Christ's Commandments

[WebersHome]

Continued From #160

-
230) Php 4:9 . . Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me,
or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

You know, sometimes I think that too many Christians are somehow under
the impression that the New Testament's epistles are not all that important
in matters related to faith and practice. They've made the Sermon On The
Mount their religion and they think that's all they need. But if they want the
God of peace to be with them instead of off in the distance; then they are
simply going to have to revise their estimate. Compliance with the epistles is
not optional; no, it's essential.

†. 1Cor 14:37 . . If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let
him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the
commandments of the Lord.

†. 1Ths 4:1-2 . .We beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord
Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please
God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments
we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

†. Jas 1:22-25 . . And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen
to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself. For if you just listen and
don't obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to
improve your appearance. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you
look like. But if you keep looking steadily into God's perfect law-- the law
that sets you free --and if you do what it says and don't forget what you
heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

231) Col 2:6-7 . . So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,
continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith
as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

That directive, of course, is restricted to the faith as you were taught by Paul
and his contemporaries. He and they taught only one faith rather than a
buffet of faiths to choose from.

†. Eph 4:4-5 . . There is one faith

†. Jude 1:3 . . Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about
the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the
faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.

It's neither wise nor humane to encourage somebody rooted and built up in
Christian cults to continue in those faiths: e.g. Moonies, Christian Science,
Seventh Day Adventism, Herbert W. Armstrong, Mormonism, and/or the
Watch Tower Society, et al.

Paul emphasized receiving Christ Jesus as "lord". The koiné Greek word is
kurios (koo'-ree-os) which means: supreme in authority; viz: one's master--
whether a dictator, despot, monarch, or chief of police; et al.

Kurios is an ambiguous word that simply indicates someone higher in rank
than yourself whether God or anybody else, even a senior citizen. So words
like sir, mister, boss, and master can be translated from kurios too. The
point is, the Bible's Jesus is in charge of his own sheep; which means he has
a right to make some demands upon them; viz: he's the leader; they the
followers; or why bother with Psalm 23?

†. Ps 23:1-2 . .The Lord is my shepherd; he leadeth me

If the Lord is the shepherd, and if he's the leader; then why are some of his
"followers" off-reservation doing their own thing instead of in line where they
belong?

†. Luke 6:46 . .Why do you call me lord and master and do not what I say?

†. Mal 1:6 . . A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a
father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the fear due
me?-- protests Yhvh Almighty.

===========================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #161

-
232) Col 2:8 . . See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and
deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic
principles of this world rather than on Christ.

What he's talking about there are humanistic versions of Christianity; viz:
those built upon culture and political correctness. Those kinds of Christianity
are insidious because they're typically a subtle blend of truth and error. Paul
wasn't just being rhetorical; no, the time is now when pew warmers are
buying into humanistic versions of Christianity.

†. 2Tim 4:2-4 . . Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is
favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with
good teaching. For a time is coming when they will no longer listen to right
teaching. They will follow their own desires and seek teachers who will tell
them what it is they wish to hear. They will reject the truth and heed
fantasies.

The reason that they will heed what Paul calls "fantasies" is because
they're invented rather than revealed.

Take for example the opinion going around these days that it's okay now for
women to take the lead in church because the rules that once prohibited
them were only for the first century. Listening to their sophistry one cannot
help but get the impression that they know what they're talking about; and
if you're one of those who chafe at the idea of women being subordinate to
men; you'll buy into their reasoning because it's the out that you've been
looking for.

The kind of fantasies that Paul is talking about are stealthy because they
make sense. If they were ridiculous, nobody with half a brain would buy into
them with any less reluctance than they would buy into the tooth fairy or the
Easter bunny.

233) Col 2:16-17 . .Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat
or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a
Sabbath day.

Some humanistic versions of Christianity incorporate diets, rituals, rites, and
holy days of obligation. According to the principles stipulated in the 14th
chapter of Romans, those things are optional; but certainly not mandatory.
To insist otherwise is to play God and to usurp the Lord's sovereign right to
make the rules for his own church.

234) Col 2:18a . . Don't let anyone condemn you by insisting on self-denial.

Now we're getting into the sphere of asceticism; which Christ has never
approved. Asceticism describes a life-style characterized by abstinence from
materialism and various sorts of worldly pleasures (e.g. sex, cosmetics,
movies, dancing, alcohol, romance novels, soaps, gambling, and the
accumulation of material wealth) often with the aim of pursuing religious and
spiritual goals. Ascetics, by the very nature of their philosophy, insinuate
that Christ was wrong to consume wine and/or provide it for a wedding.

Ascetics think themselves to possess a superior spirituality over and above
regular Christians; but Paul popped that bubble soundly.

†. Col 2:18c-19 . .These people claim to be so humble, but their sinful minds
have made them conceited. They are not connected to Christ, the head of
the body.

(chuckle) Paul depicted ascetics as kind of like the headless horseman in the
Legend Of Sleepy Hollow.

235) Col 2:18b . . And don't let anyone say you must worship angels, even
though they say they have had visions about this.

I have actually encountered Christians who claim to have patron ghosts:
spirits with whom they communicate and that help them in daily life. I do
not dispute their claim seeing as how the existence of familiar spirits is
validated by Lev 20:7 et al; but Christ rules against letting them influence
your thinking; even as Yhvh condemns to death any among His people who
dabble in that sort of thing.

Apparitions are very effective. Just look at the number of Christians whose
religious beliefs are influenced by appearances like Our Lady of Fatima and
the Miracle of the Tilma (Our Lady of Guadalupe). That only goes to show
how true it is that people tend to believe only what they can see with their
own two eyes. In the end, that "show me" attitude will result in humanity's
ruin as they watch a statue come to life and start giving orders to execute
people who refuse to worship it. (Rev 13:13-15)

The lesson of Rev 13:13-15 is obvious: miracles and/or apparitions cannot
be trusted to validate religious beliefs. In point of fact; numbers of people
believing themselves Christ's followers will be lost in spite of their ability to
perform miracles. (Matt 7:22-23)

Paul said he would never listen to even a real live genuine holy angel of God
from Heaven unless the angel preached the very same message as the one
he himself preached (Gal 1:6-9). As anyone familiar with Virgin sightings
knows, they never preach the same message as Paul's; no they preach
things like world peace, devotion to Jesus' mom, immaculate hearts, and
rosaries.

===========================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #162

-
236) Col 3:1-2 . . Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your
hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set
your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your
life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Christianity is a lethal religion. It puts its believers to death on the cross with
Christ and they are encouraged to think of that as a reality. (Rom 6:3-11,
Gal 2:20)

237) Col 3:5 . . Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly
nature

The earthly nature of Christ's followers was judged, sentenced, and executed
on his cross but his followers won't be rid of their earthly nature till they
pass on. However, if Christ's followers want to take advantage of God's
kindly patronage and providence, they have got to straighten up and fly
right. This has been an axiom since the very beginning.

†. Gen 4:6-7 . . If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you
do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you,
but you must master it.

And it's still an axiom to this very day.

†. 1John 1:5-7 . . And this is the message we have heard from Him and
announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If
we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we
lie and do not practice the truth

At this point, the epistle lists a catalogue of behaviors that aren't practiced in
heaven; and since the Lord's sheep are destined for that place, they need to
start living now like they will be living then.

238) Col 3:5-11 . . sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed,
anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Webster's defines "malice" as: desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to
another. Behaviors like deliberate chafing, needling, ridicule, mockery,
taunts, demeaning comments, ugly words the tear people down rather than
build them up, denigrating labels, biting sarcasm, fault-finding, carping
criticism, thoughtless remarks, petty ill will, spite, vindictiveness, and
stalking are all malicious behaviors that no one in heaven ever practices
because heaven is a place of peace.

The koiné Greek word for "filthy conversation" is aischrologia (ahee-skhrol
og-ee'-ah) and means: vile conversation.

Webster's defines "vile" as: (1) morally despicable or abhorrent, (2)
physically repulsive; viz: foul and/or odious, (3) of little worth or account;
viz: common, vulgar, (4) tending to degrade, demean, and/or denigrate, (5)
disgustingly and/or utterly bad; viz: obnoxious, contemptible, unacceptable,
disagreeable, and (6) base; viz: crude, churlish, unrefined.

239) Col 3:9-10 . . Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old
self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed
in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

It's interesting that the Colossian believers were lying to each other, and no
doubt would have continued to lie if Paul had not commanded them to stop.

The koiné Greek word for "renewed" is anakainoo (an-ak-ahee-no'-o) which
means: to renovate; which Webster's defines as : (1) to restore to a former
better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding), and (2) to restore to
life, vigor, or activity: revive. This renovation process takes place only by
means of conscientious Bible study combined with uncompromising personal
evaluations.

240) Col 3:12 . .Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience.

Apparently the Colossian believers were neither compassionate, nor kind,
nor humble, nor gentle, nor patient, and would have continued to be that
way had not Paul hadn't commanded them otherwise.

Paul's basis for these commands is the Colossians' standing as "God's
chosen people, holy and dearly beloved" I mean: is it appropriate for people
in that kind of a relationship with God to act like devils?

You know, judging from the descriptions of some of the first century
churches, I get the impression that were we to go back in time to visit one,
we'd be walking into a snake pit.

======================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #163

-
241) Col 3:13-14 . . Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances
you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And
over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect
unity.

Love can be roughly defined as affection; which itself can be roughly defined
as tenderness. One of the Lord's constant rubs with his Pharisaic opponents
was their virtually 100% lack of tenderness; which totally warped their
application of Israel's covenanted law.

†. Matt 9:13 . . Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not
sacrifice.

Some folk interpret that verse to say that the Levitical sacrifices have been
repealed. But that's not what God was saying via the prophet at Hos 6:6. He
was saying that He much prefers that people be civil rather than religious to
their fingertips. In other words; an insensitive person's lack of things like
compassion, sympathy, patience, tolerance, affableness, helpfulness, pity,
courtesy, humility, understanding, and care, totally nullifies their worship,
regardless of one's choice of religious beliefs and practices.

242) Col 3:15a . . Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as
members of one body you were called to peace.

The world is not impressed when believers are at war with themselves.
There is a very subtle hint to that effect at Gen 13:1-7. How do you suppose
Abram's and Lot's squabbling looked to the pagans? When God's people
can't get along, outsiders become disgusted with them and they sure won't
be influenced for God in a good way when the Lord's people are fighting
amongst themselves like that.

Years ago, when I was a young welder just starting out on my own, I rented
a small room in a daylight basement from a man who was the senior pastor
of a medium-sized Seventh Day Adventist church in the Portland Oregon
area. He and his wife radiated the luster of polished spirituality whenever I
spoke with them out in the yard, but in my location under the floor of the
house, I could overhear their bitter quarrels upstairs behind closed doors.
Was I favorably inclined to attend his church? No.

A church without peace is a church deprived of the Spirit.

†. Gal 5:22-23 . . The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there
is no law.

243) Col 3:15b . . And be thankful.

In an America accustomed to entitlements, bail-outs, reparations, stimulus
packages, federally funded school lunches, FEMA, SNAP, TANF, and an
abundance of perks, free-bees, and social programs; it's very unusual to find
thankful citizens. Most are arrogant and demanding; taking their blessings
or granted.

I was particularly annoyed back in January 2010 by a Haitian man's angry
complaint in the news that America wasn't responding fast enough to his
country's needs created by their earthquake. That man is a perfect example
of someone who has no appreciation for charity; but rather, sees charity as
an entitlement rather than a blessing.

My #1 nephew is a Seneca man who takes the spiritual values of his
Iroquois ancestors very seriously. Some Christians would no doubt think of
my nephew as a pagan, but he is far more thankful for his blessings-- due to
the influences of Hiawatha and Handsome Lake --then many of the
intellectual pew warmers that I've encountered in the several churches I've
attended over the years.

244) Col 3:16 . . Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and
admonish one another with all wisdom

In order to fully comply with that directive, it's essential that the word of
Christ first dwell in you richly before attempting to teach and admonish one
another with all wisdom. The koiné Greek word for "richly" is plousios (ploo
see'-oce) which means: copiously. Webster's defines copious as: yielding
something abundantly. In other words: fruitful. This is not an easy command
to obey because it first requires walking the walk before talking the talk.

†. Heb 6:7-8 . . For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon
it, and yields crops useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives
blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to
being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

Hindrances to fruitfulness are listed in the parable of the sower at Matt 13:3
23, Mark 4:3-20, and Luke 8:5-15.

Fruitless Christians are eo ipso disqualified to teach and admonish their
fellow Christians because they just simply lack the wisdom to do so. In other
words; the wisdom we're talking about here is life experience rather than
academic training.

245) Col 3:17 . .Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the
name of the Lord Jesus.

What's in a name? Well, besides being one's moniker and/or one's
reputation; one's name also refers to their status; e.g. kings, queens,
mayors, governors, presidents, et al.

A simple way to apply Col 3:17 is just to ask yourself: Can my master put
his signature on this? If you know in your heart he cannot, then you do not
have Christ's authorization to proceed. If you proceed anyway, then you will
be off-reservation, in your own little world of anarchy and rebellion against
the Lord's sovereign right, as the lord and master of Christianity, to manage
your affairs.

†. Rom 14:22-23 . . Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he
approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is
not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

===========================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #164

-
246) Col 3:18 . .Wives, subordinate yourselves to your husbands, as is
fitting in the Lord.

That command pertains only to Christian wives; not to just any wife who
happens to be looking in.

The imperative here is to voluntarily subordinate herself. A woman who has
to be tamed in order to be civil is not the ideal. It is far and away better that
a woman take the initiative to domesticate herself than to force God to
break her like a mustang. Conducts like defiance, insolence, stubbornness
and dominance are unbecoming for a Christian wife.

247) Col 3:19 . . Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

That command pertains only to Christian husbands, not to just any husband
who happens to be looking in.

A study posted in the Science section of the August 26, 2014 edition of the
New York Times found that couples who make active decisions about their
relationships, and about major life events by sitting down and talking things
over; tend to have a higher rate of success in marriage percentage-wise
than couples who just let things happen.

A good example of this is Jacob. When he was instructed by God to leave
uncle Laban's ranch and return to Canaan, Jacob didn't just drop the news
on Rachel and Leah like a bolt out of the blue and announce: "Okay
everybody! Pack up! We're leaving!"

No, he took them aside, out in a pasture where the three of them together,
privately, could discuss this major life-changing event. Jacob was a very rare
man. He didn't have to give his wives a say in the move. In those days,
wives were given little choice in their husband's affairs. But Jacob was not
that kind of man. He wanted to know how his wives felt about the move. As
a result, they all three together agreed to move; and all three were happy
with their decision. I will always admire Jacob for that.

243) Col 3:20 . . Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases
the Lord.

That command pertains only to Christian kids; not to just any kid who
happens to be looking in. And it needs to be said that not every kid in a
Christian home is a Christian kid. Some are demon seeds: that's just a fact
of life and it can't be helped.

The Greek word for "obey" in that verse is hupakouo (hoop-ak-oo'-o) which
is somewhat ambiguous. It can mean, variously, to hear under (as a
subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to
a command or authority.

Too many television sit-coms today portray kids who don't listen to their
parents. But of course those sit-con kids have no desire to please the Lord.

244) Col 3:21 . . Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become
discouraged.

That command pertains only to Christian fathers, not to just any father who
happens to be looking in.

In my teen years, just before entering the US Army, I was into trouble with
the law and can remember my mother plaintively asking herself: Where did I
go wrong? Well, my mother was one of those people whom psychologists
label borderline personalities. We all know at least one of those kinds of
people. They never see themselves as a factor in human relationships gone
south; no, you are the problem, not them.

My mother was cruel, abusive, despotic, dictatorial, profane, and thoroughly
insensitive. After 17½ years of slaps across the face, zero hugs, zero kisses,
zero appreciation, zero encouragement, zero sympathy, abundant rage,
profanity, relentless ridicule, thoughtless remarks, indifference, name
calling, silent treatments, yelling, slave labor, and demeaning comments
from my own biological mother; I totally lacked confidence, and was
handicapped with a crippling inferiority complex. I felt ugly, expendable,
unwanted, dirty, burdensome, moronic, and unnecessary. And to make
matters only worse, she and my father were as alike as peas in a pod. He
too was borderline and just as abusive and thoughtless as she. They were a
demonic tag team, and very effective too.

Was I discouraged? Yes. I had become just exactly what Paul directed
Christian fathers to avoid. I felt no inclination whatsoever to make my
parents proud of me because they broke my spirit at a very early age and
for the most part; made my life a living hell.

=======================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #165

-
245) Col 3:22-25 . . Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do
it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity
of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all
your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men

Some Christians tend to forget that they live in a fishbowl; a sort of Big
Brother society where God misses nothing.

†. 1Pet 1:13-17 . .Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your
hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As
obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived
in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;
for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy. Since you call on a Father who
judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in
reverent fear.

246) Col 4:1 . . Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,
because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

If America's corporations, factories, and businesses would comply with just
that one teensy little edict, it would end the need for labor unions. It would
also put sweatshops and the exploitation of foreign poverty and immigrant
labor out to pasture too.

Most businesses try to avoid giving their employees what is right and fair in
order to get better bottom lines on their quarterly reports. Fair and right
wages and benefits are expensive and cut into profits. Herein is one of the
evils of corporatism. The ones that have gone public have a fiduciary
responsibility (they say) to share holders to grow and produce profits;
therefore they will not hesitate to throw workforces to the wolves in order to
fulfill that responsibility.

Whenever you see a big corporation like Boeing ask it's workforce to take a
wage cut; that is what they are doing-- throwing their workforce to the
wolves to protect the corporation from sustaining a loss; the meanwhile
taking little thought to the fact that wage cuts make it that much more
difficult for workforces to survive in an inflationary economy. Corporations
complain that the cost of doing business is hurting them. Well; what do they
think the cost of living is doing to their workforces?

A popular corporate business plan nowadays involves moving headquarters
offshore, thus sheltering millions, and even billions of dollars of profits from
US taxes. What that means is; the US taxes that would have been paid on
those profits do not go towards funding the Federal budget and/or servicing
the Federal debt. In other words: corporations are not all that civic-minded
nor patriotic when it comes to money; on the contrary, they are showcases
of greed and selfishness to the detriment of their fellow Americans; while the
chief executive officers gorge themselves at the hog trough of stupendous
salary and benefit packages, and colossal bonuses.

247) Col 4:2 . . Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

The koiné Greek word for "devote" is proskartereo (pros-kar-ter-eh'-o)
which means: to persevere; viz: not give up and/or lose interest.

†. Luke 18:1 . . And he spoke a parable unto them to this end: that people
ought always to pray, and not lose heart.

For many of us, prayer is a last resort; a grasping at straws because we
simply have nowhere else to turn. We wish for progress with prayer, while
not really expecting it because we already know from plenty of experience
that prayer too often leads into a cul-de-sac of perplexity and
discouragement; so then, what's the use? In other words: prayer is very
difficult for some believers because it's often so futile.

Why doesn't the Bible's God respond? And if He's not going to respond, then
why keep on making a fool of ourselves trying to get through to an
imaginary playmate when all the while its phone is off the hook?

It was this very issue that led Mother Teresa of Calcutta to question whether
there really is a God out there. During virtually her entire five decades in
India, Teresa felt not the slightest glimmer of the Lord's presence and
suffered a good deal of anxiety wondering why Christ abandoned her. I'm
not making this up. You can read it for yourself in a collection of Teresa's
private letters titled Mother Teresa / Come Be My Light; The Private Writings
of the "Saint Of Calcutta" published with Rome's approval by Father Brian
Kolodiejchuk, director of the Mother Teresa center and a postulator for her
canonization.

In one of Teresa's private letters, penned to a Father Picachy, Teresa
complained: I am told God loves me; and yet the reality of darkness &
coldness & emptiness is so great that nothing touches my soul.

In yet another letter, penned to a Father Joseph Neuner, S.J. Teresa again
complained : Now Father-- since 1949 or 1950 this terrible sense of loss--
this untold darkness-- this loneliness, this continual longing for God-- which
gives me pain deep down in my heart-- Darkness is such that I really do not
see neither with my mind nor with my reason-- the place of God in my soul
is blank-- There is no God in me-- when the pain of longing is so great-- I
just long & long for God-- and then it is that I feel-- He does not want me--
He is not there-- God does not want me-- Sometimes-- I just hear my own
heart cry out-- "My God" and nothing else comes-- the torture and pain I
can't explain.

In yet another letter, Teresa complained : When I try to raise my thoughts
to Heaven, there is such convicting emptiness that those very thoughts
return like sharp knives and hurt my very soul. How painful is this unknown
pain-- I have no faith.

If the most pious nun the 20th century ever produced found heaven's phone
off the hook for virtually five decades, then why should ordinary rank and
file pew warmers "devote" themselves to prayer? Can they seriously expect
to have any better luck than Teresa did? Yes; men ought to pray and not
give up. I'm not trying to countermand the Lord's instructions. All I'm saying
is: don't get your hopes up; but let me show you another angle:

C.S. Lewis, famed author of The Screwtape Letters, and The Chronicles of
Narnia; once remarked that he prayed, not because he expected results but,
because it made him feel better. Well, if prayer makes you feel better, then
more power to you-- in point of fact, I highly recommend conversational
prayer because talking things out with somebody, even an imaginary
playmate, is far and away better than talking things out with nobody.

There are instances in the Old Testament where God actually sent His people
troubles just to get their attention and start them talking to Him again. Sort
of like a little boy in third grade spitting on the hair of a girl sitting in front of
him so she'll notice him. (chuckle) Well, if God spits on your hair, so to
speak, then maybe it's time you and He had a fireside chat.

==========================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #166

-
248) Col 4:2-5 . . And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our
message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in
chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

Proclaiming the mystery of Christ clearly as one should means to avoid
sophisticated intellectualism (1Cor 2:1-5) viz: put the cookies on the bottom
shelf where the kiddies can reach them. I've had people actually criticize me
for writing as if I'm speaking to third-graders. But that's exactly it; don't you
see? If I were to write as I were speaking to people with Master's degrees
and/or Doctorates, then I would fail to communicate with the minds of my
peers.

When physicist Stephen Hawking set out to write his fabulously popular book
"A Brief History Of Time" he determined to make an effort to speak of
complicated cosmological concepts in layman's terms. Well; he succeeded,
and consequently just about anybody with an average IQ and the ability to
read can pick up Stephen's book and get something out of it.

Anyway; if your church's preacher is too intellectual to follow, you might
pray to dumb him down a bit.

NOTE: In my opinion it is far better to appeal to common folk than the
educated elite because most of them are a lost cause no matter.

†. 1Cor 1:26 . . For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not
many wise according to the flesh.

Q: Does an evangelist need a ThD degree?

A: I would have to say NO because at least two of the apostles were
uneducated.

†. Acts 4:13 . . Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and
perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled.

So was Amos.

†. Amos 7:14-15 . .Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah: I was no
prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdsman, and a
gatherer of sycamore fruit: and Yhvh took me as I followed the flock, and He
said unto me: Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

The Lord himself was a carpenter, which was a craft considered at the level
of uneducated society in his day.

†. John 7:14-15 . . Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the
temple, and taught. And the Jews marveled, saying: How knoweth this man
letters, having never studied?

The lesson is obvious: seminaries don't make evangelists: God makes them
because it's not a career path; no, it's a calling.

†. 1Cor 12:4-11 . . There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There
are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of
activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But one and the same
Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He
wishes.

Though only special believers are selected for big league evangelism; all are
called to the minors.

†. 1Pet 3:15 . . Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks
you a reason for the hope that you have.

Ironically, not everyone passing themselves off as a Christian is able to
comply with Peter's mandate because the "hope" about which he wrote isn't
a cross-your-fingers hope; but rather: it's anticipation; which is way
different than wishing for something. Wishing has no clue, while anticipation
fully expects its longings to be satisfied.

==========================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #167

-
249) Col 4:5 . . Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most
of every opportunity.

I once heard a story about a well-meaning sidewalk evangelist who was
handing out Gospel tracts. A man came by and asked the side-walker what
he was doing. The side-walker handed the man a tract and said: Here, read
this. Well, the man was illiterate. So he told the side-walker: I can't read
your tract, so I'll just watch your tracks. In other words; don't just talk the
talk; walk the walk too: live it because for some people, your life speaks
volumes.

Let me ask you something. Do you go on internet forums only for the fun of
engaging in bull sessions? Well; if that's the case then I would have to say
that you are failing to make the most of every opportunity to fulfill the Lord's
mandate to "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, teaching them
to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." (Matt 28:19-20).
Ironically, a pretty good number of the 30+ forums I've been on since 1997
prohibit teaching; even forums specifically set up for Bible study and
discipleship

250) Col 4:6 . . Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with
salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Years ago, before the invention of refrigeration, salt was widely used to
preserve foodstuffs; in that respect, salt is a control measure. In other
words, speech seasoned with salt implies keeping a civil tongue in one's
head.

251) Col 4:16 . . After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also
read in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you in turn read the letter
from Laodicea.

That directive has little application today except to point out that the epistles
are meant to be studied in every Christian church; not just special Christian
churches.

252) Col 4:17 . . And say to Archippus : Take heed to the ministry which you
have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.

Archippus was a person of interest in the church at Colossae that met
together in Philemon's home. (Php 1:1-3)

Paul's directive targeted a specific person of interest, but it can just as
easily apply to any believer in a "calling" (cf. Rom 12:6-8)

253) 1Ths 4:1-2 . . Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the
Lord Jesus, that, as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to
walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you may excel still
more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of
the Lord Jesus.

The tally of Christ's commandments at this point is 253. I assume my
believing audience is already complying with them, and that's good. But to
"excel" in them, requires constant use: like mastering violin, knitting,
surgery, fly fishing, or shooting trap and skeet. They say practice makes
perfect; and I'm inclined to agree.

For safety reasons, X-ray welding certifications typically expire in six
months-- and some in only three depending upon the parameters --if the
welder doesn't work with the certified process during that time. The
certifying agency assumes welders lose their touch if they don't keep at it.

Keeping up the good work is all the same as flossing your teeth every night
because a lack of practice will lead one into bad habits. Even Derek Jeter
would soon lose his edge if he were to take too long a break from playing
baseball.

†. 1Tim 4:8-9 . . Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is
much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.
This is true, and everyone should accept it.

==========================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #168

-
254) 1Ths 4:3-5 . . It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you
should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his
own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the
heathen, who do not know God;

Some folk, not quite understanding the nature of the Spirit birth about which
John wrote in John 1:12-13 and about which Christ spoke in John 3:3-8,
have been led to believe that born-again Christians are supposed to be free
of their libido and their romantic impulses. Well, obviously not, or why else
would it be God's will to control them?

There's a downside to sleeping around; not only a spiritual downside but a
practical downside too. The below is from a study done by two psychology
researchers from the university of Denver after studying 418 people who
participated in a Relationship Development Study.

"The more sexual partners one sleeps with prior to marriage, the less quality
of life they can expect to have in marriage. This also goes for people who
shack up prior to marriage; even among those whose only sexual partner
has been the person they eventually marry. People who have been through
a divorce, or who had shacked up with someone before meeting their
current spouse, were also less likely to have a high-quality marriage."

255) 1Ths 4:6 . . and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or
take advantage of him.

"this matter" refers to adultery.

†. Heb 13:4 . . Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed
kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

Christians commit adultery with Christians? Haw! Does that even need to be
answered? Of course they do; and it goes on all the time, even among
church heavies; who by all rights should be setting the example for the rank
and file.

My wife was once friends with the wife of a counselor in a very big church in
San Diego. She confided with my wife (on the QT of course) that it was
amazing the number of church officers and their wives who were messing
around. She couldn't reveal their names of course due to privacy
considerations.

256) 1Ths 4:6-8 . . God has called us to be holy, not to live impure lives.
Anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human rules but
is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

God's rules are the edicts of a monarch; and He expects compliance; but
because people hear His rules as hear-say rather than straight from the
horse's mouth, they quite naturally tend to be scofflaws.

257) 1Ths 4:11a . . Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your
own business

†. Pro 26:17 . . Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who
meddles in a quarrel not his own.

In other words: DON'T get in the middle of disagreements that don't concern
you. People resent that. You'll just end up taking sides and that is a really
unwise thing to do because you'll make unnecessary enemies like that. Even
someone who was once your very best friend can become alienated from
you if you take a side against them in a matter that's none of your business.

258) 1Ths 4:11b-12 . . and to work with your own hands, just as we
instructed you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders; and
so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

In times of economic stress, such as the one the USA is experiencing these
days due to the 2008 Wall Street collapse, downsizing, wage reductions,
corporations expatriating for tax advantages and/or outsourcing and moving
their manufacturing offshore to take advantage of cheap labor and skimpy
government controls; a pretty large percentage of America's employable
Christians are out of work not because they are lazy free-loaders; but
because their opportunities for full time work with decent wages and benefits
are steadily declining.

So tread lightly when services like SNAP, TANF, Unemployment Benefits, etc
come up in conversations. Innocent people's feeling might get hurt if you
become too critical of those kinds of social services. And don't ever assume
that you are immune to poverty. It can happen to anyone; even overnight
and then you'll be looking around for assistance; maybe even from the very
agencies that you at one time thought were below you.

259) 1Ths 4:18 . .Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Below are the words to which Paul referred :

†. 1Ths 4:13-11 . . Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those
who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We
believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring
with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own
word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of
the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

. . . For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command,
with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the
dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will
be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
And so we will be with the Lord forever.

None of our circumstances are permanent; none, because Christ's followERs
are on their way to something better; and bumps in the road are not the end
of the road; they're just inconveniences.

===========================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #169

-
260) 1Ths 5:5-6 . . We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So
then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self
controlled.

Is it possible for a Christian to be asleep at the wheel? Yes, absolutely or
why else would Paul encourage his friends to remain wide-awake and bushy
tailed?

†. Mark 4:18-19 . . Others are like seed sown among thorns: they hear the
word; but are distracted by the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth;
and longings for other things come in and choke the word, making it
unfruitful.

Well, the lesson is obvious. Christians ought not to be distracted by worldly
pursuits to such an extent that the day about which the Lord spoke comes
as a big disappointment. No; they ought to be glad to see it rather than be
all broken up about it because like it nor not; Christians take no more out
with them than the lost when they leave this sphere. So try not to get too
attached.

†. 1Tim 6:7 . . For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we
can carry nothing out.

261) 1Ths 5:8 . . Since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled,
putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a
helmet.

The hope of salvation isn't a wishing hope, nor is it a hope-for-the-best
hope, nor a cross-your-fingers hope. The koiné Greek word is elpis (el
pece') which means to anticipate with pleasure and confident expectation.
Anticipation is way different than wishing. When a daddy loads up the car
with wife and kids for a day at Six Flags, his family is no longer wishing he'd
take them there. No, they're in the car and on the way. They no longer wish,
but are now looking forward to having a day of great fun, food, and
excitement. That's elpis hope.

262) 1Ths 5:11 . . Therefore encourage one another, and build each other
up, just as in fact you are doing.

Building believers up is just the opposite of tearing them down. Those in
Galatia were busy doing just that.

†. Gal 5:15 . . But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be
not consumed one of another!

263) 1Ths 5:12-13a . . Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who
work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.

Real men respect real men. When church officers are mice; then 1Ths 5:12
13a becomes a challenge for real men to obey; but regardless; comply they
must.

†. Heb 13:17 . . Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit
yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account,
that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for
you.

I would say that if the officers in your church are just too impossible for you
to respect then it's time to abandon ship. Don't mutiny though because
mutiny is just as much a sin as heresy. The rank and file aren't called to
reform church officers; but to cooperate with them. If they can't cooperate
with them; then I sincerely believe the rank and file should leave and find a
church where they can because the Lord isn't pleased with grudging
compliance; but rather with whole-hearted compliance.

============================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #170

-
264) 1Ths 5:13b . . Live in peace with each other.

The category of peace Paul is talking about is social; viz: harmony in
personal relations. The Hippies and the peace-nics failed to achieve peace
primarily because they couldn't be civil among themselves unless they were
high on mood-altering drugs.

Peace can be defined as: calm, pacific, tranquil, at rest, quiet, and free of
trouble and strife.

A lack of peace is characterized by quarrelling, vendettas, hostility,
grudging, fault finding, nit picking, chafing, competition, rivalry, cold
shouldering, factions, taking sides, cliques, disorder, fighting, conflict,
struggles, et al.

One of the keynotes of Messiah's kingdom is peace. (Isa 9:6-7)

265) 1Ths 5:14 . . And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly

The koiné Greek word for "unruly" is ataktos (at-ak'-toce) which means:
irregular; viz: out of order; disorderly. Unruly people are like kindergartners;
but that's to be expected from their age group: little kids are disruptive,
they're boisterous, they antagonize each other, they don't listen, they talk
out of turn, they're impulsive, they can't stay in their seats, and they meddle
and can't mind their own business.

But when I see four supposedly adult women on television like "The View"
throwing hissy fits and walking off the set, and/or talking out of turn; and
spontaneously interrupting each other in mid sentence-- sometimes all four
speaking at once --I have to wonder. When people in church act like that,
you don’t get harmony, no, all you get is dissonance, a failure to
communicate, shot nerves, and a rather annoying cacophony; which, if
perchance some of those attending church with you are autistic, can cause
them to undergo a panic attack.

Meetings, like Congress and Labor Unions, are often "called to order" which
means it's time to settle down, be quiet, get in your seats, and follow
procedure. If you wish to speak, the Chair will "recognize" you. If the Chair
has not yet recognized you, then for harmony's sake stay in your seat and
bite your tongue till it does.

The Bible has somewhat to say about peace.

†. 1Cor 14:33 . . For God is not a god of disorder but of peace.

†. Jas 3:17-18 . . The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;
then peace-loving, considerate, and submissive. Peacemakers who sow in
peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

†. Matt 5:9 . . Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be known as
God's kin.

†. Rom 8:5-9 . . For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the
flesh; but they that are after the Spirit mind the things of the Spirit. For to
be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is peace.

†. Gal 5:22-25 . .The fruit of The Spirit is peace and self control.

Rom 8:5-9 and Gal 5:22-25 easily explain why so many internet Christians
are hostile, reactive, emotional, confrontational, unkind, judgmental, unable
to turn the other cheek, and antagonistic. It's because they're carnal rather
than spiritual; viz: they're swine Christians rather than holy Christians and
that's why their words are typically fighting words rather than gracious
words that build people up rather than tearing them down.

†. 1Cor 3:3-4 . . For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you,
are you not carnal and behaving like ordinary men?

†. Mark 9:50 . . Salt is good: but if the salt have lost its saltiness, with what
will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with
another.

==========================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #171

-
266) 1Ths 5:14c . . Encourage the discouraged

In order to obey that directive, it's necessary to become personal with the
people with whom you attend church. Too many Christians are like little
islands of humanity in church. They warm a pew on Sunday morning and
then get up and leave without bothering to spend even one minute mingling.
They don't attend Sunday school because in Sunday school you meet
people-- you associate with them; you get to know them, and they get to
know you. As disagreeable as that might be for private types of Christians,
Sunday school is the best place to go for encouragement and support.

But even Sunday schools have their problems. If the class size is enormous,
then you will be swallowed up and no more visible than a termite in the floor
boards. Look for small classes; especially those where the people sit around
tables rather than in rows of chairs. You get to meet people around tables,
while rows of chairs tend to isolate people from one another.

And don't forget your church's pastors, deacons, and elders. They need
encouragement and support too just like anybody else. Don't ever assume
your leaders are rocks who don't need anybody. No, they're only human,
and if they're truly humble, they'll really appreciate your interest in their
welfare-- usually.

I once complimented a young speaker at a men's breakfast about the lecture
he delivered that morning. He glared at me with daggers-- his mouth a tight
grimace, his eyes narrow slits of hate and suspicion --and turned away
without speaking a single word in response. That young man's reaction took
me by surprise; chilling me to the bone and causing me to forget everything
he said that day up in front. Obviously he was a rock in his own mind and
insulted by encouragement from the audience. Well, I kept my distance from
then on. God pity a church with people like that on staff.

267) 1Ths 5:14d . . Be patient with all men.

Most of us are selective with our patience. But the Lord mandates patience
with "all" men, not just favorites. This relates to the directive that
commands believers to value others as better than themselves. (Php 2:2-3)

268) 1Ths 5:15 . . See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever
follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Christian conduct isn't a temporary uniform kept in the closet just for
Sunday mornings like the rather odd patrons who wear costumes at Star
Trek conventions. No, Christian conduct is every-day wear: in the home, on
the job, at school, at the beach, at the mall, at the park, at the beach, in
restaurants, in amusement centers, at the zoo, at the circus, et al; in other
words: ever-followed; not just at church on Sunday morning.

269) 1Ths 5:16 . . Rejoice evermore.

"evermore" doesn't mean some of the time, nor most of the time; but
rather, it means all the time.

270) 1Ths 5:17 . . pray continually

The koiné Greek word for "continually" is adialeiptos (ad-ee-al-ipe'-toce)
which means : uninterruptedly; viz: without omission. Webster's defines
omission as: 1) something neglected or left undone, and 2) apathy toward,
or neglect of, duty.

Believers who pray seldom, or not at all, are like a young man in the military
who never writes home until his parents complain about his silence. I wrote
home so infrequently when I was in the US Army back in the 1960's that my
dad finally threatened to contact my company commander about it. (I
thought that rather out of character for my dad since he never really cared
anything about what I was doing all the years when I lived at home.)

You know, I have to admit, that even if I had a red phone installed in my
home with a direct line to God's desk, it would gather cobwebs from lack of
use. I sometimes suspect that's one of the reasons trouble comes our way.
It's to provoke some of us to call home.

It's not that I don't like God; it's just that all my life I've been conditioned to
feel peripheral, and important to no one. My natural siblings are just the
opposite. They have always perceived themselves at the center of the
universe-- essential to its existence --while I have always perceived myself
as not even belonging in the universe; let alone being at its center and/or
having anything to do with its existence.

One evening, while attending a single's group at church back in the 1970's,
the leader of the group went around the room asking each of us to name
something special about ourselves. I could not think of a single thing; while
another in the room said everything about themselves was special. They
weren't being vain; they were being honest. That fortunate person had a
very good self image and a healthy appreciation for their own worth.

It's very difficult for Christians like myself to believe that Christ's Father has
any real interest in us. We have always believed ourselves ostracized,
unnecessary, marginal, unwanted, and unimportant-- but we're used to it so
it's no big deal.

But feelings of unimportance are a handicap: not just in life, but in the
spiritual realm too. It is just about nigh unbearable for believers like myself
to comply with 1Ths 5:17 since we simply cannot believe ourselves missed
by anyone; especially Christ's Father who we believe in our hearts must
certainly prefer the company of people far more interesting than ourselves.
But that command applies to everybody whether we think God cares or not.
All must comply; no exceptions.

======================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #172

-
271) 1Ths 5:18 . . Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for
you in Christ Jesus.

The koiné Greek word for "give thanks" is eucharisteo (yoo-khar-is-teh'-o)
which means to be grateful. This goes much deeper than just common
courtesy. Appreciation is an attitude; which Webster's defines as: to value or
admire highly.

They say every cloud has a silver lining. Whether that's so or not matters
little as one should never let disagreeable circumstances make them bitter
and resentful towards the Bible's God; for example:

†. Job 1:20-22 . .Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and
he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: Naked I came from my
mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. Yhvh gave and Yhvh has
taken away. Blessed be the name of Yhvh. Through all this Job did not sin
nor did he condemn God.

†. Hab 3:17-18 . . Although the fig tree fails to blossom, neither shall fruit
be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no
food; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in
the stalls: yet I will rejoice in Yhvh, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Regardless of what the unbelieving world may say, think, or feel about the
Bible's God, the one thing He's done for me that I will always sincerely
appreciate is donate His one and only son towards rescuing my soul from a
terrible fate.

†. John 3:16-17 . . For God so cared for the world that He sacrificed His only
Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal
life. For God didn't send His son into the world to condemn it, but to rescue
it.

272) 1Ths 5:19 . . Quench not the Spirit.

The koiné Greek word for "quench" is sbennumi (sben'-noo-mee) which
means: to extinguish.

When we put out the lights nowadays, we do it with a mechanical device like
a switch or a circuit breaker because they're electric. But in those days, all
illumination was produced by fire, e.g. oil, pitch, wood, and/or candles. I
think it goes without saying that when a believer has managed to extinguish
the Spirit; they're walking in the dark; which throws them out of sync with
God.

†. 1John 1:6 . . If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in
the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth

Fellowship has nothing to do with heaven and/or hell. Fellowship is related to
the nature of a believer's association with the paterfamilias of the family of
God. For example, a rebellious teen-ager may not be getting along with its
parents, but the mom and dad are still that teen-ager's parents regardless,
The nature of the family's association may be temporarily dysfunctional but
no amount of bad behavior can undo the family as kin-- ever.

273) 1Ths 5:20 . . Do not despise prophecies.

Webster's defines "despise" as (1) to look down on with contempt, loathing,
or aversion, (2) to regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful, and (3) to
regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration.

The Old Testament is specifically stated to be useful to Christians.

†. Luke 24:44-45 . . He said to them: This is what I told you while I was
still with you : Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the
Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. Then he opened their minds so
they could understand the Scriptures.

†. Rom 15:4 . .Whatever things were written before, were written for our
learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might
have hope.

Pastors, especially, should devote some of their time to studying the Old
Testament.

†. 2Tim 3:16-17 . . All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished
unto all good works.

Worldly Christians are prone to put far more value on showy spirituality like
tongues than they do on preaching; which is actually a sign of immaturity
and a lack of appreciation for skills that really matter.

I think some Christians, if offered a choice between being a soloist in the
choir, or an effective Sunday school teacher, would choose being the soloist
because that's more glamorous than teaching; but if the Lord were given the
same choice, he would choose teaching. (e.g. Luke 10:38-41)

274) 1Ths 5:20-22 . . Evaluate everything carefully; hold fast to that which
is good; abstain from every form of evil.

I often see Christians parrot "By their fruits you shall know them". But they
seem unaware that fruit inspectors require specialized training before they're
qualified to distinguish between the good fruit from the bad fruit. Worldly
Christians especially are in no condition to discern between good and bad
because they've quenched the Spirit and walk in the dark. To a worldly
Christian that which is good is bad, and that which is bad is good.
Subsequently, they do just the opposite of Paul's directive: they abstain
from good rather than bad; and then wonder why the paterfamilias of the
family of God is a stranger.

275) 1Ths 5:25 . . Brethren, pray for us.

The pronoun "us" refers to Paul and his associates; but could just as easily
apply to anyone who represents Christ; e.g. evangelists, missionaries,
pastors, deacons, Sunday school teachers, and elders.

======================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #173

-
276) 1Ths 5:26 . . Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

Kissing was a common form of greeting in the old world, and still is in some
places today. Kissing is risky though because it can easily turn from holy
kissing into sensual kissing. I'd say let your own culture be your guide in this
area. The kiss itself isn't really mandatory anyway, it's the greeting that
counts; and believers are to greet all the brethren, not just their favorites.
Don't be a snob.

277) 1Ths 5:26 . . I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the
brethren.

None of the epistles are "eyes only" for the big shots in church. All church
members are supposed to have access to them, and expected to know
what's in them. How else are they to evaluate everything carefully, and hold
fast to that which is good, and abstain from every form of evil if they aren't
given access to the epistles?

The gospel conveys sinners into the family of God, while the epistles instruct
the family how to behave as family members; so you can see that the epistles
have a very important role in the lives of believers.

†. 1Tim 3:14-15 . . I am writing these things to you now-- even though I
hope to be with you soon --so that if I can't come for a while, you will know
how people must conduct themselves in the household of God.

======================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #174

-
278) 2Ths 2:1-2 . . Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not
soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by
letter as from us, that the day of Christ is at hand.

The "day of Christ" can be defined as all that terrible stuff that's to take
place in the book of Revelation. Paul is saying that Christ's followers need
not be nervous about any of that because they aren't slated to be destroyed,
but rather, to be spared.

†. 1Thes 1:10 . .Wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the
dead, that is Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.

†. 1Thes 5:9-10 . . For God has not destined us for wrath, but for
obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that
whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.

279) 2Ths 2:3-4 . . Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall
not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be
revealed, the son of perdition; who opposes and exalts himself above all that
is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of
God, presenting himself that he is God.

One of the salient features of the day of Christ is that there will be a
one-world religion. All currently known forms of religion will be banned upon
penalty of death. That means Christianity in all its Protestant and Catholic
forms and denominations will be illegal; as well as Islam, Mormonism,
Baha'i, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Scientology, et al, and even atheism
and agnosticism-- everybody will be required to worship that man of sin; the
son of perdition.

The koiné Greek word for "falling away" is apostasia (ap-os-tas-ee'-ah)
which means: defection from truth; viz: apostasy. This is not the same as
heresy. An heretic stays with a church and undermines its unity by subtly
introducing unapproved doctrines; while an apostate doesn't stay, but
instead totally renounces a church and walks away; sort of like a Catholic
switching over to Protestantism; and vice/versa.

In the future; people will apostatize to save their skins and here's why:

†. Rev 13:11-15 . . And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and
he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. And he exercises
all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth
and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was
healed. And he performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down
out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men.

. . . And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs
which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those
who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound
of the sword and has come to life. And there was given to him to give breath
to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast might even speak and
cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

In my opinion, the man to fear is not the first beast, but the second because
of his miraculous powers. Anyway since no one on earth at present has
fulfilled any of those predictions, then it's a safe bet that the day of Christ
isn't in progress yet so don't worry about it. In point of fact, believers are
commanded to abstain from worrying about it.

280) 2Ths 2:15 . . So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions
which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

The "traditions" to which Paul refers are in two categories: (1) word of
mouth, and (2) in writing. Seeing as how Paul and his contemporaries are no
longer available for personal appearances, then the only reliable traditions in
existence are the ones they left us in writing; viz: their letters; those written
by Paul, Peter, John, James, and Jude.

======================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #175

-
281) 2Ths 3:6-10 . . In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command
you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live
according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know
how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with
you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it.

. . . On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that
we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not
have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you
to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man
will not work, he shall not eat."

People unemployed due to circumstances beyond their control are exempt
from that directive. It specifically targets what we here in the USA call a
bum: which Webster's defines as someone who sponges off others not
because they can't find work; but because they have an aversion to work;
viz: they avoid work as if it were an inconvenient imposition on their leisure
time.

282) 2Ths 3:11-13 . .We hear that some among you are idle. They are not
busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord
Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you,
brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

Some might not think that holding down a job qualifies as worship but it
certainly does. Working for a living is categorized as "doing what is right".
So then, since the fruit of The Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and
truth (Eph 5:8-9) then working for a living is Spirit-worthy.

283) 2Ths 3:14 . . If anyone does not obey our commands in this letter,
take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may
feel ashamed.

Back then when churches were small enough to meet in homes rather than
auditoriums that seat hundreds of people, it was easy to keep an eye on
Christ's followers and hold their feet to the fire. Nowadays, forget it.
Churches sizes are such that management hasn't a clue what's going on in
the lives of their membership roles. As a result, modern churches are
permeated with conduct unbecoming.

284) 2Ths 3:15 . .Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a
brother.

Mandated consequences were usually for the purpose of discipline; viz: child
rearing. So when officers ostracize one of Christ's followers, the
congregation should keep in mind that the errant follower is one of their
own: a sibling around the table in God's home. So wayward followers
shouldn't be permanently culled from the herd as if they're the devil in
disguise. They aren't devils; no, they're just naughty kids deserving a
whipping. (cf. 2Cor 2:6-11)

======================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #176

-
285) 1Tim 1:3-5 . . As I urged you when I went into Macedonia-- remain in
Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor
give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather
than godly edification which is in faith.

The epistles of Timothy and Titus are sometimes called the pastoral epistles
because Paul's instructions target mainly church managers rather than
congregations.

The "no other doctrine" is the information he mentioned in another letter.

†. 2Ths 2:15 . . So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions
which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

It was one of Christ's last wishes that his church be unified.

†. John 17:11 . . And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the
world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those
whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

The sphere of Christianity today isn't unified; and actually, hasn't been since
the first century. Even while the apostles were still alive, even in their own
day, professing Christians were already breaking away and starting apostate
movements (e.g. Gal 1:6-9, 1Tim 1:3-4, 2Tim 2:15-18, 1John 2:18-19, Jud
1:17-19). And churches were infested with counterfeit believers (2Cor
11:13, 2Cor 11:26, Gal 2:4, 2Pet 2:1, 1John 4:1). It's just amazing how
soon that happened.

Somewhere within Christianity's world of chaos is Christ's unified church.
One denomination says it's theirs, while another says it's theirs. Christianity
truly is a world of confusion because not every church's managers are
standing firm and holding to the traditions taught in the New Testament
letters.

286) 1Tim 2:1-5 . . I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all
who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all
godliness and reverence.

The purpose of blanket prayers is not for the benefit of the people about
whom we pray, but for our own benefit that "we" may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

As an example: should believers pray that President Obama govern with
wisdom? No, that would be a total waste of perfectly good prayer time. Mr.
Obama is a politician. He doesn't have the option to govern with wisdom.
Rather, pray that God block the efforts of Mr. Obama's administration to
pass laws and/or initiate programs, executive orders, and policies that make
it that much more difficult for Christ's followers to serve him faithfully and
effectively.

======================================

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #177

-
287) 1Tim 2:8-9 . . I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting
up holy hands, without wrath and evil thoughts.

Holy hands are hands dedicated to serving Christ faithfully, loyally, and
effectively. Other kinds of hands should be kept at one's side till such a time
as they qualify as holy.

The koiné Greek word for "wrath" is orge (or-gay') which means: hot desire.
Orge is sometimes translated anger, indignation, and vengeance. The idea is
that a believer should never pray out of spite and/or use prayer as a tool to
hurt somebody's feelings. That is the ugliest abuse of the privilege of prayer
that I can possibly imagine. In my opinion, people who pray out of spite are
no different than slanderers, witches, sorcerers and voodoo priests.
Especially annoying are people who can't keep a civil tongue in their heads,
and then have the nerve to say "you're in our prayers"

288) 1Tim 2:9-10 . . In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in
modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or
gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becomes women professing piety)
with good works.

Women are not exempt from the directive to abstain from wrath and evil
thoughts. And their hands ought to be holy hands too; viz: doing good
instead of up to no good.

Some folk, obsessed with asceticism, use that verse to prove it's wrong for
women to use cosmetics and dress themselves in current fashions. But the
passage doesn't forbid that. What it forbids is a woman putting a higher
priority on her appearance than her character

The old adage "You can't judge a book by its cover" applies here as well as
in literature. I've met women with tattoos, studs in their tongues,
multicolored hair, fishnet stockings, outrageous earrings, tight-fitting concert
tee shirts, low-slung hip huggers, and black lipstick that were really peaches
while I've met dignified, neatly dressed women with horrible personalities.
They say a rose in any language is still a rose; yeah, well, a pig, no matter
how it's dressed, is still a pig whether in belly shirts and flip-flops or haute
couture.

†. Prv 11:22 . . An attractive woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring
in a pig's snout. (cf. 1Pet 3:1-6)

The koiné Greek word for "shamefacedness" is aidos (ahee-doce') which
means: bashfulness; which is just the opposite of insolence, impudence, and
brazenness. Bashful people have a hard time looking people in the eye
because they are so shy, non-confrontational, timid, self conscious, and non
assertive. What we're looking at here relates to one of the Lord's beatitudes.

†. Matt 5:3 . . Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.

That beatitude was taken from the book of Isaiah.

†. Isa 66:2 . .But on this one will I look: on him who is of a poor and
contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.

The koine word for "sobriety" is sophrosune (so-fros-oo'-nay) which means
soundness of mind; viz: sane, composed, and self controlled. A woman in
the throes of hysteria, passionate rage, door-slamming, or a hissy fit does
not quality a sophrosune.

======================================

 

[ChristInUs]

not in to reading books to night make your statement in 4 sentences or less please.

 

[WebersHome]

Continued From #178

-
289) 1Tim 2:11 . . Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire
submissiveness.

The koiné Greek word for "quietly" is hesuchia (hay-soo-khee'-ah) which
mean: stillness; viz: desistance from bustle or language.

The submissiveness Paul is talking about is not abject servitude; but rather,
deference to male primogeniture.

290) 1Tim 2:12-15 . . I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority
over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and
then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being
quite deceived, fell into transgression.

In the "my" church of Matt 16:18, male Christians are the gender designated
to captain the ships; not the females. I pity a church supervised by female
managers and pastors. Why? Because it tells me that Christ is not active in
that church providing it with the tools the congregation needs in order to
serve him faithfully, loyally, and effectively. The men in that church need to
lift up holy hands and pray that Christ send them males to replace the
females; and if not, then the men should evacuate-- now! --while they can.

291) 1Tim 2:15 . . Women shall be preserved through the bearing of
children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

In other words, it isn't necessary for women to be church managers and
pastors in order to serve Christ faithfully, loyally, and effectively.
Homemaking is just as high a calling as any in church.

Can a female church manager or a pastor; continue in faith, love, and
sanctity with self-restraint? In point of fact, it is a non sequitur to say a
female church manager or pastor continues in faith. If she did, she would be
neither a church manager nor a pastor. This is precisely why God rejected
Cain's offering: it wasn't offered in faith. (Gen 4:7, Heb 11:4)

292) 1Tim 3:2a . . An overseer, then, must be above reproach

The koiné Greek word for "overseer" is episkopos (ep-is'-kop-os) which
means: a superintendent; viz: a church's highest officer-- the senior pastor.

Pastors of modern churches aren't really pastors in the true Biblical sense;
they're actually church managers. A true pastor is essentially a shepherd;
which is totally different (and somewhat rare too). In point of fact, pastors
no longer supervise churches at all, boards do and pastors are merely
employees; viz: hirelings.

To tell the truth, I'm afraid of today's career pastors; I don't trust them, and
do my best to avoid them because I don't feel safe in their presence; which
is very abnormal. If there's anybody on God's green earth that the Lord's
sheep should be able to trust, it's their local shepherd; but far too many
church managers today regard their congregations as numbers rather than
responsibilities.

Why must pastors be above reproach? Because the work they do is a "good"
work (1Tim 3:1) but much good can be ruined by even a little wickedness.

†. Ecc 10:1 . . Dead insects will cause even a bottle of perfume to stink! Yes,
an ounce of foolishness can outweigh a pound of wisdom and honor.

Before the wonders of modern chemistry, perfumes were made (and many
still are) from animal and vegetable sources. Those, being 100% organic in a
time when chemical preservatives didn't exists, could spoil if the perfumer
wasn't careful to keep his product protected from exposure to temperature,
insects, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants. All the skills and patience
and knowledge exercised in the making of expensive ointments could be
completely annulled by simply forgetting to put the cap (or the cork;
whatever) back on a jar.

Anyway, Ecc 10:1 certainly rings true in this day and age as the Roman
Catholic Church's credibility steadily diminishes because of its ongoing
pedophilia scandals and the hierarchy's deplorable cover-ups.

======================================