The Tongue - Edition #23: Insults, Sin, and Reckless Words

April 30th, 2006

The Tongue – Edition #23: Insults, Sin, and Reckless Words

Proverbs 12:13-23
An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies. Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace. No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.

Prudent (adj.):

1. Wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment or common sense.


2. Careful in regard to one's own interests; provident.


3. Careful about one's conduct; circumspect.

It’s good to know that a lie only lasts but a moment. I went to Best Buy today after church… my heart yearned to reach out… but circumstance really got in the way. Oh my goodness, was it so hard to get the rig-a-ma-roo out of the way. But it was fun to even entertain the idea for just a little bit in my mind. There was this family looking at cameras while we were there, and I wanted to invite them, but my son desired attention at that moment. And then the opportunity was gone for the family was gone. I guess it is important to ask when the thought hits and not a second longer. I’ve had a quiet time every day this year, which is now 120 days in… this is actually just a two days short of 1/3 of the year into 2006… which is impressive to say the least. Last year (my best year on record), I had already missed 4 by this time. Well, my wife says I should be getting to bed, so by.

The Book of Lloyd

This is a series of postings I had with a person in a Yahoo Group over the last few days. I will be going through and re-updating this page as I study each post that he made, addressing the issues biblically and humbly… at least to the best of my ability. I also realized that within the group, when you send a person a response, they are going to read in the “mood” that they are in or responded to you. So, if they sent you an email in anger, they will read the response in anger, whether you sent it in anger or not, which I think was much of the problem with this situation with Lloyd. It is currently resolved, but I think this type of issue is fairly common upon the internet… and since it is common, maybe it is worthy of a look-see. My Responses will always be bold within this study, to differentiate between what was said and the response.

April 26th, 7:51 AM
Greetings

Hebrews 4:2 mentions that unto us was the GOSPEL preached, as well as unto the OT saints.

Is it the same gospel?  Yes! Are there two gospels?  No!

Romans 1:1-2 verifies this by showing that Paul was separated unto the gospel that was promised afore by God's prophets in the Holy Scriptures.

CONCLUSION: Salvation in the OT is a pattern for us in the NT!
Lloyd

Hebrews 4:1-4
Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’” And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.”

Romans 1:1-6
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God - the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Now, I am still shaky on “ye old Queen’s English” but I think I am pretty much in agreement in all this. I am not all that sure what “afore” means. I do know that Salvation in the Old Testament was based on sacrifices, which were done by priests and whatnot. There were festivals and things of that nature… When Christ came, he was the atoning sacrifice… in today’s times, we still have festivals and such, Christmas, Easter, New Years, and others… most have lost a lot of the righteousness that went originally with it, but there is still questions as to how righteous were the people back in the day of the festivals of old. They may not have been any cleaner… but that is still no excuse to be dirty today, just because they were dirty yesterday.

April 26th, 5:18 PM

Hey J.D.

You responded to my post stressing the distinctiveness of justification and sanctification with the following:

JD.
First of all, we detect no pains taken either by Jesus or other characters spoken about or the writers, when reporting a baptism or speaking about baptism to separate the meaning of baptism from justification and certainly not from salvation.

Lloyd
This is true because the baptism happened to already saved people. There is not one verse in the Bible that shows water baptism comes BEFORE justification. If cults had not arisen that twist the clear teaching of God's Word, the insistence upon the details of theology would not be needed.

As I began in this forum, Heb 4:2 shows that all of the OT saints were saved by faith alone BEFORE and WITHOUT water baptism, rites, acts of obedience, etc.

Without the clarity and primacy of justification, theologies arise that blend sanctification with justification in a human-centered self-righteous system of death.

Salvation is not man seeking God. Salvation is God seeking men.

While your argument has some merit, it is not a refutation of anything.
Lloyd

April 26th, 8:33 PM
Hey J.D.

Again, even after being cautioned about the weaknesses inherent in the word salvation, you post the following:

[Regarding the horns of a dilemma about answering yes or no to believing in whether the Cross pertains to justification] "First of all, Jesus, in telling the disciples to go preach the gospel to all creation, told them, "He that believe and is baptized shall be saved."  So Jesus connected baptism with the matter of receiving salvation.  Notice, please, I have not said baptism was said to be the means of providing salvation.  Jesus had already taken care of that matter before He even gave this command.

Again, the apostle Paul showed clearly in Romans 6 that one's baptism is a symbolic connecting the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  If baptism so "speaks" of those events which affected our salvation, it is a pretty lame argument to say, "Baptism has nothing whatsoever to do with salvation."

Your terminology allows such a dilemma. There is a salvation that pertains to our legal status before God the Judge (justification). There is a salvation that pertains to our fellowship with God our Father (sanctification). Both are required for the total life of the believer.

However, while birth and walking also describe our physical life, birth pertains to the start and walking is a description of the rest of our lives. While they do go together they are nevertheless distinct.

Your insistence on defending a word that could have many meanings depending on context is not wise.

We believe on Jesus with respect to the justification that receives God's gift of eternal life, forgiveness of sins, and pardon.

We believe on Jesus with respect to the sanctification that receives heavenly rewards.

So with your limited terminology you have a clever dilemma. If you use terminology sufficient to better comprehend the magnitude of God's gracious gifts bestowed upon us in and through Christ Jesus, then there is no such problem and your dilemma evaporates into nothingness.

For those who seek to pull away from false doctrine, justification is primal. For Luther, it is the chief article by which the church or an individual stands or falls. Nothing with respect to this doctrine must be compromised though an angel should seek to persuade us.

Sanctification depends on justification not the other way around. The difference between these is the difference between Rome and Bible believing churches today.

Lloyd

April 27th, 7:35 AM
Hey J.D.

Great Verse! What is your application?  I suspect it is your attempt to vindicate the continuance of your weak terminology.

Have you never read Romans? There Paul lays down a treatise on God's salvation. He begins by showing how salvation is not something we humans seek from God. In 3:21, God presents salvation as Him seeking us humans through the righteousness of Christ. God is both just and the justifier of all those who believe in Jesus. Chapter 4 is Abraham's vivid example of justification by faith. We have been justified by faith (Rom 5:1) and by Jesus' blood (5:9).

Only after his presentation of justification does Paul turn to issues of sanctification.

1st Corinthians 1:30 shows the event aspect of both righteousness (justification) and sanctification. However, the event aspect is associated with Christ. It is a deception to now apply this to us humans outside of Christ.

One wonders why someone would so adamantly hold to a loose terminology. Perhaps you have never studied Romans - or Galatians.

Perhaps you have never been taught the precious truths of justification.

It matters not about the past. I have now laid before the truths of justification. Will you search the scriptures to learn?

Otherwise, I fear that we have a living example of pride and ego resisting posted truths on a public forum just to avoid any pretense of inferiority. Having set one's self up as a standard, the proud are not willing to humble themselves and learn.

I pray this is not you.
Lloyd

April 27th, 10:34 AM
Hey J.D.

You boast far too much of your abilities. You dared to write: "You have discounted the words of Jesus (Mt 28; Mk 16; and other places); and of Paul (Rom 6); and of Peter (I Pet 3); as well as in numerous other places in the scriptures."

This is a joke. I've spent several posts now showing you how justification and sanctification relate within the overarching umbrella of salvation. While you acknowledge Paul's detailed exposition of justification by faith followed by sanctification, you refuse to apply that to baptism allowing only the generic overarching term "salvation."

This is blindness. Not one of the verses you referenced associates water baptism with the salvation that gives one eternal life (justification).

Matt 28 clearly makes baptism dependent upon the event of becoming a disciple (justification). Your prideful resistance to the truth that water baptism has no part in justification is quite amazing.

Likewise Mark 16 puts justification by faith together with sanctification only as an overarching description of one's life. With respect to justification, water baptism is absent. Your amazing resistance to correct terminology would allow all the cults free reign.

Similarly 1 Pet 3, justification comes BEFORE the saga. Confusion comes from an unreasonable insistence on grouping the two together.

One never knows whether or not the people you exchange posts with will rise to the truth or not.  I honor your request to evade a terminology that would allow an honest discussion of God's Word.

Lloyd

April 27th, 11:20 AM
Greetings

Lately I have been looking through a variety of "Protestant" journals. It is amazing how they are almost totally preoccupied with religious experience. Everyone seems to be lusting after "a satisfying Christian experience" and making that the central point of concern. Says one of these publications: "The gospel is about an experience of Jesus Christ in your own heart." Another declares: "Righteousness by faith is simply a real, vibrant experience with the Lord." Another proclaims: "The gospel is about a mighty inward change of the heart and an experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit."

NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH.

The gospel that was proclaimed by the apostles and recovered by the Reformers was an objective truth completely outside, beyond, and above our experience. It was about God's liberating act in Jesus Christ (see Rom. 3:24 NEB). While the whole world was lying in sin and rebellion, God did something for all men. In the person of His Son God satisfied the claims of the law for us, put away the sins of the world, satisfied justice, opened the floodgates of mercy, defeated Satan, destroyed death, and opened Paradise for the most guilty of Adam's race. In the words of Martin Luther, "Christ has vanquished! This is the joyful news! And we are saved by His work, and not by our own."

The Christian religion is the only religion that bases its message of salvation on objective historical events rather than on subjective experiences. Our salvation was secured by historical events outside the realm of our own experience – that is, by the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Acting in Jesus Christ, God did something for us two thousand years ago. "He has taken us into His favor in the person of His beloved Son." Eph.1:6 Knox. "In Christ our release is secured and our sins are forgiven." Eph. 1:7, N.E.B. And there is an empty tomb to prove what God has done for us. Good news! Good news! Ring throughout the world!

It is unquestionably true that faith in this good news brings to us a new experience of joy, for we have become conscious of something already in existence. There is cause to be exceedingly glad, for our salvation does not rest on our experience, but upon Christ's experience for us. The prophet says, "By His knowledge [that is, by His experience of doing and dying] shall My righteous Servant justify many." Isaiah 53:11.

Certainly the gospel is related to human experience. Its acceptance renews, transforms and sanctifies lives by the power of the Holy Ghost. But the gospel must never be confused with Christian experience. This is the essential error of Romanism, mysticism, and Pentecostalism.

• To exhort people to draw nigh to God is not preaching the gospel.


• To call men to repentance is not preaching the gospel.


• To urge men to believe on Christ is not preaching the gospel.


• To tell men to make peace with God is not preaching the gospel.


• To proclaim the necessity of the new birth is not preaching the gospel.


• To invite people to seek for the baptism of the Spirit is not preaching the gospel.

All these things have their place and should be preached, but in themselves they do not constitute the gospel. For the gospel does not tell us to do something. It proclaims what God has done. The gospel does not tell us how to get to God. It tells how God gets to us. It is not man's way to God, but God's way to man. When sinners hear the gospel, the Spirit is present to draw them to Christ and to give them repentance, faith and a new birth. Yet the Spirit's activity in human lives is not the gospel and must never be substituted for the gospel.

Protestantism was born out of protest. It protested against that great medieval system which extinguished the light of the New Testament by putting Christian experience in the place of the gospel. The same error is with us today in the modern charismatic movement. Protestants must protest or perish!

Lloyd

See: http://www.presenttruthmag.com/archive/III/3-1.htm

April 27th, 12:21 PM
Greetings

Here are some quotes on this crucial subject from Martin Luther.

"This doctrine [justification by faith] is the head and the cornerstone. It alone begets, nourishes, builds, preserves, and defends the church of God; and without it the church of God cannot exist for one hour…. For no one who does not hold this article – or, to use Paul's expression, this 'sound doctrine' (Titus 2:1) – is able to teach aright in the church or successfully to resist any adversary… this is the heel of the Seed that opposes the old serpent and crushes its head. That is why Satan, in turn, cannot but persecute it."

"Whoever departs from the article of justification does not know God and is an idolater . . . For when this article has been taken away, nothing remains but error, hypocrisy, godlessness, and idolatry, although it may seem to be the height of truth, worship of God, holiness, etc."

"If the article of justification is lost, all Christian doctrine is lost at the same time. And all the people in the world who do not hold to this justification are either Jews or Turks or papists or heretics; for there is no middle ground between these two righteousness: the active one of the Law and the passive one which comes from Christ. Therefore the man who strays from Christian righteousness must relapse into the active one, that is, since he has lost Christ, he must put his confidence in his own works."

"When the article of justification has fallen, everything has fallen. Therefore it is necessary constantly to inculcate and impress it, as Moses says of his Law (Deut. 6:7); for it cannot be inculcated and urged enough or too much. Indeed, even though we learn it well and hold to it, yet there is no one who apprehends it perfectly or believes it with a full affection and heart. So very trick’s is our flesh, fighting as it does against the obedience of the spirit."

"The article of justification and of grace is the most delightful, and it alone makes a person a theologian and makes of a theologian a judge of the earth and of all affairs. Few there are, however, who have thought it through well and who teach it aright."

"Of this article [justification] nothing may be yielded or conceded, though heaven and earth and whatever will not abide, fall to ruin; for 'there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved,' says St. Peter (Acts 4:12); 'and with His stripes we are healed' (Is. 53:5). And on this article all that we teach and practice is based, against the pope, the devil, and the world. That is why we must be very certain of this doctrine and not doubt; otherwise all is lost, and the pope and the devil and all things gain the victory over us and are adjudged right."

Lloyd

April 27th, 2:53 PM
Hey J.D.

Again, your inability to grasp terminology causes you to make questionable statements.

Baptism is associated with justification. However, it is the Spirit's baptism. Water baptism is associated with sanctification.

Jesus taught that the new birth is from above (another in John 3:3) -   NOT from below. Your insistent on a lowly physical baptism is a direct contradiction of God's Word.

Only sloppy and/or uninformed terminology can support a link between justification and water baptism.

Water baptism wasn't required for any of the OT saints. It was required for the thief on the Cross. Zacchaeus, the weeping woman, the man sick of the palsy, etc, were all saved BEFORE and WITHOUT water baptism.

Belief is the Bible's sole requirement for the new birth. Justification is by faith apart from works - over and over again.

Your willful sloppy terminology is the bed of heresy.
Lloyd


April 27th, 2:56 PM
What foolishness!

Faith in faith. When did I ever say that?

Christ is the object of our faith. This is another refutation of your errant holding to sloppy terminology. If water is included with justification, then our dependence is not totally upon Christ.

This by itself is a huge demolition of your man-made religion of self-righteousness.

The Bible exhorts us to glory in Christ and Him alone! Put away your foolish desire to pull Christ off the Christ by endorsing a man-oriented washing rite.

Lloyd

April 28th, 7:14 AM
Hey Johnny

I'm glad you approve of the Lord's public example of baptism. Let's examine it in more detail!

Question 1: Was Jesus baptized to get saved?
Answer 1: Hilariously NO! As the Author of Eternal life, He is the pinnacle of salvation.

Question 2: Why was Jesus baptized?
Answer 2: To declare publicly to John that He was the Messiah doing God's will.

Question 3: When was Jesus baptized?
Answer 3: At the beginning of His public ministry doing God's will.

APPLICATION
Baptism is not required for salvation. It is to make a public announcement concerning the beginning of one's service for God.

Just like Noah, it is the appeal of an ALREADY CLEANSED CONSCIENCE to live for God in the new life.

Since there is but ONE GOSPEL, and ONE FAITH, the gospel message must not include water baptism.  Water baptism is fit only for an after salvation public testimony to live for God.

Any other way is heresy!
Lloyd

April 28th, 7:18 AM
Hey Johnny Ray

Have you ever noticed how Cornelius received the remission of his sins by faith before he was baptized (Acts 10:43)??

Are you are willing to live with a theology that pits one part of the Bible against another part? I'm not! The harmonization is rather easy. I call it CONTEXT. In fact, there are three ways to look at this CONTEXT.

I. Surrounding context begins in Acts 1:6 where the disciples want to know if Jesus will "restore" (apokatistanoo) Israel's kingdom. Jesus did NOT rebuke them! They were right – except for the element of time. Likewise, in Acts 3:19-21, Peter preaches repentance regarding the "times of refreshing" and the "times of restitution of all things." Here, we see the noun form (apokatastasis) of the verb used in 1:6. Arminians dismiss this unmistakable parallel language. The parallel between 1:6 and 3:19-21 is reflected in Deut 30:1-6.

II. For the immediate context, if Peter is looking for the restoration of national Israel BEFORE and AFTER Acts 2, then he is IN Acts 2. With proper context in mind Peter first shows his fellow countrymen that they have crucified their Messiah (2:23). Jesus rose from the dead, will return, and will execute Messianic vengeance upon His enemies (2:35; Psa 110:1-2; Isa 61:1-2;l; Jer 46:10). He reminds them that they crucified the One (2:36) Who is both "Lord and Christ." Repent and be baptized (2:38). Save yourselves "from this UNTOWARD GENERATION" (2:40).

The immediate context is Peter's sermon to national Israelites who have crucified their Messiah. Peter quotes from several OT passages. Joel 2:28-32 is a reference to Jesus' return to rescue national Israel in the "day of the Lord." Psalm 16:8-11 is a reference to
Jesus not being left in corruption. Psalm 110 shows that the exalted Lord will rule from Zion and make His enemies His footstool. This same LORD will come to bring judgment on that UNTOWARD GENERATION. Everything of Peter's message refers to national Israel – judgment, salvation and blessings (2:40). Arminians deny these clear OT implications for national Israel and redefine them as a universal principle.

It is deceptive manipulation to misrepresent the great weight of scripture by a verse intended only for first century Jews looking for national restoration and wishing to avoid God's wrath on their UNTOWARD GENERATION before judgment falls in AD 70. That UNTOWARD GENERATION would be judged for the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world. (Luke 11:50) Common sense context shows that Acts 2:38 is not a normative principle today.

III. In the far context, Peter links Israel's national repentance to their Messiah (Acts 5:28-31). Stephen equates Israel's national deliverance via Jesus to Moses' leadership (Acts 7:37). Peter links the message of Jesus to Israel in his message to Cornelius (Acts 10:36). Jesus is linked with the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel (Acts 13:23-25). James prays for the restoration of Israel and David's earthly tabernacle (Acts 15:16-17; cf Amos 9:11-15). Paul preaches Israel's restoration (Rom 9-11). This is serious biblical support for the restoration of national Israel.

Immediate context, near context, and far contexts all give unparalleled and dramatic denial of water baptism for an individual salvation. The three contexts support a national baptism for the remission of rejecting Jesus Christ.

Lloyd

April 28th, 3:13 PM
A common example of analysis yanked out of context!

The OT context shows that Noah was justified BEFORE the Flood. The context of 1 Peter is totally about issues of sanctification.

You have to violate both contexts to make your heresy work.

Lloyd

April 28th, 3:19
Hey Johnny

I see you can't handle the truth very well. I guess it is because you are used to a watered down substitute.

It is nice to see you trying to use "CONTEXT." However, why do just the part of context in which you think serves your error?  Why not use the entire book?!  1 Peter deals with issues of sanctification once Peter gets past his initial backward look to those already saved.

Why is it that you think he changes direction for a few verses? This is a most amazing twisting of context in the name of context.

This is easily verified by considering the passage from the OT. In Gen 6:8-9 and 7:1, we see that Noah was justified BEFORE the Flood Saga. The Flood had nothing to do with Noah's justification - everything to do with Noah's sanctification.

In fact, had Noah died in the Flood, he would have gone immediately into the presence of Christ since he was already justified. Noah's appeal to live for God on the basis of AN ALREADY CLEANSED CONSCIENCE is seen in the altar - not the water.

Truth will always be offensive to those not willing to release their lies.
Lloyd

April 28th, 3:20 PM
Hey Johnny Ray

This is another analysis cut away from context. The underlying Greek shows that the main verb is "making disciples." The word baptize is a dependent participle. It cannot happen until AFTER salvation.

How can you miss something this easy?
Lloyd

April 28th, 4:51 PM
Hey Johnny Ray

I also am a math person. I have an MS from the U of N Dakota. It goes along with Ph.D. in theology, another MS in Bible, and BS majors in Math, Psychology and minors in Physics, Linguistics and Greek.

I can't help that your denomination turns a blind eye to a first year Greek exercise. What I have written can be easily verified.

The "POINT" of salvation is faith, just like Paul showed us with Abraham, Jesus showed us with the murmuring Israelites, Peter showed us with Cornelius.

Underlying our exchanges is a critical need to discuss how "justification" and “sanctification” relate within the overarching term of "salvation." It is my premise that your denomination's emphasis upon water baptism can only be supported by silence on this topic.

I extend a challenge to you to find one use of the word "justify" (from the Greek word dikaioo) that links our justification before God to a process of human activity. I know in advance that you will not find one. Ask any of your preachers, deacons, elders or scholars. I won't hold my breath since I know what you will find.

There are lots of things going on at once in theology. We have to keep justification/sanctification, spirit vs. water baptism, Israel vs. non-Israel, OSAS, and other things together. With all this, we must pay special attention to CONTEXT. Since theology is an integrated whole, we could actually start with any one topic and realistically arrive at any other topic. The trouble with that is that we would need a white board to track our exchanges.

An analysis of justification will demolish your position as readily as noting your lack of support for water baptism.
Lloyd

April 28th, 7:16 PM
Hey Johnny Ray

First, I'm sorry you feel the heat. I'm merely presenting the Bible IN CONTEXT. I'm not prideful or boastful. But I have a ready BIBLE answer for every one of your slick partial truths.

Second, since you already claim to "see," I'm not trying to convert you. I'm trying to eradicate your self-righteous system of death. I attack your Catholic system - not you as a person. You've seen nothing in my posts that were personal. You've seen a lot in my posts decrying the errant system that you embrace.

Third, you are probably a pretty decent fellow with fine upstanding morals. However, on a public forum, I can only see the lies that you are spreading.

Fourth, I presented a detailed analysis of the context for both Acts 2 and 1 Peter 3. All I got back was denominational rhetoric and unfounded whimpers about being personally attacked. Latch on to God's Word and put aside the petty weights of denominational rhetoric that would hold you back from the truth.

Try using BIBLE as the basis for a response!
Lloyd

April 29th, 7:31 PM
Hey Johnny Ray

I said you were Catholic! You don't have to be a card carrying member of the RCC to be in bed with them. I suggest taking the questionnaire at: http://www.presenttruthmag.com/archive/II/2-2.htm

The questionnaire is only 10 questions long. It will give you a great refresher on the differences between us! It will help you focus upon the crux of theology.

I even bet that I know your answers ahead of time. Too bad it can't be proven other than me writing down what I bet you'd say while you take the test with both of us together in the same room at the same time. Oh well.

Lloyd

April 29th, 7:43 AM
Hey Johnny Ray

I hope you answer the 10 questions. Here are my answers:

1. A    


2. A


3. A


4. B


5. A


6. B


7. B


8. A


9. A


10. A

I only wish the author had arranged it so that Protestant would have answered all "a" and Catholics would have answered all "b." Regardless, the crucial point of difference is quite vivid.

Protestants rely solely upon Christ; Catholics rely upon Christ and self-righteousness.

So are you a Catholic or not?
Lloyd

P.S. If you don't have the exact mirror opposite answers as what I provided, then you are either a fledgling theologian or totally mixed up.

My Response:
First off, I attend a International Church of Christ service, and that is the doctrine I follow, irregardless of what and “A” and “B” questionnaire specifies. Catholic is defined as “including or concerning all humankind; universal.” Protestant is defined as Episcopalian.

Question #1: (I DON”T UNDERSTAND THIS QUESTION)

1. God gives a man right standing with Himself by mercifully accounting him innocent and virtuous.


2. God gives a man right standing with Himself by actually making him into an innocent and virtuous person.

Question #2: (I DON”T UNDERSTAND THIS QUESTION, EITHER)

1. God gives a man right standing with Himself by placing Christ’s goodness and virtue to his credit.


2. God gives a man right standing with Himself by putting Christ’s goodness and virtue into his heart.

Question #3: (Neither, God accepts all people for who they are. God just wants the person to put forth an effort to be the best Christian they can and have a love for God)

1. God accepts the believer because of the moral excellence found in Jesus Christ.


2. God makes the believer acceptable by infusing Christ’s moral excellence into his life.

Question #4: (repentance in character, if that is what you mean)

1. If a Christian becomes “born again” (regenerate, transformed in character), he will achieve right standing with God.


2. If the sinner accepts right standing with God by faith in Christ’s sinless life and atoning death, he will then experience transformation in character.

Question #5: (We receive right standing with God by faith, by action of baptism and grace and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit)

1. We receive right standing with God by faith alone in the blood of Christ.


2. We receive right standing with God by faith which has become active by love.

Question #6: (actually, we imitate Christ’s life)

1. We achieve right standing with God by having Christ live out His life of obedience in us.


2. We achieve right standing with God by believing that Christ obeyed the law perfectly for us.

Question #7: I finally agree with one: “A”

1. We achieve right standing with God by following Christ’s example by the help of His enabling grace.


2. We follow Christ’s example because His sinless life has given us right standing with God.

Question #8: (It happens all at the same time. It can’t this, then this, and then, two years later this… At baptism, you get the spirit. That’s it. He’s been watching you your whole life… it’s not like he doesn’t know that you haven’t been good one minute and not the next. And to God, time isn’t linear. He knows you are going to screw up later. Maybe even mess up big time. Does that make you unworthy of the spirit at baptism? NO!)

1. God first pronounces that we are good in His sight, then gives us His Spirit to begin to make us good.


2. God sends His Spirit to make us good, and then He will pronounce that we are good.

Question #9: The bible does say that Christ does intercede for us: “A”

1. Christ’s intercession at God’s right hand gives us favor in the sight of God.


2. It is the indwelling Christ that gives us favor in God’s sight.

Question #10: (Technically, it is love God and love your neighbor these days… the rest is taken care of with just those two. And I don’t know if it is faith or the Holy Spirit, but what would be the difference between the two in today’s day in age for a baptized disciple? I have the Holy Spirit and I have faith, so it’s really water under the bridge for me. I don’t worry about the Ten Commandments. It’s not an issue for me. I’m more concerned about winning souls for Christ.

1. Only by faith in the doing and dying of Christ can we fully satisfy the claims of the Ten Commandments.


2. By the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, we can fully satisfy the claims of the Ten Commandments.

April 29th, 8:21 AM
Hey Johnny Ray

Ok. I get it now. You really aren't interested in an honest exchange that discusses truths. You would rather hurl insults and ego-satisfying diatribes.

I suggest that you practice what you post. I was willing to take to the heights of theology; you want to rut around in the sty.

This is actually quite typical for those who are exposed by the truth. They are willing to do anything to run from an open exposure of their cultic denials of Christ.

Lloyd

April 29th, 4:22 PM
Hey Johnny Ray

Let's see here.

I posted a detailed analysis of Acts 2. I posted the contextual analysis of Peter's use of Noah from verifying that the message of 1 Peter is dealing with issues of sanctification and Noah was justified BEFORE the Flood.

Your responses don't use Bible. They are loaded with knowledge puffs up stuff. You cry love but write hate.

I posted a ready link to a questionnaire that deals with justification - a pillar of theology. You responded with "I don't care." A person seeking biblical truth should have been anxious to check out this new dimension.

Why are you at this forum if you don't want to enter into a genuine exchange?  I think you are only looking to preach to the choir. Since I'm not in your choir and claim to have the real truth, you are afraid of what truth it is that I dare challenge you with because you might have to confront it. Thus, in fear of the real truth, you respond with personal ego-blasting issues.

Wisdom is known by her children.
Lloyd

April 29th, 8:14 AM
Greetings,First, why do you refer to yourself in the third person? It is easy to read the email addresses!Second, where was I judgmental? You have reacted against the truth and taken things personally.I wish to discuss justification. I believe that I can prove everything that I've brought to the forum! I can't get you to discuss anything of substance.
I tried with a detailed analysis of context in Acts 2. You merely gave a Bible-less denominational denial.
I tried the same with 1 Peter 3 to which you haven't responded.
I attempted to discuss the two views of justification to which you replied "I don't care."
What you have consistently done is bring up personal accusations based on hurt feelings. Get a grip on things! If you wish to discuss controversial items, then expect to be challenged. If you are seeking the truth, the get set to discuss the truth! Be prepared always to give a defense of your faith.
Stop trying to defend your whining.
Lloyd

April 30th, 9:19 AM
What a hypocrite!

In your humility, you are willing to put your spin on things to vindicate your wet diapers. What a Christian example!

Why not instead drop this emotional dribble and do something with God's Word?

There is no merit in exchanging posts with a 3 year old.
Lloyd

April 30th, 10:21 AM
Hey Johnny Ray

Let's assume that you are an adult.  I'm tired of these banal emotive exchanges. Let's go to God's Word.

I hold that justification is a pillar of theology. I'm willing to pursue an exchange on this Bible subject.

The discussion should cover the basic definition, a look at lexical evidences, and a comparison of the two ways to view justification (EVENT or PROCESS).

What is your choice?

Do you wish to continue self-vindication of hurt ego?
- OR -
Do you wish to pursue a study of God's Word?

Lloyd

April 30, 1:41 PM
Hey Johnny Ray
Praise the LORD! It is easy to forgive someone that has done no harm or offense. It is a good problem in that we both believe that we embrace the truth. This is commendable for we could be discussing whether or not Jesus is the Christ.
We need to approach the truth in the Christian way based on God's Word alone. You have truly shown the marks of Jesus Christ. Rarely does this sort of thing happen. <Lloyd tips hat in salute>
I also ask forgiveness for my words and condescending attitude. My accusations were not in the Spirit's power. Since I feel so strongly that I embrace the truth, I am easily tempted to look down on those who disagree me. I easily go astray with inappropriate communications.Perhaps together, as recognized sinners still falling victim to the ravages of the devil's delusions, we can point to Christ and boast only in the sufficiency of His Cross.
The trick now comes in how to enter into a Christ honoring exchange between two people of two different views on theology.
Lloyd

The Tongue - Edition #22: Smooth Talk

April 29th, 2006

The Tongue – Edition #22: Smooth Talk

Bill Gates is hanging out with the chairman of General Motors. “If automotive technology had kept pace with computer technology over the past few decades,” boasts Gates, “you would now be driving a V-32 instead of a V-8, and it would have a top speed of 10,000 miles per hour. Or, you could have an economy car that weighs 30 pounds and gets a thousand miles to a gallon of gas. In either case, the sticker price of a new car would be less than $50.”

“Sure,” says the GM chairman. “But would you really want to drive a car that crashes four times a day?”

Proverbs 7:1-27
My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words. At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: “I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows. So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Come, let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.” With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.

And then the she opened a laundry shop with a note outside: “Drop your clothes here for best results!” But really, it just isn’t about the typical purity that we all think of, it’s about sin in general. Persuasive words lead to murder, stealing, adultery, war, lies, and the like. It’s not only be careful what you say, but be careful what you hear. Be careful what you listen to. It’s important to pay attention to what the bible says, and not what a person says. Heck, even if you are reading this, don’t even believe what I am writing, look it up for yourself! I beg you! It’s important to have your own convictions.

James 1:19-27
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does.

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

It is important to not have a religion that is worthless. Do I want to worship in vain?

James 1:26 Worthless:
mataios
mat'-ah-yos
Empty, that is, (literally) profitless, or (specifically) an idol: - vain, vanity.

James 1:19 Listen:
akouō
ak-oo'-o
A primary verb; to hear (in various senses): - give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), ([shall]) hear (-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.

James 1:23 Listen:
akroatēs
ak-ro-at-ace'
akroaomai (to listen); a hearer (merely): - hearer.

I would have to say that James is my favorite book of the bible… although I haven’t spent much time in it of late. I like how he was called “Camel Knees” back in his day, because he prayed so much. He would just drop down and pray anywhere. I guess that is where Saint Patrick got the idea. I don’t know. It’s important to be quick to listen to people. But I think it is even more important to be quick to listen to God’s word. There was an “age old battle” within a Yahoo Group that I am in, which discussed salvation. And in it, there was a case of baptism and faith. And one that was left out was grace. And in fact, all three play a factor. You can be saved without one, and just one can’t save you alone. It’s like the trinity, the father, son, and holy spirit, all three make one. You can’t have one without the other two being there… well, you could, but it wouldn’t be as fun, I guess (with the heavenly trinity, not the baptism, faith, and grace – you can have these separately all you want and get nowhere all day. It’s when they are together that counts.). Johnny Out.

Prayer List: 4-29-06

Last Updated: 4/29/06

Prayer List:

1. Parents: financial difficulties.


2. Monroe Morgan: health issues.


3. Aunt Roxie: cancer.


4. Jenny’s brother to get a job.


5. Keith’s family, with the passing of his dad.


6. Jenny’s father to find a more secure job.


7. Johnny: find what’s wrong with leg and for it to be resolved.


8. Jenny: to get a raise in pay.


9. Ray: health issues.


10. Texas Rangers: to have a winning season, win the division, and a playoff game.


11. Dallas Mavericks: to go to the NBA Finals


12. Dallas Stars: to get a cup or two.


13. Brit White: herniated disk


14. Mary Jane Barenthaler: cancer


15. Alex Moreno: cancer


16. Dan Burns: kidney infection


17. Aja Jackson: brain mass


18. Larry Anderson: cancer


19. Father of Tammy Kelly: acute leukemia


20. David Daniels: cancer


21. Vernal Gautreaux: severe pneumonia


22. Alex Reyes: serious illness


23. Kendall Shephard: liver transplant


24. Natalie Shephard: leukemia


25. Amanda Drumheller: recovering from car accident


26. J.C. & Joann McDonald: critically ill


27. Alex Lynn’s father: recovering from surgery


28. Jerry Clark: cancer


29. Pioneer Café Owner to get a new heart.


30. Daniel Schuster: finish studies – get baptized


31. Christie Sachristie: to be restored


32. Meagan – Studies: to become “other-centered”


33. Joseph: Patience and Endurance


34. Jerry Madole: Tumor on his brain stem


35. Lloyd Olsen: That he becomes humble and loving


36. Shawn Franzic: Job situation

Friendship - Edition #8: To the Test

April 28th, 2006

Happy Friend’s Day!!!
Friendship – Edition #8: To the Test

Well, today was going to try again at an MRI. Yesterday, I sat in a tube for about 50 minutes before they sent me home. Apparently, I broke the computer. I had a habit of that at the companies that I worked for, but this time, I didn’t even touch the thing… I promise! But, alas, there are parts to be ordered, and it will be Tuesday afternoon when I get to get stuck back in the tube again, with the whirring sounds and clicking sounds and buzzing sounds and grunting sounds… sounds like fun.

Leviticus 19:18
“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.’”

Mark 12:28-34
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Deuteronomy 6:13-17
Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. Do not test the LORD your God as you did at Massah. Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you.

Matthew 4:7
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Luke 4:12
Jesus answered, “It says: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

First, I want to check a few things before I go into my thoughts… because my thoughts may change entirely based on what I find. Leviticus puts out the Ten Commandments. And throughout the commandments, God reminds us that he is God. He says “I am the LORD.” In fact, the whole book of Leviticus, the exact phrase “I am the LORD” is used 49 times. There are only 27 chapters, and remarkably, the phrase isn’t used in the last chapter.

Matthew 4:7 and Luke 4:12 Test:
ekpeirazō
ek-pi-rad'-zo
To test thoroughly: - tempt.

1st John 3:16
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

1st John 3:16 Lay Down:
tithēmi
tith'-ay-mee
A prolonged form of a primary word θέω theō (which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate): - + advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.

1st John 3:16 Brothers:
adelphos
ad-el-fos'
A brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like [H1]): - brother.

1st John 3:16 Ought:
opheilō  opheileō
of-i'-lo, of-i-leh'-o
To owe (pecuniarily); figuratively to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally to fail in duty: - behove, be bound, (be) debt (-or), (be) due (-ty), be guilty (indebted), (must) need (-s), ought, owe, should.

Now, putting this all together… I should not tempt my God. And since I don’t want to tempt the LORD, I then have this debt that I owe to love my enemies, to love my neighbors, to even lay down my life for my brothers. And who are my brothers? Now, that is the question, isn’t it? Because the Greek says it is “literally or figuratively” so it could be my actual blood brother or it could be my neighbor… as in apartment 1506, who happens to be a UPS driver. Should I put God to a test, being a basis for evaluation or judgment, it would be wrong. It would also be wrong to provoke God. It simply isn’t write to try to entice the LORD. But how easy is it to withhold love? In most cases, it is easier to withhold love and give pain, at least when the sinful nature is in charge. And when the sinful nature is in charge, I provoke my God because I do not love my neighbor as the bible says that I should.

“True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.”
- Charles Caleb Colton

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” - Unknown

Johnny Out.

A Look at Baptism

A look at baptism:

Acts 2:36-39
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 2:38 Repent:
metanoeō
met-an-o-eh'-o
To think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction): - repent.

Acts 2:38 Baptized:
baptizō
bap-tid'-zo
To make whelmed (that is, fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: - baptist, baptize, wash.

The Order of Things:

1. Repent – to think differently


2. Baptism – fully wet


3. Receive the “gift” of the Holy Spirit

Now, the gift of the Holy Spirit, let’s take a look at that.

Acts 2:38 gift:
dōrea
do-reh-ah'
A gratuity: - gift.

Acts 2:38 Holy:
hagios
hag'-ee-os
From ἅγος hagos (an awful thing); sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated): - (most) holy (one, thing), saint.

Acts 2:38 Spirit:
pneuma
pnyoo'-mah
A current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy spirit: - ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind.

I hope this helps with the whole question on baptism… the Greek is always helpful when it comes to the core issues of the bible. Johnny Out.

The Tongue - Edition #21: Talk of Ruin

April 27th, 2006

I am not sure just how much sense I am going to make today, to you or to me… I am on so much pain medication now; I am dizzy and can’t think or see straight. And I still hurt a little, to top things off… but not near as much as I did Tuesday night.

The Tongue – Edition #21: Talk of Ruin

Psalm 38:10-15
My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes. My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away. Those who seek my life set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they plot deception. I am like a deaf man, who cannot hear, like a mute, who cannot open his mouth; I have become like a man who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God.

This is going to be short due to my concentration is just that… short. But I did notice something as David made this petition to God. He said that his enemies talked of deception and his ruin. It made me think… do I yearn for harm on someone else? I am glad to say that I don’t… at least I can’t think of anyone that I wish harm upon. Love is to have a deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward a person. And if I think of someone as an enemy, then that is the start of a lack of love for them.

Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Matthew 5:43 Love:
agapaō
ag-ap-ah'-o
Perhaps from ἄγαν agan (much; to love (in a social or moral sense): - (be-) love (-ed).

Matthew 5:44 enemies:
echthros
ekh-thros'
From a primary word ἔχθω echthō (to hate); hateful (passively odious, or actively hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially Satan): - enemy, foe.

Matthew 5:48 perfect:
teleios
tel'-i-os
Complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun) completeness: - of full age, man, perfect.

Matthew 5:43 neighbor:
plēsion
play-see'-on
Neuter of a derivative of πέλας pelas (near); (adverb) close by; as noun, a neighbor, that is, fellow (as man, countryman, Christian or friend): - near, neighbour.

I am to love my fellow man. That is what a neighbor, by the bible’s definition is. And someone who opposes me is the same as one who supports me… a fellow person who has blood running through their veins. And that goes for a lack of love for the guy who blows the world trade centers, the guy who drove two hours to have sex with a thirteen year old, and the guy who scored the winning goal for the Colorado Avalanche (who whatever team you love to hate – I don’t really care for the Avalanche or hockey in general, but work with me). And what I like about the word “near” is that it is a relative word. George W Bush is near to me in comparison to those in Great Britain. But does that mean I should show hate toward those in Great Britain? By no means should that be my attitude. Love shouldn’t have boundaries. I don’t want to talk of ruin, but talk of the great things that are to come. God loves the good, the bad, and the absolute horrendous… and that is what he wants for me to do. And Psalms tells me that it hurts when people talk of ruin, and that I shouldn’t do that… I should build up, not tear down. My head is much clearer now. Thanks for reading. Johnny Out.

The Tongue - Edition #20: Meaningless Talk

April 26th, 2006

The Tongue – Edition #20: Meaningless Talk

Some poetry to start this wondrous Wednesday:
A gentle word like a spark of light illuminates my soul. And as each sound goes deeper, it is God plus you that makes me whole. There is no corner, no dark place, God’s love cannot fill. And if the world starts causing waves, it’s his devotion that makes them still. And yes you always speak to me in sweet honesty and truth. Your caring heart keeps out the rain, his love, the ultimate roof. So thank you, my Love, for being there, for supporting me and my life. I'll do the same for you, you know, My Beautiful, Darling Wife.
- Original by David G. Kelly - (changes made by Johnny Ray)

I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends, I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends.
- Aizabel Parinas -

Friendship is like the breeze, you can't hold it, smell it, taste it, or know when it's coming, but you can always feel it, and you'll always know it's there, it may come and then go, but you can know it'll always be back.
- Terri Fanning -

Job 11:1-6
Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: “Are all these words to go unanswered? Is this talker to be vindicated? Will your idle talk reduce men to silence? Will no one rebuke you when you mock? You say to God, ‘My beliefs are flawless and I am pure in your sight.’ Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.”

Job 27:8-17
For what hope has the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life? Does God listen to his cry when distress comes upon him? Will he find delight in the Almighty? Will he call upon God at all times? I will teach you about the power of God; the ways of the Almighty I will not conceal. You have all seen this yourselves. Why then this meaningless talk? Here is the fate God allots to the wicked, the heritage a ruthless man receives from the Almighty: However many his children, their fate is the sword; his offspring will never have enough to eat. The plague will bury those who survive him, and their widows will not weep for them. Though he heaps up silver like dust and clothes like piles of clay, what he lays up the righteous will wear, and the innocent will divide his silver.

I’ll be the first to say, I don’t understand the book of Job at all that well. All throughout the book, Job gets bashed by the guys, the God jumps in at the end and bashes everyone, and then Job has to pray for the guys who rebuked him throughout the book. So, I’m a bit confused as to what to take from it, besides the end. But, with the help of my Autobot software, I can now do the very same stuff I did before but with a slower computer!

Titus 1:10-16
For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach, and that for the sake of dishonest gain. One of Crete's own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” He has surely told the truth! Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

1st Timothy 1:3-11
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain persons not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God's work, which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers. And it is for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

So, what I do know is this: the dudes that were spouting off to Job were doing meaningless talk, which here is said to be full of deception.

Job 27:12 meaningless:
hâbal
haw-bal'
A primitive root; to be vain in act, word, or expectation; specifically to lead astray: - be (become, make) vain.

1st Timothy 1:6 meaningless:
mataiologia
mat-ah-yol-og-ee'-ah
random talk, that is, babble: - vain jangling.

Titus 1:10 meaningless:
mataiologos
mat-ah-yol-og'-os
An idle (that is, senseless or mischievous) talker, that is, a wrangler: - vain talker.

This simply goes to show that idle chit-chat is sinful. It is meaningless and thus in vain and thus senseless and mischievous. Job was saying that they shouldn’t be doing meaningless talk. Titus and 1st Timothy tell us what meaningless talk does. In Job 11, a “friend” calls Job a liar and then wishes for God to basically squish him. By the way, the words “idle chat” going back to Hebrew can mean lies, liar, and brag. Meaningless talk leads to false teaching… and false teaching leads away from God in the worst of ways, because it is developing convictions on false precepts. Johnny Out.

The Tongue - Edition #19: NO TALK!

April 25th, 2006

The Tongue – Edition #19: NO TALK!

1st Samuel 25:1-35
Then David moved down into the Desert of Maon. A certain man in Maon, who had property there at Carmel, was very wealthy. He had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. His name was Nabal and his wife's name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was surly and mean in his dealings.

While David was in the desert, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. So he sent ten young men and said to them, “Go up to Nabal at Carmel and greet him in my name. Say to him: ‘Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!

“‘Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing. Ask your own servants and they will tell you. Therefore be favorable toward my young men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them.’”

When David's men arrived, they gave Nabal this message in David's name. Then they waited.

Nabal answered David's servants, “Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?”

David's men turned around and went back. When they arrived, they reported every word. David said to his men, “Put on your swords!” So they put on their swords, and David put on his. About four hundred men went up with David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.

One of the servants told Nabal's wife Abigail: “David sent messengers from the desert to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. Yet these men were very good to us. They did not mistreat us, and the whole time we were out in the fields near them nothing was missing. Night and day they were a wall around us all the time we were herding our sheep near them. Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him.”

Abigail lost no time. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. Then she told her servants, “Go on ahead; I'll follow you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.

As she came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, there were David and his men descending toward her, and she met them. David had just said, “It's been useless—all my watching over this fellow's property in the desert so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good. May God deal with David, be it ever so severely, if by morning I leave alive one male of all who belong to him!”

When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. She fell at his feet and said: “My lord, let the blame be on me alone. Please let your servant speak to you; hear what your servant has to say. May my lord pay no attention to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name is Fool, and folly goes with him. But as for me, your servant, I did not see the men my master sent.”

“Now since the LORD has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, as surely as the LORD lives and as you live, may your enemies and all who intend to harm my master be like Nabal. And let this gift, which your servant has brought to my master, be given to the men who follow you. Please forgive your servant's offense, for the LORD will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master, because he fights the LORD's battles. Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live. Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the LORD your God. But the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. When the LORD has done for my master every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him leader over Israel, my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the LORD has brought my master success, remember your servant.”

David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, not one male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by daybreak.”

Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him and said, “Go home in peace. I have heard your words and granted your request.”

I wanted to point out something that made me chuckle a little… it was one of the servants who told Abigail about what Nabal did. And it was David who was going to kill all the men. Now, I’m thinking that the servant was a male. He finds out what Nabal did, he runs to the parent who always gives him the things he needs (the mother figure) and says “hey, dad did something really stupid, said some things that were really out of line, and it’s going to cost me and my buddies our lives, what can we do?” David has a reputation. The dude knocked down a fearsome giant as a kid, for crying out loud. Nabal also has a reputation. Nobody can talk to him. And when the only person who can have a conversation with you is yourself, then there isn’t anything beneficial to come from it all. I think there is a certain part of a person that should be allowed to be swayed. That part should be the part that is to show the fruits of the spirit. You can’t go wrong on being too generous to the poor or too helpful to the elderly or simply to those in need. It is good to be swayed in the areas of those. But if there is a constant, thick brick wall there, blocking the way to the heart, that no one can get to, then the reputation of being a wicked man, no one can talk to him is going to be there. I pray that I am approachable. I pray that I can be talked to and swayed in the ways of good. I pray that for all of us who read this. Johnny Out.

Prayer List: 4-25-06

Last Updated: 4/25/06

Prayer List:

1. Parents: financial difficulties.


2. Monroe Morgan: health issues.


3. Aunt Roxie: cancer.


4. Jenny’s brother to get a job.


5. Keith’s family, with the passing of his dad.


6. Jenny’s father to find a more secure job.


7. Johnny: find what’s wrong with leg and for it to be resolved.


8. Jenny: to get a raise in pay.


9. Ray: health issues.


10. Texas Rangers: to have a winning season, win the division, and a playoff game.


11. Dallas Mavericks: to go to the NBA Finals


12. Dallas Stars: to get a cup or two.


13. Brit White: herniated disk


14. Mary Jane Barenthaler: cancer


15. Alex Moreno: cancer


16. Dan Burns: kidney infection


17. Aja Jackson: brain mass


18. Larry Anderson: cancer


19. Father of Tammy Kelly: acute leukemia


20. David Daniels: cancer


21. Vernal Gautreaux: severe pneumonia


22. Alex Reyes: serious illness


23. Kendall Shephard: liver transplant


24. Natalie Shephard: leukemia


25. Amanda Drumheller: recovering from car accident


26. J.C. & Joann McDonald: critically ill


27. Alex Lynn’s father: recovering from surgery


28. Jerry Clark: cancer


29. Pioneer Café Owner to get a new heart.


30. Daniel Schuster: finish studies – get baptized


31. Christie Sachristie: to be restored


32. Meagan – Studies: to become “other-centered”

Side Study: Perfection?

April 24th, 2006

Side Study: Perfection?

I first want to share a different variation of an email I received this morning from a friend. This is actually “Perfection at the Plate,” a work of Rabbi Paysach Krohn which appeared in his 1999 book, Echoes of the Maggid:

In Brooklyn, New York, Chush is a school that caters to children with learning disabilities. Some children remain in Chush for their entire school career while others can transfer into conventional schools. At a Chush fund-raising dinner the father of a Chush child delivered a speech that always be remembered by all who attended.

After extolling the school and its dedicated staff he cried out, "Where is the perfection in my son Shaya? Everything God does is done with perfection. But my child cannot understand things as other children do. My child cannot remember facts and figures as other children do. Where is God's perfection?"

The audience was shocked by the question, pained by the father's anguish and stilled by the piercing query. "I believe," the father answered, "that when God brings a child like this into the world the perfection that he seeks is in the way people react to this child."

He then told the following story about his son Shaya:

One afternoon, Shaya and his father walked past a park where some boys whom Shaya knew were playing baseball. Shaya asked, "Do you think they will let me play?"

Shaya's father knew that his son was not at all athletic and that most boys would not want him on their team. But Shaya's father also understood that if his son was chosen to play it would give him a comfortable sense of belonging. Shaya's father approached one of the boys in the field and asked if Shaya could play. The boy looked around for guidance from his team mates. Getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said "We are losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him up to bat in the ninth inning."

Shaya's father was ecstatic as Shaya smiled broadly. Shaya was told to put on a glove and go out to play short centre field. In the bottom of the eighth inning Shaya's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the bottom of the ninth inning Shaya's team scored again and now, with two outs and the bases loaded with the potential winning run on base, Shaya was scheduled to be up. Would the team actually let Shaya bat at this juncture and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shaya was given the bat. Everyone knew that it was all but impossible because Shaya didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, let alone hit with it.

However, as Shaya stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shaya should at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shaya swung clumsily and missed. One of Shaya's team mates came up to Shaya and together they held the bat and faced the pitcher waiting for the next pitch.

The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly toward Shaya. As the pitch came in, Shaya and his team mate swung at the ball and together they hit a slow ground ball to the pitcher. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could easily have thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shaya would have been out and that would have ended the game.

Instead, the pitcher took the ball and threw it on a high arc to right field, far beyond reach of the first baseman. Everyone started yelling, "Shaya, run to first. Run to first." Never in his life had Shaya run to first. He scampered down the baseline wide eyed and startled. By the time he reached first base the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman who would tag out the still-running Shaya.

But the right fielder understood what the pitcher's intentions were so he threw the ball high and far over the third baseman's head. Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second." Shaya ran towards second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases towards home. As Shaya reached second base the opposing short stop ran to him, turned him in the direction of third base and shouted, "Run to third." As Shaya rounded third the boys from both teams ran behind him screaming, "Shaya run home." Shaya ran home, stepped on home plate and all 18 boys lifted him on their shoulders and made him the hero as he had just hit a "grand slam" and won the game for his team.

“That day,” said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, “those 18 boys reached their level of God's perfection.”

Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

And what happens when we aren’t perfect? What happens when we sin? What happens when there is that one thing we know about, that itches in such a way, that we continually fall into that sin? You see, I’ve have sinned. I was clean of smoking for just over a year, and then boom, I did it. I did it for two months, close to, anyway. I felt like Mr. Super Hypocrite. And I was… but the thing is… what is my response now? All the good things I can do, they won’t be enough to earn forgiveness. I can’t buy my way into be with God.

Matthew 13:1-9
Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’”

“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

1st Thessalonians 2:4
We are not trying to please men but God.

Romans 2:17-24
Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth — you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: “God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

Hebrews 4:13-14
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

1st Corinthians 10:12-13
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

1st Peter 5:8-9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Romans 7:24-25
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God — through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Now, I haven’t felt this way before about my sin, it being exposed and such. I used to be down in the mouth, going golly gee, I screwed up again… and even though I did screw up again, I have a different attitude. I have felt that I knew this one thing was holding me back. It’s been keeping me from making leaps in my faith. I’ve been doing works to please men, to try and earn my way into heaven. And the thing is, I can’t earn my way into heaven and my focus should be to please God and not man. My actions haven’t matched up with my words; at least in every case of my life… that one thing keeps holding me back. I am like the one who preaches against stealing and the steals. But in this case, I preach against smoking, and then smoke. And even though I held out over a year, being clean and sober, I stumbled in my walk… I gave into self-pressure, not peer, not anyone else, it was me and my sinful nature who choose to do its sinful desires and I smoked. And smoking is common to man, as is drinking, gambling, and sexual immorality. Heck, even murder is pretty common these days, although it is frowned upon outside the military and government. But the thing is, somehow I missed my “billboard” somewhere along the way. Maybe it was the one year part, maybe it is the frustration of my leg pain, maybe it is the fact that the earth is round, I don’t know. But, irregardless, I know that I did wrong and I am ready to face the music, whatever that tune may be. I will be giving a call to some today… I love you all, Johnny Out.

Prayer List: 4-24-06

Last Updated: 4/24/06

Prayer List:

1. Parents: financial difficulties.


2. Monroe Morgan: health issues.


3. Aunt Roxie: cancer.


4. Jenny’s brother to get a job.


5. Keith’s family, with the passing of his dad.


6. Jenny’s father to find a more secure job.


7. Johnny: find what’s wrong with leg and for it to be resolved.


8. Jenny: to get a raise in pay.


9. Ray: health issues.


10. Texas Rangers: to have a winning season, win the division, and a playoff game.


11. Dallas Mavericks: to go to the NBA Finals


12. Dallas Stars: to get a cup or two.


13. Brit White: herniated disk


14. Mary Jane Barenthaler: cancer


15. Alex Moreno: cancer


16. Dan Burns: kidney infection


17. Aja Jackson: brain mass


18. Larry Anderson: cancer


19. Father of Tammy Kelly: acute leukemia


20. David Daniels: cancer


21. Vernal Gautreaux: severe pneumonia


22. Alex Reyes: serious illness


23. Kendall Shephard: liver transplant


24. Natalie Shephard: leukemia


25. Amanda Drumheller: recovering from car accident


26. J.C. & Joann McDonald: critically ill


27. Alex Lynn’s father: recovering from surgery


28. Jerry Clark: cancer


29. Pioneer Café Owner to get a new heart.

The Tongue - Edition #18: Kind Words

April 23rd, 2006

The Tongue – Edition #18: Kind Words

“One kind word can warm three winter months.”
Japanese Proverb

“Kind words don't wear out the tongue.”
“Kind words heal friendship's wounds.”
“Kind words will unlock an iron door.”
(From worldofquotes.com)

Proverbs 12:25
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

A friend just sent this to me, as a matter fact. So here it goes.

• FIRST NAME?


• Jonathon


• WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?


• Biblical name, although the spelling is different. Really, I am not sure…


• WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?


• I don’t know… it was fairly recent. I guess I should get over it and get on.


• DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?


• I guess so. I’ve had it all my life. I can read it, so it doesn’t bother me.


• WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT?


• Ham.


• KIDS?


• One.


• IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?


• Most definitely… although I would think that I’m weird, which would be true.


• DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?


• Yes. Several, as a matter of fact.


• DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?


• I used to, but I am trying to tone it down a little, which is really hard, you know.


• DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?


• Nope… that’s when I found out that I was allergic to codeine.


• WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?


• Yes. I’ve already done some similar type rides and wouldn’t hold back all if someone got me back out there.


• WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?


• Count Chocula. Although, I am choosing healthier cereals these days… which bites.


• DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?


• No… should I?


• DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?


• Physically speaking, NO. NO-NO-NO-NO-NO… mentally, no. Spiritually, maybe.


• WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?


• Tin Roof, hand down. But I get what’s on sale, normally the double churned, because it’s just so good.


• SHOE SIZE?


• 10 ½ to 11 depending on the brand.


• RED OR PINK?


• Blue. Red, between the two – Warrior Red, Baby!!!


• WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT ME?


• Priorities. Sometimes due to priorities I loose sight of the big picture.


• WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?


• Well, after burning so many bridges, and then mending most of them back again, I really miss one of the best guys around… Mr. Ren himself, who sent this to me.


• DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?


• Not really important to get this shot back to me.


• WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?


• Blue jeans (kinda faded blue jeans) and I just took of my shoes, which were black and white Vans.


• LAST THING YOU ATE?


• Chicken strips from Jack in the Box.


• WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?


• Well, really nothing… I do hear Monsters, Inc. in the background, which my son is watching and then there is the washer and dryer running… but I am not listening to it intently.


• IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?


• You know what, I would want to be one of those crayons that is multicolored… you know, the ones that have like a swirl of colors in there…


• FAVORITE SMELL?


• That smell of ozone right after it rains.


• WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?


• Mary, who did help me out so much in my plans for tomorrow… well, really, she helped my wife in her plans to help encourage someone whose father recently passed away.


• THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?


• A lit up face! I love it when my wife smiles from ear to ear! It’s awesome jelly man.


• DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?


• He’s mondo cool. And his laugh is too much!


• FAVORITE DRINK?


• Cherry Vanilla Coke!


• FAVORITE SPORT?


• Really? Really??!! The only sport that matters, baby, BASEBALL!


• Eye Color:


• Green, so says the better half.


• HAT SIZE?


• Large, but I think it’s like 8 ½ but I’m not so sure… the fitted hat I am wearing right now simply says large.


• DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?


• If I didn’t, I would really look like the nerd I am…


• FAVORITE FOOD?


• “The Dish” which I think is Pork Chop Casserole… I simply know it as the dish, which my wife makes when we normally have company over.


• SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING?


• Scary Movies, hands down. I simply love to be scared out of my mind.


• LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED AT THE MOVIES?


• Harry Potter and the Ring of Power… no wait, that’s the story I wrote online. It was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, I think… the last Harry movie.


• WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?


• Blue.


• SUMMER OR WINTER?


• I must agree with the Renmeister, Spring is best… but between the two, I would disagree… Winter. Hey, you got Valentine’s Day and Christmas and Ren’s birthday. What more can you ask for?


• HUGS OR KISSES?


• Hugs


• FAVORITE DESSERT?


• You know, I really dig those warm delights… they really are solid.


• WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?


• My wife.


• LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?


• Ren, since he sent to me.


• WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?


• Bible Code, Repentance, The Guilty Souls Guide to Grace, an HTML book, and some others…


• WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?


• Ranger Game, of course. Koronka looked simply mesmerizing.


• FAVORITE SOUNDS?


• My son laughing and cooing.


• ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES?


• Dude, the stones need to retire. Seriously… Mick Jagger is what, like 80 now? The Beatles rule simply because they are not around anymore.


• THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME?


• Jamaica, man.


• WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN?


• Clinton, OK back in 3/25/1974… that’s the home of the route 66 museum. If I didn’t tell you, I’m sure you wouldn’t know…


• WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?


• The Renmeister himself.

Galatians 5:22-26
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

The way one speaks says a lot about the fruit of a person… it, in my mind, leads to what kind of fruit that person gets. When one lashes out at someone, how can that be love, kindness, or gentleness?

Kind (adj.):

1. Of a friendly, generous, or warm-hearted nature.


2. Showing sympathy or understanding; charitable.


3. Humane; considerate.


4. Forbearing; tolerant.


5. Generous; liberal.

Gentle (adj.):

1. Considerate or kindly in disposition; amiable and tender.


2. Not harsh or severe; mild and soft.


3. Easily managed or handled; docile.

So, I’ve been thinking that it is pretty much like this: the fruit of the tongue is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I try to imagine a way that everything that comes out of my mouth is great. It’s not like that, but I have noticed some improvements, some changes, per se, in my actions. I was at midweek on Thursday and I used a seed analogy (I watch too much Pixar movies – this actually comes from “A Bug’s Life”). Change is like a seed; you want the plant to grow as quickly as possible, but to get it to grow, you have to take care of it. You water it, you make sure it is planted in good soil, and during this whole process, it takes time. To create a tree, you don’t plant it on Monday and boom Tuesday morning it’s a tree with apples galore. It doesn’t work like. And with this study, I am starting to see some growth in my life. I wish Todd would’ve emailed me about Saturday; I would’ve been there in a heart beat. That’s my favorite kind of reaching out. But back to talking, to be kind, you have to be warm-hearted, so to speak kind words, there has to be a constant within the heart that is warm. That means being kind to everyone. And everyone means everybody, which means every person I come in contact with… including the government workers. And to be honest, those at the postal office really need a kind word, just to cheer them up every once and a while. Anyway, I think I have reached the end point of today’s study. Johnny Out.