Something to think about

Lately, and because of this book, comes the discussion of Satan and where he came to be. Not to give him more worth then he rates, but, let me shoot some ideas and allow you to post your thoughts.

Some have stated that Satan is synonymous for the snake or serpent in Genesis 3. I do not agree, and let me tell you why. First off it does not say it and I am always hesitant of adding words or ideas above what it states especially in its own language. Another reason is simply because we know in Revelation that Satan was cast out of heaven. This had to happen after Adam and Eve were created, simply because God said the Creation was still "very good" on day 6 after man had been created.

I see Satan as an anointed cherub. That is that he was set apart by God for Gods Divine purpose. According to the Oxford Dictionary it also means "bestowal of Gods divine favor", and "appointment to a special place or function." So in other words, God has given Satan a certain amount of power and authority. But he perverted that power. Lucifer wanted to exalt himself above God... rather than "just" being the Angel of God.

So then why didn't God just smite Satan off the map? Well that is tough, because sin had entered the world, and into the very nature of man through Adams transgression, then for God to destroy Satan, he would also have had to destroy the man he loved. But God had a better way. A way of Redemption. The Cross, and Christ the Redeemer was on His way!

Tell us what you think?

What was the most profound thing in Screwtape Letters you read?

What has really made you relook at yourself, your life, your etc...?

Psalm discussion

I wanted to thank all of you for opening up and thinking outside the box with the discussion we had about psalms. I want to post a great article off the Bible.org web page. It is an article written by Ted Phillips.

The Book of Psalms, is one of the greatest collections of songs, prayers, and poetry. These Psalms express the deepest passions of humanity. In their pages, we can hear the psalmist's desperate cry, in the midst of despair. But, we also hear his emphatic praise, for his Provider, and Comforter. We can hear him pouring out his soul in confession, but, also, bubbling over with joy! The Psalms lead us through the valleys and peaks, of human experiences; but, in the end, they guide us to the praise of our loving Creator.

The Psalms are broken down into different categories. Many Psalms can be categorized by their themes. For example, the "Royal" Psalms emphasize "God, as King," through the use of the phrase, "the Lord reigns." These Psalms speak of His rule as Creator, Savior of Israel, and as "the coming One."
The "Zion" Psalms, focus on Jerusalem, using its endearing name, "Zion." These Psalms rhapsodize on the city, as God's choice for the site of the Holy Temple, the place for true worship of His name.
The "Penitential" Psalms, are those in which the psalmist confesses sin to the Lord, asks for forgiveness, and then praises the Lord for the renewed relationship, which God's forgiveness provides, e.g., Psalm 51.
The "Wisdom" Psalms, focus on some of the same issues, which we find in the Book of Proverbs. These Psalms present a sharp contrast, between the righteous and the wicked. They address God's blessings and cursings, and often focus on righteous living.
A subcategory of the "Wisdom" Psalms, are the "Torah" Psalms, or poems, which focus on the beauty, truth, and sufficiency of the law of God.
Some of the most troubling Psalms, are those that contain prayers asking God to curse the wicked. These are called the "Imprecatory" Psalms. These Psalms are sometimes thought to conflict with the sentiment of the Gospels, but they actually reflect God's abhorrence of evil.
In contrast, are the joyful, and prophetic "Passover" Psalms, Psalms 113-118. These are the Psalms that were sung at the beginning of the Passover, and were called the "Egyptian Hallel." Psalms 113-115 were sung at the temple, during the slaying of the animals. Psalms 116-117, were sung during the meal, and at the end, Psalm 118. These Psalms are a remarkable celebration of the great acts of the Lord, in delivering His people from Egypt. They point forward to the deliverance that would come through the Savior, Jesus.
A final group of Psalms, is clustered at the end of the book, and are called the "Hallel" Psalms. These Psalms focused on the exodus from Egypt. They praise God for His character, and for His saving work.
The last category, is the "Lament" Psalms.

Ted seems to have a good grasp I would say.
The Laments are the ones that most folks have problems saying in Church. This is because for the most part the psalmist is asking for revenge and for most this sounds contrary to Christ's word. Even Martin Luther had problems with these and had asked their removal from canon for that reason.
Bill <><

Screwtape Coming to Big Screen

by Suzanne Hadley on Feb 5, 2007 at 12:54 PM
Luther at the Movies reports that The Screwtape Letters is going to be made into a movie.
First it was The Chronicles of Narnia. Now The Screwtape Letters—C.S. Lewis' often-imitated but never equalled epistolary masterpiece—is coming to a theater near you at some point in the not-too-distant future, God willing.
LATM goes on to ponder who should play Screwtape (Jack Nicholson? Willem Dafoe? Sir Anthony Hopkins?) And then the more important question:
Will his nephew, Wormwood, be portrayed? Will someone have the audacity to write return letters, from Wormwood to Screwtape, which, in the book, are only inferred from Screwtape's replies?
Whatever choices are made to adapt take Screwtape from book to big screen, one thing seems certain: This film will not lack in quality. Gene Veith notes:
And the portents are very promising: Walden media (the pro-family media group with big pockets that is funding the Narnia movies) is putting up the money; Lewis's stepson Douglas Gresham (who ensured the fidelity of the Narnia movies) is involved; and Ralph Winter (the promising Christian director who made it big in the mainstream with movies like "Fantastic Four") is producing.
I consider The Screwtape Letters my favorite of Lewis' works. I also greatly enjoyed Lord Foulgrin's Letters and The Ishbane Conspiracy, novels by Randy Alcorn based on the same premise. The story illuminates the subtle ways the enemy gains a foothold in a believer's life. I love the tagline on the back cover of Alcorn's book: "Know your enemy. Read his mail." I hope the film, which I await eagerly, will reach a modern audience with the spiritual insight that comes from knowing the enemy.