It is becoming harder to relate to most people in this culture of apostasy. Even in Christian gatherings we are the fringe crazies when we speak against the ways of the world and for the ways of God. The Bible is not the bench mark for everything, in fact many things the modern believer defends with their life are against the ways of God.
Those who speak boldly the Bible are summarily dismissed, mocked and even treated with disdain.
The rebuke, admonition, correction and proper teaching is missing from the Christian churches of our day. Correction is seen as rude while disrespect is justified.
2 Timothy 4:1-8
"1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,
4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Our Friends Shape us!
If our constant companions are those who think more in worldly ways than in the wisdom of God, then we will be convinced of the worldly ways.
1 Corinthians 15:33-34 "33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame.…"
1 Corinthians 15:33-34 "33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame.…"
Youth Need to Stop Talking and Start Listening
1 Timothy 4:…11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.…
This verse is often used by charismatics to say that Timothy should be revered in his youthfulness. That he should never allow others to judge him based on his youth. It is used to justify very young people in ministry leadership positions.
At closer inspection it seems more likely that God is telling Timothy not to be disrespectful or do anything that might foster a reason for people to refuse to listen to him.
I understand it this way because over my lifetime I have seen arrogant youth who think they no longer have to listen to others who are older and wiser. They elevate themselves to the same level as those who should be honored by the youth.
When young people refuse to acknowledge the wisdom of the elders they are displaying disrespect and superiority over their elders. It is dishonoring and repugnant to the elder to be treated as an equal or even inferior to the youth. It is less likely that the elders will listen to this arrogant and superior demonstration from the youth who attempt to dominate over their elders.
Young people need to be spending far more time listening than they do speaking. In these last days of 2 Timothy 3 we live in a world that elevates youth above elders and wisdom.
The youth of today tend to think if they have a thought in their head it equates to wisdom, just merely having the thought should bring them praise and adulation. Sort of like the ball youth sports that people attend in which every child gets a prize even if they lose. The youth of today expect to be praised, elevated and treated as princes and princesses without having to earn anything.
It takes many years for wise people to become wise. It takes many real life experience, and I do not mean play and travel, for them to develop the wisdom to be able to think in the correct manner.
There is nothing more agonizing to be in the same room with arrogant self righteous know it alls who believe they are equal to and above those who have lived much longer than they.
“If you fear nothing, then you are not brave. You are merely too foolish to be afraid.” Author Unknown
"The fool wonders, the wise man asks". - Benjamin Disraeli
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." - Psalm 14:1
"The best way to convince a fool that he is wrong is to let him have his own way." - Josh Billings
- 1 Corinthians 1:20
"Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? "
When we attempt to speak wisdom to a foolish person they will claim that we are the fools. The more we try to convince them of the wisdom from God, the more they will kick against it. Why, we ask ourselves do they do this? The reason is simple, the fool must be seen as right no matter how silly their argument. They don't care that they are wrong, they only care that they assert themselves. Many fools even know they are wrong but will fight to defend their way in spite of it.
You see, a fool is more interested in winning an argument than they are in discovering truth.
This is the world we live in now, it is not easy, the disrespect and lack of good old fashioned horse sense is nearly gone and there are few that will listen.
Many believers hold on to the foolishness of psychology and the ways of the world when they could humble themselves, ask God for wisdom and proceed to grow in holiness and the wisdom they so desperately need.
Galatians 3:3
"Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?"
Proverbs 13:20
"Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces. - Proverbs 13:20"
If our constant companions are those who think more in worldly ways than in the wisdom of God, then we will be convinced of the worldly ways.
1 Corinthians 15:33-34 "33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame.…"
This verse is often used by charismatics to say that Timothy should be revered in his youthfulness. That he should never allow others to judge him based on his youth. It is used to justify very young people in ministry leadership positions.
At closer inspection it seems more likely that God is telling Timothy not to be disrespectful or do anything that might foster a reason for people to refuse to listen to him.
I understand it this way because over my lifetime I have seen arrogant youth who think they no longer have to listen to others who are older and wiser. They elevate themselves to the same level as those who should be honored by the youth.
When young people refuse to acknowledge the wisdom of the elders they are displaying disrespect and superiority over their elders. It is dishonoring and repugnant to the elder to be treated as an equal or even inferior to the youth. It is less likely that the elders will listen to this arrogant and superior demonstration from the youth who attempt to dominate over their elders.
Young people need to be spending far more time listening than they do speaking. In these last days of 2 Timothy 3 we live in a world that elevates youth above elders and wisdom.
The youth of today tend to think if they have a thought in their head it equates to wisdom, just merely having the thought should bring them praise and adulation. Sort of like the ball youth sports that people attend in which every child gets a prize even if they lose. The youth of today expect to be praised, elevated and treated as princes and princesses without having to earn anything.
It takes many years for wise people to become wise. It takes many real life experience, and I do not mean play and travel, for them to develop the wisdom to be able to think in the correct manner.
There is nothing more agonizing to be in the same room with arrogant self righteous know it alls who believe they are equal to and above those who have lived much longer than they.
“If you fear nothing, then you are not brave. You are merely too foolish to be afraid.” Author Unknown
"The fool wonders, the wise man asks". - Benjamin Disraeli
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." - Psalm 14:1
"The best way to convince a fool that he is wrong is to let him have his own way." - Josh Billings
- 1 Corinthians 1:20
"Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? "
When we attempt to speak wisdom to a foolish person they will claim that we are the fools. The more we try to convince them of the wisdom from God, the more they will kick against it. Why, we ask ourselves do they do this? The reason is simple, the fool must be seen as right no matter how silly their argument. They don't care that they are wrong, they only care that they assert themselves. Many fools even know they are wrong but will fight to defend their way in spite of it.
You see, a fool is more interested in winning an argument than they are in discovering truth.
This is the world we live in now, it is not easy, the disrespect and lack of good old fashioned horse sense is nearly gone and there are few that will listen.
Many believers hold on to the foolishness of psychology and the ways of the world when they could humble themselves, ask God for wisdom and proceed to grow in holiness and the wisdom they so desperately need.
Galatians 3:3
"Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?"
Proverbs 13:20
"Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces. - Proverbs 13:20"
If our constant companions are those who think more in worldly ways than in the wisdom of God, then we will be convinced of the worldly ways.
1 Corinthians 15:33-34 "33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame.…"
Saturday, September 22, 2018
If God is Love Then He must be Justice Too
Psalm 26:4-6 "…4 I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites. 5 I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked. 6 I wash my hands in innocence that I may come near Your altar, O LORD,…"
If God does not hate the evil person then what would we say is "hell", an expression of hate or love? Or is it just "justice"?
Ecclesiasticus 12:6
"For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of their punishment."
If God does not hate the evil person then what would we say is "hell", an expression of hate or love? Or is it just "justice"?
Ecclesiasticus 12:6
"For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of their punishment."
Age Brings Wisdom not Book Learning
AND NO!!!! A 22 year old psychology grad has no place counseling others no matter how much training she or he has. Those who are qualified to counsel others must have lived a full life with much experience behind them.
1 Timothy 3:6-7 "6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.…"
There is far too much to learn, not just by a few experiences but having worked through many of life's difficulties while following Christ in order to counsel with wisdom.
Those who believe they are qualified to counsel others about life when they have just barely escaped the home of their parents, should learn in short order that their skimpy life experience does not allow them enough wisdom to counsel those who have lived three times longer.
And NO, book learning from a psychology book does not replace or override the value of experience. We must also remember that living a long life does not automatically afford wisdom to many. There are those who have lived a long life who have not learned very much of value because they have not sought God nearly most of their lives.
It is only seeking God through life experiences that God shows us His wisdom, which far ought weighs any human wisdom a college professor can afford.
In this world of arrogance and excessive praise we have allowed the youngsters to believe they can have the wisdom of a long life without having lived it first.
Proverbs 19:20
"Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future."
Leviticus 19:32
“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord."
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."
Proverbs 16:31
"Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life."
1 Timothy 3:6-7 "6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.…"
There is far too much to learn, not just by a few experiences but having worked through many of life's difficulties while following Christ in order to counsel with wisdom.
Those who believe they are qualified to counsel others about life when they have just barely escaped the home of their parents, should learn in short order that their skimpy life experience does not allow them enough wisdom to counsel those who have lived three times longer.
And NO, book learning from a psychology book does not replace or override the value of experience. We must also remember that living a long life does not automatically afford wisdom to many. There are those who have lived a long life who have not learned very much of value because they have not sought God nearly most of their lives.
It is only seeking God through life experiences that God shows us His wisdom, which far ought weighs any human wisdom a college professor can afford.
In this world of arrogance and excessive praise we have allowed the youngsters to believe they can have the wisdom of a long life without having lived it first.
Proverbs 19:20
"Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future."
Leviticus 19:32
“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord."
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."
Proverbs 16:31
"Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life."
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
In Agreement
Attempts at forcing others to be like them through intimidation, mocking and manipulation does nothing except perhaps cause the coerced one to hide their real selves,
The best way to interact with others is to tell the truth and leave their responses to them and God. If they do not listen then we are free to walk away.
We cannot change anyone's heart, we can only influence with words, if the words are not received then we must go away and leave them to think and pray about it.
All too often people who think of themselves as superior to other will choose mean spirited actions and words to guilt someone into submission to them. This has more to do with control over us than it does with truth.
When we find theological differences that are important and cannot be resolved then we must move on to those who who are in agreement.
We love all believers in Christ but we cannot have fellowship with them all. Two cannot walk together who are not agreed.
Unity is not based on choosing to compromise, it is based on deeply investigating the word together to discern truth. When someone will not discuss a matter in the word then there is nothing more we can do to resolve the disagreement.
Ephesians 4:2-4 "…2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;…"
When we have to leave or let someone go we still love them and pray for them. May the Lord guide us as we are led by Christ in these decisions. May the Lord help believers to seek truth together. May all arrogance be removed from stubborn hearts as we all grow in holiness.
1 Peter 2:1-10 "1 Peter 2 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
As Newborn Babes
1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,
2 like newborn babies, long for the [e]pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.
As Living Stones
4 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God,
5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 For this is contained in Scripture:
“Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone,
And he who believes in [l]Him will not be [m]disappointed.”
7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve,
“The stone which the builders rejected,
This became the very corner stone,”
8 and,
“A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”;
for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
The best way to interact with others is to tell the truth and leave their responses to them and God. If they do not listen then we are free to walk away.
We cannot change anyone's heart, we can only influence with words, if the words are not received then we must go away and leave them to think and pray about it.
All too often people who think of themselves as superior to other will choose mean spirited actions and words to guilt someone into submission to them. This has more to do with control over us than it does with truth.
When we find theological differences that are important and cannot be resolved then we must move on to those who who are in agreement.
We love all believers in Christ but we cannot have fellowship with them all. Two cannot walk together who are not agreed.
Unity is not based on choosing to compromise, it is based on deeply investigating the word together to discern truth. When someone will not discuss a matter in the word then there is nothing more we can do to resolve the disagreement.
Ephesians 4:2-4 "…2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;…"
When we have to leave or let someone go we still love them and pray for them. May the Lord guide us as we are led by Christ in these decisions. May the Lord help believers to seek truth together. May all arrogance be removed from stubborn hearts as we all grow in holiness.
1 Peter 2:1-10 "1 Peter 2 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
As Newborn Babes
1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,
2 like newborn babies, long for the [e]pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.
As Living Stones
4 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God,
5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 For this is contained in Scripture:
“Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone,
And he who believes in [l]Him will not be [m]disappointed.”
7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve,
“The stone which the builders rejected,
This became the very corner stone,”
8 and,
“A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”;
for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
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