tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.comments2023-12-24T16:01:11.208-05:00OikonomiaJohn Silviushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665785198658403584noreply@blogger.comBlogger297125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-53245711976887644202023-12-24T16:01:11.208-05:002023-12-24T16:01:11.208-05:00Thank you, Eric, for your kind words. We thank G...Thank you, Eric, for your kind words. We thank God in every remembrance of you, Becky, and your family for your ministry in our lives. In this season of hope, we remember your father whom you no doubt think of often these days, especially because his home-going was drawing near last year at this time. May you sense God's nearness and dearness as you celebrate His birth. Psalm 138:8Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-70213056724022098222023-12-23T12:11:40.041-05:002023-12-23T12:11:40.041-05:00John & Abby,
We certainly miss the wonderful, ...John & Abby,<br />We certainly miss the wonderful, regular fellowship we once enjoyed. Our respect and love for you both is great, and we are thankful for God’s blessings upon you and your family.<br />May you know, in all richness, the grace, mercy, and peace of God in Christ, for this season, and throughout the coming year.<br />Love,<br />Eric & BeckyEric W Fairhurstnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-3532906937024155762023-12-22T17:39:54.759-05:002023-12-22T17:39:54.759-05:00Dear Merlin and Ruth. We are blessed to read your...Dear Merlin and Ruth. We are blessed to read your update and to know that you are keeping in touch with friends through phone and internet, and especially with Grace through Philadelphia Connect. We view the "Connect" as a modern offspring of a ministry you and Ruth served in so faithfully to the blessing of many. Please greet Mindy and Deb for us. Glad you can be with Mindy and her husband.<br />Also, we are glad you continue to be in God's Word for your benefit and the blessing to others. Abby remembers the warmth and gracious hospitality Ruth and you provided in your home, and I have been blessed to serve with you in various means on campus and at Grace.<br />May God bless you both and family as you remember the Christ who came and is coming again.<br />John and AbbyJohnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-22749175844251937762023-12-22T14:20:32.490-05:002023-12-22T14:20:32.490-05:00Dear John and Abby, We have such fond memories of ...Dear John and Abby, We have such fond memories of you and your family. God has been good. We love keeping contact with you and hearing of Gods goodness. We have maintained our Cedarville connections through WOL Florida since moving south. Unfortunately, most of that group is now moving back north closer or near family in Fla.(Franks) so that connection have declined. <br />We live as you may know with Mindy and her husband in Melbourne Beach. We have had some health issues but are well cared for. I am outliving my male family ancestors by quite a lot so thank God. Deb and family visit several times per yr including upcoming Christmas. We are involved in a small group and I am teaching a Bible study at a nursing home so get spiritually fed a bit preparing. We are limited in long distant traveling but still drive to medical appts, rehab, and. Church. I follow Grace Baptist church through the Philadelphia connect and have watched quite a number of funerals virtually. <br />Thanks again for your communication❤️Merlin and RuthAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-78322389136199541772023-12-21T22:31:48.929-05:002023-12-21T22:31:48.929-05:00Thank you mc Lehr, for reading and responding. We...Thank you mc Lehr, for reading and responding. We thank God for our friendship with you and for the ways we have been able to grow together in Him in recent years. Hope you and your family will have a blessed Christmas.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-30647753177463984652023-12-21T20:33:57.141-05:002023-12-21T20:33:57.141-05:00Thank you John and Abby for being such good friend...Thank you John and Abby for being such good friends. You both are such a blessing! I am so glad you both are feeling much better. Your pictures are wonderful. Have a wonderfully blessed Christmas!<br />mc lehrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02240322266164134050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-43908849887935123982023-12-21T12:51:18.600-05:002023-12-21T12:51:18.600-05:00Thank you, Greg. We are thankful for your and Deni...Thank you, Greg. We are thankful for your and Denise's friendship in Christ, and we join you in celebration of our Savior's birth.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-36908220885049895662023-12-20T17:36:36.334-05:002023-12-20T17:36:36.334-05:00John, thank you for your wonderful letter. Wishi...John, thank you for your wonderful letter. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Greg Bingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-27133621077507939132023-08-08T10:05:25.498-04:002023-08-08T10:05:25.498-04:00Thank, for clearly stating some of the important r...Thank, for clearly stating some of the important reasons for voting in support of Issue 1. Blessings to you as well, my brother.jsilviushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09532165856127172031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-19885914570872597402023-08-08T09:22:55.583-04:002023-08-08T09:22:55.583-04:00John, Thank you for posting the issue 1 informati...John, Thank you for posting the issue 1 information. Although I did vote early, because I find it easier with my schedule. I do recognize why it is important, to have a bigger majority in order to change Ohio's constitution. Especially when we know special interest such as Critical race theory, abortion rights supporters,and transgender advocates are seeking to destroy our young people. God Bless you my Brother.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-25267399314452818282023-07-20T08:54:49.344-04:002023-07-20T08:54:49.344-04:00Thanks for reading and for your comment, Mike. As...Thanks for reading and for your comment, Mike. As Allen, my former colleague, was fond of saying, "All men are men of faith." But our Joy today and destiny depends on where and on Whom our faith is placed. Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-52815152144689397712023-07-19T06:56:13.246-04:002023-07-19T06:56:13.246-04:00Sure looks like just a bunch of random chance to m...Sure looks like just a bunch of random chance to me...sorry but I couldn't resist. :)<br />Thanks for the post, John. I always appreciate your science-oriented writing. Looking forward to part three!Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17711988673855336826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-26099186632549792132023-05-20T16:07:02.634-04:002023-05-20T16:07:02.634-04:00Thank you. I believe your testimony expresses your...Thank you. I believe your testimony expresses your understanding and the intent of Romans 12: 1-2. Praying now that we both resolve anew to walk in submission to the Spirit, our Helper and Advocate with our Father. <br /><br />You've also interested me in looking into a few commentaries on Rom. 12: 1-2<br />Here's one that speaks into our conversation:<br /><br />“The body is the instrument of the spirit; and this so completely, that, if it be laid hold for Him, there is no part of the practical life but must, of necessity, be His. The feet are used to walk at His bidding, the hands to employ ourselves in His things, the tongue to speak for Him and nothing else, the ear to hear His words; the eye also, so that whatever it looks upon, it will look upon as being under His control” (Numerical Bible). It is plain that the whole life thus finds its government.” And this yielding of the body, giving it as a living sacrifice, is our intelligent service. It is the needful thing so that all which is written in the sixth chapter may become a practical thing in our lives. Is this presentation of the body as a living sacrifice an act done once for all (as some teach), or is it a daily yielding? It must be done continually. And it becomes possible to go on presenting the body thus, under all circumstances, if we remember the mercies of God, what God in Christ has done for us and in what a wonderful position He has put us in His own Son. But it needs constant watchfulness, prayer, meditation on the Word and self-judgment.<br /> - Gaebelein's Annotated Bible<br />jsilviushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09532165856127172031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-33917683338357461282023-05-20T08:01:04.416-04:002023-05-20T08:01:04.416-04:00Yes, indeed! An examination of my life throughout ...Yes, indeed! An examination of my life throughout the periods of my rebellion (to the authority of His Word) and my submission revealed to me 1: The authority of the Bible verified. 2: The only way to grow in knowledge and spirit with God is through submission to His will. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-86195328682014514302023-05-19T16:38:42.292-04:002023-05-19T16:38:42.292-04:00Thank you for reading and sharing your own journey...Thank you for reading and sharing your own journey of faith and growth in nearness to Christ which I sense was often helped by the choices you made to submit to Him in the midst of spiritual challenges. Hope you will continue to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am reminded of how Romans 12: 1-2 calls us to yield ourselves as a living sacrifice, allowing our minds to be renewed so we can discern God's Word and workings in our lives; and in turn, so that we can know more clearly who we are--not too high or too low (verse 3). Let's keep our eyes on Him, and on the mirror of our selves in contrast.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-86085343678647882452023-05-19T07:14:58.444-04:002023-05-19T07:14:58.444-04:00Thank you, John for that in depth look on our part...Thank you, John for that in depth look on our partnership with Jesus. It is certainly a different viewpoint, a different way to view our interdependence with Christ. I'd been pondering something along those lines myself recently. My takeaway from my ponderances has led me to a startling conclusion; so much of my life and my choices had only served to verify the authority of the scriptures, even my time of "rebellion" had only brought me closer to Him. As I look back on my life, I can say with certainty the best comes with a healthy submission to Him. To keep one's senses in this crazy, fallen world, it's important to recognize the difference between His declared will and His permissive will. He wants for us to love ourselves as well as love Him, never losing sight of ourselves, or Him. Resentment either way brings a heavy cost, indeed! To love and trust in Him with all our hearts, minds, and spirits requires every part of our being. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-20409770384076373932023-04-27T13:52:33.184-04:002023-04-27T13:52:33.184-04:00John Silvius BTW, 1. these angels (only 4) descri...John Silvius BTW, 1. these angels (only 4) described in Rev. 4:8 are unique in both function AND appearance; that is, their song is directed to Christ in actualization of specific worship announcement in a specific act. That’s not the same as repeating “hallelujah” or “worthy” in a non-specific idea related to Christs’ person or work - which one hears frequently in modern songs. Dr. Gromacki used to point out, the Greek “Hallelujah” in Greek form only occurs in the NT here in Revelation and suggested we over-use it. His point was that it’s use was reserved for the highest praise offered in heaven. The Hebrew term was more common and also meant in general “praise”.<br /> 2. Contextually, “new” in some of these references doesn’t refer to “new to me and you” but “new in content and who directed to”. For instance, contrast the subject matter of those songs written by the unbelieving and secondly, some songs are sung to one another (singing psalms and hymns encouraging our hearts) while others are offered as prayers directed to God. We are Gods’ new creature/creation; old things we once communicated are passed away; we communicate that NEW (redeemed) mindset. Old songs can be NEW, and new songs can be NEW - content, intent and motive are key. He/she that worships must worship in spirit and truth: AS A CHILD WHOLEHEARTEDLY but DRIVEN BY THE TRUTH. Given the Christ-centric purpose of praise and our redeemed nature it seems clear that at the least, our music should reflect care, and the nature of God which none of us takes flippantly. Do ALL to the glory of God.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-29051922288671110212023-03-29T07:58:31.342-04:002023-03-29T07:58:31.342-04:00Thank you for reading, Lee. Our thoughts and pray...Thank you for reading, Lee. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and yours as we remember God's Lamb.jsilviushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09532165856127172031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-7008474170720666942023-03-29T07:45:15.901-04:002023-03-29T07:45:15.901-04:00Well said……..as always!
LeeWell said……..as always!<br />LeeAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00937819140740738664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-37059392931646924172022-12-19T09:56:02.062-05:002022-12-19T09:56:02.062-05:00Thank you. It has been our honor and blessing from...Thank you. It has been our honor and blessing from God to have known Richard and Dorothy.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-64733184974694940302022-12-18T19:07:36.136-05:002022-12-18T19:07:36.136-05:00John, thank you for such a clear and faithful pres...John, thank you for such a clear and faithful presentation of the Good News! We appreciate your dedication to Richard and Dorothy.Carolyn Warenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-76044557921327450622022-11-11T13:06:20.452-05:002022-11-11T13:06:20.452-05:00Thank you, Warren, for your comment. I agree with...Thank you, Warren, for your comment. I agree with your excellent points that we cannot eliminate but only seek to minimize adverse impacts on the environment caused by meeting our energy and food demands. Your points bring up another point which I believe also calls for a "consistent conservation" approach. <br /><br />This point emphasizes per capita consumption. We know that "Going Green" comes with its own set of environmental impacts as we outlined in Part 1. Therefore, "Going Green" without conserving energy and food is not "consistent conservation" Instead, we must adopt lifestyles that seek true satisfaction not in material consumption and possession but in pursuit of satisfaction in knowing Christ in whom all things consist "hold together." I am currently considering how this aspect of "consistent conservation" can be moved from theology to ethics my own lifestyle.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-38840304907344148932022-11-11T09:13:30.427-05:002022-11-11T09:13:30.427-05:00There will never be an economy capable of achievin...There will never be an economy capable of achieving total elimination of greenhouse gas emissions. Simply passing a law to try and achieve this will cause misery and hardship for many. At the same time, we should be researching and investing in green energy that will substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.<br /><br />Regarding food security issues, I am for eliminating as many inputs as possible in our food production systems. However, our systems are not 100% efficient in recycling energy and nutrients. We harvest from the land and that depletes the land. While it is possible to recycle much of the waste back to the land to replenish what is lost, the removal versus replenishment is never perfectly matched, and nutrient and pest control inputs will be needed.Warren A. Dicknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-39216296023530701512022-11-05T11:02:49.875-04:002022-11-05T11:02:49.875-04:00Thank you for reading the article and commenting. ...Thank you for reading the article and commenting. As you say, God's way is superior. This is because "in Him all things are consistent"-- they hold together in one harmonious whole. What a joyous challenge God gives us to pursue that wholeness for our lives.Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6314123951617104057.post-40384148733220742952022-10-28T11:12:55.094-04:002022-10-28T11:12:55.094-04:00Great article! It is very thorough and explains ev...Great article! It is very thorough and explains every topic succinctly and how it correlates to other ideas. I love how it demonstrates the superiority of God's way versus the inferior method created by man.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com