The DHL&L Blog...

A New Toy!

2011-08-05T18:27:00.000+02:00

Christmas did come in July! We invested in a Nikon D3100 SLR Camera, and all I can say is: "Wow"! Keeping in mind that I am absolutely at the bottom of the amateur ladder, here are a couple of shots I thought I'd share:

Tour of the Bible Lands

2010-10-08T22:44:00.000+02:00

Step Pyramid at Sakara- Proof of a Mesopotamian influence in Egypt

Standing at the great pyramids of Gisa

I would make a BAD salve....

They truly aren't as big as they say....

Paying a visit to the Sphinx

Gisa, with my good friend Ps. Johan Steyn

After a long and seriously hot day in Egypt, we enjoyed supper on the banks of the Nile River

On route to Mr. Sinai - riding a camel is seriously painful!!!

By this time I was praying for the end!!!

We were all smiling for this photo, because it was on the way back to our Air-conditioned bus

Enjoying break time at the observatory in Eilat

At the sea of Galilee, the apparent place where Jesus told the disciples to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, also the beach where He prepared breakfast for them.

Visiting the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem

Inside the Garden Tomb, where Jesus rested... (Isn't it awesome to use the past tense - rested!!)

King Solomon's Copper Mines...

Walking in Jerusalem just like John - The old City (We were following the Via Dolorosa

The waterfalls of En-Gedi, this is where David hid from King Saul. A welcome paradise in the middle of the desert

The tree where Zacchaeus climbed into to see Jesus

After visiting the apparent birth place of Jesus (didn't know he was born in a cave?) A friend and I got bored and decided to get up to some mischief...

Group photo at the 'Dome of the Rock' in Jerusalem

Replica of the Temple in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus

Hiking through King Hezekiah's tunnel

Group photo at the tomb in Petra!

A shot of me in front of the tomb at Petra!

One of the only two sphinxes in the world

Statue of King Ramses II

Sphinx number 2. More people are familiar with this one though...

The trees at Marah. They reckon these guy's were around in Moses' day!!!

Top view of Herod's palace at Masada, the small triangle at the top of the photo is one of the Roman camps when they surrounded the mountain during the Jewish revolt.

Waterfalls of En-Gedi

The actual cave where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in Quimran

Roman Catholic Church built on the sight where Jesus preached the sermon of Beatitudes. Historically it isn't accurate, but from the Catholic Church, you cal see over the valley, which is probably more historically accurate and correct.

On top of Mount Carmel, where God used Elijah to sort out the Prophets of Baal like in one time and all!

The aqua ducts of Caesarea

Some of the ruins of Caesarea - I'm particularity proud of this photo, think it came out rather nice?

Olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane

Western Wall inside Jerusalem. (I saw this chap on the Thursday, when we returned Monday morning, he was still in the same spot, in the same position. I couldn't help but feel sorry for the man...

Time - She Flies!

2010-07-16T20:57:00.000+02:00

Wow - the time has rushed by! I've been looking at our blog and most of the posts have been of Hannah our first born. The irony is that by now we have a second baby girl named Loreli. Anyway, I'll get into all the nasty details later. But for now - here are a couple of pic's of our fishing expedition at the Mokoro Dam about 30min drive from Ellisras.

Teen Camp 2009

2009-07-19T11:20:00.000+02:00

Just came back from a wonderful camp where I was the Camp pastor. It was held at Camp Konko, just outside of Rustenburg. What a blast!

New Baby Scan's

2009-05-19T08:36:00.000+02:00

Well, at first we thought it was a boy, but this time the Doc had a clear view and we are expecting another girl. He he, so much for carrying on the surname to future generations :-)

Sonar Pic's of Aiden (if the sonar was correct...)

2009-04-20T10:01:00.002+02:00

All my eye and Peggy Martin

2009-04-20T09:57:00.001+02:00

So there we were, blistering cold all around us, frostbite nipping at the extremities of our bodies. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse than that – the snow came… It was at that stage that I woke up and thought: “What an odd dream to have, since we live in the bushveld and enjoy around 22degrees at night? Guess that is what happens when you have too much coffee just before you go to bed?!

So, I preached about coffee last weekend he he, I told the congregation to keep it between us because if the Wellness centre in the Cape hears about it they will probably want my head on a roast… a fine medium blend dark coffee bean roast… DAVID, ok ok, enough about coffee. Never the less, the sermon went down well he he, Ok really no more. In the afternoon I presented the first part of a three series seminar. The congregation in Nylstroom requested that I present a series of lectures for the people interested in lay preaching. Thus I was working on three topics. The first seminar focused on public speaking, how to get over the nerves, do’s and don’ts, that sort of thing. With the second seminar I’ll focus on Exegesis of the text and the third one will be preaching methods, and techniques – how to put it all together. Hopefully this will enable some of the people to preach the Gospel with more knowledge and confidence.

Last Monday night was really exciting. Lerése has been practicing hard, and was grading for her first belt (yellow) in JKA Shotokan Karate. I’m not quite ready yet, so I postponed my grading till the end of the year, but hopefully if all goes to plan I’ll get my black belt in October! Anyway, the grading was tough and you could see the nerves of the faces of the students. After being grilled in technique, Kata (detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs) and Kumite (fighting or combat) the Dojo (Club) head proudly announced the grades and Lerése PASSED!!! It was a really special birthday present for her!

Tomorrow morning Lerése and I are going through to Pretoria for her first appointment with the Gynecologist. I’m quite excited because I’ll be able to see new baby for the first time. Not face to face of course but still. Resee has been complaining of stabbing pains in her tummy when moving and turning in a specific way. I truly hope it’s not anything serious, but we’ll know by tomorrow.

Anyway wish us luck,

All the best

DHL&…

As High as a Kite

2009-04-20T09:55:00.000+02:00

Well, the writing is on the wall (as they say): I’m getting old! This week I had appointments with families in Thabazimbi for home visitation. My first appointment was as 17h00 and since it is a two hour drive I had to leave at three in the afternoon. Now while I was driving, for some reason I found myself under the impression that it took a shorter time to get there as usual. Thus when I arrived there as 17h00 in my mind it was 16h00. So I promptly went to Spur, had a John Lee Special and checked my mail. Only when the reminder on my computer popped up did I realize I was late for my first appointment!!! I felt like such a Nana! The good thing is that my first appointment was with a Doctor and his family, so I told him I wanted to be able to tell, that once in my life, a Doctor had to wait for me 

Hannah is much better, she still has a little bit of a cough but it is clearing up nicely. We took her to go see a pre-school this week. The poor girl is getting SO lonely with only her parents around. She only sees kids her own age when we’re in Ellisras Church every three weeks or so. Normally when we go to drop Hannah off somewhere, we do so with her kicking and screaming as she does not want to stay behind. At the preschool we literary had to DRAG her back to the car. She didn’t want to leave! So we’ll take her to the play group from next week on for a day or two a week.

Mmm, there might be some HUGE change in our lives. For now I can’t mention what it is but I do want to ask everybody to keep us in your prayers, asking the Lord that He will show the way, and that we will follow where He leads.

For now, I’m going to enjoy a nice day at home. I plan on doing as little as possible for as long as possible… it’s not every that I get the chance so I’m thoroughly going to enjoy it.

Love to all
Take care

DHL.

Beautiful words of inspiration

2008-09-26T06:31:00.001+02:00

There is help for us only in God. We should not flatter ourselves that we have any strength in wisdom of our own, for our strength is weakness, our judgment foolishness. Christ conquered the foe in our behalf because He pitied our weakness and knew that we would be overcome and would perish if He did not come to our help. He clothed His divinity with humanity, and thus was qualified to reach man with His human arm while with His divine arm He grasped the throne of the Infinite. The merits of Christ elevate and ennoble humanity, and through the name and grace of Christ it is possible for man to overcome the degradation caused by the Fall, and through the exalted, divine nature of Christ to be linked to the Infinite.

Buffelspoort on National Braai Day

2008-09-25T21:33:00.005+02:00

The Pastors of the Pretoria district had their yearend function at Buffelspoort near Hartebeespoort dam. We enjoyed a relaxing day in the swimming pool, action on the super tube and ended the day off with a round of put-put.

Playing Hide and Seek with Dad...

2008-09-21T14:59:00.002+02:00

Fun with the hoze....

2008-09-21T14:43:00.001+02:00

Our Farewell at Houw Hoek Plaasstal

2008-07-13T21:24:00.017+02:00

So, basically we are ready to leave for Pretoria. The movers are coming on Friday 25 July and we'll probably leave on the Sunday after. As a last get together with our friends we decided to go for a bite at the Houw Hoek Plaas stal. It is on the N2 just past Grabouw. A wonderful little place with great food and prices that suits a Student's pocket.

As you can see we came hungry!

He he, notice the red face?! Ian spent the day in the snow, not suspecting that he might pick up a bit of at tan...

Whats new and whats news....

2008-07-04T21:53:00.000+02:00

Well the latest news in our lives… We’re moving to Gauteng, just not yes sure where exactly. As from 1 July 2008 I have received a calling to Pastor for the Seventh-day Adventist Church; Transvaal Conference. Lerése and I are incredibly excited although we realize that there will be quite a number of new challenges to overcome, but with God on our side, who can be against us!

For now we’re in the process of getting rid of all of our accumulated ‘junk’ and preparing for the big move, which will probably (if all works to plan) be around the 20^th of July. My first appointment is a workers meeting from 28 to 30^th of July at Sedaven. I received an e-mail from Pastor Beukes this week with a brief outline of the meetings – looks like it is going to be an awesome experience with brilliant speakers!

But for now, let me just wish everybody good night, many blessings and remember, there is NOTHING on this earth, which is too big for God to handle.

Touring the Cape Peninsula

2008-06-04T06:27:00.013+02:00

A few weeks ago, we woke up the Sunday morning to find the most wonderful weather, so we decided to make the most of it and go for a drive around the peninsula. Our first stop was Simons Town!

We couldn’t help but smile when we saw these two ‘huge’ posters right next to each other… Read them carefully, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the irony…

Next, Hannah got to meet the most famous animal (or statue at least) in the Cape. “Just Nuisance” was a pet and playmate for many a sailor during the First World War while they were stationed in Simons Town.

We caught a couple of penguins bathing in the sun in Boulders, close to Muzenburgh.

And of course, what would a drive around the peninsula be without the famous “Chapman’s Peak”

Our final stop was in Houtbay, famous for its Fish & Chips. Here we had lunch followed by some fun on the beach.

Needless to say we had to end off the day with a braai that will bring a tear to any true South Africans eye... Especially if their overseas LOL.

Fire on Helderberg Mountain!

2008-02-02T09:06:00.000+02:00

On Thursday morning a huge fire broke out on Helderberg Mountain. They suspect it might have been some 'unhappy' campers... Not that camping is allowed. Anyway, three day's later and the firemen are still trying to put it out. We went for a walk up the mountain last night, and believe me, the destruction is indescribable! Really wish I took my camera with...

These pictures were taken from the boundary of the College on Anendale Road...

Hannah is 1 year old!!!!

2007-12-18T09:00:00.001+02:00

We were planning to have Hannah’s birthday party at the Helderberg Nature Reserve, but due to bad weather we moved the party to our all time favorite restaurant Mugg and Bean!!! What a blast! Because we know the management we got to totally “Hak Uit!”

Andrew and Cherie

Hannah in anticipation to opening her presents

All Hannah's gifts!

Liz getting the party started...

Mmm... Pretty Lady

We all got to put on the party tiara, starting with our special birthday girl... Anyone who didn't put on the birthday tiara were deemed Party Poopers

Yip, even the waiter had to put on the tiara... Actually, Diona is a good friend of ours who unfortunately had to work during the party.

NOTE: No Tiara

Cherie enjoying a nice cup of Java :-)

A slice of the Birthday Cake

Hannah ready to blow out her candle

mmm... enjoying the first bite.

Time to open all the gifts, Yey :-)

The Queens at Mugg and Bean

2007-12-18T05:44:00.000+02:00

DISCLAIMER: The DHL Blog shall not be held liable for any damages caused due to conclusions drawn from pictures within the Blog, whether those damages be physical or psychological - In accordance to the "Freedom to rip friends off" Act of 2003, section 21 (a).

Apologies

2007-11-25T09:43:00.000+02:00

Finally we’re back and blogging again. I apologise for the long period of silence. All I can say is that I’m truly thankful that this year is standing on its last leg. The past two months or so has been really though on our family, as we had to deal with death and disease… but it’s almost Christmas time and we’re hanging in there.

Hannah is getting bigger by the day. I promise to post some new pictures of her soon. I am currently busy with a big plumbing job that should be done by next weekend. Then I’ll have lots of time on my hands to update our blog. Till then… behave… anyway you like, I really don’t care :-)

Regards

David.

The Last Photo of my Dad and Hannah.

2007-11-25T09:39:00.000+02:00

Fare well, Dad. May you rest in peace, you have earned it! I'll miss you...

Grandma visiting from Transvaal

2007-09-11T01:05:00.000+02:00

Last week our babysitter had to go on a course thus leaving us in a bit of a pickle. Luckily my mom agreed to fly down and help us out. As you all can see from the pictures, the two girls had lots and lots of fun together.

Playtime!!!

2007-08-29T06:52:00.000+02:00

Hannah Standing (with a little help)

2007-08-29T06:46:00.001+02:00

Yes it is that time in our lives where we have to pack anything and everything that can be dangerous, away. Poor Hannah has already fell of the bed twice... Here are some pics of her looking at the bunnies her friend Giselle got for her birthday.

Hannah's First Tooth

2007-08-29T06:32:00.000+02:00

What a mission to get this picture! Our little angel is soooo active and busy that I had to literally 'mik and druk'. This is why half of her face is cut off. We were playing on the bed, and as soon as she laughed I just grabbed the camera and snapped away, but the moment the camera appears, the smile fades away being replaced by this inquisitive stare...

Back Online... Finally!!!

2007-08-19T09:29:00.000+02:00

I must apologise for not posting anything in such a long time. Believe it or not, but we experienced a lightning storm a good couple of weeks ago in Somerset West. Imagine, lightning in Cape Town?! Anyway, Helderberg College campus experienced tremendous storm damage including our internet being taken out. Finally the problem has been solved though. Also, due to poor maintenance of the roads on campus, when the rain came, it made the road to the married student’s accommodation practically inaccessible. Most of the water came streaming down our steps, luckily just missing our front door. Here are some pictures I took of our very own little water fall…

Little Miss Perfect

2007-07-20T10:03:00.000+02:00

In April we visited our family and friends up north. David’s Dad and family were really excited to meet Hannah and showered her with beautiful gifts, one of them being this tracksuit. Even though it is made for babies between 3 and 6 months, Hannah only just fits into it being the ripe age of 7 months…

Thank you for the tracksuit Papa and Aunty Manda, it keeps me nice and warm…

Hannah & Ian

2007-07-20T06:10:00.000+02:00

A couple of friends visited us last night after the long holiday. Ian, started to play with Hannah, he found himself biting the short end of the stick when he discovered the little miss has a hair fetish… See for yourselves.

A recent survey I completed… The results were shocking :-)

2007-07-15T08:33:00.000+02:00

You're 60% Irish

You're very Irish, and most likely from Ireland.
(And if you're not, you should be!)

How Irish Are You?

Tasting the Road You Have Walked...

2007-07-10T04:25:00.000+02:00

Hannah has recently discovered a new ‘talent’. Lynne Birkenstock would call it foot in mouth disorder no doubt :-) , and I tend to agree with her. But still, it’s really quite…

Only in South Africa...

2007-06-22T11:38:00.000+02:00

I was on my way to fetch Gary (Lerése’s brother) from Wynberg this afternoon when I spotted this marvel on the road. The ‘bakkie’ as we call it in South Africa was transporting scrap metal. It was not only completely overloaded, but also off-balance, which pulled the entire vehicle to the left back side. This caused the front right tyre to dangle in the air every now and then, with the back tyres taking all the strain. I couldn’t believe my eyes, the funniest thing about it was… That this particular vehicle drove right past a police car as well as a traffic officer! Neither did anything about it! He he only in South Africa, the land where you truly CAN get away with anything…

Our scrap metal friend speeding happily along Vanguard Avenue in Cape Town

Playtime for Hannah

2007-06-07T08:57:00.000+02:00

We were visiting with dear friends of ours last night, Andrew and Lillian Engels. They have two girls, Milayna and Giselle. Fore some reason Hannah took a huge liking to little Giselle who will be three in August. She grabbed her around her neck and started laughing and chatting hysterically! The moment we took her away she started crying. This was really funny; I only wish I took a video of it! Looks like Giselle made a friend for life.

Giselle and Hannah having some fun...

The Last Supper

2007-06-01T11:06:00.000+02:00

As a rule we spend Friday nights with the Birkenstock Family. But they are moving to Botswana thus tonight was our last supper together sniff sniff…

Uncle Pierre and Aunt Ester, thank you so much for all your love and warmth. Thank you that your door was always open to us and that you took us in as your own children. As your chapter finishes in South Africa, we can only say that it has been an honour to be part of it. Love you lots. From us. .

Our surrogate parents, Uncle Pierre and Aunt Ester Birkenstock

The Girls 'hakking uit'. Jade, Elisabeth and Janice

Andrew and Cherié

Ha, caught Cherié in the moment... That food is real good

Charl and Rochelle Birkenstock.

Our Book Worm Learning to Read

2007-05-30T09:10:00.000+02:00

Hannah enjoying a couple of ‘silent books’ we bought for her about farm animals and bugs (The bugs were Lerése’s idea – yuck ) These books are designed to stimulate visual, tactile and language development. Did you know that a male turkey is called a ‘Tom’, and a turkey chick is called a ‘poult’ – see, even Dad is learning something…

Cape Weather

2007-05-29T08:44:00.000+02:00

You know, it is so true what they say about the weather in the Cape: "If you don't like it, wait five minutes!!

This is a picture I took at sunset...

The following morning there's snow on them there mountains!

Hannah's first month at Sabbath School

2007-05-25T10:23:00.000+02:00

My first pare of jeans, now I'm all beautiful for Sabbath School

All dressed and ready to go...

Teacher Simone welcoming Hannah to Sabbath School

Hannah's firs Sabbath School Star, because she was a star :-)

"This is what the clock says: Tick Tock Tick Tock. Sabbath School Starts at half past nine o clock"

Story time: Teacher Simone told us about Daniel in the Lion's den.

David's Gnosticism Term Paper for Church History

2007-05-23T11:23:00.000+02:00

Introduction

The first time I heard about Gnosticism was when I saw a documentary on National Geographic about the discovery of the Gospel of Judas. Immediately I was consumed with curiosity. After reading the Gospel of Judas, I was convinced that the author was suffering from some degree of Schizophrenia. Only then I found out that this type of writing belonged to a specific school of thought, the Gnostics.

In this paper I plan explore Gnosticism: What it is, where it comes from, and what its philosophies and teachings are. From there I will investigate how it influenced Christianity in the early Church, as well as its strengths and weaknesses. My aim is that there will be a better knowledge as well as a better understanding regarding Gnosticism at the end of this paper.

The Gnostic Movement

Before I begin, the question has to be asked; “What is Gnosticism?” There are various definitions explaining Gnosticism. “Gnosticism is to believe in righteousness by knowledge.”[1] In another definition, Gnosticism professes “to be based on knowledge, but not as that word is now commonly understood. Its knowledge was always a mystical, supernatural wisdom, by which the initiates were brought to a true understanding of the universe, and were saved from this evil world of matter.”[2]

In a sense it makes one reconsider the phrase: “The truth shall set you free.” Yet that was what the Gnostic ultimately believed. Their teachings were full of syncretism. It was a general amalgamation of pagan beliefs, mythology, and also Christianity.

“In these aspects it was akin to the mystery religions. Its most prominent characteristic, however, was its syncretism. It took unto itself many elements from many sources, and assumed many forms. It is, therefore, impossible to speak of a single type of Gnosticism. It was prevailingly mystical, magical, or philosophical according to the dominant admixture in its syncretism.”[3]

Later on, Gnosticism founded many of its beliefs on Christianity. As Gnosticism took shape, their doctrine formed. Eventually they taught about a supreme God, from who there came supreme or holy beings, both in male and female forms. These beings were referred to as ‘aeons’. All of these beings exist in the spiritual realm. One of these ‘aeons’ named Sophia, gave birth to a lesser god called the ‘demiurge’. This demiurge created the earth and physical matter as well as human beings. So a person’s ‘spirit’ is trapped inside his or her physical body in a world full of pain and suffering. Thus another ‘aeon’ was sent to earth, namely Christ. His responsibility was to save mankind from the entrapment inside the physical body and matter. Through teaching mankind his perfect knowledge, they will escape physical matter and ascend to the spiritual realm.[4]

“The world of matter is evil. Its creator and ruler is not, therefore, the high, good God, but an inferior and imperfect being, the demiurge. Man, to be saved, must be freed from this bondage to the visible world, and its rulers, the planetary spirits; and the means of his freedom is ‘knowledge’, a mystical spiritual enlightenment for the initiated which brings him into communion with the true realm of spiritual realities.”[5]

Most of the teachers of Gnosticism worked and studied mainly from Alexandria. From there they spread their influence to Rome, further into Italy and then on into Asia Minor. Some of the main Gnostic teachers included Basilides and Valentinus who were held in high regard even by their Christian opponents.[6]

Gnosticism and Early Christianity

As I mentioned earlier, Gnosticism founded numerous of its beliefs on Christianity. This, for obvious reasons, rocked the Christian world. “Gnosticism was the true enemy of the Christian Church. It was worse than any persecution and cruller than any world order. It was like an unrecognizable yet sweet poison, which captivated humanity in an enigmatic yet forceful way.”[7]

I must point out at this time that there are various debates regarding the origin of Gnosticism, some suggesting that it was well established before the start of Christianity. Gnosticism is therefore the "result of an irruption of Oriental religious beliefs into the Graeco-Roman world", and consequently, "sought to unite in itself two diverse strains, Western intellectualism and Eastern mysticism". [8]

The man believed to be responsible for bringing Christian doctrines into Gnosticism and ultimately influenced Christianity because of it, is Simon Magus. “Irenaeus claimed that all sorts of heresies took their rise from him.” It is suggested that the account in Acts (8:9 – 11) speaks about him.

“But there was a man named Simon who had previously practised magic in the city and amazed the nation of Samaria… They all gave heed to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, ‘This man is that power of God which is called great.’ And they gave heed to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.”[9]

Simon had disciples under him, whom later formed their own school of thought. They had a “dualistic interpretation of reality and the association of the God of the Jews with the creation of an imperfect universe from which humankind must be freed. Christ had been sent ‘to destroy the God of the Jews, and to save them that believe in him”.[10]

They started to study the Old Testament, looking at every detail within and translating it according to their own insight and understanding. So the movement was started to bring all kinds of false elements and teachings into the Gospels. At this stage they started criticism of the Christian Christ, debating events such as his birth, his baptism, the last supper, his death and resurrection, interpreting them how ever they pleased. Here Christianity found itself at the edge of the cliff, with Gnosticism ready to give the last shove.[11]

“Gnosticism was an immense peril for the church. It cut out the historic foundations of Christianity. Its God is not the God of the Old Testament, which is the work of an inferior or even evil being. Its Christ had no real incarnation, death, or resurrection. Its salvation is for the few capable of spiritual enlightenment. The peril was the greater because Gnosticism was represented by some of the keenest minds in the church of the second century.”[12]

Success of Gnosticism

What made Gnosticism so successful was its degree of syncretism. It had a familiar taste to it for everybody of that age. It also gave what seemed to be at the time, suitable answers to the question about evil in the world and what role God plays in catastrophes if any. Another reason for the success of Gnosticism was their “teaching of salvation that promised release from the suffering and confinement of the material bodily existence.” This was a very effective argument for the woman of the age, “whose lives were often shaped by cultural norms that defined them primarily in terms of childbearing.” In that specific day and age woman had no rights what so ever. They were often treated as mere property, a possession of the husband. “The Gnostic promise of release from material bodily existence carried with it the promise of transcending gender existence by elevating women to the more spiritual status of men.”[13]

Gnosticism was also trying to solve familiar problems in the second century. If God is good, why do so many bad things happen to good people on earth? The question goes both way’s; why does so many good things happen to bad people on the earth? If there is more to mere fate in the world, how does one account for pain, suffering, death, disease, hunger and catastrophes?[14]

“The Gnostic teachers therefore stood in the mainstream of second-century religious speculation. They moulded current ideas into their own systems, and associated them with Christ, the heavenly Messenger, who had appeared on earth in historical times.” They also “caught the tide of religious feeling, particularly in Alexandria”… “For three centuries Alexandrian Jews had been in contact with the representatives of Platonic-Stoic philosophy, and as a result Judaism there had undergone a profound change.” Finally, the name of Christ was “becoming the focus of many currents of religious thought of which orthodoxy was only one. Gnostic and Baptist schisms that had hardly been held in check under Judaism erupted under the influence of the new compelling movement of Christianity.”[15]

Later Development

The Christian church had to take a stand against the heresy that was being spewed against Christ and his Gospel. Thus a decision had to be made what would be allowed in the Christian churches and what would not. To some extent these decisions influenced and formed the Bible that we have today.

“Catholic writers such as Irenaeus, Clement, and others rejected the fundamental tenets of Gnosticism’s understanding of the creation and thus its understanding of salvation. They sought to refute Gnostic doctrines on these points to prevent others from joining their gatherings.”[16]

“For the most part the great wave of Gnostic teachers crested after the second century and dwindled through the third. The combination of increased numbers and united opposition on the catholic side weighed heavily against Gnostic communities. The fact that their primary appeal was always to an intellectual elite helped to bring about the demise of their party. Much of Gnosticism’s insights, if not its communities, were eventually absorbed by other movements that arose after the second century.”[17]

Conclusion

People have often wondered: “What about the mistakes we find in the different translations of the Bible?” I personally believe that God will not let any thing creep in that will directly mislead us concerning his message of salvation.

Yet, the Gnostic movement came dangerously close in bringing the Christian faith to its knees. I found that Gnosticism was an extremely dangerous ‘religion’ to get involved with simply because of the fact that it misleads people about the truth about Jesus Christ and His purpose on earth. Thank God for His presence during this time of trouble and that His wonderful message of love prevailed!

When looking at the scheme of things and the great controversy between God and Satan I believe that Gnosticism was a clever tactic used by the devil to mislead hundreds of people, simply because it was so appealing to the masses of the time. It was a religion that made great promises and appealed to every person because of its syncretism, whether they were Jew, Greek or Roman. Resembling a cobra hypnotising its prey before the deadly blow.

Where does this leave us today? Is the threat something of the past? Surely not, with time coming to an end our rival becomes ever more restless and cunning, hoping to mislead the people of God. It is up to us to know the word of God and to keep our eye’s focused on Jesus until He returns.

[1] Gunther S Wegener, Die Lewende Kerk (Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1965).

[2] Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1959), 51.

[3] Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1959), 52.

[4] Dale T. Irvin and Scott W. Sunquist, History of the World Christian Movement Volume 1: Earliest Christianity to 1453 (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 2001).

[5] Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1959), 52

[6] W.H.C Frend, The Rise of Christianity (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984).

[7] Gunther S Wegener, Die Lewende Kerk (Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1965).

[8] R. McL. Wilson, “Gnostic Origins,” Vigiliae Christianae 9:3 (1955): 194.

[9] W.H.C Frend, The Rise of Christianity (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984), 195.

[10] W.H.C Frend, The Rise of Christianity (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984), 196

[11] Gunther S Wegener, Die Lewende Kerk (Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1965).

[12] Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1959), 53.

[13] Dale T. Irvin and Scott W. Sunquist, History of the World Christian Movement Volume 1: Earliest Christianity to 1453 (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 2001), 117.

[14] W.H.C Frend, The Rise of Christianity (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984).

[15] W.H.C Frend, The Rise of Christianity (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984), 204.

[16] Dale T. Irvin and Scott W. Sunquist, History of the World Christian Movement Volume 1: Earliest Christianity to 1453 (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 2001), 118.

[17] Dale T. Irvin and Scott W. Sunquist, History of the World Christian Movement Volume 1: Earliest Christianity to 1453 (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 2001), 118.

Where it all began...

2007-05-22T13:19:00.000+02:00

Our Family and Friends

2007-05-22T08:30:00.000+02:00

Hannah's godmother, Elisabeth de Beer.

Hannah's godfather, Andrew Mason

Cherie Birkenstock enjoying a cup of Jave with Hannah

Us with Robin and Lynne Birkenstock at their wedding.

Belinda Kitney meets Hannah

Hannah with Papa Rodney

Hannah and her Grandma Fransie

Hannah and her Great-Grandma Ferreira

Hannah with her aunt Chandre

Hannah with her aunt Tamzen

Hannah with her grandparents in Johannesburg: Danny & Yvonne le Roux

David’s cousin Esti with Hannah at the Sedaven Camp Meeting 2007

The cousins meeting each other for the first time

Hannah playing games with Great-Grandma Martha

The William’s family from Botswana

Hannah and Grandma Sonita Seligmann

Hannah and Grandpa Karl Seligmann

Ps Cliff Verwey is David’s Mentor and a very dear and loved friend of the family

Andrew and Lillian Engels: We don’t know what we would have done without their advice and support.

David’s brother Nicholas and their cousin Marike. She applied to study medicine at the University of Stellenbosch in 2008, so please pray for her and hold thumbs…

David’s aunt Ella-Bel enjoying some coffee with Hannah at Mugg & Bean

Lerése and Hannah catching a snooze after all the attention

The Ladies of Worcester church enjoying a Sabbath Afternoon with Hannah.

Ian Williams was one of the first people to visit Hannah and Lerése in hospital

Hannah sleeping on her Great-Grandpa Schoonraad's tummy

Justin, found himself with his hands full...

4 Generations together: Hannah, her mommy Lerése, Sonita – Lerése’s mom and Martha – Lerése s Grandma

Nicholas, David's brother meeting his Niece

Aunt Ester Birkenstock with Hannah. She is Hannah's surrogate Grandma

Uncle Pierre Birkenstock with Hannah. He is her surrogate Grandpa

Welcome Hannah!

2007-05-22T01:21:00.000+02:00

The first picture of Hannah - when she was about 10 minutes old. She was born on our first wedding anniversary, 18 December 2006. Weighing 2.295 Kg’s

Dad meets baby Hannah for the first time

Because Hannah was born five weeks prem she had Jaundice and had to go under ‘the lights’. Her first pair of shades at three days old

Our first snooze together after Hannah came home from the Hospital

Aaaa, sleep my good friend

Westside!