Welcome to Rescuing Jesus from the Bible!
In order to get the most out of the following material, I would ask that you please read the introductory material on Atheists for Jesus and the About AFJ Page prior to continuing here.
I hope that you will find the information to be of interest and of value to you. Please feel free to contact me with your feedback.
Sincerely,
Ken Schei

In 2006 I did a podcast intitled "Rescuing Jesus (and America) from the Religious Right". These podcasts are no longer available on iTunes, but can be downloaded or played by clicking HERE

Awesome! Amen from me too :)
Thank you for the joy of this site

Greetings to Ken and AFJ. Your "selective" reading of the Gospels is quite interesting (and quite telling, as I find that you can often learn more by what a person does NOT say, than what they say). On the subject of works vs. faith, I believe Jesus, Paul and James have been quite clear. To claim faith, but be unwilling to ACT on that faith brings that faith into question. To do works, but NOT out of faith and love are worthless.

Compare Luke 18:9-14 to I Corinthians 13:1-3. But you might rebut, 'Of course - Luke was Paul's friend, and perverted the story of Jesus to fit Paul's Gospel'

How about Matthew 7:15-28 (which includes your quoted 7:21, which I argue you've taken out of context)? Here, Jesus ALSO emphasizes the idea of 'works' being the fruit (results) of what's within (faith), not just works ALONE. He emphasizes this point (not commending works without faith) in verses 21-23 (the REAL context of verse 21) in stating that even those who do 'wonderful works' and those who simply claim 'Lord, Lord' will be left 'on the outs' as it were, for not genuinely doing God's will. Again, 'stated faith' with no works proves there's no real faith (you shall know them by their fruits) AND works without faith (or not out of obedience to, and for the glory of, God) prove worthless as well.

OK, in James 2:8-26, you might believe that to be in support of your argument of works over faith, but if you read it completely (no 'sound bites' please) it's clear that the author at NO POINT dismisses genuine faith, but rather admonishes those who think they can 'believe' without acting in accordance with that belief. Or do you really think he was commending Abraham for trying to kill Isaac, absent of the fact that he was doing it out of faith in God (and faith in God's promise from Genesis 17:19, that Isaac would 'survive' the ordeal, even if God had to raise him from the dead). I submit that this (James supporting genuine faith as salvific, but hypocritical 'claims' of faith being worthless) is not merely an opinion/interpretation - but an unavoidable conclusion as long as you don't take half verses out of context. As stated in James 2:23, the author quotes Genesis 15:6 - it was Abraham's belief (faith) that was counted for righteousness (right-standing with God, to the point of being called the 'Friend of God'). Hmmm, oddly enough - Paul quotes that SAME verse (Gen 15:6) in Romans 4:3-13, and Galatians 3:6.

I submit that you've erected (along with Mr./Dr. Sagan, and others) a FALSE DICHOTOMY between Paul and Jesus. In order to do so, you have to leave out a LOT of what was attributed to having been spoken by Jesus, AND you have to take a VERY selective reading of Paul's epistles to support your conclusion.

Lastly, you claim that the Ebionites were the 'true followers of Jesus' but that they dismissed ALL of the prophets as untrue (Isaiah, David, etc.). Well, that may very well be - but if so, then they would have been VERY bad at being Jews, and VERY bad at being followers of Jesus, since the record we have in the Gospels show that Jesus had ABSOLUTE faith and confidence in the ENTIRETY of what we now call the Old Testament (even as He was providing a better explanation of said scriptures and Law than had become the Jewish traditional interpretation by His day).

Jesus is reported to have constantly quoted scripture beyond just the 'Books of Moses' and Joshua. If the Ebionites accept the Gospel of Matthew, only starting with Matthew 3 (intro of John the Baptist), then they must have big problems with Matthew 4:1-17 (oh, that's right, the 'Paul sympathizers' snuck that part in).

And I suppose the authors of I and II Peter, as well as I-III John were Pauline sympathizers as well, in light of I Peter 1:1-25, and I John 1:1-2:29 (since they BOTH obviously believed in the redemptive, salvific work of Jesus's sacrifice, and in His resurrection).

I'm sorry - but you have to selectively dismiss WAY TOO MUCH of the Bible (even the parts that you claim support your arguments) for your conclusions to hold any water. It's like putting a witness on the stand in your defense, asking answers to VERY specific yes or no questions (and the witness answers truthfully, without being allowed to provide context), then at cross examination the witness is allowed to speak freely to provide context to those yes or no questions, and your entire defense falls apart.

I don't question your BELIEF in your sincerity, maybe it's just 'The Dilbert Principle' at work (starting with a conclusion, then working to try to prove that the conclusion was reached by logical analysis of the available data).

Don't kid yourself, or the other atheists reading what you've stated. You left out some key statements that Jesus made that you left out to suit your own purpose.

Jesus told his disciples, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He did not merely point the way to God. He himself claimed to be the only way to the Father and the source of eternal truth and life.

This is Great. Even though we definitely don't agree an a whole lot, we agree on one thing: The scriptures are being validated. Scriptures are being used authoritatively. A little misguided and misapplied by this group, but used in an official capacity of reference; and as such, acknowledging the subject as Worthy. Excellent! The fulfillment and proper interpretations will always follow in God's good time like anything else that is real in Heaven and earth. God Bless you Paul, and all saints of Our Lord, for your faithful ministry.

I have enjoyed your logical interpretation of the Good Samaritan very much. I totally agree. For years now I have read only the red lettered words of Jesus and the four Gospels only. I would highly recommend this method of reading the Holy Bible to the religious right.

Hello Danielle,

RE: May I call you Ken?

Absolutely! ;-)

RE: Why are you specifically trying to disprove the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?

While I do not personally believe in any gods (I'd be a pretty poor excuse for an atheist if I did ;-) ), disproving the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is not my intent.

My efforts have been directed at trying to separate the teachings and beliefs of Jesus of Nazareth from those of Paul. Jesus, of course, believed in God. However, my research has led me to strongly believe that Jesus attempted to change the commonly held view of that God. These attempted changes were thwarted by the actions of Paul and later Constantine.

My main purpose here, is to attempt to extricate Jesus' teachings and restore them to their original form.

I hope that helps to clarify my position.

Sincerely,
Ken

Hello Ken,
May I call you Ken? If not, Hello Kenneth, I've been reading a bit of your blog, and I am a follower of Christ, my question to you is, and I just found the first place to ask it, so that's why it's under this particular blog is- Why are you specifically trying to disprove the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?
Thanks for your time,
Danielle

Hi Bruce (M.A.C.),

RE: I think that we can agree to disagree in this situation for the nonce, but only time will tell if either of us were right or wrong. I guess we will find out on judgment day who was right and who was wrong.

I agree that it will probably take that long. ;-)

If you continue to do your best to Love Your God and Love Your Neighbor, and I continue to do my best to Love My Neighbor, I think that the world will be a better place due to both of our efforts.

Thanks for an interesting discussion!!

All the best to you and yours!!

Sincerely,
Ken

Hi Ken,

Only the best of the best became religious leaders when Paul was coming up. If he was a failure then so where the rest of the Apostles. They were fishermen, tax collectors and such; if you were not chosen for leadership you worked in your families business. No free lunch for the Apostles they worked hard for their lunch and their faith. Unlike some modern preachers that we know used the gospel to gain riches and rob from the gullible masses of humanity.

I know this simply becomes an exercise in apologetics but it is an exercise I don't mind for the moment. Since I think your position is flawed and erroneous. The only real difference between Jesus and Paul that I can see is that Jesus was without sin and Paul was an admitted sinner that struggled with sin at times and admitted his weaknesses and short comings readily.

Lets look at what Jesus taught and what Paul taught and compare whether their teachings are truly different...

Both Jesus and Paul taught about Satan and spiritual warfare in the spiritual realm against human beings;

JESUS: MATTHEW 4:1-11, LUKE 22:31-34

COMPARE

PAUL: EPHESIANS 6:10-20

Both Paul and Jesus taught that sexual immorality such as; ADULTERY was wrong;

JESUS: MATTHEW 5:28

COMPARE

PAUL: HEBREWS 13:4

Both Jesus and Paul taught and preached Love and Forgiveness;

JESUS: MATTHEW 5:44

COMPARE

PAUL: EPHESIANS 4:32

Both Jesus and Paul taught and preached salvation comes through Jesus Christ the lamb of God;

JESUS: MATTHEW 26:28

COMPARE

PAUL: EPHESIANS 1:7

Paul's true authority of the continuation of the gospel of Jesus Christ is established in this passage;

GALATIANS 1:6-24

Remember when Jesus stopped Paul on the Damascus road that he said;

"But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you".

Looks like all the bases are covered, Jesus and Paul are the same yet different. Maybe because they are two different people, and with Jesus being God and all I'd say really different.

Now as to our similarities we both believe that Love is the bond that will bring us together you just don't think Paul should be part of it. I will not judge you for I am prohibited by my faith to do so. However I am not prohibited from an opinion and my opinion is that you are wrong and should not use the gospel to pervert others to your belief that Paul was a pseudo apostle of Christ.

I think that we can agree to disagree in this situation for the nonce, but only time will tell if either of us were right or wrong. I guess we will find out on judgment day who was right and who was wrong.

Kindest Regards,
M.A.C.

Hi Bruce (MAC),

RE: I agree that there some differences between our positions and what we are saying as a whole.

Some??? ;-)

RE:"you think that the Apostle Paul started a sect that is very different from the consistent message of scripture and Jesus Christ is to me simply put, tripe with no real oeuvre."

First of all, I find no "consistent message." It is my contention that the NT is a mixture of two completely different religions. Paul supplies a religion ABOUT Jesus the Christ which contains stories about Jesus combined with Greek and Roman mythology (dying, rising, god/man etc.). The original apostles supply the religion OF Jesus of Nazareth. A Jew who they believed was the "Ultimate Prophet," who was a reformer and who tried to change his peoples view of god from a vengeful, wrathful, jealous, warrior god into a view of god as a loving "Heavenly Father."

As far as your contention that my beliefs are "tripe with no real oeuvre," you, of course, have your right to believe that, but I happen to disagree. (I would also suggest that you may want to use a word other than 'oeuvre.' Unless you know of a different definition than I do.)

RE: "What would Paul have gained?"

My efforts have been aimed at what Paul did, rather than why he did them. I don't claim to know what his motivations were, but I believe that it is mistaken to claim that he had nothing to gain. Here are a couple of possibilities: First, Paul was 'trying' to become a Pharisee (see Maccoby, Hyam, "The Mythmaker."). He evidently wasn't too successful as evidenced by his assignment to go and arrest Christians in Damascus (a job more suited to a mercenary in the service of the Sadducees, than to an accomplished scholar and Pharisee). Becoming the very important founder of a new religion would have provided a psychological rescue from his feelings of failure. Or, it may well have been a subconscious way of saving him from his feelings of inadequacy that he evidenced in his inability to live up to the law physically (see Romans chapter 7). It doesn't take a doctorate in Psychology to see the potential benefits of believing that your inadequacies are forgiven and relatively unimportant. Paul's teaching that living under the law had been replaced by the sacrificial forgiveness of sins could have been a powerful, if subconscious, force. Once again, I don't claim to know that either of these possibilities had any influence on Paul, but they do show that the contention that he had nothing to gain is, at least, debatable.

RE: Don't forget that Paul became a martyr for his faith and belief in Jesus Christ not for his faith and belief in the Apostle Paul.

Perception and reality, there is often a difference. I have never claimed that Paul set out to CONSCIOUSLY lie. However, being willing to martyr oneself has absolutely nothing to do with the TRUTH about your beliefs. I doubt that you believe that the many people of other religions (Jewish, Islamic, Sikh, Hindu, etc.) who have become martyrs for their beliefs prove the validity of their religions.

RE: "As far as Mr. Sagan's long held belief that there are two religions one of Jesus and one of Paul from one verse is considered a grievous error based on only one verse."

Come on now, Bruce. Do you really think the DR. Sagan would base a belief on one piece of evidence?? (Or even that I would??). Please don't be insulting.

RE: "I believe that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom"

As I said before, our beliefs are too different to allow for much in the way of useful discussion. My belief is that wisdom can only result from the fearless pursuit of knowledge, without regard for whether or not the facts support our desires or allay our fears. Fear, all too often, leads only to blind obedience.

Sincerely,
Ken Schei

Hi Ken,

I agree that there some differences between our positions and what we are saying as a whole. Such as; you?�fre looking at the Bible as an historical document only and the fact that you think that the Apostle Paul started a sect that is very different from the consistent message of scripture and Jesus Christ is to me simply put, tripe with no real oeuvre. Not to mention evidence. What would Paul have gained? He thought he was right to kill and persecute Christians until he had what I like to call a God moment. Don?�ft forget that Paul became a martyr for his faith and belief in Jesus Christ not for his faith and belief in the Apostle Paul.

As far as Mr. Sagan?�fs long held belief that there are two religions one of Jesus and one of Paul from one verse is considered a grievous error based on only one verse. In order for you or Mr Sagan to make a proper evaluation the author?�fs whole corpus must be considered.

The New Testament is the most historically correct document in history with well over five-thousand (5000) Greek manuscripts that testify to that fact. The closest secular work is Aristotle?�fs Ode to Poetics with forty-nine (49) extant manuscripts. The New Testament altogether, including Syriac, Latin, Coptic, and Aramaic, makes up a whopping 24,633 texts of the ancient New Testament to confirm the wording of the Scriptures.

So no argument there you got that part right. The Bible is an accurate historical document. In fact it is the most historically correct document in history. With that said; the story of Christ begins to have a ring of truth and therefore an Authoritative position in this world and this meaningful exchange whether you believe it to be meaningful or not.

?�gFear of God is the beginning of wisdom?�h so if I have used the word fear in my HTMLian contribution to the World Wide Web more so then the word Love. It is because I believe that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom just like the condemned thief crucified with Jesus asked the other thief also condemned ?�gDo you not fear God, seeing you are in the same condemnation??�h

With Meaning and Verve
M.A.C.

Hi Bruce (M.A.C.),

I did go to your site and I fear that our basic assumptions are so different that meaningful dialog will be difficult. You seem to start from the assumption that the Bible is the inspired word of God, whereas I treat it as history (of purely human origin).

My 20 years of study have brought me to the honestly held conviction that the New Testament is a mixture of two completely different schools of thought about Jesus. Dr. Carl Sagan put it much more eloquently in a letter that he sent me: "My long held belief is that the New Testament represents an amalgam of two seemingly imiscible parts. The religion of Jesus, and the religion of Paul." In my work, I trace these differences back to the two gospels mentioned by Paul in 2Cor. 11:4 (remembering that Paul was writing BEFORE the writing of the 4 Gospels found in the NT).

As to your contention that the message is love. I agree that it should be. However, I couldn't help but notice that on your home page, when talking about God, you use the word 'fear' more than twice as often as the word 'love' (in total, it is used 4 times more often).

I would be interested in seeing your list of movies that blaspheme against God. You say that almost all of the 150-200 movies that YOU OWN do so, it makes me wonder whether you have really tough standards or if you bought some really raunchy movies. ;-)

Seriously, I think that we can agree that if all religious folks did their best to Love God and Love Your Neighbor As Yourself and if the rest of us did our best to Love Our Neighbors As Ourselves, this would be a much better world.

Sincerely,
Ken

Hi Ken,

I actually found your blog through the AFJ site and did read up on your views before being lead to this blog which you said would apparently tackle the matter in more detail.

I suggest you read my views on my BLOG and compare them to those of your own and I think you will probably conclude they are very similar yet different. As stated previously the only missing ingredient I can see may be Love as your motivator.

Similar yet Different...
M.A.C.

Hi M.A.C.,

Thanks for your comments!

I only have a minute, but I do want to ask one question which will help me to more accurately respond to your comments.

If you can let me know approximately how much of the material on my site (www.atheists-for-jesus.com) you have read, it will help me to know if your comments are aimed at my actual positions or perhaps reflect a misunderstanding of my positions. That will save me a lot of time and, hopefully, make for a more accurate discussion.

It is a busy weekend, and it may take me a couple of days to respond.

Thanks!!
Ken

Hi Ken,

Perhaps I should have said opinions will come and opinions will go but the word of God will stand forever. My opinion in responding to your article is that you and the so-called "religious right" are both doing the same thing in that you both have an agenda to prove and are using the bible to make your points.

My main point is that if you do so without Love as the motivator and the type of Love I refer to is of the agape type and built upon certain attributes that you may gain from God and of your own disciplined efforts. The doctrine I refer to is found in the bible at 2nd Peter, chapter 1, verses 5-7 where it says;

"But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love".

Now that scripture assumes faith is already achieved and received as a gift from God's abundant grace. Look at Ephesians 2:8-9 where it states that very fact so we cannot boast to being better in Christ due to ones works.

RE: The "You have heard it said,"... "But now I tell you" statements of Jesus. are very similar to Moses allowing the people of the OT to divorce because of hardened hearts. You see Jesus came to fulfill the law, not abolish it. That is why the law (Ten Commandments) is still the only way to the cross of Christ and therefore salvation.

As for the Bible's main theme not being Love as is and your suggestion that it be cut down in order for that theme to take precedence, I say rubbish. Each book of the Bible from cover to cover shows God's unwavering love for us in the stories of the Bible.

You say the main theme is not love but fear however the Bible says over and over "Do Not Fear" not one place does it say "Do Not Love". It does however say to fear God and in that fear you will lack nothing.

My facts and my faith are one and received from the same source and are therefore a conflated fact, lol. Ken I also like to end on a positive note, your views are similar to my own I just question your motives is all.

With Love as my Motivator...
M.A.C.

Hi M.A.C.,

Thanks for your comments!

You start out by saying that you are going "to point out some factual information that relates to the word of God or scripture if you will."

That sounded interesting, as I love to discuss factual information. However, then I found you saying the following:

RE: "For interpretations will come and interpretations will go, but the word of God will stand forever. It was before us and will be long after we have passed from our meager existence upon this earth."

I must assume that what you mean is: the word of God as you interpret it to be. This is an opinion, not a fact.

RE: "The main theme of the bible is Love"

The main theme of the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth is, indeed, love. However, in order to make it the main theme of the bible, we have to do a lot of editing. Jesus tried to edit a lot of the OT material. This is evidenced in Matthew with the string of "You have heard that is was said,"...."But now I tell you" statements by Jesus.
Love is not evidenced by a God who would praise people for killing their neighbors and brothers over the worshiping of a Golden Calf, or who would show off to his people by FORCING Pharaoh into a situation where god would kill all the first born of Egypt (not just of kings, but of slaves as well), or who would send bears to kill children for taunting one of god's favorites by saying "get thee hence bald head, get thee hence."
In order to get the main theme of the bible to be love, you must cut it down to something on the order of the Jefferson Bible (or the New Ebionite Bible that I include in my books). As it stands today, the main theme of the present Bible is not love, but fear.

RE: "if we are to truly Love God we must first learn to Love each other."

Congratulations!! You got that one right!! ;-)

I always like to end on a note of agreement. You have every right to your faith, but please don't conflate faith with fact.

Sincerely,
Ken Schei

Hi Kenneth what you are saying here is somewhat synonymous with what my blog "The Christian Church Blog..." is all about. However the antithetical differences I see have to do with your narrow interpretation of scripture. For you are guilty of the same thing as the so-called "Religious Right" that you seem so bent on discrediting.

With that said allow me to point out some factual information that relates to the word of God or scripture if you will. Please do not take this as some type of attempt to flame you or to dismiss your views, but rather as perhaps a starting point for truly beginning to understand the word of God as it is meant to be understood. For interpretations will come and interpretations will go, but the word of God will stand forever. It was before us and will be long after we have passed from our meager existence upon this earth.

First off the word of God was not always presented as chapter verse as we currently see it presented today, but was meant as a collective work to be read thematically as a whole. The main theme of the bible is Love and that God is Love and if we are to truly Love God we must first learn to Love each other. There is obvious dangers in quoting one verse out of it's contextual meaning and many do it including the religious leaders of today and yesterday.

Jesus as well as Paul were against those that attempted to use works as the only means of salvation. Since Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to know God except through Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God, who gave his life so that we may have life more abundantly. Faith it is said comes from God as a gift and not from ourselves so that no one can boast that their faith is stronger or better somehow than that of another. But like all gifts it must be received and accepted to manifest itself in ones life.

Attacking Paul as a sect is utterly preposterous in it's entirety. Since Paul was slain or martyred if you will for his faith in Jesus Christ whom you seem to think had a very different position than that of Paul. Remember Paul was a very religious person beyond reproach and did what he did believing he was right until Jesus met him on the road to Damascus and revealed himself to him. Why God chose Paul is beyond our understanding for God sees the intentions of our hearts, where as we see only what we choose to see perhaps to further or strengthen our own agendas.

Jesus said we are to look at ourselves first before we look at others and the bible reveals through the law of the Ten Commandments the best way to see ourselves as we truly are. The Law convicts us as sinners all and condemns us all before God's awesome righteousness. Once we are convicted we can be forgiven if we only believe in the power of the cross and salvation through Jesus Christ. That is God's awesome Love for us and his hate of sin that if we go to the cross from the law we are made whole and right in his eyes for we are truly forgiven. We have repented of our sin and we are now ready to trust God's mighty word in our lives.

Not through works but through Love because we want to please our Father in Heaven and be what he intended us to be. But be forewarned because before Paul wrote "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" he wrote in chapter 9:21 of Romans "Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?" To question the morality of God's actions is incongruous. Just as God told Moses ?�gI will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.?�h God chose Paul to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, who are we as insignificant human beings to question God's actions when they are for our benefit even if we don't see it.

As you can we are similar but different in our presentation my bible says that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" but it must be done in love for if it is not, it is corrupted and becomes an intellectual argument. And are we not more then the sum of our parts. When God talked to Job in chapter 38 he said some things such as;

1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:

2 ?�gWho is this who darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?

3 Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me.

4 ?�g Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding.

5 Who determined its measurements?
Surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?

6 To what were its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone,

7 When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?

8 ?�gOr who shut in the sea with doors,
When it burst forth and issued from the womb;

9 When I made the clouds its garment,
And thick darkness its swaddling band;

10 When I fixed My limit for it,
And set bars and doors;

11 When I said,

?�eThis far you may come, but no farther,
And here your proud waves must stop!?�f

12 ?�gHave you commanded the morning since your days began,
And caused the dawn to know its place,

13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
And the wicked be shaken out of it?

14 It takes on form like clay under a seal,
And stands out like a garment.

15 From the wicked their light is withheld,
And the upraised arm is broken.

16 ?�gHave you entered the springs of the sea?
Or have you walked in search of the depths?

17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you?
Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death?

18 Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?
Tell Me, if you know all this.

19 ?�g Where is the way to the dwelling of light?
And darkness, where is its place,

20 That you may take it to its territory,
That you may know the paths to its home?

21 Do you know it, because you were born then,
Or because the number of your days is great?

22 ?�gHave you entered the treasury of snow,
Or have you seen the treasury of hail,

23 Which I have reserved for the time of trouble,
For the day of battle and war?

24 By what way is light diffused,
Or the east wind scattered over the earth?

25 ?�gWho has divided a channel for the overflowing water,
Or a path for the thunderbolt,

26 To cause it to rain on a land where there is no one,
A wilderness in which there is no man;

27 To satisfy the desolate waste,
And cause to spring forth the growth of tender grass?

28 Has the rain a father?
Or who has begotten the drops of dew?

29 From whose womb comes the ice?
And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth?

30 The waters harden like stone,
And the surface of the deep is frozen.

31 ?�gCan you bind the cluster of the Pleiades,
Or loose the belt of Orion?

32 Can you bring out Mazzaroth in its season?
Or can you guide the Great Bear with its cubs?

33 Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?
Can you set their dominion over the earth?

34 ?�gCan you lift up your voice to the clouds,
That an abundance of water may cover you?

35 Can you send out lightnings, that they may go,
And say to you, ?�eHere we are!?�f?

36 Who has put wisdom in the mind?
Or who has given understanding to the heart?

37 Who can number the clouds by wisdom?
Or who can pour out the bottles of heaven,

38 When the dust hardens in clumps,
And the clods cling together?

39 ?�gCan you hunt the prey for the lion,
Or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,

40 When they crouch in their dens,
Or lurk in their lairs to lie in wait?

41 Who provides food for the raven,
When its young ones cry to God,
And wander about for lack of food?

May God open the eyes of your heart Kenneth and help you to see that He will judge all unrighteousness on the earth whether it comes from the right the left the middle or wherever it would come from.