ElBob

Brother “Professor” Reekie,

I did not mean what I said as a rebuke. My apologies if it came out that way. Forgive me. Like Paul in his writing to the Galatians, I wish the recipients could hear the tone of my voice.

Really, I sympathize with the situation there, and I also detest so called “ministries” that pretend to represent the Lord, but only work for gain.

Our forefathers (USA) did not desire the kind of government that we now have. A large, powerful government was what they feared most. They certainly would detest of a government welfare system. This does not insinuate that there should not be compassion and assistance for those who are in dire straits. But assistance, according to our founding fathers and the Bible, should come from individuals, churches, and other non-government organizations, and not the government. Then it would be much less costly, much more efficient, with almost no corruption. There certainly would not be the problems that are so prevalent in the US, Scotland, the UK, and the rest of the world – if that pattern was followed.

I often use the example of a train. If someone had never seen a train, and you showed them a train wreck, they still would not have seen the train as it was designed to operate. That is the government that we now have. Americans, for the last 140 years or so, do not know America as it was intended.

A lot of this applies to religion also. Most religions are a wreck. I often wonder what Paul or Peter’s response would be to today’s churches. There would probably be many, many letters of rebuke written!

We have no health care at all, my family and I. Living as we do, in the US and then in El Salvador, it is difficult to administrate and far too expensive.

I pity the dentist you spoke of. That is sad, indeed. We have been very blessed in El Salvador to meet and work with many doctors and dentists who offer their services totally free to the poor. They are very compassionate. But I must say that they are the acceptation, and not the rule.

I want to encourage you, brother, that you can take the Bible literally, but we must take it within context (as it was intended), remembering it is not a rule book, but rather a book of principles, that when applied in the spirit of grace, we can experience a worry-free and joyful life.

Jesus was not of this world. That is why He appeared to be a rebel. The world was (is) "upside-down." Only He is right-side up. He was the epitome of meekness. Meekness is power under control. (Like those fine horses you have in Scotland!) As God, He is all-powerful, yet merciful, patient and compassionate. He didn’t come to change the world but to change the hearts and minds on men and women.

The Bible is a miracle, indeed. It hurts me to see people in these forums attempt to tear it down in order to build themselves up as intellectuals. I think they have allowed their schooling to get in the way of their education.

You would have loved the Southern Baptist Seminary, brother. I don’t take upon myself a denominational name, don’t even refer to myself as a Christian – but as a believer or follower, but we are from a Southern Baptist church. They are not perfect, but over-all they seem to be the closest on Bible doctrine. Also, they tend to not lean toward fill-in-the-blank theology. If something is not completely clear in Scripture, most will tell you that there are various views.

I have always wanted to sail. Not the frilly cruse ships, but on those big cargo ships. I have a little mechanical and electrical engineering in my background and am amazed by those cargo ships. We went to Charlestown, SC once for vacation. All the family went to the beach and I went to the docks to watch them unload.

Your reference to giving. No, is not right to ask people to give money. I think I mentioned grace giving in a previous post. Like I said, God is about grace, not rules. He does not require His children to give a certain amount, nor does He limit them. We live in El Salvador. More than 40% of the people here earn less than $2 a day, yet the cost of living here is about 20% higher than in the US. Most live in “champas” - huts constructed of tin or adobe. Is very sad, indeed. But Christians here are very generous and eager to help those in worse condition than they are. Many churches actually took up voluntary offering to send to the victims of hurricane Katrina. Was very heart-warming to witness that.

I enjoy posting with you. I have always wanted to visit Scotland, but probably never will. My family has Scottish / Welsh lineage and I would enjoy giving the place a good look-over.

God bless you and please know that you are in my prayers.