Homemade Ice Cream, Anyone?

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Mary

Finally.  After almost 18 years of marriage, we have become the happy consumers of our very own homemade ice cream! We were so excited about a month ago, to stumble upon a used-maybe-once White Mountain 6 quart ice cream maker–hand crank, even! JUST the machine we have always wanted, but could never afford! God is good, He must have realized how much we LOVE ice cream! *wink*

I don’t know what we love more. The fact that we’ve got such a terrific way to use up our raw organic milk, cream, and farm fresh eggs, or the satisfaction of yet another family pastime…sitting in the shade of a warm almost-summer evening taking turns at the crank. Or, the awe on my children’s faces after 23 minutes of cranking…as we all hold our breath and lift the cannister’s lid, can it be…YES, WOW, thick, perfect ice cream!

Oh boy.

My mouth is watering.

It’s sure hot in here.

I’m so glad we picked up more ice at the grocery store the other day!

HUBBY???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are our two favorite recipes, so far. ;O) Care to share yours in comments? I’m looking for a fresh peach ice cream recipe if you have one!

Strawberry Ice Cream (one bowl of this is NOT enough)

  • (2) 3 oz strawberry jello dissolved in 2 c boiling water–cool
  • 4 eggs beaten**
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 2 c. cream
  • 1 qt milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • (2) 12 oz strawberries (or 3 cups chopped berries), thawed (add last)
  • milk to fill cannister to 3/4 full

Vanilla Ice Cream  

  • 4 eggs well beaten**
  • 2 1/2 c. sugar
  • Vanilla extract (may also add a little lemon juice or extract if desired)
  • 1 qt cream
  • 2 qt milk
  • May add 1 large box instant vanilla pudding for flavor

Again, add milk till your cannister is 3/4 full, crank and enjoy!

My only other tip, is that it is a lot cheaper to go to your local feedstore and pick up a 50 lb sack of livestock salt, rather than “rock salt” from the grocery store. Works just great!

I think ice cream is a must on these 96 degree days, don’t you?

Thanks to my wonderful friend, Bonnie, for sharing her recipes with me!

**Special note, we don’t cook our eggs…since they are fresh as can be from our own chicken gals, and no danger of salmonella…if you are using store eggs, you might need to find a recipe with cooked eggs…fair warning!

Posted in Cooking and Food and Family Ties | 2 Comments

Love your family with Baked Oatmeal!

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Mary

Joy fills my heart every morning, knowing my days have purpose. There is no more fulfilling job in this world, than that of wife and mother. God has been so gracious to allow us to raise our family 100% ourselves. What a blessing!

I love waking up before the kiddos, our open bedroom window carrying in a fresh breeze and birdsongs, the nanny goat’s merrily tingling bell, the happy neighing of baby colts–all beckoning me outside while it is still blessedly cool!  I check the indoor/outdoor temp, making sure it’s still cooler outside than it is inside, and leave the house with its billowing curtains, preferring instead, my great big tree-shaded hillside with its billowing leafy branches and the white rope hammock that has found its two tree stands for the summer.

But first things first…the laying hens need me to fling their barn door open so these gals can scritch-scratch and forage the day away, and hubby and I must amble down the driveway and beyond the grain bin to move the two field pens full of young chickens to fresh green pasture. Once fed and watered, the Cornish-cross broilers and little layer chicks release me to some quiet time in the hammock with God’s word and my handy Bible pen. I can rest easy for a while, knowing that one of my family’s favorite breakfasts is in the oven.

Baked Oatmeal w/dried Cherries

  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 c. melted butter
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 3/4 c. dried cranberries (we love dried cherries in this!)
  1. Preheat oven to 350*F (175*C)
  2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt. Beat in milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in dried cranberries (or cherries). Spread in an ungreased 9×13″ pan.
  3. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. Serve with milk in bowls.

We are a family of five, and can easily demolish three-fourths of this filling dish. But we have country life appetites going for us as well!

Do you love the life God has given you? He can fill your cup to the brim and over with love for your husband and children, and joy as you live for their well-being. Just ask Him.

According to Titus 2, we women are to be teachers of *good things*, keepers at home, loving our husbands and loving our children…obedience in these things m’dears, brings lasting joy!

Posted in Cooking and Food and Family Ties | 2 Comments

Easy Baked Salmon

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Mary

Friday mornings are usually reserved for Bible study luncheons with my parents. With our hectic schedule, we haven’t had any semblance of regularity with our studies, but it worked out today! Dad taught on Matthew 24, regarding the signs of the end. Riveting stuff, as we see it come true all around us. We followed our study up with one of our favorite treats: Baked Alaskan Salmon. Wow. We absolutely love this recipe, so it’s about time I shared it here at the blog!

I always double this, and go heavy on the spices and cracker crumbs. But here is the original recipe.

Baked Wild Salmon Fillets

  • 4 salmon fillet
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1 stick butter melted
  • 1/2 of an onion diced
  • 1 cup (or MORE)  cracker crumbs (we like Back to Nature cracker rounds)
  • juice of 1 lime or lemon

Preheat oven to 350″F. Blend seasonings together and rub into fish. Roll seasoned salmon into the cracker crumbs, packing the crumbled crackers onto the fillets. Put in 9×13″ glass dish. Sprinkle each fillet with diced onions and drizzle with lime or lemon juice, about 3/4 TB per fillet. If you have crumbs leftover, go ahead and add them to the dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes and dig in!

These were AMAZING with fresh steamed garden asparagus, tossed salad and homemade Texas toast! My mom likes to bring her double burner cast iron griddle and a loaf of French bread, which she and the girls slice and butter (real butter all the way, man!) both sides, then grill on the griddle. Ta-da–Texas toast, and is it ever delicious.

Fun way to round out the family time: Quiddler. If you like word games, such as Scrabble and Boggle, you’ll love this one.

Why not schedule a Bible study luncheon of your own?

Posted in Christianity and Cooking and Food | Leave a comment

Our May 2011

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Mary

As I write, my keyboard taps are accompanied by the thunder rumbles and smacking raindrops asserting their world domination via my wide open living room windows.  I’m guessing my apple mint sun tea on the deck might not be the ticket on a day like today. But no matter, I have a steaming cup of chai by my side, and two of my girls are in the kitchen cutting up strawberries we picked ourselves and baking shortcake and banana bread.  And we got 43 chickens processed before the rain let loose!

So it is springtime, once again. Almost summer even. Most of us have wrapped up schooldays, and are busy juggling in yard and garden chores to our already busy lives. I have to say, May sped by. Here are some highlights of our month o’ May days!

We traveled to the midwest’s largest Bible museum, to check out their special 400th anniversary display of King James Version Bibles. Incredible to see ancient tables of stone with scripture carved upon them, dating back to Ur…yes, Abraham’s Ur! What a special field trip, taken with friends, including not only this museum visit, but also a chapel service in a quaint English chapel built of stones from an authentic “Middle Ages” chapel, which were shipped from England to the USA in the mid-1800′s and then reconstructed. We also visited a famous battleground, hiked the woodsy trails there, and picnicked beneath a grape arbor.

I have to say, I really watched the skies in May, not that any man can know the day or the hour, but because May 2011 took in the 400th anniversary of the KJV, as well as the 63rd anniversary of Israel becoming a state. What’s the big deal about 400 year intervals in the Bible? Check out the Exodus and the 400 years of silence between Old and New Testaments, just for a couple of examples. And Israel’s 63rd anniversary? Well, if the church is raptured in 2011, followed by 7 years of tribulation, then Jesus’ return at Armageddon would coincide with Israel’s 70th anniversary. “70″ is a number associated with prophecy in the Bible. Just interesting to think about. For more on why 2011 might be “the year”, check out this website post and scroll down to the portion titled, “Wondering When Jesus Will Come and Take Us Home…” I’ve enjoyed this guy’s writing overall, and in this particular segment of a prayer letter, he shares political reasons as to why 2011 might be, as is every day of every year, a year to be ready for Christ’s return!

Also in May, we had two foals born, both bay colts. We’ve gentled them to where they now let us walk right up to them and give them a good scratching. So sweet. And springtime at our place wouldn’t be complete without hundreds of baby chicks. This year’s layer hen of choice is the Light Brahma. Going with a different breed each year gives us some variety, but more importantly, helps us keep track of the ages of our birds so we know which layers are ready for the stewing pot. I know, sounds harsh doesn’ t it? We give them a good life, free ranging from morning till night on plenty of green grass and organic grain. These Light Brahmas are adorable with feathered legs and feet, don’t you think?

Let’s see, I didn’t really cover Homeschool Presentation Night, also in May…suffice it to say my eldest shared some poetry she’d written, my middle daughter played the trumpet, and youngest sang with gusto, “Look and Live”, an old favorite hymn. Also in May we drove 2.5 hours away to a U-pick farm and helped pick 75 quarts of organic strawberries–delicious! So we’ve made a dozen pints of freezer jam, homemade strawberry ice cream, and have many more in the freezer for future delicacies! We’ve enjoyed many outdoor Sunday morning services with our Christian fellowship now that the weather is so gorgeous, and  finished up the month helping at a nearby town devastated by tornadoes.

Oh, and I finished reading a really amazing book on dispensations, about which I will soon be blogging! In that vein, please check out my current poll on the sidebar, and let me know where you stand on this interesting way of “dividing the word of truth”.

What was your highlight in May? I’d love to hear about it!

Posted in Life | 2 Comments

The True Joy of Spring

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Mary

In a corral with two mares and their foals, one can coax for thirty minutes before the long-legged little colts’ curiosity brings them your way. But when they are nuzzling you and chewing on your fingers, that wait is so worth it!

We’re loving springtime, and the births and firstfruits (like rhubarb and asparagus!) that accompany it. Besides the two foals, we also have six kids (of the goat variety!), and around 160-something chicks. And a Border Collie Mama-to-be that is so big we think she must have about 20 pups in the making! This spring we also got started in the “worm” business. Yes, that’s right. My basement is housing a mini-worm farm, for composting purposes here at home. Worm castings are an incredible source of organic, non-toxic fertilizer for boosting the nutrient health of your seedlings, transplants, and for later side-dressing of veggies. It’s been INTERESTING, to say the least! :O) My hubby says that beekeeping is on our horizon as well! Sweet! 

But I have to say, that the best thing about life these days, is the joy of waking up each day with a heart so full of bride-like love for my Maker and the new found hunger for His word that just leaves me in awe every minute of the day. I’ve been passionate about many things and people in my life…from family and friends to writing, homeschooling, homesteading, “Christianity,” etc. But nothing compares to the light of His word, that the Holy Spirit has fanned from a flicker to a flame in my personal life this past year. Nothing else has come with such a price tag, costing me on many counts as God prunes the unnecessary from my life, replacing what I once held dear with things of greater eternal significance. Regrets in this process? No way, except that I wish it had happened earlier! This is the relationship with my Heavenly Father that I’ve always longed for, and wondered how people of old could gladly suffer and die for…

Ephesians 5:14,

“Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”

2 Corinthians 4:6,

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Like a little foal that doesn’t know what’s good for him till he’s brave enough to leave what’s comfortable and respond to the draw of his long-suffering and patient owner crouched in the corner of the corral, we’re so silly sometimes about putting God off for a rainy day. Why not seek Him now, with your whole heart, casting off any preconceived notions and just letting Him speak to you through His word?

Psalm 119:130 says,

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”

My friend, there is light in abundance there, for both your darkness and mine, and an eternity more while we’re at it.

Posted in Christianity and Life | 3 Comments

Who did Jesus die for?

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Mary

Acts 2:21 says,“And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Don’t you just love this concept? I’m a whosoever, and so are you!

So who did Jesus Christ die for? Well, sinners like me, the ungodly and even false prophets…Here are a few scriptures, out of many, that answer this question:

“For Whom Did Christ Die?”

He died for ALL (1 Timothy 2:6).

He died for ALL MEN (Romans 5:18; 1 Timothy 4:10).

He died for US ALL, for ALL OF US (Isaiah 53:6).

He died for the UNGODLY (Romans 5:6).

He died for SINNERS (Romans 5:8).

He died for FALSE TEACHERS AND CHRIST-DENIERS (2 Peter 2:1).

He died for EVERY MAN (Hebrews 2:9).

He died for the WORLD (John 6:33, 51; John 1:29, and John 3:16).

He died for the WHOLE WORLD (1 John 2:2).

He died for the WHOLE NATION of Israel (John 11:50-51).

He died for the CHURCH (Ephesians 5:25).

He died for His SHEEP (John 10:11).

He died for ME (Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 15:3).

The verses used above for your convenience are here below…

1 Timothy 2:6

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Romans 5:18 and 1 Timothy 4:10

Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 5:6

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Peter 2:1

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

John 6:33, 51; John 1:29; and John 3:16

For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world. 

John 11:50-51

Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Galatians 2:20 and 1 Corinthians 15:3

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

Hallelujah, what a Savior!

“Whosoever means whosoever. It is really that simple. Let the Bible determine what you believe, and don’t let what you believe determine what you think the Bible says.” –Mark Cahill

By the way, that darling “i’m a whosoever” necklace is available on Etsy by clicking this link! Be sure to check out OneLostSheep’s shop for many other treasures. What a great way to prompt questions and point people to John 3:16!

(Most of the above content was taken from the class notes handed out at our mid-week Bible study, many thanks going out to J.C.!)

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The Stumbling Block of Biblical Truth

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Mary

In one of his worldview weekend articles, Brannon Howse says this, in reference to how Biblical truth has become an offense to most of America’s churches,

Many such churches would claim to love truth but what they really love is a man-centered Christianity that helps them obtain success in their marriage, finances, family, and a positive attitude that produces health and a successful personal life without the pain of dying to self, picking up the Cross of Christ and being persecuted for proclaiming Truth.

II Timothy 4:3 tells us that many Christians will only want to hear what makes them feel good and appeals to their flesh; “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.”

Further insight from the same article, into the positive results that come when false teachers and doctrines are named by name:

Deut. 13:3, “Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”

From those words it is clear that God allows teachers of error for the same reason as He does persecutors of His people: to test their love, to try their fidelity, to show that their loyalty to him is such that they will not give ear unto His enemies. Error has always been more popular than the Truth, for it lets down the bars and fosters fleshly indulgence, but for that very reason it is obnoxious to the godly.

The one who by grace can say “I have chosen the way of Truth” will be able to add “I have stuck unto Thy testimonies” (Psalm 119:30, 31), none being able to move him therefrom.

“For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” (1 Corinthians 11:19).

Posted in Christianity | 2 Comments

On Total Depravity

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Mary

More from our mid-week Bible study examining what God says about the doctrines of Calvinism:

“God says in the scripture that man is a wicked sinner, guilty before God, defiled, unrighteous, lost, disobedient, and  unable to save himself. These terms and concepts are readily seen throughout the Bible. Yet NOWHERE, are there any verses that expressly state that man cannot choose to obey God, or that man has no free will, or that man is incapable of responding to the gospel. These ideas, which are at the heart, root, and foundation of Calvinism, are conjecture at best, or speculation that reads itself into scripture.”

What does the Bible say about “free will” and “total depravity”?

There are actually seventeen references to “free will” in the Old Testament, check them out: Leviticus 22:18, 21, 23; 23:38; Numbers 15:3; 29:39; Deuteronomy 12:6, 17; 16:10; 23:23; 2 Chronicles 31:14; Ezra 1:4; 3:5;7:13, 16; 8:28; and Psalm 119:108.

Did you know that there are zero references to the phrase “Total Depravity” in the Bible?

“Now remember this, no saint in the Old Testament was ever said to be “regenerated,” or “in Christ,” or “born again.” These are New Testament terms for believers only. Yet all these unregenerate men are said to be able to offer a “free will” offering to God, and do so.”

Total Depravity or Total Inability?

Calvinists use the term “Total Depravity” when what they really mean is “Total Inability,” which really has nothing to do with man’s sinful state, but rather the supposed result of his sinful state. Man is so depraved, that he is unable to repond to the gospel, unless he is one of the chosen elect.

But biblically, while God foreknew (in His omniscience) those that would believe the gospel and receive Christ, it is our responsibility to believe or not. We become the elect when we, by faith, believe. If we believe not, we are condemned already (John 3:18).

The Scripture’s Command to Believe

Today we shall look at scripture verses that not only contain a command to believe, but also indicate mankind’s ability to believe.

Isaiah 45:22, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.”

Mark 1:15, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

Acts 17:30, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:”

1 John 3:23, “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.”

Revelation 22:17, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

John 7:37 , “In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.”

Acts 10:43, “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”

“If the Calvinist doctrine of Total Depravity is true, then what are we to make of these verses: Is God mocking man? Would God present salvation to a man knowing that the man would never even will to receive it?” 

 (from class notes on Part 3 of Total Depravity Refuted)

Bottom line? Man cannot be condemned for his inability to do what God expressly commands him to do. He can be condemned for his ignorance, or his unwillingness to do what God has commanded, but never for his inability. Would we ask a baby to do an adult’s job, and then condemn him for his inability to proceed?

Posted in Christianity | 1 Comment

Part 3: Examining Calvinism Proof Texts

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Mary

Okay, continuing on in our *class homework* quest to apply Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 2:13 to ”compare spiritual things with spiritual”, and again in 2 Timothy 2:15,  as we study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Today we actually find ourselves in that same second chapter of 1 Corinthians, looking closely at 1 Corinthians 2:14. Let’s dive right into the “proof” text.

1 Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: (Why?) for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.” (emphasis mine)

Probably the phrase in this verse that causes problems is “neither can he know them”…keeping in mind the Calvinist doctrine of “Total Depravity”, the teaching that mankind is totally unable or incapable of seeing his need for Christ. Certainly, you could take this verse out of its context, and stumble over this phrase, thinking “neither can he know them” refers to man’s inability to have spiritual discernment unless they are one of the “elect”. (Elect is a term used by Calvinists for those that they believe have been pre-selected before the creation of the world by God and gifted with salvation…OTOH, remember that the flip-side, is that the “non-elect” have been supposedly selected by God to spend eternity in hell.)

As always, I recommend we read through this whole chapter, to grasp the context. Paul begins by expounding on the fact that he, as a man, has no wisdom apart from the Spirit’s power (verse 4), and that this wisdom is a mystery to the world (verses 6-8). But check out verses 9-12:

“But as it is written, ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.’ But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. ”

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him…” (vs. 14)

Here again we see that if we come to God, believing, if we LOVE Him, and receive the truth of the gospel, the Holy Spirit will reveal all manner of wisdom, power and truth to us. These are the “perks” of being the sons of God!  Notice also, the reason given in verse 14 as to why the natural man “just doesn’t get it”…it’s because the things of God are foolishness to him. That is *key*. We see this often reflected by hard core evolutionists and atheists who are completely blind to the overwhelming evidence historically, archaeologically, and scientifically for the Creator of the Bible.

More scriptures along these lines, that the Spirit is given to those that believe/receive the free gift of the gospel…

Galatians 4:5-6, “To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

Ephesians 1:12-14, “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

The order is always: receive/believe the truth/gospel, and then the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts to reveal all truth, so that we no longer are “of the flesh” but are “of the Spirit”…, not as the natural man who receiveth not, but as the humble believer, coming in faith to the cross, believing that Jesus’ death paid it all.

Here’s another great one on the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer:

John 16:13-14, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.”

In summing up, I have one more point to make.  In regard to 1 Cor. 2:14′s reference to the natural man “receiving not” because to him, the things of God are foolishness…this goes along with yesterday’s problem text in Part 2, 1 Corinthians 1:20B-21,

“Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.“

It takes the willingness of a believing heart by faith in things unseen and things considered foolish, to please God. I believe that this is precisely why He wrote some hard-to-understand texts into His word. He knew that if we wanted to know Him on a deeper level, out of love for Him and His words, we’d keep studying these passages till we grasped their truth…and likewise, that we’d have to accept some things by faith, perhaps not finding their answers this side of Heaven. (1 Cor. 4:5)

God allows these puzzlers to identify Himself as the Author of the Bible. As the Creator, He allows exactly the same type of discrepancies in nature…according to the Bible, the earth is around 6,000 years old. However, starlight can be seen from stars millions of light years away. Venus rotates in reverse.  Salt melts ice but the polar caps remain frozen two miles deep in salt water.  He is God, maybe He wants to stimulate men and women to study and think. Why did Jesus speak in parables? God could have shortened the Bible to the salvation particulars and left it at that. But He didn’t. He is the God of history, and I am seeing how awesome it is to see in the Bible, how God’s truth is revealed progressively as time marches on.  Thus it stays ever relevant… Maybe God allows these hard texts to test our hearts and motives. Hebrews 4:12-13?  To see if we will still believe, and study to “show ourselves approved unto God”…did you ever think about seeking God’s approval being a big part of reading the word? I never *got* that before this past year.

I know for me personally, it’s been an amazing journey to plumb the depths of God’s awesome word in this way, by faith believing it holds every answer, and I’ve only just begun…

Are the things of God “foolishness” to you? Or do you love Him, and believe the whole counsel of His word, receiving the gospel account by faith, not as head-knowledge, but in your heart?

Posted in Christianity and KJV Bible | Leave a comment

Part 2: Examining Calvinism Proof Texts

Posted on March 26, 2011 by Mary

Continuing on with class homework for my friends who *want to know*…we will next tackle Romans 8:7-8, a passage often used by the Calvinist as a proof text for their doctrine of Total Depravity–the “T” in “TULIP”. Total Depravity refers to the idea of mankind’s complete inability to respond to the gospel. It bears repeating, that I am not a Calvinist, nor an Arminian, but rather a Christian who stands on the Bible as my final authority. We don’t want to be like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, who elevated their own teachings and traditions to the level of scripture. Likewise, nor should we measure scripture by the writings of John Calvin, or Jacob Arminius, or whoever’s name we choose to plug into for truth.

So, that said, what saith the scriptures?

“Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:7-8

Okay. Concrete statement here: “they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” So what’s the problem? From my understanding, Calvinists believe that if one cannot please God, one cannot be saved. And their assumption here, is that this verse indicates that no one can please God. Now there are many different shades of Calvinism out there, with some or all of the points of TULIP being either accepted or rejected. This is not intended to be a blanket assumption of all Calvinists, just an “in general” observation.

So the key phrase in this passage to cross-reference, is “please God”, because we need to see what God himself says in the Bible about what “pleases” him to give us light as to the core of this teaching. It’s been interesting to me, as we’ve studied Calvinism, how contradictory Calvin’s interpretations are to scripture. Yet if we let the Bible speak for itself, by cross-referencing, we see no contradictions…but rather we get LIGHT! So let’s commence…

Okay, in cross referencing “please God” we find some good stuff. 

1 Corinthians 1:21, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

We see here that “it pleased God…to save them that believe.” There is that reference to “believing” again, this time in reference to “pleasing God”! If you keep reading in 1 Cor. 1, you see “foolishness of preaching” defined in verses 23, 25, 27, and 28. God has chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise…things like our gaining life through one who died, gaining a blessing by one who was made a curse, being justified by one who was condemned–this is all foolishness to men blinded by self-conceit and vain philosophies. Not to mention that God chose fishermen to propagate the gospel, when he could have chosen eloquent scholars. We see this in verse 26, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]:” It is interesting to note here that Saul-who-became-Paul was a scholar of scriptures, a Pharisee…yet he admits to being “rude in speech, though not in knowledge”, and God gave him a thorn in his flesh to keep him humble…something to do with his eyesight.

Okay, next scripture up:

Hebrews 11:5-6, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

We see here simply, that it is faith that pleases God. And by faith, the believer walks after the Spirit, not after the flesh. Enoch’s testimony was one of faith, which pleased God. Faith is defined here as coming to God, believing that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Coming to God, believing. That really corresponds with our previous study on John 6.

This Hebrews passage also shows that man is responsible for his faith or lack of faith.

Let’s not forget to read Romans 8 in context, starting with verse one:

Romans 8:1, “[There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (FYI, italics added to indicate an important portion of this verse that is left out of new Bible versions)

And the rest of Romans 8, leading up to the verses we’re questioning, plus verse 9, I will put here also:

Romans 8:2-9, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.

Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Don’t you love that “But” at the beginning of verse 9? To be “carnally or fleshly minded” is death, it is not of the Spirit of Christ, BUT ye are not in the flesh…Paul is speaking to believers here, in the whole context of the importance of walking after the spirit, not after the flesh.

So if verses 7-8 are used by Calvinists to prove that mankind cannot be saved because they cannot please God, then we see, in context and by cross referencing, the simple truth that walking after sinful flesh does not please God and without faith, it is impossible to please him. But for His grace, by faith! “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:” Eph. 2:8.

Romans 5:1-2,

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

How do we get faith? Scripture is very clear on this as well:

Romans 10:8-17, “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Can man please God, then? YES, by faith believing!

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