I wasn't sure what seeker churches were. So after a quick search I came up with this:
Rick Warren defines Seeker Churches
The first thing I noticed was Rick Warren, the author of "The Purpose Driven Life". That put me off, but I still kept an open mind.
No I am one of those strange Christians who was not impressed with his book. While I found the main message in his book to be admirable, I did not like the fact that he used a paraphrased bible version that completely twisted the bible in order to get a totally different meaning of the biblical passages. You don't go and search different versions of the bible in order to get YOUR ideas across, you are supposed to go by what the writer of the bible actually said.....
anyway back on topic.
I see a problem with churches that are only out to make converts as well as the idea that the HS is only able to work if the message is a salvation message.
Quanity does not equal quality. IT is not all about numbers. The bible instructs us to "make disciples". To make disciples is to teach them how to live a Godly life. To give the tools in the bible so that they may grow and be able to make disciples.
Too many times I have seen churches and ministries who are so worried about getting numbers that they will do anything they can (sometimes including decietful practices and such) in order to make more converts. But then the new and baby Christians are pushed into the background so that it makes room for more converts. This is wrong and it does not line up with the Word.
I wonder how many of these converts stay converts? NOt long I am sure. The reasons are:
1. A person can and will only attend church so long listening to the same message before they get bored.
2. A Christian needs to have the keys to defeat temptations. If not they will only fall to the wayside when they are attacked.
3. New Christians are not stupid. They will figure out that they were only used and nobody really cared about them at all. It takes more than simply converting someone to care about that person.
4. This entire logic is relying on human wisdom and not the wisdom of God. What ever happened to prayer and spending time quietly with God and listening to what He wishes you to minister on? How can they expect the HS to work when they don't even listen to what God wants to teach to His congregation?? I am of the mind that if we are obedient to God and His will then He will make sure that the right message will be delivered at the right time. His timing and message, not what WE feel we should do.
In conclusion?? I am not impressed. Again Warren has fallen short of actual biblical teaching in order to push his mortal wisdom and again ignoring God's wisdom and God's wishes.
posted by Star @ 6:04 PM
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Sunday, March 05, 2006
More on Fruit
I wrote this and I think that it is important enough to "bump" up. Especially after some of the conversations that have been popping up.
In order for us to not be lead astray we must be real careful at who we listen to and go for advice. The fruit that is present is one of the ways to know.
Jesus said that you will know those who are His by their fruit. From our of their hearts their mouth speaks.
If someone is showing the fruit of the flesh, then run away from that person. How can someone who walks in the flesh show and teach that which is of the Spirit? If the person is consisitantly showing these attributes:
immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing,
Then you know that they are not of God.
21: of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
And at the bottom if the passage Paul states:
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
Run from these things as well as those who practice such things. Else, you will be taking the chance of this person bringing you down with them.
Now if a person is showing these things:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Then you know that they are following the Spirit and are capable of helping you.
I feel I must also add that there are also wolfs who may show some of the fruits of the Spirit but are still ravinous wolves. You must always check what is said and taught with the bible to make sure that it lines up with the Word.
But those who are causing strife and dissention everywhere they go, you know right off that they are not of God.
posted by Star @ 7:05 PM
In order for us to not be lead astray we must be real careful at who we listen to and go for advice. The fruit that is present is one of the ways to know.
Jesus said that you will know those who are His by their fruit. From our of their hearts their mouth speaks.
If someone is showing the fruit of the flesh, then run away from that person. How can someone who walks in the flesh show and teach that which is of the Spirit? If the person is consisitantly showing these attributes:
immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing,
Then you know that they are not of God.
21: of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
And at the bottom if the passage Paul states:
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
Run from these things as well as those who practice such things. Else, you will be taking the chance of this person bringing you down with them.
Now if a person is showing these things:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Then you know that they are following the Spirit and are capable of helping you.
I feel I must also add that there are also wolfs who may show some of the fruits of the Spirit but are still ravinous wolves. You must always check what is said and taught with the bible to make sure that it lines up with the Word.
But those who are causing strife and dissention everywhere they go, you know right off that they are not of God.
posted by Star @ 7:05 PM
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Fruit
Fruit
We all know those who claim to be “christian” and may even be “somebody” in the Christian community, but are they really people we should look up to? How can we know if they are somebody that we should emulate? What are we to look for?
Does the size of their ministry determine whether or not they are upright and following God? No!! The larger the ministry the harder I would look to see what is really there. How do the members treat each other? How do the Christians treat the other Christians? Is Christian bashing allowed? How are new disciples treated? Do they make the time to deal with those new to Christ? Or are they pushed aside as if the job was done? Is so much effort going to getting along with unbelievers that the Christians are being harmed in the process? Are the leaders of the ministry capable of judging their own faults and are they capable of admitting when they have wronged others?
Sadly, over the last 26 years I have seen more who fail at the above and very few pass.
Matthew 7:12-14
12 "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
13 "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
14 "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Many will enter into the false gate. Again, how do we know the difference and what do we look for?
The bible says that you shall know those who are His by their fruits.
What fruit is the ministry showing? What fruit is being shown by the ones running the ministry?
What you shouldn’t find in the lives of those running the ministry and those who follow them? What should be there?
I think that this passage says it all:
Galatians 5:13-26
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
This does not mean that anyone is perfect. We shall all fail. The more we work towards doing the right thing and the more we follow the Spirit, the more we will have those who are going to lie about us and do what they can to bring us down.
The wide road is the easy road. Why are so many willing to follow the wide road? Why is it easy? Because there isn’t any opposition. The flesh is loving it and the devil is loving it, so why put stumbling blocks in the way?
The narrow road is the Hard road. Why is it so hard? And why are there so many stumbling blocks? Because the flesh hates it. The flesh hates the fact that we are following the Spirit. The devil hates that we are trying to do the right thing, of course he is going to put people and things in our way to make us stumble.
We need to remember to judge ourselves and to listen to what the HS says to us more so than anyone else, including our pastors. Who is the authority in our lives? A pastor or the Word of God? If your pastor or leader tells you to do something that is not supported in the Word, which one do you follow? The Word of course.
If we judge ourselves and we are open and honest with ourselves enough to see our own faults, then we will be able to change those faults. As long as we close a blind eye to the truth, the flesh will always win and will effect every part of our lives, including our ministries.
posted by Star @ 4:04 PM
We all know those who claim to be “christian” and may even be “somebody” in the Christian community, but are they really people we should look up to? How can we know if they are somebody that we should emulate? What are we to look for?
Does the size of their ministry determine whether or not they are upright and following God? No!! The larger the ministry the harder I would look to see what is really there. How do the members treat each other? How do the Christians treat the other Christians? Is Christian bashing allowed? How are new disciples treated? Do they make the time to deal with those new to Christ? Or are they pushed aside as if the job was done? Is so much effort going to getting along with unbelievers that the Christians are being harmed in the process? Are the leaders of the ministry capable of judging their own faults and are they capable of admitting when they have wronged others?
Sadly, over the last 26 years I have seen more who fail at the above and very few pass.
Matthew 7:12-14
12 "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
13 "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
14 "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Many will enter into the false gate. Again, how do we know the difference and what do we look for?
The bible says that you shall know those who are His by their fruits.
What fruit is the ministry showing? What fruit is being shown by the ones running the ministry?
What you shouldn’t find in the lives of those running the ministry and those who follow them? What should be there?
I think that this passage says it all:
Galatians 5:13-26
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
This does not mean that anyone is perfect. We shall all fail. The more we work towards doing the right thing and the more we follow the Spirit, the more we will have those who are going to lie about us and do what they can to bring us down.
The wide road is the easy road. Why are so many willing to follow the wide road? Why is it easy? Because there isn’t any opposition. The flesh is loving it and the devil is loving it, so why put stumbling blocks in the way?
The narrow road is the Hard road. Why is it so hard? And why are there so many stumbling blocks? Because the flesh hates it. The flesh hates the fact that we are following the Spirit. The devil hates that we are trying to do the right thing, of course he is going to put people and things in our way to make us stumble.
We need to remember to judge ourselves and to listen to what the HS says to us more so than anyone else, including our pastors. Who is the authority in our lives? A pastor or the Word of God? If your pastor or leader tells you to do something that is not supported in the Word, which one do you follow? The Word of course.
If we judge ourselves and we are open and honest with ourselves enough to see our own faults, then we will be able to change those faults. As long as we close a blind eye to the truth, the flesh will always win and will effect every part of our lives, including our ministries.
posted by Star @ 4:04 PM
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Treating Others
It is my nature to attack when I feel attacked. We are to show the Love of Christ to everyone. I know this, I have said this, but to be honest there is a limit.
I and someone who is special to me are dealing with this issue and I wish to share what God showed me. Yes, it is a reproach, but one that God has reproached me with as of late. I allowed to actions of others to affect my actions and this is wrong. I am guilty of this.
Romans 12:
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.
20 "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Now I have asked myself in the past why God never took up my revenge against those who have hurt me. I have learned to forgive and not judge those who hurt me, but the question of why He never fulfilled His promise to me had never been answered. Now it has.
I never gave Him the chance!! I took my revenge in everyway I could. That and I have to be right with God in order for Him to take up my revenge. This does not mean being right with God UNTIL I get hurt, this means STAY right with Him.
Being right and then going down the wrong path, nulifies the promise.
I know that this is a hard thing to do and I myself am not perfect in this, far from it. I believe in doing the best that I can, but and this is a big but, God promised that He would not allow us to carry more than we can handle. In other words, if my best is not working then I need to work harder. This does not mean that we will never sin again, it only means that He made it possible to be perfect and if we fail, we fail on our own.
1 Cor 10:
10 Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
Gal 6:
Galatians 6:1-10
1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.
5 For each one will bear his own load.
6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
Part of the problem is that in cyber space, it is so easy to set ourselves up to feel "important" and in doing so we become too vain to ask for help when we need others to help. Anything that is shown as an imperfection will "lower" our standing. This ought not be this way. As Christians we should yell out when we need help, apologize when we are wrong, encourage those who need support, love everyone, especially those who are God's. It is easier to encourage others than it is to show our own imperfections. BUt if we do not show our imperfections how will we ever get the help or support we need.
Refusing to admit when we are wrong hurts us as well as those we wronged.
There is so much more I wish to say, but as it looks as if I have already written a book, I must sum this up.
My points were?
1. Bless those who hurt you, let God take up the rest.
2. Let others encourage you when you fail
3. If another Christian fails, help them in gentleness, not judgement
4. Help one another by carrying their loads or problems
5. Admit when we are wrong
6. DO not think more highly of ourselves. Remember, those who are servants in this life, will be the masters in the next.
7. Do not attack those who attack you, but rather bless them.
One more thing that God was saying to me last night after I went to bed. We need to avoid those people and places where we know that a conflict can and will arise.
I had started posting in a forum where I myself had conflict before. I went to bed feeling a "spiritual unrest". Don't know how else to put it. This place allows conflict. I am not talking about simply debating the issues, but rather they allow members to insult eachother. Especially, non christians to insult christians.
I can no longer go there, because I am not strong enough to put up with being insulted, again and again, and not insult back. That would fall under the "watch that you do not sin" catagory. If we put ourselves into a position where we know that we will sin, then we ought not go there.
As we are only able to control our actions and not the actions of others, we must watch ourselves that we do not sin.
Gal 6
1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
posted by Star @ 1:37 PM
I and someone who is special to me are dealing with this issue and I wish to share what God showed me. Yes, it is a reproach, but one that God has reproached me with as of late. I allowed to actions of others to affect my actions and this is wrong. I am guilty of this.
Romans 12:
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.
20 "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Now I have asked myself in the past why God never took up my revenge against those who have hurt me. I have learned to forgive and not judge those who hurt me, but the question of why He never fulfilled His promise to me had never been answered. Now it has.
I never gave Him the chance!! I took my revenge in everyway I could. That and I have to be right with God in order for Him to take up my revenge. This does not mean being right with God UNTIL I get hurt, this means STAY right with Him.
Being right and then going down the wrong path, nulifies the promise.
I know that this is a hard thing to do and I myself am not perfect in this, far from it. I believe in doing the best that I can, but and this is a big but, God promised that He would not allow us to carry more than we can handle. In other words, if my best is not working then I need to work harder. This does not mean that we will never sin again, it only means that He made it possible to be perfect and if we fail, we fail on our own.
1 Cor 10:
10 Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
Gal 6:
Galatians 6:1-10
1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.
5 For each one will bear his own load.
6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
Part of the problem is that in cyber space, it is so easy to set ourselves up to feel "important" and in doing so we become too vain to ask for help when we need others to help. Anything that is shown as an imperfection will "lower" our standing. This ought not be this way. As Christians we should yell out when we need help, apologize when we are wrong, encourage those who need support, love everyone, especially those who are God's. It is easier to encourage others than it is to show our own imperfections. BUt if we do not show our imperfections how will we ever get the help or support we need.
Refusing to admit when we are wrong hurts us as well as those we wronged.
There is so much more I wish to say, but as it looks as if I have already written a book, I must sum this up.
My points were?
1. Bless those who hurt you, let God take up the rest.
2. Let others encourage you when you fail
3. If another Christian fails, help them in gentleness, not judgement
4. Help one another by carrying their loads or problems
5. Admit when we are wrong
6. DO not think more highly of ourselves. Remember, those who are servants in this life, will be the masters in the next.
7. Do not attack those who attack you, but rather bless them.
One more thing that God was saying to me last night after I went to bed. We need to avoid those people and places where we know that a conflict can and will arise.
I had started posting in a forum where I myself had conflict before. I went to bed feeling a "spiritual unrest". Don't know how else to put it. This place allows conflict. I am not talking about simply debating the issues, but rather they allow members to insult eachother. Especially, non christians to insult christians.
I can no longer go there, because I am not strong enough to put up with being insulted, again and again, and not insult back. That would fall under the "watch that you do not sin" catagory. If we put ourselves into a position where we know that we will sin, then we ought not go there.
As we are only able to control our actions and not the actions of others, we must watch ourselves that we do not sin.
Gal 6
1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
posted by Star @ 1:37 PM
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
A Lesson in Veggies
A lesson in Veggies
(Copy of a post someone wrote in one of my favorite places)
Ok, so for my Bible study I read Daniel 1 last night. Now I know that there is more to get out of Daniel than just what I am going to talk about, but I thought for parents this would be interesting. You see, so many kids refuse to eat their vegetables - well, right in the Bible there is a very good lesson on eating veggies and I am going to share that with you:
You see, Daniel was brought before King Nebuchadnezzar along with some other young men. When he got there he was suppose to be given food and wine from the Kings table, but he refused it - the reason (if you like history) is because Israelites did not eat from the Kings table as the food was first offered to one of many pagan gods thus making it unclean...well, the guard assigned to Daniel was scared of getting beheaded for not feeding Daniel so Daniel told him to give him and the other servants nothing but veggies for 10 days and see what happened.
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you."
Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. Daniel 1:8-20 (NIV)
As you can see, Daniels choice of veggies left him incredibly smart and very favored! Ok, so in reality it was his choice not to defile himself with the food and drink of the King and because of that choice God blessed him and the other men - but for a lesson on eating veggies with your kids what better way to teach them than to take a courageous and heroic man like Daniel and tell them about how he ate his veggies and gained great knowledge and understanding of all kinds of things and also he gained great wisdom - man, if that isn't a reason to eat those green things then I don't know what is!
posted by Star @ 3:44 PM
(Copy of a post someone wrote in one of my favorite places)
Ok, so for my Bible study I read Daniel 1 last night. Now I know that there is more to get out of Daniel than just what I am going to talk about, but I thought for parents this would be interesting. You see, so many kids refuse to eat their vegetables - well, right in the Bible there is a very good lesson on eating veggies and I am going to share that with you:
You see, Daniel was brought before King Nebuchadnezzar along with some other young men. When he got there he was suppose to be given food and wine from the Kings table, but he refused it - the reason (if you like history) is because Israelites did not eat from the Kings table as the food was first offered to one of many pagan gods thus making it unclean...well, the guard assigned to Daniel was scared of getting beheaded for not feeding Daniel so Daniel told him to give him and the other servants nothing but veggies for 10 days and see what happened.
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you."
Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. Daniel 1:8-20 (NIV)
As you can see, Daniels choice of veggies left him incredibly smart and very favored! Ok, so in reality it was his choice not to defile himself with the food and drink of the King and because of that choice God blessed him and the other men - but for a lesson on eating veggies with your kids what better way to teach them than to take a courageous and heroic man like Daniel and tell them about how he ate his veggies and gained great knowledge and understanding of all kinds of things and also he gained great wisdom - man, if that isn't a reason to eat those green things then I don't know what is!
posted by Star @ 3:44 PM
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Just Some Thoughts
I just took a gander at an interfaith website that I used to post in. The site now seems to have moved from be tolerant to intolerance at any and all Christian view points. Even the site owner is posting anti-Christian propaganda.
A well known Christian site as well is allowing Christian bashing, in the name of tolerance, in it's site. As long as it is pagans bashing the Christians it is ok, but don't you dare have a different Christian view point.
Where in the bible does it state that we should be overly sensitive to the pagan point of view, but bashing fellow believers is ok? Where Christians must temper what the bible says in order to get along? If it is true, as I believe, that the Holy Spirit convicts people through the Word then how are people going to be convicted if we do not voice what the Word says?
I am beginning to feel as if we are a dying breed. A place to voice opinions with out worry of being insulted over those same views?
I am not in anyway saying that we are to go out and insult people, I am simply saying that we must start quoting the Word without watering it down. Jesus didn't go out and just insult people, but neither did He temper what He had to say. Lets face it, the Word is going to insult people who do not wish to hear it. We do not have to use the Word as a sword in order for it to be a sword.
Is it really becoming the time when we are all going to have to take sides and religious tolerance is indeed dead? Is being a Christian really going to be the same as being a leper?
Or am I just paranoid?
I look around and I see those who are trying to follow the Word, being tempted in any and every way they can be. They are being attacked through their self-esteem. The world is telling them that they are bad Christians, they are being attacked from the inside. They have this “whispering” in the ears telling them that they are evil and no good. That they do not measure up to what “Christians should be”.
Even Paul had his “thorn in his side”. Doing that which he didn't want to do. We must not ever forget that the flesh is at war with the spirit. The deciding factor is the mind. Especially now, we must not forgo the renewing of our minds. Meditate on the Word until it reaches the heart and spirit.
Do not give up because we fall into temptation. God will not allow us to be tempted more than we are able to handle. It can either make us stronger or it can weaken us. The choice is ours. We have been given the keys to grow, what are we going to do about it?
Lets also not forget to be there to support each other. We need to hold those up who are in need of holding up, we need to let our promises of prayer to be more than just words.
posted by Star @ 3:56 PM
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Scriptures
1 Corinthians 3:11-15
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
We need to make sure that our foundation is and will continue to be Jesus.
1 Peter 1:6-9
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Jude 1:
14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
This is all that we stand for.
posted by Star @ 2:48 PM
A well known Christian site as well is allowing Christian bashing, in the name of tolerance, in it's site. As long as it is pagans bashing the Christians it is ok, but don't you dare have a different Christian view point.
Where in the bible does it state that we should be overly sensitive to the pagan point of view, but bashing fellow believers is ok? Where Christians must temper what the bible says in order to get along? If it is true, as I believe, that the Holy Spirit convicts people through the Word then how are people going to be convicted if we do not voice what the Word says?
I am beginning to feel as if we are a dying breed. A place to voice opinions with out worry of being insulted over those same views?
I am not in anyway saying that we are to go out and insult people, I am simply saying that we must start quoting the Word without watering it down. Jesus didn't go out and just insult people, but neither did He temper what He had to say. Lets face it, the Word is going to insult people who do not wish to hear it. We do not have to use the Word as a sword in order for it to be a sword.
Is it really becoming the time when we are all going to have to take sides and religious tolerance is indeed dead? Is being a Christian really going to be the same as being a leper?
Or am I just paranoid?
I look around and I see those who are trying to follow the Word, being tempted in any and every way they can be. They are being attacked through their self-esteem. The world is telling them that they are bad Christians, they are being attacked from the inside. They have this “whispering” in the ears telling them that they are evil and no good. That they do not measure up to what “Christians should be”.
Even Paul had his “thorn in his side”. Doing that which he didn't want to do. We must not ever forget that the flesh is at war with the spirit. The deciding factor is the mind. Especially now, we must not forgo the renewing of our minds. Meditate on the Word until it reaches the heart and spirit.
Do not give up because we fall into temptation. God will not allow us to be tempted more than we are able to handle. It can either make us stronger or it can weaken us. The choice is ours. We have been given the keys to grow, what are we going to do about it?
Lets also not forget to be there to support each other. We need to hold those up who are in need of holding up, we need to let our promises of prayer to be more than just words.
posted by Star @ 3:56 PM
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Scriptures
1 Corinthians 3:11-15
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
We need to make sure that our foundation is and will continue to be Jesus.
1 Peter 1:6-9
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Jude 1:
14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
This is all that we stand for.
posted by Star @ 2:48 PM
Monday, February 13, 2006
Is Baptism necessary to Salvation???
I do not believe that water baptism is necessary to our salvation. That it is the outward show of our inward new birth.
First what does the bible we must do in order to be saved?
Romans 10:
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
This is it. Believe, confess, and repent. That is all.
Some will ask, what about these scriptures?
John 3:
5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Or:
1 Peter 3:21
"21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,"
(NKJ)
Don't these mean that we need to be baptized by water as well?
Well, lets take these verses one at a time as well as take them in context.
John 3:
3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."
4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
By looking at the verses before and after you can see that He is talking about our first birth. When we are born from our mothers we are born of the flesh. It is our natural birth. This has nothing to do with water baptism. Being born of the Spirit is when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.
John 1:
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The nest verse that is used to support the idea that baptism is:
1 Peter:
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
I think that we need to look at some word definitions in order to understand what is being said here.
First. The Greek translation of baptism:
Strong's Number: 908 Browse Lexicon
Original Word Word Origin
bavptisma from (907)
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Baptisma 1:545,92
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
bap'-tis-mah Noun Neuter
Definition
immersion, submersion
and the definitions of both type and anti:
Type:( from Mariam Webster's)
Usage: often attributiveEtymology: Middle English, from Late Latin typus, from Latin & Greek; Latin typus image, from Greek typos blow, impression, model, from typtein to strike, beat; akin to Sanskrit tupati he injures and probably to Latin stupere to be benumbed1 a : a person or thing (as in the Old Testament) believed to foreshadow another (as in the New Testament)
Ok the prefix anti: (same source)
Main Entry: 1an·ti Pronunciation: 'an-"tī, 'an-teFunction: nounInflected Form(s): plural antisEtymology: anti-: one that is opposed
Lets try the verse again with the word immersion substituted for baptism:
1 Peter 3:21
"21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—immersion (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,"
This would mean that instead of having to be saved by water as Noah and his family was, we are saved by immersing ourselves in Jesus, through his resurrection.
This goes along with other verses in the bible, such as:
Matthew 26:26-30
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Jesus' blood was shed for our sins, not baptism.
In order to understand this we must first understand what the blood means to us and what it meant to the Jews.
The Law of Moses was very clear that they had to sacrifice animals. The blood of these animals covered their sins. It did not take them away, but only covered their sins. The sacrifice that Jesus made and His blood takes away our sins. It was this sacrifice that makes it possible for us to be saved and for our sins to be washed away. Not baptism.
Hebrews 9:
25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Hebrews 10:
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Hebrews 7:
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
The Jews in the OT were saved by the temporary covering from the blood of their sacrifice, we are saved by the permanent covering from the blood of Jesus' sacrifice.
As the Jews didn't need to be baptized in water neither do we, we have a better covenant and sacrifice.
I am not in anyway opposed to baptism. I have been baptized.
I see baptism as a reconfirmation ceremony, a dedication ritual if you will. Kind of like you not having to attend a graduation ceremony in order to graduate, but it is preferred. It is telling everyone as well as yourself, that you have dedicated yourself to following God.
Just like in the OT the jews did not have to be baptized in order for their sins to be covered, we do not have to be baptized in order for our sins to be washed away.
The jews were known as jews, God's people. The Gentiles were largely pagans, they were baptized in order to set themselves apart from their country men. As well as to separate the believing jews apart from the non believing jews. This is why we say that it is a good idea to be baptized, it is a public declaration. It is not a salvation issue.
There is another baptism that is spoken of in Acts. This is not water baptism, but being baptized in the HS. This is for another discussion at a later time.
posted by Star @ 4:57 PM
First what does the bible we must do in order to be saved?
Romans 10:
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
This is it. Believe, confess, and repent. That is all.
Some will ask, what about these scriptures?
John 3:
5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Or:
1 Peter 3:21
"21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,"
(NKJ)
Don't these mean that we need to be baptized by water as well?
Well, lets take these verses one at a time as well as take them in context.
John 3:
3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."
4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
By looking at the verses before and after you can see that He is talking about our first birth. When we are born from our mothers we are born of the flesh. It is our natural birth. This has nothing to do with water baptism. Being born of the Spirit is when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.
John 1:
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The nest verse that is used to support the idea that baptism is:
1 Peter:
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
I think that we need to look at some word definitions in order to understand what is being said here.
First. The Greek translation of baptism:
Strong's Number: 908 Browse Lexicon
Original Word Word Origin
bavptisma from (907)
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Baptisma 1:545,92
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
bap'-tis-mah Noun Neuter
Definition
immersion, submersion
and the definitions of both type and anti:
Type:( from Mariam Webster's)
Usage: often attributiveEtymology: Middle English, from Late Latin typus, from Latin & Greek; Latin typus image, from Greek typos blow, impression, model, from typtein to strike, beat; akin to Sanskrit tupati he injures and probably to Latin stupere to be benumbed1 a : a person or thing (as in the Old Testament) believed to foreshadow another (as in the New Testament)
Ok the prefix anti: (same source)
Main Entry: 1an·ti Pronunciation: 'an-"tī, 'an-teFunction: nounInflected Form(s): plural antisEtymology: anti-: one that is opposed
Lets try the verse again with the word immersion substituted for baptism:
1 Peter 3:21
"21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—immersion (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,"
This would mean that instead of having to be saved by water as Noah and his family was, we are saved by immersing ourselves in Jesus, through his resurrection.
This goes along with other verses in the bible, such as:
Matthew 26:26-30
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Jesus' blood was shed for our sins, not baptism.
In order to understand this we must first understand what the blood means to us and what it meant to the Jews.
The Law of Moses was very clear that they had to sacrifice animals. The blood of these animals covered their sins. It did not take them away, but only covered their sins. The sacrifice that Jesus made and His blood takes away our sins. It was this sacrifice that makes it possible for us to be saved and for our sins to be washed away. Not baptism.
Hebrews 9:
25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Hebrews 10:
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Hebrews 7:
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
The Jews in the OT were saved by the temporary covering from the blood of their sacrifice, we are saved by the permanent covering from the blood of Jesus' sacrifice.
As the Jews didn't need to be baptized in water neither do we, we have a better covenant and sacrifice.
I am not in anyway opposed to baptism. I have been baptized.
I see baptism as a reconfirmation ceremony, a dedication ritual if you will. Kind of like you not having to attend a graduation ceremony in order to graduate, but it is preferred. It is telling everyone as well as yourself, that you have dedicated yourself to following God.
Just like in the OT the jews did not have to be baptized in order for their sins to be covered, we do not have to be baptized in order for our sins to be washed away.
The jews were known as jews, God's people. The Gentiles were largely pagans, they were baptized in order to set themselves apart from their country men. As well as to separate the believing jews apart from the non believing jews. This is why we say that it is a good idea to be baptized, it is a public declaration. It is not a salvation issue.
There is another baptism that is spoken of in Acts. This is not water baptism, but being baptized in the HS. This is for another discussion at a later time.
posted by Star @ 4:57 PM
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Judge Yourself
How are we suppose to treat someone has a different opinion on what the bible actually says? Is it to:
1. To insult and demean the other person? Now where is that biblical?
or
2. To do as the bible says to do? Reprove in Love? Now, this is what the bible says to do:
2 Timothy 2:
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
and
Romans 12:
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Another thing to think about. The bible teaches that you will know those who belong to Christ by their fruit. Here:
Matthew 7:
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
ok what are the fruit? Here:
Gal. 5:
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
I am not the one to judge who is right or who is wrong. That is not up to me. But ask yourself, "what kind of fruit am I showing here?"
What is the purpose of my posts? Is it to demean some one else or is it instead to show what the bible says and let the HS convict him/her of the truth? It is the HS's job to convict not ours. Our only job is to show and teach the Word, not to judge others, not to demeans others, and not to push others away. Only God knows the heart. He looks at the heart and judges what is there. If someone is striving to please God, God is happy. I for one do not have an wish to stand in the way of the HS's job, nor is it my wish to push away those who are seeking God and seeking what God wants to do in that person's life.
Judge yourself before you judge others.
Reproof?
Yes it is!! But to myself as well as those of us who are meant to hear this. I think that sometimes we get so involved that we forget what we are here for.
A personal dislike of someone is no reason to be nasty to that person. The bible says to gently reprove and correct. This is what we need to remember to do.
Some of us (myself included) have been unusally harsh and this is not the way it ought to be. Not the way Jesus would want it. Remember that we are here to do His work.
1 Timothy 1:
5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion,
We are to love everybody, even those with whom we disagree and for some reason do not really like. We need to remember to put our personal dislikes aside and show the Love of Christ to everyone. THis is what the bible teaches, this is what Jesus says to do.
posted by Star @ 3:25 PM
1. To insult and demean the other person? Now where is that biblical?
or
2. To do as the bible says to do? Reprove in Love? Now, this is what the bible says to do:
2 Timothy 2:
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
and
Romans 12:
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Another thing to think about. The bible teaches that you will know those who belong to Christ by their fruit. Here:
Matthew 7:
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
ok what are the fruit? Here:
Gal. 5:
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
I am not the one to judge who is right or who is wrong. That is not up to me. But ask yourself, "what kind of fruit am I showing here?"
What is the purpose of my posts? Is it to demean some one else or is it instead to show what the bible says and let the HS convict him/her of the truth? It is the HS's job to convict not ours. Our only job is to show and teach the Word, not to judge others, not to demeans others, and not to push others away. Only God knows the heart. He looks at the heart and judges what is there. If someone is striving to please God, God is happy. I for one do not have an wish to stand in the way of the HS's job, nor is it my wish to push away those who are seeking God and seeking what God wants to do in that person's life.
Judge yourself before you judge others.
Reproof?
Yes it is!! But to myself as well as those of us who are meant to hear this. I think that sometimes we get so involved that we forget what we are here for.
A personal dislike of someone is no reason to be nasty to that person. The bible says to gently reprove and correct. This is what we need to remember to do.
Some of us (myself included) have been unusally harsh and this is not the way it ought to be. Not the way Jesus would want it. Remember that we are here to do His work.
1 Timothy 1:
5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion,
We are to love everybody, even those with whom we disagree and for some reason do not really like. We need to remember to put our personal dislikes aside and show the Love of Christ to everyone. THis is what the bible teaches, this is what Jesus says to do.
posted by Star @ 3:25 PM
Saturday, February 04, 2006
I Wish
Sometimes I am guilty of letting my heart go before my head. My biggest wish is that everyone will know the peace and joy I feel following Christ.
Sometimes I wish that I could just grab people and shake them, force them by my will alone to accept Christ and His Word.
I wonder if this is what Christ feels like. I wonder if He is sitting up there at the right hand of the Father wishing he could just shake us and say "don't you know I died for you? Don't you know that only I can offer what you are looking for? Only I can give you true peace and joy? Don't you know that Satan only wants to hurt you because he hates Me? Don't you know that I loved you enough to suffer and die for you? Why are you keeping the blinders on? Let Me love you!!"
When you have gone down certain paths, you know where that path will lead you. It hurts to see someone else doing those things that has caused you so much pain.
But alas, I need to remember that it is not my job to convince or convict. That is the job of the HS. I have spoken the Word, I have shown what the Word has to say, I have done all I am required to do and all I can do.
We were all given free will to make our own choices. The choice is ours to make no matter how much we may wish that we could shake and force against their will.
Jesus loves all of us. Even when we were sinners. I shall pray for those who need prayer. That is all there is left for me to do.
posted by Star @ 2:09 PM
Sometimes I wish that I could just grab people and shake them, force them by my will alone to accept Christ and His Word.
I wonder if this is what Christ feels like. I wonder if He is sitting up there at the right hand of the Father wishing he could just shake us and say "don't you know I died for you? Don't you know that only I can offer what you are looking for? Only I can give you true peace and joy? Don't you know that Satan only wants to hurt you because he hates Me? Don't you know that I loved you enough to suffer and die for you? Why are you keeping the blinders on? Let Me love you!!"
When you have gone down certain paths, you know where that path will lead you. It hurts to see someone else doing those things that has caused you so much pain.
But alas, I need to remember that it is not my job to convince or convict. That is the job of the HS. I have spoken the Word, I have shown what the Word has to say, I have done all I am required to do and all I can do.
We were all given free will to make our own choices. The choice is ours to make no matter how much we may wish that we could shake and force against their will.
Jesus loves all of us. Even when we were sinners. I shall pray for those who need prayer. That is all there is left for me to do.
posted by Star @ 2:09 PM
Friday, February 03, 2006
Is Jesus God?
YES!! He is!!
1 John 4:
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
and
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Jesus also says that He is in the Father and the Father is in Him
John 10:38
But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
Ok the bible also says that Jesus is the Word.
John 1: 1 - 51
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Jesus is the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
OK there are two more ways to go about this. The first is that God created the Earth and He said "Let us"
Genesis 1:
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth F6 upon the earth.
OK here
Genesis 1:26
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
and then there is that the Earth was created by Jesus:
Eph 3:
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Ok the next way to look at this. The Lord is God and Jesus is Lord
Acts 4:
23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
and
Mr 12:29 - Show Context
And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
Acts 10:
10:36
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: F41 and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Phil 2:
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Ge 2:4
These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
Ge 2:5
And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
Ge 2:7
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Ge 2:8
And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
Ge 2:9
And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Ge 2:15
And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
Ge 2:16
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
Ge 2:18
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Ge 2:19
And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
Ge 2:21
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
Ge 2:22
And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
Ge 3:1
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
Ge 3:9
And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
Ge 3:13
And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
Ge 3:14
And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
Ge 3:22
And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
Ge 3:23
Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
And that is just one book!!!
OK Verse first and then the greek translation:
22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 "BEHOLD , THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL ," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."
OK strong's concordence:
The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon
Strong's Number: 1694 Browse Lexicon
Original Word Word Origin
emmanouel of Hebrew origin (06005)
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Emmanouel None
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
em-man-oo-ale' Noun Masculine
Definition
Emmanuel = "God with us"
the title applied to the Messiah, born of the virgin, Mt 1:23, Is. 7:14, because Jesus was God united with man, and showed that God was dwelling with man
And Lord of Lords:
1Ti 6:15
which He will bring about at the proper time --He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
Re 17:14
"These will wage war against the Lamb , and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful."
Re 19:16
And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
Strong's Number: 2962 Browse Lexicon
Original Word Word Origin
kurioß from kuros (supremacy)
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Kurios 3:1039,486
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
koo'-ree-os Noun Masculine
Definition
he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord
the possessor and disposer of a thing
the owner; one who has control of the person, the master
in the state: the sovereign, prince, chief, the Roman emperor
is a title of honour expressive of respect and reverence, with which servants greet their master
this title is given to: God, the Messiah
Isa 7:14 - Show Context
"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.
Isa 8:8 - Show Context
"Then it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass through, It will reach even to the neck; And the spread of its wings will fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.
With the Hebrew definition:
Strong's Number: 6005 Browse Lexicon
Original Word Word Origin
lawnmm[ from (05973) and (0410) with a pronominal suffix inserted
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
`Immanuw'el TWOT - 1640d
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
im-maw-noo-ale' Proper Name Masculine
Definition
Immanuel = "God with us" or "with us is God"
symbolic and prophetic name of the Messiah, the Christ, prophesying that He would be born of a virgin and would be 'God with us'
you have to believe that Jesus is Lord and as I showed above the Lord is God, this would mean that in order to have faith in Jesus, you must believe that He is Divine and God.
You have to confess that "Jesus is Lord" to be saved and you have to be saved to be a christian. There are many who lay claim to the name but that does not mean that they are Christians.
Many will say "Lord, Lord" and He will not know them.
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
and
Matthew 7
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
again:
Philippians 2:
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
posted by Star @ 8:28 PM
1 John 4:
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
and
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Jesus also says that He is in the Father and the Father is in Him
John 10:38
But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
Ok the bible also says that Jesus is the Word.
John 1: 1 - 51
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Jesus is the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
OK there are two more ways to go about this. The first is that God created the Earth and He said "Let us"
Genesis 1:
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth F6 upon the earth.
OK here
Genesis 1:26
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
and then there is that the Earth was created by Jesus:
Eph 3:
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Ok the next way to look at this. The Lord is God and Jesus is Lord
Acts 4:
23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
and
Mr 12:29 - Show Context
And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
Acts 10:
10:36
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: F41 and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Phil 2:
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Ge 2:4
These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
Ge 2:5
And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
Ge 2:7
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Ge 2:8
And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
Ge 2:9
And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Ge 2:15
And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
Ge 2:16
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
Ge 2:18
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Ge 2:19
And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
Ge 2:21
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
Ge 2:22
And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
Ge 3:1
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
Ge 3:9
And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
Ge 3:13
And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
Ge 3:14
And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
Ge 3:22
And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
Ge 3:23
Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
And that is just one book!!!
OK Verse first and then the greek translation:
22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 "BEHOLD , THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL ," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."
OK strong's concordence:
The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon
Strong's Number: 1694 Browse Lexicon
Original Word Word Origin
emmanouel of Hebrew origin (06005)
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Emmanouel None
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
em-man-oo-ale' Noun Masculine
Definition
Emmanuel = "God with us"
the title applied to the Messiah, born of the virgin, Mt 1:23, Is. 7:14, because Jesus was God united with man, and showed that God was dwelling with man
And Lord of Lords:
1Ti 6:15
which He will bring about at the proper time --He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
Re 17:14
"These will wage war against the Lamb , and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful."
Re 19:16
And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
Strong's Number: 2962 Browse Lexicon
Original Word Word Origin
kurioß from kuros (supremacy)
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Kurios 3:1039,486
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
koo'-ree-os Noun Masculine
Definition
he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord
the possessor and disposer of a thing
the owner; one who has control of the person, the master
in the state: the sovereign, prince, chief, the Roman emperor
is a title of honour expressive of respect and reverence, with which servants greet their master
this title is given to: God, the Messiah
Isa 7:14 - Show Context
"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.
Isa 8:8 - Show Context
"Then it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass through, It will reach even to the neck; And the spread of its wings will fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.
With the Hebrew definition:
Strong's Number: 6005 Browse Lexicon
Original Word Word Origin
lawnmm[ from (05973) and (0410) with a pronominal suffix inserted
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
`Immanuw'el TWOT - 1640d
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
im-maw-noo-ale' Proper Name Masculine
Definition
Immanuel = "God with us" or "with us is God"
symbolic and prophetic name of the Messiah, the Christ, prophesying that He would be born of a virgin and would be 'God with us'
you have to believe that Jesus is Lord and as I showed above the Lord is God, this would mean that in order to have faith in Jesus, you must believe that He is Divine and God.
You have to confess that "Jesus is Lord" to be saved and you have to be saved to be a christian. There are many who lay claim to the name but that does not mean that they are Christians.
Many will say "Lord, Lord" and He will not know them.
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
and
Matthew 7
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
again:
Philippians 2:
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
posted by Star @ 8:28 PM
Thursday, January 12, 2006
How Many Times?
How Many Times?
This is a question that was asked of Jesus. How many times should we forgive our brother?
His answer was 70x7. Does this mean only 490 times? No I think not. It means all the time. This, as I am finding out is not easy. It is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. In order to be more Christ like and to show the Love of Christ, I still have to, regardless of my personal feelings.
The last few days have tested me more than I have ever been tested before. I am still being tested.
It is so hard to do this when you keep getting slapped in the face for doing so. My pride has been shattered, I have been ripped apart, had lie after lie told about me everywhere, and all by the same person. Why would I put myself through this? Because God said so!! It is that simple. Sometimes just the thought that God will bless me and that He is smiling at me is the only thing that keeps me going. I know that I am doing the right thing, I know that God is happy with me, but that doesn't take away the pain or hurt. While she has been pretty much quiet on the homefront, she is still telling the lies!! This hurts.
I just keep pressing on to the high mark and I will continue to do so as long as I am able. This is the hardest thing I have or will ever do.
This includes keeping silent and letting the lies continue so that she isn't embarrassed. Just the hyprocricy is killing me. While telling the lies, she claims that I want to blackmail her with the truth? Huh? Go figure!
She claims that she is taking her entire bottle of sleep medicine, but then claims that I am creating "drama" when in I call everybody I know that knows her to try and help her. Then gets furious with me and tells me that I don't care about her and that is why I "created drama". Huh? Would it be showing that I care if I just let her die? How is that caring? Huh? When saying that I was praying, is met with being cursed at.
Sometimes I wish I could just open up my chest and show what is really in there. Boy, would everybody (well not everybody, only those who claim that I don't care) be surprised at how much I do care.
What is a person to do? Pray! That and continue pressing on, doing what God wants me to do.
This goes against my grain. When attacked, I want to attack back. When hurt, I want to hurt back. But that wouldn't be showing the Love of Christ. That would not please my God. So I do the only thing I can do, pray. Hope, pray, and have faith that my actions will overshadow the lies. If God is for me, who can be against me? No one. He is the only one that matters. Not public opinion, especially the opinion of those who have hurt me. I need to let go and let God take care of it. I need to trust that God will take care of it. Trust that God is pleased with me. Isn't that all that matters anyways? Yes it is!
Just remember, God looks at the heart. Only He knows what is in there. I know that my God is very pleased with me. :)
posted by Star @ 8:08 PM
This is a question that was asked of Jesus. How many times should we forgive our brother?
His answer was 70x7. Does this mean only 490 times? No I think not. It means all the time. This, as I am finding out is not easy. It is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. In order to be more Christ like and to show the Love of Christ, I still have to, regardless of my personal feelings.
The last few days have tested me more than I have ever been tested before. I am still being tested.
It is so hard to do this when you keep getting slapped in the face for doing so. My pride has been shattered, I have been ripped apart, had lie after lie told about me everywhere, and all by the same person. Why would I put myself through this? Because God said so!! It is that simple. Sometimes just the thought that God will bless me and that He is smiling at me is the only thing that keeps me going. I know that I am doing the right thing, I know that God is happy with me, but that doesn't take away the pain or hurt. While she has been pretty much quiet on the homefront, she is still telling the lies!! This hurts.
I just keep pressing on to the high mark and I will continue to do so as long as I am able. This is the hardest thing I have or will ever do.
This includes keeping silent and letting the lies continue so that she isn't embarrassed. Just the hyprocricy is killing me. While telling the lies, she claims that I want to blackmail her with the truth? Huh? Go figure!
She claims that she is taking her entire bottle of sleep medicine, but then claims that I am creating "drama" when in I call everybody I know that knows her to try and help her. Then gets furious with me and tells me that I don't care about her and that is why I "created drama". Huh? Would it be showing that I care if I just let her die? How is that caring? Huh? When saying that I was praying, is met with being cursed at.
Sometimes I wish I could just open up my chest and show what is really in there. Boy, would everybody (well not everybody, only those who claim that I don't care) be surprised at how much I do care.
What is a person to do? Pray! That and continue pressing on, doing what God wants me to do.
This goes against my grain. When attacked, I want to attack back. When hurt, I want to hurt back. But that wouldn't be showing the Love of Christ. That would not please my God. So I do the only thing I can do, pray. Hope, pray, and have faith that my actions will overshadow the lies. If God is for me, who can be against me? No one. He is the only one that matters. Not public opinion, especially the opinion of those who have hurt me. I need to let go and let God take care of it. I need to trust that God will take care of it. Trust that God is pleased with me. Isn't that all that matters anyways? Yes it is!
Just remember, God looks at the heart. Only He knows what is in there. I know that my God is very pleased with me. :)
posted by Star @ 8:08 PM
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Forgiveness and Purpose
Forgivness and Purpose
Any one who knows me knows that I left __ with alot of hurt and humiliation. I was so bitter for so long.
Like J I went back to my former self. I felt that it was the last nail in my "christian" coffin(sp). I had been hurt by christians all of my life. Not just little hurts, but hurts that last a life time. I went out badmouthing __ and christianity in general.
Over the last few months, things have been starting to change for me. It was like lightbulbs flashing in my head. The first was "why should I let them send me to hell with them?" The only person thatwas getting hurt here was me.
OK they hurt me, OK they are pretend christians, why would I allow them to control my spirit and where I am?
SO I gave my heart back to God. Once the anger over christianity was gone, there was nothing left to fight against and it was just between me and my God.I know we have all heard the "forgive as God as forgiven us". I know that I have heard this my entire life, but it never clicked before last week. I know that I have sinned. I have cursed God, I have called on demons, I have lived in ways I know I should not.
Are their sins any worse than mine? To me it might seem so, because it is so personal, but in the large scheme of things, no they aren't. It just doesn't seem logical for me to sin because they are.
I have found myself to be as much of a hyprocrite as they are.While I have sat back and spent most of my time judging them and their actions, proving to myself that they arent' real christians, I have failed to act and behave as I know I should. I have not treated people with the same love and respect that I have judged others for not giving to me.
To any of those here that I have hurt with my attitude, I am sorry. Just know that I am human, but I will work on it here as I am doing IRL.
That being said, I think that a new forum where everybody is welcomed and shown the love of Christ, regardless of where their paths are, is what God would want.
Honestly, I have been involved with an Ex-christian site. This site is all about anti-christianity. I don't want to be anti anything. Then it would seem as if there is another purpose here as opposed to the purpose God would have us be.
The purpose of "showing the world the love of Christ",should be first and formost.
Sorry if I seem overly pushy on my views. I only wished to share what God is doing my in my life. These are HUGE lightbulb moments for me and they have changed my life.
With love,Deb
posted by Star @ 6:25 PM
Any one who knows me knows that I left __ with alot of hurt and humiliation. I was so bitter for so long.
Like J I went back to my former self. I felt that it was the last nail in my "christian" coffin(sp). I had been hurt by christians all of my life. Not just little hurts, but hurts that last a life time. I went out badmouthing __ and christianity in general.
Over the last few months, things have been starting to change for me. It was like lightbulbs flashing in my head. The first was "why should I let them send me to hell with them?" The only person thatwas getting hurt here was me.
OK they hurt me, OK they are pretend christians, why would I allow them to control my spirit and where I am?
SO I gave my heart back to God. Once the anger over christianity was gone, there was nothing left to fight against and it was just between me and my God.I know we have all heard the "forgive as God as forgiven us". I know that I have heard this my entire life, but it never clicked before last week. I know that I have sinned. I have cursed God, I have called on demons, I have lived in ways I know I should not.
Are their sins any worse than mine? To me it might seem so, because it is so personal, but in the large scheme of things, no they aren't. It just doesn't seem logical for me to sin because they are.
I have found myself to be as much of a hyprocrite as they are.While I have sat back and spent most of my time judging them and their actions, proving to myself that they arent' real christians, I have failed to act and behave as I know I should. I have not treated people with the same love and respect that I have judged others for not giving to me.
To any of those here that I have hurt with my attitude, I am sorry. Just know that I am human, but I will work on it here as I am doing IRL.
That being said, I think that a new forum where everybody is welcomed and shown the love of Christ, regardless of where their paths are, is what God would want.
Honestly, I have been involved with an Ex-christian site. This site is all about anti-christianity. I don't want to be anti anything. Then it would seem as if there is another purpose here as opposed to the purpose God would have us be.
The purpose of "showing the world the love of Christ",should be first and formost.
Sorry if I seem overly pushy on my views. I only wished to share what God is doing my in my life. These are HUGE lightbulb moments for me and they have changed my life.
With love,Deb
posted by Star @ 6:25 PM
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Warfare
Warfare
Warfare. I have been taught that Christians are in warfare with "spirits of darkness" The scripture they use to proclaim this is:
Ephesians 6:10-13
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand
I was taught that when people do bad things to us and persecute us it really isn't them but the "wiles of the devil". in other words the spirits are "speaking in their ear" type of thing.
Why does it always seem that my biggest temptation always find it's way to be before me.
Ok you all know my past so lets get personal. No matter where I go drugs always seem to be put before me. I don't dress or act like a druggy so why does it seem to be offered wherever I go. I have other temptations but that seems to be the major ones. It also seems to explain how come one person can get hurt by the same thing by totally different people. In other words my biggest temptation is always put before me. You biggest temptation always find it's way before you. That kind of thing. Or when we get hurt it isn't the people as much as the influence from the devil. I am not doing a good job at explaining this.
I agree that the excuse "the devil made me do it" isn't any excuse at all. OK let me try again in the only way i know how:
Say I had a gambling problem. I meet "B" at school. I get to be friends with "B" and without B knowing about my problem, He invites me to play poker Friday night. This isn't B's fault and it wouldn't be mine (tho if i went that would be my responsibility) but the temptation is there.
John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly
I was taught that the devil and his cohorts(?) are responsible for death, illness, and so called natural disasters. But we must understand that sometimes it is simply nature and personalities that cause things to happen.
My son decided one day that he wanted to talk to his daddy while using the bathroom. He then dropped my cell into the toilet. The next day, my computer monitor fried. The day after that my motherboard fried. So, in three days I lost my cell phone, my monitor, and my motherboard.
Now, I admit that my first thoughts were that "the devil was out to get me" because of the work I was doing, both here and in my personal life. Is that giving him too much credit? Probably so.
The thing is that every time that I work my hardest to follow God, things happen to me. This is when my life has a habit of falling apart. Every time!
But can the devil be blamed because my 5 yr. old dropped my cell into the toilet? No, not really.
As far as the computer goes, even though I had my motherboard replaced, there wasn't any reason for it to fry in the first place. It was only 2 years old!! But reality is that stuff happens. I bought a cheap computer and I got what I paid for. A computer brand that has a habit of frying as soon as the warranty is up. Can I blame the devil because of a bad choice I made? No.
I think that there is a danger in looking for the "devil" in everything that goes wrong in our lives.
I have always said that if we keep looking under rocks in order to find something, we will see it whether or not it is really there.
This is what is so dangerous in expecting to see the "devil did it" in everything bad that happens. We will see it even if it really isn't there. Sometimes, it is as simple as us making bad decisions, that causes these things to happen. We need to look and listen to what God has to say and not our heads. If we are under attack from the devil, then we will know from our spirits, not our heads
posted by Star @ 2:18 PM
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Warfare. I have been taught that Christians are in warfare with "spirits of darkness" The scripture they use to proclaim this is:
Ephesians 6:10-13
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand
I was taught that when people do bad things to us and persecute us it really isn't them but the "wiles of the devil". in other words the spirits are "speaking in their ear" type of thing.
Why does it always seem that my biggest temptation always find it's way to be before me.
Ok you all know my past so lets get personal. No matter where I go drugs always seem to be put before me. I don't dress or act like a druggy so why does it seem to be offered wherever I go. I have other temptations but that seems to be the major ones. It also seems to explain how come one person can get hurt by the same thing by totally different people. In other words my biggest temptation is always put before me. You biggest temptation always find it's way before you. That kind of thing. Or when we get hurt it isn't the people as much as the influence from the devil. I am not doing a good job at explaining this.
I agree that the excuse "the devil made me do it" isn't any excuse at all. OK let me try again in the only way i know how:
Say I had a gambling problem. I meet "B" at school. I get to be friends with "B" and without B knowing about my problem, He invites me to play poker Friday night. This isn't B's fault and it wouldn't be mine (tho if i went that would be my responsibility) but the temptation is there.
John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly
I was taught that the devil and his cohorts(?) are responsible for death, illness, and so called natural disasters. But we must understand that sometimes it is simply nature and personalities that cause things to happen.
My son decided one day that he wanted to talk to his daddy while using the bathroom. He then dropped my cell into the toilet. The next day, my computer monitor fried. The day after that my motherboard fried. So, in three days I lost my cell phone, my monitor, and my motherboard.
Now, I admit that my first thoughts were that "the devil was out to get me" because of the work I was doing, both here and in my personal life. Is that giving him too much credit? Probably so.
The thing is that every time that I work my hardest to follow God, things happen to me. This is when my life has a habit of falling apart. Every time!
But can the devil be blamed because my 5 yr. old dropped my cell into the toilet? No, not really.
As far as the computer goes, even though I had my motherboard replaced, there wasn't any reason for it to fry in the first place. It was only 2 years old!! But reality is that stuff happens. I bought a cheap computer and I got what I paid for. A computer brand that has a habit of frying as soon as the warranty is up. Can I blame the devil because of a bad choice I made? No.
I think that there is a danger in looking for the "devil" in everything that goes wrong in our lives.
I have always said that if we keep looking under rocks in order to find something, we will see it whether or not it is really there.
This is what is so dangerous in expecting to see the "devil did it" in everything bad that happens. We will see it even if it really isn't there. Sometimes, it is as simple as us making bad decisions, that causes these things to happen. We need to look and listen to what God has to say and not our heads. If we are under attack from the devil, then we will know from our spirits, not our heads
posted by Star @ 2:18 PM
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Thought Control
Thought Control
There has been alot of talk about forgiveness as of late. My question was always how to forgive and continue to forgive. I mean I can forgive, but then as soon as something else happens all the hurt comes rushing forward. How do I stop this? After much prayer on this, I had another Lightbulb moment.
CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS
The scripture that popped up in my mind was Philipians 4: 8
Quote:
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
When the only thoughts we have going on in our minds is all the garbage that this world has to offer, then that is what is going to come out. Garbage in, Garbage out. But when we think and keep our minds on God and the good things, then that is what will come out. In the hassles of life come crashing in, lets not dwell on them. Lets dwell on the good things.
Quote:
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
I know that we have all heard verse 8. I had to memorize it in school when I was 12. There are some more commandments there as well.
Quote:
Rejoice in the Lord, always, again I say rejoice.
This means all of the time. Even when life seems to be getting you down. It would seem to me that when life is at it's worst, this would be when rejoicing is most needed. It reminds you of who you are in Christ. I am loved by God. I am a daughter of God. Remember what He has done for you. Jesus loved us so much that He suffered and died for us. Rejoice!! The bible talks about making a joyful noice to the Lord. I know that for me it is definantly just noise. I can't carry a tune. But to the Lord it is a sweet sound.
If we are praising and rejoicing in the Lord, and praying; how are we going to have the hurt and pain and negativity going through our minds? We can't. The scriptures promise peace.
Quote:
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Isn't that what we all want? Peace? A peace that passes ALL understanding? WOW!!
Quote:
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Again, the bible promises that the God of peace shall be with us.
So the next time life has you down, remember:
Rejoice, pray, give praise, think on the good things!! This is the way to have peace.
posted by Star @ 7:15 PM
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
There has been alot of talk about forgiveness as of late. My question was always how to forgive and continue to forgive. I mean I can forgive, but then as soon as something else happens all the hurt comes rushing forward. How do I stop this? After much prayer on this, I had another Lightbulb moment.
CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS
The scripture that popped up in my mind was Philipians 4: 8
Quote:
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
When the only thoughts we have going on in our minds is all the garbage that this world has to offer, then that is what is going to come out. Garbage in, Garbage out. But when we think and keep our minds on God and the good things, then that is what will come out. In the hassles of life come crashing in, lets not dwell on them. Lets dwell on the good things.
Quote:
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
I know that we have all heard verse 8. I had to memorize it in school when I was 12. There are some more commandments there as well.
Quote:
Rejoice in the Lord, always, again I say rejoice.
This means all of the time. Even when life seems to be getting you down. It would seem to me that when life is at it's worst, this would be when rejoicing is most needed. It reminds you of who you are in Christ. I am loved by God. I am a daughter of God. Remember what He has done for you. Jesus loved us so much that He suffered and died for us. Rejoice!! The bible talks about making a joyful noice to the Lord. I know that for me it is definantly just noise. I can't carry a tune. But to the Lord it is a sweet sound.
If we are praising and rejoicing in the Lord, and praying; how are we going to have the hurt and pain and negativity going through our minds? We can't. The scriptures promise peace.
Quote:
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Isn't that what we all want? Peace? A peace that passes ALL understanding? WOW!!
Quote:
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Again, the bible promises that the God of peace shall be with us.
So the next time life has you down, remember:
Rejoice, pray, give praise, think on the good things!! This is the way to have peace.
posted by Star @ 7:15 PM
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Monday, January 02, 2006
Are they from God??
1 John 4:
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
and
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
There are those who say that Jesus is NOT the son of God and claim that He was just a prophet.
Muslims are in that catagory. There are other paths as well who claim that they come from God but do not believe that Jesus was or is God.
The "so called" prophet muhammad is one of those. he claimed that he was a prophet of God but denies that Jesus was God in the Flesh. So can we consider muhammad a propeht of God? No we can not.
That is all there is to it.
Now as far as testing the Spirits.
1 Timothy 4:1-5
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
How can we know the difference?
Test the words of the prophets against the Word of God. If it doesn't line up with the Word then it is false and the prophet is false.
The other way is to look at their Fruit.
2 Peter 2:
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
A corrupt tree brings forth corrupt fruit. But a good tree brings forth good fruit.
Mt 7:17
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
So what are the good and corrupt fruits?
Gal 5:
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Now compare the works of the flesh with what is said in the scripture above from 2 Peter.
This is the other way to test the prophets and see if they are from God.
posted by Star @ 4:02 PM
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
and
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
There are those who say that Jesus is NOT the son of God and claim that He was just a prophet.
Muslims are in that catagory. There are other paths as well who claim that they come from God but do not believe that Jesus was or is God.
The "so called" prophet muhammad is one of those. he claimed that he was a prophet of God but denies that Jesus was God in the Flesh. So can we consider muhammad a propeht of God? No we can not.
That is all there is to it.
Now as far as testing the Spirits.
1 Timothy 4:1-5
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
How can we know the difference?
Test the words of the prophets against the Word of God. If it doesn't line up with the Word then it is false and the prophet is false.
The other way is to look at their Fruit.
2 Peter 2:
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
A corrupt tree brings forth corrupt fruit. But a good tree brings forth good fruit.
Mt 7:17
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
So what are the good and corrupt fruits?
Gal 5:
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Now compare the works of the flesh with what is said in the scripture above from 2 Peter.
This is the other way to test the prophets and see if they are from God.
posted by Star @ 4:02 PM
Shooting the Wounded
Shooting the wounded
I wrote this concerning a person that is hurting right now!! I felt like she was being kicked while she was down and it isn't right!! Would they do that to someone who was physically hurt? I do not think so!! They wouldn't pour sand into a wound, so why is this any different?The girl is hurting and is lashing out the only way that she can!! Grrrr....
[quote]Coming from someone who has been there and done that........ as many
here can attest to.... there are some things I would like to add: Actions done
in perceived hurt, bitterness, or depression; are not actions from the heart.
Whether or not the hurt was done intentionally is really irrelevant, it
still hurts.
When I flipped flopped, it was because of pain and when I was hurting
it seemed as if it was always one group that did the hurting. My head can and
would tell you that all humans are infallible, it isn't just one group or
another. But a person that is hurting isn't able to understand this. All they
see and feel and know is the pain, done once again by _____ (fill in the
blank).
SO all of the hurt is projected on that one group. (am I making
sense?) When the anger and hurt is all gone, then a rational decision can be
reached. Until then, a hurting person will continue to rail and scream (in my
case) against such group. It doesn't always happen to be religion.
A girl who is raped by a group of a different race will rail and hate
the race that hurt her. Until they are able to deal with the pain, they won't
have the capability to realize that not everybody of that race is responsible.
And before she is able to understand this, she expects and will take almost
everything, no matter how small, as an attack by said race. See what I am
saying?
She is hurting. She has been hurt before by christians. A topic that she is
very sensitive about, was attacked (again whether or not it was real is
irrevelvant, it was real to her), it just proved that "all christians" want to
hurt her. That all christians will hurt her, all the time.
I understand this and my heart goes out to her. I of all people understand
where she is coming from. I have been there, many times over.
I only say this because I ask that you show compassion and understanding.
Please pray for her and don't knock her while she is down. She needs that more
than judgements.[/quote]
This of course was met with "I thought what we had done was open the discussion out a bit rather than make any judgements or mockings. I thought we were looking at such issues in a general, rather than specific way. "
How can it not be "in a specific way?". The first post in the topic was "can I go back to paganism" and "once again I am hurt by christians".
V, I am sorry for any hurt that I caused you. Please believe me when I say that is was never my intent to hurt you. I am sorry.
posted by Star @ 6:04 PM
OK. This is my first attempt a blogging. Lets see what happens
posted by Star @ 1:50 PM
I wrote this concerning a person that is hurting right now!! I felt like she was being kicked while she was down and it isn't right!! Would they do that to someone who was physically hurt? I do not think so!! They wouldn't pour sand into a wound, so why is this any different?The girl is hurting and is lashing out the only way that she can!! Grrrr....
[quote]Coming from someone who has been there and done that........ as many
here can attest to.... there are some things I would like to add: Actions done
in perceived hurt, bitterness, or depression; are not actions from the heart.
Whether or not the hurt was done intentionally is really irrelevant, it
still hurts.
When I flipped flopped, it was because of pain and when I was hurting
it seemed as if it was always one group that did the hurting. My head can and
would tell you that all humans are infallible, it isn't just one group or
another. But a person that is hurting isn't able to understand this. All they
see and feel and know is the pain, done once again by _____ (fill in the
blank).
SO all of the hurt is projected on that one group. (am I making
sense?) When the anger and hurt is all gone, then a rational decision can be
reached. Until then, a hurting person will continue to rail and scream (in my
case) against such group. It doesn't always happen to be religion.
A girl who is raped by a group of a different race will rail and hate
the race that hurt her. Until they are able to deal with the pain, they won't
have the capability to realize that not everybody of that race is responsible.
And before she is able to understand this, she expects and will take almost
everything, no matter how small, as an attack by said race. See what I am
saying?
She is hurting. She has been hurt before by christians. A topic that she is
very sensitive about, was attacked (again whether or not it was real is
irrevelvant, it was real to her), it just proved that "all christians" want to
hurt her. That all christians will hurt her, all the time.
I understand this and my heart goes out to her. I of all people understand
where she is coming from. I have been there, many times over.
I only say this because I ask that you show compassion and understanding.
Please pray for her and don't knock her while she is down. She needs that more
than judgements.[/quote]
This of course was met with "I thought what we had done was open the discussion out a bit rather than make any judgements or mockings. I thought we were looking at such issues in a general, rather than specific way. "
How can it not be "in a specific way?". The first post in the topic was "can I go back to paganism" and "once again I am hurt by christians".
V, I am sorry for any hurt that I caused you. Please believe me when I say that is was never my intent to hurt you. I am sorry.
posted by Star @ 6:04 PM
OK. This is my first attempt a blogging. Lets see what happens
posted by Star @ 1:50 PM
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)