Walking With Christ

Webers.Home · Dec 14, 2021

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• 2Thess 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.
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Friend · Dec 15, 2021

I want to take the ride on the cloud up to Heaven

Jesus will be saying “Come up Here!” so we can get out of this place

Jesus has a mystery and says "the seven lampstands are the seven churches"

Rev 1:20 “As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches

Jesus says He "walks among the seven golden lamp stands"

Rev 2:1“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:

Now Jesus is saying He "has the Seven Spirits of God". We see where they come from and where they go.

Rev 3:1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

There is a door open in heaven and a Voice like a trumpet "Says Come Up Here"
"After These Things"

Rev 4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.

After a reception of lightning and thunder Seven Lamps of Fire appear in front of the throne; and look what it says they are. Now the lamps that were on earth are before the throne, and do you remember what Jesus said the lamps were: that's right He said they were the churches; But now they are being called the Seven Spirits of God. And it just keeps getting better.

Rev 4:5 Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God

Let's do a little review: Jesus said that the seven golden lamps on earth are the churches. Then after a voice like the sound of trumpet says come up here, and after a reception of lightning and thunder coming out from the throne: now the seven lamps are in heaven, but now they are being called the Seven Spirit of God. So you can look at the previous verse to see that it's all true. But move forward is the greatest thing we could ever see. So now we know the Seven Spirits of God are the Seven Churches.

Rev 5:6 And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, that were sent out into all the earth.

So there we have it. The greatest thing one could ever imagine: Right there in the Head of the Lamb is Seven Eyes that are said to be the Seven Spirits of God that were sent out into ALL THE EARTH. So We are on The Throne Just As Jesus Promised We would be. Therefore, We are Raptured off of the Earth and seated on Our throne, Immediately before all the Murder and Mayhem begins.

Below is the Promise.

Rev 3:21-22 ‘He who overcomes, I will grant to Him to sit down with Me on My throne, just as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Dan 7:13“I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, One like a Son of Man was coming on the clouds of heaven. And He came up to be presented before the Ancient of Days.

People ask where the Rapture is in the old Testament. It's in the Little Book/Daniel where we see many aspects of Revelations.

Rev 3:22 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.’”

Webers.Home · Dec 15, 2021

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• 2Thess 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.

I'm pretty sure that the "brothers" in that passage are church officers seeing
as how it speaks of "some among you" which would indicate the
congregation.

Some might not think that holding down a job qualifies as Christianity but it
certainly does, especially when working for a living is categorized as "doing
what is right".

"Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right
is righteous, just as he is righteous." (1John 3:7)
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Webers.Home · Dec 16, 2021

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• 2Thess 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 cells meeting in private homes rather
than auditoriums seating hundreds of people, it was easy for church officers
to hold their congregation's feet to the fire. Nowadays, forget it. Church
sizes are such that officers haven't a clue what's going on in the lives of their
membership roles. As a result, modern churches are permeated with conduct
unbecoming.

"Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." (2Thess
3:15)

Mandatory consequences were usually for the purpose of discipline; viz:
child rearing. So when officers ostracize one of Christ's followers, they
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 that deserve grounding, so to
speak. (cf. 2Cor 2:6-11)
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Webers.Home · Dec 17, 2021

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• 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.

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

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

"by letter" would of course include 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus; and all the other
epistles too, including Peter's, James', John's, and Jude's.
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Webers.Home · Dec 18, 2021

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

Lifting up one's hands is the posture of an anxious beggar seeking charity
and compassion. Holy hands are loyal hands. Other kinds of hands should be
kept at one's side till such a time as they qualify as true blue, thru and thru.

The 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"
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Webers.Home · Dec 19, 2021

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• 1Tim 2:8-9 . . 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.

The Greek 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, misandry, door-slamming, or a hissy
fit doesn't fit the definition.

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 elegant, 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.

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

The Greek word for "shamefacedness" is aidos (ahee-doce') which means:
bashfulness, i.e. diffidence; 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.

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

That's a very comforting beatitude because it confirms that there's coming a
day when difficult people will be eradicated.
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Webers.Home · Dec 20, 2021

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• 1Tim 2:11 . . Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire
submissiveness.

The Greek word for "submissiveness" is hupotage (hoop-ot-ag-ay') which
basically refers to subordination.

Hupotgage appears in a number of applications. In Matt 22:12 the word
means tongue tied. In Mark 4:39 it means calm down. In 1Tim 5:18 it infers
suppression. In 1Tim 2:15 it means to negate, i.e. render invalid and/or
unworthy of consideration.

During my 78 years on this planet; I've encountered quite a few women that
enjoy debating with men; and especially pointing out men's faults and/or
proving men wrong. I don't know why they're like that, I guess it's just a
female thing. But Christ doesn't allow it.

If 1Tim 2:11 is telling me anything at all it's that Christ doesn't want to see
Christian women debating, quarreling, or arguing with men in church; and
that includes Sunday school discussions. In point of fact, according to 1Cor
14:35, women aren't even allowed to raise their hands and ask a question.

Gender equality is a big issue out in the world; but God forbid it should
become an issue in church because Divine opinions trump human opinions.

"Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted
on the earth." (Ps 16:11)
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Webers.Home · Dec 21, 2021

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• 1Tim 2:12-15 . . I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority
over a man, but to remain quiet.

The "my church" that Christ spoke of at Matt 16:18 isn't meant to be steered
by personal opinions, popular culture, and/or political correctness. He has
some say about it and his say is the final word.

In the "my church" of Matt 16:18, males are the gender designated to
captain the ships; not the females. I don't trust 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 grow in strength and maturity per Eph 4:11-16.
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Webers.Home · Dec 22, 2021

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• 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 pastors, deacons, and/or
adult Sunday school teachers 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 was a perfectly good offering, and no doubt Cain had
brought God the very same thing in the past, but God rejected it that time
because that's the one time that Cain failed to offer it in faith. (Gen 4:7, Heb
11:4)
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Webers.Home · Dec 23, 2021

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

The Greek word for "overseer" is episkopos (ep-is'-kop-os) which basically
refers to supervisors.

Why must they 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.

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

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 Christendom's
credibility steadily diminishes because of its ongoing morality scandals,
embezzling, and deplorable cover-ups.
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Webers.Home · Dec 24, 2021

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• 1Tim 3:2b . . the husband of one wife

That directive is a bit ambiguous. Some feel it says that a church officer can
have only one wife at a time; viz: not a polygamist; while others feel it says
that he can be married only once in a lifetime; viz: not a widower or a
divorced man.

Whichever; the rule here in 1Tmothy is limited to the home life of church
officers, so it would be wrong to force this verse upon the rank and file.
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Webers.Home · Dec 25, 2021

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An overseer must also be:

• 1Tim 3:2c . . temperate

This kind of temperance relates to a personality that's self controlled,
sensible, disciplined, levelheaded, avoiding extremes of behavior or
expression, i.e. observing reasonable limits.
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Webers.Home · Dec 26, 2021

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An overseer must also be:

• 1Tim 3:2d . . prudent

The Greek word for "prudent" is sophron (so'-frone) which means: having a
sound mind; viz: rational, reasonable, and sensible as opposed to emotional
and reactive.
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Webers.Home · Dec 27, 2021

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An overseer must also be:

• 1Tim 3:2e . . respectable

The word for "respectable" is kosmios (kos'-mee-os) which means: orderly,
viz: decorous.

Webster's defines decorous as marked by propriety; viz: correct; and
exhibiting good taste in conduct, language, or appearance. A decorous
person is-- among other things --neat, tidy, well-mannered, well-groomed,
and polite. They bathe often too.
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Webers.Home · Dec 28, 2021

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An overseer must also be:

• 1Tim 3:2f . . hospitable

The word for "hospitable" is philoxenos (fil-ox'-en-os) which means: fond of
guests.

In other words, church officers shouldn't be hermit types, or friendless
loners preferring solitude. Not that there's anything wrong with hermits and
loners; it's just that church officers are supposed to be shepherds, which
requires them to associate with the sheep entrusted to their care. A man
who doesn't mingle easily and comfortably really should consider taking a
position in church where he doesn't have to meet the public.
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Webers.Home · Dec 29, 2021

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An overseer must also be:

• 1Tim 3:2g . . apt to teach

"apt to teach" is from the word didaktikos (did-ak-tik-os') which means:
instructive ("didactic")

That word is tricky. It's sometimes translated "able to teach". That's okay I
guess, but I suspect didaktikos actually refers to role models, i.e. people
whose manner of life exemplifies Christianity. In other words; their teaching
is in shoe leather rather than only in a classroom.
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Webers.Home · Dec 30, 2021

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An overseer must also be:

• 1Tim 3:3a . . not addicted to wine

Church officers aren't forbidden alcohol; just too much alcohol.

"No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your
stomach and your frequent ailments." (1Tim 5:23)

A "little" wine can lead to a lot for someone with a predilection to over
imbibe. For people like that, it's best to avoid wine altogether rather than
risk becoming a candidate for AA.

For church officers with health issues, I suggest consulting a doctor because
there are much better treatments available in our day than there were back
then.
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Webers.Home · Dec 31, 2021

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An overseer must also be:

• 1Tim 3:3b . . not pugnacious

Webster's defines pugnacious as: militant, defensive, warlike, combative,
pushy, assertive, intimidating, scrappy, and belligerent.

Some men are natural-born bullies and others are ready to "take it outside"
at every challenge. With them, turning the other cheek is not an option.
Well; you sure don't want personalities like that on the board of your church
and/or helming a pulpit. Heaven forbid!!!
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Webers.Home · Jan 1, 2022

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An overseer must also be:

• 1Tim 3:3c . . gentle, non contentious

A good church officer isn't what might be called shrinking; but rather, he's
an affable, courageous man who selects his conflicts carefully.

For some people, every disagreement is an act of war: they're assertive,
demanding, reactive, defensive, and confrontational not just some of the
time; but all the time. A gentle man is not so quick to draw his guns at the
slightest provocation.

A gentle, non contentious man is a good choice to chair a Sunday school
class because there's always at least one or more hecklers, fault-finders,
and/or know-it-all kibitzers in the room that are sure to try his patience.
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