Mark 4
What does this mean?
Why parables instead of just telling it plain and simple? Because the people who listened, in general, wanted the show, the healing, and the food. They did not want to believe that Jesus was THE Messiah. People reject Jesus as their Messiah because of pride ("I'm a good person.") and they love sinful pleasures and did not want to give them up.
Parables are a punishment to withdraw understanding. Those who wanted would have to come and ask Him to explain it. He tests those who ask by saying, “Don’t you see what this parable means? How will you understand any parable?” Why? Because He was testing their genuineness to want to learn. So, He explains.
The word is sown by people. God will bless the growth of the word, but the reception is different.
The parable of the Lamp is transparency. We are not to hide our faith (pretend we are not Christians), not to hide our sins (we are to confess and repent), and/or lie. Truth is important to God.
He also warns us about judging. We must use God's standards, not ours. Judgment, that is, testing is important; we are required to do so, but if I use the wrong standard, then I might be judged by that same standard, too. I will be found out to be a hypocrite. We must judge and test, because otherwise we will be deceived by trusting wrong people.
The more we listen to Christ's ways and teachings, the more we will learn. The more we apply and live, the more we will be able to live.
We don't understand spiritual growth. We plant; God increases. We tend; God blesses. We harvest; we are thankful and enjoy. It is the providence of God.
We are to do spiritual work as preaching, teaching, and living. God gives the increase and brings it to maturity.
God's kingdom continues to grow. This is a spiritual kingdom, not a human kingdom on earth. We are to mature in the faith and not stagnate.
Finally, the Lord Jesus wishes to go to the other side of the sea. While the men work to sail there, a violent wind storm arises, threatening the ship, for it is “full of water.” The men near to panic awake the Lord Jesus, who is sleeping. He arises, rebukes the wind and sea, that is, telling it to be calm and at peace. It complies, for Jesus is the creator. He then teaches the men, that they should have had faith. If Jesus was not worried and fearful, neither should we. Only God can give real, lasting peace. There is no peace to the wicked.
13 February 2020
12 February 2020
A Few Web Sites that I Use Often
I have ranked them very subjectively. These are the ones I use daily to frequently. I’m not going to give reasons why or why not on how I rated them.
For search I use
B1 DuckDuckGo
B2 Start Page
B3 Bing
B4 Swiss Cows
For browsers I use
B1 Firefox
B2 Brave
B3 Opera
B4 Web (Gnome browser)
B5 For sensitive information I use TOR
For OS I use
B1 Mint Mate (19.03 Tricia)
B2 Plus many other Linux OS that I have tried.
Highly recommended
B1 Christian Studies
C2 Bible Hub
C6 Study Light
B2 Theology
C1 Society of Evangelical Arminians (A long list of resources on their site see here)
C4 Pre-Trib Org
B3 Churches
B4 Bibles
B5 Blogs
C1 Julie Roys
C5 Jimmy DeYoung (Prophecy)
B6 Apologetics
C1 CMI Topics
C2 Gary Habermas (A long list of resources on his site see here)
Recommended
B1 Christian Studies
C1 Bible Org
C4 Swartzentrover (Large collection of commentaries, Bible studies, etc. Also goes by the name Holy Pig(?)
C6 Lumina
C8 Bible Atlas
B2 Theology
B3 Churches
C2 Christ Reformation Church (Jeff Crippen)
B4 Bibles
C1 Bible Research (Textual Studies)
C2 Open Bible Topics (Topical studies)
B5 Blogs
B6 Apologetics
C7 Be Thinking
C8 Reasonable Faith (Dr. William Lane Craig)
C9 Holly Pivec
OK
B1 Christian Studies
C1 Agape Bible Study (Roman Catholic)
C2 Biblia
C3 CCEL
C4 David Pawson
C5 NTS Library (online Christian studies, books, etc.)
B2 Theology
C1 Roger Olson
C2 Visual Theology (Great charts, etc.)
C3 Soteriology 101 (Dr. Flowers)
B3 Churches
C2 Jesus Plus Nothing (Home church)
B4 Bibles
B5 Blogs
B6 Apologetics
C3 TruthXChange
C4 Evan Minton
Not recommended
B1 Christian Studies
B2 Theology
B3 Churches
B4 Bibles
B5 Blogs
B6 Apologetics
Avoid
B1 Christian Studies
B2 Theology
B3 Churches
B4 Bibles
B5 Blogs
B6 Apologetics
11 February 2020
A Few Thoughts About Being Cautious Even skeptical
Defining terms:
B1 Blind faith: Belief in something that has not been proved or is not capable of being proved (Source)
B2 Skepticism: Having or showing doubt; questioning (Source)
the idea is to hear, read, see something and not accepting it without analyzing it.
B3 Cynical: (Source)
C1 Distrusting or disparaging the motives of others; like or characteristic of a cynic.
C2 Showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one's actions, especially by actions that exploit the scruples of others.
C3 Bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic.
B4 Reasonable faith: (Source)
C1 In accordance with clear thinking and good judgment
C2 Within the limits of reason; not excessive
Some dangers of being overly trusting is becoming deceived in some way as financial, emotional, relationships, etc.
B1 Philosophy and philosophical arguments: Colossians 2:8 NRSV See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ.
B2 Authority (pastors, experts, teachers): Ephesians 4:14 GW Then we will no longer be little children, tossed and carried about by all kinds of teachings that change like the wind. We will no longer be influenced by people who use cunning and clever strategies to lead us astray.
B3 False prophets, dreams, spiritual experiences, etc.: Jeremiah 29:8-9 GW This is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Don't let the prophets or the mediums who are among you trick you. Don't even listen to your own dreams. 9 These people are prophesying lies to you in my name. I didn't send them, declares the LORD.
B4 Seek counsel from stupid people: Isaiah 19:11-13 NRSV The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish; the wise counselors of Pharaoh give stupid counsel. How can you say to Pharaoh, "I am one of the sages, a descendant of ancient kings"? 12 Where now are your sages? Let them tell you and make known what the LORD of hosts has planned against Egypt. 13 The princes of Zoan have become fools, and the princes of Memphis are deluded; those who are the cornerstones of its tribes have led Egypt astray.
Some ideas for advice
B1 Good advice:
C1 The best counsel comes from Scriptures for they are the only source of 100% truth.
C2 People who are successful in a field. Someone successful in the study of Augustine is a more reliable source than a person on the street. We still need to be aware though.
C3 Some believers have the gift of wisdom from the Holy Spirit.
C4 We must be a little skeptical and study ourselves.
D1 Pray: James 1:5 ISV Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to everyone generously without a rebuke, and it will be given to him.
D2 The Bible gives rules we must do and some things we must not do.
E1 Must do: 1 Thessalonians 5:21 NRSV but test everything; hold fast to what is good.
E2 Must not do: 1 Thessalonians 5:19 NRSV Do not quench the Spirit.
D3 The Bible gives principles we must do and some we must not do. For example, consider the parable of the Good Samaritan. Luke 10:29-37.
D4 The Bible gives examples of those who were successful and those who were not.
E1 Who were: Acts 4:34-37 Barnabus
E2 Who were not: Acts 5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira
D5 Avoid signs and experiences, for the devil can give signs, too. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 NRSV The coming of the lawless one is apparent in the working of Satan, who uses all power, signs, lying wonders, 10 and every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
B5 Bad advice
C1 Pride. We think we can make always make the best decision. Consider Edom: Jeremiah 49:16 NRSV The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill. Although you make your nest as high as the eagle's, from there I will bring you down, says the LORD.
C2 Thinking there is no consequences to advice. All advice if followed has results: Galatians 6:7 NRSV Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.
C3 Seeking guidance from spirits, fortune tellers, cards, boards, or anything occultic: Revelation 18:23 NRSV and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more; and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more; for your merchants were the magnates of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery. [Emphasis is added]
We need to test all things
B1 A standard is needed. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 NASB But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.
C1 We must examine.
C2 We must hold fast (keep) what is good
C3 We must abstain (avoid and reject) every form of evil.
B2 For the Christian, it is basically the New Testament.
B3 We must study it to know what it says.
B4 We must believe what it says.
B5 We must do what it says.
B6 We must interpret the Bible in the plain, normal sense.
B7 J. C. Ryle writes in Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, w/Notes, J.C. Ryle - Luke 6:39-45
WE learn, in the first place, from these verses, the great danger of listening to false teachers in religion. Our Lord compares such teachers and their hearers to the blind leading the blind, and asks the reasonable question, "Shall they not both fall into the ditch?" He goes on to confirm the importance of His warning by declaring, that "the disciple is not above his master," and the scholar cannot be expected to know more than his teacher. If a man will hear unsound instruction, we cannot expect him to become otherwise than unsound in the faith himself.
The subject which our Lord brings before us here deserves far more attention than it generally receives. The amount of evil which unsound religious teaching has brought on the Church in every age is incalculable. The loss of souls which it has occasioned is fearful to contemplate. A teacher who does not know the way to heaven himself, is not likely to lead his hearers to heaven. The man who hears such a teacher runs a fearful risk himself of being lost eternally. "If the blind lead the blind both must fall into the ditch."
If we would escape the danger against which our Lord warns us, we must not neglect to prove the teaching that we hear by the holy Scriptures. We must not believe things merely because ministers say them. We must not suppose, as a matter of course, that ministers can make no mistakes. We must call to mind our Lord's words on another occasion, "Beware of false prophets." (Mat 7:15.) We must remember the advice of Paul and John: "Prove all things." "Try the spirits whether they are of God." (1Th 5:21; 1Jo 4:1.) With the Bible in our hands, and the promise of guidance from the Holy Ghost to all who seek it, we shall be without excuse if our souls are led astray. The blindness of ministers is no excuse for the darkness of the people. The man who from indolence, or superstition, or affected humility, refuses to distrust the teaching of the minister whom he finds set over him, however unsound it may be, will at length share his minister's portion. If people will trust blind guides, they must not be surprised if they are led to the pit.
B8 Clement of Alexandria writes in The Stromata, Or Miscellanies. Book I. Chap. X.
“But strong meat belongeth to those that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Heb 5:14) “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe,” (Heb 5:13) and not yet acquainted with the word, according to which he has believed and works, and not able to give a reason in himself. “Prove all things,” the apostle says, “and hold fast that which is good,” (1Th 5:21) speaking to spiritual men, who judge what is said according to truth, whether it seems or truly holds by the truth. “He who is not corrected by discipline errs, and stripes and reproofs give the discipline of wisdom,” the reproofs manifestly that are with love. “For the right heart seeketh knowledge.” (Pro 15:14) “For he that seeketh the Lord shall find knowledge with righteousness; and they who have sought it rightly have found peace.”53 “And I will know,” it is said, “not the speech of those which are puffed up, but the power.” In rebuke of those who are wise in appearance, and think themselves wise, but are not in reality wise, he writes: “For the kingdom of God is not in word.” (1Co 4:19, 1Co 4:20) It is not in that which is not true, but which is only probable according to opinion; but he said “in power,” for the truth alone is powerful. And again: “If any man thinketh that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” For truth is never mere opinion. But the “supposition of knowledge inflates,” and fills with pride; “but charity edifieth,” which deals not in supposition, but in truth. Whence it is said, “If any man loves, he is known.” (1Co 8:1, 1Co 8:2, 1Co 8:3)[Emphasis is added]
God, Himself, loves us and wants us free from lies and deceptions. So let us remember the words of the Lord Jesus:
John 8:31-32 NIV To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
10 February 2020
A Few Thoughts About Sin
Sin defined
B1 Unrighteousness: 1 John 5:17 WEB All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death.
C1 Unrighteousness is the Greek word ἀδικία adikía. It means violating a standard. The Bible standard is God’s laws, rules, decisions, character, etc. Anything deviating from that standard is unrighteousness.
C2 OT passage: Leviticus 24:22 NASB 'There shall be one standard for you; it shall be for the stranger as well as the native, for I am the LORD your God.
C3 NT passage: Matthew 7:2 NLT For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
C4 NT passage: Philippians 3:16 YLT but to what we have come—by the same rule walk, the same thing think;
B2 Breaking God’s law: 1 John 3:4 GNB Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God's law, because sin is a breaking of the law.
B3 Negligence, etc. of God’s law: James 4:17 NLT Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
B4 Unbelief: Romans 11:23 GW If Jewish people do not continue in their unbelief, they will be grafted onto the tree again, because God is able to do that.
B5 Foolish schemes: Proverbs 24:9 GNB Any scheme a fool thinks up is sinful. People hate a person who has nothing but scorn for others.
B6 Despite: Proverbs 14:21 NIV It is a sin to despise one's neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
C1 The Hebrew word is בּוּז bûwz. It means to look with contempt and treat contempt someone for their looks, socioeconomic status, physical features, where they live, etc. It does not include despising murders, rapists, abusers, etc. God hates murders, rapists, abusers, etc.: Psalms 11:5 GW The LORD tests righteous people, but he hates wicked people and the ones who love violence.
C2 Proverbs 1:7 NLT Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
B7 There is danger in talking too much: Proverbs 10:19 GNB The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise, you will keep quiet.
The basis of all sin is unbelief.
B1 Abraham believed God for which God counted Abraham as righteous: Galatians 3:6 NLT In the same way, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith."
B2 Unbelief has serious consequences: Hebrews 3:19 NLT So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter his rest.
B3 Rejection, that is, unbelief destroys: Jude 1:5 ESV Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.
B4 Disbelief brings God’s wrath: John 3:36 WEL “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life, but he who refuses to believe the Son will not see life, on the contrary the fierce anger of God remains on him.”
God’s standard is this summary: Luke 10:27 NLT The man answered, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
The set of all God’s rules/laws is the Ten Commandments: Exodus 20
The subset of the Ten Commandments are the individual commandments. Each subset includes every sin possible. Example: Exodus 20:16 BSB You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Every type of lie, everything false, deceptive, false pretenses, etc. would be in this category. Consider this article to think about: 8 Different Types of Lies People Tell.
Results of sin:
B1 God’s anger
C1 Colossians 3:5-8 GW Therefore, put to death whatever is worldly in you: your sexual sin, perversion, passion, lust, and greed (which is the same thing as worshiping wealth). 6 It is because of these sins that God's anger comes on those who refuse to obey him. 7 You used to live that kind of sinful life. 8 Also get rid of your anger, hot tempers, hatred, cursing, obscene language, and all similar sins.
C2 Romans 1:18 NIV The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,
B2 Death
C1 Affects: Spiritual, Physical, and Eternal
C2 The penalty for even one sin is death. God gives the death penalty for all sins, even if it is only one. James 2:10 GNB Whoever breaks one commandment is guilty of breaking them all.
C4 Romans 6:20-21 GW When you were slaves to sin, you were free from doing what God approves of. 21 What did you gain by doing those things? You're ashamed of what you used to do because it ended in death.
C5 Romans 6:23 GW The payment for sin is death, but the gift that God freely gives is everlasting life found in Christ Jesus our Lord.
B3 No peace: Isaiah 57:21 GW There is no peace for the wicked," says my God.
Source of sin:
The sin nature is on the whole human race. The sin nature is essentially me first, my wants, my ideas, my ways, etc.:
C1 Consider the pride of Babylon: Isaiah 47:8-10 NRSV Now therefore hear this, you lover of pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, "I am, and there is no one besides me; I shall not sit as a widow or know the loss of children"— 9 both these things shall come upon you in a moment, in one day: the loss of children and widowhood shall come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the great power of your enchantments. 10 You felt secure in your wickedness; you said, "No one sees me." Your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, "I am, and there is no one besides me." [Emphasis is mine]
C2 And Nebuchadnezzar: Daniel 4:30 NRSV and the king said, "Is this not magnificent Babylon, which I have built as a royal capital by my mighty power and for my glorious majesty?"
Remedy for sin
B1 Sin must be punished. A sinner receives the death penalty. So, all must die.
B2 But, if a substitute is willing, that person can take the place of a sinner.
C1 He/she must be sinless, or else they die for their own sin.
C2 He/she must be willing, that is, a volunteer.
C3 He/she must be a human. A sheep or steer cannot substitute, because for human sins, a human must be punished.
C4 There is only one—Jesus, the Messiah who meets this criteria. He has always been Messiah, is Messiah, and will always be Messiah.
D1 He is sinless: 1 Peter 2:22 GNB He committed no sin, and no one ever heard a lie come from his lips.
D2 He is willing: Matthew 26:42 GNB Once more Jesus went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cup of suffering cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done."
D3 He is human:
E1 Hebrews 10:5 NIV Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me;
E2 1 Timothy 2:5 GW There is one God. There is also one mediator between God and humans-a human, Christ Jesus.
C5 Jesus is the Passover Lamb: 1 Corinthians 5:7 GNB You must remove the old yeast of sin so that you will be entirely pure. Then you will be like a new batch of dough without any yeast, as indeed I know you actually are. For our Passover Festival is ready, now that Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
B3 We must believe the Gospel and place our faith and trust into Jesus Christ alone.
C1 Illustrated by Jesus teaching about the arrogant Pharisee and the despised tax collector in Luke 18:9-14.
C2 The Pharisee trusted in what he did.
C3 The tax collector believed and did 3 things:
D1 He believed and was convicted that he was a sinner. He must have repented from thinking that he was not a sinner to confessing that he was.
D2 He knew God alone could forgive sin. He calls on God’s name.
D3 He confessed that he was a sinner.
D4 He knew he had to ask for this salvation (call on the name of the Lord). For only God can forgive sins.
D5 THE Judge, Jesus Christ, pronounced him justified.
And Can It Be That I Should Gain
1
And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
2
’Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies!
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love Divine!
’Tis mercy all! let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
’Tis mercy all! let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
3
He left His Father’s throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.
’Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.
4
Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
5
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness Divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
09 February 2020
1 Year Bible—Titus and Philemon
Titus Outline
B1 Chapter 1
C1 Titus 1:1-4 Salutation
C2 Titus 1:5-9 Church leaders
C3 Titus 1:10-16 Rebuke
B2 Chapter 2
C1 Titus 2:1-2 Older Men
C2 Titus 2:3-5 Older Women
C3 Titus 2:6-8 Young Men
C4 Titus 2:9-10 Slaves and Masters
C5 Titus 2:11 God Wants All to Be Saved
C6 Titus 2:12-15 Preach Godliness
B3 Chapter 3
C1 Titus 3:1-2 Dealing with non-Christians
C2 Titus 3:3-8 What We Were, and How God Changed Us
C3 Titus 3:9-11 Avoid
C4 Titus 3:12-15 Final Greetings
Philemon Outline
B1 Salutation Chapter 1:1-3
B2 Thankfulness for Philemon’s Faith Chapter 1:4-7
B3 Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus Chapter 1:8-22
B4 Final Greetings Chapter 1:23-25
Titus and 1&2 Timothy are similar. Both are written to pastors. Both are instructions to young pastors. Both give qualifications of church leaders.
The first chapter of Titus has this:
B1 Titus 1:16 ESV They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
B2 We learn
C1 There are fake believers
C2 There are fake church leaders
C3 There is a test. Do their words and live in private and public match?
C4 These fakes are describes as detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.
D1 The Greek word for detestable is βδελυκτός bdelyktós. It means something hated, loathing something, entirely disgusting. God has a poor view of these creeps.
D2 God says this about these people: Isaiah 65:5 GW They said, "Stay away! Don't touch me! I'm holier than you are." They have become like smoke in my nose, like a smoldering fire all day long.
D3 The Greek word for disobedient is ἀπειθής apeithḗs. It means impersuasible, uncompliant, contumacious [A. V. disobedient] (Source is Strong’s). It has the idea of being obstinate and rebellious.
D4 The Greek word for unfit is ἀδόκιμος adókimos. It means worthless after being tested. It does not meet the standard. God is the one who does the testing. His standard is what is used to judge. These fail the test.
D5 Hebrews 6:8 GNB But if it grows thorns and weeds, it is worth nothing; it is in danger of being cursed by God and will be destroyed by fire.
C5 The Greek word for deny is ἀρνέομαι arnéomai. It means contradict, reject, disavow.
D1 Peter did repent and restored, but he did deny (same word) Christ. Peter spoke his denial. These in our passage speak correctly but what they do shows their denial.
D2 Mark 14:69-71 NIV When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70 Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." 71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."
D3 Matthew 23:2-3 NIV The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
C6 We must not imitate them. God help us.
The second chapter of Titus has this
B1 Teach sound doctrine
C1 Sound doctrine is the teachings of Jesus and His Apostles.
C2 Consider the opposite: 2 Timothy 4:3 GNB The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine, but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear.
B2 Sound rules for our actions in society
B3 Salvation is offered to all people: Titus 2:11 WEL For the saving grace of God has appeared to all people,
B4 Titus 2:13-14 GNB as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear. 14 He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good.
C1 Jesus is going to return.
C2 We are to be excited that He will. We are to look forward to seeing Him.
C3 He gave Himself. He did not have to do this.
C4 He rescued us from our wickedness, the wickedness of society and the world, and the sin nature.
C5 His desire is that we be pure Christians, that is, Christians who believe what He taught and live the way He instructed us.
The third chapter of Titus teaches us
B1 The contrast between who and what we were to who and what we are.
C1 What and who we were: Titus 3:3 ESV For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
C2 What and who we are: Titus 3:4-7 ESV But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
D1 The Greek word for kindness (goodness) is χρηστότης chrēstótēs. It means 1. moral goodness, integrity 2. benignity, kindness (Source is Thayer’s).
D2 The Greek work for loving kindness is φιλανθρωπία (philanthrōpía. It means benevolence, kind-heartedness, humane feeling, or, in a weaker sense, kindliness, courtesy (Source is Liddell/Scott/Jones Greek-English Lexicon).
D3 Note: these are characteristics of God, so they must be our characteristics, too.
D4 The washing of regeneration might refer to baptism but only in the sense of
E1 Probably in both cases there is a reference to baptism, but, as in Romans 6:3-6, the immersion is the picture or the symbol of the new birth, not the means of securing it. (Source is Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament).
E2 Conversion is really a new creation (2Corinthians 5:17), and here that new creation is presented under the figure of a bath. It is the same figure used by the Lord Jesus when He taught the disciples that there is only one bath of regeneration but many necessary cleansings from defilement (John 13:10). That bath of regeneration has nothing to do with baptism. It is not a bodily cleansing by water, but a moral cleansing by the word of God (John 15:3). Baptism is not even a symbol of this bath; it rather depicts burial with Christ into death (Romans 6:4). (Source is Believer's Bible Commentary by MacDonald).
E3 Also note Titus 3:7 ESV so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. [Emphasis is mine]. We are not justified by baptism.
D5 Titus 3:9-11 teach us
E1 To avoid arguments in stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law (NRSV).
E2 MacDonald (Believer’s Bible Commentary) gives good advice:
The man who majors on these minors is a divisive heretic. He usually has one note on his violin and plays it to death. Soon he gathers around himself a coterie of people with a negative outlook, and the rest he drives away. He will divide an assembly rather than abandon his doctrinal hobbyhorse. No church should put up with such nonsense. If after one or two warnings, he refuses to desist, he should be expelled from the fellowship of the local church and the Christians should refrain from having social contact with him. Hopefully, this ostracism will bring him to repentance and to a more balanced handling of the word of God.
Philemon is a personal letter to an owner of servants/slaves. Onesimus, a slave, ran away, became a Christian, and is helping Paul in the ministry. Paul makes an appeal to Philemon to forgive Onesimus and if willing release him to help me (Paul). We learn how to make an appeal, a reason for making an appeal, helping our brother/sister, and how to forgive.
Psalms 13:5 GW But I trust your mercy. My heart finds joy in your salvation.
Psalms 31:7 GW I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy. You have seen my misery. You have known the troubles in my soul.
08 February 2020
A Few Thoughts About the Beauty in Marriage
Marriage
B1 Body
C1 Container. This is an illustration for the sexual need in humans. The idea of a comes from of idea of emotional needs, etc.
E2 This idea was popularized by Dr. Ross Campbell. Here is one review (PDF). I believe the book is still for sale.
D1 A man has a sexual container to enjoy his wife’s beauty. This container needs to be filled up. It cannot be filled in only a minute.
D2 A woman has a sexual container to have her husband enjoy her beauty. This container needs to be filled up. This too, cannot be filled in only a minute.
D3 This enjoyment has to be done by all the senses: eyes (seeing), taste (kissing), feel (touching), smell (perfume, etc.), hearing (communication).
D4 Some verses to give you the idea:
E1 Eyes
F1 Song of Solomon 1:10 GNB Your hair is beautiful upon your cheeks and falls along your neck like jewels.
F2 Song of Solomon 4:5 GNB Your breasts are like gazelles, twin deer feeding among lilies.
E2 Taste
F1 Song of Solomon 1:2 GNB Your lips cover me with kisses; your love is better than wine.
F2 Song of Solomon 4:11 GNB The taste of honey is on your lips, my darling; your tongue is milk and honey for me. Your clothing has all the fragrance of Lebanon.
E3 Feel
F1 Song of Solomon 1:13 GNB My lover has the scent of myrrh as he lies upon my breasts.
F2 Song of Solomon 2:6 GNB His left hand is under my head, and his right hand caresses me.
E4 Smell
F1 Song of Solomon 1:3 GNB There is a fragrance about you; the sound of your name recalls it. No woman could keep from loving you.
F2 Song of Solomon 1:12 GNB My king was lying on his couch, and my perfume filled the air with fragrance.
E5 Hearing
F1 Song of Solomon 1:15-16 GNB How beautiful you are, my love; how your eyes shine with love! 16 How handsome you are, my dearest; how you delight me! The green grass will be our bed.
F2 Note hearing, seeing, and hearing: Song of Solomon 2:14 GNB You are like a dove that hides in the crevice of a rock. Let me see your lovely face and hear your enchanting voice.
F3 Song of Solomon 4:1 GNB How beautiful you are, my love! How your eyes shine with love behind your veil. Your hair dances like a flock of goats bounding down the hills of Gilead.
C2 Eventually we all get into middle age and beyond, and our bodies don’t look like they did when we were in our 20s. Pregnancy changes this also (a good article is A Mom’s Body Change After Pregnancy) [When I find the link, I’ll update the article.]
D1 Your wife/your husband still needs these things. You still need to enjoy her beauty and let her know this.
D2 It is evil to look around at others. It happens, but it is evil.
E1 Exodus 20:14 NLT You must not commit adultery.
E2 Think of the 10 Commandments as a set, each of the 10 Commandments as a subset, and each subset having every possible sin. In our quote above, this subset of adultery includes every sexual sin possible. Thus porn, etc. is wrong, sin, evil, condemned by God, etc.
E3 Hebrews 13:4 NLT Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.
D3 Both husband and wife are to enjoy sex. 1 Corinthians 7:3 NLT The husband should fulfill his wife's sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband's needs.
E1 Sex is not just the release. It is both of them enjoying physical pleasure. Both need time to enjoy this pleasure. It is not something that happens in a couple of minutes.
E2 The wife can refuse, and the husband must submit. However, it should not be often. See the verses below:
F1 She can refuse: 1 Corinthians 7:4 NIV The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.
F2 There is a time limit: 1 Corinthians 7:5 NLT Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won't be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
B2 Soul
C1 This is the beauty of each other’s character, personality, gifts, abilities, likes, and dislikes, etc. It is what makes each of us unique.
C2 We are to enjoy each emotionally, intellectually, and daily living.
C3 The more compatible we are, the easier this is to do. [See note 3]
C4 Take time with each other to work together, chore together, laugh together, work on family situations together, plan together, think together, eat together, listen to each other, help each other, encourage each other, be kind to each other, be compassionate to each other, forgive each other, console each other, be aware of each other’s needs, frustrations, hard day at work, etc.
C5 Live love the way God has instructed us [See note 4]. These things should be between both of us: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a WEL Love is very patient and kind; love is not envious; love doesn’t brag about itself, is not haughty, 5 Doesn’t behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn’t easily aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, 6 Doesn’t rejoice in injustice, but rejoices in the truth, 7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, calmly endures all things. 8 Love never ends,
C6 Wives do give good counsel. There is safety in a multitude of counselors: God first, Bible, spouse (yes the wife counsel is important, too), etc.
D1 Moses didn’t listen to his wife’s counsel, so God came to kill Moses: Exodus 4:24-26 NET Now on the way, at a place where they stopped for the night, the LORD met Moses and sought to kill him. 25 But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off the foreskin of her son and touched it to Moses' feet, and said, "Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me." 26 So the LORD let him alone. (At that time she said, "A bridegroom of blood," referring to the circumcision.)
D2 Pilate: Matthew 27:19 NET As he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent a message to him: "Have nothing to do with that innocent man; I have suffered greatly as a result of a dream about him today."
B3 Spirit
C1 For the Christian, this is a life of worship together, serving God together, and fellowship with God and His people together. We are to be seeing in our wife or in our husband the following beautiful things:
D1 Seeing the beauty of your spouse as you celebrate God, His worldview, His lifestyle, His attributes, His beliefs (doctrines), His Gospel, His care, and His people.
D2 Seeing the gifts of the Spirit in your spouse. Both wife and husband have gifts of the Spirit.
E1 Romans 12:6-8 NIV We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. [See note 1 and 2 below]
E2 Also see 1 Peter 4:10-11, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Ephesians 4:11-16, James 1:17, etc.
C2 The following are rules for the whole church, but I am applying these today to our marriages. Husband and wife living this type life serving, God, each other, fellow believers, and everyone else:
D1 Romans 12:9-21 NIV Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
D2 Husband and wife are to living, thinking, applying, doing the above in private and publicly—firstly to your spouse, secondly to the rest of your immediate family, thirdly to the believers you fellowship with, fourthly to believers worldwide, and lastly to everyone else.
Unity
B1 It is required:
C1 Genesis 2:24 NLT This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
C2 If we are to have fellowship with God and fellow believers, then it is more so to have fellowship with our spouse: 1 John 1:3 NIV We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
B2 This verse is a principle of doing something together, being yoked together, so partnerships, fellowship in church, business, marriage, etc. Husband and wife are to be yoked together:
C1 Everything in creation was pronounced good, except that Adam was left alone. Eve was then created for Adam to have fellowship and a thinking mate for counsel and consoling. Adam did not have all the gifts and ability to take care of the Garden; God made it so. Eve had the other gifts and ability needed to work together. They were yoked together.
C2 2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
C3 This was written to the congregation at Rome, but I believe it can be applied to marriage as well. You decide. Romans 15:5-7 NIV May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
[All emphasis is mine]
Note 1: Prophecy is not a gift in use today. Maybe you believe so, but I am not here to fight about this but the qualifications are 100% correct in the doctrine that one teaches, the advice that one offers, the wisdom, the rebukes, the warnings, even speaking future events. There is simply no one who could be qualified by the Apostles of Jesus Christ, since they are no longer living on earth. The so-called apostles of today have no proof that they meet God’s qualifications of Acts 1:21-22, 1 Corinthians 1:9 (Paul had witnesses), 2 Corinthians 12:12, Revelation 2:2. If there are no apostles to authenticate them. There is no way to know if they are prophets or not.
Note 2: I would agree with this: Are there prophets in the church today?
Note 3: Compatibility Sources but be aware not all have Biblical ideals
B2 Marriage Compatibility 7 Critical Areas to Evaluate (Note this site evidently teaches courtship, so be aware).
B3 Pre-Marriage Awareness Questionnaire (PDF)
Note 4: The 5 Love Languages Quiz
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