“Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.”
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Friday, July 20, 2018
A Very Good Description of God's Kind of Forgiveness!
A Sister in the Lord has done a good job of showing the nature of forgiveness from the Word!
Karen Long said: Jesus himself gave us a three-step model of forgiveness among believers in the Gospel of Luke. He said: "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him" (Lk. 17:3-4) (emphasis added).
Step One: Rebuke -- Jesus clearly tells us that if a "brother," meaning a believer, sins against us, we are first to rebuke him. What does this mean? To rebuke is to criticize sharply, to reprimand. This plays nicely into the Christian principle of speaking the truth in love. To rebuke a brother is not an act done with a hateful or prideful heart. No. In fact, it could easily be compared to the behavior of a loving mother correcting her child for a behavior that will bring harm to her child and/or others. She may raise her voice and speak sternly, but she does so with a loving heart and tongue. We are to rebuke our brothers privately, and with humble hearts.
Step Two: Repentance -- Jesus tells us that our forgiveness is conditional upon the brother's repentance after the rebuke. To repent in the broad biblical sense is to turn away from sin. Repentance is not simply a reform of one's behavior, although genuine repentance ultimately results in reformed behavior. Instead, repentance is the sincere feeling of remorse, and a heartfelt search for forgiveness. A believer does not get to that place without first feeling the burden of Holy Spirit conviction. The natural response of a believer to Holy Spirit conviction is acknowledgement that one has sinned, followed by true remorse and repentance. The kind of repentance God demands, knowing the interaction of the indwelling Holy Spirit with His children, is one that has visible results to others: fruits. The great Apostle Paul discussed his gospel with King Agrippa, saying "that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance" (Acts 26:20). Also, John the Baptist said, "Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance" (Lk. 3:8). True repentance is always evident and visible through the changed hearts and fruit bearing works of the repentant. That kind of transformation is evident to believers and unbelievers alike. It's obvious to all who interact with the person and witness his or her daily conduct. Jesus gives us more insight into this dilemma when he spoke these words:
"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Mat. 18:15-20).
In the practical and relational sense, repentance begins with the offender recognizing his or her wrongdoing. This recognition always includes an admission of guilt to the offended party. The person who has committed the offense is required to confess the wrongdoing and express remorse to the offended person for the sinful acts. Afterwards, the offender is to make a commitment not to repeat the offense. Ultimately, the purpose of this process is to express guilt and remorse to the offended person in an attempt to gain forgiveness so that the two people can repair the relationship. Without this process being fulfilled in its entirety, forgiveness is impossible.
Step Three: Forgiveness -- If the first two steps have been completed, and the fruits of sincere repentance have been observed, Jesus commands the offended party to forgive his brother, as He has forgiven us. When someone has wronged us, there needs to be an accounting for this wrong. The offender needs to acknowledge the offense so that there can be reconciliation. Ignoring or rationalizing or minimizing sin is yet another form of sin, and must be avoided.
Karen Long said: Jesus himself gave us a three-step model of forgiveness among believers in the Gospel of Luke. He said: "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him" (Lk. 17:3-4) (emphasis added).
Step One: Rebuke -- Jesus clearly tells us that if a "brother," meaning a believer, sins against us, we are first to rebuke him. What does this mean? To rebuke is to criticize sharply, to reprimand. This plays nicely into the Christian principle of speaking the truth in love. To rebuke a brother is not an act done with a hateful or prideful heart. No. In fact, it could easily be compared to the behavior of a loving mother correcting her child for a behavior that will bring harm to her child and/or others. She may raise her voice and speak sternly, but she does so with a loving heart and tongue. We are to rebuke our brothers privately, and with humble hearts.
Step Two: Repentance -- Jesus tells us that our forgiveness is conditional upon the brother's repentance after the rebuke. To repent in the broad biblical sense is to turn away from sin. Repentance is not simply a reform of one's behavior, although genuine repentance ultimately results in reformed behavior. Instead, repentance is the sincere feeling of remorse, and a heartfelt search for forgiveness. A believer does not get to that place without first feeling the burden of Holy Spirit conviction. The natural response of a believer to Holy Spirit conviction is acknowledgement that one has sinned, followed by true remorse and repentance. The kind of repentance God demands, knowing the interaction of the indwelling Holy Spirit with His children, is one that has visible results to others: fruits. The great Apostle Paul discussed his gospel with King Agrippa, saying "that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance" (Acts 26:20). Also, John the Baptist said, "Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance" (Lk. 3:8). True repentance is always evident and visible through the changed hearts and fruit bearing works of the repentant. That kind of transformation is evident to believers and unbelievers alike. It's obvious to all who interact with the person and witness his or her daily conduct. Jesus gives us more insight into this dilemma when he spoke these words:
"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Mat. 18:15-20).
In the practical and relational sense, repentance begins with the offender recognizing his or her wrongdoing. This recognition always includes an admission of guilt to the offended party. The person who has committed the offense is required to confess the wrongdoing and express remorse to the offended person for the sinful acts. Afterwards, the offender is to make a commitment not to repeat the offense. Ultimately, the purpose of this process is to express guilt and remorse to the offended person in an attempt to gain forgiveness so that the two people can repair the relationship. Without this process being fulfilled in its entirety, forgiveness is impossible.
Step Three: Forgiveness -- If the first two steps have been completed, and the fruits of sincere repentance have been observed, Jesus commands the offended party to forgive his brother, as He has forgiven us. When someone has wronged us, there needs to be an accounting for this wrong. The offender needs to acknowledge the offense so that there can be reconciliation. Ignoring or rationalizing or minimizing sin is yet another form of sin, and must be avoided.
Forgiveness Before Confession is Unbiblical
On another thread there was a discussion on the matter of forgiveness, I thought I should share it here. This matter of forgiveness is the most misunderstood principle in our modern day, it bears revisiting it over and over again.
Karen Long said: Luke 17:3 is the scripture often misquoted when someone tells you that the
Bible says 'Forgive and Forget', or that you must forgive him because you are a Christian. However, Jesus is very specific when He tells us to rebuke the sinner, and if he repents, to forgive him. Have you rebuked your abuser, and has he or she repented? The
Bible tells us to forgive as God forgave us (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13).God forgives us when we come to him, confess our sin, ask for forgiveness (apologize) and repent (turn from our sinful ways).( Ezekiel 33:10-19, Isaiah 55:6, Jeremiah 6:16 & 26:3,
Luke 13:3 & 5, Acts 3:19). He does not forgive those who are 'stiff-necked', continue doing evil, or refuse to repent. The Lord does not expect more of us than he himself is willing to do! Do we imagine ourselves to be holier than God? God requires repentance,
and so must we.
Gwendolyn Wehage replied: Karen Long Amen, Amen!!!! It is more loving to point out a fault so that someone can be cleansed by God than it is to ignore it so the one who sins feels enable to continue.
Karen Long said: Luke 17:3 is the scripture often misquoted when someone tells you that the
Bible says 'Forgive and Forget', or that you must forgive him because you are a Christian. However, Jesus is very specific when He tells us to rebuke the sinner, and if he repents, to forgive him. Have you rebuked your abuser, and has he or she repented? The
Bible tells us to forgive as God forgave us (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13).God forgives us when we come to him, confess our sin, ask for forgiveness (apologize) and repent (turn from our sinful ways).( Ezekiel 33:10-19, Isaiah 55:6, Jeremiah 6:16 & 26:3,
Luke 13:3 & 5, Acts 3:19). He does not forgive those who are 'stiff-necked', continue doing evil, or refuse to repent. The Lord does not expect more of us than he himself is willing to do! Do we imagine ourselves to be holier than God? God requires repentance,
and so must we.
Gwendolyn Wehage replied: Karen Long Amen, Amen!!!! It is more loving to point out a fault so that someone can be cleansed by God than it is to ignore it so the one who sins feels enable to continue.
Break the Will to Strengthen the Spiritual Muscles
Yep, I have had trials through out my life, they made me stronger when I came out the other side of them. In weight lifting the muscle must be broken down in order for it to mend and become stronger. I believe this is true of spiritual muscles too. Those who do not have trials are the ones who are not born again.
Hebrews 12:7-9 "…7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?…"
Trudi Gretsinger said:
I have personal friends whose life is just great......
They are either non-Christians or luke-warm Christians....
They do not seem to have much in the way of suffering.....That is not to say they will not at some point....
But, I just see my friends in Christ have an abundance of suffering here in this world....
I know we have Jesus in us and when our hearts hurt, so does Jesus.....
In Romans 8: 17.......Now if we are children, then we are heirs.....heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.
18.....I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.......
So, we should be thankful for the sufferings we have here in this world....Even though it hurts us to the core!
Hebrews 12:7-9 "…7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?…"
Trudi Gretsinger said:
I have personal friends whose life is just great......
They are either non-Christians or luke-warm Christians....
They do not seem to have much in the way of suffering.....That is not to say they will not at some point....
But, I just see my friends in Christ have an abundance of suffering here in this world....
I know we have Jesus in us and when our hearts hurt, so does Jesus.....
In Romans 8: 17.......Now if we are children, then we are heirs.....heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.
18.....I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.......
So, we should be thankful for the sufferings we have here in this world....Even though it hurts us to the core!
Thursday, July 19, 2018
They Lied to Us!
So many things that we were taught were good or bad for us have been based on prejudices of the researchers. Here are a few examples.
Love Includes Resolution!
We discover the mindset of our friends when we speak of the Lord openly. They will either enjoy it or become embarrassed. There is a language that transcends words, body language that reveals much! Covert narcissists know this very well.
When someone who is a covert narcissist they often display elements of disapproval without speaking a word, it allows them to deny many things.
Covert narcissists hate straight talk, they prefer their surreptitious responses to be able to deny truth. When asked why they acted a particular way they will feign irritation as though we did something wrong in asking.
A reasonable and rational person when asked about their non-verbal expressions will calmly reply with an answer. When kind people are asked why they had that look or made that sound, will explain what they were thinking. Narcissists want us to be confused and unsettled.
1 Corinthians 14:33
"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,"
Those who love God want those they love to resolve things with them, they hate unresolved misunderstandings while the narcissist loves to mock through confusion.
Confusion causes problems, but clarity and honesty clears them up.
John 16:13
"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
God loves truth and honesty, which requires openness and discussion.
When someone who is a covert narcissist they often display elements of disapproval without speaking a word, it allows them to deny many things.
Covert narcissists hate straight talk, they prefer their surreptitious responses to be able to deny truth. When asked why they acted a particular way they will feign irritation as though we did something wrong in asking.
A reasonable and rational person when asked about their non-verbal expressions will calmly reply with an answer. When kind people are asked why they had that look or made that sound, will explain what they were thinking. Narcissists want us to be confused and unsettled.
1 Corinthians 14:33
"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,"
Those who love God want those they love to resolve things with them, they hate unresolved misunderstandings while the narcissist loves to mock through confusion.
Confusion causes problems, but clarity and honesty clears them up.
John 16:13
"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
God loves truth and honesty, which requires openness and discussion.
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Not a Book of Suggestions, Its a Book of Commands
The first question the devil asked Eve in the garden made her doubt that God was telling her the truth. People do that to me today when I bring up Scripture to answer a matter in a discussion. They actually say things like, "that was for back then." As though the entire Bible is nothing more than a book of suggestions.
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