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Morning Devotional...


The Inerrancy of the Bible

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness" (V. 16).

2 Timothy 3:10-17


In recent years a number of semi-conservative theologians have questioned whether we should hold to the doctrine of biblical inerrancy or infallibility. After all, they say, this quest for absolute certainty reflects a "Greek, Aristotelian mindset" that is not really compatible with the nature of "sheer faith." They say that Christianity is a matter of "faith" and we don't need "absolute certainty."

We notice immediately that such statements as these presuppose that faith is incompatible with certainty. That is, they presuppose to some degree the modern existentialistic view of faith, which sees faith as a "leap in the dark."

Still, we can imagine that God might have given us the information about redemption in another way. He might have simply provided us with a lot of human testimonies. The Gospels, for instance, might merely be the personal recollections of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and no more. In that case, God would be calling us to believe the Gospel in the same way we believe that Ronald Reagan was president of the United States from 1981 to 1989. There is debate over what Mr. Reagan actually thought and did during his term, but there is no debate over whether he was actually president. In the same way, scholars could debate the details recorded in the Gospels while still having a "faith" in the "general trustworthiness" of the accounts.

But the Bible claims to be much more. In fact it claims to be the very word of God. The Bible claims to be breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16). If God is God, He does not make mistakes. If the Bible is breathed out by God, there cannot be "minor errors" in details of history. If the Bible contains such errors, it can hardly be the work of a perfect God. And if God is not perfect and totally trustworthy, God is not God.

If the Bible contains errors, it might still be correct in many of its claims. But there is one claim that could not be true: the Bible's claim to be God's breathed-out words. All the church fathers, the medieval theologians, and the Protestant Reformers clearly saw that the Bible claims to be inerrant and infallible. If that claim is false, the Bible is deceiving us, and has deceived people for many thousands of years.

Coram Deo

We can rejoice that the Bible is free of error in all its claims. God wants His people to have confidence in Him, so that we can know Him and His will, doing what we are called to do without fear. Consider your commitment level—could it be enhanced by a stronger affirmation of the trustworthiness of Scripture?

Passages for Further Study

Numbers 23:19
Romans 4:19–20




From Ligonier Ministries, the teaching fellowship of R.C. Sproul.http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/the-inerrancy-of-the-bible/

Buddy, thanks for today's very appropriate devotional.  The church I belong to just recently broke their affiliation with the national segment because of just that kind of misinterpretation at the national level of some scripture. 

Buddy, thank you for this message.  Perfect timing for questions and a perfect answer.   

A bit sleepy since I was diagnosed with 2nd. Case of shingles yesterday and meds are kicking in.  Yes,  I had the shingles shot a few years ago.  Thankful for a quiet place to rest here and so much more. 

Quote from: Jeanne Lee on February 28, 2016, 12:56:31 PM
Buddy, thanks for today's very appropriate devotional.  The church I belong to just recently broke their affiliation with the national segment because of just that kind of misinterpretation at the national level of some scripture.

It's sad that a lot of church have gone liberal.  A lot of churches allow homosexuals to be members.  Some churches will marry same sex couples.  Just because the law allows something doesn't mean that God allows it.  Some pastors will not preach on some subjects because it will offend people.  The whole counsel of God needs to be preached and not just what pastors think people like to hear.

Quote from: Carol on February 28, 2016, 03:28:20 PM
Buddy, thank you for this message.  Perfect timing for questions and a perfect answer.   

A bit sleepy since I was diagnosed with 2nd. Case of shingles yesterday and meds are kicking in.  Yes,  I had the shingles shot a few years ago.  Thankful for a quiet place to rest here and so much more. 

I'm sorry you have the shingles.  I will be praying for you!

Our message this morning was n the church at Thyatira Rev.2:17-23. Pastor was saying just about the same things, Buddy, about  homosexuals being ordained in some religions, and other types of sexual sin that is becoming acceptable. God's word is very clear about how we are to live and what is not acceptable or an abomination. The church at Thyatira is one example of one of the teachers teaching that those things were ok to do when God's word specifically said NO!

There is good and bad everywhere but  like it says in the Bible not one jot or tittle  is to be changed, when It comes to God's word.

Carol---VINEGAR!! 

I wish we were in a non-compromising church with a pastor who preaches the WHOLE counsel of the Word!  Our pastor does these little series on one thing and another, that last for several weeks each, and while I do not disagree with what he teaches, I feel we need stronger admonition than just discussing how we need to be more accepting of the changes in worship style, etc.  I try not to grumble---guess I failed today. 

Our small group is meeting tonight.  This is the first meeting since we got home.  We always enjoy that time.

I spent two hours in my studio looking for something I want to paint.  I waste way too much time on stuff like that.  I should just start painting! 

I still haven't been able to set up that iPad. 

Hi everyone.  My day starts out at 50 degrees and will get above 70 degrees this afternoon with no rain.  Not much on the schedule for today.  I will attend a meeting at noon and our son is planning on coming by to do some washing as his washer isn't working at the moment. 

Buddy, a very good Devotional for this week.  If we don't believe some parts of the Bible are true I have never understood how we could be sure that other parts were true.  I do think that often what we may question may be do to our own lack of understanding the underlying original language and perhaps misguided translations that may distort the true meaning but that doesn't make the Bible itself untrue.  I think sometimes we major on the minor and that a lot of education doesn't necessarily make us wise.  The role of teacher/preacher carries a heavy responsibility.  Buddy, your second comments are also so pertinent. 

Marilyn, good comments on the devotional and what many churches are doing today. 

Janet, good comments. I don't see your comments are grumbling.  What problems are you having setting up your iPad.  Once you enter the password for your router you should be set on the Internet and be able to start using it. 

Carol, those shingles must really like you to attack you again so soon. 

Larry, the problem is the iPad will not accept the Apple ID that I put into my iPhone, and they want them the same.  When I went to Apple Support, they told me my Apple ID is my email address!  Wouldn't that be far too easy for anyone to get it?  And now they say the one on the phone is wrong as well.  Also, I tried answering the security questions, which I do have written down--and they accepted two of them and rejected the third!  Now they are threatening to lock my phone if I cannot "prove my identity!"   GRRRRR!  Why do I always have these problems?  I think today I will call Apple support and see if they can talk me through the process.  If I try too many more times, they will erase all my data!   

Otherwise, its a great day!  God's in His heaven, and in spite of all we read, hear and see, He is still the ruler of this universe!

My intention is to get started on some painting today!  Just DO it!!

Happy Leap Day to all of you who peek in today!

Janet:  Yes, vinegar - thanks for the tip.  I had a "j" night & slept on the sofa eventually.  Can you search for specific answers to your computer problems?  Perhaps, you may be able to send a through an email.  Walk away, take a deep breath and then continue on - Keep Calm - Carry On   

Larry, yes, I am 1% of the population apparently.  Just so happy to continue doing things in the house as normal - outdoors is getting warmer daily. 


                                                                           

John's sister Vickie made this lovely video.

http://www.smilebox.com/play/4e444d334f5441314e444d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link&partner=smilebox

Linkhttp://www.smilebox.com/play/4e444d334f5441314e444d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link&partner=smileboxee



She used photos from email and facebook.  It's the next-best thing to being there! 

Yes!!  After four tries, it works!  I need to get away from this computer for a while; think I will go find us something to eat!

Janet, I'm glad you've solved your I-Pad, I-Phone problems. I can be so frustrating when some of those expensive toys don't do what they're supposed to.

Thanks for sending the albums Vickie put together.  She did a fantastic job.

Thanks, Jeanne---But I haven't solved anything!  Only getting the address of that video to work on here, from an email!    And I don't think I will even mess with it anymore today, as I'm "computered out!" I think some painting is the remedy for my frazzled nerves.  I've done without an iPad this long, guess I can for a while yet!

Yes, Vickie did a super job!  And she made Beth and John an album (paper), and when I got home from Europe, she had sent me one, as well.  I was so thrilled!  What a wonderful gift!

Hi, friends,

It's been an absolutely beautiful day here in Nashville. I spent the afternoon with a friend who needed a ride and needed to do some "running around."

Now's time to rest.

Jeanne, yes my sister in law has diabetes and earlier in her life, a portion of this foot plus a toe were removed. So, her foot is weakened. She's had this nonhealing wound for at least 2 years. Yes, I appreciate your prayers for her.

Carol, my pastor kept having recurrences of shingles, and finally tracked down that he is gluten intolerant. No more shingles, for he steadfastly adheres to his new eating plan.

Y'all have a good rest of the day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is a hazy morning here and should get up to 73 this afternoon.  We have a combination of sun and clouds all day.  Today should be a quiet one.  I have bills to pay and need to make a quick trip to the Credit Union and to Walmart.  Scott was here yesterday afternoon and worked on Pat's computer problem.  It remains to be seen whether we accomplished very much but will just take it easy and see if the computer will stay online or not, which has been the problem. 

Janet, so sorry to read that you have experienced problems getting your iPad up and signed on for you.  However, since I got a couple of emails from you yesterday that indicated they were sent via the iPad I have to think maybe you have finally gotten online.  I would encourage you to contact the Apple support for help as they could certainly help you reset your password and get you signed on.  I hope you were able to do some painting yesterday.  Thanks for sharing the vido.  What a love story and beautiful bride and handsome groom. 

Ruth Ann, I see you are keeping busy as usual and helping others as usual.  I feel for your SIL as Stacey was a very bad diabetic, had wounds that took forever to heal and in a matter of three weeks had her lower leg amputated.  These are issues tough to deal with.  I have a good friend, who I used to lunch with about every week, who is gluten intolerant and controls it by what he eats. 

Larry, it is a mystery to me how I could have sent anything from my iPad, as it is NOT set up yet!  I did forward you a couple of things from my computer, though.   But I talked to a friend this morning at the gym who was helpful and told me how to get the needed password--from my internet provider.  I didn't know that!  So maybe by tonight I will be good to go!  Yes, I love that video John's sister made!  It is a wonderful love story!

I am praying very hard today for our country!!  I am so concerned about this election! 

I did get something chosen to paint, and put the base coat on the piece.  So I will get in there soon and start working on it.  I hope I haven't forgotten all I knew about painting!

We had a nice lunch of spaghetti, green beans, salad and homemade bread at the senior center today.  For sure, we won't need much tonight!

I need to get busy moving, before I fall asleep on my keyboard!

Don is trying to fix a shady spot for me so I can sit outdoors - we think the sunshine would aggravate shingles.  He also found something for everyone to check on their iPhones and that is having a flashlight app should be checked into as there are three countries spying on us through the flashlight app.  Perhaps it is only the Apple models but something to check out.  Google the problem.

Ruth Ann:  Thank you so much for that information on your Pastor regarding gluten.  I will check into it. 

My news here is that the quails have returned to our delight. 

Janet:  Wishing you the best on learning your new iPad. 

Are we not blessed by having this place at this time?   Thanks to Pat and all the crew!

Hello, friends,

It is a rainy day here in Nashville. We had storms forecast, but thank goodness they did not materialize - only the rains.

Carol, I do so much appreciate your comment. We really are blessed to be able to communicate here without hecklers, thanks to our vigilant staff.

Larry, I certainly understand the problems of diabetics, since I, too, am diabetic. I was diagnosed after having had bad jaundice, pancreatic inflammation, and finally having extensive surgery. It felt so good to learn that I had diabetes, for then I could set about learning how to care for myself.  That illness was in 1972, and thanks be to the Lord, I'm still here, have my eyesight, and major organs. But we really do have difficulty healing.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on a beautiful and sunny morning.  However, it will not be as warm today as the last two days staying in the 60's.  We had a strong rain storm go through here last night with quite a bit of rain.  Other than finally making that trip to Walmart  and the bank I mentioned yesterday today will be relatively quiet.  Pat is fixing a ham for dinner tonight and we are passing on the dinner at church this week as the ham needs to be cooked.  Scott will be here to share it with us.  Yesterday Scott called to say he had purchased a new washing machine.  He was just so excited and I haven't heard this tone in his voice in a long time.  It sure did sound good.

Janet, I had two forwards from you in one day and that is why I thought you must have gotten signed on as it said "Sent from iPad".  I just bet your painting knowledge will come rushing back to you. 

Carol, I read sometime ago about the spying done through the flashlight and that only the one that comes installed on the device should be used.  It makes one wonder about the other apps that we load on the phones and tablets.  Hope you were able to enjoy the outdoors yesterday.  I agree with you that we are blessed to have this place to communicate easily and to build the many bonds of friendship. 

Ruth Ann, my neighbor that I just moved away from has had diabetes for many years and has used an insulin pump the last several years.  He is now in his 80's and seems to be doing well but is very careful about what he eats. 

Hi, friends,

I'm preparing to make another taxi run today. So, other than that, not much news. The temps here have dropped about 40 degrees from yesterday, so time for the winter coats again today.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

I am about as blue as this typeface this evening.  I've had the worst day in a long time.  But this, too, shall pass!    I have spent several hours trying to get that iPad set up, got help from an Apple employee and still couldn't get it done.  The final decision was that someone had put a passcode into it, and we did not know what it was, therefore there was no way I could use it.  So I called the company I bought it from, told them the problem and asked for a return label and a refund of my money.  They were quite nice about it.  Besides that, I had another run-in with some scammers!!  GRRRR!  So that caused two of my credit cards to be canceled and a fraud case to be initiated.  Sigh.  Interesting day.  I think I should have stayed in bed! 

I was feeling sort of blue before I even got into these problems, because I haven't seen nor heard from several of my family for some time.  I know.  Just feeling a little sorry for myself.  I know better, I know I am very blessed and I WILL Bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be  in my mouth.

Sorry for grumbling, please forgive me, and I promise to be better tomorrow.

Hi everyone on a beautiful, cool,  clear and sunny Thursday morning.  I woke up around 4 am and couldn't go back to sleep.  Around 5 am I picked up my phone and read my email and then the message boards.  So I want to quickly post on the boards this morning and then work for a couple of hours on Pat's laptop.  I have decided to go ahead and put it back together as it appears the internet problem may have been solved by the clean install of Windows 10 back to factory condition.  We had a nice visit with Scott yesterday evening.  He had gotten his new washing machine delivered and installed and was going home to put a load of clothes in to wash.  It was nice to see him happy and excited about something, even a washing machine.  Pat had baked a ham, made a green bean casserole, doctored up some potato salad from Walmart and had baked a peach pie.  So we had a great dinner and she was exhausted by the time it was over. 

Today is a normal Thursday for us.  I will go to coffee and then to the church for the Wisdom group meeting.  That will be plenty for today.  I expect I will need to pick up my friend as well to take him to coffee and back home but haven't talked with him yet.

Ruth Ann, the taxi lady, hope the taxi run went well yesterday and didn't exhaust you.  It was time for the winter coats here yesterday as well and they will also be needed for today.

Janet, what a frustrating day you experienced.  Was the iPad you purchased a used one?  I can't imagine it would have a pass code in it if it were new.  At least you will get your money back.  I hope you won't give up on getting one as think you would enjoy it and actually the setting it up would have been very simple had it been new or reset by the person who had owned it, assuming it was used. Glad you didn't have to hassle with returning it and getting your money back.  I went through the fraud business with my main credit card recently as it wasn't fun as I had used that card for several recurrent charges.  At least you get your fraudulent charges taken off your bill and that is the advantage of using a credit card. I hope today will be a fine day for you and it will be a rosy day rather than a blue day.  You weren't grumbling, in my opinion, just stating the facts of the situations.   

Is it raining frogs?  There are three things out of control here - just have to keep on breathing in and out and trusting. 

Janet:  So sorry - I wish you could get dependable help somewhere.  We have computer club here and have not used it but that sort of thing is available.  My email has been hacked so another password to recall.  No wonder people are returning to regular land line phones.  Hoping for the best for your situation. 

Don is back from a short walk.  It must be hotter than he expected. 

Larry:  You must be so pleased that Scott has a nice day with his new washing machine -  take care and catch up on your lost sleep.

Hi, friends,

I was at Salvation Army today. Driving over there, we had a mixture of rain and snowflakes. Brrrr.

I was tired when I got home, so took a long winter's nap.

Love to each of you.

Ruth Ann

After more problems getting hold of FedEx today, I have the iPad packaged, labeled and ready for pickup tomorrow.  They will be here "some time between 8 AM and 8 PM"  Isn't it lovely when you know exactly when to expect someone?    So I guess one or the other of us will be sticking close to home tomorrow--probably in shifts. 

Larry, glad to hear that Scott was having a happy day.  We always like to see our kids happy.

I felt a lot more optimistic today, even though the scammers have been calling every two hours or so all day.  They are calling from the UK, so I just don't answer.  Maybe they will get tired of calling after a while.  Do any of you know how to block a caller from the iPhone?

I got started on the painting and it's going pretty well.  I'm painting three baby ducks on the water, with some hyacinths.  I'm maybe two-thirds finished with it.  I will take a photo when I get it done.

Now that I'm in a better mood, my hubby acts like he's in a bad one.  Sigh......   Tomorrow is a brand new day!   

Hi everyone.  We are suppose to have a ni sunny ay today.  Last evening we had a long period ofd rain but none in the forecast for to

Yesterday afternoon Pat's Windows 7 computer suddenly showed it had downloaded Windows 10 and was in the process of installing it.  We had decided not to put Windows 10 on it but it now has it so we now have all of our computers running Windows 10, except my Chromebook.  It apparently installed without doing any harm to any existing files or folders so am not displeased.  Today I hope to finish up the work on her new laptop that I am reloading programs and files on after the factory reset.  Then there is a little further work to do on the Pat's older computer.  This will keep me busy most of the day.

Carol, we didn't have any frog during our rain last evening but it poured a couple of times and then a lighter rain. 

Ruth Ann, hope your snow and rain have now passed you by.

Janet, I guess one of the advantages of living in a fairly good sized town is that we have places we can take UPS or FedEx shipments so don't have to rely on home pickup.  To block a caller on your iPhone simply go to your list of recent callers (open the Phone app, then hit the Recents tab at the bottom). Click the 'i' symbol next to the unwanted number, scroll down and tap Block this Caller, then confirm your decision. You won't be bothered with any calls, texts or FaceTime calls from that number. I look forward to seeing our painting when it is finished.

Hello, everybody!  I got the painting finished!  Except for a final coat of varnish, which I will apply when it's good and dry.  I am satisfied with how it turned out, after not painting for so long. 

Darrel is feeling bad today.  He had a fever earlier and is having pain in his ankle.  I surely hope he bounces back soon, feeling bad is no fun at all!

I had a real surprise a couple hours ago.  Someone called and asked me if I would be willing to speak for Ted Cruz at the Republican Caucus here, in the morning.  I did agree to do it, but they are to send me some "talking points."  Not sure how I feel about doing it, after a little more thought, but I do feel he is our best hope.

Larry, thanks for the instructions on blocking a caller.  I have done that, and I hope it's the end of the matter!  But who knows?  I may need to block someone else sometime.

I think I will make a nice salad for our supper.  See you all later!

Hi everyone.  It is a beautiful, clear and sunny 43 degree morning and we are expecting to get to 63 this afternoon.  I didn't get Pat's new laptop finished yesterday but hope to do so today.  I ran into a few snags that I had to figure out how to get around.  I expect we will go out for a good lunch today as we haven't eaten out all week.  That way Pat won't have to worry about dinner this evening. 

Janet, sure hope Darrel is feeling better today.  Hope your speech goes well but knowing you I have no doubt that it will.  Nice that you could basically complete your painting yesterday.  How long do you have to wait to put on the varnish coat?

   I had my post nearly done and it disappeared!  Computer wants to download Google Chrome.??  I have been using that for years!  What is going on?  Is Microsoft trying to force us all to buy Windows 10?  Larry, is Windows 10 difficult to learn?  I am still using Vista, and don't like having to begin again. What do you think?  Or maybe those scammers are still wreaking havoc on my computer?  It worries me.

I didn't get the talking points, so likely will not be speaking this morning.

Will answer your question re the final varnish on the painting later.  I had explained all that before the gremlins stole my post! 

I just had to come back and post this link to a video I just watched that is absolutely amazing.  What a skill to build and talent to play such an instrument.  I have never seen anything like it.  http://www.ba-bamail.com/video.aspx?emailid=19738

Janet, if you are currently using Chrome they are just doing a periodic update of the software which shouldn't change anything on the way you use it or your settings.  If you are still using Vista it is entirely possible that your computer would not be able to use Windows 10 and yes, it would be quite a change from what you are used to.  The problem with Vista and later versions up to Windows 7 is that Microsoft is no longer supporting it and keeping it up to date.  Microsoft does want everyone to go to Windows 10 as they have indicated it is to be the last complete operating system and that in the future changes will just be made to it by periodic updates and that is good news.  When you buy a new computer it will likely have Windows 10 on it and I would suggest not to buy one with an earlier operating system since you are going to have a bit of a learning curve with any of the newer operating systems.