1 Corinthians 13 -
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.
Poems -
I wrote a sonnet about God's grace, but I don't like the rhythm in the second quatrain, so it will remain unpublished.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.
Third -
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.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
2 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?"
I have a lot to say concerning a relationship between this verse and marriage, and might get to it later. So stay tuned.
... Okay, I'm back. Its 6:15. And now I have to remember exactly where I was going with this.
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 episkopos is neither here nor there). I will go over this and eventually back into the main topic. "An overseer must be:"
Above reproach:
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.
Temperate:
I tend to get angry easily, but once again, prayer to God for improvement will fix this.
Respectable:
I'll allow it.
Hospitable:
I am gracious to guests and accommodating. So this is alright.
Able to teach:
I am a good teacher. If you want to learn something from me, I'm more than willing to teach.
Not given to drunkenness:
This isn't a problem for me.
Not violent, but gentle. Not quarrelsome:
Besides my quickness to anger, I am not particularly violent.
Not a lover of money:
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.
HUSBAND OF BUT ONE WIFE:
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...
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).
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.
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.
Thus I feel better than I did Tuesday. Post over.
I have a lot to say concerning a relationship between this verse and marriage, and might get to it later. So stay tuned.
... Okay, I'm back. Its 6:15. And now I have to remember exactly where I was going with this.
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 episkopos is neither here nor there). I will go over this and eventually back into the main topic. "An overseer must be:"
Above reproach:
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.
Temperate:
I tend to get angry easily, but once again, prayer to God for improvement will fix this.
Respectable:
I'll allow it.
Hospitable:
I am gracious to guests and accommodating. So this is alright.
Able to teach:
I am a good teacher. If you want to learn something from me, I'm more than willing to teach.
Not given to drunkenness:
This isn't a problem for me.
Not violent, but gentle. Not quarrelsome:
Besides my quickness to anger, I am not particularly violent.
Not a lover of money:
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.
HUSBAND OF BUT ONE WIFE:
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...
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).
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.
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.
Thus I feel better than I did Tuesday. Post over.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Happy Sanctity of Life Day
At least we still have a president with common sense for two more days...
Monday, January 12, 2009
Fleetwood Mac is awesome.
Seriously. My new favorite song for the week. No particular reason. Awesome nonetheless.
Loving you
Isn't the right thing to do
How can I ever change things
That I feel
If I could
Maybe I'd give you my world
How can I
When you won't take it from me
You can go your own way
(Go your own way)
You can call it
Another lonely day
You can go your own way
(Go your own way)
Tell me why
Everything turned around
Packing up
Shacking up is all you wanna do
If I could
Baby I'd give you my world
Open up
Everything's waiting for you
You can go your own way
(Go your own way)
You can call it
Another lonely day
You can go your own way
(go your own way)
Loving you
Isn't the right thing to do
How can I ever change things
That I feel
If I could
Maybe I'd give you my world
How can I
When you won't take it from me
You can go your own way
(Go your own way)
You can call it
Another lonely day
You can go your own way
(Go your own way)
Tell me why
Everything turned around
Packing up
Shacking up is all you wanna do
If I could
Baby I'd give you my world
Open up
Everything's waiting for you
You can go your own way
(Go your own way)
You can call it
Another lonely day
You can go your own way
(go your own way)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Apocrypha matters; Sirach 1
DISCLAIMER: 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?
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.)
"All Wisdom comes from the Lord, and Wisdom is with him forever."
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.
"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?"
Obviously, God.
"Wisdom was created before anything else; understanding has always existed."
John 1 seems to reflect this. Is Wisdom the Word of God, and therefore Jesus? I must keep reading!
"Has anyone ever been shown where Wisdom originates? Does anyone understand her subtle cleverness?"
I guess she isn't Jesus. Oh well, Wisdom is wisdom.
"There is only one who is wise, and we must stand in awe before his throne."
Quite true. God IS omniscient, after all.
"The Lord himself created Wisdom; he saw her and recognized her value, and so he filled everything he made with Wisdom."
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.)
"He gave some measure of Wisdom to everyone, but poured her out on those who love him."
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.
"If you fear the Lord, honor and pride will be yours; you will be crowned with happiness and joy."
I totally called it in the last verse!
"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."
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.
"To fear the Lord is the first step to Wisdom. Wisdom is given to the faithful in their mothers' wombs."
First part granted. Second part seems very predestination-y and really downplays free will. Another topic I could write a lot about.
"She has lived with us from ancient times, and generations to come will rely on her."
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.
"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."
Okay, now, Wisdom. Back off. You are moving in on God's territory with the gift giving.
"To fear the Lord is the flower of Wisdom that blossoms with peace and good health."
It isn't healthy to have no fear of God. Omnipotence + divine wrath = bad times for you, at least after death.
"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."
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.
"There is no excuse for unjustified anger; it can bring about your downfall."
I can't think of a New Testament verse that justifies anger, so agreed.
"Wait and be patient, and later you will be glad you did."
Hmm... out of context, this has special meaning for me.
"Keep quiet until the right time to speak, and you will gain reputation for good sense."
Someone famous said this, but their name escapes me.
"Wisdom has a treasury of wise sayings, but sinners have nothing but contempt for godliness."
Agreed.
"If you want to be wise, keep the Lord's commands, and he will give you Wisdom in abundance."
"If you love me, keep my commandments." Salvation seems to replace Wisdom as a reward.
"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."
I know this verse is referenced in the New Testament, but the passage escapes me.
"Be careful about what you say, and don't be a hypocrite."
Good advice. Makes you look stupid.
"Don't be arrogant; you may suffer a fall and be disgraced."
"Pride" and "falls" tend to come up often outside of scripture.
"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."
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.
Overall, this is shaping up to be a pretty nice advice book. Shall I continue reading? Yes, I think so.
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.)
"All Wisdom comes from the Lord, and Wisdom is with him forever."
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.
"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?"
Obviously, God.
"Wisdom was created before anything else; understanding has always existed."
John 1 seems to reflect this. Is Wisdom the Word of God, and therefore Jesus? I must keep reading!
"Has anyone ever been shown where Wisdom originates? Does anyone understand her subtle cleverness?"
I guess she isn't Jesus. Oh well, Wisdom is wisdom.
"There is only one who is wise, and we must stand in awe before his throne."
Quite true. God IS omniscient, after all.
"The Lord himself created Wisdom; he saw her and recognized her value, and so he filled everything he made with Wisdom."
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.)
"He gave some measure of Wisdom to everyone, but poured her out on those who love him."
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.
"If you fear the Lord, honor and pride will be yours; you will be crowned with happiness and joy."
I totally called it in the last verse!
"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."
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.
"To fear the Lord is the first step to Wisdom. Wisdom is given to the faithful in their mothers' wombs."
First part granted. Second part seems very predestination-y and really downplays free will. Another topic I could write a lot about.
"She has lived with us from ancient times, and generations to come will rely on her."
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.
"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."
Okay, now, Wisdom. Back off. You are moving in on God's territory with the gift giving.
"To fear the Lord is the flower of Wisdom that blossoms with peace and good health."
It isn't healthy to have no fear of God. Omnipotence + divine wrath = bad times for you, at least after death.
"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."
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.
"There is no excuse for unjustified anger; it can bring about your downfall."
I can't think of a New Testament verse that justifies anger, so agreed.
"Wait and be patient, and later you will be glad you did."
Hmm... out of context, this has special meaning for me.
"Keep quiet until the right time to speak, and you will gain reputation for good sense."
Someone famous said this, but their name escapes me.
"Wisdom has a treasury of wise sayings, but sinners have nothing but contempt for godliness."
Agreed.
"If you want to be wise, keep the Lord's commands, and he will give you Wisdom in abundance."
"If you love me, keep my commandments." Salvation seems to replace Wisdom as a reward.
"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."
I know this verse is referenced in the New Testament, but the passage escapes me.
"Be careful about what you say, and don't be a hypocrite."
Good advice. Makes you look stupid.
"Don't be arrogant; you may suffer a fall and be disgraced."
"Pride" and "falls" tend to come up often outside of scripture.
"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."
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.
Overall, this is shaping up to be a pretty nice advice book. Shall I continue reading? Yes, I think so.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Romans 13
Okay, today's topic is submission to the authority of the government that God has established for us in America.
"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
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.
"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
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.
"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
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.
"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
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.
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.
"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
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.
"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
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.
"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
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.
"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
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.
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.
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