R. Frederick Riddle's Blog, page 43
October 23, 2018
Insights: Perished The World That Was
Monday through Friday I deal with different subjects in this blog. I also post my blog to my Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld. Tuesday’s I try to focus on Insights. This week I am taking another look at Perished The World That Was.
As the roar of the Falls fell upon their ears, they stood. Eve reached up and wiped the tears from Adam’s face while ignoring her own. Adam started to say something and froze.
She turned to see what he was staring at. Only a few feet away they saw the finger of God writing upon the flat side of a large rock. Stunned, they watched.
When the writing stopped and the finger disappeared, Adam drew closer and read the words aloud.
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”
He looked backed at Eve, smiling radiantly.
“Eve, this is God’s Word, His very own writing. It tells of the creation!”
The above is taken from the book Perished The World That Was right after Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. They had left the Garden in tears bearing the burden of their sin. Moreover they weren’t certain that God would still love and care for them. While the method of God’s revelation to them of the first chapter of Genesis is fictional the fact that He wrote the first chapter is now known.
How Can You Know That God Wrote the First Chapter?
Because of his signature.
God actually wrote Genesis 1:1 to 2:4. In the early chapters of Genesis the writers identified themselves in what is called a Toledoth. While there is still some debate generally it is believed that these Toledoths were to identify who the writer was of the preceding passage. In other words they served as subscripts.
In Genesis 2:4a it is believed that “These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created” is the signature of God. If you study it out through the book of Genesis you discover that this is strongly supported.
Why Is This Important?
Because knowing who the Author of the first chapter is clears up some confusion. For instance, some people think of Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 are two different accounts about Creation. But this shows (as does the context if one bothers to actually read it) that these are not two different accounts. Chapter two is complimentary to chapter one and shows creation more from Adam’s perspective.
In chapter one only the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are present. In that chapter God tells us what He did (think of it like a painter with broad strokes) while in chapter two Adam is present and writes in the finer details of the creation of man (think of thin strokes within the broad strokes).
It is in chapter two that we get a description of the Garden of Eden, Adam’s first home, the naming of the animals, and the creation of Eve. To put it in modern vernacular it would go like this:
[Chapter 1] God created man in His image
[Chapter 2] And this is how God created man, placed him in a home fit for him, and created a wife for him.
Obviously there is more to those chapters that what I just wrote, but it gives you the overall picture of how to view the two chapters. Back when I was in school, we learned to start with an overall statement, then provide the statement and finally to recap the statement.
Understanding these two chapters is important because the rest of the Bible is based on them (along with chapter 3) and is referred to by the prophets as well as Jesus Christ. It leaves no room for evolution, the gap theory, or any other man-made theory. It clearly shows that God created the heavens and the Earth, the hills, vegetation, trees, fish, animals, and finally man.
It is the Word of God.
Moses had access to the written history of man which was passed from father to son over many generations. These were written not oral. Adam and Eve were created perfect and thus had mental acuity that we have yet to achieve. I believe they were genius’ and would still be considered that if they walked the Earth today. They didn’t know their writings would find a way into the Bible, but they faithfully recorded the facts as they were revealed by God to them.
When Moses got hold of these writings (from his father-in-law?) God the Holy Spirit guided him into copying only that which God wanted him to record. It is an amazing example of God both Inspiring the Word and Preserving the Word. We have a completed Bible we can trust explicitly!
VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship (Book One), Pauline A New Home (Book Two), or Task Force Hunter (Book Three), I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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October 22, 2018
Early Voting
Monday through Friday I deal with different subjects in this blog. I also post my blog to my Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld. Monday’s I try to focus on issues. This week I am taking a look at Early Voting?
Early Voting Starts
Today is the first day of Early Voting in many parts of Florida and in other states as well. If you missed voting by mail you might want to take advantage of early voting.
Aside from control of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate (worthy of everyone voting) there are numerous other issues right here in Florida that need your vote. They are:
Governor of Florida
U.S. Senate race
Other offices
13 amendments
But I’m Thinking of Not Voting
That is your right. But I contend that not voting is very foolish. Our founders were very wise in creating a Representative Democracy. While it is true it is based on Biblical principles, it is also true that it hinges upon an informed voter. True, it is not easy to be informed with the biased media these days, but there are manifold resources available to you to keep informed.
I Don’t Like the Candidates
That again is your right, but it doesn’t justify not voting. Whether you are a conservative or liberal you have the right to vote bought by the blood of others. You need to vote. But when people don’t vote it weakens our government and results in the wrong people being elected. Take a look at this:
In 2008 and in 2012 the Christian right stayed home in large numbers. If they had voted, the statistics show that there wouldn’t have been eight years of President Obama. They stayed home and he got elected, giving us ObamaCare and continuing the recession through most of 2016 (forget the experts that said it was over years earlier – they forgot to consider the people without jobs).
In 2016 the Christian right got out in large numbers and President Trump was elected. The recession came to a grinding halt, the economy is surging, other nations may not like President Trump but they’re giving him what he wants, and we now have the most conservation Supreme Court in years.
In 2008, 2012, and 2016 conservative voters either not voting or voting strongly influenced the outcome. Your vote is extremely important.
I liked Obama
That’s fine. I still urge you to vote. A Representative Democracy thrives when all people, even those of differing viewpoints, get out and vote. It is your right, exercise it.
But There’s a Blue Wave Coming
Did you read last Friday’s blog? A Blue Wave is becoming more and more unlikely. Especially after the American people witnessed the Democratic version of tolerance and cooperation during the Kavanaugh hearings. It was a shocking display of arrogance, deceit, and violence.
In addition they tried to deflect our attention from their offenses to Kavanaugh’s passionate defense of his record. They wanted him to roll over and let the lies stand. I found his defense passionate, detailed, and compelling. The Democrats showed the world what kind of government they would install.
But if you, a conservative, don’t vote that opens the door for another blue vote. In effect your vote could actually go to someone or something you don’t support.
What About the Florida Issues?
Here in Florida we not only have some very controversial elections, we also have amendments (some 13 I believe) that will impact our lives. I have been researching these amendments and know how I’m going to vote. However, each one of us needs to make up our own minds. Don’t depend on the media, also search them out on the internet.
Conclusion
Get out to vote! I heard one man say he was going to exercise his right not to vote. That is extremely dangerous. I want my candidates and issues to win, but I’d rather have someone vote contrary to my vote than not vote at all. Why? Because is we don’t vote we will lose that right and probably a lot of other rights as well!
VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship (Book One), Pauline A New Home (Book Two), or Task Force Hunter (Book Three), I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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October 19, 2018
Word Document Properties Tool
Monday through Friday I deal with different subjects in this blog. I also post my blog to my Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld. Today I am writing about MS Word Document Properties Tool.
When I first began publishing my own books I would try to convert my new book using Calibre. But when I did my new book would be reflected as having the metadata of a previous book. I’d go through my new book trying to look for anything that was wrong, such as title, author, etc. And I could never find out what it was.
Then one day sometime after installing Word 2007 I accidentally discovered “Properties” under the tab “Prepare.” (In later versions it is under “File” and “info”) I was curious as to what “Prepare” involved. I saw “Properties” and clicked on that and there it was!
There What Was?
There was the answer to my problem with metadata. When I clicked on “Properties” a ribbon appeared across the top of my document. That ribbon contained the following:
Author – Author of the Book
Title – Title of the Book
Subject – What the Book is about
Keywords – Keywords or phrases you want associated with the Book
Category – Same as Genre
Status – I don’t use this. But it appears to be like “draft,” “Final,” etc.
This ribbon or metadata follows the book. It is used to identify the book not only on the internet but elsewhere as well.
How Do I Use It?
What I do when writing a new book is I copy a previous book, strip the story contents, change the ISBN, Title page, other front matter and back matter as needed, and change the book’s properties. By doing this I ensure the metadata that I want to keep is transferred and the metadata I want to change is updated. It simplifies everything!
Metadata is important. It is what you see when you search for a book. So you, the author, want to make sure it is accurate. It is one more tool that you can use to upgrade the quality of your books.
VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship (Book One), Pauline A New Home (Book Two), or Task Force Hunter (Book Three), I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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October 17, 2018
Church Splits
Monday through Friday I deal with different subjects in this blog. I also post my blog to my Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld. Wednesday’s I try to focus on the Church. This week I am taking a look at Church Splits.
One of the tragedies in Christianity is church splits. I’ve heard of churches splitting over where the organ sits, the color of the carpet, personal reasons, and more. But there is only one Biblical reason for a church split: doctrine.
We are to be true to the Bible. It is the Word of God. The Bible is the authority upon which a church exists and ministers. When a church departs from doctrine it loses its authenticity.
What Should We Do When Our Church Leaves Biblical Doctrine?
The first thing to do is to try to stop the church from going that way. If you wait until after the church has already moved, then you’ve probably waited too long. The time to correct a church’s slide from the Bible is before it slides.
If the church has already moved then it is time for you to look for a church that still upholds the Bible as the Word of God.
How Do I Know If The Church is Leaving Bible Doctrine?
First of all you need to learn Bible doctrine. Your pastor should be teaching and preaching doctrine. But there are reliable resources outside your church. Then you compare what the preacher is preaching to what the Bible says.
What Reliable Resources Are There?
One is the Sword of the Lord which is a reliable resource. This is a publication founded by the late Dr. John R. Rice and it still upholds the Bible after decades of existing. There are others but this is one of the best. Solid, fundamental doctrine is important. So be sure of your resource. There are outfits that claim that they teach correct doctrine but when you examine them you discover that they don’t.
Here are some critical doctrines:
Divinity of Jesus Christ
Christ the foundation of the church
Salvation by Grace alone
Baptism by immersion
Church government
Rapture before Tribulation
Security of the Believer
and more
Another Sign of Leaving Good Doctrine
One of the interesting things I’ve seen over the years is a pastor leaves the KJV Bible yet continues to preach the doctrines he learned from the KJV. Now everyone has the right to use the “Bible” of their choice. But Bibles that are not translated from the Texus Receptus are corrupted right from the start. You could call them commentaries rather than Bibles because they only contain portions of the Word of God. The KJV Bible can trace its heritage all the way back to the 1st Century, while the other versions that claim to be older don’t have a continuous record for their text. Instead they compare copies to copies (there are no originals today) to prove their claims and ignore history.
While the history of the Bible can be an exhausting study there are books that detail both the history of the Textus Receptus and the other texts (such as the Alexandrian and the Westcott and Hort). But the primary point I’m making here is that doctrine is based on the Word of God. When you start substituting inaccurate versions, which omit portions of Scripture, for the true version you end up with error. We see this play out frequently.
So if your church moves to a modern version of the Bible you should be alarmed.
Does That Mean They’ve Left Good Doctrine Already?
In one sense, yes they have. Because these newer versions leave out key words and verses they are considered in “Error.” The Bible used in the pulpit is itself a doctrinal issue. That said, other doctrines may remain true for some time. I know of one church (unnamed) where the pastor no longer uses the KJV and uses a different version, yet he still preaches the same solid doctrines that he learned from the KJV. The problem there is that it is a step in the wrong direction. It may take a short time or a long time before the next step is taken, but the way has been paved. And when that pastor leaves he will leave a church that no longer has the whole Word of God and is therefore vulnerable to error.
What if All My Friends Remain?
That is their choice. Each of us is responsible for our own lives. I was in a church that departed from the tenets of the Bible. In their case they were getting rid of a pastor who preached the Word of God faithfully and led a strong moral, Christian life. They had no Biblical basis for this (although they claimed to have Biblical backing, yet never revealed it). I fought it and lost. I not only had friends in the church but I had positions within the church. Some of my friends stayed though they agreed with me. But I left it all and God gave it all, and more, back to me!
It Will Hurt
Yes it will. When the church split first began I didn’t know what to do. It bothered me so much it affected me at work. I finally broke and told God that if He wanted me to leave I would do so. The moment I told Him that I felt the Peace of God upon me! That lessened the hurt and enabled me to leave, but it still hurt. Especially when they called me names. By the way, that church is no longer an independent Baptist church.
Church splits are harmful not only to our testimony to the world but to the individuals involved. In the end you must choose what you believe is the right thing for you to do. That is between you and God. So pray hard about it.
VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship (Book One), Pauline A New Home (Book Two), or Task Force Hunter (Book Three), I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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October 15, 2018
Blue Wave?
Monday through Friday I deal with different subjects in this blog. I also post my blog to my Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld. Monday’s I try to focus on issues. This week I am taking a look at the Blue Wave?
First a word of transparency: While I have strong opinions on this subject those opinions are based on the expertise of others. I’m not a prognosticator. That said, here goes.
Will There Be a Blue Wave?
The short answer to this is NO. But let me give you the longer answer.
Historically midterms usually go against the sitting president. The president has only been in office for two years and the people have usually not seen the full benefit of his policies. That would predict a blue wave.
Another factor suggesting a blue wave is the many polls out that are predicting such an event. Most polls are based on the opinions of ‘people living in the United States,’ ‘citizens of the United States,’ and ‘registered voters.’ A fourth group are those people who get up out of their coffins and vote (the Mummy vote?).
But let’s take a look at all this. First of all, Americans have already benefited from President Trump’s policies. Former President Obama can claim credit for the current boom only to the extent that it began the day after the election while we were still living under his presidency. But the fact is that within hours (I believe) of Trump’s victory business leaders were making plans. In fact, I think they may have had contingency plans in case he won and then pulled them out to use when he did. All of a sudden they began talking about hiring more people, expanding, etc.
Why?
Because they believed Trump. They may have known him and knew he kept his promises. But, in any case, they started changing course because they believed he would remove the government red tape blocking them (which he did). He not only removed these obstacles upon assuming the presidency, but moved to cut taxes which we all have benefited from.
Then There are the Polls
I already mentioned the polls that are predicting the “Blue Wave.” These are the same polls that predicted Hillary Clinton’s election. That should give all of us reason enough to doubt. The only polls that count are those reflecting Likely Voters, defined as those who are not only registered but have a history of voting. Most polls do not do this.
But the Table is Tilting
While most polls still have the “Blue Wave” coming there is increasing doubt. The whole Kavanaugh travesty by the Democrats is already affecting the polls. Now we are hearing reports that Democratic seats once thought invincible are now vulnerable.
Why?
Because the mask worn by the Democrats which depicted them as the “nice” people was taken off. We in America from sea to shining sea watched aghast as the Democrats used every dirty tactic they could to derail the nomination. As for the charges against the nominee they lacked credibility. (See my blog on Allegations.)
The whole episode exposed the dishonesty and cruelty of the Democrats and the leftists in general. The anger expressed by mobs was not the righteous anger they tried to paint themselves with but the anger of people who didn’t care about the facts. They simply didn’t want Trump’s pick to win no matter who it was.
It was Un-American to say the least! It was the worst display of partisan bias I have ever seen! It is true that both parties have engaged in bitter fights before but this one hit an all-time low! And it was clearly the Left’s doing.
And it might be noted that long-time Democratic voters are switching to the Republican ballot. A one-time phenomenon or long term?
Then There is the Feinstein Effect.
While it is unclear whether Ford was lying or suffering from False Memory (see Allegations) it is clear that Feinstein first released the report without Ford’s permission and secondly she sat on it instead of having it investigated. Her manipulations of the charge were strictly political and lacked responsible behavior.
The American people are not deplorables nor are they ignorant. They watched the display and didn’t like what they saw.
Then There Was and Is Mob Rule
Most Americans do not like mob rule, no matter who is doing it. It is contrary to everything America stands for. But just recently Hillary Clinton once again opened her mouth and said she wouldn’t be “civil” to Trump and/or Trump supporters. Her ability to antagonize American voters goes back a long way (think of when she was First Lady). Her comments only serve to continue to support the inane actions of her supporters and sympathizers.
(And don’t believe the media or others who blame Trump for the animosity. It started before he ever announced he was running for President. Both parties have contributed to our current dysfunction, but the Democrats have a masters degree in it.)
Conclusion
I really doubt this “Blue Wave.” It might happen, but the President’s popularity is now up around 50%, people are seeing him keep his promises, and they are benefiting from his policies. All of that suggests a “Red Wave.” Which when you think about it, if the “Red Wave” actually occurs then the Republicans should first thank God, then President Trump, and finally the Democrats.
VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship (Book One), Pauline A New Home (Book Two), or Task Force Hunter (Book Three), I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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October 12, 2018
Amazon Central
Monday through Friday I deal with different subjects in this blog. I also post my blog to my Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld. Today I am writing about Amazon Central.
Amazon Central is often thought of as a reporting site. But it is that and much more.
What is Amazon Central?
Think of it as your author’s hub. Here is a brief look at what you have:
Welcome page
This page welcomes you to your Amazon Central. It gives you an overview including advice and news.
Author page
This page allows you to include your biography plus connect to your blog (if you have one). It also allows the inclusion of pictures and videos that you want potential customers to see. Further it will have the URL of your Amazon Central page that can be given out to readers, etc. If you have Events, such as book signings, you can also list those.
Books page
This page is where every book you’ve published should be listed. Each listing will have Title (with link to detail page), Current Sales Rank, and Reviews.
Sales info Customer
This page has three measurements: NPD Book Scan, Sales Rank, and Author Rank.
Reviews
Here all reviews will be listed.
What Does Reader See?
When the potential reader visits your page they will see:
Every book you’ve listed
Latest blogs you’ve written (if any)
An About Author
Follow opportunity
Why Would Reader go There Instead of Searching Amazon?
By going to the author’s Amazon Central the potential reader gets everything you want them to know about you at their fingertips. An expert user of Amazon may find the information on their own, but having your own page makes their job that much easier.
What does it Cost?
Nothing! It’s free!
What Else Can You Tell Me?
I have used Amazon Central as an informational resource for years. But in looking over it I believe it has potential as the hub of one’s marketing. This doesn’t replace any other marketing sources such as Facebook, Twitter, etc., but it could be used as the target page in all your marketing. For example, I have included in my blogs a direct link to my Amazon Central page. But starting today I will highlight that with a special call to action.
VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship (Book One), Pauline A New Home (Book Two), or Task Force Hunter (Book Three), I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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October 10, 2018
Me and My Pastor
Monday through Friday I deal with different subjects in this blog. I also post my blog to my Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld. Wednesday’s I try to focus on the Church. This week I am taking a look at Me and My Pastor.
What is a Pastor?
There are several names for Pastor in the Bible. They are:
Pastor
The word pastor only occurs once in Bible (Jer:17:16)
This is considered the equivalent to under shepherd
Depending on church government can be elected or appointed
Elected in Baptist churches
Runs the church
Most churches have Deacons who serve as his extension
Bishop (I Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:7; I Peter 2:25)
In the Bible this is same as Pastor or Under Shepherd
Some churches make this a separate office but no Biblical authority
Husband of one wife (rules out women)
Elder (Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-2; 2 John 1:1; 3 John 1:1)
Same as Pastor
Some churches make this a separate office but no Biblical authority
Elder and Bishop mentioned in same passage (Titus 1:5-9)
Priest (Book of Hebrews)
Generally Old Testament
Equivalent to Pastor
Jesus is the Great High Priest
Under Shepherd (I Peter 2:25, 5:4)
Term Under Shepherd not in Bible; references Great or Chief Shepherd
Same as Pastor
Jesus is the Shepherd, the pastor is the under shepherd
Different denominations treat these names in different ways. Bible believing Baptist churches identify Pastor, Bishop, Elder, and Under Shepherd as the same office. The primary reason for this is that the Scriptural definitions of the office and the requirements for the office are very similar or the same.
You’d have to do an in-depth study of the subject to truly understand the differing titles, but the above is how I understand it. In general, the titles depict differing aspects of the same office.
But How Do I Interact with the Pastor?
Your view of the office will affect your interactions with the Pastor. The following is with pastor viewed as the Under Shepherd.
Highest officer of the local church
Called by God
Voted in by congregation
Equivalent to CEO
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17)
As a member of a local church I serve under the pastor at his direction. There may be others between him and me but he is the boss. There is one more aspect that we Christians have a problem with: namely that his rule appears to extend to our personal lives. Considering that each of us are also subject to God’s will and direction for our lives, our subjection to the pastor must be tempered by the knowledge that both he and I are subject to God.
I am not a theologian, but I think this means that as regarding our personal lives we must at the very least listen to the man of God. Does his advice, warning, etc. align with God’s Word? Is his advice, warnings, etc. Biblical or based simply on experience?
I say this because the pastor doesn’t always know all the circumstances of your life. I had one pastor advise me on secular work. I followed it and later regretted it.
I think the key is the phrase: “they must give account” for our souls. This implies moral and spiritual responsibility.
You may differ with me on this, but I conclude with this final statement:
A Christian is subject to the moral and spiritual leadership of his pastor. As such a Christian should submit to that leadership. Outside the church the personal lives are still to be governed by the moral and spiritual leadership of the pastor. It is also advisable to listen to the pastor’s advice about secular work or plans, but does not require submission. Sometimes the pastor’s advice is based on countless dealings with people and seeing wrong decisions and the results. His advice can at least provide you guidance in your decision making.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship (Book One), Pauline A New Home (Book Two), or Task Force Hunter (Book Three), I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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October 9, 2018
Insights: Death Ship to the Stars
Monday through Friday I deal with different subjects in this blog. I also post my blog to my Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld. Tuesday’s I try to focus on Insights. This week I am taking another look at Death Ship to the Stars.
The truck sped on throughout the day. Rushing nonstop the caravan turned north. It eventually left the interstate and was soon on County Roads. To those inside the trucks they could feel that they were traveling very fast on a roughly paved road. The question was the destination.
When the truck finally came to a stop John figured they’d been on the road all day and night. He guessed it was a Sunday morning. He knew they had traveled a long way but he was still left in the dark as to where they were now.
After the truck stopped the rear doors were opened and guards came in and unshackled them. A few moments later they were herded outside of the truck and standing in front of a beautiful building with a roof that reminded John of waves or sand dunes.
There was something about the odd shape of the roof that he knew was associated with a particular building that he’d read about. But he couldn’t pin it down.
Suddenly it came to him and he knew where they were.
“Spaceport America!” he exclaimed.
One of the women heard him.
“What?”
“See that building with all the glass in front and a roof that flows like sand in a desert. I know it. We are in New Mexico at Spaceport America.”
“In New Mexico?”
“Yes. It was the first spaceport ever built. It’s founder is dead now, but he founded Virgin Galactic and was a pioneer in space travel. His original vision was to take tourists into space and bring them back. But his company now is engaged in deep space exploration.”
The teenager looked at him, then at the building and finally back at him.
“But what does that have to do with us?”
“I don’t know, but I think we’re about to find out.”
[Excerpt from Death Ship to the Stars]
Virgin Galactic and SpaceX (both of which are in the book) are private pioneers in Space travel. But they are not the only ones. Space research continues on and before the end of President Trump’s first term in office I expect both companies and maybe a few more to have great success in Space. At this writing SpaceX has gotten the largest space in the news media. Aside from having successful launches they have also benefited from a working partnership, if you will, with the government. In addition Blue Origin has plans to launch a manned mission in 2019.
The point I wish to make is not about private entrepreneurs or government programs but about the future of space research and exploration. It is picking up speed. The three I’ve identified are all competing for commercial travel, but it is not hard to imagine them in the future also being involved in building spacecraft for both the government and private enterprises much as Boeing and others do for air travel.
It is changing our world!
Do you remember when space exploration first began in the late 1950s and early 1960s? Now look around your house. Much of what you see has been either invented or impacted by those beginning explorations. Well, I believe you will be seeing a replay of that economic and scientific results within the next few years.
Will I fly on a spaceship?
That would be fun. But at my age that probably won’t happen. But I can envision people doing so.
Then there is the creation of a Space Force.
We haven’t heard much about that lately, but as the commercial endeavors succeed and begin carrying paying customers the need for such a force will quickly outstrip anything the Air Force might have planned.
My personal opinion is that a Space Force should be patterned after the Navy rather than the Air Force. The reason is simple: there are more similarities with the Navy than the Air Force. But whatever pattern they follow will need to be capable of prolonged mission time and rapid response.
All of this is exciting!
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship (Book One), Pauline A New Home (Book Two), or Task Force Hunter (Book Three), I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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October 8, 2018
Columbus Day
Monday through Friday I deal with different subjects in this blog. I also post my blog to my Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld. Monday’s I try to focus on issues. This week I am taking a look at Columbus Day.
Today is Columbus Day in which we honor not the man but the event. Columbus was not the first man to discover America; that was Leif Erikson in 1000 A.D. And it was Amerigo Vespucci who figured out that the New World was actually a continent. America was named after him.
Rather than celebrating a man whose moral character didn’t always measure up to our standards of today, Columbus Day is more of a celebration of his arrival here in the Americas.
Why?
The reason isn’t that complex. While Columbus wasn’t the first to discover America his discovery had worldwide impact. It opened the New World up to further exploration and colonization. After 1492 Europeans began exploring the Americas with great interest. With increased interest came increased discoveries. One of the discoveries was the natives living here. Another was the discovery of gold.
It was a discovery that transformed the world that then existed. At the time Europe was the center of civilization. But since then America has risen to the forefront. Europe is no longer the bastion of knowledge, in fact today it is beset by ignorance and anti-Semitism. The same forces that brought World Wars I and II seem to be rising again.
America also has its problems.
We have politicians who look to Europe for their ideas which if followed will destroy the American Dream. That is why you see me write about our need for a spiritual revival. We need to both individually and nationally restore God to His rightful place on the throne. Whether you like it or not He sits on the Throne today, we might as well worship Him now!
When I was a child we had two major parties, Democrats and Republicans. Both parties were patriotic and were able to find a way to meet halfway and actually solve problems. But that is no longer true.
The Democratic Party has moved far to the Left. In the current election cycle you hear them promoting socialistic ideas that if enacted would reduce us to a Third World country. If you didn’t like the Obama era you’ll absolutely hate Democratic rule.
On the other hand, you have a Republican Party that all too often looks and acts like they are afraid of having power. You might not personally like President Trump but he is getting things done and has undone many of Obama’s policies. (By the way, our present economic boom did start under the last days of Obama’s Presidency but that was because businesses saw Trump as a savior and they trusted him to keep his promises, which he has). The Republican Party needs more of Trump, not less.
But what does America Need?
As mentioned earlier we need a spiritual revival. But let me make that clearer: we need a Bible based revival that is centered in Christ! As Alexis de Tocqueville said in his book Democracy in America, “America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”
Alexis was impressed by our churches. It is there that he found the power that made America great not America’s colleges, industries, or farms. It was the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The same thundering from the pulpits that characterized our country’s birth and the same thundering that has grown quiet in all too many churches today!
So what does America need? America needs her churches to once again thunder from the pulpits the Word of God; to go on the offensive and take back the moral high ground!
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship (Book One), Pauline A New Home (Book Two), or Task Force Hunter (Book Three), I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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Allegations
Monday through Friday I deal with different subjects in this blog. I also post my blog to my Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld. Monday’s I try to focus on issues. This week I am taking a look at Allegations.
Now that Kavanaugh has been confirmed I want to take a closer look at the allegations; in particular, Dr. Ford’s allegation. Below I have included a Letter to the Editor written by a person who seems very well informed. It makes interesting reading and can explain how two people can have totally different memories and both be “credible.”
Here it is:
“Two good people, how can this be?
“Most of us like to believe we can determine who is trying to mislead us. However, there are occasions where we admit our failure. Both are ethical and honest; how can we understand what happened?
“I believe the answer lies in the history of memory recall. Most of us remember the agony of having children claim their parents abused them, a teacher tortured them, and so forth. They were believable because they really thought it happened, they were not lying. This was a false memory.
“Investigators know that a witness to a crime may be misled by a suggestion made during an interview that may cause them to really recall a happening that never actually did. Following the “false memory” issues we learned that during therapy, suggestions made by the therapist, in their building a patient’s history, will ask about childhood trauma.
“The above issues were resolved by investigation into the claims. If people named fail to confirm it, and it appears the event never took place, we call this a false allegation.
“During the 1980s families and reputations were destroyed by prosecutors and investigators who believed it had to happen because the claimant was so sure it took place. Are we again failing to learn from the past and destroying reputations? Dr. Ford is a person who recalled an event while in therapy. The three witnesses she offered all said she was mistaken. In a normal world this would be listed as a false allegation by a well-meaning person.” (Emphasis added.)
Amidst all the charges and countercharges, amongst all the anger, and amongst all the self righteous manipulations by the Democrats two people were torn apart. Judge Kavanaugh denied and offered credible proof of his denial; Dr. Ford remembered but had no credible proof. Perhaps it is not that she lied but as pointed out in the above letter, she had a false memory. A memory she really believes happened though it never did!
So who’s to blame for all this?
I think we have to look no further that Senator Feinstein. As it looks right now she never checked out the allegation. She saw an opportunity to stop the nomination, sat on the allegation, and revealed it without Ford’s permission at the last moment. The very least she should have done is turn everything over to the committee as soon as she got it and sought clarification. Or, as facts now show, if not confirmed or verified, keep it confidential and do nothing else with it.
The Left has made a big mistake!
Not only did the senator drop the ball, the Left, whether Democrats or George Soros, showed how far from the mainstream they have really gone. There are good people who favor the politics of the left that have been betrayed. The good people who believe a person is innocent until proven guilty have been betrayed. The institution of government has been betrayed. The confidence of men and women who might want to run for office has been betrayed. And most important, the American people of all persuasions have been betrayed.
And for what? To protect their agenda!
Will the American voters remember come November?
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship (Book One), Pauline A New Home (Book Two), or Task Force Hunter (Book Three), I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
