Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

I enjoy playing, “What if?” If you keep reading my blog you will see many aspects of this game. Let’s play one today.

WHAT IF we change our self-image? If someone asked what you do, you would probably describe your occupation. “I am a doctor, lawyer, Indian chief.”

What would happen if we saw ourselves first and foremost as “Disciples of Jesus the Messiah”? Our occupation, rather than our primary self-description becomes our means of support for our life’s primary goal – following Jesus. Our jobs enable us to not only fill our bellies but also to fill our souls. The job gives us the ability to provide the resources we need to build up our spirits and expand the kingdom of heaven in our time.

The people of Jesus’ time, just like today, worked in various occupations. Jesus was a builder. Peter was a fisherman. Yet, they gave themselves to the study, memorization, and teaching of God’s words.

Imagine the scene in Luke 24. Jesus has been resurrected and appears to the two on the Emmaus Road and to his disciples. He instructs them from the scriptures about himself. Later some of the disciples went fishing (John 21) – what do you think they were talking about? My guess is they were talking about the spiritual issues related to their Master, Jesus.

This conversation would probably have been different from what most fishermen would be talking about. Their language was cleaner. Their topics were more than sports and troubles on the job.

That is the change in perspective. If I change from seeing myself as a plumber, accountant, etc., to a disciple who supports his spirituality with this profession, then perhaps I will see a difference in my life, too.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Do you remember the old Revolutionary War song, “Yankee Doodle”? In the song, Yankee Doodle stuck a feather in his hat and called it, “macaroni.” Have you ever wondered what pasta had to do with Yankee Doodle’s hat?

This is one of those lost definitions. In the late 18^th Century, saying something was “Macaroni” was like almost saying it is “phat” or “hot” today. Even those words’ meanings are easily lost in time.

When we study the Bible we can discover words or ideas with which we are not familiar. We either pass over them or we make an educated guess to the meaning. We may develop two entirely different views and both are off base. Yet, we will make them a point of contention without knowing the facts.

The Yankee Doodle legend has to do with the shabbily dressed American soldiers facing the immaculately dressed (Macaroni) British. The Americans stopped at a farm before fighting the Brits. The farmer’s daughter saw their attire and decided to help out. She plucked a chicken and gave the Patriots a feather for their hats. Once they placed the feathers in the brims, they called it “Macaroni.”

Studying the scriptures involves many things. It is more than finding a proof text or two to use in winning an argument. It includes understanding the original intentions of the writers. It involves digging into original meanings of words as well.

Study the scriptures. They testify of Jesus, the source of eternal life (John 5.39). He is the One we follow (John 14.6).

Keep The Light Burning!

Dr. Perry Greene

A few years ago, a man was on trial for murdering his family with a knife. Their bodies had turned up 2-3 weeks after neighbors heard screams in the night. When questioned, the man denied any knowledge of their whereabouts.

Of course, he was the prime suspect. The suspicion against him increased when the police searched his house for clues. There was no blood. There were no fingerprints. They found newly shampooed carpet and freshly cleaned and pressed drapes. The woodwork had been polished and the bedrooms had new paint.

The police sent their “CSI” unit for further investigation. They used a chemical called “luminal” and discovered where the blood had been splattered throughout the house. The man was found guilty based on the evidence.

Have you ever wondered about “God things”? Is there a God? Did he send his Son? Is his word true? These are all good questions. These are questions that God is not afraid for us to ask. In fact, he welcomes us to ask and explore the evidence.

I want to encourage you to explore God’s word. Learn it, and then do what it says. You will be convicted by investigating the evidence. God IS and his word works. Give him a try!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene