Status Report: April

Sitting…at my desk.

Digesting…my supper, which was, ironically, a farm fresh egg omelet using eggs laid by local chickens. I say ironically because I recently announced that this post highly annoyed me. I’m content to receive my food with thanksgiving and not ask too many questions about where it came from.

(What annoys me is making these things into “gospel” issues. The true gospel brings believers from all walks of life together and doesn’t set up new dietary “laws” to divide them. And I know believers who have different ideas about so-called ethical eating or food purchasing, and it does divide.)

Feeling…a little tired after a day spent with the grandchildren. We went on two long walks—one in the morning and one after naps. I am pleased that they love walks in the bush. Life with young children goes so much better when they spend big chunks of the day outdoors.

Noting…that my grandson is walking. He’s short little guy; that means he’s extra cute as he toddles around. I now have no grandbabies, only grandtoddlers. 

Wondering…when I am going to find time to finish painting the trim in the bathroom painting project I mentioned in last month’s status report. 

Anticipating…the end of winter. I’m hoping it’s this month. But as you know, I live in the north of Canada, so it might not come until the middle of May. 

Reading…this book. Yes, still. It’s a biggy, and I’m happy to report that I’m about two-thirds of the way through it. Also doing some reading as research for some things I need to write this month.

Remembering…that life, each day of it, is a good gift, and every minute of it belongs to God, who created time itself.

Hoping…you are enjoying spring even if I’m not … yet.

Saying…goodnight. 

Theological Term of the Week

synoptic problem
The question of why the synoptic gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—are so similar; the need to find a relationship between the three synoptic gospels that accounts for their similarities and differences.  

• From the three accounts of the healing of the paralytic (Notice particularly the similar parenthetical statements I’ve italicized.):

“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” (Matthew 9:6 ESV)

“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” (Mark 2:10-11 ESV)

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” (Luke 5:24 ESV)

Click to read more ...

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 30. Do those who seek their salvation and well-being in saints, in themselves, or anywhere else, also believe in Jesus the only Saviour?

Answer: No, they do not, because though they boast of him in words, in their deeds they deny Jesus the only deliverer and Saviour. (a) For one of these two things must be true: either those who by true faith receive this Saviour must find in him all that is necessary for their salvation, or Jesus is not a complete Saviour. (b)

(Click through to see scriptural proofs.)

Click to read more ...