Jul 12, 2002 By The Rev. Alexander Jalso 4 min read

Scripture reading: Acts of Apostles 8:26-35. Text: “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” New International Version. “We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” New Revised Standard Version. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3. Concepts and ideas are expressed by words, words make up a sentence, sentences form a speech and speech conveys the message. However, does a listener think of the same concept what the speaker wanted to impart? Daily conversation is routine, but successful communication is an art.

Does the Bible really say that?

The interpretation of the Holy Scriptures is at least the matter of knowledge, gift and faith. It is a fundamental question that allegories, parables, symbols, similes and prophecies found in the Bible should be interpreted literally or figuratively? Can a sermon be biblical, spiritual and practical at the same time? Is there an absolute norm for good preaching? What do people find important, needed and relevant today? Do natural sciences and theology contradict or complement each other?

Please study carefully the passage that was selected for scripture reading.

Do you read what was written, hear what was said and understand what was meant?

It was written about our Lord: “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.’ John 2:24-25. Please read our text, according to Apostle Paul, what were characteristic of the Christians in Thessalonica? Really, what is in a man, or as we can say: What is in us? Can we have an objective self-observation?

Instinct. Please, I do not wish to argue with anyone, do humans have instinct or not? There was time when it was said, yes, but now they scientists prefer this expression, “biological predisposition.” Whatever the name, we inherited certain traits that help us to survive, like the motherly instinct without which a helpless offspring may not be well protected. Other creatures also possess this instinct.

Intuition. As the Webster dictionary defines it: “the direct knowing or learning of something without the conscious use of reasoning” and “the ability to perceive or know things without conscious reasoning.” Intuition is on a higher level than instinct and the intuitive power comes from the feelings or senses found “inside” of the person.

Intelligence. Intelligence is related to our mental ability, namely our logic, reasoning, memory, and objective evaluation. For an intelligent person the rational is more important than the emotional. An intelligent person is blessed with sufficient knowledge, clear views, unbiased reasoning and reaching objective conclusion.

We do not live hermetically isolated from each other but in a congested world where one depends on the other and we are constantly exposed to all kinds of views, policies and interactions. What basic forces affect us?

Incentive. Incentive as a word can be a noun or adjective and it means “something that stimulates one to take action, work harder.” A better paycheck is definitely a good incentive. How many of us need some kind of “motivation” or incentive to act, take part and make an effort sooner, faster and with greater enthusiasm?

Influence. Who dares to say that he/she has never been influenced by anyone or anything? We are constantly exposed to favorable or unfavorable influences that change our thinking and action. What is the hidden purpose of a good advertisement? To convince you (i.e. influence you) to do what is suggested by the message of that advertisement.

Inspiration. The original word means: “God-breathed” please see 2

Timothy 3:16, New International Version. Inspiration is the noble “divine influence” upon us. We can say we are “inspired” when our thinking and actions are in harmony with the will of our heavenly Father. “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10/b.

We reach our highest human potentials when we possess intelligence and are inspired by divine thoughts. Intelligent and inspired people can feel the special spiritual gift offered to Abraham: ” . . . and I will bless you, . . . and you will be a blessing to others.” Genesis 12:2. New Century Version.

The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.