Is it correct to say that if a book/publication/manuscript has a passage that parallels/is in harmony with a verse from the Bible, that that passage is also God's word?
Example: the Koran and the Bible. There are many verses which say pretty much the same thing; but are those verses in the Koran also God's word?
1st Thessalonians 5:21 was referenced in chapel this morning redarding this question: "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." -KJV Hold fast as gospel these passages from other books?
Um...
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Finally
A Sunday completely free of work!!! Praise the Lord!!! Unfortunately, today was considered a "break" day, so there were plenty of activities scheduled, but...it's the Sabbath. The Lord's holy day of rest. So, I went to chapel while there was a 5k run going on, and after lunch they played flag football. And there was another softball tournament. I guess I regret that they planned these things for Sunday instead of a weekday. I know I would have enjoyed participating.
In church, I didn't recognize any of the songs we sang. The chaplain said something about one of them being good for singing around the campfire with young people. Well,...O.K. He also said that next week we'll be looking at the Koran, because it's important to know about it in order to be better witnesses to muslims. I don't necessarily disagree with that, but what can I say? I'm not sure what I think. Is it sinful selfishness to desire simply the preaching of God's word? Maybe save the study of other things to, perhaps, a weekday bible study? I know such a thing would definitely be hard to do, seeing that at the chapel this morning, there were maybe 7 or 8 people in attendance. And there might be fewer for a weekday study.
Anyway, it's going on 10:30 pm, or 2230 hrs, so I figure I should sign off.
Oh, and please, have no doubt that I would be calling home if I could. It's just that the nearest military base on the DSN network is long distance from my folks place. Well...I guess I could get a calling card, or something. Hmmm...
Nathan out.
In church, I didn't recognize any of the songs we sang. The chaplain said something about one of them being good for singing around the campfire with young people. Well,...O.K. He also said that next week we'll be looking at the Koran, because it's important to know about it in order to be better witnesses to muslims. I don't necessarily disagree with that, but what can I say? I'm not sure what I think. Is it sinful selfishness to desire simply the preaching of God's word? Maybe save the study of other things to, perhaps, a weekday bible study? I know such a thing would definitely be hard to do, seeing that at the chapel this morning, there were maybe 7 or 8 people in attendance. And there might be fewer for a weekday study.
Anyway, it's going on 10:30 pm, or 2230 hrs, so I figure I should sign off.
Oh, and please, have no doubt that I would be calling home if I could. It's just that the nearest military base on the DSN network is long distance from my folks place. Well...I guess I could get a calling card, or something. Hmmm...
Nathan out.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Mother's Day '06
I love my Mom so much. I not sure I know how else to say it. God worked wonders helping her raise the seven of us kids "alone". "Her children ariseth up and call her blessed,..." -Proverbs 31:28
I know I do, and I know my siblings do as well.
God bless you today dear Mother.
Love from your devoted son,
Nathan
I know I do, and I know my siblings do as well.
God bless you today dear Mother.
Love from your devoted son,
Nathan
I Deserve a Good Knock Upside the Head!
Yes indeed I do! It's a bit shameful to delay posting at least an update for so long. Grrr...
But anyway, some news:
I'm in Bosnia, participating in a NATO communications interoperability exercise called "Combined Endeavor". Bosnia, even with all its 750,000 to 1,000,000 anti-vehicle and anti-personnel mines is actually quite beautiful. But we haven't been allowed off base yet. That happens Tuesday for the Sarajevo cultural tour. In the meantime, until late May, I'll be working 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week. Sometimes we get off work early, and I was able to go to chapel service this morning, so it's not so exhausting. Oh, and we have to walk everywhere: to work, to chow, to the Irish pub, to the cleaners, etc. But come late May, it'll be back to the daily political scene of the 1st Combat Communications Squadron. At least here in Bosnia I'm doing what I've been trained to do. For the most part.
Yeah, the chaplain's views regarding predestination and perseverance of the saints seems to be a little arminian. I think. You see, he talked about Augustine, Calvin and the scripture proofs for predestination, but he went on to say that this doctrine is "problematic". Then he mentioned a couple of passages that sound like they explain the ability of a christian to backslide to apostacy, but I don't think he quite understands them correctly. How does one go about discussing doctrine with a Lt Col?
But hey, it was good as well. I walked in, and there were four people singing from a booklet. Well, naturally I joined in. But what I didn't know was that they were the "choir" practicing for the service. And after they heard me sing, they sort of conscripted me for membership. I'm grateful for what appears to be a way to minister, however small. Yeah, it'll only be for two more Sundays, but thank God for His blessings.
But anyway, some news:
I'm in Bosnia, participating in a NATO communications interoperability exercise called "Combined Endeavor". Bosnia, even with all its 750,000 to 1,000,000 anti-vehicle and anti-personnel mines is actually quite beautiful. But we haven't been allowed off base yet. That happens Tuesday for the Sarajevo cultural tour. In the meantime, until late May, I'll be working 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week. Sometimes we get off work early, and I was able to go to chapel service this morning, so it's not so exhausting. Oh, and we have to walk everywhere: to work, to chow, to the Irish pub, to the cleaners, etc. But come late May, it'll be back to the daily political scene of the 1st Combat Communications Squadron. At least here in Bosnia I'm doing what I've been trained to do. For the most part.
Yeah, the chaplain's views regarding predestination and perseverance of the saints seems to be a little arminian. I think. You see, he talked about Augustine, Calvin and the scripture proofs for predestination, but he went on to say that this doctrine is "problematic". Then he mentioned a couple of passages that sound like they explain the ability of a christian to backslide to apostacy, but I don't think he quite understands them correctly. How does one go about discussing doctrine with a Lt Col?
But hey, it was good as well. I walked in, and there were four people singing from a booklet. Well, naturally I joined in. But what I didn't know was that they were the "choir" practicing for the service. And after they heard me sing, they sort of conscripted me for membership. I'm grateful for what appears to be a way to minister, however small. Yeah, it'll only be for two more Sundays, but thank God for His blessings.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
An Honor and a Priviledge
Last Thursday, I was given the opportunity to sing at the Air and Space Communications Group awards ceremony. It was an honor to sing the national anthems of the United States and of Germany. Many people expressed their appreciation to me. And the individuals in charge spoke of possible opportunities in the future for me to serve in a "vocal" role. It's somewhat exciting, to say the least.
It's also kind of interesting, considering the fact that I have been singing for the "worship" portion of the singles' Thursday night Bible study at the Southside Chapel on Base. Actually, the interesting part is that the guitarist with whom I've been singing is PCSing in March. So, last Thursday, we led worship together for the last time(someone else will be taking over). But now, it seems that one opportunity to use my voice for service has been replaced by another. Now, I know nothing is coincidence, but I really never would have guessed this. I don't know for sure if more opportunities will actually come, but I thank God for any and all.
Signing off for now.
It's also kind of interesting, considering the fact that I have been singing for the "worship" portion of the singles' Thursday night Bible study at the Southside Chapel on Base. Actually, the interesting part is that the guitarist with whom I've been singing is PCSing in March. So, last Thursday, we led worship together for the last time(someone else will be taking over). But now, it seems that one opportunity to use my voice for service has been replaced by another. Now, I know nothing is coincidence, but I really never would have guessed this. I don't know for sure if more opportunities will actually come, but I thank God for any and all.
Signing off for now.
Here's Something From My Trip Back Home
I take the time today to do something I should have done a long time ago, and in person. I want to express my sincere and humble thanks to my dear sister, Sarah. I'll tell you why:
When I was returning to Germany after my time on leave, I had a 4 hour stopover at JFK International Airport which is on Long Island, NY. My sister lives on Long Island, about 15 minutes from the airport. So, we connected and I spent a couple pleasant hours with Sarah-... and her two wonderful children. I don't think I really thought about it much before, but the children, Katie and Andrew, seemed to know me pretty well. Thank you, Sarah, for picking me up at JFK and feeding me dinner, but most of all, I want to thank you for how well the two darlings know/remember me. I know it's because of your teaching them. And it restores the feeling that I'm still part of the family, no matter where I am or how long I'm gone.
For those who would like to see Katie and Andrew, go ahead and click on this link. My sister Rebekah has posted some great pictures there on her blog site.
So that's a little bit regarding my trip back home. I know I should have written more before now, but... I'll not try to excuse myself. I'll try to do better.
When I was returning to Germany after my time on leave, I had a 4 hour stopover at JFK International Airport which is on Long Island, NY. My sister lives on Long Island, about 15 minutes from the airport. So, we connected and I spent a couple pleasant hours with Sarah-... and her two wonderful children. I don't think I really thought about it much before, but the children, Katie and Andrew, seemed to know me pretty well. Thank you, Sarah, for picking me up at JFK and feeding me dinner, but most of all, I want to thank you for how well the two darlings know/remember me. I know it's because of your teaching them. And it restores the feeling that I'm still part of the family, no matter where I am or how long I'm gone.
For those who would like to see Katie and Andrew, go ahead and click on this link. My sister Rebekah has posted some great pictures there on her blog site.
So that's a little bit regarding my trip back home. I know I should have written more before now, but... I'll not try to excuse myself. I'll try to do better.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Mixed Feelings
Well, I got back from Washington at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday and returned to work on Friday. Disappointingly, we were told that we would have to work on Saturday and Sunday as well. You see, we're trying to prepare for an exercise, and not everything is set up yet. But since I was feeling flu-ish on Friday, they told me not to come in on Saturday. (for which I was very grateful) But it didn't really lessen the feeling of disappointment-degraded from frustration-due to being forced to work on the Lord's day. This being an exercise, I don't see how it is mission essential to keep people from the worship of God and the fellowship of the saints. Not to mention the idea of resting the seventh day. After an airplane flight halfway around the world...with no sleep...and only a day and a half recovery from jetlag. Anyway, it wasn't an unconstitutional order. But we only had to work about 3 hours today. But then, I missed the morning service. But then, I'll still be able to go to evening worship at 6 p.m.
Hmmm. I need to get ready for it.
Things aren't all bad: there will always be much to be thankful for. Such as the subject on which I ought to post: the wonderful time I had on leave back home with my family.
Coming soon.
Hmmm. I need to get ready for it.
Things aren't all bad: there will always be much to be thankful for. Such as the subject on which I ought to post: the wonderful time I had on leave back home with my family.
Coming soon.
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