This is me with my VBS kiddos!! We had a great time!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
I"ll have to get back to this...but
We are doing a study of Esther in our small group and wow...the story is awesome. Some days I think, I know this story forwards and backwards and it bores me.
But in studying it yesterday I saw it in another way.
The first way that I have always looked at it as us...according to Hebrews 4:15-16
15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
She put on her royal robes and paces (probably with panic in her heart) the hallway of the throne room, to be noticed by the King. From Esther 5
When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
3 Then the king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you."
I have seen this passage at us...approaching the throne of grace with confidence....
Today I saw it as God standing in the doorway of our heart...our throne room....control room.
Will we say "I am pleased with You" and hold out our control so that The Lord can approach.....Will we really listen to His Request. Will we even offer him half our kingdom?
Whats in the heart defines....the Measure of a Man....
Songs on my mind today.....
Measure of a Man - 4Him
This world can analyze and size you up
And throw you on the scales
They can IQ you and run you thorugh
Their rigorous details
They can do their best to rate
And they'll place you on their charts
And then back it up with scientific smarts
But there's more to what you're worth
Than what their human eyes can see
CHORUS:
Oh I say the measure of a man
Is not how tall you stand
How wealthy or intelligent you are
'Cause I found out the measure of a man
God knows and understand
For He looks inside to the bottom of your heart
And what's in the heart defines
The measure of a man
Well you can doubt your worth
And search for who you are and where you stand
But God made you in His image
When He formed you in His hands
And He looks at you with mercy
And He sees you through His love
You're His child and that will always be enough
For there's more to what your worth
Than you could ever comprehend
BRIDGE:
You can spend your life persuing physical perfection
But there's so much more than ever meets the eye
For God looks through the surface
And he defines your worth by what is on the inside
BRAVE:
Brave(Nichole Nordeman, Jay Joyce)For Charlie, who rearranged my fearful heart.
The gate is wide
The road is paved in moderation
The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in
Welcome to the middle ground
You’re safe and sound and
Until now, it’s where I’ve been
‘Cause it’s been fear that ties me down to everything
But it’s been love, your love, that cuts the strings
So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave
I am small
And I speak when I’m spoken to
But I am willing to risk it all
I say your name
Just your name and I’m ready to jump
Even ready to fall…
Why did I take this vow of compromise
?Why did I try to keep it all inside?
I’ve never known a fire that didn’t begin with a flame
Every storm will start with just a drop of rain
But if you believe in me, that changes everything
©2005 Birdwing Music / Birdboy Songs (ASCAP)
And because I love Nichole...and I swear she rights my thoughts...
Were we seperated at birth??
Started rubbing sticks together
I thought a spark would take forever
I never dreamt this fire would appear
When Moses saw the Bush in flames
And heard the branches speak his name
I wonder if he felt this kind of fear
CHORUS:
'Cause I'm burnin'
Yeah, I'm burnin'
And I know I'm gonna blister in these flames
So I'll stay here 'Till this smoke clears
And I'll find you in the ashes that remain
Used to be that I could say
My faith was one arm's length away
From any flame that ever felt too warm
Asked for matches, but I recieved
A gallon full of gasoline
Now my cozy campfire days are gone
'Knock with caution at the door'
They said, 'Beware of what you're praying for'
So I'll stand here with my whole desire
In the middle of this forest fire
'Till I've nothing left to show
And new life begins to grow...
But in studying it yesterday I saw it in another way.
The first way that I have always looked at it as us...according to Hebrews 4:15-16
15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
She put on her royal robes and paces (probably with panic in her heart) the hallway of the throne room, to be noticed by the King. From Esther 5
When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
3 Then the king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you."
I have seen this passage at us...approaching the throne of grace with confidence....
Today I saw it as God standing in the doorway of our heart...our throne room....control room.
Will we say "I am pleased with You" and hold out our control so that The Lord can approach.....Will we really listen to His Request. Will we even offer him half our kingdom?
Whats in the heart defines....the Measure of a Man....
Songs on my mind today.....
Measure of a Man - 4Him
This world can analyze and size you up
And throw you on the scales
They can IQ you and run you thorugh
Their rigorous details
They can do their best to rate
And they'll place you on their charts
And then back it up with scientific smarts
But there's more to what you're worth
Than what their human eyes can see
CHORUS:
Oh I say the measure of a man
Is not how tall you stand
How wealthy or intelligent you are
'Cause I found out the measure of a man
God knows and understand
For He looks inside to the bottom of your heart
And what's in the heart defines
The measure of a man
Well you can doubt your worth
And search for who you are and where you stand
But God made you in His image
When He formed you in His hands
And He looks at you with mercy
And He sees you through His love
You're His child and that will always be enough
For there's more to what your worth
Than you could ever comprehend
BRIDGE:
You can spend your life persuing physical perfection
But there's so much more than ever meets the eye
For God looks through the surface
And he defines your worth by what is on the inside
BRAVE:
Brave(Nichole Nordeman, Jay Joyce)For Charlie, who rearranged my fearful heart.
The gate is wide
The road is paved in moderation
The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in
Welcome to the middle ground
You’re safe and sound and
Until now, it’s where I’ve been
‘Cause it’s been fear that ties me down to everything
But it’s been love, your love, that cuts the strings
So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
Brave, brave
I am small
And I speak when I’m spoken to
But I am willing to risk it all
I say your name
Just your name and I’m ready to jump
Even ready to fall…
Why did I take this vow of compromise
?Why did I try to keep it all inside?
I’ve never known a fire that didn’t begin with a flame
Every storm will start with just a drop of rain
But if you believe in me, that changes everything
©2005 Birdwing Music / Birdboy Songs (ASCAP)
And because I love Nichole...and I swear she rights my thoughts...
Were we seperated at birth??
Started rubbing sticks together
I thought a spark would take forever
I never dreamt this fire would appear
When Moses saw the Bush in flames
And heard the branches speak his name
I wonder if he felt this kind of fear
CHORUS:
'Cause I'm burnin'
Yeah, I'm burnin'
And I know I'm gonna blister in these flames
So I'll stay here 'Till this smoke clears
And I'll find you in the ashes that remain
Used to be that I could say
My faith was one arm's length away
From any flame that ever felt too warm
Asked for matches, but I recieved
A gallon full of gasoline
Now my cozy campfire days are gone
'Knock with caution at the door'
They said, 'Beware of what you're praying for'
So I'll stand here with my whole desire
In the middle of this forest fire
'Till I've nothing left to show
And new life begins to grow...
Monday, July 18, 2005
song on my mind today
WHY Bethany Dillon
This house s echoing
With the sound of You knocking at the door
But with three locks
And the shades down
You are easy to ignore
I put You on like an old pair of shoes
I’ve put You off, but now I need You
Why, this love that never leaves me
Why are You holding me tonight
Can’t deny this love that is given me
Why, this love will never leave
You’re a good strategy when I need one
An angle when there is none
Like a doormat
That always says welcome
No matter how much dirt I rub on
But when I am tired and run through
Look over this hill, I’m running to You
Another from SHANE AND SHANE!
yearn by shane barnard
holy design
this place in time
that i might seek and find my God
my God
Lord i want to yearn for You
i want to burn with passion
over You and only You
Lord i want to yearn
Your joy is mine
yet why am i fine
with all my singing and bringing grain
in light of Him
oh You give life and breath
through Him You give all things
in Him we live and move
that's why i sing
This house s echoing
With the sound of You knocking at the door
But with three locks
And the shades down
You are easy to ignore
I put You on like an old pair of shoes
I’ve put You off, but now I need You
Why, this love that never leaves me
Why are You holding me tonight
Can’t deny this love that is given me
Why, this love will never leave
You’re a good strategy when I need one
An angle when there is none
Like a doormat
That always says welcome
No matter how much dirt I rub on
But when I am tired and run through
Look over this hill, I’m running to You
Another from SHANE AND SHANE!
yearn by shane barnard
holy design
this place in time
that i might seek and find my God
my God
Lord i want to yearn for You
i want to burn with passion
over You and only You
Lord i want to yearn
Your joy is mine
yet why am i fine
with all my singing and bringing grain
in light of Him
oh You give life and breath
through Him You give all things
in Him we live and move
that's why i sing
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Assurance of Salvation?
Todays lesson was great and our teacher always has a personal story to tell. I really appreciate what he said today. I did some more research and I asked a few questions here and there.
Here is what a few people came up with in response to my question.
Lurk:
The short answer is that there is no support in the Scriptures for such a view. Possibly the best way to deal with this is to ask where and what verses the notion came from. A correct explanation of a Scripture passage clarifies such a problem.
The fruit of the Spirit is the result of a believer living under the filling of the Holy Spirit and growing to maturity through the intake of the Word of God--spiritual growth. Lack of spiritual growth and/or lack of manifesting the fruit of the Spirit does not in any way imply loss of salvation. The Bible teaches once saved, always saved. The believer out of fellowship is barren, does not produce fruit, and is under divine discipline, especially if the status is prolonged; but he does not lose his salvation.
Menwhile, here are some points to consider regarding eternal security:
Eternal Security Approaches
1.Positional Approach: Romans 8:1; Ephesians 1:3-6; Jude 1. Every believer is in union with Christ—Romans 8:38, 39.
2.Logical Approach: Romans 5:9, 10, 15, 17, 20 with 8:32. God did the “most” for us when we were His enemies and will do “much more” for us as His sons. Romans 8:38, 39.
3.The Hand Approach: John 10:28; Psalm 37:23-24. The believer is held by God’s hand, and He will never let go.
4.Experiential Approach: 2 Timothy 2:12-13. Though a believer may say he no longer believes, God remains faithful, because He is immutable. The Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit indwells the believer and He cannot deny Himself.a)2 Tim. 2:12 speaks of rewards. “Deny us” (believers) rewards. When a believer denies Christ, he is out of fellowship and therefore not producing.b)2 Tim. 2:13, “believe not”—stops believing. A believer denouncing Jesus Christ, yet He keeps on abiding faithful—He cannot deny the unconditional quality of our salvation.
5.Family Approach: Galatians 3:26; John 1:12. We are born into God’s family, we cannot be unborn.
6.Inheritance Approach: 1 Peter 1:4,5, based on Omnipotence. Heirs of God.
7.Body Approach: 1 Corinthians 12:13, 21. Christ, the head of the body can never say to any member of the body (a believer) that He does not need him.
8.The Sovereignty of God Approach: 2 Peter 3:9; Jude 24.
9.Greek Tense Approach:
b)Aorist tense: (once and for all) Acts 16:31.c)Perfect tense: (saved in the past with the result that you keep on being saved forever). Ephesians 2:8,9; Colossians 2:6; Romans 8:1.
10.Sealing ministry of the Holy Spirit Approach: Guarantee for protection and safe delivery at destination (heaven). 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; 2 Timothy 2:19.
11.Title Deed Approach: Jude 24, 25; 1 Peter 1:5—God will keep any promise made.
12.God’s Essence Approach: God never goes back on His character. Romans 8:35, (love); 8:38, 39; 14:4.
13.Marriage Approach: Revelation 19:1-10 (Eternal Relationship).
14.God’s Faithfulness Approach: 2 Timothy 2:11-13; 1 Corinthians 3:4, 5; Revelation 19:11.
15.Jesus Christ’s Work on the Cross Approach: Hebrews 10:14. Denying eternal security is to deny the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ and reduces the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to the level of offering bulls and goats. The sacrifice of Christ abides: John 5:24; Hebrews 10:14.
16.Fact of New Creation Approach: Colossians 2:10 “… ye are complete in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:6.
17.Assignment Approach: Assigned eternal life, Acts 13:48 (Greek).
18.How a Believer is Described Approach: Colossians 3:12; elect, holy, beloved.
19.The Verse Approach: Passage upon passage, verse upon verse screams eternal security. Proverbs 24:12, 14; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Psalm 37:24, 28; Colossians 2:6; John 5:14-16, 36; Romans 14:4; Colossians 2:13; John 5:24.
20.The Father Undertakes fore the Believer Approach:
b)The Unconditional Covenants: Abrahamic, Palestinian, Davidic & New.c)Infinite power of the Father to set free, save, keep: John 10:29; Romans 4:21, 8:31, 38, 39; 14:4; Ephesians 1:19-21; 3:20; Phil. 3:21; 2 Tim. 1:12; Heb. 7:25; Jude 24.d)Infinite love of God: Romans 5:7-10; Ephesians 1:4.e)Influence on the Father of the prayer of the Son of God—John 17:19-20.
21.The Holy Spirit undertakes for the Believer Approach: a)Regeneration: Entrance into that which cannot be removed. John 3:4-6; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 3:9.b)Indwelling: Holy Spirit is given, Romans 8:15; 1 Corinthans 2:12; 6:19; 1 John 2:27.c)Baptism: Spirit, not water, by which the believer is joined to Christ as to stay eternally in new creation. 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27.d)Sealing. Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30.
22.God the Father Cares Approach: John 3:16
23.God the Son Cares Approach: John 10, 11, 15, 17.
24.God the Holy Spirit Cares Approach: John 14:17, 18, 26; John 16:7-14.
25.Unbeliever’s Care Approach: Luke 16:26-31. Even the man in hell had a care for his unbelieving brothers.
26.Angel’s Care Approach. Luke 15:7, 10.
Also here are a few links for you, from Lynn.
http://deanbible.org/Media/Doctrines/A-G/Eternal%20Security.pdf
Lots more great info, including books and recordings at no charge, can be found at:
http://www.graceatlanta.orghttp://www.berachah.org/http://www.deanbible.org
Here is what a few people came up with in response to my question.
Lurk:
The short answer is that there is no support in the Scriptures for such a view. Possibly the best way to deal with this is to ask where and what verses the notion came from. A correct explanation of a Scripture passage clarifies such a problem.
The fruit of the Spirit is the result of a believer living under the filling of the Holy Spirit and growing to maturity through the intake of the Word of God--spiritual growth. Lack of spiritual growth and/or lack of manifesting the fruit of the Spirit does not in any way imply loss of salvation. The Bible teaches once saved, always saved. The believer out of fellowship is barren, does not produce fruit, and is under divine discipline, especially if the status is prolonged; but he does not lose his salvation.
Menwhile, here are some points to consider regarding eternal security:
Eternal Security Approaches
1.Positional Approach: Romans 8:1; Ephesians 1:3-6; Jude 1. Every believer is in union with Christ—Romans 8:38, 39.
2.Logical Approach: Romans 5:9, 10, 15, 17, 20 with 8:32. God did the “most” for us when we were His enemies and will do “much more” for us as His sons. Romans 8:38, 39.
3.The Hand Approach: John 10:28; Psalm 37:23-24. The believer is held by God’s hand, and He will never let go.
4.Experiential Approach: 2 Timothy 2:12-13. Though a believer may say he no longer believes, God remains faithful, because He is immutable. The Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit indwells the believer and He cannot deny Himself.a)2 Tim. 2:12 speaks of rewards. “Deny us” (believers) rewards. When a believer denies Christ, he is out of fellowship and therefore not producing.b)2 Tim. 2:13, “believe not”—stops believing. A believer denouncing Jesus Christ, yet He keeps on abiding faithful—He cannot deny the unconditional quality of our salvation.
5.Family Approach: Galatians 3:26; John 1:12. We are born into God’s family, we cannot be unborn.
6.Inheritance Approach: 1 Peter 1:4,5, based on Omnipotence. Heirs of God.
7.Body Approach: 1 Corinthians 12:13, 21. Christ, the head of the body can never say to any member of the body (a believer) that He does not need him.
8.The Sovereignty of God Approach: 2 Peter 3:9; Jude 24.
9.Greek Tense Approach:
b)Aorist tense: (once and for all) Acts 16:31.c)Perfect tense: (saved in the past with the result that you keep on being saved forever). Ephesians 2:8,9; Colossians 2:6; Romans 8:1.
10.Sealing ministry of the Holy Spirit Approach: Guarantee for protection and safe delivery at destination (heaven). 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; 2 Timothy 2:19.
11.Title Deed Approach: Jude 24, 25; 1 Peter 1:5—God will keep any promise made.
12.God’s Essence Approach: God never goes back on His character. Romans 8:35, (love); 8:38, 39; 14:4.
13.Marriage Approach: Revelation 19:1-10 (Eternal Relationship).
14.God’s Faithfulness Approach: 2 Timothy 2:11-13; 1 Corinthians 3:4, 5; Revelation 19:11.
15.Jesus Christ’s Work on the Cross Approach: Hebrews 10:14. Denying eternal security is to deny the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ and reduces the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to the level of offering bulls and goats. The sacrifice of Christ abides: John 5:24; Hebrews 10:14.
16.Fact of New Creation Approach: Colossians 2:10 “… ye are complete in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:6.
17.Assignment Approach: Assigned eternal life, Acts 13:48 (Greek).
18.How a Believer is Described Approach: Colossians 3:12; elect, holy, beloved.
19.The Verse Approach: Passage upon passage, verse upon verse screams eternal security. Proverbs 24:12, 14; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Psalm 37:24, 28; Colossians 2:6; John 5:14-16, 36; Romans 14:4; Colossians 2:13; John 5:24.
20.The Father Undertakes fore the Believer Approach:
b)The Unconditional Covenants: Abrahamic, Palestinian, Davidic & New.c)Infinite power of the Father to set free, save, keep: John 10:29; Romans 4:21, 8:31, 38, 39; 14:4; Ephesians 1:19-21; 3:20; Phil. 3:21; 2 Tim. 1:12; Heb. 7:25; Jude 24.d)Infinite love of God: Romans 5:7-10; Ephesians 1:4.e)Influence on the Father of the prayer of the Son of God—John 17:19-20.
21.The Holy Spirit undertakes for the Believer Approach: a)Regeneration: Entrance into that which cannot be removed. John 3:4-6; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 3:9.b)Indwelling: Holy Spirit is given, Romans 8:15; 1 Corinthans 2:12; 6:19; 1 John 2:27.c)Baptism: Spirit, not water, by which the believer is joined to Christ as to stay eternally in new creation. 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27.d)Sealing. Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30.
22.God the Father Cares Approach: John 3:16
23.God the Son Cares Approach: John 10, 11, 15, 17.
24.God the Holy Spirit Cares Approach: John 14:17, 18, 26; John 16:7-14.
25.Unbeliever’s Care Approach: Luke 16:26-31. Even the man in hell had a care for his unbelieving brothers.
26.Angel’s Care Approach. Luke 15:7, 10.
Also here are a few links for you, from Lynn.
http://deanbible.org/Media/Doctrines/A-G/Eternal%20Security.pdf
Lots more great info, including books and recordings at no charge, can be found at:
http://www.graceatlanta.orghttp://www.berachah.org/http://www.deanbible.org
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Evolution
Anyone who knows me, knows my passion about the things God is revealing to the world! Biblical artifacts being found and cataloged. The truth will be known!!!
However, articles like the one below remind me again of II Timothy 3:7 "always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. "
"Missing Link" Still Missing
Imaginations certainly took flight over Archaeoraptor Liaoningensis, a birdlike fossil with a meat-eater’s tail that was spirited out of northeastern China, ‘discovered’ at a Tucson, Arizona, gem and mineral show last year, and displayed at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. Some 110,000 visitors saw the exhibit, which closed January 17; millions more read about the find in November’s National Geographic. Now, paleontologists are eating crow. Instead of ‘a true missing link’ connecting dinosaurs to birds, the specimen appears to be a composite, its unusual appendage likely tacked on by a Chinese farmer, not evolution.
"Archaeoraptor is hardly the first ‘missing link’ to snap under scrutiny. In 1912, fossil remains of an ancient hominid were found in England’s Piltdown quarries and quickly dubbed man’s apelike ancestor. It took decades to reveal the hoax." U.S. News & World Report, February 14, 2000
"Darwin admitted that millions of ‘missing links,’ transitional life forms, would have to be discovered in the fossil record to prove the accuracy of his theory that all species had gradually evolved by chance mutation into new species. Unfortunately for his theory, despite hundreds of millions spent on searching for fossils worldwide for more than a century, the scientists have failed to locate a single missing link out of the millions that must exist if their theory of evolution is to be vindicated." Grant R. Jeffery, The Signature of God
"There are gaps in the fossil graveyard, places where there should be intermediate forms, but where there is nothing whatsoever instead. No paleontologist . . . denies that this is so. It is simply a fact. Darwin’s theory and the fossil record are in conflict." David Berlinsky
"Scientists concede that their most cherished theories are based on embarrassingly few fossil fragments and that huge gaps exist in the fossil record." Time magazine, Nov. 7, 1977
"The evolutionists seem to know everything about the missing link except the fact that it is missing." G. K. Chesterton
However, articles like the one below remind me again of II Timothy 3:7 "always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. "
"Missing Link" Still Missing
Imaginations certainly took flight over Archaeoraptor Liaoningensis, a birdlike fossil with a meat-eater’s tail that was spirited out of northeastern China, ‘discovered’ at a Tucson, Arizona, gem and mineral show last year, and displayed at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. Some 110,000 visitors saw the exhibit, which closed January 17; millions more read about the find in November’s National Geographic. Now, paleontologists are eating crow. Instead of ‘a true missing link’ connecting dinosaurs to birds, the specimen appears to be a composite, its unusual appendage likely tacked on by a Chinese farmer, not evolution.
"Archaeoraptor is hardly the first ‘missing link’ to snap under scrutiny. In 1912, fossil remains of an ancient hominid were found in England’s Piltdown quarries and quickly dubbed man’s apelike ancestor. It took decades to reveal the hoax." U.S. News & World Report, February 14, 2000
"Darwin admitted that millions of ‘missing links,’ transitional life forms, would have to be discovered in the fossil record to prove the accuracy of his theory that all species had gradually evolved by chance mutation into new species. Unfortunately for his theory, despite hundreds of millions spent on searching for fossils worldwide for more than a century, the scientists have failed to locate a single missing link out of the millions that must exist if their theory of evolution is to be vindicated." Grant R. Jeffery, The Signature of God
"There are gaps in the fossil graveyard, places where there should be intermediate forms, but where there is nothing whatsoever instead. No paleontologist . . . denies that this is so. It is simply a fact. Darwin’s theory and the fossil record are in conflict." David Berlinsky
"Scientists concede that their most cherished theories are based on embarrassingly few fossil fragments and that huge gaps exist in the fossil record." Time magazine, Nov. 7, 1977
"The evolutionists seem to know everything about the missing link except the fact that it is missing." G. K. Chesterton
July 12 - Its been awhile
We are back from an awesome vacation! I have been reading but not putting my thoughts on here...
I had an interesting conversation while on vacation about Leviticus 18. I'll get to that in a minute; Today I read some things about Reputation and Walking in Truth today. And again falling before the Lord asking Him to Bind Mercy and Truth around my heart and write them on the tablets of my heart. Most of all the scripture used today was II Timothy 3:7
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. (are we living in these times or what??)
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
What intrigued me about this passage was verse 7. Always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.
I met a person like this. Wanting to argue the word...knowing The Word but not acknowledging it at truth. Quoting the bible and taking it out of context. Testing your faith. These people....they know the truth. They are scared of the change they will be required to make in thier lives. Worried a what their peers will say. Thinking they have to "clean their act up" before they run to the Father. The only thing you can do for them is pray. They want to have a battle of wits, always learning more but never acknowledging the truth.
Like the conversation I had about Leviticus. This particular chapter is about sexual laws. The question was why do people use Leviticus 18:22 against homosexuals.
I confess I didn't know it off the top of my head, but he did.
Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.
Lets look at what that means. A disgusting thing in a ritual sense, as in unclean food, idols, mixed marriages. An act to be abhorred to be detested.
Personally I don't see the issue and that is what I told him. Here is another example of God loving the sinner and hating the sin. I think is verse is a perfect example of Gods love. We love our children and we have rules, boundaries for them. God loves us and had rules for us. He sees things we do not see.
No matter your condition, God wants us to come to him, there is no need to "clean up your act", come to him as you are.
I had an interesting conversation while on vacation about Leviticus 18. I'll get to that in a minute; Today I read some things about Reputation and Walking in Truth today. And again falling before the Lord asking Him to Bind Mercy and Truth around my heart and write them on the tablets of my heart. Most of all the scripture used today was II Timothy 3:7
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. (are we living in these times or what??)
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
What intrigued me about this passage was verse 7. Always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.
I met a person like this. Wanting to argue the word...knowing The Word but not acknowledging it at truth. Quoting the bible and taking it out of context. Testing your faith. These people....they know the truth. They are scared of the change they will be required to make in thier lives. Worried a what their peers will say. Thinking they have to "clean their act up" before they run to the Father. The only thing you can do for them is pray. They want to have a battle of wits, always learning more but never acknowledging the truth.
Like the conversation I had about Leviticus. This particular chapter is about sexual laws. The question was why do people use Leviticus 18:22 against homosexuals.
I confess I didn't know it off the top of my head, but he did.
Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.
Lets look at what that means. A disgusting thing in a ritual sense, as in unclean food, idols, mixed marriages. An act to be abhorred to be detested.
Personally I don't see the issue and that is what I told him. Here is another example of God loving the sinner and hating the sin. I think is verse is a perfect example of Gods love. We love our children and we have rules, boundaries for them. God loves us and had rules for us. He sees things we do not see.
No matter your condition, God wants us to come to him, there is no need to "clean up your act", come to him as you are.
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