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June 24, 2017 Handfuls of Purpose “And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.” (Ruth 2:16) This verse contains the unusual instruction of Boaz to his servants concerning Ruth after she asked if she could glean after the reapers in his field of barley. Not only did Boaz allow her to do so but also commanded his servants to “let fall some of the handfuls of purpose” for her, thus making her task easier. It is interesting that the same Hebrew word, basically meaning “take a spoil,” is used twice in this verse, once translated “let fall” and once as “of purpose.” The word for “handfuls,” used only this once in the Bible, evidently refers to a hand’s “grip.” Although all the translations seem to have difficulty with it, Boaz seems actually to be saying, in effect, to his servants: “Grab as though you were taking a spoil for her from the bundles of sheaves, and leave them as a spoil for her.” This was to be a deliberate and purposeful gift on Boaz’s part, but Ruth was not to know so that she could assume she had gleaned it all on her own. Boaz, therefore, like his distant descendant (through his soon-to-be bride, Ruth), Jesus Christ, provided that which represented the bread of life as a gracious gift to his coming bride. In this, as in other ways, Boaz is a type of Christ and Ruth is a type of each believer destined for union with Him. But the sheaves also represent the Word of God from which we daily can glean life-giving food for our souls. Our God has been pleased to leave us many “handfuls of purpose” along the way in the fruitful field of Scripture that we can stoop to gather as we go. Our heavenly “Boaz” has paid the price to take the spoil for us, but as we kneel down to glean each morsel, we “rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil” (Psalm 119:162). HMM

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matt 7:21-23 ESV)

Still struggling with the fact that they are 'homosexuals'. Deny who they are and trying to put forth the idea that when a person with that makeup becomes a christian they are no longer a homosexual. It is akin to saying that a person is not longer a 'sinner' when they become a christian. They still try to perpetuate the idea that being a 'homosexual' is a choice for anyone who considers themselves 'gay'. I understand what they are attempting to accomplish, but their own discussion and reasoning is still rather convoluted. Another approach to 'conversion therapy' is the way I understand their philosophy. The have come to hate the word 'gay' or 'homosexual' because to them it means 'sexual activity'. They still seem to have issues with being the person and a lifestyle. We all struggle with 'sin' and the desire to seen as 'sin free'. We want people to look at us 'perfect'. Christians don't believe that we suddenly become perfect when accepting Christ, but rather that God sees Christs perfection when looking at us. We are imperfect since the 'mistake in the garden' and still are today. Just as God did not create 'sinners', He did not creat 'gay' people. We are all the result of that loss of the original 'perfection'. A negro is a negro, a caucasion is a caucasian, a japanese a japanese, etc, etc. When someone is born gay, which I believe happens, they will still be that way regardless if they stop that lifestyle. Lifestyle and the person are different and can be seperated, if not than all are lost.

If the Scriptures were "quite clear on this subject" then logically, debates would NOT "have run on for centuries over this topic".

4 critical techniques of Propaganda: 1) Dismiss: It never happened. It is false. 2) Distract: You think that is bad. You should give thought to . . . 3) Distort: Actually, this is what happened. . . 4) Dismay: A scare tactic to get people to think of something worse.

As I have said in the past: I believe that in the future, it is likely that denominational historians will look back on the reign of President Ted and say that he did more to bring about the ordination of females than any other person could have done.

FOTAP - -The terms "God the Son" and "God the Holy Spirit" are not use in the Bible or in the writings of EGW. WHO is it that gave us these terms? Is is written: 1 Corinthians 8:6 KJV But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

I would respectfully submit none of us are going to change anyone's opinion on this subject. As ironic as it may sound, I DO believe that the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth - whether that is through God's word or supernatural experience - in this life or the next. I'm convinced that I have been overwhelmed by the power of the Holy Spirit on a few occasions - dropped to the ground; surrounded by overwhelming glory. It can actually be frightening. But the thing is, is that I was overwhelmed by a POWER; not a PERSON. That power was like an internet connection to the outer borders of God's glory. But the Person there was God (Father , Son, or both); the Holy Spirit was simply the "circuit" that connected me to Them. The Holy Spirit is the Real Deal; but it's not a Person. I think sound arguments have been made on both sides here. For me , the bottom line is that God is far beyond a mystery. He is far beyond what we consider to be our wildest concepts of Him. In this age, we can only get a dim view of Who He is. In the coming Age, we will see Him as He is; and be amazed. He is far more awesome that the most awesome awesomeness that we can possibly imagine. We have an eternity to study the nature of God from the ultimate Teacher - God Himself. As we scatter throughout the universe, we will be connected by the same Holy Spirit that connects us to Him now - only better.

That is so true about many topics - grace vs. works is another one. Futuristic vs. preterist/historicist view of eschatology is another. The authority of EGW's writings is yet another. Many of the topics discussed (including this one on the nature of the HS) are not - IMHO - salvational; they are just fun to discuss with others. I like learning about other people's viewpoints - some have even influences my personal beliefs. However, these discussions rarely if ever change anyone's beliefs. It is sad to see these kind of differences splitting churches. I remember back in the 1980's and 90's when so many churches split over the "new theology". Independent ministries like Hope International, Steps to Life, Rolling Hills, etc. implying that the church MAY be Babylon. Our own church in NM split over the legitimacy of these independent ministries. I look back on those times now and think "what was the big deal"? No matter what any of our opinions on these subjects are, we all are united in the fact that we want to spend eternity with our Heavenly Father and His Son, our Lord, Jesus. I would bet that ANY of us - no matter what our current beliefs or opinions, would IMMEDIATELY "see the light" if Christ were to tell us that He disagrees with our opinion. I'll tell you of an experience that changed me. I had gone to a weekend workshop on spiritual healing and impartation at a charismatic church close by. There were people speaking in tongues and being "slain in the Spirit" all over the place. It didn't work on me at that time. I though "what a bunch of hogwash!" The next day, I was on my lawn tractor remembering and chuckling at some of the stuff I saw. I prayed; "God, if this is real, why couldn't you do it to me?" The next thing I knew I was curled up in a ball 10 feet away from my tractor crying and shaking; and babbling under my breath. I was a mess. When I recovered, I asked Him to do it again so I could see if it was real. He did - the same thing happened. I suddenly had a new respect for charismatics. Sorry for the rabbit trail.