
him.' The centurion replied, 'Lord, I do not deserve to have
you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant
will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with
soldiers under me. I tell this one, "Go," and he goes; and that
one, "Come," and he comes. I say to my servant, "Do this," and
he does it.' When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said
to those following him, 'I tell you the truth, I have not found
anyone in Israel with such great faith.' Then Jesus said to the
centurion, 'Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.'
And his servant was healed at that very hour" (Matt. 8:5-10-13).

Jesus had no "belief requirements" because he knew "beliefs"
can't be forced. Honest seeking is more important than shallow
assent! Asking "the right questions" is much more important
than having "the right answers!"

LETTERS:

Dear Miles and Maralene:

Thanks for the new sermon I received today - wish I had had it
last week. It would have been perfect for my Sunday School
lesson. Lost two of my students last week (splitsville) and she
has gone back to Indiana, and I guess he is staying here. A
converted Jew so we will try to continue to minister to him but
he is so angry. We are not sure why. Thanks again for the sermon
service they are very helpful and I am able to get ideas that
helps me teach. Freda Holmes, St. Petersburg FL

I have meant for some time to write and thank you for your
sermons. I appreciate your use of Scripture in a way which is
both understandable and has depth. Best Wishes (an ex-Oklahoman
who still misses the prairie) Rev. Frances West*

I love your messages. Thank you. However, I do have one
suggestion-in the paragraph that begins, "Now what if this were
today?" you said, "Would he talk about a person with a genius
level IQ and an average man or woman and a retarded individual?"
I take exception to the phrase, "retarded individual." Your
phrase calls up an abnormality. A better phrase would be,
"individual who happens to be mentally challenged." This would
bring to mind the person first. Loraine Sersch*

EMAIL SERMON SERVICE

If you know of someone who would appreciate our Email Sermon
Service, send their address to: wdiversitypress@aol.com.
Better yet, have them send me their Email Address.

We will mail them one issue. If they wish to continue they will
need to contact us personally, if not, they will be dropped.
You may cancel at any time.

NEW PERSPECTIVES is an organ of DIVERSITY PRESS, published
quarterly. Original material is Copyrighted. No advertisements
are accepted. Permission granted to use, provided credit given
in published works.

Letters to the Editor: will be edited to fit the space. Please
indicate if you do not wish your letter used.

If you know of someone who would appreciate receiving NEW
PERSPECTIVES, please send us their Email Address.

Comments are always welcome. (Please indicate if you do not want
your comments to appear in New Perspectives).

Miles Wesner