BITS and PIECES
A random collection of news and views compiled by Frank McClelland for the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.
219th Edition – December 1, 2024
CRAZY MODERN ‘ART’
The history of the world is replete with great artists like Da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt, to name but a few. The excellent works of these long-dead painters naturally command a great deal of money.
However, in our days there has arisen a brand of not very talented people who see themselves as artists, and who try to convince others of the greatness of their works. Unfortunately, many gullible people are sucked into the vortex of pseudo art, and are willing to pay serious money for it. It makes them a laughing stock.
The latest, I almost wrote scam, ridiculous art is from Italian hyperrealist Maurizio Cattelan who stuck a banana on a white wall using silver duct tape. It sold recently for 6.2 million dollars! It was bought by a Chinese crypto currency entrepreneur who outbid six others. The true value of the banana and duct tape would be less than one dollar!
The result? The artist laughs all the way to the bank, and genuine art gets a black eye. People who regard themselves as aficionados of such art show themselves as fools, while thinking they are superior to others. As the famous Scottish poet said, “Oh, that God the gift would give us, to see ourselves as others see us” [English translation].
WHO SAID BROAD-MINDEDNESS?
Some parents today want their children to be broad-minded and grow up to make their own decisions about what is right and wrong. This is not a very wise policy in the rest of life.
There is no room for broad-mindedness in the chemical laboratory. Water is composed of two parts hydrogen, and one part oxygen. The slightest deviation from that formula is forbidden.
There is no room for broad-mindedness in music. The skilled conductor will not permit his first violin to play even so much as one-half note off the written note, chord, and key.
There is no room for broad-mindedness in the mathematics classroom. Neither geometry, trigonometry, nor calculus allows any variation from exact accuracy. The solution to any problem is either right or it is wrong.
There is no room for broad-mindedness on the athletic field. The game is to be played by the rules with no favours shown for any reason.
There is no room for broad-mindedness in the garage. The mechanic says the piston rings must fit the cylinder walls within one-thousand part of an inch. Even between friends there cannot be any variation if “the motor is to run smoothly.”
How then shall we be expected to be broad-minded in matters that pertain to Christ and His gospel? [Canadian Revivalist].
A VERY CONTAGIOUS DISEASE
Morbid Sabbaticus, or Sunday sickness, is a disease peculiar to church members. The symptoms vary, but these are characteristic.
It never interferes with the appetite.
It never lasts more than twenty-four hours.
No physician is ever called.
It always proves fatal in the end – to the soul.
It is becoming fearfully prevalent, destroying
thousands every year.
It comes on every Sunday, no symptoms are felt on Saturday night; the patient sleeps well and wakes feeling well; eats a hearty breakfast, but about church time the attack comes on and continues until services are over in the morning. Then the patient feels easy and has a hearty dinner.
In the afternoon he feels much better and is able to take a walk and read the Sunday papers. He eats a hearty supper, but about church time he has another attack and stays at home. He wakes up on Monday morning refreshed and able to go to work. He does not have any further symptoms until the following Sunday. [Author unknown]
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”. [Galatians 6:7].
ISAIAH – THE LITTLE BIBLE
The book of Isaiah is often referred to as the little Bible. The Bible has 66 books and Isaiah has 66 chapters. Genesis deals with sin and so does Isaiah 1. Isaiah 66 speaks of a new heaven and earth. So does the last book, Revelation.
Isaiah 40 equates to Matthew. Both deal with John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. The central message of the New Testament section of Isaiah is chapter 53. It is no surprise that it focuses on the person and sacrifice of Jesus.
