Walking With Christ

Webers.Home · Jun 30, 2022

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• 1Pet 5:8-9 . . Be discreet, stay alert. Your adversary, the Devil, prowls
about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour; whom resist, steadfast
in the faith

The word "discreet" is translated from the Greek word nepho (nay'-fo) which
basically means to abstain from wine. A little wine is harmless; but too much
and the first thing to go is judgment-- especially one's better judgment --and
then after that folks usually get drowsy and have to "sleep it off".

That's a pretty good figure of speech for depicting folks who've become
careless and let their guard down.

"the faith" isn't only a collection of beliefs, but also a collection of practices,
i.e. behaviors. It's likely a foregone conclusion that a Christian whose faith
consists of only beliefs is just the kind of savory meat the Devil can't resist.
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Webers.Home · Jul 1, 2022

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• 2Pet 1:5-7 . . Make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue,
knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control,
perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly
kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

All those things listed by the apostle Peter are "supplements" defined by
Webster's as things that are added.

If Peter's list is chronological, then it's evident that believers are not
supposed to start with love and work towards faith, rather they're supposed
to start with faith and work towards love, viz: unloving believers are still
believers yes, but they've plenty of room for personal improvement. Their
confidence in Christ's crucifixion as a price he paid to ransom their souls
from the wrath of God is good, but it's only the beginning; a foundation
upon which Peter urges them to accumulate the traits on his list.

The Greek word translated "virtue" is arete (ar-et'-ay) which basically refers
to the strength, and the courage, to stand for what's right.

The word for "knowledge" is gnosis (gno'-sis) which basically refers to
information obtained by teaching, instruction, and study rather than known
naturally by intuition and/or instinct.

The word for "self-control" is egkrateia (eng-krat'-i-ah) which means:
continence. The opposite of continence is incontinence; which is the
condition where a person cannot restrain their natural impulses.

The word for "perseverance" is hupomone (hoop-om-on-ay') which means:
cheerful (or hopeful) constancy. A hupomone person always keeps looking
for the light that they know is at the end of the tunnel; and even if they
can't see it for now; they fully expect to.

The word for "godliness" is eusebeia (yoo-seb'-i-ah) which means: piety;
defined by Webster's as dutifulness in religion; viz: devoutness; i.e.
dedication and/or zeal.

The word for "brotherly kindness" is philadelphia (fil-ad-el-fee'-ah) which
means fraternal affection; i.e. fondness. In these days of dysfunctional
homes in the USA, fraternal affection has no point of reference in the
thinking of some people because they've never seen it, nor ever experienced
it. Is it any wonder then that so many homes in America are producing
sociopaths, and kids with Reactive Attachment Disorder?

The word for "love" is agape (ag-ah'-pay) which may or may not contain the
elements of affection and fondness; but always contains the element of
benevolence.

Benevolent people are good folk; they're typically helpful, kind, generous,
cordial, hospitable, courteous, tolerant, sympathetic, loyal, and civil.

Agape was a sorely-missing element in my three years of service in the US
Army from 1961 to 1964. The men disliked each other; and the men disliked
the officers and non-coms; and they in turn disliked the men. Everybody
mistrusted each other and each guy had at the most only a couple of guys in
my whole 200-man unit he could lean on. That lack of agape had an impact
on unit cohesiveness and made America's enemies seem more like friends
than foes.

I really appreciate Charlie Sheen's line towards the end of the Hollywood
movie "PLATOON". It goes something like this: "I think now, looking back,
we did not fight the enemy-- we fought ourselves . . . and the enemy was in
us." That line is profound; and an excellent companion to a line in
"Terminator 2, Judgment Day" when Arnold Schwarzenegger commented to
the young John Connor: "It is in your nature to destroy yourselves."
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Webers.Home · Jul 2, 2022

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• 2Pet 3:1-2 . . Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of
which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be
mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of
the commandment of us, the apostles of The Lord and Savior.

I just don't know why so many professing Christians insist that it's
unnecessary for believers to study the Old Testament when Peter insisted
just the opposite. The Greek word for "mindful" is mimnesko (mim-nace'-ko)
which means: to recall to mind; viz: to keep in mind; to never dismiss,
discard, nor forget because the Old Testament is very handy for instruction,
for correction, and for reinforcement.

"And he said unto them: These are the words which I spoke unto you, while
I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the
law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me. Then
opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures."
(Luke 24:44-45)

The "scriptures" to which Jesus referred are those of the Old Testament
since there was as yet none compiled for the New.

"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as
warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come." (1Cor
10:11)

The "things that happened to them" refer to the adventures of Moses' people
during their forty years in the wilderness prior to entering the promised
land; which consists of the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and
Deuteronomy. Those are things that Paul says believers should know. (1Cor
10:1)

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become
convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how
from infancy you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make
you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired
by God; and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for
every good work." (2Tim 3:13-17)

Paul's instructions to his friend Timothy targeted pastors; of whom Paul says
are ill equipped to do their jobs if they don't study the Old Testament.

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that
through patience, and the counseling of the scriptures, we might have
hope." (Rom 15:4)

The Greek word for "hope" in that passage is elpis (el-pece') which doesn't
mean to cross your fingers. It means to expect; viz: to anticipate, usually
with pleasure and confidence. In other words: the believer's hope is in the
bag and that's why he can look forward to it rather than wish for it.

According to Paul, elpis hope is reinforced by studying the Old Testament so
that believers who neglect the Old Testament are more likely to suffer
doubts about their future than a believer who studies the Old just as
diligently as he studies the New. And besides, the Old and New are not two
separate Bibles, i.e. one half for Jews and one half for Gentiles; no, there is
only one Bible. and it is a continuous revelation from front to back; ergo:
people who choose the New Testament as their Bible are working with an
incomplete revelation.

But back to Peter's statement: "the commandment of us, the apostles of The
Lord and Savior." Too many Christians regard the apostles' writings in the
epistles as merely suggestions rather than divine edicts that Christ expects
to be obeyed just as much as he expects his own personal words to be
obeyed. Failure to obey the apostles' writings in the epistles is a domino
effect of insubordination all the way to the top.

"Whoever listens to you; listens to me. Whoever rejects you; rejects me.
And whoever rejects me; rejects the one who sent me." (Luke 10:16)
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Webers.Home · Jul 3, 2022

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• 2Pet 3:8-10 . . Beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is
with The Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The
Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but
is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all
should come to repentance.

. . . But the day of The Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which
the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt
with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be
burned up.

Humans have but a short time in the grand scheme of things to accomplish
their ambitions before death catches up with them and puts an end to all
their hopes and dreams.

"Who, breathing his last, returns to the earth; that day all his planning
comes to nothing." (Ps 145:4)

But God is under no such time constraints. He exists in eternity; viz: God
always was, He always is, and He always will be. As such, God is at liberty to
take as much time as He pleases to work things out.

It's theorized by a number of scientists and laymen alike that a big bang
initiated the cosmos. Well for sure a big bang will end it; and that's not a
theory: that's a divine prediction.

"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of
persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for
and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being
on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?"
(2Pet 3:11-12)

I've noticed that some people endeavor to leave themselves a legacy in the
form of all sorts of man-made structures like highways, buildings, libraries,
museums, stadiums, bridges, dams, etc. Those structures are neither
permanent nor eternal. One day; they'll all disappear in a tremendous
cataclysm: a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming
upheaval and demolition; and if matter can be created from nothing, it can
be returned to nothing.

"I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence
earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them." (Rev 20:11)
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Webers.Home · Jul 4, 2022

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• 2Pet 3:14 . .Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent
to be found by him in peace without blemish, and blameless.

Christians heavily involved in political activism and/or civil disobedience
really need to stop what they're doing because too often those pursuits are
neither conducive to peace nor even legal.

"without blemish and blameless" is humanly impossible, but because of who
and what Christ is, he can expect no less from his followers than perfection.
Besides; if we strive for excellence, instead of settling for mediocrity, we're
sure to improve ourselves.

NOTE: There is a movement at large to dumb-down scholastic standards so
that poor performers can keep up. I sure hope none of Jesus' followers apply
that kind of thinking to their spiritual life. Aim High!
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Webers.Home · Jul 5, 2022

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• 2Pet 3:17 . .You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your
guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall
from your own steadfastness,

"unprincipled" is translated from the Greek word athesmos (ath'-es-mos)
which appears in only two places in the entire New Testament; once here
and once in 2Pet 2:7 speaking of the manner of life of the people of Sodom
and Gomorrah of whom the Bible says: "The men of Sodom were wicked
exceedingly, and sinners against The Lord. (Gen 13:13)

In other words: the people of Sodom weren't just defiant; they were outright
impudent; knowing full well that their ways were offensive to God, but they
didn't care whether He liked it or not.

The Greek word translated "steadfastness" is sterigmos (stay-rig-mos')
which appears in no other place in the New Testament but right here so we
don't have other passages to compare and thus help us understand what
Peter means by it.

Sterigmos basically refers to stability; defined by Webster's as resistance to
change, i.e. the ability to withstand force or stress without being distorted,
dislodged, or damaged.

Resistance to change doesn't imply impervious to change; in other words;
it's possible to weaken the kind of steadfastness Peter was talking about.

The word for "error" is plane (plan'-ay) which means, among other things,
fraud and deception, e.g. false impressions; hopes based upon conjecture
and/or wishful thinking, false premises, and wrong ideas-- even when
innocent. Honest mistakes are still mistakes, and their consequences can be
just as serious as willful steps in the wrong direction.
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Webers.Home · Jul 6, 2022

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• 2Pet 3:18 . . Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.

A gracious person is honest, kind, courteous, inclined to good will, generous,
cheerful, reliable, trustworthy, faithful, genial, sociable, generous,
thoughtful, patient, lenient, tolerant, temperate, approachable, helpful,
peaceable, charitable, altruistic, compassionate, sympathetic, cordial,
proper, elegant, polite, genteel, reasonable, affable, agreeable, genial,
cheerful, warm, sensitive, hospitable, considerate, diplomatic, and tactful.

Why the instruction to grow in grace? Because people in Heaven are nothing
like the churlish race of brutish hominids infesting the world down here.
Heaven's society is populated with really nice folk: they're good people; the
best of the best. Unrefined behavior doesn't fit in there; it's a fish out of
water. Thoughtless clods would likely hate the place anyway; and very
definitely disgust God and annoy Him to no end.
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Webers.Home · Jul 7, 2022

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• 1John 2:24 . . Let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from
the beginning. If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain
in you, you also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

Now; the trick to abiding in Jesus Christ is to first off have at your side an
experienced Sherpa to steer you away from crevasses.

"These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to
deceive you. And as for you, the anointing which you received from him
abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as his
anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just
as it has taught you; abide in Him." (1John 2:26-27)

So then, we may conclude from 1John 2:26-27 that people lacking the
anointing:

1» Are susceptible to deception

2» Have very possibly bought into a lie and don't know it, because that's the
nature of deception: it's stealthy

3» Do not have in their possession the information one needs to abide in
Christ

4» Are not abiding in him

NOTE: Anointed Christians still need human teachers (Eph 4:11-15). But
human teachers cannot condition their students' intuition to recognize the
truth when they hear it; viz: human teachers cannot give their students' a
feel for the truth, nor can human teachers break down their students'
natural resistance to accepting the truth.
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Webers.Home · Jul 8, 2022

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• 1John 2:28 . . And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall
appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his
coming.

The shame we're looking at here likely has to do with neglect, i.e. failure to
succeed due to not even trying to do better.

Jesus had quite a bit to say about abiding in him at John 15:1-10; which is
just about an impossibility if the little children give no time to studying the
Bible either by private reading, Sunday school classes, sermons, seminars,
books, the internet, and/or radio programs.
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Webers.Home · Jul 9, 2022

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• 1John 3:11-12 . . For this is the message that you heard from the
beginning, that we should love one another-- not as Cain who was of the
wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because
his works were evil and his brother's righteous.

The "love" in that verse is translated from a Greek verb that requires neither
fondness nor affection. It's a garden variety of love that anybody can
exemplify because it's merely everyday benevolence, for example: courtesy,
sympathy, kindness, pity, generosity, charity, lenience, tolerance, civility,
deference, etc.

The curious thing about Cain is that he was religious, but he wasn't pious. In
other words: Cain's association with God seems to have been based entirely
upon ritual with apparently little thought given to personal conduct. Cain
couldn't even keep a civil tongue in his head when speaking to the object of
his worship. Now that's really messed up.

"My little children, let us not love only in word or in tongue, but in deed, and
in truth." (1John 3:18)

Deeds are the way people act, i.e. the things they do as opposed to the
things they say.

Love in accordance with truth may at times seem very unloving to the world
because it doesn't know the truth, nor does it care to know. I think a fair
percentage of the world would agree with Pontius Pilate that truth is
uncertain and unknowable.

What is truth? (John 18:38)

Pilate's question was meaningful in his day because ancient philosophers
perpetually discussed and debated the nature of truth without ever achieving
a universal agreement about it. In other words: their bull sessions were
perpetual, and they never got to the bottom of anything.

Well; one of Webster's definitions of truth is: a state of being the case; viz:
fact; which Webster's defines as the quality of being actual. In other words:
truth is the way it is; viz: truth is reality as opposed to speculation, fantasy,
opinion, theory, imagination, interpretation, and/or impressions, etc.
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Webers.Home · Jul 10, 2022

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• 1John 4:1 . . Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits,
whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into
the world.

The Greek word for "spirits" is pneuma (pnyoo'-mah) which means, among
other things; a current of air; viz: winds and breezes. I doubt John is talking
about supernatural beings, rather, spurious doctrines. (Eph 4:14)

The Greek word translated "false prophets" roughly defines a supposedly
inspired speaker who's actually on the wrong side of the aisle, viz:
imposters; and they are everywhere, e.g. radio, television, the internet,
social media, and in print.

Jesus said that false prophets are known by their fruits (Matt 7:15-20). For
example: the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has predicted Armageddon
and Christ's return several times in the past and been wrong every time.
Seventh Day Adventism's performance hasn't been any better.

Well; if a religion's predictions are false, then we have to assume that their
teachings are highly suspect no matter how reasonable they may sound.
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Webers.Home · Jul 11, 2022

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• 1John 4:20-21 . . If someone says "I love God," and hates his brother, he's
a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he
love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from
Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

NOTE: The commandment referenced is located at John 13:34

The Greek word translated "liar" isn't restricted to hard-core dishonesty, but
applies to anyone whose statements can be proven unsound; including
misrepresenting themselves, whether deliberate or mistaken makes no
difference. In other words, we could paraphrase the above to read: If
anyone says "I love God" and hates his brother, he's in need of correction.

In my opinion "liar" is a harsh description to pin on somebody, and I really
think we ought to reserve it for people who we know for sure are fully aware
that what they are saying is untrue. (This is only a suggestion. I'm not
attempting to issue an edict here.)

The Greek word for "love" throughout 1John 4:20-21 is agapao (ag-ap-ah'
o) which is an indistinct word for love that may or may not include affection
and fondness; but it certainly includes benevolence, e.g. civility, courtesy,
generosity, lenience, tolerance, charity, kindness, patience, forgiveness,
diplomacy, humility, hospitality, sympathy, respect, tact, etc.

I think that what John is trying to get across is that inconsiderate treatment
of a child of God betrays one's lack of consideration for a father's feelings;
which is the behavior of a churlish Christian rather than a spiritual Christian.
_

Webers.Home · Jul 12, 2022

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• 1John 5:16-17 . . If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not
lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those
whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am
not saying that he should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, and there is
sin that does not lead to death.

FAQ: What does this mean: "God will give him life"

REPLY: "If you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the
Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because
those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Rom 8:12-14)

That's likely a bounce from John 15:1-7 where Jesus said it's possible for his
followers to become useless yard debris; but not inevitable. If an errant
Christian can be persuaded to come about, they'll be spared the rubbish pile
because it is much to God's advantage that Jesus' branches remain on the
vine and bear fruit rather than pruned off.

"This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves
to be my disciples." (John 15:8)
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Webers.Home · Jul 13, 2022

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• 1John 5:21 . . Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Everyone begins their existence as Adam's children, and remains so until the
day when some are adopted into God's home and become His children: a
status amazing beyond words.

"He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in
accordance with the pleasure of His will" (Eph 1:5)

"See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be
called children of God; and such we are. Beloved, now we are children of
God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when
He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is."
(1John 3:1-2)

The Greek word for "idols" is eidolon (i'-do-lon) which means: an image (for
worship) viz: by implication, a heathen god.

Most modern Christians know better than to worship a figurine or a statue as
their god, but not all know better than to set up a figurine or a statue-- i.e.
a shrine --where they can kneel and pray for providence; not from God, but
from the person whom the statue or figurine represents; e.g. a patron saint
and/or Jesus' mom.

Religious art such as paintings and sculptures don't really qualify as idols
until somebody gets a little too carried away; for example:

There's a statue of the apostle Peter in Rome whose big toe has been eroded
over the years by the lips of people kissing it. I would have to say that easily
qualifies as idolatry. I've no objection to paintings, statues, and stained
glass, but when people kneel to, pray to, speak to, and/or kiss those items,
then I believe they've crossed over into forbidden territory.

NOTE: Idolatry back in Paul's day oftentimes included immoral activities with
temple prostitutes. We sure wouldn't want Christ's believing followers
involved in that sort of thing.
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Webers.Home · Jul 14, 2022

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• 2John 1:5-6 . . And now I beseech you, lady, not as writing to you a new
commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we
love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His
commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the
beginning, that you should walk in it.

In his first epistle, John addressed the Father's little children. In this epistle
he addresses an unidentified mother and her children. (2John 1:1-4)

She's translated from the Greek word kuria (koo-ree'-ah) which is the
feminine gender of kurios (koo'-ree-os); a very common word in the New
Testament for lords and masters; including those who own slaves. So I think
we're reasonably safe to assume that John wrote this letter to a woman of
nobility, viz: an aristocratic family that was apparently special to John. (cf.
Luke 1:1-3 & Acts 1:1)

Neither of the two Greek words for "love" in that passage speak of affection
or fondness; rather, they speak of benevolence which consists of attributes
that anybody can exemplify; for example: courtesy, generosity, tolerance,
patience, long suffering, loyalty, sympathy, pity, kindness, service, civility,
and charity. Those can all be extended to one's fellow Christians without
especially liking them; in point of fact, we may even wholly despise them
with every fiber of our being. But we dare not allow our low opinion to dictate
how we treat them. (Matt 5:44-48)

Christianity is a very practical religion. It not only brings sinners into a right
relationship with God, but it also makes them better people, and easier to
live with.
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Webers.Home · Jul 15, 2022

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• 2John 1:8 . .Watch yourselves, that we might not lose what we have
accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.

The Greek word for "lose" is apollumi (ap-ol'-loo-mee) which doesn't mean
to lose as if stolen or misplaced, but rather, it means to lose something by
its destruction like when people's homes were demolished in New Orleans by
the hurricane Katrina.

I haven't a clue what the woman and her family were doing for Christ back
in that day except maybe they provided itinerant missionaries with
accommodations when they came by her way; which in itself is worthy of
compensation but can be easily forfeited by conduct unbecoming, e.g. a little
adultery, a little immorality, a little fraud, a little embezzling, a little
dishonesty, a little abuse of power, a little hypocrisy, a little dereliction of
duty, a failure to honor promises and commitments; etc.

Two things that Christ and his Father value very highly are integrity and
loyalty. When those are someone's guiding lights; the likelihood of their
bottom line with God showing a profit, instead of a loss, is greatly improved.
_

Webers.Home · Jul 16, 2022

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• 2John 1:10-11 . . If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine,
do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him
shares in his evil deeds.

Some have construed 2John 1:10-11 to mean believers are forbidden to
respond to a knock on their door by Latter Day Saints and Jehovah's
witnesses, or invite them in for a chat. That's not really what John's saying.

The contents of the epistle strongly suggests that the lady and her family
were providing itinerant missionaries with accommodations; thus assisting
them in their mission.

So then, if you greet cultists as brethren, and/or put them up for the night,
or assist them in any way to accomplish their mission, then you become an
accomplice; and that includes buying flowers from Moonies.

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and
wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with
darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?" (2Cor 6:14-15)
_

Webers.Home · Jul 17, 2022

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• 3John 1:5-8 . . Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the
brethren, and to strangers; which have borne witness of thy charity before
the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort,
thou shalt do well: because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking
nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might
be fellow helpers to the truth.

The third of John's epistles was written to a Christian named Gaius; famous
for his hospitality. (Rom 16:23)

This is a pretty good application of Heb 13:2 which says:

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have
entertained angels without knowing it."

The Greek word translated "angels" doesn't always indicate celestial beings,
rather, it refers to all manner of messengers, e.g. prophets (Matt 11:10),
delegates (Luke 7:24), fire (Heb 1:7), ecclesiastic authorities (Rev 1:20
3:14), visions (Rev 22:16), and even acts of God like fire, wind, smoke,
voices, and earthquakes. (Acts 7:53)

Webster's defines "hospitable" as: given to generous and cordial reception of
guests, promising or suggesting generous and friendly welcome, offering a
pleasant or sustaining environment.

The exception to this rule is another of John's rules which says:

"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him
into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil
deeds." (2John 1:10-11)

"taking nothing of the Gentiles" indicates Paul's reluctance to accept support
from folks out in the Roman world lest he be accused of using religion for
profit, i.e. lest he be viewed as a mercenary instead of a missionary.

Paul was well able to support himself. He was a blue collar tradesman whose
particular craft was tent making. (Acts 18:3, cf. Acts 20:34, 1Cor 4:12,
1Thess 2:9, & 2Thess 3:8)
_

Webers.Home · Jul 18, 2022

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• 3John 1:11 . . Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The
one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

The "one who does evil" refers to Christians who habitually give in to their
base nature instead of resisting it. God's warning to Cain is just as appropriate
today as it was back then.

"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" (Gen 4:7)

That was the very first instance in the Bible of the word "sin". The Hebrew
word is chatta'ah (khat-taw-aw') and/or chatta'th (khat-tawth') which are
ambiguous words that technically mean an offense; as in repeat offender. In
other words; not just an occasional slip-up, but a life style.

"it desires to have you, but you must master it." (Gen 4:7)

This is the first mention of self control in the Bible. In other words: God
created humanity with the capability to choose bad ways for itself; but that's
only half the story. God also created humanity with the capability to choose
good ways for itself; so He wasn't requiring something impossible from Cain
like touching his right elbow with the thumb of his right hand.

Nobody is exempt from the rule of self control.

"Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do
not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but
rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death
to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of
righteousness." (Rom 6:12-13)

God has never been seen in person by Man, nor can be seen in person by
Man. (Ex 33:20, 1Tim 6:16) So the viewing spoken of in 3John 1:11 should
be taken to mean spiritual sight rather than physical. (Deut 29:4 cf. Ezek
12:2)

John is saying is that believers who do evil are somehow unaware who
they're dealing with. I think one of the more serious temptations is for
Christians to take their God for granted; and to forget that first and foremost
He's a monarch who frowns upon insurrection in His kingdom. God may be
their Father, but He's their sovereign too.

"A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father,
where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?" (Mal 1:6)

"And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth
according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in
fear:" (1Pet 1:17)

The Greek word for "fear" in that verse is phobos (fob'-os) which means:
alarm or fright. In other words: a little Theophobia goes a long ways towards
giving God the degree of respect He not only wants; but also fully deserves.
If it's unwise to trifle with rattlesnakes, high voltage electrical wires, arsenic,
and IRS audits; then surely it's agreeable that it's just as unwise to trifle
with God.

Inquiring minds can "see" God on the pages of holy writ by means of The
Lord's personal tutoring.

"No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father
except the Son: and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." (Matt
11:27)

So then, a believer who's lazy at Bible study, and/or indifferent to complying
with Christianity's teachings, will fail to see God, and subsequently, they will
fail to imitate Him simply because they don't know enough about their Father
in order to utilize Him as a role model.

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children" (Eph 5:1)
_

Webers.Home · Jul 19, 2022

.
• Jude 1:3 . . Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about
our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you
contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Given the peace-loving nature of true God-given Christianity, I seriously
doubt that Jude means Christians should get involved in inquisitions and
crusades. Instead, contending for the faith means taking a serious interest in
helping to prevent your Church from becoming infected with, and/or
influenced by, impious ideologies.

This is especially urgent in our day when Chinese communism is busy
infiltrating churches; working to weaken and undermine belief in, trust in,
and compliance with, a righteous supreme being. Religions like Christianity
are a serious threat to Chinese communism's stability-- a system at its best
with dishonesty, murder, kidnapping, unjust imprisonment, atheism, theft,
totalitarianism, torture, abuse of human rights, inhumanity, fraud, bullying,
destruction of family unity, coercion, collusion, and propaganda.
_

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