Bible Trekking – Page 6 – Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Jesus loves me

July 20, 2022

There is a song with this title. I learned it when I was a kid. I’d like to talk to you about the words of this song. “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” This is the first phrase.

The bible does tell us that we are loved by a man named Jesus. About two thousand years ago He was born into this world just as we all are. No difference other than that his mother was a virgin and ours were not. Now that we know who Jesus is let’s look at the world loves.

Love is the verb in this phrase. It is the action word. The apostle Paul tells us that love is patient and kind. This is enough of a definition to show how His love is different from what most of us experience from those that claim they love us. Most of us are not very patient and would have a definition of kindness that probably varies greatly.

Do you know that He loves you? The Bible tells us in many places that we are loved by God and this includes His Son, Jesus. The Messiah told us many stories to explain how much His Father loves us. One of these is that of a shepherd who left 99 sheep that were safe to find the one that had gotten lost. Are you that lost one?

The next stanza tells us that we belong to him. We are told that His strength will make up for our weakness. The dependability of God and our fallibility are written all through His word. The Psalms have many verses of poetry that tell us how we can follow Him and have Him protect us.

In the second stanza, we are told that Jesus’ love is as strong as it always was. He places children on His knee and tells them to come to Him as He always has. Our Lord told us that to reach Heaven we must become like children and trust Him as they do.

He is still with us on our way is what verse three tells us. He walks with us today as He has always said He would, giving us light and love as a friend. He told us that we would be His friends forever.

Our Savior died for us to open a way to eternal life. That was His purpose for becoming human. The fourth verse tells us this and that His sacrifice was for the payment of our sins.

The fifth and final verse tells us that He will stay close with us on our way, and we promise that we will live for Him as He died for us. This song is considered a children’s ditty. By looking at the words I want you to see that it is a confirmation of what Christians believe about the creator of the universe and His plan for our redemption.

He did what was necessary to bring us back to fellowship with Yahweh. This was done to show that He loves us and always will. From the mid 1800’s this poem has been around to remind us of what was done for us and why.

Crippled made straight

July 19, 2022

Luke 13:10-17 tells the story of a crippled woman who was healed by Jesus. There are many points of interest in this portion of scripture that bear looking at. The first is that it happened on Saturday. This was the Jewish Sabbath day. All you were supposed to do was go to church and hang close to your home.

The original Levitical reference says to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Holy means separate. You have six days to work. The seventh is a day of rest and renewal. Jesus was in the synagogue teaching when he saw a woman that was crippled so badly, that she could not stand up straight. She had been this way for eighteen years.

He calls her to come to Him. He simply touches her and says that she is cured of her illness. She stands up straight and walks home as any normal person would. No sit-ups, pushups, or ropes were not used, and no elaborate ceremony. She was bent over, and she straightened up. Nothing wrong with that.

The leader of the synagogue did not agree. He vocalized his distress at these proceedings. My guess is Jesus would not be invited back next Saturday. His words were to come Sunday to Friday to be healed. Who would spend their time healing folks on the day of worship?

Have you seen a preacher get upset because someone came into their church and did something good? I hope you have not. I witnessed a local minister berating a waitress on a Sunday because she was working. The work she was doing was serving his family. I was the dishwasher and busboy. I was also beginning ministerial school in a couple of months.

When I returned to my station behind the kitchen, she was there and very upset. I told her that I knew the man and did not think much of him as a preacher or a man. She recovered herself and returned to the floor to continue taking care of the customers.

A few months later I received an invitation to speak at this Pastor’s church. I preached on this passage of scripture. I emphasized Jesus’ response to the synagogue leader. Jesus called him a hypocrite. How can a minister that works more on Sunday tell others that their jobs should not be done on that day? I did not mention the scene I had witnessed. The pastor and his family were gone that Sunday. I don’t know if he was told about my message. I was not asked to return for a second time. Probably just a coincidence.

Let’s pursue that word hypocrite a little more. It is a transliteration of a Greek word. The word means an actor. A synonym is thespian. It is also defined as a fraud, fake, or deceiver. The modern definition is someone who does not practice what they preach.

The question should be, “Am I a hypocrite?” Yes, I am. I attend a church that is a hospital for hypocrites. The seats are full of them and so is the pulpit. The difference is that we are trying to be healed of that affliction. Unlike the Synagogue leader in this story who was offended by the words of our Lord. His words should inspire and energize us.

Good versus bad.

August 7, 2021

We continue with the stories told in Luke chapter 6.

43 A good tree does not produce bad fruit; neither does a sick tree have good fruit. 44 Every tree is known by its fruit. Men do not gather figs from thorn bushes,

Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree produces evil fruit.

18A good tree cannot bring bad fruit, neither can a sick tree produce good fruit.

19Every tree that does not give good fruit is cut down and burned.

20By their fruits you will know them.

Luke 6:43 begins with the distinction between good and evil trees and quality and inadequate fruit. Following this introduction, the fact that thistles and thorns do not produce figs or grapes is given. Matthew shared this concept first. We are not talking about fruit. He is speaking of men. They can be evil or righteous. We are to be fruit inspectors to know the difference.

Matthew 6:45 A good man does what is good out of the treasure of his heart; and an evil man acts with evil intent from the evil of his heart: from the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 46 Why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and do not do the things which I ask?

Jesus talks in verse 45 about where our motivations reside. The treasure in our hearts is either good or evil. That inner pressure leads us to be righteous or unrighteous. These different ideas come out of our mouths or are expressed through our hands and feet. Our actions show who we are.

Matthew 7:16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?

When you go to the grocery store to buy produce, do you ever contemplate how the things you buy are grown? I like to grow my own food if I can. This year my garden includes onions, lettuce, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, carrots, and beets. I don’t intentionally grow weeds. Often, they are more prolific than my preferred plants. I know some people in this world that might be considered human weeds. They have no useful purpose in their lives.

Matthew 7:21 Not everyone that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me at the day of judgment, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works?

23 And then I will profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.

Matthew 7:21-23 has the Son of God telling us that He will deny that He knows us, if we are just playing games with God. Do you call Him Lord, or do we truly respect Him as the one that we follow and let Him guide us through everything? Doing the work that we have been given makes us disciples. Trying to do it on our own, makes us hopeless. Our Father gives hope and encouragement when we ask for it.

We are reading the words that were spoken by the Messiah while He was living on this earth. Hearing these sayings are not enough. We must do what we are told to do. Go back to the beginning of this sermon that was given from a mountain top. These are not suggestions. At this point We are likened to one of two types of men depending on whether we obey His commands or ignore them.

Luke 6:47 Whoever comes to me, and hears my sayings, and does them, I will show you who he is like:

48 He is like a man who builds a house, and digs deep, and lays the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon the house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

49 But he that hears, and does not, is like a man that builds a house without a foundation on the earth; against which the streams beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and it was completely destroyed.

Are you familiar with the construction process? Every project begins with a foundation. The size of the building is irrelevant in determining how the structure should be supported. If you do not dig down and start building from solid rock, you are foolish. Ask any builder and he will tell you this is true. Today we may need to use concrete below our brick, stone, wood, or metal framework. Christians are often referred to as being stupid enough to believe unfounded claims. Continuing listening to what this Godman says about himself and those that follow Him.

The Parables begin.

August 6, 2021

We begin in Luke chapter six with stories that Jesus told during His ministry

Luke 6:39 He spoke a parable to them, “can the blind lead the blind? Will they not fall into a ditch together?”

Matthew 15:14 Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Can the blind lead the blind is the question? What does He mean by this? If you do not see how to follow your own path, you cannot direct someone else in how to live their lives. Without Christ we cannot see our own purpose. Trying to guide others will cause everyone to fail. Matthew 15:14 expresses it a little differently. It is still true.

Luke 6:40 The disciple is not above his master. Everyone that is perfect shall be his own master.

Matthew 10:24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

Masters and disciples are contrasted and compared. Followers learn from those that lead them. Your purpose is to become like the one that leads. Leadership is the goal of every follower of the Lord. As you mature others will look to you for directions in discipleship. Look at the way Matthew recorded this statement. He adds servants and Lords to the mix which is appropriate because we are to be servants and Jesus is to be our Lord.

Luke 6:41 Why do you see a speck that is in your brother’s eye, but miss the log that is in your eye?

42 How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me pull out the speck that is in your eye, when you do not see the log that is in your eye? You hypocrite, get rid of the log in your eye, and then you will see clearly to pull the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

Matthew 7:3 Why do you see a speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not observe the log that is in your eye?

4How can you say to your brother, “Let me pull out the speck from your eye”; and look, a log is in your eye?

5 You hypocrite, first get rid of the log in your eye; and then you will see clearly to clean out the speck from your brother’s eye.

You can’t lead when you are blind. Blindness may have many causes. An obstruction is the suggested cause in Matthew 7:3-5 and Luke 6:41-42. A speck in the eye is compared to a log or beam in your own eye. This is a direct exaggeration to emphasize the absurdity in what we do. Have you heard of the humor of Jesus? This is a perfect example.

Our Lord asks us to mind our own business and not try to fix others before we have corrected all our faults. Our sins are as bad as those of our brothers and sisters in Jesus’ eyes. The term hypocrite is an interesting one. In Greek, a hypocrite was an actor or thespian. It was someone who concealed their identity and attempted to fool others into believing they were someone they were not. That fits with what Christ is telling us here. We should see ourselves as we are and not belittle others because they are different.

Written in Red introduction.

August 1, 2021

I was drug through the Bible as a young child beginning shortly after my birth. I may have been a week old when I went to church for the first time. I do not believe that first church had a nursery, so I was in the service with everyone else. I was colicky and my mother had to be walking me outside to allow the pastor to be heard.

My first recollection of studying the word of the Lord was in the children’s department of Immanuel Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. It was a few blocks down the street from our home. It was still more of a pushing operation. My parents and the teachers stayed behind me directing me to drink. I wasn’t very thirsty. At age eleven I came to know the Lord as my personal savior.

These studies are called Bible Trekking because my voyage through it on my own began while I was in college. I was still attending Immanuel and was attempting to find God’s direction for my life. My travels began in earnest in 1974 when I accepted my savior’s call to the ministry of the gospel.

My entry into journalism school was scrapped and I transferred to Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, Missouri to study the Bible on a serious level. My professors reminded me of what I had heard for years as a child. They also opened my eyes to who they thought Jesus and God were. That was where the trek began.

The term Christian or Christianity has thousands of definitions that are held by those who claim to be followers of Christ and those who reject Him. Just who was He and who can we believe?

How can we learn what Christianity is about? Have you tried just reading the words that Jesus spoke? I began this study a few years ago and have decided to finish it while sharing it with you. I began by using a harmony of the gospels to flow through all four stories of the Lord in chronological order. I have decided that it would be more productive to follow His words through categories.

The time we must cover is just thirty-five years or so. We will look at the stories He told, the miracles that were performed, who Jehovah is, who Jesus claimed to be, the new covenant that God was giving to the world, and the new teachings that seemed completely foreign from Judaism.

As we read these words, what version of the Bible should we use. It doesn’t matter. I will be using both the King James Version and Young’s Literal Translation. At times the Quotations will not show either KJV or YLT. The notation will be BTV which stands for the Bible Trekking Version. This is not an official translation. It simply means that I want to use the words that I think explain it to us.

Let’s begin with the stories that are called parables. A parable usually has only one aspect that relates to the teaching Jesus wants us to learn. Some of these teachings are in more than one of the four gospels. We will discuss the different words each witness recalls Him using and if the different witnesses cause any problems with interpretation.

Wisdom from Lemuel.

July 31, 2021

In Proverbs 31 we have another writer that we know little about. There are no Israelite kings named Lemuel. These are instructions from his mother. She warns him against women, alcohol, and encouraging him to speak up for the poor and needy. Beer and wine should be reserved for those who are trying to forget a tragedy. Sounds like a country music song, doesn’t it?

I have heard verse eight used by those who believe in the right to life. I would count unborn babies, the handicapped, the ill, and the elderly as being destitute. These cannot speak for themselves. Those of us who value every life have a duty to use our wisdom that God has given us to defend them.

The last twenty-two verses are some of the most often read in Proverbs. These do not appear to be from Lemuel and his mother. They are especially used on Mother’s Day. Women are encouraged to follow this Lady. Her husband is confident in her because she is good, wise in business, hard-working, and respected in the community. Even though nothing is said about her looks, she is beautiful on the inside.

Let’s take a closer look at her attributes. She is worth more than any jewels she might wear. Her husband has every confidence in her. This is both for hard work in the home as well as outside of it. She is good to him throughout their lives together.

She works hard and is productive. Traveling distances to feed her family is not foreign to her. She rises early, feeds the family and the household staff before she begins her day. She excels at business and her husband knows he can trust her judgment. This woman also spends time working with her hands.

She is a philanthropist. Her husband is a respected community leader. He and the entire family are grateful for the hours spent to provide for their food and clothing.

She teaches her children and the other women the wisdom given to her by Jehovah. She would share this with men other than her husband if they would listen. The praise from her kids is, “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Her greatest gift is the respect for and knowledge of her Lord. She deserves honor and praise for everything she has accomplished.

Proverbs of Agur.

July 30, 2021

Who is Agur in Proverbs 30? His Father was Jakeh. He is called an oracle. Some versions say they are from Massa. Agur means Stranger or Gathering Together. The second meaning is like Ecclesia in New Testament Greek. It means Gathering Together and is usually written as Church. Jakeh may mean carefully religious.

He is writing to Ithiel of the clan of Judah and Ucal whom we know nothing else about. Sometimes Ithiel is translated as Words of God. Ucal means Power.

Despite being down on himself, as many of us are from time to time. He calls himself stupid, lacking wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.

He knows the Lord is in control. Beginning with verse four we have a description of Yahweh. The verse ends with the question, “What is the name of His Son.” Today we know it is Jesus. His words are pure, and He is a shield and refuge for us. We are warned not to add to his words.

The two things Agur asks for are to keep falsehood from him as well as poverty and wealth. He asks for only his daily bread. That is what we should desire as well. He gives us the reasons.

We are urged not to slander a servant to his master. We need to contemplate this for a moment. The term servant can be seen as employee and master as manager, supervisor, or owner. This instruction tells us not to criticize another worker unjustly.

We must not be of the generation that curses father and mother. This is repeated in verse seventeen. Those who are pure in their own eyes, see no reason to improve. This reminds me of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day. They are the ones devouring the oppressed and needy.

Leeches are disgusting creatures. Their children are always asking for things to be given to them. Think for a moment about the four things that are never satisfied. Hell, a woman who cannot have children, earth which never has enough water, and fire which consumes everything it can reach.

Again, there are three, no four things that we do not understand. We misunderstand the same things he does. Especially a man with a woman. No matter how many years we have been married, we still don’t fully understand each other.

The adulteress is dealt with in this chapter, also. After devouring her prey. she does not see that she has done anything wrong. I hope you do not do this exact thing.

How can we interpret the four things that cause the earth to tremble? A servant who becomes king is a theme for many American novels. Poor boy makes good and becomes powerful and influential. We all know fat fools, unloved married women, and employees who take over companies from their previous bosses.

Four small things are very wise. Ants, hyraxes, locusts, and lizards are all around today. You don’t know what a hyrax is. It is a small furry mammal that lives in the deserts of Africa and the Middle East. Their burrows are amazingly intricate. I can personally testify for the lizards. While I have yet to see one in my house, they are constantly around the foundation and my shop.

What or who do you think of as stately? Lions, roosters, goats, and the heads of armies are the four given here. Lions are powerful. Roosters are sometimes too proud. Goats believe they have the authority to go anywhere and eat anything they want. They do not eat cans. Just the labels from them. An army general is only as strong as his army.

Look at the last two verses. It is not wise to exalt yourself. You would be better to keep your mouth shut. Churning milk, twisting noses, and stirring up anger all have results. So does our self-exaltation. Butter is good. Nose bleeds and strife are not. Be careful of what the reactions to your words and deeds are.

Wisdom prevents anger.

July 29, 2021

Too much criticism can cause people to be broken in spirit in Proverbs 29. As with previous chapters many of these ideas are repeated. Other sayings in this chapter are that men who complain a lot will trap all those around, but the wise can prevent anger.

Anyone who believes lies will have a lot of liars around them. Honest people and dishonest ones will always be in opposition. This means that when they seemingly are honest, but defend the dishonest, maybe they aren’t as reliable as you think they are.

A judge that treats the poor fairly will be in authority for a long time. True justice comes from the Lord. Discipline of a child benefits both the child and the parents. Pampering of a child leads to insolence.

Of course, we must have a proverb that tells us that anyone who visits prostitutes destroys his wealth. Justice and bribery destroy the stability of a nation. This is true of all levels of government.

Singing and rejoicing is an indication of the state of the heart. Again, we see that the way you treat the poor shows whether you are righteous or wicked. Mockers make people angry and the wise subdue it. The wise and the foolish cannot agree.

Honesty may be the best policy it just doesn’t make you popular with the those who desire to hurt others. God gives vision to the good and the bad. Fairness from leaders will lengthen their terms in office. Failure to correct your children will eventually disgrace the parents. Disciplined children bring peace of mind and delight.

Many communities understand verse sixteen. They have seen the destruction that is caused by an influx of the rebellious. Listening to instruction can save a lot of problems. The reference to a slave not understanding will be clearer if we realize that slaves are usually not educated.

Their masters keep them uneducated to keep them in slavery. Pampering a slave will make them arrogant. Pride will humble us, and humility will bring us honor.

Verse twenty talks about people who don’t stop talking long enough to think. Anger and quick tempers cause conflict and rebellion. Thieves and their partners do not do themselves any good. Do not fear men. Trust in Jehovah. He provides justice. Our problems with police and the criminals, in our country is based on what verse twenty-seven says.

A discerning and knowledgeable ruler.

July 28, 2021

Evil people are always running from someone or something. Proverbs chapter 28 says good people are bold like a lion. Leaders who oppress the poor is like a driving rain. The law helps us battle against evil. Justice means nothing to those who oppose it.

When Jehovah destroyed Israel and Judah, it was due to inequality and lack of justice. Prayer is worthless to those who ignore the commandments of God. The poor who have integrity are better than those rich who do not know right from wrong.

Leaders should not be working for their advantage. Generosity and wisdom from the head of the country is needed. Children can be a blessing or a curse depending on if they follow the Lord or not.

Collecting excessive interest may increase wealth, but not at the expense of the poor. Even one who leads others astray will fall into his own pit. The blameless will inherit good things. Being a poor man doesn’t mean you do not have discernment.

Have you ever noticed how people react around others? They hide from some and enjoy being with others. Confessing our sins is needed to find mercy. Reverence makes you happy. The hard of heart fall into trouble. Rulers who are wicked are like wild animals. They are oppressive because they have no understanding.

Bloodguilt makes you a fugitive. Integrity is knowing right from wrong. I have known people in the business world who chased fantasies of instant wealth and were left worse off than those who continued to work for a living. Blessings come to the faithful.

Showing partiality is not good. Sin can be caused by a need for food. The desire for quick wealth is an indicator of greed. Telling the hard truth will gain respect from those who are discerning. Robbing your parents and saying there is no sin reminds me of the condemnation that Jesus gave the Jewish leaders for ignoring their parents’ needs.

Trusting in the Lord will cause prosperity. A fool trusts in himself while the wise will be safe. Those who ignore the poor will be cursed. The generous will not suffer need. Wicked and righteous can be distinguished by the way others react to them.

Contradictions in proverbs.

July 27, 2021

Contradictions in the Bible are a complaint many have. Proverbs 26 contains these. Snow in summer is as much expected as honor is for the foolish. A fool can also expect punishment. Arguing with those that lack wisdom is not wise. A proper answer can curb a the uneducated. A message sent by those that are not dependable lead to nothing but violence. Proverbs from the foolish are like limp limbs. The description of the foolish continue from here.

Sparrows and swallows or other birds as known to flit around but get nowhere. Curses have as much likelihood of hitting home. Wisdom in our own mind is worse than foolishness.

The lazy is another group that is dealt with here. They seem to always have an excuse for not working. They are too lazy to even feed themselves. Slackers resemble the proud. They think they are always correct.

I like to grab my dog by her ears. She realizes I just want to play. Most dogs do not. Don’t tell others you were just joking when you were not. Gossips and quarrelsome people cause conflict and distress.

Have you ever glazed a pot? It does not always create a smooth surface. Hatefulness reveals deceit. Evil desires will ultimately be seen. Be careful of digging holes and rolling stones and flattering mouths.

Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Walk With a Servant

Category: Bible Trekking