KennethBow's Blog

November 7, 2025

A Celebration of Triumph

Honor to our Lord Jesus Christ

Honor to every saint of God gathered here tonight

Honor to this local assembly Soul’s Harbor

Honor to all the ministers here tonight from near and far

Honor to the speakers, Davies and Burgess

Honor to the entire Sissel family, children and grandchildren

Honor to Pastor/Bishop/ Brother Sissel and Sister Sissel

2 Cor 2.14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph (meaning a noisy iambus)

An iambus (from the Greek iambos) is a metrical foot consisting of two syllables: The first syllable is unstressed (˘) The second syllable is stressed (´) So it sounds like: da-DUM da-dum da-Dum Example: aWAY reLIEVE 

It is like we-Won, we-Won, We-Won……that’s an Iambus

When several iambi (the plural of iambus) are strung together, they form iambic meter, the most natural rhythm of English speech.

This form of writing originated about 700 years before Christ. This is what Paul picks up in this verse and uses the Greek word triumph. And it is a word that is illustrated by this iambic pentameter rhythm.

It is something we do without thinking about it. It has become the most natural rhythm of our speech in the English language. In this verse when Paul says God always causes us to triumph… if you were allow me just a tiny bit of liberty in this to understand it Paul is saying God always causes us to sing about our triumphs.

This rhythm is how we naturally speak- learning very early in life to not stress some syllables and put emphasis on others -this creates a very smooth, flowing rhythm that makes our emotion expression give power to the words

In redneck terms, it’s getting noisy about winning

This verse is part of the introductory comments the Apostle Paul  makes when he writes his second letter to the church at Corinth. Paul was celebrating because he won the battle confronted in 1 Corinthians. 

 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 

14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

A week or so ago, I was on a tour in the country of Turkey to tour the seven churches of Asia that are talked about in chapter 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation. These churches were addressed by the great apostle John in his later years. It was written sometime around 96 A.D. and one of the most captivating and obvious things you notice is these letters were written to the preacher (Angel) of the church. 

They reflected the pastor’ ministry. The churches were judged according to what the pastor allowed and tolerated and to what he held faithful. 

At the very outset tonight, let me give honor to brother Sissel, because without his vision, without his labor, without his life sacrifice… This night would not have been achieved for a night of celebration of triumph.

He would be the very first to tell you he did not do it by himself. Sister Sissel was right by his side. And tonight as we go along, we’re going to talk about the contribution of others, but consider this any one of the others could have quit and walked away, and we could still be here tonight but if this pastor, if this angel of the church had not done his job, we would not be here tonight. 

Right here at the beginning can we take a moment and stand to our feet and give him a round of applause and then lift your hands and thank God for his life, his dedication, his stability, his determination.

So tonight… We celebrate we celebrate a tremendous triumph. Yes a single triumph overall, but also many small triumphs that flow into one river that brought this dream to come to pass.

Let me begin tonight with some triumphs from history.

Just a little over two weeks ago, I climbed the steps of the temple of Apollo in the city of Didyma. The day before we had stopped briefly on the bus, been allowed to disembark and take pictures of the remains of the temple of Artemis, who, according to Greek mythology was his twin sister.

These two temples built many years before the church was begun were impressive, and even their ruins are still impressive. They were considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Artemis was the goddess of the hunt, the moon, and nature.

While her twin brother Apollo was god of light, prophecy, music, and healing, there was a very famous Oracle there that people came from far away to get advice from their gods.

These buildings were massive. They are partially still there to this day and they are an archaeological wonder.

The temple of Apollo was 167 feet wide and 358 feet long. The white marble columns were 65 feet tall.

His twin sisters temple must be begun 200 years before and then rebuilt at the same time his was being built and it was 225 feet wide and 377 feet long. The marble one this one was embedded with a gold. This temple was surrounded by a reflecting pool and it was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Certainly impressive because of size, the beautiful marble columns, and the fact that it was built 400 years before Christ.

But if I can speak of a moment that I experienced standing on the steps of the temple of Apollo. While we were all just milling around… I looked around at the debris, the broken fallen columns, the partial building that no longer stands complete and was in fact, never finished, and the only value it has is history and archaeology. They don’t have a congregation. Their message has long died out. 

No one goes to Didyima for the oracle or divine direction anymore. 

As I stood on the steps of those magnificent ruins I was overcome by the fact that all of this grandeur was overcome by handful of peasant fisherman. 

It was not an army that overcame these things. 

It was the church of Jesus Christ.

I stood on those steps and admired what had been done, but also realized those temples have no impact today. As I looked at those  remaining magnificent marble columns, the immense size of the building, I realized that temple has been overcome and no longer matter.

That temple changes no lives today. Hey Apollo you have no value except to look back. Artemas you have no future to look forward to.

The church has triumphed over you.

While, you have been destroyed and lay in ruins and no longer really matter in everyday life, we sing a song 

IT’S THE OLD SHIP OF ZION

IT’S THE HOPE FOR THE LOST AND DYING

IT’S A SOUL SAVING STATION

IT’S THE TOWER OF SALVATION

IT’S THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT, OH LORD

AND IT’S BUILT BY THE HAND OF THE LORD

Chorus

I’M TALKING ABOUT THE CHURCH IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION

IT’S BUILT ON THE ROCK, IT’S GOT A FIRM FOUNDATION

IT’S BEEN THROUGH THE FLOOD AND IT’S BEEN THROUGH THE FIRE

BUT ONE OF THESE DAYS THE CHURCH IS GONNA MOVE UP HIGHER

IT’S THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT, OH LORD

AND IT’S BUILT BY THE HAND OF THE LORD

Verse 2

IT’S BEEN THRO’ THE STORM BUT THE WIND COULDN’T TURN IT

IT’S BEEN IN THE FIRE BUT THE FIRE COULDN’T BURN IT

FED TO THE LIONS BUT THE LIONS COULDN’T EAT IT

FOUGHT A LOT OF WARS BUT NEVER DEFEATED

YES, IT’S THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT OH LORD

AND IT’S BUILT BY THE HAND OF THE LORD

Tonight right here we have a celebration of triumph.

There are elements of triumph that all of us share as brothers and sisters together.

There are triumphs that we read about in history and we celebrate the Civil war, World War I, World War II.

There are other failures we also share of the pain.

Vietnam, a failed military mission.

The feelings about a triumph or failure are always directly related to how close it was in  time and proximity and how much you were personally attached.

Our children will grow up in a world that talks about COVID but they will not feel the same attachment or repulsion because they were too small or they were born afterwards.

And it’s only something we talk about.

So triumph is on the scale of feelings and celebration, dependent on your involvement and how recent it occurred.

There are some triumphs that supersede all other triumphs and that pass through generations and centuries and millenniums without losing any of their impact.

And we celebrate them today, even though we are thousands of years from it.

The moment when the Roman soldier nailed Jesus to a cross is far removed from all of us in distance and time.

But everyone in this room has bowed their knee in celebration to the moment when he cried, my God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?

We are here tonight to celebrate a triumph on several levels.

In this building tonight there are triumphs that will be celebrated on a personal level.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

People here who have overcome incredible odds to just be here, who have broken the bonds of sin and addictions that sit in this building tonight who can truly say, I have triumphed over the old man and today I am a new creature in Christ.

I have overcome.

Then there is the triumph of a pastor who came here 36 years ago and has patiently worked and built a church.

He has gathered together people who have also overcome and they made it.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

We also come here to celebrate the triumph of building this edifice.

An incredible triumph of building a church debt free, pay as you go, which very, very few in our generation have ever done or achieved.

Tonight is about triumph.

We are here to celebrate.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

The world does not have to understand our doctrine to understand our celebration.

This achievement being recognized by all of you that have come here, whether you drove from nearby churches or flew from far away, you are all a part of a rowdy crowd, drunk on the same Holy Ghost that fell in Acts 2. 

This is a magnificent triumph.

A triumph over every opposition of Satan.

A triumph over money and the need of it in today’s world to build something this great.

But most of all, a triumph of the purpose that Jesus came to this world for. The gospel of Jesus Christ.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

He is the one that said, I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

If there should be anyone here that thinks what we’re representing here tonight to celebrate was easy, oh no, no no it was not easy

you  are simply greatly misinformed.

If there’s anyone here tonight that doesn’t understand what went into this moment and this celebration, 

If you are clueless, and you don’t understand what we’re doing…

bear with us while we celebrate the moment. 

Because tonight we celebrate!

We sing our song of victory!

The country boy said somebody hold my mule while I shout.

It’s been a long time coming, and we stand here tonight celebrating the church of Jesus Christ.

We celebrate every life changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Broken people who came needing help, needing strength, needing the power to overcome. People out of the gutters of life whom society had thrown away.

People who submitted themselves to the preaching of the word of God and obeyed that form of doctrine they heard to repent, to walk away from their sin.

People who  have received forgiveness and remission of sins by being baptized in the name of Jesus.

People who have been filled with the spirit of the One who had the greatest triumph in the history of our planet.

He overcame death, hell and the grave.

And he has now taken up residence in our lives.

Jesus lives in us.

That’s the greatest triumph any individual or human being could ever experience on their earthly journey.

On the secondary level, much more human is the triumph over government regulations.

Silly little ideas by educated men in little cubicles with a pencil, paper and a flowchart.

Making you do things that don’t make sense.

Making you obey their little viceroy commands as though they are in charge of the universe.

We have triumphed over our repulsion to their egos.

We have triumphed over all of the little investigative things they do.

Put this here.

Take that out.

Add this.

Don’t do that.

You endured all of this.

And today we stand here in triumph.

You won.

The building is up.

All of the codes have been met.

All of the little things that seemed so important to them and so unimportant to us.

We have won the war of building this church 

…to God be the glory.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

But our greatest triumph, as great as this is, is yet in front of us.

It will occur in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.

For the last trump will sound.

And the dead will be raised incorruptible.

And even those who have gone on to be with the Lord.

Those that helped make tonight a triumph.

James Springer, Faithful saints, they lie waiting until that moment.

That triumph, that sound of the trumpet will be the ultimate triumph.

When the dead rise first and then the living rise in the air to meet him in the air, so shall we ever be with the Lord.

And this triumph is magnificent and wonderful.

And we’re here to celebrate tonight.

But it’s not eternal.

Time will have its effect on this triumph, but that triumph will last forever and ever and ever.

We come to dedicate this place.

We come to set it aside as a house where God lives in this city.

We dedicated to the spirit of holiness.

We dedicate it to Brother Jude’s admonition to pull them out of the fire!

We come to pray that God will triumph in many, many more lives than just the ones that are here and have already been changed.

It has been built for more room so more can come.

That’s the triumph we celebrate, it ain’t over and Soul’s Harbor ain’t done…..that’s the triumph we look forward to.

We want to stand and say, I have overcome some things to achieve this night.

And every person in this room who has ever been baptized and received the Holy Ghost can joyfully celebrate tonight, your personal triumph.

Even if it’s a triumph that no one knows but you.

Even if it’s a personal battle that no one will ever know, and Jesus will cast into the sea of forgetfulness, and Jesus will never mention it, even if it’s in that category.

You can celebrate it tonight, because tonight we triumph.

Tonight we shout.

Tonight we dance.

Because we did it.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

 A few days ago, when I stood in the ruins of the Temple of Apollo in the nation of Turkey.

I looked at fallen columns, I looked at marble pillars.

I looked at a huge foundation footprint of archaeological remains.

And I marveled at the cost, the labor, the unbelievable effort it took to build that magnificent structure.

And I realized it was all in ruins.

All that’s left is for archaeologists and historians to come and try to piece together what once was, but no longer exists.

And as I stood there, I had the feeling that though they maligned Christianity while they walked around in their Roman togas and their Roman chariots and their Roman arrogance and look down their noses on this thing called the Church, 

the Church rose up and the Church lives on.

The Church has triumphed not just over the Roman Empire, but every continent, in every country and over 200 countries of the world the gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached.

Jesus Christ said this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached into all the world for a witness and then shall the end come. 

The Jesus name message is being preached, taught, while Apollo’s effect is gone, the Oracle is silent, while the Temple of Artemis is no longer important in Ephesus, we have triumphed.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has triumphed.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

And we are on our way to an eternal triumph like no one can even imagine.

The great apostle said, eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

The Church has triumphed. This church has triumphed!

We marvel that in 300 AD the Roman Empire was considered to be 10% Christian. (Gibbons -rise and fall of the Roman Empire and- Durant the story of civilization)… while they try to figure out what went wrong we’re celebrating about what went right. The church has been built by the hand of the Lord.

When you study the numbers today in our world today, the official number is the Christian church in all it’s various claimantsis 28.8%, not just of the Roman Empire, but 28.8 % of 8.25 billion people on this globe.

Almost one third of the people on this globe claim to be Christians of some form. Apollo and Artemis are long gone..but

the might of the message of Jesus Christ dying on a cross has marched far and wide.

And we have the privilege tonight that- that is what we’re celebrating, the March of Truth.

The old song says, his truth is marching on.

I have seen his glory in a hundred.

Watch light fires.

His truth is marching on.

Tonight we celebrate the winning of this battle.

This battle will someday flow into the river of a thousand, yea, ten thousand of the battles of churches built, of lives transformed, of people saved.

2000 years or marching on…

It’s called the church.

Jesus Christ built it.

This tonight is part of the church that Jesus built and said the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

We celebrate tonight because we have triumphed.

To God be the glory for all that he has done.

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

We win forever.

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 2 Cor 2.14

From the root word meaning a hymn sung in festal processions

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory (3534 triumph). Same word

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory (3534-triumph)? Same word

56 — The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory (3534-triumph -same word) through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Guess what that word victory means?

g3534. νῖκος nikos; from 3529; a conquest (concretely), i.e. (by implication) triumph : — victory.

For many years in history, they celebrated triumphs. 

It happened on a Sunday 2000 years ago when Jesus Christ rode a donkey into Jerusalem.

Caesars would have triumph parades

Kings and military conquerors would have parades…

But there’s never been a parade like the one Jesus Christ is going to have when he climbs up on the back of a great white stallion…. gives a nod to the angel with the trumpet. with one long blast, the greatest parade ever to happen begins. And you and I are going to be in that parade.

You and I get to be in that parade…

Come Lord Jesus 

I’m talking about the church in the book of Revelation

It’s built on the rock. It’s got a firm foundation.

It’s been through the flood. It’s been through the fire.

And one of these days, it’s gonna move up higher

Tonight we celebrate the triumph of this achievement, this building, this revival island in the midst of sin…

One Response »

Bible scholar or Bible teacher; do they conflict or compliment?

A Bible scholar is a person who devotes themselves to the critical, historical, linguistic, and literary study of the Scriptures — using specialized academic methods to understand the text in its original languages, cultural context, and theological development.

They approach the Bible as a complex collection of ancient writings that can be studied through history, archaeology, language, and literature.

A Bible scholar usually has expertise in several of these fields:

Area	Focus
Textual Criticism	Studying ancient manuscripts (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek) to determine the most accurate original text.
Historical Context	Exploring the cultures, politics, and geography of the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world.
Linguistics & Philology	Analyzing the grammar, idioms, and wordplay of Biblical Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek.
Literary Criticism	Examining structure, narrative style, and poetic technique (as Robert Alter does).
Theological Interpretation	Tracing how ideas about God, covenant, salvation, etc., develop within the biblical canon.
Archaeology	Comparing Scripture with archaeological findings that illuminate daily life, worship, and ancient civilizations.

Two Types of Bible Scholars 

Faith-Based Scholars — study Scripture as the inspired Word of God, using scholarship to deepen belief and teaching.

Academic or Secular Scholars — study the Bible as ancient literature or cultural history, often without affirming its inspiration.

Most Bible scholars hold advanced degrees such as: M.Div. (Master of Divinity) — pastoral and theological training. M.A. or Ph.D. in Biblical Studies, Theology, or Ancient Near Eastern Languages — emphasizing research and original languages.

They read texts in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, compare ancient sources, and often publish commentary or translation work.

Simplified Definition

A Bible scholar is someone who seeks to understand what the Bible meant when it was written — and how it has been understood ever since — through study of language, history, and meaning.

The contrast between a Bible scholar and a Bible teacher or preacher: since those roles can overlap but have different aims?

A Bible scholar and a Bible teacher/preacher, differ in how their goals, methods, and audiences differ. 

Their Primary Focus:

Role	Main Goal
Bible Scholar	To discover, analyze, and interpret what the text originally meant through language, history, and context.
Bible Teacher / Preacher	To communicate what the text means for us today — applying it to life, faith, and moral action.

Method and Approach

Aspect	Bible Scholar	Bible Teacher / Preacher
Method	Analytical, historical, linguistic, critical.	Devotional, pastoral, practical.
Tools	Hebrew, Greek, archaeology, manuscripts, commentaries, academic journals.	Study Bibles, sermon outlines, life application examples, illustrations, testimonies.
Goal of Study	Understanding the original intent of the author.	Inspiring obedience and faith in the modern listener.

In short:

The scholar asks, “What did this mean?”

The preacher asks, “What does this mean for us?”

Tone and Audience

Role	Audience	Tone
Scholar	Academic peers, universities, seminaries.	Analytical, cautious, sometimes technical.
Teacher/Preacher	Church members, Bible classes, general audiences.	Encouraging, instructive, heartfelt, persuasive.

A Bible scholar might publish a 600-page study on the Hebrew Psalms.

A preacher might use Psalm 23 to comfort a family at a funeral.

Both use the scriptures but in different dimensions.

Relationship to Faith

Aspect	Bible Scholar	Bible Teacher / Preacher
Faith stance	May or may not approach Scripture as inspired; often academic neutrality.	Approaches Scripture as divinely inspired and authoritative.
Emphasis	Knowledge and understanding.	Faith, transformation, and obedience.

Summary

	Bible Scholar	Bible Teacher / Preacher
Purpose	Discover meaning	Deliver meaning
Emphasis	Knowledge	Transformation
Focus	Ancient text	Present life
Language	Analytical	Inspirational
End result	Understanding	Application

Example of differences: Genesis 22 — Abraham and Isaac

“And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham… Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest…” (Genesis 22:1–2, KJV)

The Bible Scholar’s Interpretation

Focus: 

Historical, linguistic, and literary context.

Language and structure:

The scholar notes that “tempt” in Hebrew (nissah) actually means “test” or “prove”, not temptation to sin. The narrative’s repetition — “your son, your only son, whom you love” — is a literary device emphasizing Abraham’s emotional trial.

Ancient Near Eastern background:

In the ancient world, child sacrifice was not uncommon among pagan religions. The story likely shows that Israel’s God rejects such practices — distinguishing Himself from pagan deities.

The scholar avoids allegory. He’d say: “This story is about faith and obedience under testing, not a prophecy of Christ’s crucifixion.”

It’s a literary and ethical reflection, not a doctrinal forecast.

Summary of the scholar’s concern:

“What did the ancient author intend this story to teach Israel about their God and faith?” The scholar says what did it mean to them? The Bible teacher would say what does it mean to us?

The Bible Teacher / Preacher’s Interpretation 

Focus: 

Spiritual truth and redemptive typology.

Faith under fire:

The preacher sees Abraham’s obedience as the supreme test of faith — a model for believers who must trust God even when they cannot understand His ways.

The prophetic picture:

Isaac becomes a type of Christ — the beloved son carrying the wood of sacrifice up the hill, willingly submitting to the father’s will. Mount Moriah later becomes the site of Jerusalem — pointing to Calvary. The ram caught in the thicket foreshadows Christ, our Substitute.

The preacher turns it inward:

“What are we holding back from God? What Isaacs are still on our altars?”

The focus moves from being analytical to personal surrender and devotion.

Differences:

Where the scholar hears careful narrative rhythm, the preacher hears the heartbeat of obedience. The message ends not in literary appreciation but in an altar call: “God will provide Himself a Lamb.”

Summary of the preacher’s concern:

“What is the Spirit saying to the believer through this story today?”

Comparison Table

Aspect	Scholar	Preacher
Emphasis	Historical meaning	Spiritual application
Focus	Text and culture	Heart and faith
Tools	Linguistics, archaeology, narrative analysis	Sermon structure, analogy, inspiration
View of Isaac	A literary character in a test narrative	A foreshadowing of Christ
Key phrase	“What did it mean?”	“What does it mean to me?”
Tone	Analytical	Passionate

The preacher breathes life into the text — ensuring it transforms hearts, not just informs minds.

Or as someone once said:

“The scholar builds the well; the preacher draws the water.”

Luke 15 — The Prodigal Son:

Let’s look at how a Bible scholar and a Bible preacher/teacher interpret The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32).

“A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me…” (KJV)

The Bible Scholar’s Interpretation

Focus: 

Historical, literary, and cultural insight.

Historical setting

A first-century Jewish audience would recognize the son’s request as shockingly disrespectful — asking for inheritance before the father’s death meant wishing him dead. The scholar highlights the honor-shame culture at play.

Literary context

This parable is the third in a triad (lost sheep, lost coin, lost son). All three emphasize joy at finding what was lost.

Theological emphasis

The scholar reads the father’s actions — running, embracing, restoring — as a portrait of divine mercy consistent with Luke’s theme of God’s compassion for sinners.

However, the older brother embodies the self-righteous — echoing the Pharisees and scribes in verse 2. 

The scholar will not liken this in any particular way in our current culture and society. They are only concerned with the scripture in its original context and meaning.

Overall message

For the scholar, it’s a parable of grace and inclusion — revealing God’s character and Jesus’s teaching method.

He resists allegory; the father isn’t the “Heavenly Father” in a doctrinal sense, but a character in a narrative that reveals divine mercy through human analogy.

The Bible Preacher / Teacher’s Interpretation:

Spiritual restoration, grace, and personal repentance.

The son’s fall:

The preacher paints the emotional descent — from pride to poverty, from feasting to feeding swine. It becomes an image of sin’s deception and misery.

“Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.”

The turning point:

“And when he came to himself…” (v. 17)

This becomes a  life moment: repentance begins when the sinner wakes up to his true condition.

The father’s love:

The father running to the son is a picture of God’s pursuing grace. The robe, ring, and shoes become symbols of forgiveness, restoration, and sonship. Robe → covering of righteousness. Ring → restored authority. Shoes → restored dignity as a son, not a servant.

The elder brother:

Represents believers or religious people who resent grace given to others — a warning against self-righteousness.

“It’s possible to stay in the Father’s house and still have a prodigal heart.”

Application:

The preacher invites the listener to “come home.” The parable becomes an altar call, a story of every sinner who returns and every Father who waits.

“Is there someone here today who needs to come to themselves — and come home to the Father?”

Comparison Table

Aspect	Bible Scholar	Bible Preacher/Teacher
Lens	Historical-literary	Spiritual-devotional
Main theme	God’s inclusive mercy	God’s forgiving love
Focus	Context, audience, structure	Conviction, repentance, grace
Method	Analysis and interpretation	Illustration and application
Tone	Objective, academic	Emotional, persuasive
Outcome	Understanding the text	Experiencing transformation

The preacher shows how the same mercy still transforms hearts today.

Where is the church today? None of us would put a damper on study. We do not celebrate any kind of lack of knowledge. What we do want to proclaim is that the scripture is given by God not just to the original audience, but all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable… To all!

The pursuit of original scholarship in our world today and more importantly in the apostolic world should be carefully observed, and looked at!

We must always remember- it pleased God, by the foolishness of preaching to save them that would believe.

We must never forget how can they be saved except there be a preacher sent and preaching happens.

Paul gave Mars Hill the scholarly response and the end result was only one named disciple and a handful of people that responded from Athens.

Paul went 50 miles down the road to Corinth and decided he would preach nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified. 

Paul laid aside the mantle of the scholar and took on the mantle of a Bible teacher preacher.

From that decision came one of, if not the greatest, revival in all of history.

I say never let a scholar look down on an anointed Bible teacher.

Education does not break the yolk. It is the anointing that breaks the yolk.

Thank you to every minister that studies and and brings knowledge and understanding to the text. But in my opinion that will never break the yoke when it is the only thing we have. We must apply the anointing to all education, or we will simply become a Mars Hill movement.

I encourage every Bible preacher preach the Word!

The instruction and admission from Paul the apostle is to preach the word. The power is in the word. It’s not an archaeology. It is not in science. It is not in history. These may compliment and embellish the story but the end result is preach the word.

Thanks for reading today!

One Response »

Exegetical Explanation

Greetings,

I would like to take a moment today and make reference to John chapter 15 verse 22.

If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

I want to clarify what this verse means-

Jesus is referring to the sin of rejecting truth, rejecting the messiah, and he is saying if he had not come, they would not have this sin to contend with.

He is not saying they would not have sin in their life for everyone has sin Romans 3.23 says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. 

In the larger picture of the entire chapter 15, Jesus is showing them that they have rejected the light, they have rejected the truth of he being the Messiah.

In verse 22, Jesus is simply saying if he had not come, they would not have this particular sin in their life.

Many people try to extend this verse to meaning the basic nature of sin -this of course does not fit with the overall exegesis of scripture.

Blessings.

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Zugzwang, pronounced tsook-tsvahng, is a chess term. It is a situation that whatever you do you will lose something.

Chess is an interesting and worldwide game. As a consequence many words have been coined in other languages and are now used in the game of chess. Zugzwang was coined in the years 1900-1905. Zug means move or pull, while zwang means you are constrained or obligated. When this happens in the game of chess you are in a position that what ever you do you will lose something. You have no choice, you have to move, you have to do something. The challenge is always to cut your loss and get out of the mess.

It seems to me this situation occurs in real life very often. We feel trapped. There is no way to get out of our situation. We have pondered, we have prayed, and there simply is no way out. This may prove true in the game of chess, but it is never true for a child of God. I suggest there is one move that always helps. It is the portal to every dilemma, the escape to every discouragement, and every disappointing circumstance. The move I recommend when your life is in Zugzwang —is the altar.

When life has you boxed in and there is no move that is without pain or confusion or failure -a trip to the altar is what we need. Many times we want a quick fix. The time at an altar cannot be pre-dispositioned. You cannot say I’m going to the altar and I’ll have my answer in one hour. Truth is it may be days, weeks, or years as it was with Hannah, Samuel’s mother.

Look at the Bible patriarch Jacob. He had a meeting with God at Bethel. Seemed his life was determined and things were fine. Over the next 20 years his life took shape and he became a successful wealthy man. And then there was Zugzwang. If he stayed where he was he knew there was potential trouble with his father-in-law. If he left and went back to his native land there was an angry brother waiting for him. No matter what he did, something was going to be lost out of his life. We know he found his answer at Jabok. The brook Jabok was an altar. When he arrived at Jabok he was saved. When he walked away from Jabok he had escaped Zugzwang. It was at Jabok the hopeless situation was resolved.

Most of us have had our Bethel. We have been saved. We attend church regularly. Most of us are involved in our local congregations. Many times our smiles hide our Zugzwangs. We are living somewhere between Bethel and Jabok. Our jobs, our marriage, our children, our health, COVID, can all have us in Zugzwang.

Go to Jabok.

Jabok will forever change you. That one experience will mark you for the rest of your life. It is the doorway out of Zugzwang.

Thanks for reading.

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In the inky blackness of eternity, before the first ionic blast of light, there was a plan. It was a divine plan from the mind of Almighty God. This divine plan was to allow mankind to be created, then placed on a battlefield, and be a gladiator for the world to see. Mankind would be granted free choice and free will with the possibility of being redeemed from sinful, harmful eternal choices. Up until this point in the eternities only angelic beings had been created. The angels also had free choice and free will, but they were not redeemable. Their sinful choices meant being cast from the presence of God without redemption.

Free choice has inherent in it the ability to reason and then choose. Thus man was the complex, ultimate creation for this eternal war. If there is no reason to evaluate the decision then mankind is doomed to predestination. Thus, the eternal war between reason and faith surfaced in the bosom of man. From the first inhabitants of the planet the war began. Reason said take and eat the forbidden fruit, for you will then be like Gods. (Genesis 3.5 KJV) Faith pleaded to accept God’s word without the shadow of reason. (Genesis 2.16-17 KJV) The war was engaged.

The first battle was won by reason when they ate the forbidden fruit. (Genesis 3.6 KJV) Throughout history there have been untold, countless, literally millions of battles won and lost by both faith and reason. The eventual outcome is sealed. Faith will dominate reason in the final moment of what we call time. (Revelation 10.6 KJV)

In the broad battlefield of the last six thousand years on planet earth, this unending eternal war has continued unabated. It has been identified by heaven, by earth, and the subterranean place called hell. It wages conflict daily on every continent, in every culture and language.

Both faith and reason have their battlefield heroes. Faith presents Abraham and Moses and Joshua, as well as Judges, Kings and prophets, and ultimately Jesus Christ. Reason has for its heroes philosophers like Voltaire and Descartes, as well as scientists, atheists, agnostics and eventually the antichrist.

From the earliest primeval civilizations mankind has exhibited faith in the unknown. They have made gods of wood and stone. History records they have brought their gods down to earth, and by reason have given them men-like qualities to make them more believable. By contrast faith has always striven to raise men to the level of God like qualities of the God that inhabits eternity.

Reason brings man-made gods down to earth so man can identify with their god by their reason. To those born of reason they must understand their god or reject him. Faith says you cannot and will not ever understand God. God is as high above us as the heavens are above the earth. (Isaiah 55.9 JKV)

Faith elevates mankind to the qualities of God that are eternal, and seeks to metamorph and change men into saved eternal beings. In short, reason brings down and faith elevates. Both consequences are eternal. Reason, the carnal mind, is enmity against God (Romans 8.7 KJV), and brings ruin and eternal death, while faith brings salvation, release, and eternal life. (Hebrews 11.1-6 KJV)

Each of us, every day, fight this war. To every person it is a daily battle, but in particular for a Christian. In all areas of Christian conduct, lifestyle, and obedience our faith is tested by reason. We serve a God who does not bring himself down to our reason but rather remains in the heavens and remains as he has always been. His goal is not for you to understand him, but rather to believe him. (Hebrews 11.3 KJV) The average Christian, and the majority of all Christians, and possibly every Christian, serves a God they do not understand. Faith does not bring him down to our human logic and reasoning. Faith accepts him as omniscient and omnipresent. He remains God. Great is our God above all gods. (2 Chronicles 2.5 KJV) He remains infinite, majestic, elusive, and eternal. (Psalm 139.8 KJV)

Sometimes after a battle has been fought and won or lost, we can understand some things about God. But more often than not he is elusive and unknowable. This is exemplified often in the holy Scriptures. In fact, the entire old testament is a story of man trying to find and understand God. Running parallel to that throughout history are the scores of people who attempt to use reason to understand God. Sometimes when they fail they simply say there is no god. They reject a God they cannot make like them selves.

Since the French revolution the modern battle of faith versus reason has centered around “New Atheism”. New atheism places scientific evidence (so called) as proof that God does not exist. The rebirth of this battle simply shows man has not changed since the Garden of Eden. In a symbolic revolutionary act, the Jacobin leaders of the French Revolution changed the name of the Cathedral of Notre Dame to the “Temple of Reason.”

In sheer numbers both sides have grown in population of their adherents. There are more atheists today than ever before, and there are more people of faith than ever in the history of planet earth.

(Proponents of Reason; the New Atheists)

The stated goal of the New Atheism is to delegitimize and extinguish the religious point of view. (1) The leaders of New Atheism are prominent scientists and best-selling authors. (2) They believe that religion—and evidently religion alone—threatens the existence of the human race (3) New Atheists are blind to all the positive influences religion has had on human behavior, and they ignore all the atheist-inspired genocides of the last 250 years. In the twentieth century alone, Communist atheists slaughtered more than 100 million people in Russia, China, and Indochina. New atheism looks around them and sees the fallen nature of mankind. It is once again the attitude of Lucifer who wants to be like God. This is the child of reason.

Reason perpetuates its dogma by statistics of so-called science. They tout education, inoculation, the conquest of diseases, medical advances, child survival rates and social progress as proof that reason is superior. Worldwide -people have greater education than ever before. More people on planet earth have been vaccinated against deadly diseases. Democracy has spread far and wide on planet earth, and across our globe. These are the markers the proponents of reason present to prove it’s superiority.

(Proponents of Faith; Historic Christianity)

The proponents of faith believe by contrast that religion, and salvation, and God are the only hope for the human race. Civilization was built and improved by men of faith—believers like Locke, Newton, Washington, Wilberforce, Sojourner Truth, and Abraham Lincoln. (4) For the five millennia of recorded history, with few exceptions the most rational, compassionate, and successful decision makers, both military and civilian, have been people guided by a belief in God. (5) These men looked up and saw perfection to be striving for. This is the child of faith.

Reason stands arrogantly and aloof and looks down upon faith as some prehistoric, unworthy, modern consideration. Reason smiles derisively as though it has won the argument and the war.

Faith smiles back demurely with a calm assurance because the most brilliant minds in history have attacked and been silenced. Her proof is simply the most intelligent people of history have never slowed her conquest. Her opponents have never been up to the task of bringing her down. Today faith stands more powerful than ever.

The summation of this war is best exemplified by the wisest man that ever lived. Solomon declared fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12.13 KJV)

1. Maher’s views accurately reflect the attitudes of a movement called the “New Atheism,” whose leaders are prominent scientists and best-selling authors ( Dark Agenda: The War To Destroy Christian America, page 10)

2. “Religion must die in order for mankind to live,” proclaimed left-wing commentator and comedian Bill Maher in Religulous, the most-watched documentary feature of 2008.

3. Maher and the New Athiests are blind to all the positive influences religion has had on human behavior, and they ignore all the atheist-inspired genocides of the last 250 years. In the twentieth century alone, Communist atheists slaughtered more than 100 million people in Russia, China, and Indochina. (Dark Agenda: The War To Destroy Christian America, page 10-11)

4. Civilization was built and improved by such irrationalists—believers like Locke, Newton, Washington, Wilberforce, Sojourner Truth, and Abraham Lincoln. (Dark Agenda: The War To Destroy Christian America, page 11)

5. For the five millennia of recorded history, with few exceptions the most rational, compassionate, and successful decision makers, both military and civilian, have been people guided by a belief in God, ( Dark Agenda: The War To Destroy Christian America, page 11)

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