Reminder, If Necessary
Recently several blog posts have suggested that my work needs modification in order to meet the needs of the audience or get in alignment with popular Messianic thinking. So I offer this reminder.
Today’s Word is a personal exploration of biblical and cultural assumptions. That’s why the topics are so diverse and the biblical passages are so scattered. I am not trying to write theology or follow some topical idea or develop some theme. I write according to what I experience in my journey. That means that most of the time I am just connecting the dots. I write about relationships between ideas found in culture and in the Bible. I look for historical connections. I find interesting parallels between Scripture and material outside the Bible. I look for relationships between what we believe today and what the writers believed centuries ago. Sometimes this ends in blind alleys. Sometimes I make mistakes. But that’s the nature of open-ended exploration. I try not to start with a foregone doctrinal conclusion. I try to open up the paradigm assumptions that I grew up with. I try to see what’s there as opposed to what I wish were there.
All of this means that I am learning as I go. Things change. I’ve changed my mind about previous beliefs. I correct myself. I am just as subject to error as anyone else, and I try to be careful, but I have blind spots too.
If you find these explorations useful, mazel tov. If you don’t, that’s okay too. I’m not trying to please everyone. If you find that what I write about is upsetting, you might be in the right place. But if you want to argue about what you believe, then maybe you should start your own web site. Or choose to read someone who agrees with you. Remember, this is my journey. You can think what you want about what I investigate. If you don’t like it, go somewhere else. But you’re welcome to come along this road if you wish. And maybe we’ll learn something together.
Skip, I just want to let you know that I sincerely admire, anticipate, appreciate and devour each of your word studies. I’m not a “blogger” and could care less how others rate you. You and Bob G. are my human sources for learning what I believe are the most important things in life. I love and admire you both. Thank you for your hard work and devotion. My request to you Sir, is continue on.
I laughed out loud at this. In my, early morning you about this table are part of my devotions to YeHoVaH. Why? We share a heart for truth in reality, with grace and obedience. That in my mind was the heart of Abraham, Moses, David. As Isaiah we look for truth un-encumbered by the pressures of this world system and “to meet the needs of the audience or get in alignment with popular Messianic thinking.” I am not familer with the posts referenced or it that was actually the implications or suggestions, or just perceived as such. If any of my words where interpreted as so inclined, that at no time was my intention or motivation. I do get Skip you are Yehova’s man and becoming a real human. I am a guest at your table and not about to insult my host by suggesting he serve a different dish from his particular kitchen. He is the cook I can always and do go to different dinning rooms. I find most real believers cook with the same ingredients just different proportions and spices. As I am re-reading “The hidden beast” and finding it more profound the second time around I appreciate Skip your journey and willingness to share it so transparently and to so effectively share your lessons in becoming a real human being. I know in my way it is costly and painful to do so and become a strong and loud witness of Yeshua’s truth and reality. Skip my brother I love your heart and appreciate your head and share the struggle to get the two in right relationship one to the other. I also know all of us about this table are becoming and not necessarily always being our best self. I might on occasion suggest you pass the salt if that’s ok?…
I support your journey as I hope you support mine. I have spent about $300 give or take on your books, audio and video resources. Some of the videos I never got to see because of some type of computer glitch on my end. Money well spent as I received so many blessings and learned so much. As someone who was not heavily indoctrinated into any denomination (Baptist) or doctrines, this has still been a huge paradigm shift for me. It is one I am not sure I have entirely given myself to because there is still something that bothers me about the “conditionality” of the shift, but I am open to continuing the exploration. Also I am curious if your discussion on Solomon is or will be available for us to purchase. We are on a journey but now we know it is a journey with a destination. Shalom
Hi Marsha, If I might add the only “Condition” is conviction. Paul suggests “wither one eat or not (He is discussing Kosher diets but it is actually a spiritual principal) let each be firmly convinced in his/her own mind”. There is a lot a pressures to be religious about Messianic, Torah or Christian actions or spiritual practices. That is not what Yeshua/Messiah came to teach. He came to encourage (I believe) sincerity of heart toward Yehovah. It was Yehovah who provided Torah as his way into true life. But that way is for an individual to apply as personally lead or convicted by the Ruach (spirit)/ This stuff is profound and well beyond any individuals ability to grasp. That is the importance and value to me of this site, Skips wisdom and gifts are astounding but so also all those about this and any table of sincere seekers and sincere believers in God/Yehovah in or through Jesus/Messiah/Torah. It is a journey we all take together but must find our own way. The path is narrow and few are those who find the path to true life. Messiah/ Jesus/Torah is life and that to the full. Leaning to actually walk it and discern the next step is the challenge…
Thanks Skip for TW blog! I can’t read them each day, sometime I spend all day reading several at a time, most make me think, some don’t make any sense, but unconsciously several days, weeks, even month the seed opens up and roots develop… thanks. Laurita Hayes and Jerry an Lisa both have deep and penetrating insights (as do others of course as well). I agree, get rid of the Thumbs down icon. My final comment to close this post: In life its not where you go, It’s who you travel with. YHWS bless you ALL
I just wanted to chime in here brother Skip. I’m not a philosophical kind of guy living out here on the big island I’m more into science. I do love Jesus. I appreciate the different perspective. Don’t let the haters get you down. People don’t like change nor to be challenged. I read Crossword Puzzles. I don’t believe sacrifices will resume. But I was challenged to consider that Jesus could not be a sacrifice for sin as God hates human sacrifice. Have to think on this.
??? really where was that one, I’d need to consider the context …
I love your work Skip, it has opened my eyes to the fact that there is so much more than what we perceive to be the truth. It has taken the boredom and monotony out of the salvation only message
Thank you for allowing us to journey with you! 🙂