Apologetics: ə-pŏl'ə-jĕt'ĭks from the Greek απоλоγία Def: The branch of theology that is concerned with defending or proving the truth of Christian doctrines.

Saturday Selah. . .

Written By Esthermay Bentley-Goossen on 11 October 2008



Saturday Selah is a new meme on Patricia’s blog, Typing One Handed. Here's the idea behind it:

Learning to be still takes practice. With that in mind, and in the spirit of the Titus 2 Woman, Saturdays are set aside to share how the Lord is teaching us to be still and know. . . .
- - - - - - - - - -


Throughout the Book of John
, Jesus keeps saying, "I Am:”

“I am the bread of life.”

“I am the light of the world.”

“I am the good shepherd.”

“I am the living water.”

“I am the door.”

“I am the way, the truth and the life.”

“I am the vine.”

"I am Sam, I am…"
OH, wait. SAHM gets confused. . .
…although there is much to be said for Dr. Seuss.
But, I wander …

Jesus says, “I AM.” . . . whatever we need, Jesus can be!

And John 21:35 also says this:

“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.”

So . . .

We know that Jesus is Everything we need. . . yet what we know about Him could be written on the back of a toothpick.

Here's where I get into trouble:

If Jesus is Everything –
. . . and we know so little about Him, why have so many Christians quit reading The Word of God to gain knowledge of Jesus and set up websites and blogs and seminars and discussion groups and entire movements that claim to be about Jesus, yet fail to include the Word of God?

And in more than a few instances, the people behind these matters have misquoted, misinterpreted and de-legitimized God’s Word!

I admit I am sensitive on the issue – but I am also adamant and unmovable.

God’s Word
is the absolute final authority on all things.

Last week I received three personal e-mails from women who either follow or frequently visit my blog. All three women presented legitimate and serious questions which they (I presume) are hoping I will address on The Heart of a Pastor’s Wife.

Pros & Cons:

Con: In answering the questions posed, am I de-legitimizing God’s Word and making my thoughts the “final authority” and God’s Word simply a “reference?” (All three questions are clearly and unambiguously answered in Scripture.)

Pro: In answering the questions posed, am I pointing people to God’s Word and making clear that His Word is the answer? Is God’s Word that difficult for some people to grasp, understand, and incorporate into their own lives that it takes a discerning writer or speaker to reveal, uncover and bring to light its Truth? And am I that writer?


(Comments welcome. . . . )

Laurie Ann wrote on the Importance of Reading God’s Word yesterday and it really hit a chord in me. Do you hear it?

This is my Saturday Selah. . . .

I believe the Lord is teaching me to be still and dwell in His Word . . .

I believe the Lord is teaching me to open my heart and sharpen my mind. . .

I believe the Lord is teaching me to perfect my understanding and discernment of His Word. . .

I believe the Lord is teaching me to know that I must use discernment and wisdom in choosing whether or not to answer questions presented to the blog.

~ Esthermay Bentley-Goossen

8 comments:

Andrea said...

Answer away! If more women had the discernment that you do, there'd be less trouble everywhere. You bless me. Selah Saturday, nice idea. God Bless your weekend, friend.

Anonymous said...

It is very clear that you have the Holy Spirit's gift of discernment. God Bless this minstry you have in writing the TRUTH.

Jenn said...

Yes, Ditto that! I'd love to be encouraged by God's word through your discernment, and referencing of the Word of God... "Truth".

May the Lord bless you abundantly.

sara said...

Great post. This scripture came immediately to my mind: The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. Isaiah 50:4

Anonymous said...

It is so sad and it must make the Lord God very mournful, that the gifts of teaching and disernment have been rejected by haughty and self-righteous people in churches today. (Esthemay - I know what you've been through at Crane - and I for one miss your newsletter)

You surely have more than just a gift to write. You have discernment and wisdom and those who have chosen to reject God's Holy Word and His ordained leadership will have to answer before HIM!

You must continue to write and answer the Questions! Will ya'?!!

Esthermay Bentley-Goossen said...

Sara:
YES! The passage in Isaiah Chapter 50 came to my heart over the weekend too. That passage is one of the four "Servant-Songs" in the Book of Isaiah that I've learned to dwell on over the last months. They truly are are life-lessons!
THANK YOU!

Patricia said...

This is wonderful! I have more to say on it...it is so timely for me right now...I just don't have time to chat about it right now. Mr. Amazing is home and we've got a long honey-do list to tackle. Thanks for participating. I'm going to use your post in my devotions later today.

Anonymous said...

I don't take ANY of your postings as "authoritative." One of the things I love about your blog is because I know I can come here and read scripture and a deep and thought-provoking interpretation. Have no fear, your love, devotion to, and immersion in God's Word is evident the second someone clicks on your blog.

Hugs!

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