Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Mexico
MR. PRESIDENT, I'M HEADED TO MEXICO
David M. Bresnahan
April 1, 2006
NewsWithViews.com
Dear President Bush:
I'm about to plan a little trip with my family and extended family, and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this.
I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here.
So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way over? Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:
1. Free medical care for my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. All government forms need to be printed in English.
4. I want my kids to be taught by English-speaking teachers.
5. Schools need to include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying lower down.
7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from Pres. Fox to leave me alone, please be sur that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.
12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, and don’t enforce any labor laws or tax laws.
13. Please tell all the people in the country to be extremely nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy.
I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that Pres. Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.
However, if he gives you any trouble, just invite him to go quail hunting with your V.P.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
Sincerely,
David M. Bresnahan
posted by Star @ 4:02 PM
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Joy? Tests and Trials??
James 1:
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Joy?? Count it joy when I go through trials?? or hard times?? Or insulting and rude people?? Or computer problems??
Yes!! Anything in life worth having is worth fighting for and worth working hard for. Life is hard and it will throw us a curve ball or two (or three or four or five..six..seven..eight....--->).
The trick is to keep going and that these are needed to strengthen us. Can you imagine what the world could be like in just a few years?
Are you ready? If we can't hold strong under these small day to day problems, how are we ever going to handle the big stuff that we may face.
A child who is learning to play ball, will miss the ball more than not. But if he keeps going and keeps at it then soon he will catch almost all of them. As he grows then he will rarely miss the ball. He will learn to feel the ball, he will learn to know when the ball is coming his way and just how to handle it before the ball gets there. He will be ready for it.
This is what we need to learn to do.
Quote:
Endurance!!
staying power, stamina, fortitude, resolution, durability, strength, survival
antonym: weakness
persistence, perseverance, tenacity, continuance, survival, duration
Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Resist the devil and he will flee!! It does get easier, just don't give up no matter how it seems as if everything is against you.
Verse 4:
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Perfect and complete. Lacking in NOTHING!!!! That is the reward for standing strong and enduring (which is it's own reward)
posted by Star @ 11:58 PM
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Joy?? Count it joy when I go through trials?? or hard times?? Or insulting and rude people?? Or computer problems??
Yes!! Anything in life worth having is worth fighting for and worth working hard for. Life is hard and it will throw us a curve ball or two (or three or four or five..six..seven..eight....--->).
The trick is to keep going and that these are needed to strengthen us. Can you imagine what the world could be like in just a few years?
Are you ready? If we can't hold strong under these small day to day problems, how are we ever going to handle the big stuff that we may face.
A child who is learning to play ball, will miss the ball more than not. But if he keeps going and keeps at it then soon he will catch almost all of them. As he grows then he will rarely miss the ball. He will learn to feel the ball, he will learn to know when the ball is coming his way and just how to handle it before the ball gets there. He will be ready for it.
This is what we need to learn to do.
Quote:
Endurance!!
staying power, stamina, fortitude, resolution, durability, strength, survival
antonym: weakness
persistence, perseverance, tenacity, continuance, survival, duration
Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Resist the devil and he will flee!! It does get easier, just don't give up no matter how it seems as if everything is against you.
Verse 4:
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Perfect and complete. Lacking in NOTHING!!!! That is the reward for standing strong and enduring (which is it's own reward)
posted by Star @ 11:58 PM
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
More Promises
Revelation 21:
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
5 And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."
6 Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
7 "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
A World without sorrow!! Amen and Amen again.
With all of the sorrow and pain that this World can cause, I think that we need to step back and look at the promises that are ours. Even though we may go through suffering and pain in this life, our rewards for keeping on keeping on are greater.
Don't fret, God is good and He is always with us.
Praise God!!
posted by Star @ 10:23 AM
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
5 And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."
6 Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
7 "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
A World without sorrow!! Amen and Amen again.
With all of the sorrow and pain that this World can cause, I think that we need to step back and look at the promises that are ours. Even though we may go through suffering and pain in this life, our rewards for keeping on keeping on are greater.
Don't fret, God is good and He is always with us.
Praise God!!
posted by Star @ 10:23 AM
Sunday, April 16, 2006
My rebuttle of D Willard's "spiritual reformation" Part One
What I do not like about "spiritual formation" by Willard. Part One.
Quote:
From here we manage our lives as best we can, utilizing whatever resources of understanding, emotion and circumstance are available. It is here we stand before God and our conscience
.
As Christians we shouldn't lean on OUR understanding nor should we rely on our emotions. We are to overcome our circumstances.
Prov 3:
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
We are to ask the HS to give us wisdom.
1Co 1:19
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
1Co 2:4
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1Co 2:5
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
2 Thess 1:
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
We are to stand in faith, regardless of our circumstances.
Quote:
Within the invisible dimension of the person, and right at its conscious center, lies the human spirit. "God is Spirit," the creative will that creates and governs the universe, and "spirit" is the creative element in human nature, "the image of God in man. The human spirit is primarily what we today call "will," the capacity of choice and resolution, and what biblically and traditionally is called "heart."
This is wrong. We are body, mind, and spirit. According to this: our conscious center is our spirit. No our center is our mind. This is where we made our decisions, not our spirit.
When we are born we have a carnal mind. Our carnal mind is not and can not be "the image of God in man"
Romans 8:
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
When we are born again, our spirit changes, but our mind is still carnal.
1 Corinthians 3:
1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
How do we change our minds? By renewing them with the Word of God
Romans 12:
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
and meditating on THE WORD not A WORD.
1 Titus 4:
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
When we are born we follow after the flesh(body). We are captive to the flesh. Even Paul says that because of the flesh he finds himself doing that which he doesn't wish to do.
Romans 7:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
This article is false. When we are born again, our flesh is at war with our spirit. What makes the difference is the mind. We are to renew our minds on the Word and to meditate on the Word in order to be able to defeat the flesh.
This paragraph has put the spirit and the mind as one of the same. According to it we are spirits are and have always been "the image of God in man". This is just false.
According to this paragraph we reform our minds/spirits, it doesn't take into account that we have to be born again and that our spirit changes when we are born again.
The Article
posted by Star @ 12:43 PM
Quote:
From here we manage our lives as best we can, utilizing whatever resources of understanding, emotion and circumstance are available. It is here we stand before God and our conscience
.
As Christians we shouldn't lean on OUR understanding nor should we rely on our emotions. We are to overcome our circumstances.
Prov 3:
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
We are to ask the HS to give us wisdom.
1Co 1:19
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
1Co 2:4
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1Co 2:5
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
2 Thess 1:
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
We are to stand in faith, regardless of our circumstances.
Quote:
Within the invisible dimension of the person, and right at its conscious center, lies the human spirit. "God is Spirit," the creative will that creates and governs the universe, and "spirit" is the creative element in human nature, "the image of God in man. The human spirit is primarily what we today call "will," the capacity of choice and resolution, and what biblically and traditionally is called "heart."
This is wrong. We are body, mind, and spirit. According to this: our conscious center is our spirit. No our center is our mind. This is where we made our decisions, not our spirit.
When we are born we have a carnal mind. Our carnal mind is not and can not be "the image of God in man"
Romans 8:
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
When we are born again, our spirit changes, but our mind is still carnal.
1 Corinthians 3:
1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
How do we change our minds? By renewing them with the Word of God
Romans 12:
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
and meditating on THE WORD not A WORD.
1 Titus 4:
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
When we are born we follow after the flesh(body). We are captive to the flesh. Even Paul says that because of the flesh he finds himself doing that which he doesn't wish to do.
Romans 7:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
This article is false. When we are born again, our flesh is at war with our spirit. What makes the difference is the mind. We are to renew our minds on the Word and to meditate on the Word in order to be able to defeat the flesh.
This paragraph has put the spirit and the mind as one of the same. According to it we are spirits are and have always been "the image of God in man". This is just false.
According to this paragraph we reform our minds/spirits, it doesn't take into account that we have to be born again and that our spirit changes when we are born again.
The Article
posted by Star @ 12:43 PM
Friday, April 14, 2006
He Is ALIVE!
HE IS ALIVE
Luke 24:
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8 And they remembered his words,
To borrow from a song I remember from childhood:
He's alive and I am forgiven, Heaven's gates are opened wide
HE IS ALIVE!!!
Father,
I thank you for sending Jesus to the Earth so that I can be saved.
I thank you for loveing me so much that you gave your Son to be sacrificed for me.
I thank you for forgiving all of my sins.
I thank you for this growing relationship I have with you.
I thank you for never giving up on me, regardless of what I have done or where I have been.
Jesus,
Thank you for sacrifing yourself for me.
I thank you for shedding your blood so that I might be saved.
I thank you for being my high priest making intercession for me with the Father.
I thank you for giving me your Name. The Name above all names.
You are the King and Kings and my Lord of Lords. May I never stop praising your Name.
Ps 18:49
Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name
Ps 47:6
Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
posted by Star @ 10:18 AM
Luke 24:
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8 And they remembered his words,
To borrow from a song I remember from childhood:
He's alive and I am forgiven, Heaven's gates are opened wide
HE IS ALIVE!!!
Father,
I thank you for sending Jesus to the Earth so that I can be saved.
I thank you for loveing me so much that you gave your Son to be sacrificed for me.
I thank you for forgiving all of my sins.
I thank you for this growing relationship I have with you.
I thank you for never giving up on me, regardless of what I have done or where I have been.
Jesus,
Thank you for sacrifing yourself for me.
I thank you for shedding your blood so that I might be saved.
I thank you for being my high priest making intercession for me with the Father.
I thank you for giving me your Name. The Name above all names.
You are the King and Kings and my Lord of Lords. May I never stop praising your Name.
Ps 18:49
Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name
Ps 47:6
Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
posted by Star @ 10:18 AM
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Casting our Cares
2 Cor 12:
9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,[b] for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
I have been going through somethings right now, where I am being insulted every which way this week.
I have been trying my best to deal with it the way I am supposed to in Love and patience. But that is the problem, I have been trying to do it alone. We are to cast our cares on Jesus and let Him carry our burdens.
1 Peter 5:
7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Psalms 55:
16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Matt 11:
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
We are supposed to give our cares on Jesus and let Him carry the load. I am not alone, I need to pray and let the HS strengthen me. God promises peace if we follow Him and keep our minds on the good things.
posted by Star @ 9:11 AM
9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,[b] for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
I have been going through somethings right now, where I am being insulted every which way this week.
I have been trying my best to deal with it the way I am supposed to in Love and patience. But that is the problem, I have been trying to do it alone. We are to cast our cares on Jesus and let Him carry our burdens.
1 Peter 5:
7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Psalms 55:
16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Matt 11:
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
We are supposed to give our cares on Jesus and let Him carry the load. I am not alone, I need to pray and let the HS strengthen me. God promises peace if we follow Him and keep our minds on the good things.
posted by Star @ 9:11 AM
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Leaning on the Holy Spirit and not man
I was raised in a heavily biblical home by parents who talked the talk but didn't walk the walk and the churches were pretty much the same. This has left me disillusioned.
Because of this I have no faith in what men have to say about scripture. I know scripture, lots of it and more than most, but I have found myself in the last few years haveing to research and test what I have been taught with what the bible has to say.
Most of what I have been taught though has been true and has lined up with the scriptures.
In the bible Paul states that we need to test what we hear with the Word to see if it lines up. We are to believe scripture and not man. We are also suppose to pray to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to teach us what the Scriptures have to say. Some call this revelation, I like to call it my Lightbulb Moments.
Most of my writing both in my blog and in my forums come from these Lightbulb moments. Most have come from prayer. You know "Lord how do I forgive" "Lord how do I keep the bitterness from coming up" "Lord how do I show your love to all" those type of prayers. In each one He has been faithful to remind me of scriptures that I have been taught, but the difference is that I am left going "WOW, How did I miss that?"
Those who are God's will hear His voice and know that it is He that is speaking and that it is not coming from elsewhere. We have to have a relationship with God in order to be able to hear His voice. I have had times when I have asked God "How do I know that this is you and not just in my head?", and then confirmation has come from the weirdest of places out of the blue. Now, I know when I hear His voice. I have spent time with Him getting to know Him.
This is not to say that I know it all, I do not! Far from it, I am always open to teaching and learning. I do not think that I will ever know it all, but I do know that I will know more today than I did yesterday.
Sometimes it seems as if I am stuck on one paticular subject. Right now it is the fruit. I do not wish to be one of those who push others away when teaching the Word, I wish to draw others closer to me and to the Word. This is what God is dealing with me on right now. This is why I believe that I have been getting more flak and attitudes lately than i have in the past. I am being tested. Sometimes I pass, but sometimes I fail. But I believe that when I do fail, I need to pick myself up again and keep pressing on to the high mark.
I am not perfect, but I am trying so hard to be perfect. I want to "fight the good fight", I want to bring Glory to Christ.
posted by Star @ 12:30 PM
Because of this I have no faith in what men have to say about scripture. I know scripture, lots of it and more than most, but I have found myself in the last few years haveing to research and test what I have been taught with what the bible has to say.
Most of what I have been taught though has been true and has lined up with the scriptures.
In the bible Paul states that we need to test what we hear with the Word to see if it lines up. We are to believe scripture and not man. We are also suppose to pray to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to teach us what the Scriptures have to say. Some call this revelation, I like to call it my Lightbulb Moments.
Most of my writing both in my blog and in my forums come from these Lightbulb moments. Most have come from prayer. You know "Lord how do I forgive" "Lord how do I keep the bitterness from coming up" "Lord how do I show your love to all" those type of prayers. In each one He has been faithful to remind me of scriptures that I have been taught, but the difference is that I am left going "WOW, How did I miss that?"
Those who are God's will hear His voice and know that it is He that is speaking and that it is not coming from elsewhere. We have to have a relationship with God in order to be able to hear His voice. I have had times when I have asked God "How do I know that this is you and not just in my head?", and then confirmation has come from the weirdest of places out of the blue. Now, I know when I hear His voice. I have spent time with Him getting to know Him.
This is not to say that I know it all, I do not! Far from it, I am always open to teaching and learning. I do not think that I will ever know it all, but I do know that I will know more today than I did yesterday.
Sometimes it seems as if I am stuck on one paticular subject. Right now it is the fruit. I do not wish to be one of those who push others away when teaching the Word, I wish to draw others closer to me and to the Word. This is what God is dealing with me on right now. This is why I believe that I have been getting more flak and attitudes lately than i have in the past. I am being tested. Sometimes I pass, but sometimes I fail. But I believe that when I do fail, I need to pick myself up again and keep pressing on to the high mark.
I am not perfect, but I am trying so hard to be perfect. I want to "fight the good fight", I want to bring Glory to Christ.
posted by Star @ 12:30 PM
Monday, April 03, 2006
Price?
I recently saw that somebody decided to put price on what my blog was worth. Funny how that was never a consideration of mine.
Blessed am I when the World hates me because of the Word. I guess this would mean that if the world hates my blog and the Word within, then I must be doing something right.
Can you really put a price on the Word of God?? OR is it too precious to be put in monetary terms? I think that it is.
Is it really a comparasion when the other blog is unscriptural, full of idolatry, vain and empty words which the world loves, against the Word of God?? Nope, no comparasion to me.
God comes first, in this blog, in my forums, and in my life. The bible states that we shall go through trials and that men (women) will hate us because of Jesus. If the World loves us, then we are doing something wrong.
Hey, I got it right!! Praise God!!
(update 4/04/06)
It seems as if this post has done some good. :) Praise God. The person who owns the blog I was talking about has now decided that her blog is a good place for scripture. :) Nice to know that I was able to help.
posted by Star @ 3:48 PM
Blessed am I when the World hates me because of the Word. I guess this would mean that if the world hates my blog and the Word within, then I must be doing something right.
Can you really put a price on the Word of God?? OR is it too precious to be put in monetary terms? I think that it is.
Is it really a comparasion when the other blog is unscriptural, full of idolatry, vain and empty words which the world loves, against the Word of God?? Nope, no comparasion to me.
God comes first, in this blog, in my forums, and in my life. The bible states that we shall go through trials and that men (women) will hate us because of Jesus. If the World loves us, then we are doing something wrong.
Hey, I got it right!! Praise God!!
(update 4/04/06)
It seems as if this post has done some good. :) Praise God. The person who owns the blog I was talking about has now decided that her blog is a good place for scripture. :) Nice to know that I was able to help.
posted by Star @ 3:48 PM
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Agree to Disagree?
I have always believed that it is always best to agree to disagree when debating an issue before things get out of hand and feelings get hurt.
Sometimes I need to remember that it is not up to me to convince others what the Word has to say, but rather, to simply show what the Word has to say and then backoff and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting.
This is an issue that has been popping up over and over again. Sometimes I get so passionate about an idea that I simply have problems just letting go and letting God do the rest.
This is hard when I feel like I am being attacked because of what I believe to be true. When I feel belittled or talked down to, as if I do not have any biblical knowlege, is when this is the hardest for me. I feel like I have to prove something. Reality is quite different. DO I really have to prove what I know? No I do not. I should feel secure enough with what I know, to not have to prove myself to anyone, besides, there will always be those who will close off their ears to anything that doesn't line up with what they wish to believe. Not everyone will be open to the Holy SPirit and what God says in the Word. There will always be those who wish to ignore teachings that don't line up with their own preconcieved notions.
May I never be like that. May I always keep an open mind and a heart that is open to the Holy Spirit. May I always be open to being taught by the Holy Spirit.
When we get to the point where we think that we know it all, is when we close ourselves off to being taught by the Holy Spirit. This is when our learning and revelations stop. I do not ever want to live without my lightbulb moments. Never, I enjoy them too much and I get too excited over them to ever wish them to stop.
posted by Star @ 11:26 AM
Sometimes I need to remember that it is not up to me to convince others what the Word has to say, but rather, to simply show what the Word has to say and then backoff and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting.
This is an issue that has been popping up over and over again. Sometimes I get so passionate about an idea that I simply have problems just letting go and letting God do the rest.
This is hard when I feel like I am being attacked because of what I believe to be true. When I feel belittled or talked down to, as if I do not have any biblical knowlege, is when this is the hardest for me. I feel like I have to prove something. Reality is quite different. DO I really have to prove what I know? No I do not. I should feel secure enough with what I know, to not have to prove myself to anyone, besides, there will always be those who will close off their ears to anything that doesn't line up with what they wish to believe. Not everyone will be open to the Holy SPirit and what God says in the Word. There will always be those who wish to ignore teachings that don't line up with their own preconcieved notions.
May I never be like that. May I always keep an open mind and a heart that is open to the Holy Spirit. May I always be open to being taught by the Holy Spirit.
When we get to the point where we think that we know it all, is when we close ourselves off to being taught by the Holy Spirit. This is when our learning and revelations stop. I do not ever want to live without my lightbulb moments. Never, I enjoy them too much and I get too excited over them to ever wish them to stop.
posted by Star @ 11:26 AM
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Seeker Churches
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)