Who are You? October 30, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , add a commentI AM:1. A child of God (Romans 8:16)
NKJ: The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God
AMP: The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.NIV: The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
KJV: The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God
2. Redeemed from the Hand of the Enemy (Psalms 107:2)
NKJ: Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemyAMP: Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has delivered from the hand of the adversaryNIV: Let the redeemed of the LORD say this— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe
KJV: Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy
3. Forgiven (Colossians 1:13-14)
NKJ: He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.AMP: [The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.NIV: For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
KJV: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins
4. Saved by Grace through Faith (Ephesians 2:8) NKJ: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of GodAMP: For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of GodNIV: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
KJV: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God
5. Justified (Romans 5:1) NKJ: Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus ChristAMP: Therefore, since we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).NIV: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ
KJV: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ
6. Sanctified (1 Corinthians 6:11)
NKJ: And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.AMP: And such some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God.NIV: And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
KJV: And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
7. A new Creature (II Corinthians 5:17) NKJ: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
AMP: Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!NIV: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
KJV: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.8. Partaker of His Divine Nature (II Peter 1:4)NKJ: by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.AMP: By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.NIV: Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires
KJV: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust
9. Redeemed from the Curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13)NKJ: Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)AMP: Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified)NIV: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
KJV: Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree10. Delivered from the Powers of Darkness (Colossians 1:13) NKJ: He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His loveAMP: [The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His loveNIV: For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves
KJV: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son
11. Led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14)NKJ: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.AMP: For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.NIV: because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
KJV: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
12. A son of God (Romans 8:14)NKJ: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.AMP: For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.NIV: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God
KJV: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
13. Kept in Safety Wherever I Go (Psalms 91:11)NKJ: For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.AMP: For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].NIV: For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways
KJV: For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways14. Getting All my needs Met by Jesus (Philippians 4:19)NKJ: And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.AMP: And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.NIV: And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
KJV: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
15. Casting All my cares on Jesus (1 Peter 5:7)NKJ: casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.AMP: Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.NIV: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
KJV: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you
16. Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might (Ephesians 6:10)NKJ: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.AMP: In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].NIV: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power
KJV: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might
17. Doing All Things Through Christ who strengthens Me (Phil. 4:13)NKJ: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. AMP: I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].NIV: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
KJV: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.18. An Heir of God and a Joint Her with Jesus (Romans 8:17)NKJ: and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.AMP: And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory.NIV: Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
KJV: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
19. Heir to the Blessings of Abraham (Galatians 3:13-14)NKJ: Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faithAMP: Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified); to the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that we through faith might [all] receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit.NIV: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
KJV: Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
20. Observing and Doing the Lord’s Commandments (Deut 28:12-14)NKJ: The LORD will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them.AMP: The Lord shall open to you His good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain of your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the Lord shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you this day and are watchful to do them. And you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.NIV: The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.
KJV: The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: and thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.21. Blessed Coming in and Blessed Going out (Deut. 28:6)NKJ: Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. AMP: Blessed shall you be when you come in and blessed shall you be when you go out.NIV: You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.
KJV: Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.22. An Heir of Eternal Life (1 John 5:11-12)NKJ: And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.AMP: And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life.NIV: And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
KJV: And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life23. Blessed with All Spiritual Blessings (Eph. 1:3)NKJ: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in ChristAMP: May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm!NIV: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
KJV: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ
24. Healed by His Stripes (1 Peter 2:24)NKJ: who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healedAMP: He personally bore our sins in His [own] body on the tree [as on an altar and offered Himself on it], that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.NIV: He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
KJV: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25. Exercising My Authority over the Enemy (Luke 10:19)NKJ: Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.AMP: Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.NIV: I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
KJV: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
26. Above Only and Not Beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13)NKJ: And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.AMP: And the Lord shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you this day and are watchful to do them.NIV: The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom
KJV: And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them
27. More than a Conqueror (Romans 8:37)NKJ: Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.AMP: Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.NIV: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
KJV: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
28. Establishing God’s Word here on Earth (Matthew 16:19)NKJ: And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.AMP: I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven.NIV: I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
KJV: And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
29. An Overcomer by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of My
Testimony (Revelation 12:11)NKJ: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.AMP: And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].NIV: They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
KJV: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
30. Daily Overcoming the Devil (I John 4:4)NKJ: You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.AMP: Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.NIV: You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
KJV: Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
31. Not Moved by What I See (II Corinthians 4:18)NKJ: while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.AMP: Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.NIV: So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
KJV: While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.32. Walking by Faith and Not by Sight (II Corinthians 5:7)NKJ: For we walk by faith, not by sight.AMP: For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearanceNIV: We live by faith, not by sight.
KJV: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
33. Casting Down Van Imaginations (II Corinthians 10:4-5)NKJ: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of ChristAMP: For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)NIV: The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
KJV: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ34. Bringing Every Thought into Captivity (II Corinthians 10:5)NKJ: casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of ChristAMP: [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)NIV: We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
KJV: Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ
35. Being Transformed by Renewing My Mind (Romans 12:1-2)NKJ: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.AMP: I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].NIV: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will
KJV: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.36. A Laborer Together with God (I Corinthians 3:9)NKJ: For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.AMP: For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together) with and for God; you are God’s garden and vineyard and field under cultivation, [you are] God’s building.NIV: For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
KJV: For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.37. The Righteousness of God in Christ (II Corinthians 5:21)NKJ: For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.AMP: For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].NIV: God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
KJV: For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.38. An Imitator of Jesus (Ephesians 5:1)NKJ: Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.AMP: Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].NIV: Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children
KJV: Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children
39. The Light of the World (Matthew 5:14)NKJ: You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.AMP: You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.NIV: You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
KJV: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
40. Blessing the Lord at All Times and Continually Praising the Lord
with My Mouth (Psalm 34:1)NKJ: I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.AMP: I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.NIV: I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips
KJV: I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Source: Unknown (xanga or email???)
 |
Currently Listening Jesus Is By Hillsong London see related |
Passive aggressive people in leadership October 29, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Spiritual Abuse, Theology , 2commentsHow many times have leaders been termed meek or wise when they are really passive aggressive ?A passive/aggressive personality is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Its exact prevalence is difficult to estimate because of the number of subclinical and borderline cases and the number of cases with definite disability who fail to seek professional attention. A passive/aggressive person habitually reacts negatively to the express wishes of others, but usually demonstrates this resistance covertly rather than openly. The term “passive/aggressive” implies two assumptions about the cause of this type of recurring negative behavior:
1. The individual is afraid, unable, or unwilling to express aggression openly; or
2. The person has a pervasive feeling of hostility toward others. Passive/aggressive individuals are usually inwardly aggressive. Outwardly, they express their aggressive tendencies through a passive facade. Inwardly, they desire control over the events that affect their lives, but they fear that if they show this desire openly, they will be put down. This fear creates a strong defensiveness and outer phoniness, which eventually turns into anger. However, passive/aggressive individuals fear being vulnerable, so they repress their anger and express it in subtle, nonverbal, crafty ways. The passive/aggressive personality develops when a child is being reared by at least one controlling parent. The second parent is often absent from or inactive in the home. This usually involves a domineering and controlling mother and an absent, weak or passive father (who may exhibit much different traits at work). Such parents overprotect their child, make excessive demands on him, respond to him with mixed reactions of acceptance and hostility and fail to meet his basic trust and dependency needs. All of this fosters a helpless and clinging attitude in the child and inhibits the development of independence. Expecting other people to gratify all his needs, the child grows up dependent on others to protect him and aid him in daily responsibilities. He tends to have a low tolerance for frustration and stress. This personality type develops as an expression of resentment against excessive parental demands. The parents usually do not allow the child to openly express hostility. The child then learns to meet unfulfilled needs and to vent anger and depression through more subtle means of rebellious behavior. Such children soon learn that negative behavior (nail biting, bed-wetting, eating problems, procrastination, pouting, obstructionism, stubbornness and intentional inefficiency) will at least get them attention. Passive/aggressive children also may cause problems at school, violate rules and fight frequently with other students. By their teenage years they may lean toward an antisocial personality, engage in delinquency, drug usage, and theft or other misdemeanors. Often the passive/aggressive assumes a role of chronic submissiveness and compliance, but beneath the unassuming facade may be a great deal of hostility and resentment. They find it difficult to say “no,” and they dislike making major decisions. They catch themselves making excuses for delayed decisions and behavior. Problems surface in their relationships with authority, with society’s demands and with the needs of others in close, personal contacts. Feeling helpless, unwilling to be alone or make decisions, they look to others—usually to just one other person—for direction and to take responsibility on their behalf. They learn to accomplish their goals through passive manipulation. The Balanced Passive/Aggressive
The balanced passive/aggressive tends to serve and submit wholeheartedly and effectively to authority. The Unbalanced Passive/Aggressive
Unbalanced passive/aggressives tend to be stubborn, uncooperative, negativistic and frustrating when others ask something of them. Their favorite phrase is “yes, but . . .” When given advice, they usually set out to show that it won’t work for them by following a “failure script.” Unbalanced passive/aggressives can also be overbearing, inconsiderate, late and careless in their work. They have a basic problem with anger or hostility, outbursts of temper, low self esteem, an unrewarding domestic life, tenuous friendships, little awareness that benefits must be earned and not just received and an ambivalent relationship with their mothers (protective or punitive).
Patterns of Behavior Often Exhibited in Passive/Aggressive Personalities:Obstructionism – A passive/aggressive woman, for example, who is angry at her husband over an incident that happened on Saturday night, may be obstructive on Sunday morning by being late in getting ready for church, especially if her husband is compulsive about being on time. Without being consciously manipulative, she may be unable to find her lipstick or shoes, causing a delay, and passively expressing her aggression toward him. Pouting – After a disagreement, a passive/aggressive person will pout and walk away. Frequently, the only comment will be, “I don’t want to talk about it.”Procrastination – A passive/aggressive son, when asked by his mother to mow the lawn, may express his hostility by putting it off or “dragging his feet.”Intentional Inefficiency – When the son can no longer get by through procrastination, he may exhibit intentional inefficiency, another method of passively expressing aggression. He mows the yard, but intentionally does a poor job. If, as a result of that inefficiency, he is relieved of the task, he has learned how to avoid responsibility. Addictive Behaviors – Rebellious behavior may later come in the form of excessive eating, drinking, smoking or the use of addictive substances. A majority of cases of both drug addiction and alcoholism stem from a passive/aggressive personality disorder. According to research and clinical findings in treating hundreds of alcoholics and drug addicts, more than half have strong passive/aggressive traits. The addictive habits do not have to involve substance abuse. Sometimes they are habits such as eating only certain kinds of food, sleeping more than ten hours a night, spending too much time alone, preoccupation with reading or any introversive activity which prevents them from spending time with others. These all result from the passive/aggressive’s lack of willpower in caring for his personal problems and the resulting dependency on others to solve his problems. A sense of inadequacy and falling short of the traits they believe are needed for approval creates increasing psychological pressure, for which a person eventually will seek an outlet. When a healthy outlet cannot be found, the passive/aggressive will resort to an unhealthy one. People involved in any addictive habit are looking for some type of relief from current or long-term psychological stress. People Pleasing – Because they need so much nurturing and cannot tolerate criticism, passive/aggressives seek to please those on whom they depend. The threat of any loss brings on anxiety. Unable to handle any personal tension, they seek an infantile and blissful state. They suffer anxiety when separated from their parents, sometimes developing a phobia to school and making a fuss to stay home. A passive/aggressive personality is often developed by the youngest child of the family, or by the youngest child of his or her sex. When passive/aggressives grow up, they may perform well when told what to do, but still have difficulty in making decisions. Most of them feel inferior and unable to measure up to standards of independence and make mature choices on their own. They were taught, often unconsciously by their parents, to depend on others to make hard decisions and take action for them. Finding a Balance
All individuals with passive/aggressive tendencies can work on problem areas if they decide they really want to change, genuinely commit their motives to Christ and persevere in relinquishing old patterns. If you are passive/aggressive, you can: Remove Your Blinders – A passive/aggressive needs to acknowledge hidden emotions such as anger, fear and the hidden desire for control. This involves realizing that you are in a battle against deception and denial within yourself. You might find it helpful to memorize Romans 2:16 and Proverbs 28:13. Turn Your Emotions over to God – This invites surrendering your deepest emotional secrets to God and requires the inner searching of the Holy Spirit. Through this you can overcome some of your deepest personal fears and replace them with trust in God. In most cases the barrier to your emotional stability is the desire to control. Because of this, you impose a long inner list of “shoulds” and “oughts” on family and friends. If you can replace the desire for control with the attitude of accepting others as they are, you will diminish your inner personal stress. Turn Actions over to God – It is necessary to allow God to scrutinize every motive and to “coat” every action in your life. Determine how your hidden anger is expressed. It is also healthful to resolve to use your knack for being clever and persuasive in unselfish ways. Become Independent and Learn to Make Your Own Decisions – This involves taking full responsibility for personal behavior and not blaming things on someone else. For example, you can learn to become more tidy and stop expecting others to pick up your messes. Learn to Like and Appreciate Yourself in Christ – You must realize you are created and loved by God and can find happiness and fulfillment through a life-commitment to Him. Learn to Refuse the Easy Way out – You can learn to refuse the easy way out of painful situations and to develop willpower or self discipline rather than setting yourself up to fulfill a “failure script.” God sets a standard for us that is higher than we would ever set for ourselves, and yet He promises that we can attain it by achieving our full potential and allowing Him to use His power through us. Overcome Selfishness – This can be done by helping others and getting involved in their lives.Why Assertiveness?
Why is assertiveness the option of choice in dealing with conflicts in our relationships? First, assertiveness is efficient in getting problems resolved. Of all other options, assertiveness is the most likely choice to get the job done and to enhance the relationship. When we “react” passively, the problem has not been dealt with and the conflict obviously doesn’t go away. When we handle conflict aggressively, the conflict might get “resolved” for the moment, but the way it got resolved (at the expense of another’s feelings and rights) often leads to further rebellion and conflict down the road. Passive/aggressive behavior is also inefficient in solving a conflict because it is indirect and deceitful (Eph. 4: 25, 26, 29, 31 & 32). Second, assertiveness is the only option that helps build self esteem in the relationship. When we handle things passively, aggressively, or passive/aggressively we really aren’t acting in a manner that is worthy of respect. Acting assertively, with each person treated with dignity, raises the self esteem of each person involved. The assertive person’s self esteem rises because he is acting in a manner that is worth respecting, and the person on the receiving end feels better about himself because he is being treated respectfully and as if he really matters. Assertive behavior is the option of choice because it is more efficient and helps to raise the self esteem of everyone involved. It was the behavior that the Lord Jesus Christ manifested in His own life. The paradox, though, is that while assertiveness is the best route to go in dealing with conflict, it is the least practiced. Why? Why Don’t We Act Assertively?
While there are many reasons we avoid being assertive, the main reason is that most of us have a high need for approval. We don’t stand up for ourselves because we feel the person with whom we are being assertive will dislike or reject us in some way. The truth of the matter is that assertiveness will be met with disapproval by others at times. Anytime we dare to stand up for how we feel or what we believe is right, the potential is there for others to resent us for doing so and put us down in some way. The life of Christ is a perfect example of assertiveness. He assertively told His parents He must be about His Father’s business. He assertively confronted the disciples when they got out of line. He often was quite assertive with the rulers and leaders of His time. The assertive style of Christ led to some strong reactions at times, even to the point that He was put to death. But He didn’t back off just because some people didn’t like what he was saying or doing. We need to accept the fact that we will not be liked or accepted by everyone all the time. We can ask the Lord Jesus Christ to make us resilient people. The need for full approval that many of us carry around inside ourselves is a very serious stumbling block to being assertive. Christians especially struggle with this because they have misconstrued the Bible to say that a “true Christian” lets people run over him and does it with a smile. Many Christians have a strong “standing up for yourself is selfish and sinful” tape in their minds that keeps them from being assertive. While meekness is an important Christian trait, boldness is just as Scriptural and is evident in the lives of many Biblical characters. Until we come to grips with why we need approval from others so badly, we are likely to keep “stuffing” what we really feel and fail to be assertive. This leads to feelings of low self worth and confusion about who we really are. The stakes are high. It is important that we work on our need to please everyone all the time and the lack of assertiveness that this creates within us.
The Biblical Gospel vs. The Social Gospel October 24, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , add a commenthttp://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=ZYQTMETy54Q
How then ? October 23, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , add a comment
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
|
Romans 10:14-15 |
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; October 23, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , add a comment|
Acts 17:30-31 |
| And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. |
Offer hope that prompts action October 23, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , add a commentIn today’s contemporary church culture one of the elders spiritual gift of the New Testament church is being cast as impatience, unloving and a stumbling block. However, like much of today’s “love train” culture, the intrepretation of love is not the biblical one. It is one of “being nice”. and never offending or challenging anyone with scripture.
One example I see over and over again I will relate to the military. When we enter the military we go to basic to learn who we are in the US Armed Forces and where we fit and what is expected. We go to basic training one time and then are placed in the regular service. From that time on, we are expected to be able to act and be ready in season and out, Everytime a situation arises we have been trained and are to act, not to have to wait and see, or operate out of fear of the enemies reaction . Our leader has trained up and raised us up to serve Him and we are expected to .
The gift of exhortation is “the ability to bring encouragement, to help others see the relevance of Scripture, to give insightful counsel, to motivate, to comfort, and to offer hope that prompts action. ” Exhortation comes from the same Greek word translated “Helper,” “Counselor” and “Comforter” in John 16:7.
Exhorters exhort Christians 1) to warn, 2) to comfort, 3) to uphold, 4) to be patient. Here’s a sound-bite description of the gift of exhortation: Exhortation is used to motivate people towards achieving inward transformation/spiritual fulfillment and outward manifestation of godly fruit in their lives.
Transformation is the goal of exhortation: to see the person growing more in his spiritual life and becoming more like Christ.
The one who exhorts is person-oriented, disciple-directed, program-preparing. Let me explain.
- ♦ He is person-oriented – he cares about people and desires to help them in their spiritual growth and maturity.
- ♦ He is disciple-directed – meaning that he directs his attention to those who are disciples of Christ or those who are becoming disciples of Christ. Also, he often has a relationship with those disciples.
- ♦ He is program-preparing – in other words, he may offer advice, an outline for solution, a program for progress.
The one who exhorts takes this Scripture to heart: Hebrews 3:13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Therefore, he sees an urgency to life’s problems and situations and wants to take immediate steps to solve the problem. Because of his understanding of the problem and his recognition of the solution, the person with the gift of exhortation often offers a series of steps to reach the desired outcome.
The gift of exhortation discerns the problem or situation, visualizes the potential, and outlines steps action to achieve spiritual growth. The exhorter knows that the only way to get from where you are where God wants you to be is to take a step and he strongly encourages the person to take that step.
- Jeremiah 11:7
For I earnestly exhorted your fathers in the day I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, until this day, rising early and exhorting, saying, “Obey My voice.”
Jeremiah 11:6-8 (in Context) Jeremiah 11 (Whole Chapter) - Luke 3:18
And with many other exhortations he preached to the people.
Luke 3:17-19 (in Context) Luke 3 (Whole Chapter) - Acts 2:40
[ A Vital Church Grows ] And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”
Acts 2:39-41 (in Context) Acts 2 (Whole Chapter) - Acts 13:15
And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”
Acts 13:14-16 (in Context) Acts 13 (Whole Chapter) - Acts 14:22
strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
Acts 14:21-23 (in Context) Acts 14 (Whole Chapter) - Acts 15:32
Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.
Acts 15:31-33 (in Context) Acts 15 (Whole Chapter) - Acts 18:27
And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;
Acts 18:26-28 (in Context) Acts 18 (Whole Chapter) - Acts 20:17
[ The Ephesian Elders Exhorted ] From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.
Acts 20:16-18 (in Context) Acts 20 (Whole Chapter) - Romans 12:8
he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:7-9 (in Context) Romans 12 (Whole Chapter) - 1 Corinthians 14:3
But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.
1 Corinthians 14:2-4 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 14 (Whole Chapter) - 1 Corinthians 16:13
[ Final Exhortations ] Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:12-14 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 16 (Whole Chapter) - 2 Corinthians 8:17
For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord.
2 Corinthians 8:16-18 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 8 (Whole Chapter) - 2 Corinthians 9:5
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.
2 Corinthians 9:4-6 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 9 (Whole Chapter) - Colossians 4:16
[ Closing Exhortations and Blessing ] Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
Colossians 4:15-17 (in Context) Colossians 4 (Whole Chapter) - 1 Thessalonians 2:3
For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
1 Thessalonians 2:2-4 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 2 (Whole Chapter) - 1 Thessalonians 2:11
as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,
1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 2 (Whole Chapter) - 1 Thessalonians 4:1
[ Plea for Purity ] Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;
1 Thessalonians 4:1-3 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 4 (Whole Chapter) - 1 Thessalonians 5:12
[ Various Exhortations ] And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
1 Thessalonians 5:11-13 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 5 (Whole Chapter) - 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
1 Thessalonians 5:13-15 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 5 (Whole Chapter) - 2 Thessalonians 3:12
Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
2 Thessalonians 3:11-13 (in Context) 2 Thessalonians 3 (Whole Chapter) - 1 Timothy 2:1
[ Pray for All Men ] Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (in Context) 1 Timothy 2 (Whole Chapter) - 1 Timothy 4:13
Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
1 Timothy 4:12-14 (in Context) 1 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter) - 1 Timothy 5:1
[ Treatment of Church Members ] Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,
1 Timothy 5:1-3 (in Context) 1 Timothy 5 (Whole Chapter) - 1 Timothy 6:2
And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
1 Timothy 6:1-3 (in Context) 1 Timothy 6 (Whole Chapter) - 2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
2 Timothy 4:1-3 (in Context) 2 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)- Titus 1:9
holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
Titus 1:8-10 (in Context) Titus 1 (Whole Chapter)- Titus 2:6
Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded,
Titus 2:5-7 (in Context) Titus 2 (Whole Chapter)- Titus 2:9
Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,
Titus 2:8-10 (in Context) Titus 2 (Whole Chapter)- Titus 2:15
Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
Titus 2:14-15 (in Context) Titus 2 (Whole Chapter)- Hebrews 3:13
but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:12-14 (in Context) Hebrews 3 (Whole Chapter)- Hebrews 10:25
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-26 (in Context) Hebrews 10 (Whole Chapter)- Hebrews 12:5
And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “ My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
Hebrews 12:4-6 (in Context) Hebrews 12 (Whole Chapter)- Hebrews 13:20
[ Benediction, Final Exhortation, Farewell ] Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Hebrews 13:19-21 (in Context) Hebrews 13 (Whole Chapter)- Hebrews 13:22
And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.
Hebrews 13:21-23 (in Context) Hebrews 13 (Whole Chapter)- 1 Peter 5:1
[ Shepherd the Flock ] The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:
1 Peter 5:1-3 (in Context) 1 Peter 5 (Whole Chapter)- 1 Peter 5:12
[ Farewell and Peace ] By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.
1 Peter 5:11-13 (in Context) 1 Peter 5 (Whole Chapter)- Jude 1:3
[ Contend for the Faith ] Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
Jude 1:2-4 (in Context) Jude 1 (Whole Chapter)You will also find that pastoral staff from many disciplines will have a hard time utilizing the exhorter, as we tend today not to have nt testament elders but “super deacons” or trustees. I deal with a lot of pastors and church leaders, (most likely because of being a pastor’s son and church planters step-son-yet being one who left the church for 15 years being turned off to religion.) I don’t view pastors as larger than life but co-laborers and co elders. Many have problems with that and I never realized the reason may be a trust factor and was not my issue but theirs.
I recently was speaking with a good pastoral friend about this and a recent situation I had dealt with in a elder government setting and he shared the following: “You could be (have been) a major step for him being able to trust lay-leadership. Perhaps he never encountered lay-leadership that would disagree but be able to do so in a helpful way and still remain supportive. That kind of lay-leadership is rare. I think that’s why a lot of (edited) pastors don’t like the idea of “elders”, because the only lay-leaders they know of are either interfering do-nothings or, worse, constant critics. If that’s all one has ever known from lay-leaders, then after a while one is suspicious of all lay-leaders.”
- Titus 1:9
“Love covers a multitude of sins” October 23, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , add a commentUnderstanding Righteousness
Peter tells us that “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1Pe 4:8). This text is sometimes misunderstood and misapplied. The following lesson tries to help us better understand this important statement by Peter about love and sin.
Your Love Cannot Blot Out Sin
Some think that one person’s love can blot out another person’s sin. The only love that can cover sin in that sense, is the love of Jesus Christ. His love led him to the cross, where he shed his blood that sins repented of might be blotted out (Mtt 26:28, Jhn 3:16, Acts 3:18-19, Rev 7:14).
Your love and my love has no power to blot out sin, or to modify the conditions under which any person’s sin may be forgiven. Only the blood of Jesus can blot out sin.
Your love and my love can help sinners to face their sins and repent. Only in that way can the multitude of sins be covered, not by turning a blind eye. This is exactly what James tells us, and here is a good example of how we should interpret one passage with another passage, letting the Bible be its own interpreter. James says, “He who turns a sinner from the error of his ways will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (Jas 5:20).
Love is not a carpet under which to sweep people’s sin. Rather it is a light which can reveal sin and lead a sinner to God’s love, mercy, and grace. But your love cannot do the thing which only the Saviour’s love can do.
You Cannot Be a Kinder Judge Than God
Some, when considering how “love covers a multitude of sins”, take it to mean, in effect, that one’s own love can make one a kinder judge than God himself. You might, out of your love, be willing to overlook sin. But the love that “keeps no record of wrongs” is not so. It is a love that “rejoices not in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth” (lCo l3:4-6).
True love cannot endure fellowship in the works of darkness. True love is a love of the truth and judges according to the truth. Otherwise it is not love, but hypocrisy and deception (2Th 2:10). Judges are sometimes criticised for treating criminals as victims of society and deserving of sympathy, rather than offenders deserving punishment. The critics do not see the judges as tender, loving, and merciful, but as perverting justice. In the same way, true love will not IGNORE what is evil, but ABHOR what is evil (Rom 12:9).
In the end. God will judge all (2Tm 4:1-4). In that day, the hidden things will be brought to light (Mtt 10:26). Neither your love nor mine can change that, and we cannot be more loving in our judgment than God.
True Love Purifies, It Does not Just Sweeten.
Some, when considering how “love covers a multitude of sins”, think it means one person’s love nullifies another’s bitterness. We may observe much bitterness in our fellows and feel powerless to rid them of it. So we try to cover up their bitterness with our own outpouring of love and sweetness.
The Lord does not want any malice and “any root of bitterness” to be ignored or covered over. He wants it uncovered and removed (Heb 12:15 Eph 4:31-32). Of course this does not mean that we must pick on our friends, neighbours, loved one’s, and brethren, every time some trifling thing they say or do annoys us or hurts our feelings or in some way disadvantages us. Such events are usually excusable or unintentional and if we are sensible we will just “let it drop” or “grin and bear it”. Rather, we are talking about situations of substantial wrong, where there is real malice and evil intention.
If you have a room in your house in which the air is not fresh, you can spray an air sweetener to cover up the smell, or you can install an exhaust fan and get rid of the bad air. Which is better? To be a “spray-can Christian” or to be an “exhaust-fan Christian”?
If you find that your drinking water has a bad taste, do you put sugar in the water, or do you rather filter the water and purify it? Love is not sugar to sweeten the bitterness around us. Rather, love is a fine purifier that gets rid of wrong. True love does not hide and abide evil. It exposes and expels evil.
Yes, I know the Bible says, “Overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:17-21), and love will certainly do that. But the “good” we are to do in overcoming evil is not to ignore the evil, but rather to confront that evil with righteousness. The principle is expressed in the saying, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him” (Rom 12:20). Love, being truthful, does not pretend that an enemy is a friend or that his evildoing is of no account. Love rather seeks to purify the evil with good. As we noticed earlier, love seeks to “turn a sinner from the error of his ways” and only by doing that can love “cover a multitude of sins” (Jas 5:20).
Bush gets tough on kids October 23, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : culture, Government , add a comment
Yes, you will disagree. Whatever.So , President George Bush finally musters up the courage of his veto pen, just in time to get tough on kids. SCHIP. This is like pushing people to Hillary by design. “Mr. Compassionate Conservative.” My two votes for him still haunts me, but what choices were there…really? Well, then again, we are just going to be sending them off to war anyway, so maybe this is what a long term fiscal plan is. Save on keeping them healthy because they are dead meat anyway. Contact your Congress person and tell them draft another version and pass it through. No, I am not for universal health care or social medicine or Hiollary care. But dont be blind, we have social medicine now for those call Medicaid. . Epidemics spread through children. I would support keeping children healthy, its not their fault if they are poor. SCHIP before foreign aide to anyone 110th Congress. 1. July 19, 2006: Vetoed H.R. 810, Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, a bill to ease restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Override attempt failed in House, 235-193 (286 needed). 110 th2. May 1, 2007: Vetoed H.R. 1591, U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007. Override attempt failed in House, 222-203 (284 needed). A later version of the bill that excluded certain aspects of the initial legislation that the President disapproved of, H.R. 2206, was enacted as Pub.L. 110-28 with the President’s approval. 3. June 20, 2007: Vetoed S. 5, Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. 4. October 3, 2007: Vetoed H.R. 976, Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007. Override attempt failed in house, 273-156 (286 votes needed.) In 2007, researchers from Brigham Young University and Arizona State found that children who drop out of SCHIP cost states more money because they shift away from routine care to more frequent emergency care situations.The conclusion of the study is that an attempt to cut the costs of a state program could create a false savings because other government organizations pick up the tab for the children who leave SCHIP and later need care. In a 2007 analysis by the Congressional Budget Office, researchers determined that “for every 100 children who gain coverage as a result of SCHIP, there is a corresponding reduction in private coverage of between 25 and 50 children.” The CBO speculates this is because the state programs offer better benefits and lower cost than the private alternatives. A Cato Institute briefing paper estimated the “crowding out” of private insurers by the public program could be as much as 60%. The program cost $40 billion federal dollars over 10 years. Despite SCHIP, the number of uninsured children continues to rise, particularly among families that cannot qualify for SCHIP. An October 2007 study by the Vimo Research Group found that 68.7 percent of newly uninsured children were from families 200 percent above the federal poverty level.
|
Communion with God October 14, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , add a commentThe culmination of blessing is to be in the presence of God, enjoying communion with him. As our High Priest, Jesus has led the way in this communion, representing us before the Father. Because he has been made like us in every way, yet without sin, our humanity is in the presence of God and receives the fullness of blessing. Geerhardus Vos explains, “Through the priest the people enter representatively into the sanctuary of perfect communion with God. Thus the priest not merely works in their interest, but also receives and enjoys in their behalf the fruit of his own labors. He dwells with God as the first heir of the blessedness to which his ministry has opened the way” (Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation, pp. 137–38). This blessing of being in the presence of God is now, and will be fully, communicated to you in Christ.
We are even now in the presence of God. We are exhorted to “approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb. 4:16). And by faith you should recognize that “you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel” (Heb. 12:22–24). An intimate communion with God is yours by faith. It will never be broken, because Christ prays for you before the Father.
And in the future, you will fully experience what is yours now by faith. Jesus is interceding on your behalf in order that what he experiences fully now will be fully experienced by you throughout eternity. The goal of Christ’s mediatorial work, then, is nothing less than the perfection of the covenant of grace. That goal is to be in the full presence of our God, that he might delight in us as his people, and that we might enjoy him forever as our God.
Comfort and Assurance October 14, 2007
Posted by reformedville in : Theology , add a commentJesus’ intercessory prayer serves as a source of comfort. Let me suggest four ways that it comforts and assures you.
1. Jesus’ interceding on your behalf assures you of eternal life. Jesus “is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Heb. 7:25). Philip Hughes comments on this passage, “How can we who draw near to God through Christ fail to be eternally secure in view of the fact not only that he always lives but also that as our ever living priest he never ceases to make intercession for us in the heavenly sanctuary? With him as our intercessor, supporting us with his love, there is no force that can daunt or overpower us (cf. Phil. 4:3; Rom. 8:37)” (A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews, pp. 269–70).
2. Jesus’ interceding on your behalf assures you of pilgrim strength, even when you fail. When Jesus informed Peter that he would be sifted by Satan, he added, “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31–32). Jesus comforts Peter with the assurance that though he may be tested by the power of hell, he will be strengthened to turn back. When Jesus prays for Peter, it is not a question of “if you turn back,” but rather of “when you turn back.” When you stumble and fall, Jesus does not turn away, but prays that your faith may not fail. Jesus’ intercession will be answered by the Father, who will strengthen you for the pilgrim’s journey until you are safe at home with him.
3. Jesus’ interceding on your behalf assures you of his love for you. If Aaron, in the old administration, bore the names of the sons of Israel upon his heart as he wore his breastpiece (Ex. 28:6ff.; 39:1ff.), then with greater delight our High Priest has our names upon his heart. You are remembered by our Lord as he prays to the Father for you. Jesus prayed for Peter by name during his earthly ministry. Is it too much for him to remember you by name in his heavenly ministry? Jesus says he knows his own sheep by name (John 10:3, 14). When Jesus met Paul on the road to Damascus, he called him by name (Acts 9:4). Surely our High Priest knows your name and prays for you. When you think that you are alone and no one cares about you, remember that your Savior knows you personally and prays for you by name.
Furthermore, as your High Priest, Jesus fully identifies with all that you face in life. He has suffered. He was tempted in every way. During his life on earth, “he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death” (Heb. 5:7). And so our High Priest is able to sympathize with all our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15). He understands and has compassion for you. He knows, he feels, what you are going through, and so he prays for you.
4. Jesus’ interceding on your behalf assures you of intimate communion with God. His praying for you is not pleading with a displeased, angry Father. Rather, his intercession is in harmony with the Father’s will to love you and communicate all spiritual blessings to you as his children.