tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50897067561307895732024-03-13T22:55:03.136-05:00A Modern ReformationAn exposition of various scripture passages.Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-17826001497849015142022-07-27T16:24:00.001-05:002022-07-27T16:26:07.275-05:00Truth wins When we stop measuring time according to the cycles of national leaders and instead zoom out to see the cycle of nations, an evident pattern begins to appear. Truth is the strongest force in the world. The more information is able to circulate freely, the more quickly truth becomes evident, and the more truth becomes evident, the more tyranny is stifled and liberty is granted to the individual.
Koine Greek and the Roman roads allowed for the greatest circulation of information since the Tower of Babel, and in 350 years Christianity went from being a sect of Judaism with followers numbering in the hundreds, to the official position of the Roman Empire with an estimated 15 million followers. However, this was not simply a shift in the demographics of a new religion; everywhere that Christianity had influence, people’s lives began to change for the better. Human sacrifice ended, temple prostitution ended, slaves were viewed as humans made in the image of God, women were seen as valuable co-heirs of Heaven, and weaker vessels to be honored and protected on earth.
As the Roman Empire morphed into the Roman Catholic Church, information once again became highly regulated and suppressed, and the pattern held true, tyrants ruled with an iron fist, individual liberty was nearly eradicated, and the standard of living for the uneducated masses went down drastically.
With the invention of the printing press, information began to circulate again, the corrupt Roman Catholic Church lost its grip on the flow of information, truth rose to the surface, and over the next 400 years, monarchs were replaced with constitutional law, democratic elections, and the consent of the governed. Over this period of time chattel slavery was all but eradicated, medicine advanced by leaps and bounds, we went from transportation by horse and carriage and sailboats, to jet engines and nuclear submarines. Certainly, we also had violent revolutions, droughts, famines, persecutions, and wars in these centuries. But the trajectory was undeniably, up.
When one thinks of the advances in civilizations brought about by 500 years of Koine Greek and Roman roads, and then the truly mind-numbing advances brought about by 500 years of the printing press, what will the next 500 years hold now that we have the information pipeline that is the internet? So long as information is allowed to flow freely, I am confident that truth will once again defeat all her foes, and so long as truth is shining on a larger audience, history would suggest that Liberty and its shadow Prosperity, will flourish century upon century. Let’s remember that when it doesn’t seem to be growing year over year.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-22840237278224616162015-07-19T22:14:00.000-05:002015-07-19T22:14:08.286-05:00Nothing new under the sun.Then all the liberals of America gathered themselves together, and came to the president, and the courts, and the legislature. And said unto them, Behold, our system is old, and our sons walk not in our ways: now make us a socialist healthcare plan like all the nations. But the thing displeased the ones who understood history and economics, when they said, Give us a socialist healthcare plan. And they said, This will be the manner of the socialist healthcare plan: It will take your sons, and administer sex changes without parental consent. And it will take your daughters and perform abortions on them, and sell the body parts of your murdered grandchildren. And it will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to the bureaucrats. And it will take half of your seed, and of your vineyards, to pay for the healthcare of the lazy and the reprobate. And it will force you to pay for contraceptives and abortions and sex changes for your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men. And it will create death panels to decide whether thy father’s father is worth saving, and whether thy mother’s mother still adds value to society. And ye shall cry out in that day because of your socialist healthcare plan which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day. Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of reason; and they said, Nay; but we will have a socialist healthcare plan over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our socialist healthcare plan may pay for all our procedures, and we may be seen as progressive and hip. And the LORD hearkened unto their voice, and gave them over to the socialist healthcare plan.Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-51781595004567280642015-07-12T20:43:00.001-05:002015-07-12T20:44:34.538-05:00In defense of using gospel tracts.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SiC1681bbnTflQ7DC84X7w_PSckyP_kD28fyD2eMrjrI8OnVt4sxssLNol7cxZ0JB5pZja2oolGqa9z8FeDSLg__-dZp1DpcqzQgQigJkFaWKHoVZNfzwQ7kM_B4s1nGD-YK9Wm-J-4/s1600/witnessing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SiC1681bbnTflQ7DC84X7w_PSckyP_kD28fyD2eMrjrI8OnVt4sxssLNol7cxZ0JB5pZja2oolGqa9z8FeDSLg__-dZp1DpcqzQgQigJkFaWKHoVZNfzwQ7kM_B4s1nGD-YK9Wm-J-4/s320/witnessing1.jpg" /></a></div>As God has chosen to use the written word as the primary means of revealing to us not only himself, but the sum of all truth in the Holy Writ, we can hardly overemphasize the importance of communication in this manner. Christianity has always spread furthest and widest among people groups who could generally read and write as a populace. Nor has it only been through inspired scriptures that people have been informed of God’s truth, but from the careful record keeping of the kings of Israel, to the copious volumes written by the Jews concerning their history, laws, and traditions, to the overwhelming amount of doctrine written by the early church fathers, to the reformers and puritans who were famous for their detailed writings on the effect of scripture on every aspect of life, the written word has helped God’s people in all ages not only in their own day but as a way of preserving orthodox truth from generation to generation. <br />
It is also helpful to recognize that a work does not have to be lengthy and comprehensive in order to be impactful and serve the purpose for which it was written. The Apostles’ Creed is a very short statement, yet it has been the standard of Trinitarian Christianity for millennia. Some of the letters that were written as inspired epistles were only a couple of paragraphs long. Paul’s statement to the Philippian jailer, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Is a poignant message that needed later teaching in order to be brought to fruition, but was the proverbial “foot in the door” that God used to begin the process of salvation to that jailer and his household. <br />
These truths being recognized, it then follows that there is a real and helpful place for gospel truths that can be communicated through the written word. Nor does every piece of literature have to be fully comprehensive of every gospel truth, but some may present the truths of God’s law condemning sinful man, others may more fully explain the propitiation of Christ through his perfect life, death and resurrection, still others may exhort and teach particular ways in which those who have believed are to live and think and act. <br />
As Satan used even the very words of God in an evil way in his temptation of Christ, so we must recognize that the depraved human heart will find a way to twist every good thing for his own devises and we are not exempt from some of those temptations. When we use such good pieces of truthful literature as have been afore mentioned in order to check off a legalistic checklist, as a means to hide our identity as Christians by only anonymously leaving them places for people to later find, or for other sinful reasons, God may and will use the dissemination of truth for his glory and purposes (Phil. 1:15-18), but we will be judged for our sinful motives. Some lawful uses for such tracts might be to leave somewhere in a public place for someone to later find with whom you would never otherwise have the chance to share truth, to hand to someone with whom you do not have time to engage in lengthy conversation (grocery store cashier, delivery man, etc.), to give to someone who has asked you a specific question that you believe is better explained in the pamphlet than you could explain yourself, etc.<br />
Whether such tracts must be simply black and white booklets, or may be designed to draw the eye to them seems to me an obvious answer. So long as we are not using ungodly means in an attempt to justify a “godly” end, I suppose we ought to be more creative, purposeful, and bold than we already are in drawing in the lost world’s attention that we might tell them of Christ and pray that the Spirit would give entrance of the light into their hearts! I suppose that there are many in today’s Christians circles who would condemn Paul for using an alter to an unknown God to capture the Athenians attention only to tell them of Christ. But I believe we ought to all be more like Paul, using every means that is afforded us to share the glorious truths of the gospel, understanding that it is only by the word that faith comes!<br />
Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-37495675689221738612015-02-27T22:36:00.000-06:002015-02-27T22:36:41.893-06:00Active commands found in Hebrews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoBToLPhGjmowraUxZ5Xqsn6HSEA5c118irOzTkKxAdRuKAVvLvBoMFq-04lNZ9XS1Dd2BQM8FTnZE-uoZZc35eJjm9UsA0pR6n_KG6B06CBo1spC0ouGZPVYNnMlIe-og0OgAy_O8bQ/s1600/Hebrews.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoBToLPhGjmowraUxZ5Xqsn6HSEA5c118irOzTkKxAdRuKAVvLvBoMFq-04lNZ9XS1Dd2BQM8FTnZE-uoZZc35eJjm9UsA0pR6n_KG6B06CBo1spC0ouGZPVYNnMlIe-og0OgAy_O8bQ/s320/Hebrews.png" /></a></div>1. Give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard. (2:1)<br />
2. Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus. (3:1)<br />
3. Exhort one another daily. (3:13)<br />
4. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. (4:1)<br />
5. Labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (4:11)<br />
6. Hold fast our profession. (4:14)<br />
7. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace. (4:16)<br />
8. Follow them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (6:12)<br />
9. Draw near [to God] with a true heart in full assurance of faith. (10:22)<br />
10. Hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering. (10:23)<br />
11. Consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. (10:24)<br />
12. Exhort one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (10:25)<br />
13. Call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions. (10:32)<br />
14. Lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us. (12:1)<br />
15. Run with patience the race that is set before us. (12:1)<br />
16. Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. (12:2)<br />
17. Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (12:3)<br />
18. Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees. (12:12)<br />
19. Make straight paths for your feet. (12:13)<br />
20. Follow peace with all men, and holiness. (12:14)<br />
21. Look diligently [for sin]. (12:15)<br />
22. Let brotherly love continue. (13:1)<br />
23. Entertain strangers. (13:2)<br />
24. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. (13:3)<br />
25. Be content with such things as ye have. (13:5)<br />
26. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. (13:7)<br />
27. Offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (13:15)<br />
28. Do good and communicate. (13:16)<br />
29. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves. (13:17)<br />
30. Pray for us. (13:18)<br />
31. Suffer the word of exhortation. (13:22)<br />
Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-42977388175667466052015-02-25T17:43:00.000-06:002015-02-25T17:45:59.292-06:00Active commands found in Titus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6Uh-Cv8NdRVcZ9zvtkTAUoVCzCcO831JhK_Hd81sto8KWnZ-9_dHmEGBptH3zY9OUiO24Yb0-5_MIvikkXTlCyLG-g4iOdsY26Py59iLgyE_i-sRv9au9oitc3dHQk9KWsn43-w5J54/s1600/titus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6Uh-Cv8NdRVcZ9zvtkTAUoVCzCcO831JhK_Hd81sto8KWnZ-9_dHmEGBptH3zY9OUiO24Yb0-5_MIvikkXTlCyLG-g4iOdsY26Py59iLgyE_i-sRv9au9oitc3dHQk9KWsn43-w5J54/s320/titus.jpg" /></a></div>1. Speak the things which become sound doctrine. (2:1)<br />
2. Aged men: be sober. (2:2)<br />
3. Aged men: be grave. (2:2)<br />
4. Aged men: be temperate. (2:2)<br />
5. Aged men: be sound in faith, charity, and patience. (2:2)<br />
6. Aged women: be in behavior as becomes holiness. (2:3)<br />
7. Aged women: teach good things.(2:3)<br />
8. Young women: be sober. (2:4)<br />
9. Young women: love your husbands. (2:4) <br />
10. Young women: love your children. (2:4)<br />
11. Young women: be discreet. (2:5)<br />
12. Young women: be chaste. (2:5)<br />
13. Young women: be keepers at home. (2:5)<br />
14. Young women: be good. (2:5)<br />
15. Young women: be obedient to your own husbands. (2:5)<br />
16. Young men: be sober minded. (2:6)<br />
17. Young men: show yourself a pattern of good works. (2:7)<br />
18. Young men: in doctrine show uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned. (2:8)<br />
19. Servants: be obedient to your own masters, please them well in all things. (2:9)<br />
20. Servants: show all good fidelity. (2:10)<br />
21. Deny ungodliness and worldly lust. (2:12)<br />
22. Live soberly, righteously, and godly. (2:12)<br />
23. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. (2:15)<br />
24. Let no man despise you. (2:15)<br />
25. Be subject to principalities and powers. (3:1)<br />
26. Obey magistrates. (3:1)<br />
27. Be ready to every good work. (3:1)<br />
28. Be gentle. (3:2)<br />
29. Show all meekness to all men. (3:2)<br />
30. These things affirm constantly. (3:8)<br />
31. A man that is a heretic after the first and second admonition reject. (3:10)<br />
32. Learn to maintain good works for necessary uses. (3:14)Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-10520846289905450332015-02-16T12:07:00.001-06:002015-02-18T16:49:24.947-06:00Active commands found in II Timothy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvedG3s6qlQpRvzWllpDH2Kt1c1UmD66kXhyphenhyphen54vZtVbT4LOXO0s4tiTownM9_pqNylr8NIkGh3BDFn0zWibGxUOKIOhwv82zIlPvjIiRy1vOR6Ct1KWAR-GHGk5qRF1pY0lg3Ixm-1CU/s1600/ii+tim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvedG3s6qlQpRvzWllpDH2Kt1c1UmD66kXhyphenhyphen54vZtVbT4LOXO0s4tiTownM9_pqNylr8NIkGh3BDFn0zWibGxUOKIOhwv82zIlPvjIiRy1vOR6Ct1KWAR-GHGk5qRF1pY0lg3Ixm-1CU/s320/ii+tim.jpg" /></a></div>Keep in mind that the epistles to Timothy were to a specific pastor, in a certain place, at a particular time. Therefore, many of the commands are to particular groups of people (pastors, widows, deacons' wives, servants, etc.) and are not for all people everywhere to obey. That being said, we can all learn from these commands and if you happen to fall into one of the unique groups, the command is indeed still for you today!<br />
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1. Stir up the gift of God which is in thee. (1:6)<br />
2. Be thou partaker in the affliction of the gospel. (1:8)<br />
3. Hold fast the form of sound doctrine. (1:13)<br />
4. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost. (1:14)<br />
5. Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2:1)<br />
6. The things you have heard of me commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others. (2:2)<br />
7. Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. - 2:3<br />
8. Charge them before the Lord not to strive about words with no profit that only subvert the hearers. (2:14)<br />
9. Study to show thyself approved unto God. (2:15)<br />
10. Shun profane and vain babblings. (2:16)<br />
11. Let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2:19)<br />
12. Flee youthful lusts. (2:22)<br />
13. Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord. (2:22)<br />
14. Avoid foolish and unlearned questions. (2:23)<br />
15. Be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves. (2:24-25)<br />
16. Continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of. (3:14)<br />
17. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. (4:2)<br />
18. Watch in all things. (4:5)<br />
19. Endure afflictions. (4:5)<br />
20. Do the work of an evangelist. (4:5)<br />
21. Make full proof of your ministry. (4:5)<br />
Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-58956471070263774222015-02-15T19:23:00.004-06:002015-02-18T16:53:30.017-06:00The humility of Joshua<i>Josh. 3:7 And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. <br />
Josh. 3:8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan. <br />
Josh. 3:9 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God. <br />
Josh. 3:10 And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites. <br />
Josh. 3:11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan. </i><br />
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Note here how Joshua takes the influence that God gives him with the people and uses it to increase their faith in God. Although God tells Joshua that the parting of the Jordan would be the means by which he would cause Joshua to be magnified in the eyes of the people, Joshua turns right to the Children of Israel and tells them that this would be the means by which they would know that God was among them and would not fail to drive their enemies out before them. The selflessness that was exhibited here by Joshua should be an example for all of us. How easy would it have been for Joshua to turn right around and say, "God has told me that he will part the Jordan in order for me to be magnified in your eyes!" However, he had a mind of service toward the people, to do what was best for them, and he knew that what was best for them was always more of God. More faith in him, more love for him, more obedience to him, and more trust in his words. If God's plan was for Joshua to be magnified in the eyes of the people, there was no reason for Joshua to grandstand or pontificate, God can and will accomplish his plan without our egotism. <br />
What a lesson in humility and service is here to be gained for us, how often is our first priority on making sure we look good or we get our due instead of doing what is best for others, particularly the children of God? Let us commit to be more like Joshua by using whatever influence or respect we have with others to point them back to Christ, if we use it simply to make ourselves feel better or to increase our material wealth we have prostituted one of the good gifts of God, and using what could have been used to glorify God as a means of glorifying ourselves makes us guilty of idolatry!Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-86233858987875091632014-10-20T23:49:00.000-05:002014-10-20T23:50:02.382-05:00The benevolence of Job<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVdCqQ32Q8p5FFcw4OKpwMelgnswKhBjln9HerRnUwAzQaQKvi4930_6y6XtoOm0iZ26v4h3RB0meHt6OCGPBWGI5bXB6IzhIlXatTMFjRobS6hH2nPvcKeQaoXSGBft2MBKaarox-gY/s1600/children-giving-their-snack-to-an-old-blind-beggar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVdCqQ32Q8p5FFcw4OKpwMelgnswKhBjln9HerRnUwAzQaQKvi4930_6y6XtoOm0iZ26v4h3RB0meHt6OCGPBWGI5bXB6IzhIlXatTMFjRobS6hH2nPvcKeQaoXSGBft2MBKaarox-gY/s320/children-giving-their-snack-to-an-old-blind-beggar.jpg" /></a></div><b><i> Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.</i> (Job 29:12-17)</b><br />
From the law of Moses (Deut. 24:17) to the God's words to his people through the prophets (Isa. 1:17) to the words of Jesus while he was on the earth (Matt. 25:31-46) to the epistles (James 1:27) it has consistently been the express will of God that his people ought to be generous, sacrificial, benevolent people toward those who cannot care for themselves. In this passage of Job we see that while he was in the midst of his affluence he was being very benevolent to the helpless. Indeed, he seems to ascribe his affluence in large part to his kindness and generosity, a truth also taught throughout the scriptures. <i>Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.</i> (Luke 6:38)<br />
Not only does the bible regularly express these type commands and examples, but it also provides me with the motivation which ought to cause me to want to be giving and gracious from my heart: I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see! If God has so freely given me spiritual and eternal riches, how motivated ought I to be to share with others the temporal gifts he has given me? This caused me to ask myself if I could honestly say along with Job that I had been such an aid to the less fortunate, and if not, what are some practical ways in which I can do better at being that kind of biblically consistent Christian. <br />
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1. I delivered the poor that cried... and him that had none to help him.<br />
There is a soup kitchen in my town, it is open for one hour in the afternoon, two days a week and they feed lunch to anyone who wants to come in and eat. I can donate my time and little money to help them feed the hungry. In so doing I would be obeying the scriptural commands and find an outlet for the for the vertical kindness that has been shown to me to be shared horizontally. <br />
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2. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me.<br />
Every day in our country over 3,000 babies are killed! How many christians are actively working to be a voice for those who are "ready to perish" who do not have a voice for themselves?! I have donated to my local pregnancy crisis center multiple times, and I have gone to abortion clinics within a couple hours of where I live multiple times to preach the gospel and beg mothers not to kill their children. But I can do both of those more, this is no small issue! Oh that I could honestly say with Job that some have blessed me for helping spare their life when they were about to be killed!<br />
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3. I was eyes to the blind.<br />
If you know someone personally who is blind you have a great opportunity to ask them how you can be a blessing to them, by driving for them, reading for them, or a dozen other small things that you probably take for granted with your eye sight and never think twice about. If you don't know anyone personally who is blind, you can volunteer online at gatewave.com to record yourself reading books to help the blind.<br />
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4. Feet was I to the lame. <br />
Again, I'm a firm believer in prioritizing your time and efforts and if there is someone you know personally, perhaps in your church or a family friend who is elderly and can't get around much, offer to help them with housework, yardwork, errand running, etc. If you don't know anyone personally, a nursing home is a great place to start! Almost all of the people there are in wheelchairs or on walkers, they are literally lame and if "all" you do is visit them and spend a few minutes a week with them, you will probably never know how much they would appreciate that. <br />
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5. The cause which I knew not I searched out.<br />
Job did not just sit around and wait for these cases to come to him, but if he didn't know of a cause, he searched for one! Have we become so caught up in our selves and our personal lives that we never take time to look for opportunities to minister and invest in the lives of those who are less fortunate than we. <br />
<br />
A common objection to this kind of exhortation to benevolence and generosity is that perhaps that person has gotten himself into that situation by sin and poor choices and I don't want to reward that. While I do not want to discourage using wisdom and discernment, I also do not want to forget that my motivation to be kind and merciful is God's kindness and mercy towards me, which was shown to me in spite of the fact that I got myself into the position I was in by my own sinfulness and bad choices. I would rather err on the side of being too generous, too gracious, too benevolent. I think God will find that more acceptable than if I erred on the side of being too cynical, too selfish, and too stingy. Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-49522035883736950442014-01-17T23:52:00.000-06:002014-01-17T23:59:28.326-06:00Can a young, single man be a biblically qualified elder?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHi50ruPz3i22JyRODMew3pUkZ3uAIREHmqc-ZUUuMbgkrGmH7aKiOoJsWMl1GX40RNpw3ICRiKhSRxzogN5oTmZCGW8IlMakxj8YaMT0xLWMp0mAqAS2UeY4nmbrbqdVfn9KrWwGzc0/s1600/Jan.26-St.Timothy_151122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHi50ruPz3i22JyRODMew3pUkZ3uAIREHmqc-ZUUuMbgkrGmH7aKiOoJsWMl1GX40RNpw3ICRiKhSRxzogN5oTmZCGW8IlMakxj8YaMT0xLWMp0mAqAS2UeY4nmbrbqdVfn9KrWwGzc0/s320/Jan.26-St.Timothy_151122.jpg" /></a></div>I took my first official ministerial position the day after my nineteenth birthday, I was in my senior year of bible college and was being brought in to a very small Baptist Church as an Assistant Pastor with the idea that over the next year I would transition to Senior Pastor. Seven years later, I am back at the church that I spent my teenage years in, but now as an Associate Pastor, and yet I'm still only in my mid-twenties and single. Nearly everyone who finds out that I'm in the ministry comments on how young I am and many question whether or not my youth and singleness disqualify me from being able to appropriately carry out the necessary requirements that come with pastoring. <br />
Let me address these issues one at a time. First the issue of age. There is only one place in scripture that I am aware of where the topic of age is addressed in relation to a bishop's qualifications. That is in I Timothy 4:12 where Paul commands Timothy to let no man despise his youth. Some have argued that this is an ambiguous term that under Roman divisions of age dealt with men between 30-40 years old. Others have done their own math based on when they think I Timothy was written and the known fact that Timothy died at 80 years old in the year 97 AD. Those using this method of calculating have put him anywhere between 23 - 48 years old at the writing of 1 Timothy (John Gill, the puritanical pastor who wrote a verse-by-verse commentary on the entire bible is of the belief he was 23). A third argument is that in the Old Testament a Levite was not allowed to become a priest until he was 30 years old, therefore the same must be true of a New Testament bishop. I see a couple of problems with defining the word "youth" to mean thirties or forties. <br />
First, why would a man in his thirties or forties, need to be told to let no man despise his youth? If that was the typical time frame for a man to become a priest for the Israelites, and the time when a man moved from youth to middle age for a Roman, who would it be that was questioning his qualification? It seems to me that the command not to allow anyone to despise his youth, assumes that there were those who were of the opinion that he was too young by societal norms.<br />
Secondly, we see the word "youth" used in many places throughout the scripture and we rarely to never assume these places to be talking about a man around 40 years old. In Genesis 8:21 God says he will not destroy every living thing on the earth again "for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth." Do we think that man's heart is evil from the time he is in his thirties? In I Samuel both Saul and Goliath disdained David because he was a "youth", was he a man in his late thirties? Wouldn't that put him in the prime of his life and the most formidable age he would ever be? Proverbs 5:18 tells men to rejoice in the wife of their youth, are we to take that to mean a man shouldn't marry until he is in his late thirties? Lam. 3:27 says it is good that a man bear the yoke in his youth. Shall we then put off working until we reach our mid-forties? The rich, young ruler in Matt. 19:20 said he had kept the commandments from his "youth up," did Jesus understand him to mean that he had begun keeping the law in his thirties? I think from just these few examples we see that the definitions for "youth," "grown man," and "old man" have not changed much since biblical times. If anything we live in a culture that extends childhood longer than they would have in those days. <br />
The second objection I often get is that the qualification for pastors in both I Timothy and Titus include being the husband of one wife and having his children in subjection. There are many who take this to mean that only a married man with children can be pastors. If that is in fact what those verses mean, then neither Jesus nor Paul were qualified to be pastors.Seeing that it was Paul who was writing these and that he did in fact start many churches, I do not believe this to a consistent understanding of those verses. Rather, I take it to mean he is not to be the husband of more than one wife, he is not to be a polygamist. This may even mean he cannot be divorced and remarried, but the fact that he says the husband of <b>one</b> wife, coupled with the fact that the first interpretation would disqualify himself, causes me to think he does not here exclude single men. It is also relevant to note that in I Cor. 9 where Paul is talking about the rights of gospel ministers, he says they have the "power," or the right, to have a wife, which reading would imply that while the right was theirs, not all took advantage of it. It is not that he must have one wife in order to be qualified, but that if he has more than one he is disqualified. The reason for the stipulation that they have their children in subjection is clearly stated to be because if their household is not in order, we can see a clear flaw in their leadership ability. Much like the qualification for wives, this requirement ensures that a man who has an unruly household is precluded from becoming a minister, not that a man with only one child or childless altogether is kept from the presbytery. <br />
Last (and least), the argument is often made that a young, single, childless pastor will not have the experience to help the older, married with children, men in his congregation because he doesn't have the experience. But nowhere in scripture do we find experience to be an important trait in a bishop. What of the divorced and remarried men in the congregation? They will not have a minister who has the experience to help them. What of the widow and widower? The minister will probably not have the experience to help them. What of the man in the military, the man with the special needs child, the man with a degenerative disease? There are a million specific situations every human will uniquely encounter that the pastor probably won't have personal experience with, therefore he is to know God's Word intimately. He is to be able to rightly divide the Word of truth, he is to be instant in season and out of season, he is to be ever ready to give an answer to those who ask about the hope that lies within him. He is to be of sound speech that those who are opposed to the truth may be ashamed with no evil thing left to say to us. The job of the pastor is to be steeped in the Book, not personal experience. <br />
Let me close all of this out by saying two things. First, the qualifications for an elder are steep, they are heavy, they are demanding on a man of any age. The pool of men who are in their youth, who can bear them, is very small in our society. He cannot be a novice (newly saved and/or unlearned in doctrine), he must flee youthful lusts, he must be an example in word and deed, etc. I am not here promoting that every 19 year old who has the urge should be made a pastor, but rather that there are occurrences where young men do in fact meet all of the qualifications. Secondly, I am sure ministry is much easier with a wife. There are unique challenges to trying to minister as a single man. I am sure there are benefits to having children that prove that you can practice what you preach when it comes to child-rearing. Quite the opposite of promoting singleness or childlessness in pastors, I would recommend it when God allows it. But if God in his divine wisdom has withholden a wife from a man, or if he has given him a wife but has closed her womb, he is not disqualified from serving, he will simply have to do it with the handicaps that God, in his good pleasure, has seen fit to place him under at that stage in his life.Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-87380718502843880892014-01-14T16:37:00.001-06:002014-01-14T16:37:59.316-06:00Active commands found I Timothy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7lqbJ0vckh4_Qk1wOkaXEdnqGDsBzlSieWoYt31ZhKVdFsiSEAJSFYW56pQ4xYKAMJUK2O3ID-0_ZZbbSrbYcFoW5kHJwq-qJ-Apw1ekhO8U6Q28BBW8lQwif8XeTsHjkzFeWxUnSIg/s1600/I+Tim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7lqbJ0vckh4_Qk1wOkaXEdnqGDsBzlSieWoYt31ZhKVdFsiSEAJSFYW56pQ4xYKAMJUK2O3ID-0_ZZbbSrbYcFoW5kHJwq-qJ-Apw1ekhO8U6Q28BBW8lQwif8XeTsHjkzFeWxUnSIg/s320/I+Tim.jpg" /></a></div>Keep in mind, that the epistles to Timothy were to a specific pastor, in a certain place, at a particular time. Therefore, many of the commands are to particular groups of people (pastors, widows, deacons' wives, servants, etc.) and are not for all people everywhere to obey. That being said, we can all learn from these commands and if you happen to fall into one of the unique groups, the command is indeed still for you today!<br />
1. War a good warfare. (1:18)<br />
2. Hold faith, and a good conscience. (1:19)<br />
3. Make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (2:1-2)<br />
4. Men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (2:8)<br />
5. Women adorn yourselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. (2:9-10)<br />
6. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. (2:11)<br />
7. A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (3:2-7)<br />
8. Deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. The husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. (3:1-10, 12)<br />
9. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. (3:11)<br />
10. Refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. (4:7)<br />
11. Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (4:12)<br />
12. Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (4:13)<br />
13. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them. (4:16)<br />
14. Honour widows that are widows indeed. (5:3)<br />
15. If any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents. (5:4)<br />
16. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. (5:9-10)<br />
17. The younger widows refuse. (5:11)<br />
18. Let the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. (5:14)<br />
19. If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged. (5:16)<br />
20. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.<br />
21. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. (5:19)<br />
22. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. (5:20)<br />
23. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. (5:22)<br />
24. Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour. (6:1)<br />
25. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. (6:2)<br />
26. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; from such withdraw thyself. (6:3, 5)<br />
27. Having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (6:8)<br />
28. Man of God, flee these things [love of riches]; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (6:11)<br />
29. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life. (6:12)<br />
30. Keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: (6:14)<br />
31. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (6:17-19)<br />
32. Keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called. (6:20)<br />
Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-5688326303406392452014-01-14T15:56:00.000-06:002014-01-14T15:56:13.033-06:00Active commands found in II Thessalonians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJEEOgk6RNyOcozMtqjjjdtdx6uEYpGGZS4GcXOFpIhFd1NZMjCliMbPHs6kkdt0E7-30E8Q_4yWMTEYePrpp3qdDmGWCcJyai0hYhemw_HczHJfOtn_XLpgEbgk7WYCF8XphFaM9eKA/s1600/II+Thes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJEEOgk6RNyOcozMtqjjjdtdx6uEYpGGZS4GcXOFpIhFd1NZMjCliMbPHs6kkdt0E7-30E8Q_4yWMTEYePrpp3qdDmGWCcJyai0hYhemw_HczHJfOtn_XLpgEbgk7WYCF8XphFaM9eKA/s320/II+Thes.jpg" /></a></div>1. Stand fast. (2:15)<br />
2. Hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (2:15)<br />
3. Pray that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified. (3:1)<br />
4. Pray that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men. (3:2)<br />
5. Withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. (3:6)<br />
6. With quietness work, and eat your own bread. (3:12)<br />
7. If any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (3:14-15)<br />
Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-19118042811467177842014-01-07T15:37:00.001-06:002014-01-07T15:38:24.681-06:00Active commands in I Thessalonians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHls3f6unwATW5qTEoatbL29gXvISHm2zSX__1O0e1ym-TkgqXPH4EnicfGs2cpDph_Lwog4g90wA9GRqmAB0I_pBc0N2CSLQCtLzm6yYle8xv84QTWCqKsLuYh06rEFG87wBQbkr9QI/s1600/1thessalonians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHls3f6unwATW5qTEoatbL29gXvISHm2zSX__1O0e1ym-TkgqXPH4EnicfGs2cpDph_Lwog4g90wA9GRqmAB0I_pBc0N2CSLQCtLzm6yYle8xv84QTWCqKsLuYh06rEFG87wBQbkr9QI/s320/1thessalonians.jpg" /></a></div>1. Walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. (2:12)<br />
2. Increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men. (3:12)<br />
3. As ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. (4:1)<br />
4. Love one another. (4:9)<br />
5. Be quiet, and do your own business, and work with your own hands. (4:11)<br />
6. Walk honestly toward them that are without. (4:12)<br />
7. Comfort one another words of assurance and hope of the return of Christ and the eternal reward of the believer. (4:15-18)<br />
8. Watch and be sober. (5:6)<br />
9. Be sober, put on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (5:8)<br />
10. Comfort yourselves together, and edify one another. (5:11)<br />
11. Know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. (5:12-13)<br />
12. Warn them that are unruly. (5:14)<br />
13. Comfort the feebleminded. (5:14)<br />
14. Support the weak. (5:14)<br />
15. Be patient toward all men. (5:14)<br />
16. Follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. (5:15<br />
17. Rejoice evermore. (5:16)<br />
18. Pray without ceasing. (5:17)<br />
19. In every thing give thanks. (5:18)<br />
20. Prove all things. (5:21)<br />
21. Hold fast that which is good. (5:<br />
Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-23743914666701883442014-01-07T15:33:00.000-06:002014-01-07T15:34:53.799-06:00Active commands found in Colossians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZzQNhpx7_tVokkYH9UVCqt_wBuhm7IQ0GjuaV3uB3-fS_tR_B0anCf7cdmYB_KAbzxD4Y7UXCsNVQyq8jrAgmJe8P0WpI8TrnB7n7WJjaHVP6HpjR_3uhF6sdSGTEStz9zsg96eb5H0/s1600/colossians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZzQNhpx7_tVokkYH9UVCqt_wBuhm7IQ0GjuaV3uB3-fS_tR_B0anCf7cdmYB_KAbzxD4Y7UXCsNVQyq8jrAgmJe8P0WpI8TrnB7n7WJjaHVP6HpjR_3uhF6sdSGTEStz9zsg96eb5H0/s320/colossians.jpg" /></a></div>1. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (2:6-7)<br />
2. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (2:8)<br />
3. Seek those things which are above. (3:1)<br />
4. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (3:2)<br />
5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness. (3:5)<br />
6. Put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. (3:8)<br />
7. Put on therefore, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. (3:12)<br />
8. Forbear one another. (3:13)<br />
9. Forgive one another. (3:13)<br />
10. Put on charity. (3:14)<br />
11. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts. (3:15)<br />
12. Be thankful. (3:15)<br />
13. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. (3:16)<br />
14. Teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, sing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (3:16)<br />
15. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (3:17)<br />
16. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands. (3:18)<br />
17. Husbands, love your wives. (3:19)<br />
18. Children, obey your parents in all things. (3:20)<br />
19. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, in singleness of heart, fearing God. (3:22)<br />
20. Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord. (3:23)<br />
21. Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal. (4:1)<br />
22. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. (4:2)<br />
23. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without. (4:5)<br />
24. Redeem the time. (4:5)<br />
25. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (4:6)Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-73186602281763742012013-11-26T14:05:00.000-06:002013-11-26T14:05:23.896-06:00Active commands found in Philippians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHPtnV_-G8Co9EQHjjp-qe4kBo-bP2dtAeRlDG2xpfLTkIenm-o_HgK3DFD5ElHUdWl4o25ns-ZtswSmTU3gTc6FtP-3J9sQOBwuV5kYLzOcZkyVECyk8CG3PsAVLsz9F7Stxp0UJ7Bo/s1600/philippians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHPtnV_-G8Co9EQHjjp-qe4kBo-bP2dtAeRlDG2xpfLTkIenm-o_HgK3DFD5ElHUdWl4o25ns-ZtswSmTU3gTc6FtP-3J9sQOBwuV5kYLzOcZkyVECyk8CG3PsAVLsz9F7Stxp0UJ7Bo/s400/philippians.jpg" /></a></div>1. Let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ. (1:27)<br />
2. Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. (1:27)<br />
3. Be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (2:2)<br />
4. Let each esteem other better than themselves. (2:3)<br />
5. Look to the things of others. (2:4)<br />
6. Have the mind of Christ. (2:5)<br />
7. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (2:12)<br />
8. Hold forth the Word of Life. (2:16)<br />
9. Hold faithful ministers of the gospel in reputation. (2:29)<br />
10. Rejoice in the Lord. (3:1)<br />
11. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. (3:2)<br />
12. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded [pressing toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus]. (3:14-15)<br />
13. Whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. (3:16)<br />
14. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (3:17)<br />
15. Stand fast in the Lord. (4:1)<br />
16. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (4:4)<br />
17. Let your moderation be known unto all men. (4:5)<br />
18. In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (4:6)<br />
19. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (4:8)<br />
Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-12410682201349170192013-11-26T00:11:00.000-06:002013-11-26T14:02:42.288-06:00Active commands found in Ephesians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxX1OifD2kRPWhprE0EBTVmVumLYVqCHfjeL0j3q-RDjnXMumcDOccNQVz3554M2DzkvJ1RF27eY4UrbDxpi4hCjADTwAIKEjHiUjPSQ4JHzS8d9NW0L0RM-DroeI_BkIWfLXHGJNVtM/s1600/ephesians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxX1OifD2kRPWhprE0EBTVmVumLYVqCHfjeL0j3q-RDjnXMumcDOccNQVz3554M2DzkvJ1RF27eY4UrbDxpi4hCjADTwAIKEjHiUjPSQ4JHzS8d9NW0L0RM-DroeI_BkIWfLXHGJNVtM/s400/ephesians.jpg" /></a></div>1. Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, with all lowliness and meekness. (4:1-2)<br />
2. With longsuffering forbear one another in love. (4:2)<br />
3. Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4:3)<br />
4. Put off the old man that waxes corrupt after the lusts of deceit. (4:22)<br />
5. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind. (4:23)<br />
6. Put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth. (4:24)<br />
7. Put away falsehood. (4:25)<br />
8. Speak truth each one with his neighbor. (4:25)<br />
9. Be angry, and sin not. (4:26)<br />
10. Let him that stole labor, working with his hands the thing that is good. (4:28)<br />
11. Let what is good for edifying proceed out of your mouth. (4:29)<br />
12. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. (4:31)<br />
13. Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other. (4:32)<br />
14. Be followers of God, as dear children. (5:1)<br />
15. Walk in love. (5:2)<br />
16. Give thanks. (5:4)<br />
17. Walk as children of light. (5:8)<br />
18. Reprove the unfruitful works of darkness. (5:11)<br />
19. Walk circumspectly. (5:15)<br />
20. Redeem the time. (5:16)<br />
21. Be understanding what the will of the Lord is. (5:17)<br />
22. Be filled with the Spirit. (5:18)<br />
23. Speak to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. (5:19)<br />
24. Give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (5:20)<br />
25. Submit yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (5:21)<br />
26. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (5:22)<br />
27. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church. (5:25)<br />
28. Let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself. (5:33)<br />
29. The wife see that she reverence her husband. (5:33)<br />
30. Children, obey your parents in the Lord. (6:1)<br />
31. Honour your father and mother. (6:2)<br />
32. Fathers, bring your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (6:3)<br />
33. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ… As the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will doing service, as to the Lord. (6:5-7)<br />
34. Masters, do the same things unto them. (6:9)<br />
35. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (6:10)<br />
36. Put on the whole armor of God. (6:11)<br />
37. Take unto you the whole armor of God. (6:13)<br />
38. Stand. (6:14)<br />
39. Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. (6:18)<br />
40. Watch with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (6:18)<br />
Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-88230566808544602592013-11-21T22:47:00.000-06:002013-11-21T22:47:24.755-06:00Active commands found in Galatians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIJSDIXtE39vmH8DdFUoobm2lS6sGjIxaCUdU42ig7itLq0AmOu0HtTsZRyC5b0dn5LEqzmz-egjT51uuyc-t6Z7iX-1g-MYA3QuUWwZ6gLB8YCndooiJACckOw-94npYHxXBTiO-jfI/s1600/Galatians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIJSDIXtE39vmH8DdFUoobm2lS6sGjIxaCUdU42ig7itLq0AmOu0HtTsZRyC5b0dn5LEqzmz-egjT51uuyc-t6Z7iX-1g-MYA3QuUWwZ6gLB8YCndooiJACckOw-94npYHxXBTiO-jfI/s320/Galatians.jpg" /></a></div>1. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free. (5:1)<br />
2. By love serve one another. (5:13)<br />
3. Love thy neighbor as thyself. (5:14)<br />
4. Walk in the Spirit. (5:16, 25)<br />
5. If a man be overtaken in a fault, restore him, considering yourself. (6:1)<br />
6. Bear ye one another's burdens. (6:2)<br />
7. Let every man prove his own work. (6:4)<br />
8. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things. (6:6)<br />
9. Do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (6:10)<br />
Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-88545977320403794062013-11-20T13:28:00.001-06:002013-11-20T13:31:51.419-06:00Active commands found in II Corinthians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGrd1I-AdEyesFqaSrmOygAxmYmyd_HUTHSVI2jOwxzu2988wUIkx8lMhI7Bghq0ur1Fk8RykYWuToaKtjRwjHYMY2Q94VV9k2waXpP0cLNVz6rhbXKziRCB56A799pL_GcAwvqclSpw/s1600/II+Cor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGrd1I-AdEyesFqaSrmOygAxmYmyd_HUTHSVI2jOwxzu2988wUIkx8lMhI7Bghq0ur1Fk8RykYWuToaKtjRwjHYMY2Q94VV9k2waXpP0cLNVz6rhbXKziRCB56A799pL_GcAwvqclSpw/s320/II+Cor.jpg" /></a></div>1. Come out from among them, and be ye separate. (6:17)<br />
2. Cleanse yourself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (7:1)<br />
3. Abound in this grace [giving money to help other believers in distress] also. (8:7)<br />
4. Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; (9:7)<br />
5. He that glories, let him glory in the Lord. (10:17)<br />
6. The parents ought to lay up for the children. (12:14)<br />
7. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. (13:5)<br />
8. Be perfect. (13:11)<br />
9. Be of good comfort. (13:11) <br />
10. Be of one mind. (13:11)<br />
11. Live in peace. (13:11)<br />
Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-62391269088436457982013-11-19T00:22:00.001-06:002013-11-20T13:30:12.725-06:00Active commands found in I Corinthians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfUyoG2sRkKzZf8j-5sn4RcD-5DJQXIOEuKeEdTqbb4i4svdUBDK2dD7ned-lSX3OXMZVAXzF-B1d_fCdjllWlQ_EaXYkZvkfzzooBVxBjshDk0Qgu5FRKGTdfWQHDcgo1e-DupEBhrg/s1600/I-Corinthians-bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfUyoG2sRkKzZf8j-5sn4RcD-5DJQXIOEuKeEdTqbb4i4svdUBDK2dD7ned-lSX3OXMZVAXzF-B1d_fCdjllWlQ_EaXYkZvkfzzooBVxBjshDk0Qgu5FRKGTdfWQHDcgo1e-DupEBhrg/s320/I-Corinthians-bible.jpg" /></a></div>1. That ye all speak the same thing… perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1:10)<br />
2. He that glories, let him glory in the Lord. (1:31)<br />
3. Let every man take heed how he builds upon the gospel foundation laid by another. (3:10)<br />
4. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. (3:18)<br />
5. Keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (5:8)<br />
6. Set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. (6:4)<br />
7. Flee fornication. (6:18)<br />
8. Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit. (6:20)<br />
9. To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. (7:2)<br />
10. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. (7:3)<br />
11. Defraud ye [husbands and wives] not one the other. (I Cor. 7:5)<br />
12. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows… if they cannot contain, let them marry: (7:9)<br />
13. Let not the wife depart from her husband… and let not the husband put away his wife. (7:10-11)<br />
14. As the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. (7:17)<br />
15. Take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling-block to them that are weak. (8:9)<br />
16. Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. (9:9)<br />
17. They which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. (9:14)<br />
18. Run, that ye may obtain. (9:24)<br />
19. Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (10:12)<br />
20. Flee from idolatry. (10:14)<br />
21. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. (10:24)<br />
22. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake. (10:25)<br />
23. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. (10:27)<br />
24. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (10:31)<br />
25. Be ye followers of me [Paul], even as I also am of Christ. (11:1)<br />
26. Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (11:28)<br />
27. When ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. (11:33)<br />
28. If any man hunger, let him eat at home. (11:34)<br />
29. Covet earnestly the best gifts. (12:31)<br />
30. Follow after charity. (14:1)<br />
31. Desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. (14:1)<br />
32. Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. (14:12)<br />
33. Let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. (14:13)<br />
34. In malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (14:20)<br />
35. Let all things be done unto edifying. (14:26)<br />
36. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. (14:27)<br />
37. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. (14:29)<br />
38. If they [women] will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home. (14:35)<br />
39. Covet to prophesy. (14:39)<br />
40. Let all things be done decently and in order. (14:40)<br />
41. Awake to righteousness. (15:34)<br />
42. Be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. (15:58)<br />
43. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him. (16:2)<br />
44. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (16:13)<br />
45. Let all your things be done with charity. (16:14)<br />
Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-76120038101187301412013-11-17T22:56:00.000-06:002013-11-20T13:32:24.674-06:00Active commands found in Romans.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOY3_9Lk7xCjVP35KobdDqJeQuNtyVfMSOfXPp5H4U6ihUGewiDewirMN1D-ahYam61CzfwrvlN6JWNewViIFN8xtvoKWJnLJt9mLYKlpnjBiYdOWv_GfaKIN_ZW2EnI7jqpWItD32gso/s1600/romans_title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOY3_9Lk7xCjVP35KobdDqJeQuNtyVfMSOfXPp5H4U6ihUGewiDewirMN1D-ahYam61CzfwrvlN6JWNewViIFN8xtvoKWJnLJt9mLYKlpnjBiYdOWv_GfaKIN_ZW2EnI7jqpWItD32gso/s320/romans_title.jpg" /></a></div>I went through the book of Romans and listed all the active, explicit commands. What are not listed are the passive commands (the "do not"s), implied commands, or commands that were obviously only for the Roman church ("Greet Priscilla and Aquila). Maybe this can be a help to someone else as well.<br />
<br />
1. Reckon yourself dead to sin. (6:11)<br />
2. Yield yourself unto God. (6:13)<br />
3. Yield your members servants to righteousness. (6:19)<br />
4. Take heed, lest God not spare you as he spared not Israel. (11:21)<br />
5. Behold the goodness and severity of God. (11:22)<br />
6. Present your body a living sacrifice to God, holy, acceptable unto God. (12:1)<br />
7. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (12:2)<br />
8. Think soberly. (12:3)<br />
9. Prophesy according to the proportion of faith. (12:6)<br />
10. Attend to ministering, teaching, and exhortation. (12:7)<br />
11. Give with simplicity. (12:8)<br />
12. Rule with diligence. (12:8)<br />
13. Show mercy with cheerfulness. (12:8)<br />
14. Love without dissimulation. (12:9)<br />
15. Abhor that which is evil. (12:9)<br />
16. Cleave to that which is good. (12:9)<br />
17. Be kindly affectioned with brotherly love. (12:10)<br />
18. In honor, prefer others. (12:10)<br />
19. Be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. (12:11)<br />
20. Rejoice in hope. (12:12)<br />
21. Be patient in tribulation. (12:12)<br />
22. Continue instant in prayer. (12:12)<br />
23. Distribute to the necessity of the saints. (12:13)<br />
24. Be given to hospitality. (12:13)<br />
25. Bless them which persecute you. (12:14)<br />
26. Rejoice with those who rejoice. (12:15)<br />
27. Weep with those who weep. (12:15)<br />
28. Condescend to men of low estate. (12:16)<br />
29. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. (12:17)<br />
30. Live peaceably with all men. (12:18)<br />
31. Feed your hungry enemy. (12:20)<br />
32. Give your thirsty enemy drink. (12:20)<br />
33. Overcome evil with good. (12:21)<br />
34. Be subject unto the higher power. (13:1)<br />
35. Pay tribute. (13:6)<br />
36. Render to all authorities their dues. (13:7)<br />
37. Love one another. (13:8)<br />
38. Cast off the works of darkness. (13:12)<br />
39. Put on the armour of light. (13:12)<br />
40. Walk honestly. (13:13)<br />
41. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. (13:14)<br />
42. Recieve the weak in faith. (14:1)<br />
43. Be persuaded of the importance (or lack thereof) of holy days in your own mind. (14:5)<br />
44. Follow after things which make for peace and edifying. (14:19)<br />
45. Bear the infirmities of the weak. (15:1)<br />
46. Please your neighbor for his good to edification. (15:2)<br />
47. Recieve one another. (15:7)<br />
48. Mark and avoid them which cause divisions contrary to true doctrine. (16:17)Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-42277718052469604062013-11-11T18:12:00.001-06:002013-11-13T12:56:01.933-06:00Was typhoon Haiyan God's judgement?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFhlNQW6U4-oNlOuzv4mJTaus7R9843ddiMFfQFk3lqypjI04yQVbIgf5LzlCB7E30aZOGEMPpxl5BA-qm1HNM0nNTaacqnCK1jeZ4Chm-CXwbuzEgOnkb6l251QJ0buSl5rXfTMIEIQ/s1600/typhoon_Haiyan_noaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFhlNQW6U4-oNlOuzv4mJTaus7R9843ddiMFfQFk3lqypjI04yQVbIgf5LzlCB7E30aZOGEMPpxl5BA-qm1HNM0nNTaacqnCK1jeZ4Chm-CXwbuzEgOnkb6l251QJ0buSl5rXfTMIEIQ/s320/typhoon_Haiyan_noaa.jpg" /></a></div>As substantial news begins to trickle in about the wreckage left in the wake of one of the strongest storms ever to make landfall, the massive scale of the damage - particularly the potential of the final numbers - is truly staggering. It is feared that 10,000 may be dead already in one city alone, and as relief teams begin to penetrate the more rural areas that number may not be simply added to, but multiplied. All of this fails to account for deaths that potentially may come in the following days and months from disease, malnutrition, and starvation as the realities of looted hospitals, unburied bodies, and deserting personnel sets in.<br />
As Christians, nay as humans, it is natural for us to ask why. Not a meteorologic why, but a philosophic why. What is the purpose for all of this suffering and death? The humanistic evolutionist would tell you that there is no rhyme or reason, that it is all an unfortunate accident of blind nature and chance. But as Christians, particularly those of us who believe in an all sovereign God who designs and commands the weather (<i><b>Psalm 135:6-7</b> Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.</i>) we cannot accept that as a suitable answer. Why would God direct Typhoon Haiyan into this disaster-prone country with inadequate infra-structure to deal with such devastation? The first conclusion we jump to is that God must be judging this nation! Yes, that must be it, these people with their strange blend of Roman Catholicism and cultural mysticism have finally been judged by God with this massive wall of water, figuratively washing away the sins of these people! We've already decided that was God's purpose behind Hurricane Katrina and the indonesian tsunami, here again we pat ourselves on our collective backs for being bright enough to figure out what God is doing, and we nod our heads in consent to the grand justice those people received. However, let me insert a word of caution before we become too settled in our minds that this is the certain answer.<br />
Job's friends were all in consensus that his material, familial, and physical devastation had come upon him as judgement from God for some particular sin. Though not one could put a definitive finger on just what it was, that did not stop them from making lots of guesses and never swayed them from their first and now deep-seated impression that it was God's judgement. The problem is, at the beginning of the story we're given a behind-the-scenes look at what really was going on between Satan and God and at the end of the narrative we find God rebuking Job's friends for making false accusations about both Job and more importantly God himself! <br />
Roughly 2,000 years later, Jesus ran into the same assumptions by his followers on multiple occasions, was the man blind because God was judging him or his parents for sin? (John 9:2) What grievous sin had the Galilaeans committed that God caused them to be killed by Pilate? (Luke 13:1) Or what were the heinous crimes perpetrated by those whom God crushed under the fallen tower of Siloam? (Luke 13:4) And every single time Jesus had the same answer for them, this was not judgement from God for any particular sin but a result of sin in general which reminds us that we all must repent and thus bring glory to God.<br />
While I do agree that sin has built in consequences that are not pleasant, and while I do not disagree that God has and may still judge individuals and nations by acts of nature, let me also point out that almost every time someone in scripture thought they knew the mind of God in the midst of a tragedy, appropriating judgement as the necessary answer, they were wrong. Do the Phillipines deserve judgement more than America? Do we imagine that since we stamp "In God We Trust" on our fiat currency, he will excuse the "Against God We Rebel" stamped on our hearts? Does our official pledge (of allegiance to a piece of cloth representing an earthly kingdom... But that's another discussion altogether) of "one nation, under God" blind him to the fact that we refuse to be under his Lordship and make a mockery of his commandments at every turn? No, but unless we repent, we shall all likewise perish!<br />
Secondly, why do we assume that large catastrophes equal God's judgement but small ones do not? Many who assert that this storm was an outpouring of God's wrath against sin would be appalled if we we made that same claim if a single child drowned in a stream. But because this was so large, so far away, and thus so impersonal, we have many who find it easy to stay atop their holy perches and dictate to us all what exactly God is doing in this situation.<br />
Lastly, the assumption that this typhoon was God's judgement on sin, is a very light opinion of sin. Every one of the people who have died in this storm or will die as a result of it were going to die eventually anyways. Many of these people may have died a much quicker and less painful death than they would have had the storm never blown their way. God judges sin in two ways, by pouring out his wrath against it on Jesus as he hung on the cross and by pouring it out on those who rejected Jesus for an eternity in hell. A typhoon does not begin to compare with the gravity of either of those. <br />
Instead of trying to figure out why God judged the Philippines, why don't we let God be God and we his servants obedient to his commands. Which are,<br />
1. To repent ourselves, seeing what misery sin has brought into the world.<br />
2. To love our neighbors as ourselves, look into how you can help the people of the Philippines.<br />
3. To preach the gospel to all people, rejoicing with those who accept it and mourning for those who reject it, knowing that they will face a final judgement that makes the largest typhoon on record look like a gentle rain.Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-55154193095604928782013-03-02T22:17:00.002-06:002013-03-09T23:23:19.378-06:00What place do creeds, confessions, catechisms, and commentaries have in Christendom? (Part 1)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VOu2VFKZtwxCBSyTSPcCLfQtk7dFm-56FMBPlCC4dGBLlgltAFXfNttIlULKo4NQVtT-2y65jG7euv5_yRglGRfr_dR-1crMiZGHFFOSulhlNLsctA2oyn09_s1FBOAoHVatJE6Exvc/s1600/creed.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VOu2VFKZtwxCBSyTSPcCLfQtk7dFm-56FMBPlCC4dGBLlgltAFXfNttIlULKo4NQVtT-2y65jG7euv5_yRglGRfr_dR-1crMiZGHFFOSulhlNLsctA2oyn09_s1FBOAoHVatJE6Exvc/s320/creed.jpg" /></a> I'm a firm believer in Sola Scriptura, that is "The Scriptures Alone", however, that is a vague motto that has been used, misused, and abused by people from all different denominations to mean and support varying and often conflicting ideas. One particular misuse of this maxim has been termed biblicism, the belief that the scriptures are alone the only writings to which a christian should refer, casting aside all iterated doctrines, dogmas, and teachings that men have formulated (even if they have scripture as their foundation). While this sounds solid on the outset, it is dangerous in its intimation and impossible to apply. First, it will do great damage to sound doctrine by opening the door to any orator who can make a good argument for his interpretation of a particular passage of scripture. When we rely strictly on our own interpretation of scripture we give place to any Mormon, Catholic, Arian, Pelagian, etc. to make a case for their form of heresy from scripture (as they all attempt to do) because we refuse to look at what godly and learned men have decided about these very issues after much study and long debate. Second, it is impossible to implement because as soon as you've convinced someone that this is the proper way to interpret scripture, you have made a disciple and are now guilty of doing the very thing you're advocating against, i.e. allowing the teaching of a man to influence how you interpret scripture. <br />
With all that being said, we must ask, "What then does Sola Scriptura mean? The Scriptures alone... what?" The answer is that the Scriptures alone are our ground and final rule of faith and practice. However, there are many helps that God has given to the church to help it in its definition and articulation of what the Scriptures teach. (Eph. 4:11-14) <i>And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;</i><br />
I. Creeds <br />
According to dictionary.com a creed (in the sense I'm using it here) is "an authoritative, formulated statement of the chief articles of Christian belief." It comes from the Latin word "credo" which means "I believe". These have played an important part throughout the history of the church as concise statements which differentiate Christianity from other religions. In fact it is almost certain that in I Corinthians 15:3-7 Paul is quoting an early church creed that was probably formulated just 5-6 years after Jesus' death. The first clue is that he said in both verses one and three that he was giving them something that he had received. The Greek words behind "delivered" and "received" are the words that were used by scribes who copied and passed on written traditions. The next hint is the four part structure of the verses, further broken down into two parts made up of a fact with its supporting evidence. Note,<br />
1. Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures.<br />
1a. He was buried. (Not just a coma, or swooning, he was dead enough that they put him in the ground.)<br />
2. He rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures.<br />
2a. He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve, then of over 500 brethren. (It wasn't just a spiritual return or a hallucination, he really, bodily rose again.)<br />
Thirdly, the connecting word "that" serves as quotation marks in the Greek (since it uses grammar to give sentence structure, instead of quotation marks) and Paul uses "how", "and", and "after" as additions to add emphasis to what he was saying, to keep the Corinthian church from hearing it as a cliche since they had probably heard and repeated it a hundred times before. So this early Christian creed probably went like this, <br />
"We believe that Christ died for our sins,<br />
according to the scriptures, <br />
he was buried, <br />
he rose again the third day,<br />
according to the scriptures,<br />
he was seen of Cephas,then of the twelve, <br />
(whether verse seven was part of the creed or not is debated, if so it would have finished up with "He was seen of James then of all the apostles.") <br />
Three early creeds that are very sound and have been held by Christians in all ages are the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. The Apostles Creed is said by tradition to have been written by the twelve apostles, each contributing one of the twelve articles, on the day of Pentecost and that this is what they were doing when the Holy Ghost came upon them in Acts 2:1. Whether that is the case, or whether it was formulated by their students from their writings is not definitively known. What is known is that it was written in the first century and is entirely consistent with apostolic writings and teaching. John Calvin said this concerning this creed in his catechism.<br />
<i>Master. Then the foundation and beginning of confidence in God is to know him in Christ?<br />
Student. Entirely so.<br />
Master. I should now wish you to tell me in a few words, what the sum of this knowledge is?<br />
Student. It is contained in the Confession of Faith, or rather Formula of Confession, which all Christians have in common. It is commonly called the Apostles’ Creed, because from the beginning of the Church it was ever received among all the pious, and because it either fell from the lips of the Apostles, or was faithfully gathered out of their writings.</i> <br />
This is how the creed reads, (complete with the supposed contributer of each article).<br />
Peter - 1. <i>I believe in God the Father Almighty</i><br />
John - 2. <i>Maker of heaven and earth</i><br />
James - 3. <i>And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord</i><br />
Andrew - 4. <i>Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary</i><br />
Philip - 5. <i>Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried</i><br />
Thomas - 6. <i>He descended into hell, the third day he rose again from the dead</i><br />
Bartholomew - 7. <i>He ascended into heaven; sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty</i><br />
Matthew - 8. <i>From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead</i><br />
James, the son of Alpheus - 9. <i>I believe In the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church</i><br />
Simon Zelotes - 10.<i> The communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins</i><br />
Jude, the brother of James - 11. <i>The resurrection of the body</i><br />
Matthias - 12. <i>Life everlasting. Amen</i> <br />
(Notice in all three creeds that the word "catholic" is spelled with a small "c", it means worldwide or universal, it does not mean the church of Rome which now calls itself the Catholic Church.)<br />
The second most important creed in christian history is the Nicene Creed, so named because it was adopted at the first ecumenical church council held in the city of Nicea in 325. This creed is a little longer and speaks more directly to the nature of the trinity, particularly the divine nature of Jesus, since that was the heresy that was sweeping the church at the time (the Arian controvery). Of over 300 christian bishops gathered at this council, this creed was accepted and signed by all but three who were denounced as heretics. If this creed were more widely accepted in Christianity today, those who reject the doctrine of the Trinity such as T. D. Jakes and William Young (author of The Shack), might not have such a large following nor find such acceptance among those who claim to be orthodox Christians. This creed states,<br />
<i>We believe in one God, <br />
the Father, the Almighty, <br />
maker of heaven and earth, <br />
of all that is, seen and unseen. <br />
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, <br />
the only Son of God, <br />
eternally begotten of the Father, <br />
God from God, light from light, <br />
true God from true God, <br />
begotten, not made, <br />
of one Being with the Father; <br />
through him all things were made. <br />
For us and for our salvation <br />
he came down from heaven, <br />
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary <br />
and became truly human. <br />
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; <br />
he suffered death and was buried. <br />
On the third day he rose again <br />
in accordance with the Scriptures; <br />
he ascended into heaven <br />
and is seated at the right hand of the Father. <br />
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, <br />
and his kingdom will have no end. <br />
<br />
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, <br />
who proceeds from the Father, <br />
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, <br />
who has spoken through the prophets. <br />
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. <br />
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. <br />
We look for the resurrection of the dead, <br />
and the life of the world to come. Amen.</i><br />
The third creed is know as the Athanasian Creed, named after Athansius who championed the true doctrine of the trinity in the face of Arianism. Unfortunately, even after the first council of Nicea in 325, and in spite of the denouncing of Arianism and the adoption of the Nicene Creed, Arianism actually became more popular than the accepted Christian position for the next fifty years until the council of Constantinople in 381 where the Nicene Creed was reaffirmed, and Arianism was crushed with Athanasius leading the charge. This creed was probably not written by him, in fact it may not have been written until the 700s, however, because it so clearly states what he articulated it bears his name to this day. It goes like this,<br />
1. Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith;<br />
2. Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.<br />
3. And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;<br />
4. Neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance.<br />
5. For there is one person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Spirit.<br />
6. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit is all one, the glory equal, the majesty coeternal.<br />
7. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit.<br />
8. The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Spirit uncreated.<br />
9. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Spirit incomprehensible.<br />
10. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal.<br />
11. And yet they are not three eternals but one eternal.<br />
12. As also there are not three uncreated nor three incomprehensible, but one uncreated and one incomprehensible.<br />
13. So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, and the Holy Spirit almighty.<br />
14. And yet they are not three almighties, but one almighty.<br />
15. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God;<br />
16. And yet they are not three Gods, but one God.<br />
17. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Spirit Lord;<br />
18. And yet they are not three Lords but one Lord.<br />
19. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord;<br />
20. So are we forbidden by the catholic religion to say; There are three Gods or three Lords.<br />
21. The Father is made of none, neither created nor begotten.<br />
22. The Son is of the Father alone; not made nor created, but begotten.<br />
23. The Holy Spirit is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.<br />
24. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Spirit, not three Holy Spirits.<br />
25. And in this Trinity none is afore or after another; none is greater or less than another.<br />
26. But the whole three persons are coeternal, and coequal.<br />
27. So that in all things, as aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped.<br />
28. He therefore that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity.<br />
29. Furthermore it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe rightly the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.<br />
30. For the right faith is that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and man.<br />
31. God of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and man of substance of His mother, born in the world.<br />
32. Perfect God and perfect man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting.<br />
33. Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His manhood.<br />
34. Who, although He is God and man, yet He is not two, but one Christ.<br />
35. One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking of that manhood into God.<br />
36. One altogether, not by confusion of substance, but by unity of person.<br />
37. For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, so God and man is one Christ;<br />
38. Who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead;<br />
39. He ascended into heaven, He sits on the right hand of the Father, God, Almighty;<br />
40. From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.<br />
41. At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies;<br />
42. and shall give account of their own works.<br />
43. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting and they that have done evil into everlasting fire.<br />
44. This is the catholic faith, which except a man believe faithfully he cannot be saved.<br />
If under the guise of Sola Scriptura, we forget what our forefathers so clearly iterated for us, many times in spite of the fact that it could cost them their lives, (it is said that many of the bishops at the first church council bore in their bodies the scars of persecution since Rome had only very recently legalized Christianity) we dishonor the very Word we claim to be upholding. For it is the scriptures themselves that have told us that God has given the church Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of it. That means that we not only need the godly ministers we have today, but until the church is perfect and complete, we still need the foundational men and their works by which the church until this point has been edified and built. Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-50673314822454382652012-10-30T17:49:00.002-05:002012-10-30T17:49:13.065-05:00Have you ever thought about how holidays bring glory to God? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEPLN7Ye85EMekoofHYIKerXTr0JjTzH5BrD302iGUwzLv7IcBr0qGnyJOhZ7h8SIPD5Izt4oDjtU7uScE_T8H8kWkofG9PMl6XBFVXpKdmOzRwdsnpX9MbLzmcsnESSzV2UJpdtLbDE/s1600/happy-holidays-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="251" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEPLN7Ye85EMekoofHYIKerXTr0JjTzH5BrD302iGUwzLv7IcBr0qGnyJOhZ7h8SIPD5Izt4oDjtU7uScE_T8H8kWkofG9PMl6XBFVXpKdmOzRwdsnpX9MbLzmcsnESSzV2UJpdtLbDE/s400/happy-holidays-21.jpg" /></a></div> There is little debate that we humans are creatures of habit. What we see everyone else doing is what we assume we should do, and what we do (or did when we were younger), is what we assume our children should do. There are some habits and uniquely cultural activities that are healthy and I have no problem passing on to the next generation. When I got my first job I also got my driver's license and my first car, that's a fairly common practice in America and one that will probably be repeated by my sons, should God be so gracious. To brush our teeth every night, go to church every Sunday and go to Grandma's every Thanksgiving are all traditions that have legitimate value and are worth passing on. <br />
The danger comes when we allow ourselves to fall into the trap of thinking that since we've adopted many customs and traditions of our culture and childhood that are good and healthy, everything our culture does is good and worth repeating. This is seen perhaps nowhere clearer than in the celebration of holidays. Some of your fondest memories may include shouting "Happy New Year" at midnight, receiving a heart shaped box of chocolates, hunting for eggs after a sunrise church service, watching fireworks, dressing up in costumes and making yourself sick on your collected candy, sitting around a large table eating turkey with your cousins, or tearing the brightly colored paper off your presents around a gaily decorated tree. And because there are such precious memories associated with the sounds, sights, smells, tastes, and feelings of those holidays we are lulled into thinking that they are all inherently good, after all surely something that feels so right can't be wrong... Or can it? The very word "holidays" points us to the fact that most of these were initially intrinsically religious, and even those that weren't at their inception take on moral value when they are celebrated by a follower of Jesus Christ who is to do everything to the glory of God. If we really do claim to desire to bring every thought and action under submission to the Word of God and the lordship of Jesus Christ, then willful ignorance is no excuse either. Can we disconnect Valentine's Day from it predecessor Lupercalia, the pre-Roman celebration of fertility from Feb. 13-15 to commemorate the she-wolf Lupa suckling Romulus and Remus and worship the Greek god Pan, which was celebrated by shepherds running nude through the streets? Can we redeem objects like the Easter Bunny and colored eggs and return them to their original symbolism of life after death and birth from virginity, or should we discard them as being wholly corrupted by commercialism? Is the "harmless fun" of dressing up in costumes and eating candy a sufficient reason to engage and partake of a holiday that has come to represent witchcraft, ghouls, vampires, zombies, and generally every creature that has been historically viewed as coming from hell? Can a christian celebrate Christmas and justify partaking of a Mass or the sacrificing of the Son of God afresh? To say nothing of the ancient pagan festivals held on Dec. 25 worshiping the "sun god", from which Christmas evolved (Jesus wasn't born anywhere close to Dec. 25)! <br />
While I have an opinion and conviction about every one of these issues - which we should embrace, which to redeem and which to reject - the purpose of this article is not to tell you what to believe but to challenge you to think! To stop doing things just because that's the way you've always done it, or that's what everyone else does, and decide whether what you're doing is consistent with scripture and your obedience to it. With Halloween just a day away, now is a good time to ask ourselves what we are doing and why! I can handle it if you've studied the scriptures and have come up with a conclusion that is different than mine, what drives me crazy is people who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ and yet have never even stopped to think about how they bring glory to God through every activity they partake in, even the holidays that bring the warm fuzzies.Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-70838120384114125762012-10-10T09:35:00.000-05:002012-10-10T10:34:20.780-05:00A litmus test of true love.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3C4_-wv8CyBrhGI_73uzCEWd3on5Wx7n39f-r_2v5DcVJ3NRIoabeSx1sgcfTBuwr3SA-GjHkhO3_loOaSiF5VTDxJ_5RIhe1HR9b5QgckoGu5mBjl4vA-IWEHUK5Q543A7wlVnHa7yQ/s1600/love-inspirational-daily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="305" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3C4_-wv8CyBrhGI_73uzCEWd3on5Wx7n39f-r_2v5DcVJ3NRIoabeSx1sgcfTBuwr3SA-GjHkhO3_loOaSiF5VTDxJ_5RIhe1HR9b5QgckoGu5mBjl4vA-IWEHUK5Q543A7wlVnHa7yQ/s400/love-inspirational-daily.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:" -I Cor. 13:4-8<br />
This is less a command on how we ought to love and more a simple statement on what love is when it is pure. It suffers long and is kind, not because it has been told that is what it is to do or because the gain is greater than the pain, but because love makes pleasurable what others would see as suffering. The old man who has loved the same woman for more than half a century finds not suffering, but joy in being able to be her support and help when she reaches a point where she can no longer care for herself. The parent who has a handicapped child, finds not sorrow in caring for that child, but a joy in love. Selfishness (or self-love) finds that the dependency of another breeds bitterness, real charity (or an active love for someone outside yourself) finds that it nurtures love. <br />
It envies not, because when you love someone your own happiness hinges more on seeing them happy than it does any good that could be done to you or material things that could be given to you. Envy is the perfect antithesis to love, the more good the object of the love receives, the happier the lover is.<br />
Similarly, pride runs contrary to charity because a heart fixated on another has no time or room left for "looking out for number one". Many times professed love for another is nothing more than another facet of self-love, this becomes evident when one party becomes incensed because they are not receiving for themselves the good they imagined would result from their "love". Unadulterated love seeks not her own but always what is best for the beloved.<br />
Is not easily provoked for love covers a multitude of sins. Love is the master emotion in that it tames, tempers, and directs all others. It is a strange truth that an action that can irritate you when coming from anyone else, can cause you to laugh and look back in nostalgia when done by the beloved. In this way the emotions of anger, pride, and envy are displaced by love.<br />
It thinks no evil and while this has been termed by some to be "looking through rose colored glasses" or "being in the honeymoon phase" the scripture considers it a laudable attribute of love. That everything about the beloved would be filtered through the mindset that would interpret the best intentions every time is a reality that we know from experience, and of all the aspects mentioned here this is perhaps the one I most want to facilitate in all my relationships. To always think the best of someone until proven otherwise, is a valuable trait.<br />
Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in truth. While the world is happy to embrace most of these descriptions as they cling to their own definition of love and place it on a pedestal above everything else, this clause here is rejected by them for they often place their god of "love" above law and truth. True love however, does not rejoice in iniquity. Therefore, any perversion or disobedience that one would attempt to justify in the name of love, is not! Those who would cover their wounds of adultery or fornication with the balm of love will find that it is a cleansing agent that stings not one that numbs. The homosexuals that would take it to be their lawyer will find that it is their judge! While love may be the master emotion, it is not the master of ethics, it too finds its very being in obedience to the truth.<br />
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Not through naivety, but because it is love and therefore finds it a privilege to bear extra, that the beloved may bear less. It believes things are different this time; though it has not forgotten the offences previously committed, it is willing to risk further injury if the reward is a relationship with the object of its affection. Hopes always for the best, never losing hope or throwing in the towel regardless of the merits or history of the individual, for the hope is grounded in love. Love endures all things, the situations and circumstances surrounding you are peripheral and can be endured and that easily if only all is well between the two of you. And so the marriage vows promise "For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health". <br />
Charity never fails. Of all the descriptors this one informs me that this kind of charity is divinely given, for everything that originates from man is destined to eventually fail, love on the other hand has its author and highest form in heaven and has been given to men as the primary check to evil ultimately winning in this world.<br />
<br />
"There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket - safe, dark, motionless, airless - it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least to the risk of tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell." -C. S. Lewis<br />
Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-16058202507676330902012-08-02T00:11:00.000-05:002012-10-17T01:01:48.844-05:00A defense of the courage shown at the Aurora, CO theater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJIKyaoo97ctMfc65MzPluv-iLM0t-WxblsRgd6fLrkj6ChH9hiN_yowJcpKyUCUyOrNy9IEOWqr6LncgDsLUXb3YEZ_kLgb663VwedHhsrN0sw1YTy_0k5k_WJoQmGcszCg4CLqtpFI/s1600/aurora-colorado-movie-theater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJIKyaoo97ctMfc65MzPluv-iLM0t-WxblsRgd6fLrkj6ChH9hiN_yowJcpKyUCUyOrNy9IEOWqr6LncgDsLUXb3YEZ_kLgb663VwedHhsrN0sw1YTy_0k5k_WJoQmGcszCg4CLqtpFI/s400/aurora-colorado-movie-theater.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I read a blog post this past weekend that attempted to establish the premise that everyone in the Aurora, CO theater was a coward because no one charged the gunman and tried to take him down. I found the opinion piece extremely disturbing, not only because of the level of heartlessness it would take to attempt to blame the victims for the crime, but because of the blatant disregard for the facts of what happened there. For starters, he completely ignored every story of the men who died shielding their girlfriends from the spray of bullets. In his haste to defend his presupposed premise of cowardice he completely overlooked the obvious acts of courage and bravery. <br />
He compared this event to the passengers aboard United Airlines 93 who overwhelmed the terrorists and courageously crashed it into the Pennsylvania field on September 11, 2001. There are a few problems with that comparison though. First, the passengers that day had already been made aware that the terrorists were turning the planes into missiles and therefore their own best chance for survival was to retake the plane. Second, the terrorists on that plane were not armed to the teeth with assault shotguns, semi-automatic AR-15s, handguns and body armor. Third, they had time to consult with one another and come up with a synchronized plan. On the other hand, the theater goers on the night of July 20th were taken by surprise by a man whom they initially thought was part of the movie, then hit with smoke grenades, and by the time they knew what was going on the entire thing was over, from the time he walked through the exit door to the time the shooting stopped was under five minutes. Just a few minutes of utter pandemonium and chaos! The two events were so dissimilar in their basic elements that to attempt to compare the two is a disservice to the heroes from both attacks. <br />
Lastly, my disagreement with his point hinges on his assumption that courage must take an offensive strategy. Thomas Aquinas on the other hand said, "The principal act of courage is to endure and withstand dangers doggedly rather than to attack them". In my opinion, it would have been easier in a moment of panic to charge the gunman and leave my loved ones to fend for themselves, than it would have been to stay hunched over them as I heard the killer and his shots moving ever closer to my aisle. But "easier" rarely equals "right" or "brave" and in this situation I side with Mr. Aquinas, I salute the incredible courage shown by those who chose to withstand the danger of being shot while protecting their girlfriends over the option of madly attacking the villain. <br />
This author attempted to form the premise that bravery always attacks the danger, but I think the flaw in that assertion should be obvious, the only person in that theater that was a real coward, was the one doing the attacking!Joshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089706756130789573.post-7763559270282740782012-07-27T17:19:00.001-05:002012-07-27T17:19:33.020-05:00The Subtle Art of Sabotaging A Pastor by Jared Wilson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dearest Grubnat, my poppet, my pigsnie,
The reports of your progress warm my blackened heart. When you were assigned to one of the Enemy’s ministers ten years ago, his infernal Majesty and I knew you’d have a rough go of it. The zeal of one new to the pastorate can be a daunting challenge to even the most cunning of our comrades, but we also believed that time breeds all wounds and that your task would become easier the longer your patient remained. You now prosper from that sweet spot of pastoral fatigue and assimilation. The shine of newness is gone. And up pop the cracks in the ministerial armor.
There are many temptations common among the Enemy’s undershepherds but one universal temptation of them arises from their flesh and it is this: they want people to be pleased with them. Wanting to be liked is not a sin, really — to use the Enemy’s terminology — but it can be quickly turned to one at the hands of a spiritual disintegrator as shrewd as yourself. Some tacks you might consider:
Suggest to your client that he works for the people, not the Enemy. This will not be a hard sell as they are faces he sees every day. Remind him who pays his salary. The quicker you can get your patient to see himself as a professional, as an employee, the better.
Strike up with your fellow workers to send in to his office, voicemail, and email inbox parishioner after parishioner with demands, requests, and philosophical banners to wave. Through them propose hill after hill to die on, all save Golgotha.
Keep his head spinning. Even so-called “innocent” concerns can be proper distractions from Who your patient is ultimately beholden to if they offer plausible substitutes for the “first importance” of the Bad News. The slip into people-pleasing mode can be masked as subtly as a serpent slithering in the tall grass (no offense intended to his Majesty).
Help your patient to see all that he lacks. Stroke his discontent. The less satisfied your patient is with what the Enemy has done for him and all the Enemy has given him, the more alluring the validation, approval, and praise of others will be. Empty him of his confidence by highlighting his failures so that therefore his head will be far more easily swelled with adulations and self-confidences. Then pop those like a pin to a balloon and start again. It is easy for a pastor to move to pride—it is his default setting—so this should not be too difficult for you.
Turning your patient into a man-pleaser may require employment of what we have come to call the “rope-a-dope” technique, outlined as follows: First, make things very comfortable in the church for your patient. When he is very much pleased with himself and neither sober nor watchful, but drunk on ease and set to pastoral autopilot, then it is time to strike.
Bring in reinforcements to stoke division and dissension in his flock. Put him on the defensive. Demoralize him. Make him feel as though he has more to prove, more to be. Prod him to strive to enter the unrest. Make arrangements to see that he comes to shepherd under compulsion, not willingly, much less eagerly, and suggest that he view the sheep of his flock as problems to be fixed or resources to be used.
If you can steer him into a position of prideful domineering, that would be most excellent, but the key in all congregational unrest is not just to divorce the people of a church from each other or from their leaders but to divorce the leader from faith in the Enemy. Hype his understanding, if you must, so he will lean on it. Or deconstruct it, if you must, so he will fall back into man-pleasing. Whisper, “Yea to you when all men speak well of you.”
Convince him that difficulty is something strange, undeserved. Convince him that allegiance to himself is a suitable substitute for allegiance to the Enemy. Convince him to seek peace at all costs, especially at the expense of the truth of the Bad News. Your patient is a needy, insecure little man. Ply him with the tenuous, vaporous security of being liked as if it is the end all, be all.
And these are but the rudiments of but one temptation. There is always more to do and much to learn. More to come, if the Enemy delays.
Indefinitely yours,
WormwoodJoshua Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767194140347648525noreply@blogger.com0