The real ‘you’ is a spirit being who lives in a house of clay, made from the dust of the earth. Sometimes the words ‘soul’ and ‘spirit’ are analysed by Biblical scholars who arrive at clinically and etymologically correct definitions, only to find subsequently that they are used more or less interchangeably in the Bible. Let’s have a look at a few definitive references. In this examination we shall be repeating the process mentioned in the last number, in other words, uncovering things that the translators have covered up for us! [Read more…]
Archives for May 2000
74. The Last Generation
The workings of the human mind are strange and wonderful. But it is a good thing to be aware of just how it works. For example, take the adverts which blast out of the TV screen every quarter of an hour. You imagine that you’re above that sort of thing, and will make up your own mind about which brand, which product, you will purchase. But wait until you see a shelf full of different brands of the same product, and wonder which to choose. A familiar name seems ‘safer’, ‘more reliable’, simply because you’ve seen it on TV so often. Without realising it, you have fallen for the manufacturer’s advertising. If the trick didn’t work, advertisers would try some other method. But it does work, and their shareholders know it! [Read more…]
73. “Friend, move up higher!”
These words come from a well-known story told by the Master Story Teller. They refer to a Wedding Feast, where guests reclined according to their honour and seniority. It would be foolish for one to plonk himself down next to the President, only to be told to move down. This would invite censure from other guests, and embarrassment to one’s self. However, by taking a lowly position, and waiting for the President to invite one to “Move up higher”, there would be a sense of elation. Such was the Master’s teaching about humility, not getting grandiose ideas about one’s own standing, importance or position in respect of the coming Kingdom of God. (Luke.14:8-10) [Read more…]