by John Hartshorn | Apr 2, 2018 | Articles, Mentors Corner
What Knowledge? Part 1 of 2 There are some interesting thoughts to consider from Proverbs, relative to the more common understandings associated with the term “knowledge”. Beginning in chapter 1, v.7 it says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. It occurred to me that the using one’s knowledge of the Bible, as in playing a game of Bible Trivia, does not tend to develop an association with the fear of the Lord. Continuing on in chapter 1, v. 29, it says “Because they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord”. Again, the thought came to mind; who hates knowledge? On the contrary, it is often that we are overly fond of our knowledge. That is why the apostle Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 8:1 that “Knowledge makes arrogant”, or “puffs up” (ESV). Moving ahead to chapter 12, v. 1, it says “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid”. Now that one is a difficult connection for the standard woridview! The author of the book of Hebrews notes in 12:11, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful …”. Even when we continue with the balance of the verse – “yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”(NASB), it is still difficult to say we love discipline, let alone connect it to a love of knowledge. Another valuable lesson we can learn from Proverbs is how Solomon relates knowledge to wisdom and understanding. First, it is significant to note the chronology of the terms....
by John Hartshorn | Feb 5, 2018 | Articles, Mentors Corner
As you may be aware, the Apostle John, both in His gospel and his letters, has a good deal to say on the subject of abiding. Depending on your translation of choice, he notes it 40 times in his gospel, 11 times in the 15th chapter alone. He then references it 27 more time in his epistles. It is not commonly used in our modern vernacular, so it bears defining. In the Complete Word Study Dictionary NT it says ” In John’s writings, to remain in or with someone, i.e. to be and remain (emphasis added) united with him, one in heart, mind, and will”. To aid our understanding, John uses the illustration of the vine and its branches in the early portion of chapter 15 of his gospel. Note with me some of the essential elements of the illustration found in the first six verses: In v.1 He says He is “the true vine” and “My Father is the vine dresser” (which would be the term used for a farmer, husbandman, or vine dresser). In v.2 He says of the branches (those professing Christ), every branch that does not bear fruit He (the Father) “takes away”, and the branch that bears fruit He “prunes” that it may bear more fruit. In v.4 we see the two way relationship of the vine and branches. The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, it has to “be and remain” (as the definition noted) in the vine, and thus we cannot bear fruit unless we abide in Him, and Him in us. In the well known v.5, repeating the points already noted...
by John Hartshorn | Sep 28, 2015 | Articles, What Do You Think?
The Primary Objective Judging motives is a slippery slope. It can be an exhausting workout of an exercise in futility. Nonetheless, the reason behind an action taken can be significant. That was a recent consideration on a passage that is familiar to many. Both Matthew, (22:34 -40) and Mark (12:28-31) record the question posed by the lawyer (scribe) who ask Jesus “Teacher, what is the great commandment in the Law?” (What commandment is the foremost of all?). The passages infer, or state, that the Pharisees had been questioning Jesus. It could be another instance where the motive was “trap the teacher”. We can be critical of the Pharisees, but then emulate them when we come across His truth running contrary to our desires. Another option for the intent could be the frustration of trying to obey all the laws/commandments. Maybe if it could be narrowed to “the main thing”. One could then infer the others to be of less importance, maybe even “cultural”. Or possibly the very lucid thought of wanting to understand the primary objective, and be clear on the criteria for obtaining that objective, could at the heart of the question. As noted, knowing the true motive is speculation, but considering such possibilities can lead to some fruitful introspection, being that we could find ourselves having any one of those motives. For the purpose of this brief discussion, let us consider the third intent. Consider the initial imperative in Jesus’ response as recorded in Mathew’s account – “You shall love”. God both desires and requires our love, and all that we give to that love with what...
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