FergusonPoetryProject

This is a FergusonPoetryProject Production. Judas was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, but it does not seem modern preachers talk about him… it is not politically correct I guess. With AI we have set the tone of CS Lewis to capture an artistic approach to Biblical History. As Always, God Bless,

Hopefully this video will embarrass my son one day. Love you Marcus!

Mhmm… walking through Acts

I am continuing my efforts as called. I took a break to start a family and have two kids. Now, to pick up a torch left behind by a behemoth personality - Charlie Kirk.

Saul, or Paul, is continuing his travels with Barnabas and after making way from Antioch (where the word Christian is first used as a presumed derogatory manner). Paul is stoned and dragged out of the street after first being believed to be the god Hermes who walked with Zeus to bless the people. If there is one thing that can be pulled from the chaos of Ancient Rome is that people truly aren't much different today. The persecution of Christianity still exists strongly, even though it tends to be common social persecution as opposed to common physical persecution... at least in America.

Paul and Barnabas are blessed as early first-century missionaries and begin their life journey of sharing the good news to both Jew and Gentile. This unveiling of God's love and blessings among the people begins spreading like wildfire as people realize for the first time in their lives that they are suitable for the grace of God that will allow them to be forgiven of their sins. Even the Law of Moses ceases to compare to the blessings available to all man who accept the life, testimony, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  As Always, God Bless, James Arthur Ferguson

There is so much to unpack between these two chapters, and reading through it is not enough. Understanding the characters mentioned, the places referenced, and the cultures of the time is immensely helpful when formatting a full picture of what exactly was happening during this time and during these chapters. Within a few paragraphs an entire year passes with critical events being passed by as sentences that are easily looked over. The continuing ripple effects of Stephen's death, the death of James the brother of John, and the death of Herod who almost had Peter killed as well are just a few notes. The beginning of the term Christian, the beginnings of Barnabas and Saul (Paul), and the fight to survive persecution for the sake of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ were just early hardships that the first century church experienced.

Out of admiration for John Allegro and his fielded branch of Cognitive Science in Linguistics, it is a pleasure to dive into his writings in "The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross" despite his beliefs against Christianity and who Jesus claimed himself to be. This is a continuation of these studies from the bias of a Jesus follower.  This episode is also available as a blog post: https://fergusonpoetryproject.com/2022/05/22/john-m-allegros-the-sacred-mushroom-and-the-cross-a-cordial-response-through-chapters-four-through-six/

In a world two thousand years after the life, death, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus the letters and narratives of the New Testament are as relevant as ever. So much can be learned from the foundations of Christianity and specifically the Way. Jesus led a movement that leveled the playing field for all races, genders, and cultures. Following Jesus is being FOR unity.

Working through the Acts of the Apostles becomes more and more challenging as the aftermath of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension catalyst the formation of the first-century church known as, "The Way". Simon, renamed Peter, has become 'the rock' that Jesus predicted during his ministry on earth. Peter is now performing miracles at the caliper of Jesus himself along with other disciples as well. Saul, after allowing the execution of Stephen, is now encountering this Jesus as he was in route to continue persecution in what he believed to be the right thing to do. Saul's conversion is critical to Christianity as he not only planted many of the first churches in history, but he also radically dedicated the rest of his life to Jesus after the miraculous encounter on the road to Damascus. The world today is full of so many distractions, but there is a clarity in the story of Jesus. Despite the seemingly large disconnect from life two thousands years ago in a completely different part of the world the Holy Spirit is just as active, relevant, and present in our day to day lives. We just have to pray daily for our eyes to remain open and our discernment to be keen on truth and glory. As Always, God Bless, James Arthur Ferguson

Just as quickly as Stephen enters the pages of history he is removed due to the execution approved by a young man named Saul. In this daunting time of early Christianity there seems to be a perception that these 'domestic terrorists' following The Way are not only a risk to the Hebrew, but also the Roman Empire. At all costs, the Christians must be removed and eradicated. Despite these efforts, Christianity continues to spread like wildfire around the Mediterranean Rim and Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch is only one story amongst many that leads as an example of just how powerful the life and testimony of Jesus of Nazareth is to all people. As Always, God Bless, James Arthur Ferguson

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://fergusonpoetryproject.com/2022/01/19/john-m-allegros-the-scared-mushroom-and-the-cross-a-cordial-response-for-chapters-two-and-three/

This is a deep look into the works of John M. Allegro in, "The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross This episode is also available as a blog post: https://fergusonpoetryproject.com/2022/01/04/the-sacred-mushroom-and-the-cross-a-cordial-response-through-chapter-one/

Stephen's entrance and exit out of the New Testament is not only brief, but it is a catalyst into the remainder of the story. As any good narrative, there is always an element of foreshadow. As the witnesses of Stephen's stoning lay their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul we can assume that this man will become the ultimate antagonist against this newfound movement known as the way. What we come to find is that Saul , being both Greek and Hebrew, will not only be changed shortly after the confusion of Stephen's pleading with God to forgive their sin during his final breath, but that Saul will become a far bigger threat than Stephen to the high priests, council, but even-also the Roman Empire.   As always,  God Bless

Acts Chapter Six is a continuation of how the first century church was being structured during the aftermath of Jesus' ascension and the beginnings of Peter and John overseeing the disciples and followers of the Way. Stephen becomes a critical character with strong faith and morale who not only becomes one of seven chosen to assist in leading the ministry, but he was also blessed with the ability to perform miracles. Stephens ability to be recognized as one of the most faithful Christians in history does not go overlooked by Hebrews, Hellenists, and Elders of the council who begin to falsely accuse Stephen of blasphemy as he lives out God's Will for his life which is to give, love, and serve. We are back at it, so as always, God Bless, James Arthur Ferguson FergusonPoetryProject Bible Studies are pulled from The Reformation Study Bible in the English Standard Version from Ligonier Ministries.

Acts Chapter Five is the most challenging chapter of the New Testament that I have read to date. I have learned so much more regarding the Ekklesia and the first century church that spawned the major world religion known as Christianity. Do not be fooled though... following Christ daily is not an easy task and it is definitely not for the faint of heart.  A believer in Christ should acknowledge that lies, manipulations, and moral failures are not so much as being lies to man, but lies to God. This naturally puts fear in the church, but the point is not to spread fear. The point is to spread the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus. The point is to surrender to the unconditional love. The point is to acknowledge natural repercussions of bad decisions and to be grateful that God does not smite us all for the accumulation of sin in each one of our lives.  As long as we breathe and live on earth we have a decision. That decision is to stop living in sin and turn to God. What will you do today? As always... God Bless, James Arthur Ferguson

One of the most powerful realities of Peter's transformation through the Holy Spirit is revealed through this chapter and it is regards to his boldness brought on by both his desire and need to share the gospel life and testimony of his beloved friend, Lord, and savior Jesus Christ. His full recognition of himself in christ can be viewed as the elders and high priests see Peter and John as common men, yet they speak in a way that is surefire proof that they themselves bore witness to all of the things Jesus did and said. Their witness stretches beyond was seems possible as their journey after Jesus truly begins in Jerusalem as Christianity's roots begin to take form and shape.  I hope this inspires you on your life's journey and like always God bless, James Arthur Ferguson

A short and sweet chapter reveals the newfound courage and power of Peter and John as they begin carrying the torch the is Jesus' ministry. This is a powerful awakening of the Holy Spirit and this chapter is marking the beginning of a new chapter in salvation not by works, but by the blood of Christ.

Acts Chapter two may be one of the most preached upon chapters in the New Testament. The reason for this is because of the Holy Spirit and its glorious entrance into the apostles on the day of Pentecost. This day is also renowned for being the first church service of the first century church post the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus the son of God. There is so much to be grateful for as I look back on my own life as I see where and how the Holy Spirit interacted with me and around me through others before becoming a true believer in the life and testimony of Jesus. It is as clear as fog-less day whereas before my acceptance of salvation and removal of sin every day seemed to be filled with more and more fog. This fog became daily reality and, to me, was all life had to offer. Eventually, the idea came about that if all aging had to offer was a deeper fog that I would opt out of that experience and jump straight into the abyss while skipping the line... and boy is this not how the devil works. The removal of sin, the acceptance of grace, mercy, and salvation, the chance to start anew, the chance to live soberly, the chance to serve and live a life denying the desires of the flesh in return for blessings beyond comprehension... these were the things that I was willing to trade it all for... my personal ventures, my personal dreams, my personal beliefs, my personal ideas, ideals etc... when you can soberly see and comprehend the offer for ultimate reality and truth (which is referred to as the Will of God for your life) it becomes blatantly obvious that we are given an opportunity that none of us are worthy of. It is me knowing how unworthy I am for the grace of God given the things I have done in my life that makes me so much more grateful for the ability to accept such an easy offer from God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It is an offer of peace, joy, love, in abundance. God Bless, James Arthur Ferguson

Written by the same author as the Book of Luke. The sequel to the Gospel starts off with the apostles replacing Judas Iscariot with Matthias. There is a lot to unpack regarding differences between historians and theologians, but despite the inability to time travel back to these eras we can at least use the written works, and centuries of compiled data, to determine an accurate pinpoint as to where and when these writings took place.