Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Spiritual Training 07 April 2014

Posted: April 7, 2014 in 1 Corinthians, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , , , , ,
0

Under Gods Command

PAUL ADDRESSES CHURCH PROBLEMS (1:1-6:20)

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 When I came to you brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. (2) For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (3) I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. (4) My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, (5) so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.

A brilliant scholar, Paul could have overwhelmed his listeners with intellectual arguments. Instead he shared the simple message of Jesus Christ by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide his words.

(4) Paul’s confidence was not in his keen intellect or speaking ability but in his knowledge that the Holy Spirit was helping and guiding him. Paul in not denying the importance of study and preparation for preaching-he had a thorough education in the Scriptures. Effective preaching must combine studious preparation with reliance on the work of the Holy Sprit. Don’t use Paul’s statement as an excuse for not studying or preparing.

Lets Bring it Home: In sharing the gospel with others, we should follow Paul’s example and keep our message simple and basic. The Holy Spirit will give power to our words and use them to bring glory to Jesus.

Proverbs 02:04 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: April 2, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 02, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , ,
0

Under Gods Command 

Proverbs 2:4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure

Are wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as valuable to you as silver or hid treasures? Men pursue silver and hid treasure with excited hearts and at great expense and effort, and Solomon warned that only such desire and work will find the wisdom of God. Unless you have such zeal and diligence, you will miss true knowledge and understanding.

Just a short reading about the mysterious Money Pit of Nova Scotia’s Oak Island will prove the character of men and hidden treasures. At least six lives, millions of dollars, and enormous efforts have been invested, and countless disappointments endured over 210 years, to find the presumed treasure at the bottom of an ingenious manmade shaft.

Wisdom exists, and you must find it and get it, for it is of more value than all riches (Pr 4:7; 16:16; Ps 19:10; 119:14,72,127). You buy wisdom by giving up others things in life to redeem the time and apply the effort to study God’s word; you avoid selling it by refusing any offer of this world to distract you from your pursuit of it (Pr 23:23; 18:1).

Jesus Christ taught that the kingdom of God is life’s greatest priority (Matt 6:33), and He illustrated it by men selling all they had to buy a field or a valuable pearl (Matt 13:44-46). What have you sold, or given up, to pursue this treasure? Or are your treasures on earth?

Wisdom will not fall in your lap, for then the wrong persons could get it. Wisdom is a reward to those who ask and work for it. The just and jealous God will not give its riches for sporadic, lazy, or slight effort, but He will reward zealous seekers (Jer 29:13).

Consider ministers. They must study like workmen (II Tim 2:15); they must give themselves wholly to reading, exhortation, and doctrine (I Tim 4:13-15); and they must do so while enduring hardness as soldiers without worldly obligations (II Tim 2:3-4). If a minister compromises in any of these areas, he and his hearers will lose (I Tim 4:16).

Consider Christians. They must use wisdom or lose it, as Paul told the Hebrews (Heb 5:12-14). If they do not pay close attention to preaching, they will lose all, even the knowledge they presumed they had (Luke 8:18). The Bereans were noble for an obvious reason (Acts 17:11), and you should follow their good example (I Thes 5:21).

Dear friend, do you read the Word of God? Do you read it with passion and effort? Do you study it? Do you crave to hear it taught? Do you meditate upon it day and night? Do you speak of it to others? Do you give up pleasures for it? Do you buy tools to help?

Most men do not make the effort, so they live and die as fools. They are infatuated with the glitter of worldly toys and earthly pleasures. Only a few are ready scribes like Ezra (Ezra 7:6); only a few are fruitful trees (Ps 1:1-3). Only a few keep the words of God, meditate on them, and obey them to have Elihu and David’s wisdom (Ps 119:98-100).

Jesus Christ sought God’s wisdom all night in a mountain (Luke 6:12). And while others slept, He searched for the treasure of God’s favor and will with tears and blood-like sweat (Luke 22:39-46). Was He heard? Indeed! He sits forever as King on Zion’s hill, ruling the universe in perfect wisdom, righteousness, and truth. Seek wisdom today!

Proverbs 01:05 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: April 1, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 01, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , , , ,
0

Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 1:5 Let the wise listen and add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance

Solomon wrote Proverbs for the young and simple (Pr 1:4). But he also wrote it for the mature and wise, that they might gain greater learning to understand and apply the words of this book (Pr 1:5). Therefore, there is great value to study these proverbs and their interpretations in order to attain to wise counsels. If you will be wise, here is the way!

Proverbs are the dark sayings of the wise, and they need interpretation (Pr 1:6). But the effort is well worth it, for the reward is obtaining greater learning and wise counsel. By understanding Solomon’s proverbs and their interpretations in this book, and learning the words of the wise and their dark sayings, you will attain to wise counsels. Men will come to you for help in intricate matters, for you will have acquired wisdom and understanding.

What is the rule for increasing learning and attaining unto wise counsels? Hearing! Even wise and understanding men must stop thinking and talking in order to listen instead to become wiser. Your age or wisdom does not matter. To learn more and attain to the counsels of the wise, you must hear instruction from others. Humble yourself before this inspired collection of proverbs and get learning and wise counsel. It is your choice.

Wisdom is acquired by the ears, not the mouth. You have two ears, but one mouth. You should be swift to hear and slow to speak (Jas 1:19). However, foolish man would rather speak, for he wants to show others his wisdom. But a wise man will close his mouth and open his ears, so that he might hear the instruction of his teachers and gain wisdom.

Listening is hard for the young and simple, because they are foolish and impatient. Children are self-deceived to think they know more than parents. Without experience or understanding, they want to teach their elders. But older men also have a problem with listening, for they think too highly of their experience. It takes only a quick look at this book of Proverbs, or a small dose of the problems among men, to reveal their ignorance.

Great men understand the times and know what ought to be done (I Chron 12:32). They discern changing circumstances and the response to them that pleases God and men. How do they come to this illustrious position from the confusion and ignorance they inherited at birth? They listen and learn from their primary teachers – parents and pastors.

The blessed God inspired the Bible, which is full of wisdom for life and eternity. And He also sent parents and pastors to teach the Bible to willing hearers (Deut 6:4-9; Eph 6:4; Mal 2:7; Eph 4:11-14). Your part is left! Will you listen like Israel to Ezra, Cornelius to Peter, and the noble Bereans to Paul (Neh 8:1-12; Acts 10:33; 17:11)? It is your choice.

Spiritual Training 01 April 2014

Posted: April 1, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 01, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , ,
0

Under Gods Command

PAUL ADDRESSES CHURCH PROBLEMS (1:1-6:20)

1 Corinthians 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength

The message of Christ’s death for sins sounds foolish to those who don’t believe. Death seems to be the end of the road, the ultimate weakness. But Jesus did not stay dead. And he will save us from eternal death and give us everlasting life if we trust him as Savior and Lord. This sounds so simple that many people won’t accept it. They try other ways to obtain eternal life (being good, being wise, etc.). But all their attempts will not work.

Lets Bring it Home:The “foolish” people who simply accept Christ’s offer are actually the wisest of all, because they alone will live eternally with God.

Spiritual Training 31 March 2014

Posted: March 31, 2014 in 1 Corinthians, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
0

Under Gods Command

PAUL ADDRESSES CHURCH PROBLEMS (1:1-6:20)

1 Corinthians 1:20-24  Where is the wise man? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

Many Jews considered the Good News of Jesus Christ to be foolish, because they thought the Messiah would be a conquering king accompanied by signs and miracles. Jesus had not restored David’s throne as they expected. Besides, he was executed as a criminal, and how could a criminal be a savior? Greeks, too, considered the gospel foolish: they did not believe in a bodily resurrection; they did not see in Jesus the powerful characteristics of their mythological gods; and they thought no reputable person would be crucified. To them, death was defeat, not victory. The Good News of Jesus Christ still sounds foolish to many. Our society worships power, influence, and wealth. Jesus came as a humble, poor servant, and he offers his kingdom to those who have faith, not to those who do all kinds of good deeds to try to earn his gifts.

 

Lets Bring it Home: This looks foolish to the world, but Christ is our power, the only way we can be saved. Knowing Christ personally is the greatest wisdom anyone could.

Proverbs 31:20 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: March 31, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 31, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: ,
0

Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 31:20  She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

The virtuous woman has more on her mind than just her family. Her ambitions, energy, and plans extend to the poor and needy that God has placed in her path. Rather than be content with having her husband, children, and home well cared for and happy, she has a conscience that drives her to take care of others who cannot take care of themselves.

Her thoughts toward the poor and needy are more than wishful thinking or kind words. Her thoughts result in diligent and personal action, which are the only thoughts that count in the sight of God and men (Pr 3:27-28; Jas 2:15-16). She knows that true love is in deed and truth, not merely in word and tongue (I Jn 3:16-18). Moved by God’s love for her, she has bowels of compassion to share her ability and substance with the needy.

The charitable giving here is not easy or passive action. “She stretcheth out her hand,” and, “She reacheth forth her hands.” These words do not convey casual donations or convenient acts of charity. A virtuous woman goes out of her way to meet the poor and needy and help them, even if it requires strenuous effort to accomplish the service. She is not merely available for charity; she volunteers and does the work without any prodding.

The virtuous woman has sympathy for the truly poor and needy (Jas 1:27). She does not exchange mock charity with friends, subdivision neighbors, or peers at work. She knows that giving to the rich will bring God’s judgment (Pr 22:16). Neither does she care or worry about the foolish, lazy, or wasteful (Pr 13:23; 20:4; II Thess 3:10). She, like the Good Samaritan, waits for the Lord to put an act of God in her path (Luke 10:25-37).

She knows godly charity begins with true needs in her extended family – parents, aunts and uncles, and grandparents (I Tim 5:4,8,16). It then serves the poor and needy in her church (Acts 2:44-45; Rom 12:13), those in other churches (Matt 25:40; Gal 6:10), and then those God puts in her path (Job 31:16-22; Luke 10:25-37). She is given to hospitality for the saints and known for generosity to strangers (Rom 12:13; I Tim 5:10; Heb 13:2).

A man with a virtuous wife must allow her a discretionary budget for such spending, and it will come back to praise her and him (Pr 31:23,31; II Kgs 4:8-10). Stingy husbands can crush their wives’ hearts and deprive the poor, and they will suffer for it now and later.

A virtuous woman is loved by all and praised by husband and children (Pr 31:28-31; Acts 9:36-42), but her greatest glory is yet to come, when the High King of heaven will take special notice of her charity before the universe (Mat 10:40-42; 25:31-40; I Tim 6:17-19).

 

 

Proverbs 27:10 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: March 27, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 27, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , , , , , ,
0

Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 27:10 Do not forsake your friend your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother’s house when disaster strikes you-better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away

Great men have great friends. Here is precious wisdom. But very few men qualify as great friends. It is very prudent to keep such friends, even above a blood brother. A small band of committed and virtuous friends is far better than the natural relationship of family. Blood may be thicker than water, as it is said, but it is not thicker than godly character in Jesus Christ! “There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Pr 18:24).

When trouble comes, and it will come, you want a real friend to stand with you, one that loves at all times and considers your problems to be his own (Pr 17:17). You want a friend that thinks the same as you and will stand with you no matter the cost or difficulty. A cultivated friendship based on character, conviction, truth, and wisdom will far surpass the expected help of a natural brother that is only connected to you by blood and name.

Your success depends on great friends, for there are four benefits (Eccl 4:9-12). When God gives such a friend, it is a great blessing. Solomon used this proverb to help his son rule a great nation that stretched from the Euphrates to Egypt. He himself had benefited much by his father’s friends, Hiram the King of Tyre (II Sam 5:11; I Kgs 5:1-18) and Benaiah, captain of the bodyguards (II Sam 20:23; 23:20-23; I Kgs 1:38; 2:25-46).

Consider inspired history. Joseph found greater kindness from foreign captors than his brothers. David found greater loyalty and service from vagabonds than his envious brothers, and he found greater love and loyalty from Jonathan. Jesus found greater sympathy and loyalty from His disciples than His brothers (John 7:1-5; Luke 22:15).  He knew His true friends were those who heard the word of God and kept it (Matt 12:46-50).

God chose David for his pure heart (I Sam 16:6-13). Jonathan saw this clearer than his envious brothers did (I Sam 17:28). Though losing much, he loved him dearly (I Sam 18:1-4). Loving virtue above family and career, Jonathan chose David over his own father (I Sam 19:1-7). They made a vow against the blood ties of Jonathan (I Sam 20:1-17) and included their children (I Sam 23:42). David valued Jonathan’s love above women (II Sam 1:26), and he saved Jonathan’s son when he was in need (II Sa 9:1; 21:7).

Godly friends are superior to blood brothers, for the relationship is built on a better foundation. They are superior for their regenerated hearts, the precious blood of Christ, the absolute truth of God’s Word, godly hatred of compromise, a life pursuit of holiness, and the hope of eternal life. The Bible recognizes these friends as dear as one’s own soul, even distinguishing them from a precious wife (Deut 13:6; I Sam 18:1,3; 20:17).

Do you understand the importance of this lesson? Without great friendships based in godliness, who will help in the day of your calamity? You will go down and stay down. Two are better than one for four reasons, and you risk your future by not securing good friends (Eccl 4:9-12). A wise man will secure his life and that of his family by doing what is necessary to preserve vital friendships with noble and virtuous men.

There is a place for godly networking, though the objective and methods are infinitely superior to the world’s effort to find contacts and customers for their own selfish ends. The great God instructed His messengers to be lovers of good men (Titus 1:8), as Paul was of Timothy (Acts 16:1-3; Phil 2:19-23; II Tim 1:1-5). Most so-called Christians have no clue about great friends, because they despise men that are holy (II Tim 3:1-5).

What kinds of friends meet the intent of this proverb? The context, unusual in Proverbs, gives valuable traits of godly friends (Pr 27:4-5,9). True friends love at all times, whether you are in good or bad circumstances (Pr 17:17). They are chosen for their fear of God, love of truth, and personal righteousness (Ps 119:63). Do you know such men? You cannot cheat on any of these measures, or you will lose the benefit you are seeking.

The blood of Jesus Christ creates an immediate bond greater than human blood, when two lovers and followers of Christ meet by the kind providence of God. There is no selfishness, self-protection, fear, doubts, or hidden agenda between such friends. They fully trust each other (I Sam 14:6-7), and they strengthen each other in God (I Sam 23:14-18). And they love to unite their zeal in doing great things for God (II Kgs 10:15-16).

False friends, who comprise the vast majority of all men in the world, are fair weather friends – they only stand with you while it is easy and profitable (Pr 14:20; 19:4). Or they are carnal friends, whose friendship is based on worldly compatibility. Or they are weak friends, whom you must constantly help due to their lack of character. David had no use for false brethren or the harsh spirits of his nephews (Ps 101:3-8; 144:11; II Sam 3:39).

Do you deserve great friends? Loners do not have them, for they are too selfish to give. Rebels lose out because their unruly spirits are dangerous and offensive. Compromisers will not have any, for they cannot be trusted. The greater zeal a man has for Jesus Christ, the greater he will be loved by such men. Godliness and virtue attract godly and virtuous men; and godliness and virtue drive away carnal men. Holy living will bring holy friends.

In order to have great friends, you must be friendly (Pr 18:24). In order to keep them, you must not forsake them (Pr 27:10). Friendship is a two-way street, and you are foolish to think that great men should need no encouragement. It is the providential blessing of God that brings great friends into your life, and most of them should be found in your church, if it is a church sold out to Jesus Christ (I Cor 12:18). Some can be thankful they have double brothers or sisters, united by both family blood and Jesus Christ’s blood!

Spiritual Training 27 March 2014

Posted: March 27, 2014 in 1 Corinthians, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , ,
0

Under Gods Command

PAUL ADDRESSES CHURCH PROBLEMS (1:1-6:20)

1 Corinthians 1:18-19 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.

Paul summarizes Isaiah 29:14 to emphasize a point Jesus often made: God’s way of thinking is not like the world’s way (normal human wisdom).  And God offers eternal life, which the world can never give.  We can spend a lifetime accumulating human wisdom and yet never learn how to have a personal relationship with God.

Lets Bring it Home: We must come to the crucified and risen Christ to receive eternal life and the joy of a personal relationship with our Savior.

Proverbs 26:17 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: March 26, 2014 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 26, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , , , , , ,
0

Under Gods Command

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

Seizing the ears of a stray dog is a good way to get bitten, and interfering in arguments is a good way to get hurt.  Many times both arguers will turn on the person who interferes.  It is best simply to keep out of arguments that are none or your business.  If you must become involved, try to wait until the arguers have stopped fighting and cooled off a bit. Then maybe you can help them mend their differences and their relationship.

Even a friendly dog will bite, if you grab and pull its ears! And here is the busybody, stopping to get involved in the strife of others, who will soon be bitten by both parties! The Preacher taught you the wisdom of not getting involved in the conflicts of others.

Peacemakers are wonderful (Matt 5:9). But the greatest work of making peace involves your own fighting. If you have offended another, you are to make peace with him (Matt 5:23-26). If another has offended you, you are to make peace with him (Matt 18:15-22).

By great care, and only after wise reflection, should you get involved in others’ conflicts and try to make peace for them. For even your own strife, which you know well, is to be resolved with caution, let alone that of which you are ignorant (Pr 25:8). After wise thought, make sure your words are good ones spoken in due season (Pr 15:23; 16:20).

Spiritual and wise men should try to help others with their conflicts and problems (Rom 15:1-3; Gal 6:1-3), which includes fighting and strife. You are your brothers’ keepers in such things (Lev 19:17; I Thess 5:14). And those in authority, as parents and pastors, have the honorable right and obligation to search out matters (Pr 25:2).

But some people are busybodies. They love to be busy in other men’s matters (I Peter 4:15). This is a sin, and it is to be strictly avoided by wise men and women. Consider Peter’s strong warning by association, which compares murderers, thieves, and evildoers!

Meddlers love to get involved in disputes between others. They love digging up evil between others and spreading it. It makes them feel important to be involved in others’ problems, though they are always the worst at solving their own problems. They love the inside information of private controversies. It gives them a perverse sense of worth.

Some at Thessalonica were so eager for this sin they even stopped working. Paul wrote, “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread” (II Thess 3:11-12). He had written in the first epistle, “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (I Thess 4:11).

Women have a great temptation to be meddlers, or busybodies, in strife not belonging to them. So Paul recommended marriage and children for young widows, to keep them from idleness and the temptation of such folly (I Tim 5:12-15). A busy woman who is conscientious about her duties will not have time or interest in such dangerous things. Idleness is a curse on any people, as it was in Sodom of old (Ezek 16:49). The true adage declares, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” Stay busy, and do not meddle.

The Lord Jesus Christ was perfectly virtuous in this matter. “And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you” (Luke 12:13-14)? Dear reader, follow this holy example of Jesus today. The difference is very great between suffering as a busybody and suffering as a Christian (I Pet 4:14-16).

Spiritual Training 26 March 2014

Posted: March 26, 2014 in 1 Corinthians, Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
Tags: , , ,
0

Under Gods Command

PAUL ADDRESSES CHURCH PROBLEMS (1:1-6:20)

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel-not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 

When Paul said that Christ didn’t send him to baptize, he wasn’t minimizing the importance of baptism.  Baptism was commanded by Jesus himself (Matthew 28:19) and practiced by the early church (Acts 2:41).  Paul was emphasizing that no one person should do everything. Paul’s gift was preaching, and that’s what he did.  Christian ministry should be a team effort; no preacher or teacher is a complete link between God and people, and no individual can do all that the apostles did.  We must be content with the contribution God has given us to make, and carry it out wholeheartedly.

Some speakers use impressive words, but they are weak on content.  Paul stressed solid content and practical help for his listeners.  He wanted them to be impressed with his message, not just his style (see 2:1-5).  You don’t need to be a great speaker with a large vocabulary to share the gospel effectively.

Lets Bring it Home: Paul was not against those who carefully prepare what they say (see 2:6), but against those who try to impress others only with their own knowledge or speaking ability.

Older Entries
Newer Entries