Context

In the Beginning – God

[xyz-ihs snippet=”ByBenGilmore”]

We have finished the 1st two of 24 online classes in the “Principles of American Government” (PAG) course. A few details may interest you:

“Context” – When you teach, always create a context for the subject.

Suppose I were to begin telling you about some sequins. I would specify the colors, the dimensions, the material, etc. – You would be wondering, “Where do I store this data? Why do I need it?

Suppose I said, “The earth is a sphere drifting in space. It is surrounded with an envelope of gas and its surface is solid and liquid (land and sea). The land is divided into continents. Off the continent we call Europe are some large Islands we call Britain. London is a large city in Britain. There is a Shakespearian theater in London. On that stage is a cast of the play “Othello.” The actor playing Othello is wearing velvet slippers. I want to tell you about the sequins on his slippers. NOW – You know where to “store” the data.

God teaches in context. The first sentence in the Bible:

In the beginning ,,,”

In the beginning – what?

In the beginning, God …”

In the beginning, God – what?

“In the beginning, God created …”

It takes a whole bunch of verses to get down to grass and trees – eventually, to Adam – finally He got it right! He made Eve!

Think about the context. Suppose God had made the cow before He had created a pasture. One confused cow!!

I have discovered – when you seek to create “context” for any subject, if you go back far enough, you always end up with God, the “first cause” of everything.

[xyz-ihs snippet=”ContactBen”]

Download: Natural Theology – Winkie Pratney notes.pdf

In the Beginning – God Read More »

Stone Setting

[xyz-ihs snippet=”ByBenGilmore”]

How to begin the first column of the year! Perhaps “setting a foundation” is the proper place.

The red-blooded, jump-right-in, American-patriotic way, is to ignore the context and get-right-down to the details!!!!

That is said in jest. No – The true American patriot never deals in details without building a context for them. i.e. Don’t plant your feet firmly in mid-air!

The Bible even starts, “In the beginning –“In the beginning – what? “In the beginning, God –“ In the beginning, God – what? “In the beginning, God created –“ It goes on to describe step-by-step how God created, “everything that was created.” Each word creates a context for what follows!

I call it the “mixing bowl” theory. Unless the bowls are properly nested, the drawer won’t close. Suppose God had created the cow, before He made a pasture. One confused cow!!!

My pointIf we are not to build upon sand, we must deal in history and fundamental principle. God does!!!!

I like Larry Wagner’s phrase about the Pilgrims, “A rock flung o’re the ocean, they were laid a cornerstone!

The Foundation for American Christian Education (FACE) was founded in the early 1960’s by Miss Verna Hall and Miss Rosalie Slater in San Francisco. Their gravesites are there on a slope facing westward. I was honored to be present at both of their memorials.

These ladies spent a lifetime collecting the documents that influenced those who founded America. It was a privilege to browse their library and discuss American history and government with them.

Mind you – In the early ‘60’s there were not many scholars and broadcasts documenting America’s unique foundation. Three radio networks dominated oral communication. Television was just beginning. Computers required a large, air-conditioned room, and were “spoken to” by a deck of keypunch cards! There was no internet. FACE was trail-blazing for the outstanding scholars and organizations that espouse the greatness of our nation today.

FACE is now headquartered in Chesapeake, VA. You will find a mountain of information in the internet. A library has been built to house their collection. Those of you who recognize the significance of my words will follow the link below and read the inspiring words of Dr. Carol Adams, president of FACE.

FACE_Fundraising_Letter_(Nov.pdf

BTW – ACH “Principles of American Government” online classes begin Monday, January 7. $195 tuition is less important than planting the precious seeds. Join the class and pay what you can, when you can. First step – phone me 916-722-2501.

[xyz-ihs snippet=”ContactBen”]

Stone Setting Read More »

Scroll to Top

Ben Gilmore 1929-2023

On March 30, 2023 Ben Gilmore, the co-founder of ACHStudyGroups (co-founded with his wife Fran), went to be with the Lord in Glory.

A Memorial: https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/BenGilmore/