tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80114047734488816722024-03-08T01:48:18.599-05:00No Title NecessaryBasically, me writing about Bible verses that apply to my life. You can make them apply, too! Also, random other topics about which I feel like writing. Good times.M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-30899909232955129162009-02-08T14:22:00.002-05:002009-02-08T14:32:40.862-05:00Things I was going to write about but don't feel like1 Corinthians 13 -<br /><br />All I can think to say is that it defines God's love and how to love like God. Can't really have an entire blog devoted to that.<br /><br />Poems - <br /><br />I wrote a sonnet about God's grace, but I don't like the rhythm in the second quatrain, so it will remain unpublished. The unaccented syllables at the end of lines sounds... off. Oh well.<br /><br />Third -<br /><br />I have a project for church. We all are assigned different religions and have present a project on them. Mine: Roman Catholicism. If you want me to include anything, just let me know.M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-46950089391616496562009-02-01T12:00:00.000-05:002009-02-01T12:01:20.725-05:00Ask me anything.And I will post a blog about it. Sounds good to me.M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-47699037883114765382009-01-25T12:23:00.002-05:002009-01-25T19:00:14.332-05:002 Corinthians 6:14"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"<br /><br />I have a lot to say concerning a relationship between this verse and marriage, and might get to it later. So stay tuned.<br /><br /><br />... Okay, I'm back. Its 6:15. And now I have to remember exactly where I was going with this.<br /><br />Alright, I remember now. Basically, I still desire much to become a pastor eventually. However, now is not the right time for me to start on that path, which I will show using 1 Timothy 3. Basically, it is a list of requirements for church overseers (your translation probably says "bishop," but the meaning of the Greek word <span style="font-style:italic;">episkopos</span> is neither here nor there). I will go over this and eventually back into the main topic. "An overseer must be:"<br /><br />Above reproach:<br /><br />I would not say that I am truly above reproach. I try to live as sinlessly as I can, but I can always improve, through the grace of God.<br /><br />Temperate:<br /><br />I tend to get angry easily, but once again, prayer to God for improvement will fix this.<br /><br />Respectable:<br /><br />I'll allow it.<br /><br />Hospitable:<br /><br />I am gracious to guests and accommodating. So this is alright.<br /><br />Able to teach:<br /><br />I am a good teacher. If you want to learn something from me, I'm more than willing to teach.<br /><br />Not given to drunkenness:<br /><br />This isn't a problem for me.<br /><br />Not violent, but gentle. Not quarrelsome:<br /><br />Besides my quickness to anger, I am not particularly violent.<br /><br />Not a lover of money:<br /><br />The root of all evil? No. I only need enough money to provide a good life for my family and to provide for the education of my children.<br /><br />HUSBAND OF BUT ONE WIFE:<br /><br />A requirement to lead a church as an elder. I need to be married and to raise a family (he must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect). I MUST be married...<br /><br />Which brings the main topic, 2 Cor. 6:14, up. This refers to Genesis 2:24, where man and life become one flesh. Both parts of the one should be pointed towards Christ, lest the "righteousness and wickedness" be yoked together in a terrible manner. Besides, can two walk together, unless they are agreed (Amos 3:3).<br /><br />I must marry a Christian woman who truly accepts Jesus Christ as her lord and savior, and as the only path to salvation (Acts 4:12, Romans 10:9, John 14:6, lots of other verses.). She must understand that salvation is by grace alone, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9), and that Jesus was sacrificed once for all sins (Hebrews 9:28, 10:12). I feel weird setting requirements for my wife, but so that I will be above reproach, I must have a believer as a spouse.<br /><br />God's plan has set aside a woman for me who, being a complement to me, will form a single unit that provides a beacon of light, which to summon nonbelievers and the misinformed to Jesus with. I assume my life will be something like this: I go to college, get a degree, move somewhere that I can get a job, meet a woman in a church there, be married, enter seminary school, raise a family as a preacher, and be happy.<br /><br />Thus I feel better than I did Tuesday. Post over.M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-54846428334467079282009-01-18T11:36:00.000-05:002009-01-18T11:37:01.961-05:00Happy Sanctity of Life DayAt least we still have a president with common sense for two more days...M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-36573297132430064062009-01-12T21:11:00.003-05:002009-01-12T21:12:47.413-05:00Fleetwood Mac is awesome.Seriously. My new favorite song for the week. No particular reason. Awesome nonetheless.<br /><br /><br /><br />Loving you<br />Isn't the right thing to do<br />How can I ever change things<br />That I feel<br /><br />If I could<br />Maybe I'd give you my world<br />How can I<br />When you won't take it from me<br /><br />You can go your own way<br />(Go your own way)<br />You can call it<br />Another lonely day<br />You can go your own way<br />(Go your own way)<br /><br />Tell me why<br />Everything turned around<br />Packing up<br />Shacking up is all you wanna do<br /><br />If I could<br />Baby I'd give you my world<br />Open up<br />Everything's waiting for you<br /><br />You can go your own way<br />(Go your own way)<br />You can call it<br />Another lonely day<br />You can go your own way<br />(go your own way)M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-75331074831591729462009-01-06T20:28:00.003-05:002009-01-06T22:44:41.409-05:00Apocrypha matters; Sirach 1DISCLAIMER: In the first part of this entry, I will explain the Apocrypha in a general matter with regards to Scripture. Noting that I am Baptist, while all of my readers are Catholic, I will base anything I say on Scripture, (or history if need be, I'm not sure what I will write yet). So no getting mad at me for not accepting books as canonical or Scripture, okay?<br /><br /><br />Basically, the four hundred years between Malachi and John the Baptist, there were no prophets in Israel. (I found a good website with everything you might want to know about the time between the Old and New Testaments. I will leave it in the comments to this entry.) No one was inspired directly by the Holy Spirit and therefore able to write Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). However, that does not necessarily make the books completely unimportant. While they cannot be used directly to base doctrine on, they are still written in a God-ward direction, and are at least useful to preserve what happened in God's "silent period" and to instill faith. There are plenty of books that aren't Scripture that offer good messages, and I am certain that these are no different. The books are not necessarily bad, but are instead worth reading and, (likely, I haven't read a word yet) useful. Without further ado, onward to Kelli's favorite book! (I will comment verse by verse, I think. As I read. Therefore, you get my reaction.)<br /><br />"All Wisdom comes from the Lord, and Wisdom is with him forever."<br /><br />I like where this is going. It reminds me of John 1:1, replacing "Wisdom" with "The Word," which, arguably, could be the same thing.<br /><br />"Who can count raindrops or the sand along the shore? Who can count the days of eternity? How high is the sky? How wide is the earth? How deep is the ocean? How profound is Wisdom? Can anyone answer these questions?"<br /><br />Obviously, God.<br /><br />"Wisdom was created before anything else; understanding has always existed."<br /><br />John 1 seems to reflect this. Is Wisdom the Word of God, and therefore Jesus? I must keep reading!<br /><br />"Has anyone ever been shown where Wisdom originates? Does anyone understand her subtle cleverness?"<br /><br />I guess she isn't Jesus. Oh well, Wisdom is wisdom.<br /><br />"There is only one who is wise, and we must stand in awe before his throne."<br /><br />Quite true. God IS omniscient, after all.<br /><br />"The Lord himself created Wisdom; he saw her and recognized her value, and so he filled everything he made with Wisdom."<br /><br />Wisdom can be gained from everything. God made our world so. (I had to think about what this verse meant. "Today's English Version," you have betrayed me.)<br /><br />"He gave some measure of Wisdom to everyone, but poured her out on those who love him."<br /><br />These lowercase letters on God pronouns are slightly annoying me, but that isn't really relevant. God rewards believers. At the time of this writing, He would be rewarding those who follow the Law and are therefore righteous.<br /><br />"If you fear the Lord, honor and pride will be yours; you will be crowned with happiness and joy."<br /><br />I totally called it in the last verse!<br /><br />"To honor the Lord is a heartfelt delight; it will give you a long and happy life, and at the end of your days all will go well with you. God will bless you on the day of your death."<br /><br />We are made to glorify God. Honoring Him, therefore, fulfills our purpose, and is delightful and happy. However, the time between death and Rapture deserves its own series of posts, so I'm not touching that right now.<br /><br />"To fear the Lord is the first step to Wisdom. Wisdom is given to the faithful in their mothers' wombs."<br /><br />First part granted. Second part seems very predestination-y and really downplays free will. Another topic I could write a lot about.<br /><br />"She has lived with us from ancient times, and generations to come will rely on her."<br /><br />Well, since Wisdom was created by God, long before any of us were born, and before any of these 2nd century BC people were born, either, I agree. Obviously, we rely on wisdom.<br /><br />"To fear the Lord is Wisdom at her fullest; she satisfies us completely with her gifts and fills our homes and our barns with all that our hearts can desire."<br /><br />Okay, now, Wisdom. Back off. You are moving in on God's territory with the gift giving.<br /><br />"To fear the Lord is the flower of Wisdom that blossoms with peace and good health."<br /><br />It isn't healthy to have no fear of God. Omnipotence + divine wrath = bad times for you, at least after death.<br /><br />"She sends knowledge and understanding like the rain, and increases the honor of those who receive her. To fear the Lord is the root of Wisdom; her branches are long life."<br /><br />Okay, maybe Wisdom isn't trying to find her way into the Trinity. Maybe she is just... wisdom. Also, I like the symbolism on reverence for God leading to a wise life. Naturally, wisdom tends to increase lifespan.<br /><br />"There is no excuse for unjustified anger; it can bring about your downfall."<br /><br />I can't think of a New Testament verse that justifies anger, so agreed.<br /><br />"Wait and be patient, and later you will be glad you did."<br /><br />Hmm... out of context, this has special meaning for me.<br /><br />"Keep quiet until the right time to speak, and you will gain reputation for good sense."<br /><br />Someone famous said this, but their name escapes me.<br /><br />"Wisdom has a treasury of wise sayings, but sinners have nothing but contempt for godliness."<br /><br />Agreed.<br /><br />"If you want to be wise, keep the Lord's commands, and he will give you Wisdom in abundance."<br /><br />"If you love me, keep my commandments." Salvation seems to replace Wisdom as a reward.<br /><br />"Fearing the Lord is Wisdom and an education in itself. He is please by loyalty and humility. Be faithful in the practice of your religion; when you worship the Lord, do it with all you heart."<br /><br />I know this verse is referenced in the New Testament, but the passage escapes me.<br /><br />"Be careful about what you say, and don't be a hypocrite."<br /><br />Good advice. Makes you look stupid.<br /><br />"Don't be arrogant; you may suffer a fall and be disgraced."<br /><br />"Pride" and "falls" tend to come up often outside of scripture.<br /><br />"The Lord will reveal your secrets and humiliate you in front of everyone in the synagogue, because you did not come there with reverence for the Lord, but with a heart full of hypocrisy."<br /><br />I kind of wish this still happened. There are a lot of hypocritical "Christians" nowadays. They would be better off being humiliated now than when it is too late.<br /><br /><br /><br />Overall, this is shaping up to be a pretty nice advice book. Shall I continue reading? Yes, I think so.M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-6836176537507751492009-01-05T19:15:00.003-05:002009-01-05T19:45:19.246-05:00Romans 13Okay, today's topic is submission to the authority of the government that God has established for us in America.<br /><br />"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1<br /><br />All governments are given their power by God. The source of their power is given by God. Conveniently, we are our own government. Thus, God has given us authority to govern in a godlike manner, electing politicians who will further His agenda and act with morality. However, that topic is tangential to the current one, and so I will move on.<br /><br />"Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." Romans 13:2<br /><br />We can't refuse to pay taxes or declare war on America. God wills that we work through democracy to bring about change, not a violent overthrow.<br /><br />"For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." Romans 13:3-4<br /><br />Follow all laws, no matter how unjust or unfair they seem. Also, 13:4 gives the government the authority to exact God's wrath upon people, i.e. the death penalty.<br /><br />"Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Romans 13:5-7<br /><br />As much as I don't like what our taxes go to (basically anything. If you want me to rant about politics/ economics, I will, just not in this entry) we still must pay them. The authorities are (or should be) God's servants. We owe them taxes and reverence.<br /><br />A main problem: nowadays, the government likes to do things that are against God. Abortion, homosexuality, affirmative action, welfare, social security, removal of the death penalty, taking away individual rights, etc. Luckily we can vote! Thankfully, God has given us the power of democracy to counter the degradation of society into immorality and ungodliness. Until the Rapture, we, as Christians, must take control of our government, using this God given authority.M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-85194137208969559072008-12-27T21:15:00.004-05:002008-12-27T21:56:01.616-05:00The final installment of my musings on NT 3:16sHere we are again, and I'm ready to write this time. Besides my unending boredom, I desire to finish this project. However, I am also sad to see that it is almost over. Oh well, here goes...<br /><br />2 Timothy 3:16<br /><br />"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness."<br /><br />This verse speaks two different messages. The first is that all Scripture is inspired by God and everything in the Bible is God's Word. Basically, it has authority over all other writings because it is the Word of God.<br /><br />Secondly, all Scripture is useful. Therefore, as Christians, we must strive to increase our knowledge of The Bible so that we may teach the gospel, rebuke sin, correct said sin with godly behavior, and to train ourselves in righteousness. Hence I decided to undertake a project where I increased my own scriptural knowledge.<br /><br />Hebrews 3:16-19<br /><br />"Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert? And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief."<br /><br />This group of verses shows that humans, by nature, sin against God and want to refuse His gifts. Considering whom Paul is writing to, it is obvious why he brings up the parallel of the Promised Land and the wandering of the Israelites. But really what Paul is alluding to is that no man may enter the kingdom of Heaven a sinner. (see Matthew 7:21-23) Only through Jesus Christ is our sin forgiven, and thus this passage is vital.<br /><br /><br />1 Peter 3:15-16<br /><br />"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.<span style=""> </span>Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.<span style=""> </span>But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:10;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Probably my favorite set of verses written by Peter. All Christians must understand their faith and be able to meet challenges set by nonbelievers and those who work against Christ. For example, I have seen many videos on YouTube attempting to "disprove" God and Jesus. Even I, with my limited Scriptural knowledge, can refute their claims. However, the purpose of this is not to prove them wrong, but to get them to seek Christ as their own Savior. If you attack them, then really you aren't much better than they are. The wrath that you might feel in regards to their blasphemes against Our Lord is still sinful, and will do nothing to help them. Honestly, it is hard for me to not get angry when I argue about ANYTHING, let alone something so important. Therefore, I ought to pray for guidance and help in this matter.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">2 Peter 3:16</p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">"He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">Peter is talking about Paul here, if you didn't know. But the main point of this verse is that people will "interpret" Scripture to suit their own means. This is bad. It leads to your destruction. People have been distorting Scripture since the days of the early church, and it seems to get worse and worse every day. Note that this leads "to their own destruction." Do not fall pray to this trap.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">1 John 3:16</p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">This verse embodies the Christian view of love. Self-sacrificing love that transcends humanity and is purely God-like. Also known as Agape. Yay!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">Revelation 3:15-16</p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm- neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">What a way to end this series! Jesus, speaking here in John's dream, expresses that we must be "hot." He means that our faith should burn in us like the Holy Spirit, emanating from every fiber of our body and soul, thereby showing itself to all, and glorifying God in the process.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="">Basically, the 3:16 verses in the New Testament are full of win. Now I need some more verses to write about, so if you have any suggestions...<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p>M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-65893575354467348102008-12-23T16:01:00.003-05:002008-12-23T16:44:43.503-05:00The 3:16s (part 2)I don't expect to get this done right now, but I think I will post about three more books or so. Without further ado...<br /><br />Philippians 3:14-16<br /><br />I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.<br /><br />Paul is saying here that he seeks to live out his life in a Godlike manner. How else are we supposed to "live up to what we have already attained?" (Obviously salvation). While salvation is through faith, faith without works is meaningless. James 2:26 - "As the body without spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." While works alone are not enough to enter heaven, faith without works is impossible. Note that "all who are mature should take such a view." Naturally, the converse is also true. You must take reach a view to have reached maturity in your faith. Also, God makes all points of His plan clear as necessary.<br /><br />This is a very amazing set of verses that I'm actually pretty upset that I've never read before.<br /><br /><br />Colossians 3:16 <br /><br />Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.<br /><br />Christians should congregate in churches, that they might encourage one another and keep each other true to Christ. Pretty obvious, but very important nonetheless.<br /><br /><br />(First Thessalonians has no 3:16. Second Thessalonians' 3:16 is just a farewell message to Paul's audience.)<br /><br /><br /><br />1 Timothy 3:16<br /><br />Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.<br /><br />This verse explains the life of Jesus as conciscely as possible. It is good to reflect upon the First Coming of Christ, particularly as we approach the date of His birth, as we anticipate the Second Coming. Jesus, the embodiement of the Word of God (John 1:14), should have each facet of his life, as depicted in this verse in 1 Timothy, celebrated by all Christians all the time, but this time of the year is most important.<br /><br /><br />Until next time, where the reason I started posting these becomes clear, and my favorite verse written by Peter. Part three should (hopefully) conclude this series. Also, if I don't get on any more, Merry Christmas!M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-29895048083171419672008-12-18T19:08:00.002-05:002008-12-18T20:06:47.151-05:00The 3:16sEvery "3:16" verse in the New Testament, and what it says to me. I will be using the NIV for my purposes here. 3:16 will always be included, but other verses will be used as necessary.<br /><br />Matthew 3:16-17:<br /><br />"As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."<br /><br />These verses are cool for many reasons. First, God appears in all three of His "forms," Father, Son, and Spirit. I don't think this happens anywhere else, so baptism is obviously important. Also, Jesus came "<span style="font-style: italic;">up out of</span> the water." The prepositions imply that total immersion is necessary to have a real baptism. If Jesus was baptized in such a way, surely we all must follow. Good stuff.<br /><br />Mark 3:16-19<br /><br />"<span id="en-NIV-24302" class="sup"></span>These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter <span id="en-NIV-24303" class="sup"></span> James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder); <span id="en-NIV-24304" class="sup"></span>Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot <span id="en-NIV-24305" class="sup"></span>and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him."<br /><br />A list of the twelve disciples. Good information, but probably the least useful verse of those that I am posting. Not a bad list to know, though.<br /><br />Luke 3:16<br /><br />"John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."<br /><br />The fire of the Holy Spirit burns in all saved Christians, ignited by the salvation that Jesus Christ offers, and symbolized by baptism in his name after being graced with said salvation. The Holy Spirit allows us to evangelize and to do good works. Wonderful.<br /><br />John 3:16<br /><br />"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."<br /><br />Everyone knows this one. It is worth note that this verse was spoken by Jesus himself to Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin and a leading Pharisee. Jesus is here both literally telling Nicodemus that salvation and entrance into heaven only comes through the Son, but that traditions of man (which the Pharisees were very well known for: they took Levitican and Deuteronimian law very very very literally) are not enough. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God - <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9. These verses, in conjunction, basically define the basis of Chrsitianity.<br /><br />Acts 3:16<br /><br />"By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see."<br /><br />This verse is referring to Peter's healing of a cripple earlier in Chapter 3. It shows that all power that man has to do good comes from faith in Christ. All of the miracles done by the apostles were done only through the power of Christ, and thus it is the same with us.<br /><br />Romans 3:10-18<br /><br />As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; <span id="en-NIV-27988" class="sup"></span>there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit."<sup></sup> "The poison of vipers is on their lips." "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness." <span id="en-NIV-27992" class="sup"></span>"Their feet are swift to shed blood; <span id="en-NIV-27993" class="sup"></span>ruin and misery mark their ways, <span id="en-NIV-27994" class="sup"></span>and the way of peace they do not know." <span id="en-NIV-27995" class="sup"></span>"There is no fear of God before their eyes."<br /><br />Oh. My. Goodness! These verses are a stunning, painful indictment of the sinful nature of mankind! No one seeks God; He brings us to Him. We cannot by our own volition follow His Word; it is by grace. We are natural sinners, but we are able to strive towards righteousness through the power of God alone. It is by His mercy that we are offered salvation, despite our natures.<br /><br />1 Corinthians 3:16<br /><br />"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"<br /><br />Take care of your body, because God lives in it. Do not desecrate it or engage in sin, because you are defiling a temple of God. This is a serious commandment.<br /><br />2 Corinthians 3:13-16<br /><br />"We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains as the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is lifted away."<br /><br />New Testament grace is superior to Old Testament law in many respects, this being paramount among them. We are not truly able to see God's plan simply via the old method. Only though Chirst may our blindness be taken away, and allow us to follow a path that brings glory to God; our sole purpose.<br /><br />Galatians 3:16<br /><br />"<span id="en-NIV-29103" class="sup"></span>The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ."<br /><br />This one is very difficult for me to uncover, but I am pretty sure that it means that we all will reap the rewards promised to Abraham's descendents, because we are all one through Christ. (Galatians 3:28)<br /><br />Ephesians 3:14-19<br /><br />"<span id="en-NIV-29250" class="sup"></span>For this reason I kneel before the Father, <span id="en-NIV-29251" class="sup"></span>from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. <span id="en-NIV-29252" class="sup"></span>I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, <span id="en-NIV-29253" class="sup"></span>so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, <span id="en-NIV-29254" class="sup"></span>may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, <span id="en-NIV-29255" class="sup"></span>and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."<br /><br />Paul is saying that all knowledge, power, everything, comes from God (which seems to be a prominent theme in my responses to these verses, but it is true: EVERYTHING is from God!) The Holy Spirit allows us to live in a Christ-like manner, which we should strive to do. Agape cannot be understood without God.<br /><br /><br /><br />(I have been writing for quite a while now and am becoming weary. It might have something to do with writing for an hour and a half. I will finish this later, but I want to know what everyone thinks about this so far.)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><dl compact="compact"><dd><a name="v17"></a></dd></dl>M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-84715245529283266412008-12-17T19:41:00.003-05:002008-12-21T17:36:08.255-05:00A-BehrMeet record time.<br /><br />1:53.95- 200 free<br />5:29- 500 free<br /><br />I <span style="font-style: italic;">should </span>get those easily. The problem comes from having no one to race and the fact that is really hard to make myself go fast when I can win handily without trying. I am seeded first in the 200 by 9 seconds and the 500 by 20. Note that my seed times aren't even my fastest times. This is upsetting.<br /><br />Pool record time.<br /><br />1:32 - 200 free relay<br />3:22 - 400 free relay<br />Mine and August's splits will be sufficiently fast, easily. Troy should be right there, too. (We have to average 22-high and 50.5 if you don't want to do that maths) Eric needs to step up in the 200 and Karl in the 400. Their performance will define our post-season.<br /><br />I love swimming, but all this time stuff makes me feel like Christian McGory.M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-80511705575830632842008-12-15T19:09:00.000-05:002008-12-15T19:10:05.848-05:00Why is this song so good?Just a small town girl, livin in a lonely world<br />She took the midnight train goin anywhere<br />Just a city boy, born and raised in south detroit<br />He took the midnight train goin anywhere<br /><br />A singer in a smokey room<br />A smell of wine and cheap perfume<br />For a smile they can share the night<br />It goes on and on and on and on<br /><br />Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard<br />Their shadows searching in the night<br />Streetlight people, living just to find emotion<br />Hiding, somewhere in the night<br /><br />Working hard to get my fill,<br />Everybody wants a thrill<br />Payin anything to roll the dice,<br />Just one more time<br />Some will win, some will lose<br />Some were born to sing the blues<br />Oh, the movie never ends<br />It goes on and on and on and on<br /><br />Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard<br />Their shadows searching in the night<br />Streetlight people, living just to find emotion<br />Hiding, somewhere in the night<br /><br />Dont stop believin<br />Hold on to the feelin<br />Streetlight peopleM Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-92011827027939524482008-12-14T22:39:00.002-05:002008-12-14T22:40:36.368-05:00New rule:No girls for Matt. Ever. Not that that will be hard to pull off. It has worked for nearly eighteen years.M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-73254830034741049082008-12-13T20:14:00.003-05:002008-12-13T20:16:09.370-05:00Too... many... essays...Applying for college is terrible. I wish I could just throw some test scores at these people and say "let me in, please." But <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NO.</span></span> I have to write 7 essays tomorrow ranging from "What drew you to this school?" to "What would you make out of a stone block and a chisel?"<br /><br />Now I know why I procrastinated.M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-33937141750958636712008-12-12T18:22:00.004-05:002008-12-12T18:41:27.440-05:00I had some Jo Wok today.General Tao chicken. I only started liking it because someone left it in my locker once. =) I hope she still isn't mad that I ate half of her dinner haha.<br /><br />But I felt like sharing my fortune cookies.<br /><br />First one: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."</span><br /><br />So, either I am going to be President, a biochemist, a missionary, or a pastor. Those are probably the only careers where I can make the difference I wish to see.<br /><br />I will get to the second one later; instead, I will post mine from lunch on Thursday (I don't exactly remember what it said, but...)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">"Your principles are more important to you than money."</span><br /><br />This one also hit close to home with me. I can't exactly explain everything that this made me think about, but it involved everything from what college I go to, what career I enter into, and what choices I make in my daily life, to what I eat for breakfast. For a fortune cookie, it really made me examine my life. Ask anyone I was sitting with; I read that fortune for a good ten minutes.<br /><br />Finally, tonight's second cookie:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">"To let another into your heart, first let yourself in."<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">Jesus is in my heart; I know this. But am I <span style="font-style: italic;">personally</span> in my heart? I don't know. Praying to God about... stuff... recently, and I get so many applicable fortune cookies. Seems like the most blatant way to give me a sign, I guess. I could also talk about my recent readings in 1st Timothy, but that will be for another time. </span><br /></span>M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-902434696950342622008-12-10T07:24:00.002-05:002008-12-10T20:00:15.020-05:00Some risks aren't worth taking. It was better before. Alas, the point of no return has been passed, and it will never be the same. Hence I will be sad for the rest of my life.<br /><br />No, it is God's will that this event should have taken place. I will delight myself in the Lord, so that He may give me the desires of my heart. (Psalm 37:4)<br /><br /><br />...but that <span style="font-style: italic;">was </span>the desire of my heart.M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-65292971950420044172008-12-08T18:56:00.000-05:002008-12-08T18:58:22.278-05:00Rick Astley, how relevant are your lyrics?Never gonna give you up<br />Never gonna let you down<br />Never gonna run around and desert you<br />Never gonna make you cry<br />Never gonna say goodbye<br />Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you<br /><br />Very relevant.M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-29648751923774606612008-12-07T00:05:00.000-05:002008-12-07T00:06:03.286-05:00I love my best friendNothing more needs to be said than this, for it is completely true.M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8011404773448881672.post-37238134243859931692008-11-28T18:11:00.000-05:002008-11-28T18:14:14.702-05:00First post.So, apparently I am REALLY tired. It might be because we have been lifting every day IN ADDITION to Power (w)Rack and longer/ harder practices than we have ever had. Luckily, I somehow managed to be only four hundredths of a second off of my best 100 Free time, without shaving/ tapering/ FastSkin wearing. Imagine Districts with my LZR this year. Good times. In some ways, I cannot wait until we pwn on those noobs, but in others, I want my last high school swim season to last forever.M Williamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524614320181108005noreply@blogger.com1