Spotlight Person Sir William Mitchell Ramsay

Sir William Mitchell Ramsay

Was born in Glasgow Scotland on the 15th of March in 1851. His father died when he was only six and the family moved to the country. Despite these circumstances he was brought up given the best of educations thanks to help from his extended family. He discovered early on that he wanted to study and liked the scholarly life, but wanted nothing to do with teaching. 

After years of study he became an expert in archaeology in and around Asia Minor. He had a reputation for doing more with less than any other archaeologist of that time. In his career he turned his attention to the historicity of Luke's account of the new testament, especially Paul's journeys in Asia Minor, to quote him 'I had read a good deal of modern criticism of the book'. Mr Ramsay believed what others thought that the book was written in the second century to influence people, not an account by one who followed Paul. 

William Ramsay latter published a book about his findings called 'The Bearing of Recent Discoveries on. the Trustworthiness of the New Testament'. Mr Ramsay not only came to believe in the accuracy of Acts and Paul's journeys, but also thought that Luke was not only real but one of the greater historians of that time. Not only this, he came to believe that the book of Acts was not only theological, but actually factually and accurately historical. 

Not much can be found that proves William Ramsay was a Christian before or after his studies. There are sources on the Internet that claim he converted to Christ, but I haven't found words written by William Ramsay's own hands that says either he was an atheist or Christian. I would like to know if he ever published his feelings on that matter. 

I am a firm believer that truth will come out in the end. I believe and have faith that the Bible is accurate and true, and the more time goes on, we will discover it to be so. William Ramsay went a long way in proving much of the New Testament account to be true. Also, please don't misunderstand, my faith in Jesus Christ is dependent upon my Faith and the Holy Ghost, not the archaeological work of any man. I find the story of William Ramsay to be an intriguing one. 

Genesis 18

Genesis chapter 18

We have in this chapter one of the rare cases that the Lord himself walked on the earth in the Old Testament. He came down to deliver a message to Abraham and deliver justice to Sodom and Gomorrah. News sometimes comes in life just as it does here in this chapter. News comes and it is good, but also there is bad news. We know that Abraham waited all his life for the news of a son of his own with Sarah, but we know he also didn't want to hear the news about the city in which Lot lived.

Abraham greats these 'strangers' like we should greet all those that we have the opportunity to show graciousness too. He kills the fat calf, and prepares the best possible meal and wants to do his best for these new guests. I believe if Abraham did not know exactly who it was in his midst, he had a good idea. Oh, that we would always be ready when the Lord might appear.

After sitting down to eat the news comes quickly that God will grant Abraham and Sarah their son. The news catches Sarah off guard and she laughs within herself. God knows our innermost thoughts and feelings, and there is no need to try and hide or deny them from him; he knows.

As the meal is over the guests get up to leave and head to Sodom. The Lord asks his companions if he should keep hidden the reason they are going to Sodom. God knows our hearts, he knows are pleas, and just as he loved us, he also knows who we love. Our Savior knows when we have deep feelings for someone, and therefore many times Christ will hear our plea for them. Christ knew that Abraham loved his nephew and their family. Jesus knew that there were those in those cities that Abraham had dealings with and would want to spare their lives if he could at all help.

The other two people go on but Christ stays to talk with Abraham and tell him all about their mission that evening. Abraham pleads that the city might be spared if fifty are found righteous and the Lord agrees. Abraham has doubts that there might be that many down there that are righteous so he pleads with the Lord till he gets to only ten righteous and the Lord mercifully agrees. The Lord knows there are only five, but he still hears the cries of his servant. Though our petitions are not always answer, have faith that our Lord and Savior hears them all.

Genesis 17

Genesis chapter 17

As Abram gets into his nineties, God has not forgotten him and he renews his covenant with him. Notice that God tells him to be perfect. We know that Abram has sinned, and is not perfect, but God instructs him, and I believe us also, to be perfect. We are not to be perfect by our own might, but by his. We will most likely never be perfect down here, but whatever sin we may have in our past, we are to seek forgiveness, then seek to be without sin through Jesus Christ.

Now with the renewing of this covenant, God gives Abram the new name of Abraham which means Father of many or a multitude. God reminds Abraham that this covenant is forever and it will be everything that God has promised it would be. With this covenant that was up until this point by faith, God will also have his covenant with Abraham be a physical one as well. Not outwardly, but real and permanent. Isn't this the covenant we have in our hearts with Salvation? Our continence might change, but our outward physical appearance doesn't alter; just the heart.

God is going to change Sarai's name to Sarah. She will bear children and Abraham laughs in his heart at this idea. He knows that Sarah is just as old as him and he doesn't see it happening. Let us all remember that just as God reminds Abraham the inheritance will INDEED come from Sarah's womb, that God's ways are not our ways and he will bring what he promises to pass whether we think it possible or not. God goes so far as to tell Abraham when this child will come and what his name will be. God is specific with our purpose in life.

So Abraham goes and does as God commands and circumcises his entire household, servants and all. Let us all try and be thorough with what God would have us do with and in our lives.

Spotlight Person for Sunday School

Dr. Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr

"Ben" Carson was born on September 18th, 1951 in Detroit Michigan. He was raised by his mother who had a third grade education and was married at 13 only to discovered later husband was a bigamist.

Ben Carson didn't do well in school until his mother had banned him and his brother from TV and made them read two books a week and give a report on it; not knowing that his mother didn't know how to read!

He did well in Middle School and High School graduating with honors and went on to take Psychology at Yale University because he felt they had the best debate team. After Yale he went to the University of Michigan Medical School.

Ben went on to become a gift and prominent neurosurgeon world re-known for his brain procedures and for helping with the first successful separation of conjoined twins. He has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and is a devout Christian.

He has authored four bestselling books including Gifted Hands which is his autobiography which talks about working hard and having faith in God. You can find his speech at this years Fellowship Foundation National Prayer Breakfast here.

Something New

I wanted to do something new in the Adult Sunday school class. I want to spotlight people who have accomplished something for the Lord despite the circumstance being seemingly against them. If time and opportunity allow, I will spotlight someone before we go into the weeks Sunday school topic, which is in Genesis right now.

The first person I would like to spotlight is Gianna Jessen. You can read more at the link provided here, but to cover just some of what her life has included and what she has overcome. She has Cerebral Palsy, walks with a limp, lived in an orphanage, adopted, then raised to Love the Lord by loving adoptive parents. What is even more amazing though, is that this person that should have never walked and now runs marathons also shouldn't be alive. She was born during a 'saline-abortion' in her mother's third trimester.

God has a big light in this woman and everything she has overcome. You can find more at her website here.

Genesis 16

Genesis chapter 16

The bible is full of characters great and small, wise and foolish, God fearing and sinful. No one, and I mean no one in the Bible is perfect save God and his son Jesus Christ. Even Enoch was born with sin though God took him. I believe we are not to take the sins of great people in the Bible as excuses to sin, but as examples to turn back to God as quickly, humbly, and sincerely as possible.

In this chapter Sarai and Abram both make mistakes by not waiting on God. I myself cannot imagine what it would be like to patiently wait as long as this couple did. Make no mistake though, God is always right on time, every time. Man may not be there when God is ready with the answered prayer, but God is there on time.

Sarai is tired of waiting and she instructs Abram to try and bare a child from Hagar her handmaiden. Abram it says 'hearkened unto the voice of Sarai'. I don't know how many time the Bible records 'hearkened unto the voice of the Lord' but unfortunately, this isn't one of those times.

Abram does as requested of Sarai and Sarai regrets it almost immediately. We will most likely regret the times we do our own thing and not obey God. Abram, who no doubt also feels guilt tells Sarai to do as she wishes with Hagar. Now two people feel miserable about themselves and each other, and another is about to be an outcast for doing what she was told.

God is sympathetic to those that are done wrong and Hagar is no exception. God makes a covenant with Hagar that her son will be a great nation. Unfortunately for the Hebrews, her son will be a thorn in their side for the rest of time.

Genesis 14 & 15

Genesis chapter 14

It  doesn't take long for Lot's choice to catch up with him. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah decide to stop paying homage to Chedorlaomer. Of course, this doesn't go over very well and Chedorlaomer and his other loyal subject kings decide to come and defeat the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and take their people and possessions. I guess you don't refuse homage if you can't defend yourself.

Someone escapes from this battle comes to tell Abram and his allies Eschol and Aner about the events that transpired. Abram uses his hundreds of 'trained' servants and goes with his allies to get back Lot and all of the possessions of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Bible records that he split his men up and attacked and defeated Chedorlaomer and his army.

After Abram's return we encounter the king of Salem, Melchizedek. This is a mysterious character in the Bible but we do know he is God's priest, and servant and can bless on God's behalf. After the offering by Melchizedek, Abram gives tithes of all victory.

Bera the King of Sodom tries to give Abram all the spoils of war, but Abram won't have any of that. He tells the king that he won't have it said of him that Bera made him rich. He gives back everything but what his allies used and the food his servants ate. God truly does provide if we rely on him.


Genesis chapter 15

Abram (later Abraham) is an example for us all when we doubt. We can go around and complain to whoever might listen about our problems and seemingly unanswered prayers. In the end we will feel worse for it and be no better off. Abram again and again went to God with his doubts. Abram wasn't perfect, and he did sin, but then he would go back and confide in God. If we confided in our Savior as much as we complained, our prayer lives would greatly benefit.

Abram argues with God and says that his only heir is not his own blood. Abram knew how old he and his wife was. There is no other reason for Sarai to conceive when she did but by an absolute miracle of God. God reassures Abram that indeed his heirs will be of his own blood. Isn't that the way with Salvation? God makes us not only adopted heirs but full heirs by Jesus' blood.

God commands Abram to take all of his sacrifices and do as commanded. Abram not only does this but makes sure that no animals or birds take any party of the offering until God answers. Oh, and God answered him through a deep sleep with a grand and terrible vision. God reveals that Abram will die of old age, but his children's children will be in captivity in Egypt. Not to have fear though, because God will bring them out and deliver them into a land of their promise.

Notice that in God's promises he doesn't leave anything out? He also gives great care and detail, for it is nothing for God to fulfill what he says will come to pass.