The
U list: to help with finding a topic look at the words in BOLD print.
You
Were Pagans Carried Away Unto Dumb Idols (I Cor. 12:2) Many are simply not
aware of the various “other” designations for the Gentiles – such as “pagans,”
“heathens,” “infidels” and “UNBELIEVERS.” This
is especially true when some of these refer to idolaters. The world is divided
into two divisions: Christians and the whole world that lies in the power of
the evil one, Satan (I Jo. 5:19). Notice the emphasis given to one either being
“in Christ” or “without” i.e. “outside” of Christ (Col. 4:5).
The
Transgender Attack This contains two newspaper articles: 1.
Surely Not Shameless ~ The Transgender Directive; 2. Surely Not Living a Lie ~
The Transgender Directive. These present both the spiritual and physical
dangers tied to the recent “I think I identify with transgender” decree from
President Obama. This is moving quickly in our society and especially so when
the media’s bias is presenting the kind of things that promote LGBT (Lesbian, Gay *Homosexual,
Bi-sexual, Trans-sexual).
Key points include scriptures on: evil thoughts,
evil desire, lewdness, shameless behavior, UNCLEANNESS,
motives, the mind and depraved passions, the wrath of God upon the children of
disobedience who walk in immoralities and how to scripturally despise
wickedness and immorality.
The
Majority Know Another Jesus The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools
who taught another Jesus and different gospel, Paul said (cf. 2 Cor. 11:4, 19).
It is possible for one to read the literature of fools and possess a completely
false view of Jesus. Read the Gospels
for yourself and see what He really did do and teach. Here’s a start with
applications from the Gospels themselves that show the stark differences
between what most think Jesus taught and what He really did teach! Those who tell you
that you cannot UNDERSTAND God’s word are liars.
How
Can One Understand the Word of God? (A Brief Study of Scriptural Authority) Most churches never
speak out on the necessity of having “scriptural authority” for what one
believes and practices. In fact, most are not willing to deal with the subject
because of the lack of authority for things they are doing. Here is a brief
study on how to establish scriptural authority by using Statements, Commands,
Examples, and Necessary Inferences found in the Word of God. Each person is
expected to read and UNDERSTAND God’s Word for their spiritual benefit,
just the same as if someone gave them an important set of instructions dealing
with their work, or health, to read for their physical benefit.
A Read the
Bible Story worth Telling The importance of reading the Bible is stressed along with
appropriate applications concerning the blessings of reading it, hearing it and keeping it. In Jo. 8:31-32 Jesus said if you continue
in word, then you are my disciples. The Bible can be understood alike. If those who believed on Him
couldn’t understand it alike then how could they continue in it? Concerning the
epistle to the Ephesians Paul said, “Whereby, when ye read, ye may
understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:4). If you could not UNDERSTAND the Bible you would not know the
difference between human tradition, man’s so called spiritual wisdom, and God’s
Word (Col. 2:8). Col 2:8 warns, “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.” So why do people make the claim we cannot
understand the Bible alike? They claim such
because they are holding on to their human traditions. With that in mind the
article presents a conversation with a man who said that he is reading the
Bible for himself for the first time
in his life. Moreover, he’s seeing the differences between what man is willing
to teach for the sake of human tradition, power, prestige, etc. and how the
Bible really reads.
What You
Can And Will Do In Christ This brief
study should offer assurance to Christians
that their efforts to serve God faithfully are attainable, as well as being
greatly aided by others' prayers on their behalf. What one can and will do by
remaining faithful in Christ is declared through the words of Paul's prayer for
the church at Colossae in Col. 1:9-12. Here are the key thoughts: A. Be filled with knowledge, all wisdom and spiritual UNDERSTANDING. B. Walk worthy, fully pleasing Him, being
fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. C.
Strengthened for attaining all steadfastness and patience, with Joy. D.
Joyously giving thanks to the Father. Following is a "Check Your Spiritual
Growth With Self-Test Questions" giving further emphasis to our growth and
development into mature children of God. The stated "goal" of our
efforts is seen in Philippians 1:10-11.
Memory #3 of 3 This is the third portion of a brief series on
“Memory” (April, May and June 2016). This article’s
emphasis is on not using memory to prevent spiritual danger and destruction,
letting greed overpower remembering God’s presence in times past, using memory
to correct one’s life and the necessity of being reminded to be ready for every
good work. God’s people are to maintain good
works for necessary uses (to meet urgent needs), that they be not UNFRUITFUL (Titus 3:14). Israel’s complaining (murmuring)
that they had been brought out into the
wilderness to be killed by thirst and starvation led to the destruction of many
(cf. Nu. 11:1 Taberah; 11:33-34 Kibrothhathtaava).
Letting “greed” (lust) overpower remembering God’s presence in times past
resulted in a great plague upon the people (Nu. 11:33-34).
Speak
Evil of No Man – But I Can Say… We
find the admonition to “speak evil of no man” in Titus 3:2. To speak evil means to vilify, defame, or blaspheme. Most
don’t know how to read the Bible. In the same verse we are not to be a brawler.
If I call a brawler what he is, i.e., a brawler do I violate “speak evil of no
man”? People pay no attention to what Jesus said and where he said it.
Furthermore, they pay no attention to what hypocrites said to Him and when they
said it. Finally, most pay no attention
to what Jesus said and who He said it to! When it comes to social, cultural, and political
activities, Christians deal with the
immoralities as He did. The UNFRUITFUL WORKS OF
DARKNESS are to be reproved (Eph 5:11-13).
I’ll use Herod Antipas as the first example. Was he the fox Jesus said he was?
Selected Newspaper
Articles from 2016 These four newspaper
articles include: (1) Surely Such Beautiful People (In this article “Beautiful
people are just everywhere here!” People, and especially our youth, do not
understand the vanity that is evil and destructive). (2) Surely Correct
Thinking ~ Although It Does Not Begin With the Fear of the Lord (In this
article “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Pr. 1:9) –
“beginning” meaning the first step in acquiring and then applying God’s
revealed word. This is not your own “I think” or “I believe.” Four important
applications display what men are willing to do when they lack the fear of the
Lord. (3) Surely Not Their Kind of Preacher ~ Hired
to Protect the UNGODLY (Based upon I
Tim. 3:16-17 it is the members themselves who are responsible for maintaining
such preachers; these men pleasers are standing in line to take the place of
those who preach the truth and are dismissed or cast out for doing so). (4)
Surely Displays Great Love for Jesus ~ Cancelling Church for Sunday Dec. 25
(Lk. 2:11 says “For you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which
is Christ the Lord.” That’s right, all we have is “this day” --- thus the
obvious flaw in saying that anyone today knows the exact day Jesus was born.
Since no one knows then how can “cancelling” church figure in at all on
“Christmas”? Put this with the command not to forsake assembling and you see
that love of the Traditions of men, not God’s Word, is all important and mighty
self-serving. Some might even be thinking why not for New Year’s Day too.
From
Youth through the Prime of Life (Eccl. 11:9-12:1) There are degrees of progression of age in
this text. Accountability is seen throughout and the “right” things done are
contrasted with things sinful that must be removed. These portions of life
merge together and are fleeting, thus the necessity of remembering one’s
Creator in the days of youth. When done right this
“stage” is not filled with doubt and dissatisfaction, nor is life mostly filled
with UNHAPPINESS.
Unitarian
/ Universalists Having been criticized by a UNITARIAN /
UNIVERSALIST (See articles titled:
“NEWS WEEK’S Biblical Blunder On The Bible & Gay Marriage”) for our series
on Newsweek’s big blunder --- this article states what UNITARIANS are all about. You will find that
you don’t have to believe in God to be a part of their man
made religion!
Aliens
and National Ignorance: The concerns of space aliens
and extraterrestrial activity in recent balloon intercepts, present A TOTALLY
WRONG PERSPECTIVE OF THE EARTH, LIFE HERE, AND MANKIND HAVING BEEN GIVEN THE
EARTH AS A DWELLING PLACE (Gen. 1:26; Ps. 115:16). There are no space aliens! THE VASTNESS OF THE UNIVERSE ASTOUNDS, AND SPEAKS
OF GOD’S OMNIPOTENCE (PS. 33:6-9).
The
Conduct God Expects From Our Members
Read this article and it should
help you to better understand the "UNITY of the Spirit" in
the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:1-3; Col. 3:12-14). Love is said to be
the "bond of perfectness" or
"the PERFECT bond of UNITY." These 7 Virtues are
discussed as being necessary for each member of the local church: Lowliness
(Humility), Meekness (Gentleness), Longsuffering (Patience), Forebearing (Showing Tolerance), Tender Mercies (Heart of
Compassion), Kindness and Forgiving One Another. Understanding these in this
context answers such important questions as: Whom can I talk to? When do I go
to another? Can I speak publicly in rebuking to thus maintain this unity? What
would a refusal to listen indicate? And what happens to one who does not
forgive if one repents?
Why
Churches Fear Applying “Scriptural Authority” ~ Selected Newspaper Articles These deal
with false plans for UNITY seen in local churches. Local churches of
Christ must continue to be the pillar and support of the truth. These three articles
relate to the fear manifested by church leaders who use human wisdom, emotions
and lies; whose goals are power, prestige, pleasing self and material gain.
Members themselves love their false positions because they allow them to
fulfill their own lusts. Accepting the
false elements in this shared arrangement led to Unity in Diversity among
denominationalists (I’m OK, you’re OK); a mutual agreement that we’ll
soft pedal on doctrinal differences and fellowship one another. This
deliberate deception to ignore the authority of the scriptures expanded as
prayer became an ecumenical tool used to unify the Inter-Faith Movement (So called “Christians,” Jews, Muslims, and those of
Eastern faiths joined together in worship); “one God many faiths” flies in the face of “one Lord,” “one body” and
“one faith” (cf. Eph. 4:1-4).
A
Review of “Questions of Women’s roles…requires grace, humility” by Cana Moore
(Part One) Part One: Here is an article concerning WOMEN’S
ROLES in the church. It especially centers on the woman is not to USURP
AUTHORITY over a man in I Tim. 2:12. Paul said: 1Ti. 2:11 “Let
the woman learn in silence with all subjection.” 1Ti. 2:12 “But
I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” I’ve got some things I want to say that I
believe apply to some of the contexts in the article; the article should elicit
thoughts of your own as well.
You
will find key points made concerning UNITY is to be based upon the Word (Jo.
14:15, 17:20) … not emotions or societal standards.
A
Review of “Questions of Women’s roles…requires grace, humility” by Cana Moore
(Part Two) Part Two: Here is an article concerning WOMEN’S
ROLES in the church. It especially centers on the woman is not to USURP
AUTHORITY over a man in I Tim. 2:12. Paul said: 1Ti. 2:11 “Let
the woman learn in silence with all subjection.” 1Ti. 2:12 “But
I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” I’ve got some things I want to say that I believe apply to some of the
contexts in the article; the article should elicit thoughts of your own as
well.
You will find key points made
concerning UNITY is to be based upon the Word (Jo. 14:15, 17:20) … not emotions
or societal standards.
Casting
Down Eloquence & Sophistry Series Love does
no wrong to one’s neighbor! (Rom. 13:10). This love does not rejoice in UNRIGHTEOUSNESS but in the
truth (I Cor. 13:6). Great deceivers are using “love your neighbor” to
put their own stamps of approval on iniquity! They teach the local church is
accept and fellowship heterosexual couples living together in fornication (Gal.
5:19), those in homosexual and lesbian relationships (I Cor. 6:9, Rom. 1:26-27)
and condone and fellowship adulterous marriages (Matt. 19:9). These deceivers
are guilty of rejoicing in iniquity --- not loving God and being religiously
injurious to all in their wicked deceptions! Their churches are full of iniquity and their members love to have
it so (2 Tim. 3:1-5, 4:3).
Withdrawal:
Family Reunions, Vacations, Special Days etc. This article presents the local church’s collective responsibility
to withdraw from a member who walks disorderly as well “individual”
responsibility (duty) to not associate with any Christian who continues in an
UNRULY LIFE (I Th. 5:14). Some verses included are Matt. 18:15-17; I Cor.
5:11; 2 Th. 3:6, 14, 15; 2 Cor. 2:6-8.
Why
We Rejoice With One Another God delights
over His people to do them good (De. 28:63). The Psalmist said, “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart” (Ps.
97:11). This
light and joy is for the righteous and UPRIGHT of heart! We are commanded to rejoice with those who
rejoice, and to weep with those who weep, being of the same mind one toward
another (Rom. 12:15-16). Our being sorrowful when one is arrogant and suffers
is different from sharing the joy and sorrow Paul spoke of. If one of us
suffers because we remain arrogant and obstinate then our tears will be the
tears of Jeremiah if we love them (Cf. Jer. 13:17). You will find such “rejoice
with” applications in this article as (1) I Can Rejoice With One Who Is
Faithful Whom I Know God Delights Over To Do Good; (2) I Can’t Rejoice With
Another When I See The Vanity Of The World; (3) I Can Rejoice With One Who
Rejoices In Truth; (4) I Can Rejoice With One Who Wants God’s Instruction,
Counsel, And Eye Upon Them.
Memory #3 of 3 This is the third portion of a brief series on
“Memory” (April, May and June 2016). This article’s emphasis is on not using
memory to prevent spiritual danger and destruction, letting greed overpower
remembering God’s presence in times past, using memory to correct one’s life
and the necessity of being reminded to be ready for every good work. God’s people are to maintain good works for necessary uses
(to meet URGENT NEEDS), that they be not unfruitful (Titus 3:14).
Israel’s complaining (murmuring) that they had been brought out into the
wilderness to be killed by thirst and starvation led to the destruction of many
(cf. Nu. 11:1 Taberah; 11:33-34 Kibrothhathtaava).
Letting “greed” (lust) overpower remembering God’s presence in times past
resulted in a great plague upon the people (Nu. 11:33-34).
A
Consideration of I Cor. 14:34-35 Women’s
conduct in both learning and teaching. The role of women in the church is of such
a nature that they are to learn in quietness with all submission. They must not teach, nor USURP authority over the man, but be in quietness
(I Tim. 2:11-12). The necessity of
this role prompted the following statement to the church at Corinth: "Let your women keep silence in the churches:
for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under
obedience, as also saith the law. [35] And if they will learn any thing, let
them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the
church" (I Cor. 14:34-35).
A
Review of “Questions of Women’s roles…requires grace, humility” by Cana Moore
(Part One) Part One: Here is an article
concerning WOMEN’S ROLES in the church. It especially centers on the
woman is not to USURP AUTHORITY over a man in I Tim. 2:12. Paul
said: 1Ti. 2:11 “Let
the woman learn in silence with all subjection.” 1Ti. 2:12 “But
I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” I’ve got some things I want to say that I believe apply to some of the
contexts in the article; the article should elicit thoughts of your own as
well.
A
Review of “Questions of Women’s roles…requires grace, humility” by Cana Moore
(Part Two) Part Two: Here is an article concerning WOMEN’S ROLES in
the church. It especially centers on the woman is not to USURP AUTHORITY
over a man in I Tim. 2:12. Paul said: 1Ti. 2:11 “Let
the woman learn in silence with all subjection.” 1Ti. 2:12 “But
I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” I’ve got some things I want to say that I believe apply to some of the
contexts in the article; the article should elicit thoughts of your own as
well.