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Realm of Distinction

By James Austin on May 1, 2017 in Cosmology, Theology

I’ve been spending a lot of time with astronomy and topics surrounding theoretical physics. So I got to thinking. Is it possible that the creation event wasn’t a one-time occurrence? That it continues on as driven within the framework of energy and matter?

In descending order:
Molecules-> Atoms -> Electrons -> Quarks -> Leptons & Gluons -> “Strings” (super symmetry; 11 dimensional space)

As open and closed types of string forces move in and out of existence from other dimensions, they’re driven by a type of source that has remained in perpetuity. Meaning, there is a constant or eternal source independent of time in order for matter and energy to remain together or structured as they are.

Universal objects which took millions of light-years to get to here are a completely different time reference which no longer exist as they were. Atoms with components that orbit a central nucleus are of the same type of model as galaxies and solar systems (i.e. quantum & universal). Relatively speaking, the scale between the two is immense, but with a design that is roughly common.

As the universe continues to expand, it accelerates. However, from a point of reference that originates energy and matter, its position still relatively insignificant as compared to other dimensions that exist also.

What God put into existence has a natural and ongoing bearing on how we understand reality is formed. I suspect that what’s behind Strings in other dimensions is God’s eternal intent that sets and keeps particles we measure in place regardless of scale. The difference between the physical, the spirit and the soul for example. Speculatively, as all reside as one within a range of moment slices (time), but two are eternal (i.e. independent of time) and not subject to decay or entropy as that which is within space and time.

When God ‘spoke’ creation into existence (to speak implies a physical effort), it wasn’t a one-time occurrence that lasts. What was spoken is still spoken and continues to propagate as that source of energy or spirit. Not as God spoke (past-tense), but that I AM’s spoken creation is sustained from a ‘place’ of continued tense independent of time. From our perspective, we are still in ‘day’ 5 of the creation narrative as given in Genesis.

Could it be that where the tripartite spirit, soul, and body exists in a more pertinent reality as compared to our physical being? We live among counter-parts of ourselves which we can’t see. Much like what energy source exists that serves as the structure behind strings that reach into other dimensions.

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The Keeping

By James Austin on December 12, 2015 in Theology

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” – Nm 6:24-26

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In the Light

By James Austin on November 12, 2015 in Theology

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” – 1 John 1:5-10

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Book of Profit

By James Austin on September 3, 2014 in Theology

Here’s an upcoming teaching method to become immersed in and get from it all you can. It’s an inspiring way to better and more fully understand selected snippets of text. While I’ve memorized this verse long ago, I never really knew that each point is interconnected in linear succession as ‘teaching’, ‘reproof,’ ‘correction,’ and ‘training.’ I earlier understood them as separate outcomes, but that just isn’t so. Here is the video walk-through.

Meaning, scripture is God-breathed and profitable for specific purposes. Time and effort in scripture are what lead to righteousness. One step after another concerning matter by matter, it comes. With Teaching from John Piper, at the desiringGod.org site. Here’s a preview of what’s to come.

To he who has an ear, let him hear. 2 Tim 3:14-17

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Coram Deo

By James Austin on July 1, 2014 in Theology

Last night was a full immersion in page after page of those Holy words again. Written to say what it does and not to appear as ink on pages and pixels in view. I went very late and lost track of time, but it didn’t matter—principles upon principles and definitions. Phrases in Greek read, spoken, and enunciated. These were parallel meanings and close antonyms.

“Tua Da Gloriam Non Nobis Domine Non Nobis Sed Nomini”

Saints and who they were and what they believed. What they did and did not do. Apostle Paul’s relationships and hardships, his offenses, and what he was committed to. His passion for the kingdom for the sake of the elect. By happenstance came upon the words ‘reign’ and ‘rebuke’ again and again—no idea why.

And today, while out and about it dawned on me that the reason I felt so alive and renewed was because of what came from that time spent—fully delved in meaning for the renewal. There were words I saw and felt that served as nourishment.

So I was reminded that what Jesus said is that the reborn shall not live by bread alone but by his Words. So very literally true, but that wasn’t what was so incredibly awakening. That evidence of the reborn is by what sustains it. It’s those words and meanings that were needed. They were craved then, and I don’t think that will ever go away. It was a promise made clear in an unexpected way.

So today was a different kind of energy. A gift of strength inside that comes for just long enough in the moment. Just long enough for the day. Long enough for eternity.

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Conundrum

By James Austin on June 24, 2014 in Theology

Made visible by the ‘random’ verse of the day on my phone. First in sight upon awakening. “Good morning, Lord.”

“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” – 2 Thes. 3:3

To come back to the verse throughout the day as a reminder. A promise trusted and a promise kept.

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40-Days

By James Austin on June 5, 2014 in Theology

There was a book I read some while back entitled the “Resurrection Factor.” The author sets up all possible or likely what-if scenarios to dismiss or prove against the resurrection of Jesus. It was also in that I learned much more about the process of crucifixion and how the body breaks down under that form of torture.

One of the topics in passing centered upon how the stakes driven into Jesus were not likely through the palm of his hands, but through his wrists. Primarily because ropes around his arms and steaks through his hands wouldn’t support his weight while vertically positioned. Stakes through the wrist with supported arms tied to planks would likely support his weight more effectively.

It’s also during crucifixion that victims suffocate. They don’t normally die right off from the punctures, bleed-out, exposure, or vertical prostration. While that’s a form of torture, sufferers support themselves from footrests on the vertical upright plank while standing and staked. It’s when sufferers have their legs broken during the ordeal that they begin to suffocate. Without enough support or strength to push up and continue vertical body support, the lungs become over-stressed, where normal breathing becomes impossible. The struggle continues until eventual death by an inability to breathe.

By historical account, Christ’s legs were not broken during the process. He was impaled by spear after death but before burial. However, the physical damage in numerous areas took place nonetheless. Whipping, stabbing, beating, head punctures, and crucifixion all to take the life of Jesus. The life He gave for us.

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Concentric Effort

By James Austin on February 19, 2013 in Theology

While watching session 2 of David Platt’s lessons on “Follow Me” (www.followmebook.org), I took notes on a 3×5 index card. To follow along and pay careful attention. Play, rewind, pause, replay, and so on. I have to go through all of these and keep reading his book. And with urgency, because I have to know.

Here are some of the notes etched on this card, with Christ at the center of a concentric circle that illustrates the biblical framework for a follower.

First and foremost, confessing Christ changes everything about us.

Thoughts

Rom 12:1; And to take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Desires

To know God deeply is to love God wholeheartedly. – Matt 7:23.

Will

Our will is grounded in our thoughts and desires. We act and live as Jesus does based on what we believe.

Relationships

Sharing and fellowship to encourage and renew.

Purpose

John 15:5; Bear Fruit.
So how do we know one is a follower?

1.) To abide in Christ, let his words remain in me.
His words. God’s word cleanses us.

2.) To remain in his love, by doing what he says.
God’s words empower us.
God’s words compel us.
God’s words satisfy us.
God’s words bring joy, and our joy becomes complete.

Proclaim His words no matter how much it costs us.

This brings peace.

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Go Where I Go

By James Austin on November 5, 2012 in Theology

For those who object to Pascale’s wager, here’s a beautiful series of words worth considering.

His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ps 147:10–11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Today I spent a bit of time in Ps. 147. Some of the best parts of my day were reading through that chapter to dwell on what it is to offer and give praise to the Most-High. And to consider that our heavenly father has given all the stars in space their names. That they are all known by name or being is amazing. And being settled by what it takes to believe is what brings me peace, comfort, and certainty.

Not all that long ago, I made the plunge into the Logos upgrade, and the enhanced portability is so very much needed. The power of what that does has such a significant influence on my day and mindset. I consider it an ever present gift to saturate my thoughts. Everything else is waste in comparison, and I use it a lot for personal and work interests.

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In Search of Knowing

By James Austin on March 11, 2012 in Theology

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” – Lk 9:23

I’ve been looking high and low for extra reading on the person of Christ. There are this sense and urgency within that I just have to know Him. Through and through and not just about Him, His attributes, His character, or about His doing, but about Him and His perfect will.

The Christ of Heaven and the Son of God, and to God Himself I just have to know Him. I’m not explaining it well, but it’s just to see, hear, and understand him. How he was, what he said, and what that means as one who seeks after Him. I want to make absolutely certain that when I stand before Him, it is never reasoned, ‘I never knew you’.

So the search is on and that is my prayer and mission for this week. To see what might happen and where that would go. An exercise in faith because I just know He’s the only way.

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Words of Renewal

By James Austin on January 19, 2012 in Theology

GREAT prayer time today. About coming back to basics and a softening of the heart. So, I’ve reordered a TMS (Topical Memory System) again to start fresh. You might want to consider the same.

“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.”
Isaiah 26:3

Having memorized these over and over some while ago, they brought such life and renewal. And clarity and promise. So for today, I’m reciting some of them off from memory and I’m so pleased and grateful they came back to mind.

I very much miss them, so I’m getting back to it just to review and build upon what’s there. This Spirit is going to grow within because something is stirring inside much like my passion for wilderness and music, only much more and this is everlasting. Day by day heaven nears and even if this is just a single day at a time, that is enough because there is peace.

Topical Memory System

LIVE THE NEW LIFE	PROCLAIM CHRIST	RELY ON GOD’S RESOURCES	BEING CHRIST’S DISCIPLE	GROW IN CHRIST
Christ the Center 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20	All Have Sinned Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6	His Spirit 1 Cor. 3:16; 1 Cor. 2:12	Put Christ First Matthew 6:33, Luke 9:23	Love John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:18
Obedience to Christ Romans 12:1; John 14:21	Sin’s Penalty Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27	His Strength Isaiah 41:10; Phil. 4:13	Separate From the World 1 John 2:15-16; Romans 12:2	Humility Phil. 2:3-4; 1 Peter 5:5-6
The Word 2 Timothy 3:16; Joshua 1:8	Christ Paid the Penalty Romans 5:8 1 Peter 3:18	His Faithfulness Lam. 3:22-23; Num. 23:19	Be Steadfast 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 12:3	Purity Eph. 5:3; 1 Peter 2:11
Prayer John 15:7; Phil. 4:6-7	Salvation not by Works Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5	His Peace Isaiah 26:3; 1 Peter 5:7	Serve Others Mark 10:45; 2 Cor. 4:5	Honesty Lev. 19:11; Acts 24:16
Fellowship Matt. 18:20; Heb. 10:24-25	Must Receive Christ John 1:12; Revelation 3:20	His Provision Rom. 8:32; Phil. 4:19	Give Generously Proverbs 3:9,10; 2 Cor. 9:6-7	Faith Heb. 11:6; Rom. 4:20-21
Witnessing Matt. 4:19; Romans 1:16	Assurance of Salvation 1 John 5:13; John 5:24	Help in Temptation Hebrews 2:18; Ps. 119:9-11	Develop World Vision Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20	Good Works Gal. 6:9-10; Matt. 5:16

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Acuity of a Blind Man

By James Austin on October 25, 2011 in Theology

The “Works of God” through the disabilities of others (John 9:3). And not just for those of who have physical handicaps, I suppose.

“For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” – Rev 3:17

This afternoon on my Twitter stream, I saw an article come through, and it led me to get a second look and read further into it. I was not sure what it was going to be about, but I chose to spend the time with the article’s link anyway. The article is entitled “When Men Forget Who They Are” by John Knight. It’s on the desiringgod.org site.

What got my attention was the call for Pastors to join a Conference about “God, Manhood & Ministry: Building Men for the Body of Christ.” The time spent to involve somehow, “Fathers of children with disabilities need you to get biblical manhood.” It’s not clear to me what was meant, but it was enough to continue in the article.

The author’s boy is blind. And it feels like men or parents under such circumstances aren’t a priority given the church’s condition today and what is comparatively needed elsewhere relatively speaking. Still, here by happenstance, or by Providence, some will attend and maybe make a difference among some who have children with disabilities.

So, I spend some time thinking about who’s paying attention and what they would possibly do. Hoping for the best.