Profound and Sometimes Preposterous Ponderings of Pete

An excellent question was raised by my good friend and fellow student of the Bible, His Reverend Eminence, Pastor Kelly VanArsdol (sorry brother, I couldn't resist 😁). He asked, "How do you frame this letter to an application to Gentiles since the original audience seems to be a Jewish reader with the 12 tribes? Does it change any of your interpretation or impact any applications?" My response to his question was - "I would start by quoting Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. That being said, the letter was originally written to the 12 tribes who were being persecuted but only those who were believers. The interpretation remains. It is timeless, and applicable to all who believe. Christ said we will suffer for His name sake and James tells us how to behave when suffering as well as when our faith is tested. Our faith gets tested regardless of who we were before Ch...

     Background: There are 66 books in the Bible. 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the new Testament.   James is the 20 th book of the New Testament and falls between the books of Hebrews and 1 Peter. The author, is generally thought to be Jesus’s brother. There has been some discussion of he being another James (Jesus’s cousin via Mary wife of Clopas mother of James and Joses).   There has been discussion also that he, Jesus’ brother, was not educated enough to write the letter.   This would give support to an amanuensis, or scribe who wrote the letter but was dictated to by James. The letter was written in about 69-70 AD (possibly 62 AD) so it could not have been the apostle James who was martyred in 44 AD. There is also some speculation that his amanuensis wrote it after James’ death.   In any case, it was written primarily to the Jewish believers (see vs 1) being persecuted and probably before the Roman oppression against all Christians.   J...

 I have been re-reading the book of Romans in the Holy Bible. There is a word that occurs 14 times that God has brought to my attention.  The word is "hope."  When God, through His Holy Spirit brings a word to my attention, I research it.  Like all Bible scholars, and wannabes (me), I went to the Greek. The word used for hope, in the Greek, is "elpida, elpidi," et.al.  This word is also translated as expected or expectation. So I contemplated (picture me in an Alistair Cooke setting, LOL) the application of the word hope.  Hope can be anything from hoping for an A on a test, a Lamborghini, a kiss, a healing, a new job, etc. But hope, as the apostle Paul meant in his epistles, was that of expectation.  Not just the hope of a maybe, but the expectation of a promise to be fulfilled.  A hope that requires faith. Faith that says not just something to which we look forward, but a trust and belief that allows you to EXPECT that it will be fulfilled....

 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Most of you know the quote about being in the world and not of it. This is so true.  When you accepted Christ's gift of salvation, you were removed from the world (spiritually now, physically to come). Your primary allegiance became, and is still to the Kingdom of God.  NOT THE USA or any other country!  Is it OK to be a good citizen, pay your taxes, obey the laws of the land? Absolutely! We are told to do so.  Romans 13: Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  The Word of God, the Holy Bible, exhorts us to try our best to live peaceably and quiet whenever possible. Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Is it OK to have opinions and str...

Leviticus 11:13 “‘These are the birds you are to regard as unclean and not eat because they are unclean: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, 14 the red kite, any kind of black kite, 15 any kind of raven, 16 the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, 17 the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, 18 the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, 19 the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe and the bat. Acts 10: 9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”  14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or u...

I usually post serious topics and Biblical discussions so I am taking a lighter turn here.  I am almost 59 years old and I have over the years developed some idiosyncrasies that my family finds humorous and sometimes down right hilarious (they think I don't know they are laughing at me). Anyway, I have learned the art of laughing at myself so I thought I would allow my readers a chuckle or two; however, no guffaws are allowed 😎 10. I put my hand on my head when I talk on the phone. 9. When I think really hard I have my hand open and fingers spread. 8. I keep a lot of little boxes to help organize the things I need - sewing stuff, electronic cords, batteries, etc. 7. I subject myself, over and over again,  to "brain freezes" while eating or drinking very cold foods and the faces I make while enduring seem to let everyone know what I am experiencing. 6. My lips move when I am thinking. 5. I hate wearing socks without footwear. 4. I don't allow my wife to...

I see many posts every day extolling and denouncing political leaders, religious beliefs/practices, philosophies, politics in general and specific, as well as anything and everything about which someone might post an opinion. It is such a blessing to live in a country where this freedom is still considered a citizen's right. What saddens me is that so many people feel that along with that privilege, is the right to denounce those whose opinions are opposing theirs. Those denouncements come with fervor, passion, and vehemence. So much so, that they are accompanied with insults and derision. How sad and unacceptable that one would think that their position or thoughts on a topic, regardless if that position is correct, were so much more important than the worth and self worth of a fellow human being. Yes, I agree that injustice should be brought to light and dealt with when possible.  But extremely careful analysis must be made first.  What might at first light seem to be an i...

Luke 13:22 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ 26 “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’  27 “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’  28 “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. 29 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 3...

How many times have we prayed in earnest and received a no answer.  Like the children we are, we at the worst throw temper tantrums and at the best we, disappointedly, go on hoping that God knows what He is doing. After all, didn’t Jesus Christ say that whatever we ask in His name it will be given?  John 14:13-14, Matthew 18:19, Mark 11:24 et. al. The problem arises from taking it out of context.  Ok. So we understand that we must ask and believe that we will receive it.  A faith issue.  Again more context must be observed.  In these verses, Jesus Christ was telling us how we would be empowered to do God’s work and not our own. Does God want us to ask Him for all things? Absolutely.  Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes it is wait, and sometimes it is a flat NO.  We rejoice in the yes, we hope in the wait, but the no is hard. James tells us we ask for the wrong things. James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong...

Everyone is looking for meaning in their life.  Simon Sinek calls it the "Why."  The problem often is that they look in the wrong places.   When the answers don't come, they get frustrated.  That frustration turns to fear. They ask, "Why doesn't my life have meaning?"  Fear almost always turns into anger.  It is how humans behave.  The anger will often turn into hatred, prejudice, et. al. It will look for someone or something to blame. They will blame politicians, religious leaders, religion and faith systems, almost anything but themselves. It is why there have always been every kind of self-help gurus, new/old age mysticisms, religions, science, Utopic philosophies, false prophets, etc.  I am not pointing fingers.  I can't. Too often, I have fallen into that evil cycle myself. We want answers and if the answers are truths we do not wish to accept or face, we vehemently reject them to the point of being hateful, condescending, and de...

Today is the anniversary of my dear Rachael's death. This poem I wrote for her funeral 11 years ago and have posted it before.  Here it is again.  It is her, frozen in my mind and heart's time. The Purple Princess by Pete Kligmann There was a purple princess who was her daddy's joy. She climbed the highest trees as fast as any boy. Those who got to know her found her love was true. She gave her life to Jesus, her friends, and family too. She loved to cook, and ride, and play. She had to read everyday. She wanted to be just like her mama, A midwife and mom to lots. She learned all about childbirth and babysat many tots. She often loved to sing out loud but rarely sang on key. Her love and praise of Jesus Christ was plain for all to see. Rachael, dear Rachael. I give you to your princely groom, but always remember in your daddy's heart, there remains an empty room.

Father's Day is scheduled each year for the third Sunday in June.  It tends to fall between the 15th and the 20th.  My birthday is the 25th.  My daughter Rachael was hit by car June 18th 2008.  She was 12 years old and about about 1 month from her 13th birthday.  She was in a coma for 2 weeks and died July 2, 2008.  For the first about 4-5 years since then, Father's Day, my birthday, and Independence Day had little joy.  But then, something happened.  Her brothers and sisters, and my wife went out of their way to try and make those days (F-Day and birthday) extra special.  They succeeded.  This year is no exception.  I have been tremendously blessed and have had some terrific days.  What is more is that the new additions to our family (DIL's and SIL's) have gone out of their ways to enhance the blessings too. Yes I still miss our Rachael, and I still suffer grief at this time, but because of them, the days are no longer dark b...

For years and in various different places, friends and associates have told me that as a man I should have a hobby. I like cars, but I am not a car guy.  I like reading but it still is not a passion.  I love history but it can be boring at times.  Music is a mood maker for me but not my groove. I enjoy movies too. I tried golf but it did not fit. So I found out I love guns.  I love shooting them.  I love learning about them.  I am such a novice and I only own 1 but wow, they are fun!  I don't want to shoot anyone.  I just love shooting the gun. AR-15's, 243's, 45's, 40's, 9 mm's. etc. I love them all. Have not tried a shot gun but it is on my list.  I am limited by damaged wrists but ported guns have been my redemption. I have found my hobby.  I am trying to save money for my next gun.  I am a good shot at 10 yds or less with an ACP  0.380.  I am darn good at 25 yds with an AR-15 and pretty good with a 9mm or a ported...

(NIV) 1 Timothy 2:11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man;she must be quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. (KJV) 1 Timothy 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. (NASB) 1 Timothy 2:11 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. (ESV) 1 Timothy 2:11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submiss...

It doesn't come in a box of red, nor spiked heels worn in bed. It doesn't come in an expensive meal, and not in a florist's annual deal. You won't find it in a revealing dress, or a fancy car brought to impress. A box of sweets won't make it true, nor words that rhyme meant to woo. It is built and not unveiled. It carries through when hope has failed. It brings joy from others served, especially when it is not deserved. When sickness comes and there is nothing left, It heals the soul and spans the cleft. It is loyal beyond good sense, and over looks the deep offense. Its gentle strength ignites passion and desire, Age and frailness won't quench its fire. Don't let a day define for you, what takes a lifetime to see it true.

New York just passed a law allowing abortions to occur as late as the baby's due date if the mother is at risk.  How sad.  I am not writing this because of any political stance.  I am writing this in defense of the defenseless.  You know it won't stop there. Babies with defects will soon be on the chop list.  I say chop because that is what occurs. Soon there will be laws passed to euthanize old people.  Logan's Run is no longer a Sci-Fi fantasy. It is racing to become a reality. God destroyed the earth with a flood because of the evil that purveyed the human race.  We are almost there. No, God won't destroy the earth with a flood because He always keeps His promises. It confuses me that people silently agree with the murder of pediphiles in prison by other despicable criminals but the murder of millions of babies by doctors is OK in their book.  It is abhorrent to have sex with a child but reasonable to mutilate them to death while still in ...

Exodus 22: 18 “You shall not permit a sorceress to live. 2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Deuteronomy 18: 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. Galatians 5:9 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like th...

Exodus 3:13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”  14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.  This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” I am - present tense perfect.  This is a very simple but huge concept.  God is telling us several things in that simple phrase.  I will discuss a few here. 1.  He created time and exists outside of time.  He is Not constrained to it and controls it. For Him, present perfect is where He exits, always. Genesis 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. Psalm 90: 4 A thousand years in your sight  are like a day that h...

How many times have you or I been corrected about our behavior or perceived or even more often miss-perceived behavior by both well-meaning and judgmental (more so these) brothers and sisters with the statement, "I am just speaking the truth in love."  If I had a dollar for every time I heard this phrase I would by a boat.  The miss-application of this and several other scriptures is worn out.  Oh that I could teach a lesson on misused, misapplied and not even in the Bible, scriptures.  The only scripture that quotes this phrase is Ephesians 4:15  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.  But like many misapplied scripture, this one is taken out of context.  Lets look at the whole passage. Ephesians 4: So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the ...

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (note the gender in the following verses) Proverbs 1:20 Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out,  at the city gate she makes her speech:  22 “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?  How long will mockers delight in mockery  and fools hate knowledge?  23 Repent at my rebuke!  Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,  I will make known to you my teachings. Proverbs 4:6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Proverbs 7:4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.” Proverbs 8:1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? Proverbs 8:11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 9:1...