Avalon Chronicles #62: "America's Documents and Our Legacy of Virtue"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Reference: Unto the Generations the Roots of True Americanism
Daniel L. Marsh Life Chancellor Boston University
The Long House, Inc: New Canaan, CT. 1968
For a recent church presentation in Terrell, Tx. on July 3, 2016 I pulled from my book shelves the above book which I probably had not opened since our Bicentennial year 1976. My next eight Chronicles will be written based on the contents of this exceptional book, a treasure indeed! After my talk a mother, home-schooling four children, approached me in the parking lot and said she was ordering the book to introduce it to her children. I commented it surely must be out of print. She said she had already ordered it on Amazon!
The author's motivation to write it in the turbulent 1960s is expressed thusly:
"Almost a generation later conditions throughout the country became in many ways parallel to those of the 1930s, only now they had become truly alarming. Our systems of government-local, State, and national-were honeycombed with corruption and malfeasance, and sinister legislation was being bought and paid for by those whom it would benefit. Vice and crime of every sort was transmuting our urban and rural thoroughfares into labyrinths of danger. It is hardly necessary to further recite the obvious."
Two generations later in 2016 how would he view the further deterioration of the moral and ethical conditions of our land? Many of us truly weep as we view the landscape of our land. It is appears a Trojan Horse in the dark of night, while we have slept, has emptied its combatants into our "City on a Hill." They are pillaging what is expressed by my friend Bill Wilson (www.DailyJot.com), "The Founding Fathers chose a Constitutional Republic as the governmental system because they wanted the rule of law in our nation. They wanted one law for all so that the rich, the mighty, the despot would not be able to escape justice; so that the poor, the weak, the lesser in society would have the same justice as all citizens....The Biblical principle behind the rule of law is God's way to hold society accountable and provide individual protections....The beauty of the American Republic was that people were not above the law."
Author Marsh has compiled some monumental documents of America into a sequencing that relate to our Christian Bible in a very unique and creative fashion. The Foreword by John Howard relates that these documents can only be held valid to people of virtue. He describes the documents to be pregnant with wisdom that does not fail to be impactful and enduring, if we but reflect on their timeless content. He wrote, "Here are giants of American history, men who not only led our Nation through times of stress, but lived their religious faith, and earnestly and humbly sought to do their utmost for the lasting good of their fellow beings."
May these recollections of our past inspire us to emulate their ideals for our future.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #61: "Religion and Morality"
Avalon Chronicles #61: "Religion and Morality"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
There are incredible gems of wisdom, patriotism, good government, and all matters of personal and public conduct in George Washington's Farewell Address.
Actually he began writing this valedictory letter to the American people to be delivered after what he had planned to be only one term in office, but he decided to run for a second term as president due to the "...rancor between his Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton (later killed in a duel by Aaron Burr) and his Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson..." (Wikipedia) which reflected significant political disunity in the new country between the two new parties recently formed (Federalist and Republican). So what is else is new 220 years later? He believed his leadership was needed to keep America on a strong course. He put the letter aside until his second term was at its end and he declined a third term. He was completing 20 years of service to the new country.
The Wikipedia page on the Address (accessed June 21, 2016) has this to say: "One of the most referenced parts of Washington's letter was his strong support of the importance of religion and morality in not only promoting private and public happiness, but also in promoting the public prosperity of the nation. He argues that religious principles promote the protection of property, reputation, and life that are the foundations of justice. Washington goes so far as to say that the nation's morality cannot be maintained without religion and, since morality is necessary in popularly elected governments, religious principle is vital in maintaining the popularly elected government of the United States. He writes."
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."
Amendment 1 to the Constitution states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;..." This amendment to the Bill of Rights was ratified (with the other nine) on December 15, 1791. A major reason for this amendment was so that no denomination or specific faith would be favored as had been the case for the Church of England's influence in the colonies. It did not abolish religion per se nor its freedom to be exercised by any means. It definitely did not preclude the free expression of morality so lacking then and especially as I view the landscape of our land today. My honor code at West Point was that a cadet would not lie, cheat, nor steal, nor tolerate those who did. This surely would be an appropriate practical application of Washington's passage above for private and public lives.
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
There are incredible gems of wisdom, patriotism, good government, and all matters of personal and public conduct in George Washington's Farewell Address.
Actually he began writing this valedictory letter to the American people to be delivered after what he had planned to be only one term in office, but he decided to run for a second term as president due to the "...rancor between his Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton (later killed in a duel by Aaron Burr) and his Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson..." (Wikipedia) which reflected significant political disunity in the new country between the two new parties recently formed (Federalist and Republican). So what is else is new 220 years later? He believed his leadership was needed to keep America on a strong course. He put the letter aside until his second term was at its end and he declined a third term. He was completing 20 years of service to the new country.
The Wikipedia page on the Address (accessed June 21, 2016) has this to say: "One of the most referenced parts of Washington's letter was his strong support of the importance of religion and morality in not only promoting private and public happiness, but also in promoting the public prosperity of the nation. He argues that religious principles promote the protection of property, reputation, and life that are the foundations of justice. Washington goes so far as to say that the nation's morality cannot be maintained without religion and, since morality is necessary in popularly elected governments, religious principle is vital in maintaining the popularly elected government of the United States. He writes."
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."
Amendment 1 to the Constitution states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;..." This amendment to the Bill of Rights was ratified (with the other nine) on December 15, 1791. A major reason for this amendment was so that no denomination or specific faith would be favored as had been the case for the Church of England's influence in the colonies. It did not abolish religion per se nor its freedom to be exercised by any means. It definitely did not preclude the free expression of morality so lacking then and especially as I view the landscape of our land today. My honor code at West Point was that a cadet would not lie, cheat, nor steal, nor tolerate those who did. This surely would be an appropriate practical application of Washington's passage above for private and public lives.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #60: "Liberty and America"
Avalon Chronicles #60: "Liberty and America"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
In light of all the recent political rhetoric and especially after the horrendous attack in Orlando, I was moved to read George Washington's Farewell Address delivered to Congress on September 17, 1796, Constitution Day. There is magnificent wisdom in his address. Recall he would have had to write it out long-hand, no computer, and most probably no speech writer! We were much smaller then and less diverse than today, but, if any desire to reflect on some unchangeable sentiment about our foundations and values, we could go no further than to recollect the richness of these remarks.
"The unity of government, which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquillity at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned; ...
For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations....You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes."
REMEMBER OUR ROOTS AS AMERICANS!
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
In light of all the recent political rhetoric and especially after the horrendous attack in Orlando, I was moved to read George Washington's Farewell Address delivered to Congress on September 17, 1796, Constitution Day. There is magnificent wisdom in his address. Recall he would have had to write it out long-hand, no computer, and most probably no speech writer! We were much smaller then and less diverse than today, but, if any desire to reflect on some unchangeable sentiment about our foundations and values, we could go no further than to recollect the richness of these remarks.
"The unity of government, which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquillity at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned; ...
For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations....You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes."
REMEMBER OUR ROOTS AS AMERICANS!
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #59: "Jesus is Lord"
Avalon Chronicles #59: "Jesus is Lord"
by Allen B. Clark www.combatfaith.com
allenbclark@aol.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Romans 10: 9-10 NIV Life Application Study Bible
"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
In this my 59th message I relate the most important of all I have ever written. For those that have been recipients of these messages over approximately five years I have related special spiritual and patriotic thoughts. This is the culmination of all before!
This is the Big Picture very simplistically. I am not one to know doctrine or theology. I have always attempted to use my Christianity in practical application. In the military we used the K.I.S.S. formula. Keep It Simple Stupid.
Here goes. It is generally accepted that God created and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden approximately 6000 years ago. For the next 4000 years he was laying the groundwork for a momentous happening which occurred 2000 years ago. He brought forth Abraham from the land today comprising Iraq (a full circle historic occurence with all its attendant contemporary publicity) to Palestine and with his descendants, Isaac and Ishmael, laid the foundation for what became the three major world religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Judaism in the Old Testament was full of "Religious Ritual" as is evident today in much of current day "faith" expression.
For 4000 years there were constant conflicts, crises, murders and abominable behaviors amongst humanity, the created of God. I am what is defined as a Trintarian, meaning I believe in the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The only way God could reach "humans" was to send among us another human. This was His Son, Jesus the Christ. The New Testament very simply stated is the biography of Jesus. Jesus came to set an example for living and loving. The New Testament is POWERFUL! If one desires to have a guideline or a blueprint for life, read, study, and appropriate for one's healthy attitudes, motivations, and emotional balance, what has been written, preserved, and available for us today, the Holy Bible. We spend hours in front of the television, pursue cultural trivia, read self-help books, and worship our cars, homes, stars, celebrities, money, pleasures, etc., all the current day idols of our normal secular lives. Time is short not to get with God's program. It is time to graduate from head knowledge of God and develop an inner faith in the living God with a 'Personal Relationship with Jesus." If not now, when?
It is time to believe, God created all. He is worthy of worship, not worship of all He created. He sent His Son to die on the cross for our redemption from sins, which, when confessed, are all cleansed and gone. When we truly believe "Jesus is Lord," my Christianity teaches me I will live in eternity upon my earthly death. I believe that! When Jesus returned to Heaven, he left here for us a Helper, the Holy Spirit, available and ready to be our partner each and every day for every challenge. Prayer works. God must be asked to open up floodgates of blessings. Pray for your unhealed hurts, unmet needs, unresolved issues in the "Name of Jesus."
Vincent, Linda's only child, died on August 10 last year at age 52 of a heart attack. Linda's greatest joy and comfort is that, because he believed and lived what is written above, he is in Heaven and undeniably and definitely believably, she will join and see him again someday.
It takes three simple audible words spoken personally for you to claim a new life, "Jesus is Lord." If you already know Jesus, do not be hesitant to leave a legacy, especially for your family members to impart to them what you know and believe. Tell them and others, in a manner that is loving and not pushy. Live it as Jesus did, not just speaking of it.
by Allen B. Clark www.combatfaith.com
allenbclark@aol.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Romans 10: 9-10 NIV Life Application Study Bible
"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
In this my 59th message I relate the most important of all I have ever written. For those that have been recipients of these messages over approximately five years I have related special spiritual and patriotic thoughts. This is the culmination of all before!
This is the Big Picture very simplistically. I am not one to know doctrine or theology. I have always attempted to use my Christianity in practical application. In the military we used the K.I.S.S. formula. Keep It Simple Stupid.
Here goes. It is generally accepted that God created and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden approximately 6000 years ago. For the next 4000 years he was laying the groundwork for a momentous happening which occurred 2000 years ago. He brought forth Abraham from the land today comprising Iraq (a full circle historic occurence with all its attendant contemporary publicity) to Palestine and with his descendants, Isaac and Ishmael, laid the foundation for what became the three major world religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Judaism in the Old Testament was full of "Religious Ritual" as is evident today in much of current day "faith" expression.
For 4000 years there were constant conflicts, crises, murders and abominable behaviors amongst humanity, the created of God. I am what is defined as a Trintarian, meaning I believe in the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The only way God could reach "humans" was to send among us another human. This was His Son, Jesus the Christ. The New Testament very simply stated is the biography of Jesus. Jesus came to set an example for living and loving. The New Testament is POWERFUL! If one desires to have a guideline or a blueprint for life, read, study, and appropriate for one's healthy attitudes, motivations, and emotional balance, what has been written, preserved, and available for us today, the Holy Bible. We spend hours in front of the television, pursue cultural trivia, read self-help books, and worship our cars, homes, stars, celebrities, money, pleasures, etc., all the current day idols of our normal secular lives. Time is short not to get with God's program. It is time to graduate from head knowledge of God and develop an inner faith in the living God with a 'Personal Relationship with Jesus." If not now, when?
It is time to believe, God created all. He is worthy of worship, not worship of all He created. He sent His Son to die on the cross for our redemption from sins, which, when confessed, are all cleansed and gone. When we truly believe "Jesus is Lord," my Christianity teaches me I will live in eternity upon my earthly death. I believe that! When Jesus returned to Heaven, he left here for us a Helper, the Holy Spirit, available and ready to be our partner each and every day for every challenge. Prayer works. God must be asked to open up floodgates of blessings. Pray for your unhealed hurts, unmet needs, unresolved issues in the "Name of Jesus."
Vincent, Linda's only child, died on August 10 last year at age 52 of a heart attack. Linda's greatest joy and comfort is that, because he believed and lived what is written above, he is in Heaven and undeniably and definitely believably, she will join and see him again someday.
It takes three simple audible words spoken personally for you to claim a new life, "Jesus is Lord." If you already know Jesus, do not be hesitant to leave a legacy, especially for your family members to impart to them what you know and believe. Tell them and others, in a manner that is loving and not pushy. Live it as Jesus did, not just speaking of it.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #58: "Grace"
Avalon Chronicles #58: "Grace"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever."
I Chronicles 16:34 (KJV)
In my prayers I have said, "I praise you Lord, for your mercy endureth forever." Recently, I've begun adding "and grace" to mercy. Today I thought I would go to my Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary to look up "grace." When I did so, I found 20 usages. The ones I found the most applicable were these:
"Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him."
Linda has completed twice and I am in the midst of reading Imagine Heaven by John Burke. Persons who experienced a Near Death Experience frequently indicate that their exposure to God/Jesus reflects his relating to them all their wrongs committed or omissions in an instant, but, what follows is an expression of incredible and forgiving love.
"Favorable influence of God; divine influence or the influence of the spirit, in renewing the heart and restraining from sin."
If we appropriate the divine influence or the influence of the spirit of our Lord, we will reflect in our words and deeds the following definitions of grace, will be gracious and will reflect graciousness.
"Goodwill; kindness; disposition to oblige another; virtuous or religious affection or disposition, as a liberal disposition, faith, meekness, humility, patience, proceeding from divine influence. That in manner, deportment or language which renders it appropriate and agreeable; suitableness; elegance with appropriate dignity."
Linda's and my personal pastor is the Rev. Hugh Morgan of Georgia, retired military chaplain, whom we consider our personal pastor. His example of graciousness is worthy of emulation in our daily encounters and communications. My dear Linda is a lady of extraordinary graciousness and reflects daily the graciousness indicative of the divine influence on her life.
Our neighborhood has recently endured back to back hailstorms, requiring new roof and window repairs. We have received numerous calls from roofers, soliciting a roof repair business, which we have contracted for already with our own insurance company. My responses heretofore have been curt and short to the calls. I have been convicted now to respond, if there are more, "Thank you for this kind offer. I already have made arrangements for my roof repairs. I know you are trying to make a living. May God bless you in this."
It is a small gesture of grace to be imparted indeed, but, perhaps it will lead always in all manners to that extension of graciousness that I know my Lord extends to me
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever."
I Chronicles 16:34 (KJV)
In my prayers I have said, "I praise you Lord, for your mercy endureth forever." Recently, I've begun adding "and grace" to mercy. Today I thought I would go to my Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary to look up "grace." When I did so, I found 20 usages. The ones I found the most applicable were these:
"Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him."
Linda has completed twice and I am in the midst of reading Imagine Heaven by John Burke. Persons who experienced a Near Death Experience frequently indicate that their exposure to God/Jesus reflects his relating to them all their wrongs committed or omissions in an instant, but, what follows is an expression of incredible and forgiving love.
"Favorable influence of God; divine influence or the influence of the spirit, in renewing the heart and restraining from sin."
If we appropriate the divine influence or the influence of the spirit of our Lord, we will reflect in our words and deeds the following definitions of grace, will be gracious and will reflect graciousness.
"Goodwill; kindness; disposition to oblige another; virtuous or religious affection or disposition, as a liberal disposition, faith, meekness, humility, patience, proceeding from divine influence. That in manner, deportment or language which renders it appropriate and agreeable; suitableness; elegance with appropriate dignity."
Linda's and my personal pastor is the Rev. Hugh Morgan of Georgia, retired military chaplain, whom we consider our personal pastor. His example of graciousness is worthy of emulation in our daily encounters and communications. My dear Linda is a lady of extraordinary graciousness and reflects daily the graciousness indicative of the divine influence on her life.
Our neighborhood has recently endured back to back hailstorms, requiring new roof and window repairs. We have received numerous calls from roofers, soliciting a roof repair business, which we have contracted for already with our own insurance company. My responses heretofore have been curt and short to the calls. I have been convicted now to respond, if there are more, "Thank you for this kind offer. I already have made arrangements for my roof repairs. I know you are trying to make a living. May God bless you in this."
It is a small gesture of grace to be imparted indeed, but, perhaps it will lead always in all manners to that extension of graciousness that I know my Lord extends to me
Monday, March 21, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #57: "Who Was Pilate's Wife?"
Avalon Chronicles #57: "Who Was Pilate's Wife"
by Allen B.Clark allenbclark@aol.com,
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: 'Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.'"
Matthew 27:19 (NIV)
Poll one hundred non-Biblical scholars and ask,"What is the name of Pontius Pilate's wife?" Probably none will be able to answer. Pilate's wife is only mentioned in this one reference and without her name. She sent her husband the message as it is pictured in the movies with her standing behind a column watching Jesus before Pilate. Presumably Jesus appeared before Pilate in the Antonia Fortress (later the Praetorium) at the northwest corner of the Temple perhaps on Good Friday before he was nailed to the cross at Golgotha. The Romans placed great stock in dreams. They believed that they were sent from heaven as gifts and warnings that were not to be ignored.
Almost two decades ago, my wife Linda, was asked to read at her church on Palm Sunday the message in Matthew 27 about the trials of Jesus. She became curious as to the name of Pilate's wife and began her quest at a nearby Greek Orthodox church where the resident scholar admitted his faith celebrates on October 27 a feast day in celebration of Claudia Procula. The faith believes she became a Believer in Jesus and that her life passed in peace. Linda began a quest to learn more about this woman and what she learned is tremendously fascinating. She learned that Claudia and Pilate both are celebrated on July 25 by the Coptic Church of Ethiopia, which believes they both became Christians.
Claudia Procula was the granddaughter of the Great Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar. She was technically a Roman princess and the daughter of Augustus' daughter Julia. Julia was reported to have had many lovers and it is probable that Claudia was an illegitimate child. She grew up in Norbonne, France about twelve miles from the Mediterranean Sea. This was a Roman outpost in what was then called Gaul. It is not known when she met and married Pilate, who was from an old Roman family and an equestrian in the Roman Cavalry. Possibly the connections of Claudia led Pilate to the governorship of the Roman province of Judea from 26-36 AD. Her influence with Augustus further allowed her to live in Judea with her husband. This was not allowed in other cases by Augustus.
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, Josephus, the eminent Jewish historian, wrote that Pilate had an encounter with some rebellious Samaritans and it ended with some deaths. Pilate was recalled to Rome to report on the issue to the Emperor Tiberius, who died enroute, and when Pilate arrived, Caligula was the new Emperor. It is reported that Pilate was dealt with very harshly and was exiled. In those days if a man was exiled, he faced disgrace and the loss of his wealth, leaving his family destitute. An alternative was to commit suicide, which allowed the family's reputation to be unaffected. This act was not interpreted as one of despair, but one of calculated courage by Pilate.
There are two mountains in Europe named for Pilate and it is speculated that he fell to his death from one of them: Mt. Pilate in France, south of Lyon and Mt. Pilatas, southwest of Lucerne in Switzerland.
Almost two decades ago Linda began her lay ministry by researching woman of the Bible and it has evolved to where today she performs dramatic presentations of the Bible in period costumes she has researched and sews herself. These are done at churches and women's groups. She considers her drama on Claudia to be her flagship performance. Her web site is at http;//voices.name.
This Holy Week we can recall no words more important than those reported in Matthew 27:54 (NIV): "When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, 'Surely he was the Son of God.'"
Assuredly He was, we are convicted of that, and because of that belief, our lives have been changed forever!
by Allen B.Clark allenbclark@aol.com,
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: 'Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.'"
Matthew 27:19 (NIV)
Poll one hundred non-Biblical scholars and ask,"What is the name of Pontius Pilate's wife?" Probably none will be able to answer. Pilate's wife is only mentioned in this one reference and without her name. She sent her husband the message as it is pictured in the movies with her standing behind a column watching Jesus before Pilate. Presumably Jesus appeared before Pilate in the Antonia Fortress (later the Praetorium) at the northwest corner of the Temple perhaps on Good Friday before he was nailed to the cross at Golgotha. The Romans placed great stock in dreams. They believed that they were sent from heaven as gifts and warnings that were not to be ignored.
Almost two decades ago, my wife Linda, was asked to read at her church on Palm Sunday the message in Matthew 27 about the trials of Jesus. She became curious as to the name of Pilate's wife and began her quest at a nearby Greek Orthodox church where the resident scholar admitted his faith celebrates on October 27 a feast day in celebration of Claudia Procula. The faith believes she became a Believer in Jesus and that her life passed in peace. Linda began a quest to learn more about this woman and what she learned is tremendously fascinating. She learned that Claudia and Pilate both are celebrated on July 25 by the Coptic Church of Ethiopia, which believes they both became Christians.
Claudia Procula was the granddaughter of the Great Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar. She was technically a Roman princess and the daughter of Augustus' daughter Julia. Julia was reported to have had many lovers and it is probable that Claudia was an illegitimate child. She grew up in Norbonne, France about twelve miles from the Mediterranean Sea. This was a Roman outpost in what was then called Gaul. It is not known when she met and married Pilate, who was from an old Roman family and an equestrian in the Roman Cavalry. Possibly the connections of Claudia led Pilate to the governorship of the Roman province of Judea from 26-36 AD. Her influence with Augustus further allowed her to live in Judea with her husband. This was not allowed in other cases by Augustus.
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, Josephus, the eminent Jewish historian, wrote that Pilate had an encounter with some rebellious Samaritans and it ended with some deaths. Pilate was recalled to Rome to report on the issue to the Emperor Tiberius, who died enroute, and when Pilate arrived, Caligula was the new Emperor. It is reported that Pilate was dealt with very harshly and was exiled. In those days if a man was exiled, he faced disgrace and the loss of his wealth, leaving his family destitute. An alternative was to commit suicide, which allowed the family's reputation to be unaffected. This act was not interpreted as one of despair, but one of calculated courage by Pilate.
There are two mountains in Europe named for Pilate and it is speculated that he fell to his death from one of them: Mt. Pilate in France, south of Lyon and Mt. Pilatas, southwest of Lucerne in Switzerland.
Almost two decades ago Linda began her lay ministry by researching woman of the Bible and it has evolved to where today she performs dramatic presentations of the Bible in period costumes she has researched and sews herself. These are done at churches and women's groups. She considers her drama on Claudia to be her flagship performance. Her web site is at http;//voices.name.
This Holy Week we can recall no words more important than those reported in Matthew 27:54 (NIV): "When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, 'Surely he was the Son of God.'"
Assuredly He was, we are convicted of that, and because of that belief, our lives have been changed forever!
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #56: "Careless Words"
Avalon Chronicles #56: "Careless Words"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words will be condemned." (Matthew 12: 36,37, NIV Zondervan). The footnote, "Jesus reminds us that what we say reveals what is in our hearts. What kind of words come from your mouth?... You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives; then your speech will be cleansed at its source." (1674).
This passage has been part of my daily prayer "ritual" for years. It has always typically only meant for me "bad" language. However, this day I read something written by a minister that opened up to Linda and me an entirely new and profoundly deeper meaning. If you are a reader of my Chronicles, who lends no credence to spiritual warfare, demonic influence in your life, or the strength of your words as to their potential effect in power to be brought to fruition, then read no further.
If you are still with me, then allow me to quote from a book titled The Biblical Guidebook to Deliverance by Randy Clark, DMin, a minister we personally heard at a conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee several years ago. Clark, no relation, has ministered extensively in all parts of the world to tens of thousands. He wrote,
"A curse is an evil appeal for harm to come to someone. Many of us are unaware that words of criticism or condemnation spoken to or about another can actually curse that person. When we speak against someone, we open a door for the demonic to exercise their legal right to attach to that person's life. Something said in anger or frustration can set in motion forces in the supernatural that have the potential to do great harm. Most people are unaware of this dynamic until they come under teaching that brings it to light. This is one category of curses." (80).
Linda and I began to discuss and reflect on the implications of this throughout our past lives. We give great plausibility to this spiritual teaching. We began to consider all the times in our lives when we had spoken negatively of family members, children, friends, or just anyone with whom we had come in contact. It was quite sobering indeed to recognize the possible harm we had done to others much less the spiritual failure we had committed ourselves. If we belief scripture, and especially the words of Jesus, which are these in Matthew, and we do, it will indeed be a part of our future judgment. We do not know how we can undo ill effects of our past careless words, but we are cognizant from here forward of this truth. We requested forgiveness for those past words and requested God in the Name of Jesus to break any past or ongoing negative impacts in those lives.
Not to make light of all this, but we did have a laugh when jointly we said, "This spiritual truth has ruined our day." But, it will not again. Now we know better!
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words will be condemned." (Matthew 12: 36,37, NIV Zondervan). The footnote, "Jesus reminds us that what we say reveals what is in our hearts. What kind of words come from your mouth?... You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives; then your speech will be cleansed at its source." (1674).
This passage has been part of my daily prayer "ritual" for years. It has always typically only meant for me "bad" language. However, this day I read something written by a minister that opened up to Linda and me an entirely new and profoundly deeper meaning. If you are a reader of my Chronicles, who lends no credence to spiritual warfare, demonic influence in your life, or the strength of your words as to their potential effect in power to be brought to fruition, then read no further.
If you are still with me, then allow me to quote from a book titled The Biblical Guidebook to Deliverance by Randy Clark, DMin, a minister we personally heard at a conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee several years ago. Clark, no relation, has ministered extensively in all parts of the world to tens of thousands. He wrote,
"A curse is an evil appeal for harm to come to someone. Many of us are unaware that words of criticism or condemnation spoken to or about another can actually curse that person. When we speak against someone, we open a door for the demonic to exercise their legal right to attach to that person's life. Something said in anger or frustration can set in motion forces in the supernatural that have the potential to do great harm. Most people are unaware of this dynamic until they come under teaching that brings it to light. This is one category of curses." (80).
Linda and I began to discuss and reflect on the implications of this throughout our past lives. We give great plausibility to this spiritual teaching. We began to consider all the times in our lives when we had spoken negatively of family members, children, friends, or just anyone with whom we had come in contact. It was quite sobering indeed to recognize the possible harm we had done to others much less the spiritual failure we had committed ourselves. If we belief scripture, and especially the words of Jesus, which are these in Matthew, and we do, it will indeed be a part of our future judgment. We do not know how we can undo ill effects of our past careless words, but we are cognizant from here forward of this truth. We requested forgiveness for those past words and requested God in the Name of Jesus to break any past or ongoing negative impacts in those lives.
Not to make light of all this, but we did have a laugh when jointly we said, "This spiritual truth has ruined our day." But, it will not again. Now we know better!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)