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Bones / Braves / Carols
Douglas Jacoby
December 04, 2024
BONE ON BONE! In 2006 an orthopedist told me that I’d be a ripe candidate for a double-knee replacement in 10 years. I’ve held on for a long time—but tomorrow morning the R knee will be replaced. (And the L knee in February.) These surgeries are not complicated, and I’m hopeful for a full recovery. Still, Hebrews 12:11-13 comes to mind. 😃 | 
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Our earthly bodies aren’t designed to last forever—unlike our resurrection bodies!. But still it makes sense to take advantage of modern medicine, along with the body’s amazing ability to heal, to live longer and healthier. I appreciate all of you who have shared your surgical stories with me. I believe my pain threshold is quite high—we’ll find out soon enough!
So it’s possible the next couple of bulletins will be shorter than normal. Thanks for understanding.
START YOUR DAY WITH A CAROL!
Connecting with Christ through Carols offers a devotional for each day of Advent, Dec 1-24. We’ve invited 24 brothers and sisters around the world—persons we believe have a lot to offer—to share their favorite carols. With Advent calendars, each day we open one of the doors windows and take out a chocolate. But this year, people will click on the day and receive a Christmas carol! | This isn't just audio (music + comments), but also video. Please enjoy this special Advent gift—and share with your friends. |
EARLY CHRISTIAN WRITINGS (18)
For the previous 17 studies, click on back newsletters, beginning with 31 July 2024.
Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book IV
“The man… who would undertake [the heretics’] conversion must possess an accurate knowledge of their systems or schemes of doctrine… My predecessors —much superior to myself, too—were unable… to refute the Valentinians [a Gnostic group] satisfactorily, because they were ignorant of these men’s system…” (Preface, 2). We should be grateful to Irenaeus for taking the time to analyze the heretical writings and preserve their teachings.
“No one should lead a luxurious life nor, living in worldly pleasures and perpetual feastings, should be the slave of his lusts, and forget God” (ii.4).
Isaac carrying the wood (Gen 22) parallels Jesus carrying his cross (v.4).
"The more we receive his grace, the more we should love him. Now the more we have loved him, the more glory we shall receive from him, when we are continually in the presence of the Father” (xiii.3).
The laws of Torah have been “cancelled by the new covenant of liberty” (xvi.5).
“For the bread, which is produced from the earth, when it receives the invocation of God, is no longer common bread, but the Eucharist, consisting of two realities, heavenly and earthly; so also our bodies, when they receive the Eucharist, are no longer corruptible, having the hope of the resurrection to eternity” (xviii.5). This is a high view of the Eucharist!
Next week: Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book V. That will mark the end of our study of the Ancient Christian Writings—for now. We’ll return, once I’ve finished examining Vol. II of the Ante-Nicene Fathers, in the second half of 2025.
BRAVERY?  It was an honor to speak again to the Atlanta Braves senior staff. What? A theologian hanging out with baseball executives? (Apparently so.) | Their interest in the Bible, and willingness to consider new ideas, is as encouraging as it is commendable. In all we spent four hours together, including a biblical lesson and breakfast. I’ll return to the Braves staff in late February, and again in late March. Once we relocate back to Atlanta (2026), it will be a lot easier to cultivate this relationship. Although we don’t know where this is leading, we have high hopes for the future! |
YOUR HELP NEEDED Your prayers, moral support, and end-of-year donations are all much appreciated! This year we are facing a significant shortfall. Here are the details of the outstanding needs, in case you’re in a position to give. Please feel free to ask for more details. |  |
Training—$79,061 | Nigeria (Jos)—$775 |
Thanks, and have a great week!
Douglas