Trent Ruble's Blog: The Other Way It Is , page 7

How's That True?

What qualifies as truth is seemingly different for everyone depending upon what serves them best. Paul addressed this issue when he said, "...what may be known about God is plain to them (men who suppress the truth), because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities; his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse. (Romans 1:19-20 NIV 1984)" In addition to what can be clearly seen, such as what we see in nature, many of us distinguish truth based on what's written in the Bible. However, some people, even some who claim to be Christian, think that's simple minded, antiquated, or just plain silly. They don't like what the Bible says about their lifestyle or belief, so they discredit that part of it. Well, it's either true or it isn't.



The Bible teaches many miraculous wonders such as the Creation, the Great Flood, the Passover, etc... that can't be scientifically repeated or verified in any way (in the same way that the theory of evolution can't be verified). The list of wonders includes the most important miracle of all; the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah. So, why should we believe it?

I believe it because of what else is written in the Bible. For example, Isaiah's description of the Messiah (Isaiah 52:13-53:12) so matches Jesus that many critics believed it had been written after Jesus' crucifixion. But, that all changed in 1947 when one of the newly discovered Dead Sea Scrolls contained the book of Isaiah. The scroll was determined to have been written at least 150 years before the birth of Christ (allaboutarchaeology.org).

The prophet Mikayahu, who we know as Micah, predicted in the 700's BC that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), which, more than 700 years later, was the birthplace of Jesus. Predictions were made that the Messiah would come from the line of Judah through David (Psalm 132:11, Jeremiah 23:5-6,33:15-16) as Jesus did (Luke 1:32-33). The Messiah was to be crucified with criminals (Isaiah 53:12) as we know Jesus was (Matthew 27:38, Mark 15:27, Luke 23:32-33).

He was to be pierced but none of his bones would be broken (Psalm 22:16-17,34:20, Luke 23:11,35-39, Luke 23:33, 24:36-39, John 19:18,20:19-20,24-27). This was actually an unlikely prophecy as it was a common practice to break the leg bones of those being crucified. This was done in order to speed along the process. With broken legs one could not lift himself up in order to breathe. However, Jesus gave up his life quickly (and, according to John 19:30, of his own volition ) so, instead of his legs being broken, his side was pierced so that his death could be verified.

Isaiah predicted King Cyrus by name 150 years before he was born (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1, 45:13). Later, Daniel predicted Alexander the Great and Antiochus Epiphanes, also hundreds of years prior to their entrance onto the world stage (Daniel 11). In addition, Daniel predicted the date of the Messiah's appearance (Daniel 9:25-26) and, on that date, Jesus presented himself at the temple as the Messiah (Galatians 4:4, Ephesians 1:10).

Another indicator of the truth is in how Paul and most of Jesus' apostles proclaimed the Gospel in the face of death. According to historians Hippolytus and Eusebius, and in some cases according to legend, this is how these great men met their end:

Andrew - crucified
Barnabas - stoned (legend)
Bartholomew - crucified
James, Brother of Jesus - stoned
James, Son of Alphaeus - stoned
James, Son of Zebedee - beheaded
John Mark - dragged (Paschal Chronicle)
Paul - beheaded
Peter - crucified up-side-down
Philip - crucified
Thomas - impaled

It is interesting to note that the Roman magistrate Gaius Caecilius (better known as Pliny the Younger) wrote that one need only denounce Christianity in order to be spared these horrible deaths (Pliny's letter to Emperor Trajan, 111AD).

These are but a few of the prophecies, fulfillments and other circumstances upon which I base my belief. While they may not provide concrete proof, one must wonder how likely it would be that such a story could be perpetuated for thousands of years as this one has unless it were true. I invite you to investigate this well documented and debated story yourself. Even if you don't come to the same conclusion that I have, you will be better informed in order to make your own conclusion.

Martellus Bennett Honors Martellus Bennett

On November 26th, after an NFL football game in which he'd played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett caught a fan who'd tumbled out of the stands, saving him from certain injury and possibly even death. For this quick thinking and willingness to help others, Martellus deserves honor.



Unfortunately, instead of letting us do the honoring, Martellus decided to do it himself. Instead of following the biblical teaching of doing good deeds anonymously (Matthew 6:3), he chose to gloat. This is what he said after the most important catch of his life, "Naturally, I just wanted to step back, but I did the righteous thing and I stepped up. I caught him, I saved his life. I tapped into my inner superhero, which I do have. I'm usually a ninja, but my Spidey-senses told me he was going to take a fall, so I saved his life (USA Today, 11/27/2012)." This reminds me of an old proverb; pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18, NIV 1984).

I, for one, can't stand this kind of self-promotion. When boxing great Cassius Clay, as his parents named him, said, "I'm the greatest," it was shocking. It was almost unheard of at the time for someone to use such poor taste. But now it's commonplace for athletes to gloat about their abilities. Upon scoring touchdowns, Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon goes so far as to point to the name on the back of his jersey just so we know who it was who just made the great play. Disgusting.

These athletes' abilities truly are great and many people, especially young boys, look to them as role models. I'm guessing that most, if not all, of the current set looked up to Cassius Clay. So, we now have a lot of Cassius Clays. If they would just let their abilities speak for themselves, it would be a lot easier to like them.

Photo of Martellus Bennett by David Shankbone (2012)

Adoptable by the Millions

For many people, the cost and associated responsibilities of adoption are too great to overcome. And, as we all know, some people are just not qualified to be parents. I admire those who recognize these issues and make the appropriate choices. But, to those for whom these obstacles are not insurmountable, I strongly recommend that you investigate adoption. Here's why:

In 2006, 129,000 children in the United States were waiting to be adopted (govspot.com). Around the world that number was an astronomical 132 million as of 2008 (abbafund), which, if they were the lone inhabitants of a single nation, would make them the tenth largest nation in the world (CIA World Fact Book). These are the children of parents who, for a variety of reasons, couldn't support them. Even so, they chose life. These are living, breathing human beings who laugh and play, and suffer, just like our own children. Many of them live in orphanages or foster homes while they're young but, as they get older, they become "unadoptable" or "age out," through no fault of their own, and are forced into the streets.



God told us through his servant James (Jesus' half-brother) that the "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress" (James 1:27a, NIV 1984). Of course there are many ways in which one can look after orphans without adopting one of them. But, if you are thinking of having children, consider adoption for at least one of them. The life-altering influence you will have on that child cannot be overstated. And, as a benefit, your life will be changed as well. For more information, contact Hand in Hand International Adoption, which is the organization we used, or one of the many other organizations who provide this service. Most of them can be found online.

Ignorant Bliss

With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, it's a good time to remember those less fortunate. So many are without food, shelter, clean water, etc... We all know this but, for many of us, it's so much easier to continue in our ignorant bliss. But, if we know of it, we aren't really ignorant, are we?

Well, in a way we are. At least ignorant of profound poverty such as can be found in the third world. We Americans see poverty in the developed world and think we know all about it. We see poverty like what I saw in Texas where a man asked me to buy him a sandwich. It was in Florida where I was asked for money more than once. In Scotland my wife and I saw a man pull a half eaten sandwich from a garbage can and finish it. And, here in Indiana a man recently asked me for a ride because he couldn't afford gasoline. Upon encountering these folks, many of us refuse to help because we think they suffer as a result of their own doing. In some cases it's true but, regardless of whatever bad choices have been made, no one wants to be poor.

But, in the third world, it's much different. In these poverty stricken countries nearly everyone is poor. It doesn't matter how hard people work, or how smart they are, they can't escape the squalid slums (with some exceptions of course) where living is beyond horrible. It is in the third world where I saw children running through sewage while they played in the streets (Mexico), and families bathing in the river because they had no running water (Liberia), and trash flowing from homes down the sides of mountains like rivers (the Dominican Republic).

We don't know about this profound poverty, but we will. The United States is moving toward, not only a financial disaster where the interest on our debt will consume funds now used to maintain our infrastructure, but a Socialist redistribution of wealth unlike anything we've ever seen. In years to come America will be just another third world country.

But, until then, let's not forget the poor of today, here and everywhere. And, let's not forget to be thankful, because "there but for the grace of God go I." (John Bradford, 16th century).

It's a Cat's Life

I sometimes wish I were a cat. What a life to live. We have a cat, Oliver, or whatever his name is this week, who is currently living the good life at our house. I like Oliver for some reason. It isn't because he does anything for me. He's a taker. Someone feeds him, cleans his litter box, keeps him warm, pets him and plays with him. His toys are scattered everywhere. If he were a person, he'd be evicted. But, for whatever the reason, I enjoy him.



Oliver's only complaint would likely be that his social life is lacking. His only interaction with other cats is with the stray white cat that shows up on the other side of our back porch screen some nights. I don't know if the white cat is a male or female. I just know that Oliver does all the howling while the white cat remains quiet.

The luxurious life of Oliver seems great to me, but I wonder if he knows from where he'll get his next bowl of food? He certainly knows where to look for it, but is he able to understand that it'll be there again tomorrow? In other words, is he able to enjoy the good life he lives? I hope so because, otherwise, all the comfort he enjoys will have gone to waste.

Photo of Oliver by Roselyn Ruble (2012).

International Incident

In the early 1980s, while I was enlisted in the United States Air Force, I had the opportunity to visit communist East Germany. It was known among aircrew members at the time that, if we wore our uniforms, we were allowed to enter East Germany and return safely to the West. Although I very much considered the Soviets and their satellites to be our enemies, I'd always been fascinated by the mystery of the communist world. So, when my fellow airman, Todd Vangundy, and I found ourselves assigned to a mission to Tempelhof Airport in West Berlin, we made sure to pack our dress blues. In those days we were not allowed to wear work uniforms (flight suits) off base like service members do today.



Upon our arrival in Berlin we quickly unloaded the giant cargo plane and then proceeded to our room to change clothes. We next made our way to the Berlin Wall's Checkpoint Charlie, the designated crossing for Allied military personnel wanting access to East Berlin. However, prior to crossing over to the dark side, we were required to attend a briefing. The only thing I remember from the briefing is what we were told about returning; once we entered the passageway back to the West, we were not to stop walking for any reason.

At the end of the briefing we proceeded through the Iron Curtain to East Berlin. If I recall, the crossing was only about 20 or 30 yards long. At the other end was a gate or door on one side and a guard shack on the other. We proceeded through the gate and into the red state.

Todd and I toured around the city noticing immediately how quiet and drab it was when compared to the West. However, the people we met were warm and friendly. We ate lunch in a hotel where, at least on the inside, it seemed quite lively. Upon paying our bill I received coins back as change and noticed that they felt more like plastic than metal. I still have one of those plastic coins today. After several hours we made our way back to the crossing. It was here that I nearly caused an international incident.

Todd and I approached the gate and he went through first. I followed and instantly heard the East German guard yelling at me in German. At that time I wasn't far removed from my high school German class but, even so, I couldn't understand anything the guard was saying. It didn't take long to figure it out, though. Upon looking back I saw the guard pointing at the wide open gate while screaming at me. I knew he wanted me to return and close the gate. Even in the midst of the situation I wondered why the gate didn't close automatically. But I wasn't going back. All I could think of at the time was what we'd been told in our pre-crossing briefing; "Whatever you do, do not stop walking once you start through the passageway." I, for one, did not want to spend the rest of my life in the Eastern Bloc! I continued walking and the guard continued screaming. I have never been so relieved as I was when I was completely through that passageway and back in the good old Western World! I have always hoped that, because I'd left the gate open, some desperate East Germans were able to escape! (Not likely.)

The International Language

My wife, Tami, is a first-grade teacher and tells me that it is in first grade when most children learn to read. Even though the kids arriving in her class each August speak English fairly well, it is in learning to read and write that their linguistic shortcomings are exposed. And, she tells me, these shortcomings are the same ones many new immigrants and visitors deal with upon arriving in America.



Our family has observed these shortcomings first-hand as we've hosted six international exchange students from all over the globe. These experiences have been sometimes difficult but overwhelmingly delightful. One of the most enjoyable aspects of hosting is watching the students struggle with the English language. It's not so much that I enjoy seeing them struggle as it is that I enjoy seeing them learn. English is difficult to be sure. Miss Ann Haecker was my high school English teacher at Pagan High where she and I suffered through my sophomore year. If she remembers me at all, she will tell you that I had my share of struggles. In fact, she would be shocked to hear me say that I love the language. But, I do love the language and enjoy helping the exchange students with all its intricacies and nuances.

The exchange students come to America for a variety of reasons, but one of the primary reasons is to improve their English. Our students have always been successful in this and are usually fluent by Thanksgiving. By the time they go home, they speak English well enough to succeed at whatever it is they want to do in life. And, as a bonus, they, and we, will have developed new life long friends.

If you think you would like more culture in your family's life but don't have the time or money to travel, consider international exchange. For more information, contact EF, which is the organization we used, or one of the many other organizations who provide this service. Most of them can be found online. I recommend it.

Living and Dying in the Now

I'm 51 years old and most would say that, if I died today, I'd be dying young. Some would say it's too late for that. But, other than having less time with my family, it would be the same whether I died today or from old age 30 years from now. What I mean by that is, it's always "now" and, whenever I die, it will be "now."

And, once it comes to the final "now," everything that has happened will be finished. It doesn't matter whether it was the job I held for 24 years or the three week vacation I took this summer. When I look back on them, they seem more similar in that they're "over" than they seem different because of their respective lengths. In fact, my entire life seems the same now as it always has, which is my entire life. And, so it will be on the day I die.

And, once I'm gone, it won't matter how long I lived anyway, because, as John Newton reminded us in his song Amazing Grace (1779), "When we've been here ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we've first begun."

Blind Science

What if science discovered proof beyond any doubt that God exists, that Jesus Christ is the Messiah risen from the dead, and that the Biblical story is absolute truth. Do you think any leader in the scientific world would be forthcoming and admit they've been wrong all along? Consider what happens to any scientist, or any other academic, who attempts to present evidence of God. Museums refuse to exhibit such things (www.arstechnica.com). People are fired for such things (The Supreme Court of Ohio). How can we trust science when it only presents what is in agreement with its previous position?

Of course, it doesn't really matter. As Daniel wrote over 2,500 years ago, "...there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" (Daniel 2:28a, NIV1984). Our omnipotent, sovereign God will reveal what He reveals and it will be revealed to whom He wants it revealed. Then, as is so clearly stated in the song Can't Keep a Good Man Down (Newsong, 1999), "You can say that you don't believe it, but it doesn't change a thing." So much for relative truth.

Guns in America

A couple of weeks ago, while I was visiting my parents, my dad showed me his new gun. I'm generally not interested in guns but, knowing how much he likes them, I looked it over. It was actually a very interesting and quite unusual weapon. I think my dad was shocked to see my fascination. The gun is a .45 caliber revolver with an extra long cylinder making it capable of firing .410 shotgun shells. In other words, it's a hand-held shotgun. Evidently the rifling in the barrel classifies it as a handgun and not a shotgun and, therefore, makes it legal in Indiana and some other American states. It would seem the perfect weapon for home defense.



As I mentioned, I'm somewhat ambivalent when it comes to guns. I don't mind shooting them and I'm actually quite good at it, having qualified as "expert." And, I am well aware of the necessity of carrying a gun at times, especially in my line of work as a police officer. But, I don't like shooting well enough to do it on my own time and I really don't enjoy cleaning the gun when I'm finished. Even more than that, I wouldn't pay $500 for one like my dad did.

I am not ambivalent, however, about my dad's right to keep a gun at his house. "If you make guns illegal," he says, "then only criminals will have guns." While it's true that the United States is one of the most violent industrialized nations, the old saying is still very accurate. If guns were outlawed, the law abiding citizens wanting to protect their families and properties would be the ones unarmed and defenseless. The people murdering, raping, and breaking into homes, or, in other words, the same people who commit crimes with guns now, would be the only people who have guns. Evidence of that is in the fact that most criminals don't have the required permits for the stolen handguns they now have.

The U.S. Constitution correctly provides that there be no hindrance to a sane, sober person wanting to use a gun designed for home defense, personal protection, hunting, or even target practice. That's our right, just as free speech is our right. The government "shall not infringe" upon it.