TIMOTHY - FAITHFUL SERVANT OF GOD

Newsletter 259                       V                     September 4, 2011                

                  

TIMOTHY - FAITHFUL SERVANT OF GOD

2 Timothy 1:5-18     King James Version (KJV)

This is probably the last of Paul’s letters, and was written from prison. As he was not certain that he would even be living by the time Timothy could come to him he used the opportunity to include final instructions, and encouragements to his “son in the faith.”  It is very personal and clearly shows his familiarity with the family. Timothy’s father had been a Greek, but his grandmother and mother were faithful Jewish women who lived by, and taught Timothy the Old Testament scriptures. Here was one Jewish family who readily accepted Jesus as the Messiah, and was probably converted by Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary tour in that area. Timothy must have been in his late teens at that time. Now, perhaps fifteen years later, Timothy is following in the footsteps of Paul, and will carry on the work he had started.

 5  I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. (1 Timothy 1:5, Acts 16:1, 2 Timothy 3:15)

 6  Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (1 Timothy 4:14)

He reminds Timothy that he had taught him in the faith, and endowed him with special gifts that he would need in his ministry. He was concerned, perhaps that Timothy might be fearful, but fear was not of God who gave him love and power added to his good mind.

 7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (John 14:27, Romans 8:15)

One of Satan’s weapons is fear. No one wants to be scorned or called a lunatic, both of which were likely to happen in the future, both then and now. All of the apostles died a martyr’s death with the exception of John, who survived death, but was banished to the Roman prison colony on Patmos instead.

 8  Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;  (Mark 8:38, Romans 1:16, 2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:6, Ephesians 3:1, 2 Timothy 2:3, 2 Timothy 2:9, 2 Timothy 4:5, 1 Timothy 1:10, 2 Timothy 2:8)

God has a purpose for each of us and has called us to serve, in a task for which He has prepared us. From the beginning, He knew the end, and He specially made each of us to be where we are, at the exact time to do the job that we were prepared to do. We are not “off the rack Christians,” we are “one of a kind,” and specially made for our task.

 9  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,  (Romans 11:14, Romans 2:28, Romans 11:29, Ephesians 2:9, 1 Timothy 1:1, Romans 16:25, Ephesians 1:4, Titus 1:2)

 10  But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (Romans 15:26, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, 2 Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 4:8, Titus 2:11, 2 Timothy 1:1, 1 Corinthians 15:26, Hebrews 2:14)

 11  Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (1 Timothy 2:7)

Paul had been following his own plans until Jesus stopped him in his tracks, on the road to Damascus. He was going there to destroy those of the faith, but God directed him into his ministry of spreading that very same faith. He did it well, once he turned his life over to the Lord. The persecutor became the persecuted through Christ and he was never ashamed of the faith.

 12  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:16, Titus 3:8, 1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Timothy 1:14, 1 Corinthians 1:8, 1 Corinthians 3:13, 2 Timothy 1:18,  2Timothy 4:8)

Paul knew what lay ahead for Timothy, so he gave him the encouragement he would need.

 13  Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  (2 Timothy 3:14, Titus 1:9, Romans 2:20, Romans 6:17,  1 Timothy 1:10,  2 Timothy 2:21 Timothy 1:14, 2 Timothy 1:1)

 14  That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. (Romans 8:9, 1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Timothy 1:1-12)

It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can, any of us, persevere.

 15  This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

 16  The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

 17  But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.

 18  The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

                                                                _________

READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011

                                          SEPTEMBER

 4th.   Sunday –    Isaiah 8, 9,   2 Corinthians 4,   Psalm 105:23-36

 5th.   Monday –    Isaiah 10, 11,   2 Corinthians 5,   Proverbs 21:24-31

6th.    Tuesday –   Isaiah 12, 13, 14,   2 Corinthians 6,   Psalm 105:37-45

7th.    Wednesday -   Isaiah 15, 16, 17,   2 Corinthians 7,   Psalm 106:1-15

8th.    Thursday -   Isaiah 18, 19, 20,   2 Corinthians 8,   Psalm 106:16-31

9th.    Friday –   Isaiah 21, 22, 23,   2 Corinthians 9,   Proverbs 22:1-16

10^th.   Saturday -   Isaiah 24, 25, 26,   2 Corinthians 10,   Psalm 106:32-39

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                                             THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“In the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”

                                                          1 Timothy 4:1-2

__________

                                                

                                                   

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SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS ! – Forward this along to all your friends. The saved will rejoice and the unsaved need its message the most, so everyone is blessed: YOU FOR SHARING, AND ALL FOR READING.

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Army of the Lord...

Jack was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door as he always is to shake hands.

The preacher grabbed Jack by the hand and pulled him aside.

The Pastor said to him, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!"

Jack replied, "I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor."

The Pastor questioned, "How come I don't see you except at Christmas and Easter?"

Jack whispered back, "I'm in the secret service."

"MARY'S LETTERS"

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A STILL UNFULFILLED PROPHECY

Newsletter 258                                             August 28, 2011              

1 Corinthians 15:50-58

The world is made up of only two classes of people. In the long run, it makes no difference in what race or nationality you happen to have been born. You were born a sinless individual, but as you matured, you, like Adam and Eve sinned, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” What you do about this then your own decision to make, God has done his part. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life, for God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17). We call a non-believer, lost, but God calls him a sinner and the wage of sin is death. That is a certainty.

Most Biblical prophecies have already been fulfilled, and the remainder deal with end times and could be fulfilled momentarily. They are not all fearful things, but they will all happen.

 50  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  (Matthew 16:17, John 3:5, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Romans 2:7)

There are two parts to this verse. These will happen and the result is certain. No one will go to heaven in this physical body. That is very good news for any adult person. Our bodies were given to be temporary abodes for the real us, our souls. The body is temporary, and the soul is eternal. We inherited a body that is subject to neglect, misuse, abuse, disease, and just plain wearing out. Sometimes there is nothing we can do about that, but, our souls are eternal and we have full control of them.

What is the mystery here?

 51  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (1 Corinthians 13:2, 2 Corinthians 5:2-4)

The mystery is that not all will die a normal physical death, called “sleep” here. Those who happen to be physically, still living, will be changed.

HOW IT WILL HAPPEN

With the blast of the angel’s trumpets, “the twinkling of an eye” the dead shall be raised and all will witness the Lord’s return to earth. The “saved” among the currently living, shall be changed, and all the physically deceased who died in Christ, those who “sleep;” Will join them

 52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (Matthew 24:31, John 25:48, 1 Thessalonians 4:15, 1 Thessalonians 4:17)

53  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (Romans 2:7, 2 Corinthians 5:4)

54  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  (Isaiah 25:8)

VICTORY IN CHRIST

55  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  (Hosea 13:14)

56  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  (Romans 5:12, Romans 3:20, Romans 4:15, Romans 7;8)

57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Romans 7:25, 2 Corinthians 2:15, Romans 8:37, Hebrews 2:14, 1 John 5:4, Revelation 21:4)

 God has prepared the way. He has revealed it through His Word. It is over to us to act upon it. To do nothing is fatal.

MAKE CERTAIN YOU ARE READY

58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.  (2 Peter 3:14, 1 Corinthians 16:10)
                                     
                                                                _________

READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
                                             AUGUST

 28th.   Sunday –    2 Chronicles 29, 30,   2 Timothy 1,   Proverbs 21:1-12
 29th.   Monday –    2 Chronicles 31, 32,   2 Timothy 2,   Psalm 104:1-14
30th.    Tuesday –   2 Chronicles 33, 34,   2 Timothy 3,   Psalm 104:15-25
31st.    Wednesday -   2 Chronicles 35, 36,   2 Timothy 4,   Psalm 104:26-35

                                                             SEPTEMBER

1st.    Thursday -   Isaiah 1, 2,   2 Corinthians 1,   Proverbs 21:13-23
2nd.   Friday –   Isaiah 3, 4,  2 Corinthians 2,   Psalm 105:1-11
3rd.   Saturday -   Isaiah 5, 6, 7,   2 Corinthians 3,   Psalm 105:12-22
                                            __________
                                       
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                                          THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, al things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.”

                                                      2 Corinthians 6:17-18
                                                           __________
                                               
                                                 
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SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS ! – Forward this along to all your friends. The saved will rejoice and the unsaved need its message the most, so everyone is blessed: YOU FOR SHARING, AND ALL FOR READING.

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What is a father?

Someone has said, "A father is a person who is forced to endure childbirth without anesthetic."

Someone else has observed "A father is a thing that growls when it feels good, and laughs very loud when it's scared to death."

Paul Harvey suggests that "Fathers are what give daughters away to other men who aren't nearly good enough, so they can have grandchildren who are smarter than anybody else's."

"MARY'S LETTERS"

ISBN 978-1-4628-9618-9,  hard cover                    $29,99
ISBN 976-1-4628-9617-2,  soft cover                     $15.99
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SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Newsletter 257                                             August 21, 2011                
         
1 Corinthians 13 New King James Version

We have all seen pictures of starving babies. Famine is spreading over large portions of the globe for different reason, but the end is the same. Sometimes it is unrest and war. Farming comes to a stop, and food soon is lacking. The hungry parent neglects the little ones first. Even in the best of times I have noted, in Africa, that the men of the family eat well. The mothers eat a poorer selection, and if there is any thing, left the children scrape it from what is left on a plate or pan here or there with their fingers. When water is scarce and the streams dry up, everyone suffers and soon the little ones start to die. A mother can not nurse her children if she herself is struggling to live.

Spiritually speaking, the line of supply and demand is much the same. We have a friend who runs a weekly “soup kitchen”, not necessarily soup as it has to be much finger food, served up with Bible instruction.  The children flock for a proper meal; hundreds of them! The Bible lessons they hear are about all they know about the Bible. That is in a culture where “stories” are a part of their heritage. That is the old way to teaching them.

How many new Christians expect to stay just about where they were spiritually when they were first baptized into the Lord. Keep in mind that this is called a new birth. Baptism is the starting point, ,just as we expect physical growth in our children, God expects Spiritual growth in His children. Our Spiritual food is the word, applied through prayer and sharing. Just as you cut a potato into portions, each with an eye, to produce a patch of potatoes. You produce fruit by sharing.

THE BABY ISN’T GROWING!

A clanging cymbal alone is not a very beautiful sound. It has to be a blend with other instruments. I am often reminded of poor Amos as he quotes God, “Therefore the Lord of hosts, the Lord says this:” (Amos 516, Amos 5:23) “Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments.” What he seems to be emphasizing is that the people lacked in sincere worship. All the noise, is just noise if the heart is not filled with love, I can not help but remember a gentleman who prayed the most beautiful prayers, but who arrived at worship staggering drunk to pick a fight because he had not been invited to event the night before.  God blesses each of us with gifts which He expects us to use with love.

1  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 12:10, 2 Corinthians 12:4, Revelation 14:2, Psalm 150:5)

2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (Matthew 7:22, Acts 13:1, 1 Corinthians 11:4, 1 Corinthians 13:8, 1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Corinthians 14:39, 1 Corinthians 14:2, 1 Corinthians 15:51, Romans 15:14, 1 Corinthians 12:9, Matthew 17:20, Matthew 21:21, Mark 11:23)

3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.  (Matthew 6:2)

SIGNS OF GROWTH

Love is not something to be flaunted, not something, to envy, but flows from our hearts naturally as we grow S[iritually.

4  Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;  (Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 17:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 1 Peter 4:8, Acts 7L9, 1 Corinthians 4:6)

5  does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; (1 Corinthians 10:24, Philippians 2:21, 2 Corinthians 5:19)

6  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; (1 Thessalonians 2:12, 2 John 4, 2 John 3)

7  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 9:12)

A WELL ROUNDED ADULT

The end result is a well rounded life used for the Lord. It is the one gift that will last for ever. There won’t be evangelistic meetings to convert the heathen in heaven, for all will already be living for the Lord, there will be no needs for tongs to evangelize the world, for that era is finished. We shall all possess full knowledge, for we see and all our questions are apparent.  Perfection has arrived, all the prophecies are fulfilled

8  Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. (1 Corinthians 13:2, 1 Corinthians 13:1)

9  For we know in part and we prophesy in part. (1 Corinthians 8:2, 1 Corinthians 13:12)

10  But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

11  When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12  For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. (2 Corinthians 5:7, Philippians 3:12, James 1:23, Genesis 32:30, Numbers 12:8, 1 John 3:2, 1 Corinthians 8:3)

13  And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (Galatians 5:6)      

__________

READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
                                             AUGUST

 21st.     Sunday –    2 Chronicles 15, 16, 17,   1 Corinthians 15:1-29,   Psalm 101
 22nd.    Monday –   2 Chronicles 18, 19,   1 Corinthians 15:30-58, Psalm 102:1-11
23rd.    Tuesday –   2 Chronicles 20,   1 Corinthians 16,   Psalm 102:12-19
24th.    Wednesday -   2 Chronicles 21, 22,   1 Timothy 1, 2,    Proverbs 20:21-30
25th.   Thursday -   2 Chronicles 23, 24,    1 Timothy 3, 4,   Psalm 102:20-28
26th.   Friday –   2 Chronicles 25, 26,   1 Timothy 5,    Psalm 103:1-12
27th.   Saturday -   2 Chronicles 27, 28,   1 Timothy 6,   Psalm 103:13-22
                                            __________
                                         
                                OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG LINKS

         (With links to 798 titles)

       Ctrl/click to follow these links

http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Our weekly Bible Letter
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
Biographical, with photos
http://whatdoesgodsayaboutthis.blogspot.com
Questions and discussions
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
Favorite Scripture Quotation
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
Representing 70 world languages
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
Short Bible studies
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
Several pages in length
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
Portions of Phyllis’  published books
httpv://priceless.but.free.gift.blogspot.com

     __________                                      
                                                       

                                          THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“And now abideth  faith, hope, love, but the greatest of these is love.”

                                                      1 Corinthians 13:13
__________
                                               
                                                   
SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS ! – Forward this along to all your friends. The saved will rejoice and the unsaved need its message the most, so everyone is blessed: YOU FOR SHARING, AND ALL FOR READING.

http://www.amazon.com/P-J-Mills/e/B004KAS792/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Amazon has Cloud reader for the computer free. Phyllis’ new book, “Mary’s Letters” only       $ 7.69 for the Cloud  version. There are a lot of free classics and New English Bible, also free for the reader.  Search Kendle.com. and Books by PJ Mills.

 OH, OH !
"Do you believe in life after death?" the boss asked one of his employees.

"Yes, sir," the new recruit replied.

"Well, then, that makes everything just fine, " the boss went on. "After you left early yesterday to go to your grandmother's funeral, she stopped in to see you."

A STUMBLING BLOCK WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT

      SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB    

Newsletter 256                       V                      August 14, 2011                

                  

               

              A STUMBLING BLOCK WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT

1 Corinthians 8

Like a BALLOON, pride may be without substance and end in LOSS.

The dictionary meaning of the word  “sophomore,” is “brash and overconfident but immature.“ It refers to the second year of either high school or college as an excellent preacher used it recently.  An old saying goes, “A little learning is a dangerous thing.” A little knowledge of Scripture can, and often is, a dangerous thing. A little knowledge of the words of a text, taken out of their context, has often been the cause of many of the religious cults and denominations of the world. There are literally thousands of little groups which call themselves “Christian” churches. They remind us of the very old illustration of three blind men who by feel described an elephant. The first felt the trunk and concluded that an elephant is like a fire hose. The second felt of its broad side and concluded that an elephant is like a wall, wide, high and solid, then the third felt of the tail and concluded that an elephant is like a rope. In reality, an elephant is like none of those things. Each gave only a part of the story.

Scripture illustrates the church in many ways, but a parable illustrates only a part of the whole. The church is a “body” and Christ is the head. The head controls the body. When man substitutes another head, he is brushing aside the Scripture that says, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” and “No one comes to the Father but by me.”  As well as, “I will build my church.” That church is all of these things and more, but any group which denies any of them, is not His church. It may be religious, but it is not Christian, and it is not His church. A little knowledge of Scripture is a dangerous thing. Note that God through Paul is speaking of knowledge not wisdom.  We need wisdom in how to use our knowledge. Not like a balloon, filed with hot air. That will grow cold, and let you down!

1  Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (Acts 15:20, 1 Corinthians 8:4, 1 Corinthians 6L7, 1 Corinthians  8:10, Romans 15:14, 1 Corinthians 10:15, 1 Corinthians 4:6, Romans 14:19)

 2  And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.  1 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, 1 Timothy 6:4)

INSTEAD OF PRIDE IN SELF, LET US LOVE ALL 

It is not knowledge or even wisdom that sets one aside as His own. It is love; the kind of love that puts God first, others second, and self last. This is the kind of love God has for mankind, and this is the kind of love that draws people to Him, and also to one another. This kind of love attracts the attention of a world that never saw it before.

3  But if any man love God, the same is known of him.(Psalm 1:6, Jeremiah 1:5, Amos 3:2, Romans 8:29, Romans 11:2, Galatians 4:9)

Paul speaks of those things, that while they are not evil in themselves give a false impression and are best avoided. He spoke of meat that a part of which had been offered to idols and what remained was either eaten or sold in the market.

 4  As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. (Acts 15:20, 1 Corinthians 8:1, I Corinthians 8:7, 1 Corinthians 8:10, Acts 14:15, I Corinthians 10:19, Galatians 4:8, Deuteronomy 4:35, Deuteronomy 4:39, Deuteronomy 6:4, I Corinthians 8:6)

 5  For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,  (2 Thessalonians 2:4)

While we are not particularly concerned with meat that has been offered to idols

There are many things of the world that others do not expect to see Christians doing.

 . 

 6  But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.  (Deuteronomy 4:35, Deuteronomy 4:39, Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 46:9, Jeremiah 10:6-7, 1 Corinthians 8:4, Malachi 2:10, Ephesians 4:6,  Romans 11:36, John 13:13, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Ephesians 4:5, 1 Timothy 2:5, John 1:3, Colossians 1:16)

 7  Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. (1 Corinthians 8:4, Romans 14:14, Romans 14:22+)

 8  But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. (Romans 14:17)

A STUMBLING BLOCK IS JUST IN THE WAY

Our freedoms, can in all innocence, become stumbling blocks to others of weaker, or no faith. I recall a pillar of the church who was shocked to see two ministers sitting in the window seats of a hotel bar. He didn’t notice what they were drinking, but only where they were. One was a guest of the hotel, but could have just as easily been served in a hotel lounge. In an African hotel, one might have to register in at a small hotel’s bar, but he would take his refreshments, tea or otherwise anywhere. People will make note of our choice of entertainment. Do they say in their mind, “He does the same things I do, and goes to the same places.” “He likes the same films I do.”  It isn’t easy and not without paying a price. An example from myself. I was a sailor in the Navy for two years of my life, but while I was a year in San Diego, I never visited Tijuana or a bar with any of my fellow sailors.  The price was that I had few ship-mate friends. I attended church, saw TV shows being taped in Hollywood, visited the beaches, went to skating rinks, stayed at the YMCA week=ends off, and dropped in at the USO occasionally. In Norfolk, I was close enough to spend many-ends with my brother and his family in North Carolina. The point is, “Be Selective.”  Others are watching. A few weeks later, after I was in Bible College, one of the men I had known on my ship, became a member of my home church. Did he remember? I don’t know. Sixty four years later I remember him as that fellow who smoked a pipe filled with honey/tobacco..

 9  But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. (Romans 14:13, Romans 14:21, 1 Corinthians 10:28, Galatians 5:13, Romans 14:1, 1 Corinthians 8:10)

 10  For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; (1 Corinthians 8:4, Acts 15:20, 1 Corinthians 8:1, I Corinthians 8:4, 1 Corinthians 8:7)

 11  And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? (Romans 14:15, Romans 14:20)

 12  But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.  (Matthew 18:6, Romans 14:20, Matthew 25:45)

 13  Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. (Romans 14:21, 1 Corinthians 10:32, 2 Corinthians 6:3, 2 Corinthians 11:29)

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011

                                             AUGUST

 14th.     Sunday –    1 Chronicles 27, 28,   1 Corinthians 11:1-16,   Psalm 96

 15th.    Monday –   1 Chronicles 29, 2 Chr. 1,   1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Psalm 97

16th.    Tuesday –   2 Chronicles 2, 3, 4,   1 Corinthians 12:1-13,   Proverbs 20:1-10

17th.    Wednesday -   2 Chronicles 5, 6,   1 Corinthians 12:14-31,   Psalm 98

18th.   Thursday -   2 Chronicles 7, 8,   1 Corinthians 13,   Psalm 99

19th.   Friday –   2 Chronicles 9, 10, 11,   1 Corinthians 14:1-19,    Psalm 100

20th.   Saturday -   2 Chronicles 12, 13, 14,   1 Corinthians 14:20-40,   Proverbs           20:11-20

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                                          THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

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True Psychology 

A youngster was raising havoc in the toy department of the local department store. He was jostling the other kids about and pushing them this way and that. All the while, his mother was saying, 
"Honey, please don't do this," "Honey, please don't do that." 

When he got on a tricycle and began riding up and down the aisles, the manager of the toy department approached the mother and said, "It appears you're having some difficulty controlling your boy. We have a child psychologist here. Would you like me to call and ask for help?" 

In desperation, the young Mother said, "Please, do." The psychologist arrived, inquired of the problem and the young mother said, "Oh my, there is nothing I can do to get my child to obey. If you have any suggestions, I'll be happy to take them." 

The psychologist said, "Wait here", and going to the little boy, took him aside, bent over and whispered something in his ear. The youngster looked up with a start, turned, went back to his mother and said, "C'mon, Mom, let's get outta here!" 

Well, the change in behavior was so startling, the young mother said, "Son, wait here for a moment, I want to talk to that person." She beckoned to the child psychologist and said, "Please, tell me, what on earth did you do? I've been trying to get my boy to obey me. He wouldn't do it. You come over, say one simple sentence and he responded immediately. What on earth did you say to him?" 

The child psychologist said, "Why, ma'am, it's very simple. I just leaned over and said, 'Listen here, you little brat. If you don't get out of here, I'm going to set your britches on fire!'"

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