Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #7

July 29^th, 2007

A Heating Pad for My Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #7

Here are the three OT definitions I have found to translate into “Repent”:

Job 42:6 Repent (verb): nâcham:

• To be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted, be moved to pity, have compassion, rue, suffer grief, repent, ease oneself, have compassion

2^nd Chronicles 6:37 Repent (verb): shûb (pronounced: shoob):

• To return, turn back
• To turn back (to God), repent
• Turn back (from evil)
• To restore, refresh, repair (figuratively)
• To be returned, be restored, be brought back

Job 34:33 Repent (verb): shâlam (Pronounced: shaw-lam')

• A primitive root; to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively to be (causatively make) completed; by implication to be friendly; by extension to reciprocate (in various applications): - make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace (-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper (prosperous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, X surely.

If you would like to vote for Pedro… click here: Napoleon Dynamite. Anyway, I am going to move straight into the New Testament. On a personal note, this study has really helped me. It’s also been a bonus that my distractions are going away. The statistics this morning were puzzling. I didn’t realize that only 4% on Americans believe in Jesus (born 1984 to present).

Here is how religion ranks in the world.

• Christianity: 2.1 billion
• Islam: 1.3 billion
• Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion
• Hinduism: 900 million
• Chinese traditional religion: 394 million
• Buddhism: 376 million
• primal-indigenous: 300 million
• African Traditional & Diasporic: 100 million
• Sikhism: 23 million
• Juche: 19 million
• Spiritism: 15 million
• Judaism: 14 million
• Baha'i: 7 million
• Jainism: 4.2 million
• Shinto: 4 million
• Cao Dai: 4 million
• Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million
• Tenrikyo: 2 million
• Neo-Paganism: 1 million
• Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand
• Rastafarianism: 600 thousand
• Scientology: 500 thousand

This was a study done in 2005. I found this at Adherents.com and thought to post it here. If this study is true, and the study showing that only 4% of Americans born 1984 or later is true, one of two things then is true (maybe both): #1 – The believers in America are aging and/or #2 – there are growing numbers outside of the United States. Either way, the 4% simply shows that Christianity is dying in the United States. And for me, that is the most disturbing thing I have seen in a long time. “In God We Trust” is a dying thing in the United States. I do have hope, though, in this statistic. Once you hit the age of 12 and younger, how many Christians can there really be? Obviously, that is going to pull the number down considerably. You have a range of numbers from 23 years of age all the way down to the age of a newborn. How many newborns profess to love Christ and follow his example daily? How many newborns can hold their head up when they are one day old? Yep. I haven’t met or even heard of one, which is my point.

There are still youngster’s out there who will have a bad marriage, habits, finances, and lifestyle, just to name a few things off my head. There’s a country that could use a little God, a little Jesus, in their life.

Repent.

Repentance first shows up in Matthew 3 in the New Testament. John the Baptist or Baptizer uses the word.

Matthew 3:1-12

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

What’s cool about this scripture is that I have seen a threshing floor. I know how the wheat is sifted out from the chaff. It’s a pretty neat process and really brings this scripture to life for me. Wheat is heavier than chaff. What happens is when the sifting process takes place, the chaff is blown away by the wind and the wheat, which is heavier, will remain in the barn. The person doing the sifting will just lift up the wheat with the chaff in it and begin shuffling them in the sifter (I guess that is what it is called), and the chaff will simply blow away. And that, in a “Cliff Notes” version, is how it is done. Anyway, I digress.

Matthew 3:2 Repent - metanoeō - (pronounced met-an-o-eh'-o):

• To think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction): - repent.

Matthew 3:8, 11 Repentance – metanoia – (pronounced met-an'-oy-ah):

• (Subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication reversal (of [another’s] decision): - repentance.
• A change of mind, as it appears to one who repents, of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done.

This is what repentance is, a change of mind, to think differently. A reversal of what I used to think, I should think a different way. If I go to work, do I think that the company is cheating me, or do I try to give them the best performance an employee can give? When I drive on the highway, do I respect the law and government before me and give the best effort as a citizen of this fine country, or do I speed 5 or 10 miles and do rolling stops at the stop signs? I still struggle with the later, personally. I need to be more careful (more considerate and respectful of the law) and not rush myself when I come to a stop sign.

There are a considerable amount of scriptures on repentance in the New Testament. I’ll be flat-out honest, I don’t think I will hit them all in this series… in fact, I am not even certain I am going to continue the “Spit-Water” series after today. I might. I actually think that I am going to begin studying something else instead. I don’t know. We will see, won’t we… Johnny Out.

Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #6

July 28^th, 2007

Recovery from... Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #6

Here are the three OT definitions I have found to translate into “Repent”:

Job 42:6 Repent (verb): nâcham:

• To be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted, be moved to pity, have compassion, rue, suffer grief, repent, ease oneself, have compassion

2^nd Chronicles 6:37 Repent (verb): shûb (pronounced: shoob):

• To return, turn back
• To turn back (to God), repent
• Turn back (from evil)
• To restore, refresh, repair (figuratively)
• To be returned, be restored, be brought back

Job 34:33 Repent (verb): shâlam (Pronounced: shaw-lam')

• A primitive root; to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively to be (causatively make) completed; by implication to be friendly; by extension to reciprocate (in various applications): - make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace (-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper (prosperous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, X surely.

Now, onto Today’s study… I found this at www.crosswalk.com which gives a definition of repentance.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Repentance:

There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance.

• The verb metamelomai is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matthew 27:3).
• Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with the cognate noun metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised.

Evangelical repentance consists of:

• A true sense of one's own guilt and sinfulness;
• An apprehension of God's mercy in Christ;
• An actual hatred of sin (Psalms 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2^nd Corinthians 7:10) and turning from it to God;
• And a persistent endeavor after a holy life in a walking with God in the way of his commandments.
• The true penitent is conscious of guilt (Psalms 51:4, 9), of pollution (51:5, 7, 10), and of helplessness (51:11; 109:21, 22). Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always seen him to be and declares him to be. But repentance comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an apprehension of mercy, without which there can be no true repentance (Psalms 51:1; 130:4).

Well, that’s easy for them to say. Very well, I am going to check into this myself and see what it says. It was odd, though, that during the search this morning, I did a Google search of “shub” and “repent” and stumbled across a Lesbian-Christian website. What’s even more interesting is that the lady who has the website did a study on Romans. She calls herself a heretic in that study. I don’t even know what that is, but it sounds like one of those words that means fake. Well, I guess I will look that up first and then move forward, just because I am curious.

Heretic (noun):

• A professed believer who maintains religious opinions contrary to those accepted by his or her church or rejects doctrines prescribed by that church.
• Roman Catholic Church. A baptized Roman Catholic who willfully and persistently rejects any article of faith
• Anyone who does not conform to an established attitude, doctrine, or principle.

What this woman brings as an argument is the argument of the whole hair issue (coverings, woman speech in the church, etc.). And because she reads these things and sees her church act differently, she then feels if one part of the scripture can be broken, why not the rest. She can live a lesbian lifestyle, worship idols, have a greedy in her heart, heck I don’t see why she just doesn’t rationalize killing. As far as the Bible is concerned, sin is sin. Killing isn’t any worse than stealing, according to the Bible. Both separate you from God. Off the soap-box.

Matthew 27:3 (NIV)

When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.

Matthew 27:3 Repent (verb): metamellomai (pronounced: met-am-el'-lom-ahee)

• To care afterwards, that is, regret: - repent (self).
• It is a care to one afterwards; it repents one, to repent one’s self.

What? Where is the repent in this verse?

Mat 27:3

(ASV) Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

(BBE) Then Judas, who was false to him, seeing that he was to be put to death, in his regret took back the thirty bits of silver to the chief priests and those in authority,

(CEV) Judas had betrayed Jesus, but when he learned that Jesus had been sentenced to death, he was sorry for what he had done. He returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and leaders

(Darby) Then Judas, who delivered him up, seeing that he had been condemned, filled with remorse, returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders,

(GNB) When Judas, the traitor, learned that Jesus had been condemned, he repented and took back the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.

(ISV) Then Judas, who had betrayed him, regretted what had happened when he saw that Jesus was condemned. He brought the thirty pieces of silver back to the high priests and elders,

(KJV) Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

(Webster) Then Judas, who had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

(NCV) Judas, the one who had given Jesus to his enemies, saw that they had decided to kill Jesus. Then he was very sorry for what he had done. So he took the thirty silver coins back to the priests and the leaders,

The kicker is what Judas did with his repentant heart. He killed himself. Not really showing the fruits of his repentance with actions such as that. I guess he hung it out to dry… (OK, bad pun…)

Psalm 51

God, be merciful to me because you are loving. Because you are always ready to be merciful, wipe out all my wrongs. Wash away all my guilt and make me clean again. I know about my wrongs, and I can't forget my sin. You are the only one I have sinned against; I have done what you say is wrong. You are right when you speak and fair when you judge. I was brought into this world in sin. In sin my mother gave birth to me. You want me to be completely truthful, so teach me wisdom.

Take away my sin, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Make me hear sounds of joy and gladness; let the bones you crushed be happy again. Turn your face from my sins and wipe out all my guilt. Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again. Do not send me away from you or take your Holy Spirit away from me. Give me back the joy of your salvation. Keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit. Then I will teach your ways to those who do wrong, and sinners will turn back to you.

God, save me from the guilt of murder, God of my salvation, and I will sing about your goodness. Lord, let me speak so I may praise you. You are not pleased by sacrifices, or I would give them. You don't want burnt offerings. The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit. God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin. Do whatever good you wish for Jerusalem. Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with right sacrifices and whole burnt offerings, and bulls will be offered on your altar.

This Psalm covers a lot about what repentance really is and is not. David doesn’t blame others for what he did. Instead he takes the blame completely and totally. Another noteworthy thing is that David did not even blame Bathsheba for his actions. “I have done what you say is wrong,” he says. He doesn’t list off what others have done to justify himself. Instead he rightfully stands up for his iniquities.

I have been lukewarm. I will change.

Johnny Out.

Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #5

July 27^th, 2007

Directions for Prescription #2 for… Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #5

A hamburger walked into a bar, climbed up onto a bar stool, looked at the bartender and ordered a nice cold iced tea. The bartender looked at the hamburger for a moment and replied, “I’m sorry sir, but I can’t sell you that drink.” The hamburger thought about this for a second and said, “Why can’t you sell me a drink?” After looking at the hamburger for another moment, the bartender replied, “I’m sorry; we don’t serve food in here.”

Here’s where I left off in yesterday’s QT:

Job 42:6 Repent (verb): nâcham:

• To be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted, be moved to pity, have compassion, rue, suffer grief, repent, ease oneself, have compassion

2^nd Chronicles 6:37 Repent (verb): shûb (pronounced: shoob):

• To return, turn back
• To turn back (to God), repent
• Turn back (from evil)
• To restore, refresh, repair (figuratively)
• To be returned, be restored, be brought back

This raises the question in my mind… what does the New Testament say (in the Greek) about repentance? Are there any other definitions in the Old Testament about repentance? I could take the “easy road” and read the book Repentance, but studying it out this way will make it stick. And when scripture sticks, it is a wonderful thing.

Job uses the word “repent” two other times.

Job 34:33

Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know.

There is yet another Hebrew word for repent used here.

Job 34:33 Repent (verb): shâlam (Pronounced: shaw-lam')

• A primitive root; to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively to be (causatively make) completed; by implication to be friendly; by extension to reciprocate (in various applications): - make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace (-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper (prosperous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, X surely.

This seems to be the more talked about “repent” from what I can recall. But then, the word “shub” or repent shows up for a second time in Job 36:10.

Job 36:10

He makes them listen to correction and commands them to repent of their evil.

There are a total of 12 scriptures in the NIV in the Old Testament that use “repent”.

Ezekiel 18:25-32

“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear, O house of Israel: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin, he will die for it; because of the sin he has committed he will die. But if a wicked man turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life. Because he considers all the offenses he has committed and turns away from them, he will surely live; he will not die. Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?”

“Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!”

God uses the word “repent” in Ezekiel. The word that is used here is “shub” (pronounced: shoob). In fact, the second sentence in the second paragraph could actually read like this:

Ezekiel 18:30 (b)

Repent! Repent from all you offenses…

Yep. That’s right, the word’s “Turn away” also come from the Hebrew “shub”. So in three verses, God says to repent, or to turn away, using the Hebrew word “shub”. And not only that, the chapter is closed out with a “Repent and live”. Turn away from sin and live. Earlier in the book, God also says to repent. That’s in Ezekiel 14:6. The word used for “repent” is also “shub”.

Ezekiel 14:1-6

Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me. Then the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? Therefore speak to them and tell them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face and then goes to a prophet, I the LORD will answer him myself in keeping with his great idolatry. I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols.' Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!”

And that last part, it can read like this, should they ever want to print it this way: Turn away! Turn away from you idols and repent from all your detestable practices!

“Shub” is used three times in that one verse. Repent from idol worship and repent from detestable practices.

Hosea 11:5 and Isaiah 59:20 use “shub”, as does both Jeremiah scriptures (5:3 & 11:19). And I haven’t even hit the New Testament. I’m not sure if I am going to study more in the Old Testament about shub and research more into that, or if I will instead check into the NT. That decision will be made as a “game-time-decision”. And for those who don’t know what that means, I will make that call when I step up to the keyboard and start typing. Check you later, Johnny Out.

Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #4

July 26^th, 2007

Prescription #2 for… Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #4

I wonder, what time of the day was Adam born? I guess it was a little before eve. Now, I normally don’t fill these things out anymore, but I just thought… why not. I edited it, of course, so there is no requirement to forward this to your great Grandmother or anything like that.

Two Names You Go By:

• Daddy
• Johnny

Two Things I am wearing right now:

• Pants
• Underwear
  

Two things You Want/Have in a Relationship:

• Admiration
• Recreational Companionship

Two of Your Favorite Things to do:

• Go to Ranger Games
• Running (soon to be replaced by FISHING!)

Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment:

• Pain Relief
• Sleep

Two pets you had/have:

• Hampster
• Cat: Shadow

Two things you did last night:

• Sleep
• More Sleep

Two people that live in your house:

• Jenny
• Mack

Two people you talked to last:

• Jenny
• Mack

Two things you are doing tomorrow:

• Exercise
• Cook

Two Longest Car Rides:

• Trip to Knoxville, TN
• Trip to Colorado Springs, CO

Two Favorite Holidays:

• Summer Vacation (what is that?)
• Christmas

Two favorite foods:

• That Cake My Wife Makes for My Birthday!
• Tin Roof Ice Cream

Two favorite colors:

• Red
• Blue

I guess I should recap the first three Editions before I move forward. That would be nice. Edition #1, I looked over briefly what it is like to be lukewarm, or spit-water. It's basically not adding the qualities that are in 2nd Peter 1. Edition #2 was studying out worrying and treatment for the problem. Edition #3 was looking at repentance. And this edition will be more and more about change or repentance.

2nd Chronicles 6:36-39
“When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to a land far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity and say, 'We have sinned, we have done wrong and acted wickedly'; and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their captivity where they were taken, and pray toward the land you gave their fathers, toward the city you have chosen and toward the temple I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their pleas, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you.”

This passage was also in 1st Kings 8. Solomon lays it out. Everyone sins. And for the first time in the Old Testament (NIV), the word "repent" is used. The concept has been there the entire time. Genesis 4, if you do what is right, you will be accepted, but if you do what is wrong, sin is crouching at your door. Cane had not done the right thing before. And the he took it a step further, after talking with God himself, he kills his brother. He could have repented and offered the first-fruits of his crops. But he didn't... and the rest, well, is history.

Job exhibits repentance in Job 42. Take a look:

Job 42:1-6
Then Job replied to the LORD: “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

Let's compare the "repent" from Job and the "repent" in 2nd Chronicles. This should be fun...

Job 42:6 Repent (verb): (pronounced: nâcham):

• To be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted, be moved to pity, have compassion, rue, suffer grief, repent, ease oneself, have compassion

2^nd Chronicles 6:37 Repent (verb): (pronounced: shûb):

• To return, turn back
• To turn back (to God), repent
• Turn back (from evil)
• To restore, refresh, repair (figuratively)
• To be returned, be restored, be brought back

The definitions on 2nd Chronicles were huge, so that is by far an abbreviated version. If you are interested in what the BDB and Strong have to say, download E-Sword at E-Sword.net. It's free and wonderful. These two words are very much different. At least, that is what I see. Shub has nothing to do with being comforted. In fact, the Job and Chronicles seem like different actions altogether. One deals with pity and compassion. The other deals with a change in direction (turning back). The question that rests upon my tongue is this: could they both be repentance, the repentance that God wants for me? I don't know. I know the change is what I have always thought of when I learned about repentance. I'm not so sure about the other. This is more than interesting. I can't wait to check out more on this. Johnny Out.

Sunday's Message: Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER

Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER

I’ve found myself to be lukewarm. Wouldn’t it be great if I could just snap my fingers and turn things back to normal? If I were a computer, I could add/remove someone in my life using the control panel. I could put my son in the recycle bin and restore him when I feel like it (Talk about a time out…). I could improve my appearance by adjusting the display settings. I could turn off the speakers when life gets too noisy. I could click on “find” (Ctrl, F) to recover my lost remote control and car keys, which would be tremendously helpful. To get my daily exercise, just click on "run"… and if I mess up my life, I could simply press "Ctrl, Alt, Delete" and start all over. But, I’m not a computer. I can’t run the “Turn to Jesus” software and kick-start my heart back in motion. I see what I need to do, I simply pray that if I go through the motions again, motivation will follow. I sure do need it.

Point #1 “Check-Up”

I need to see the spiritual doctor. I have felt blah spiritually. I doubt I’m the only one who’s felt like that, but maybe I’m wrong and everyone in this whole-wide world is just a juggernaut in the BIBLE. Frustrating! They knock out scripture left and right. They’re Super-Hero Christians. I asked my wife if I was cold spiritually. I didn’t want to be lukewarm and I knew I wasn’t hot spiritually… I was actually hoping that I was cold, so that I would be something useful, even though I’m not right. I don’t know, but at least I wouldn’t be spit water.

Then my wife shared this passage with me:

2^nd Peter 1:2-11

Grace and peace be given to you more and more, because you truly know God and Jesus our Lord. Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus called us by his glory and goodness. Through these he gave us the very great and precious promises. With these gifts you can share in being like God, and the world will not ruin you with its evil desires.

Because you have these blessings, do your best to add these things to your lives: to your faith, add goodness; and to your goodness, add knowledge; and to your knowledge, add self-control; and to your self-control, add patience; and to your patience, add service for God; and to your service for God, add kindness for your brothers and sisters in Christ; and to this kindness, add love. If all these things are in you and are growing, they will help you to be useful and productive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But anyone who does not have these things cannot see clearly. He is blind and has forgotten that he was made clean from his past sins. My brothers and sisters, try hard to be certain that you really are called and chosen by God. If you do all these things, you will never fall. And you will be given a very great welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

That passage led me to this passage – the motivation scripture:

Revelation 2:16

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

That's pretty straight forward. If I'm not hot or cold, then I am spit water. Seriously, I don't know what a "cold" Christian is, but I can't think of it as being really good. Still, this passage inquires that it is of some use. A "hot" Christian is of some use, as well. We already looked at 2nd Peter 1:2-11, which gives good instruction, so long as you have faith to build on.

I believe I’ve been subtracting a lot lately. But here in 2^nd Peter, the scripture shows that I need to add. I need the foundation of faith. I need to throw a “plus goodness” and a “plus patience” to that faith. Of course, I need to “plus love”, because you just can’t have enough love. Maybe my love will overflow out of my mouth because ‘by the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks’. That’s in Matthew 12:34, if you want to check it out.

The next day, I began to feel it: life and a passion for God. I started looking at scripture throughout the day, pondering and thinking what I would put in my quiet times at night. So, I started with what is my next point.

Point #2: Treatment

Matthew 6:25-27

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

I’ve come up with a non-original idea of spiritual math, which tells me that "worrying" doesn't add anything to the equation. Actually, I it takes away from life. Pharmaceutical companies make a good chunk of change off of those who spend their time worrying a bundle. It is a subtraction. How do I know? Check this out...

Matthew 13:18-23

"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

Since worrying chokes spirituality, worrying is a subtraction in spiritual math. AND worrying makes a person “lukewarm.”

1st Corinthians 11:1-16

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. I praise you because you remember me in everything, and you follow closely the teachings just as I gave them to you. But I want you to understand this: The head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame to his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered brings shame to her head. She is the same as a woman who has her head shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. But since it is shameful for a woman to cut off her hair or to shave her head, she should cover her head. But a man should not cover his head, because he is the likeness and glory of God. But woman is man's glory. Man did not come from woman, but woman came from man. And man was not made for woman, but woman was made for man. So that is why a woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. But in the Lord women are not independent of men, and men are not independent of women. This is true because woman came from man, but also man is born from woman. But everything comes from God. Decide this for yourselves: Is it right for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Even nature itself teaches you that wearing long hair is shameful for a man. But long hair is a woman's glory. Long hair is given to her as a covering. Some people may still want to argue about this, but I would add that neither we nor the churches of God have any other practice.

The way I read this is like this: the woman is the man's glory. And if the man wants the woman to have long hair, Brilliant! And if he wants her to have short hair, that’s great as well. It really is for us to decide. The last verse really clears it up for me: we don't have a practice about it. I want to say that this means: they don't care all that much. After verse 16, it talks about divisions within the congregation (clicks in the congregation). I am sure some were women with long hair and others with short hair. That's why in verse 16, they say that arguments are not their cup of tea. And it shouldn't be. Does God love a long-haired woman more than a short-haired woman? I think he loves them and accepts them equally. He just doesn’t want the church to be split up by what is really a “non-spiritual” issue.

Here's the thing. The Bible is as relevant today as it was yesterday and it will be just as relevant tomorrow. This passage isn't really about hair. It's about arguments and divisions. And verse 16 says that the church is not to participate in such things.

Point #3: Prescription

I think Proverbs is the way to go. If I need straight out direction from the Bible with no corners cut, then Proverbs will tell it to you straight. For example: In Proverbs chapter 12 and verse one, it says: “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” That is telling it like it is. You’re stupid if you don’t like to be corrected. Or you could just say that you’re dumb. Either way, it’s not an uplifting characteristic.

Proverbs 1:1-7

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young - let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance - for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

See, there it is. You’re a fool if you despise discipline. That’s what the Bible says.

Proverbs 9:7-12

"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."

Proverbs 30:5-6

"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar."

I went to my E-Sword, which gave a definition of the word “add” in Proverbs.

BDB Definition: Proverbs “add” is yâsaph which, of course, is a verb:

• To add, increase, to join, join oneself to, to be joined, be added to, to cause to add, increase, to do more

So when looking at the passages, you can see that adding and joining are essentially the same. Think about that. I can join myself with knowledge. I can join myself with guidance. HOW GREAT IS THAT???!!! And then to think of 2nd Peter and all the things I can join to my very being, its mind boggling. I am truly digging this series.

And, of course, Proverbs 30 (like in Revelation 22 verse 18 and 19) shows that there is a subtraction if a person is to add to the words of God. I am sure the same applies if someone emits or cuts out from the words of God.

Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #3

July 14^th, 2007

Prescription #1 for... Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #3

An old friend of mine sent this to me and I have held onto it for a bit now. I made some changes to it (of course, I normally do), but I kept the overall feeling of the email. Enjoy...

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where you could read it everyday. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world that love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10.When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

So... If you are a loving friend, send this to someone and brighten their day. You may not get it back, but it is better to give than receive.

And always remember... when life hands you lemons, make Lemon Delight Cheesecake (recipe below)!

Good friends are like stars... You don't always see them, But you know they are always there.

Lemon Delight Cheesecake

Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ Cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
• ¼ Cup Sugar
• ½ Cup Margarine, Melted
• 1 Env. Unflavored Gelatin
• 1/3 Cup Cold Water
• 1/3 Cup Lemon Juice
• 3 Large Eggs, Separated
• ½ Cup Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon Grated Lemon Peel
• 16 oz Cream Cheese, Softened (Or use 2 8-oz containers of Philly soft cream cheese.)
  

Directions:

• Combine crumbs, sugar and margarine; reserve 1/2 cup. Press remaining onto bottom of 9-inch spring-form pan.
• Soften gelatin in water, stir over low heat until dissolved. Add juice, egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar, and peel; cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat, 5 minutes.
• Gradually add to cream cheese, mixing at medium speed on electric mixer until well blended.
• Beat egg whites, until foamy; gradually add remaining sugar beating until stiff peaks form.
• Fold into cream cheese mixture; pour over crust.
• Top with reserved crumbs; chill until firm.

I hope you enjoy the recipe. I'm not really sure what "Env." stands for, maybe envelope? Yeah, I don't know at all.

In the NIV Bible, the word "add" is used only 32 times. Nine times it is used in Leviticus. I think I should look at Leviticus and focus on those nine scriptures. Today? I don't know. I am interested, though. Maybe tomorrow.

Old Testament:

• 1 passage in Genesis
• 9 passages in Leviticus
  
• 1 passage in Numbers
• 3 passages in Deuteronomy
  
• 1 passage in 2nd Samuel
• 1 passage in 2nd Kings
  
• 1 passage in 1st Chronicles
• 1 passage in 2nd Chronicles
  
• 3 passages in Proverbs
• 3 passages in Isaiah
• 2 passages in Jeremiah
  
• 1 passage in Ezekiel
  

New Testament:

• 1 passage in Matthew
• 1 passage in Luke
• 1 passage in Galatians
  
• 1 passage in 2nd Peter
  
• 1 passage in Revelation

Luke says the same thing that Matthew said in Edition #2, so I will not look into that, at least on purpose. I may hit it anyway in this study, but I won't guarantee it.

Proverbs 1:1-7
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young - let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance - for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 9:7-12
"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."

Proverbs 30:5-6
"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar."

Proverbs (add):
yâsaph (verb):
BDB Definition:

• To add, increase, do again, to join, join oneself to, to be joined, be added to, to cause to add, increase, to do more, do again

Adding and joining at essentially the same. Think about that... I can join myself with knowledge. I can join myself with guidance. HOW GREAT IS THAT???!!! And then to think of 2nd Peter and all the things I can join to my very being, it's mind boggling. I am truly digging this series.

And, of course, Proverbs 30 (like in the last chapter in Revelation) shows that there is a subtraction if a person is to add to the words of God. I am sure the same applies if someone emits or cuts out from the words of God. Anyway, Johnny Out.

Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #2

July 13^th, 2007

Treatment for... Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #2

Well. What can I say? I'm starting to feel it again. Life and a passion for God. I've looked at scripture throughout the day, pondering and thinking what I would type in here tonight. I guess I will just list the scriptures and go from there.

First off, the motivation scripture:

Revelation 2:16
So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

That's pretty straight forward. If I'm not hot or cold, then I am spit water. I don't know what a "cold" Christian is, but I can't think of it as being really good. Still, this passage inquires that it is of some use. A "hot" Christian is of some use, as well. I already looked at 2nd Peter 1:2-11, which gives good instruction.

Here's some more scriptures:

Matthew 6:25-27
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Spiritual math tells me that "worrying" doesn't add anything to the equation. Actually, I would think that it is a subtraction. Check this out...

Matthew 13:18-23
"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

Since worrying chokes spirituality, worrying is a subtraction in spiritual math. Worrying makes a person "lukewarm".

1st Corinthians 11:1-16
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. I praise you because you remember me in everything, and you follow closely the teachings just as I gave them to you. But I want you to understand this: The head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame to his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered brings shame to her head. She is the same as a woman who has her head shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. But since it is shameful for a woman to cut off her hair or to shave her head, she should cover her head. But a man should not cover his head, because he is the likeness and glory of God. But woman is man's glory. Man did not come from woman, but woman came from man. And man was not made for woman, but woman was made for man. So that is why a woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. But in the Lord women are not independent of men, and men are not independent of women. This is true because woman came from man, but also man is born from woman. But everything comes from God. Decide this for yourselves: Is it right for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Even nature itself teaches you that wearing long hair is shameful for a man. But long hair is a woman's glory. Long hair is given to her as a covering. Some people may still want to argue about this, but I would add that neither we nor the churches of God have any other practice.

They way I read this is like this... and I will open up my E-Sword and check out the Greek... is that the woman is the man's glory. If the man wants the woman to have long hair, GREAT! If he wants her to have short hair? GREAT! It really is for us to decide. The last verse really clears it up for me: we don't have a practice about it. I want to say that this means: they don't care all that much. After verse 16, it talks about divisions within the congregation (clicks in the congregation). I am sure some were women with long hair and others with short hair. That's why in verse 16, they say that arguments are not their cup of tea. And it shouldn't be. Does God love a long-haired woman more than a short-haired woman. I think he loves them and accepts them equally.

Here's the thing. The Bible is as relevant today as it was yesterday and it will be just as relevant tomorrow. This passage isn't really about hair. It's about arguments and divisions. And verse 16 says that the church is not to participate in such things. Johnny Out.

Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #1

July 12^th, 2007

I went in for a “Check-Up”… Diagnosis: SPIT-WATER – Edition #1

I need to see the spiritual doctor. I have felt blah spiritually. I doubt I’m the only one who’s felt like that, but maybe I’m wrong and everyone in this whole-wide world is just a juggernaut in the BIBLE. AAARRRGGGHHH!!! They knock out scripture left and right. They’re Super-Hero Christians. I asked my wife if I was cold spiritually. I didn’t want to be lukewarm and I knew I wasn’t hot spiritually… I was actually hoping that I was cold, so that I would be something… I don’t know what, but at least I wouldn’t be spit water.

2^nd Peter 1:2-11

Grace and peace be given to you more and more, because you truly know God and Jesus our Lord. Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus called us by his glory and goodness. Through these he gave us the very great and precious promises. With these gifts you can share in being like God, and the world will not ruin you with its evil desires.

Because you have these blessings, do your best to add these things to your lives: to your faith, add goodness; and to your goodness, add knowledge; and to your knowledge, add self-control; and to your self-control, add patience; and to your patience, add service for God; and to your service for God, add kindness for your brothers and sisters in Christ; and to this kindness, add love. If all these things are in you and are growing, they will help you to be useful and productive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But anyone who does not have these things cannot see clearly. He is blind and has forgotten that he was made clean from his past sins. My brothers and sisters, try hard to be certain that you really are called and chosen by God. If you do all these things, you will never fall. And you will be given a very great welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I’ve been subtracting a lot lately. But here in 2^nd Peter, the scripture shows that I need to be adding, as well. I need to throw a “+ faith” and a “+ patience”… of course, I need to “+ love”, because you just can’t have enough love. Maybe my love will overflow out of my mouth… not literally, that’d just be gross (I guess that’d be “lovely vomit”? YUCK!!!).

Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A cell phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands-free speaker function and begins to talk. Everyone else in the room stops to listen.

MAN: "Hello"

WOMAN: "Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?"

MAN: "Yes"

WOMAN: "I'm at the mall now and found this beautiful leather coat. It's only $1,000. Is it OK if I buy it?"

MAN: "Sure, go ahead if you like it that much."

WOMAN: "I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the new 2007 models. I saw one I really liked."

MAN: "How much?"

WOMAN: "$80,000."

MAN: "OK, but for that price I want it with all the options."

WOMAN: "Great! Oh, and one more thing. The house we wanted last year is back on the market. They're asking $950,000."

MAN: "Well, then go ahead and give them an offer, but just offer $900,000."

WOMAN: "OK. I'll see you later! I love you!"

MAN: "Bye, I love you, too."

The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are looking at him in astonishment. Then he smiles and asks: "Does anyone know whose phone this is???!!!"

Wouldn’t it be great if I could just snap my fingers and turn things back to normal? If I were a computer, I could add/remove someone in your life using the control panel. I could put you’re my son in the recycle bin and restore him when I feel like it. Talk about a time out… I could improve my appearance by adjusting the display settings. I could turn off the speakers when life gets too noisy. I could click on “find” (Ctrl, F) to recover your lost remote control and car keys, which would be tremendously helpful. To get my daily exercise, just click on "run"… and if I mess up my life, I could simply press "Ctrl, Alt, Delete" and start all over. But, I’m not a computer. I can’t run the “Turn to Jesus” software and kick-start my heart back in motion. I see what I need to do, I simply pray that if I go through the motions again, motivation will follow. I sure do need it.

There were three fathers to be in a hospital waiting room, waiting for their babies to be born. The first nurse comes out and tells the first father, "Congratulations you're the father of twins!" He says, “Great! I am the manager for the Minnesota Twins.” The second nurse comes out and tells the second father, "Congratulations you're the father of triplets”! He says, "That's cool! I work for 3M." The third father opens the window and jumps out. The third nurse comes out, and asks, “Where's the third father?" One of the other fathers said, "Oh he jumped out the window.” The nurse asks, "Why?" He replied, "He works for Seven Up!"

I just want to end this with a simple: PRAY for ME to get motivated. Oh, and here’s a link for those of you who want to know about a little boy I know who could use way more prayers than me. Rutger Johnny Out.

2nd Thessalonians

July 7^th, 2007

2nd Thessalonians

From Paul, Silas, and Timothy, to the Church in Thessalonica in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We must always thank God for you, brothers and sisters. This is only right, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love that every one of you has for each other is increasing. So we brag about you to the other churches of God. We tell them about the way you continue to be strong and have faith even though you are being treated badly and are suffering many troubles.

This is proof that God is right in his judgment. He wants you to be counted worthy of his kingdom for which you are suffering. God will do what is right. He will give trouble to those who trouble you. And he will give rest to you who are troubled and to us also when the Lord Jesus appears with burning fire from heaven with his powerful angels. Then he will punish those who do not know God and who do not obey the Good News about our Lord Jesus Christ. Those people will be punished with a destruction that continues forever. They will be kept away from the Lord and from his great power. This will happen on the day when the Lord Jesus comes to receive glory because of his holy people. And all the people who have believed will be amazed at Jesus. You will be in that group, because you believed what we told you.

That is why we always pray for you, asking our God to help you live the kind of life he called you to live. We pray that with his power God will help you do the good things you want and perform the works that come from your faith. We pray all this so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ will have glory in you, and you will have glory in him. That glory comes from the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Brothers and sisters, we have something to say about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the time when we will meet together with him. Do not become easily upset in your thinking or afraid if you hear that the day of the Lord has already come. Someone may say this in a prophecy or in a message or in a letter as if it came from us.

Do not let anyone fool you in any way. That day of the Lord will not come until the turning away from God happens and the Man of Evil, who is on his way to hell, appears. He will be against and put himself above anything called God or anything that people worship. And that Man of Evil will even go into God's Temple and sit there and say that he is God. I told you when I was with you that all this would happen. Do you not remember? And now you know what is stopping that Man of Evil so he will appear at the right time. The secret power of evil is already working in the world, but there is one who is stopping that power. And he will continue to stop it until he is taken out of the way. Then that Man of Evil will appear, and the Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath that comes from his mouth and will destroy him with the glory of his coming. The Man of Evil will come by the power of Satan. He will have great power, and he will do many different false miracles, signs, and wonders. He will use every kind of evil to trick those who are lost. They will die, because they refused to love the truth. (If they loved the truth, they would be saved.) For this reason God sends them something powerful that leads them away from the truth so they will believe a lie. So all those will be judged guilty who did not believe the truth, but enjoyed doing evil.

Brothers and sisters, whom the Lord loves, God chose you from the beginning to be saved. So we must always thank God for you. You are saved by the Spirit that makes you holy and by your faith in the truth. God used the Good News that we preached to call you to be saved so you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, brothers and sisters, stand strong and continue to believe the teachings we gave you in our speaking and in our letter.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father encourage you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us, and through his grace he gave us a good hope and encouragement that continues forever.

And now, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the Lord's teaching will continue to spread quickly and that people will give honor to that teaching, just as happened with you. And pray that we will be protected from stubborn and evil people, because not all people believe. But the Lord is faithful and will give you strength and will protect you from the Evil One. The Lord makes us feel sure that you are doing and will continue to do the things we told you. May the Lord lead your hearts into God's love and Christ's patience.

Brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ we command you to stay away from any believer who refuses to work and does not follow the teaching we gave you. You yourselves know that you should live as we live. We were not lazy when we were with you. And when we ate another person's food, we always paid for it. We worked very hard night and day so we would not be an expense to any of you. We had the right to ask you to help us, but we worked to take care of ourselves so we would be an example for you to follow. When we were with you, we gave you this rule: "Anyone who refuses to work should not eat." We hear that some people in your group refuse to work. They do nothing but busy themselves in other people's lives. We command those people and beg them in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and earn their own food. But you, brothers and sisters, never become tired of doing good. If some people do not obey what we tell you in this letter, then take note of them. Have nothing to do with them so they will feel ashamed. But do not treat them as enemies. Warn them as fellow believers.

Now may the Lord of peace give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. I, Paul, end this letter now in my own handwriting. All my letters have this to show they are from me. This is the way I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Brilliant book. It really hit home for me... being lazy and not working. I highlighted the verses that made my brain tick. I might comment on it more at a later time. Johnny Out.

Grace Study – Edition #3

July 4^th to 6^th, 2007

Grace Study – Edition #3

(Notes from Edition #1)

Grace (noun):

Chên (Prounounced: khane)

• Graciousness, that is, subjectively (kindness, favor) or objectively (beauty): - favor, grace or gracious, pleasant, precious, favored or well favored.
• Favor, grace or charm; in elegance or in acceptance.

Grace (noun):

• Of form or person (Proverbs 1:9; 3:22; Psalm 45:2).
• Favor, kindness, friendship (Genesis 6:8; 18:3; 19:19; 2 Timothy 1:9).
• God's forgiving mercy (Romans 11:6; Ephesians 2:5).
• The gospel as distinguished from the law (John 1:17; Romans 6:14; 1 Peter 5:12).
• Gifts freely bestowed by God; as miracles, prophecy, tongues (Romans 15:15; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 3:8).
• Christian virtues (2 Corinthians 8:7; 2 Peter 3:18).
• The glory hereafter to be revealed (1 Peter 1:13).

And now, Edition #3

TODAY’S NEWS!!!

Subject: ANOTHER TERRORIST

At New York's Kennedy airport today, an individual later discovered to be a public school teacher was arrested trying to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a set square, a slide rule, and a calculator.

At a morning press conference, the attorney general said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-gebra movement. He is being charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction. “Al-gebra is a fearsome cult," a Justice Department spokesman said. "They desire average solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in a search of absolute value. They use secret code names like 'x' and 'y' and refer to themselves as 'unknowns', but we have determined they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country. As the Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, 'there are 3 sides to every triangle'."

When asked to comment on the arrest, President Bush said, "If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, He would have given us more fingers and toes".

Two brothers go camping. Billy is wearing his FAVORITE shirt in the whole world!

Suddenly, Philip gets bit by a poisonous snake. Billy calls the doctor.

He tells the story and they reply back. "This is TERIBLE! Quick, wrap his bite with something like your shirt or he might die."

Philip cries out a question, "What did the doc... ouch... say?"

"Doctor says you’re going to die!"

Romans 11:1-6
I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don't you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”? And what was God's answer to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal. So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Grace is what saves me. Nothing else. I can't "earn" salvation, but I can't sit around and do literally nothing, either (see James on that one).

A dude gets into a taxi after a long night at the bars and halfway home decides he needs some fast food.

He taps the driver on the shoulder and suddenly the driver SCREAMS!! --swerves across the road and jumps the sidewalk stopping just short of a cement barrier.

Then driver turns around and says "Don't EVER, EVER tap me on the shoulder while I'm driving!!"

The passenger says, "GEEZ. I'm sorry; I didn't know it would scare you so much."

The driver replies, "before this I drove a HEARSE for 25 years!!”

Ephesians 2:1-10
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

This scripture simply reiterates that grace is what saves. I couldn't give enough money to the church, walk little old ladies across the street, work at a food bank enough to earn the gift God gives.

An elderly man had serious hearing problems for many years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed him to hear 100%.

The elderly man went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor diagnosed, “Your hearing is perfect! Your family must be very pleased.”

To which the elderly man said, “Oh, I haven't told them yet. I just sit and listen to their conversations. I've already changed my will three times!”

I liked putting the jokes here... if you stop to think about them, it hits home... what I like about this little study is that it shows that the grace of God is what saves me. It doesn't mention everything in the Bible, obviously... like baptism saves and faith saves. It's one piece of the puzzle. Anyway, Johnny Out.