2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. (first part of verse; second shows resulting results for Asa's behavior).
The whole world is corrupt beyond easure; whether it is what is within men's hearts; or the world system; or the demonic principalities and powers controlling the affairs of men. We have made idols of popular foods; actors and actresses; musicians and our general way of life which we desire to maintain at all costs.
Proverbs 14:34 says Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Whether it is grandma or her apple pie that brings us comfort only the Lord and those in Him will live forever and things in this life are fleeting. All desires of the flesh of beauty also are temporal along with any material goods that we obsess over. The Kingdom of Heaven is more than eating and drinking ( Romans 14:17) and for some reason the Gospel quote I am having difficulty finding. The point is the Holy Spirit must take over our minds and control our bodies and souls and put to death the old mind; otherwise known as mortifying the flesh ( Romans 8:13). Or as the quote mentioned in church today stated when the demon possessed child was to be healed "Lord help me with my unbelief". ( Mark 9:23 and following verses with anecdote).
Or as the song "How Deep the Father's Love" states in the end of the third stanza. "Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers."
Those TRULY in the Lord will also recognize when the enemy is falsely accusing them of not knowing the Lord whenever a believer falls into sin or having fallen beyond redemption as another accusation. In my experience I have found that is a common way the Lord reigns me in to realize the sin that I've committed and to once again trust Him so that I am protected from the enemy's strongholds. Never try to outsmart the enemy.
Okay I need to clarify the point that indeed the unregenerate will along with worshipping the beast also have terror and fear and as scripture states the Beast will force men to take the mark. That forcing means execution for those not worshipping the Beast and taking it; but at first it just means there is no means to obtain food and other needed things without the mark hence it is forcing that as a means of economic transactions. Just how long it will be before men are killed after that could be up for debate.
Those who know Christ therefore are not the cowards mentioned in Revelation 22. We are strong and courageous ONLY because we are redeemed; else how can anyone bear to think of God's judgments and the pains of hell? Scripture states in Isaiah that those who can dwell in the everlasting fire are the redeemed; in other words those who the second death won't touch.
When I lived in another city I warned my Pastor at the time that we need to very seriously take the prophets literally as to how terrible the end times will be. It seemed he was either focusing on the fulfillments in the past or somehow thinking it surely couldn't be as bad as it seems in the future judgments. This attitude along with the lax concepts on hell; men's depravity and other important subjects seems to be commonplace today along with many in the replacement theology camp.
It is so easy at least for me to be numb seeing how horrible this world is; as I brought up recently with just the one fact of over 70 MILLION abortions worldwide a year. God has in a few specific cases clearly rendered judgment upon particularly wicked men. But judgment day is clearly soon; and the evil fruit getting to full maturity. It is pretty clear that if we think any other way we don't understand the God we claim to believe. ( Proverbs 14:34).
I pray we all focus on the Great Commission and warn others to flee from the wrath to come rather than get too sidetracked.
Psalm 1143:3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
The clash and contrast between light and darkness is at a fevered pitch in our time. Psalm 7:15 states He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. Sin is a reproach to anyone; Proverbs 14:34 says Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Thus the sins of individuals collectively bring down everyone who is not one of God's children.
My own situation has shown me how elderly people who used to be characterized as having a nice personality show their true nature when running out of options in life. This can have the opposite effect on some who were always nasty; and of course the Lord can intervene; as long as their is breath there is hope; or as Ecclesiastes 9:4 states For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
Proverbs 9:8 says Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Those who God has called and chosen will be drawn through warnings of their sinful state; in fact they will be thankful always to find the remedy as only the sick need a physician ( Luke 5:31). In contrast the wicked cannot love God or rebuke; they will only try to avoid the consequences of their actions through self justification or somehow thinking their "good works outweigh the bad". 2 Corinthians 7:10 says For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. Thus; the wicked through conviction are led to self destruction and the righteous have the opposite fate.
The final battle of Armageddon draws ever nearer. May we all be ready at His coming.
In light of my previous attempt to cover some areas in regard to Baptism and other important factors that should aid in raising Godly children; I started discussing how the Spirit works in a household as a specific example from scriptures on the subject.
Joshua 24:15 says: And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
In light of Genesis 15:16 and the sin of the Amorites coming to the fullness about 400 years later and then being devoted to destruction; we certainly can look to the approximately 400 years we have been a nation since Plymouth Rock and how far we have strayed; no doubt worshipping some of the entities which our ancestors found with the American Indians who were considered "pagans" at the time and in general wantonly destroyed. We also could go further and see how the Indian nations themselves were in a sense being judged for some of their wicked practices; although my cousin an expert on the subject gave me a book about 20 years ago which shows the incredible complexity; diversity and number of Indian nations.
Anyway; looking at Proverbs 14:34
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
Since John 16:8 mentions sin; righteousness and judgment to come as the working of the Holy Spirit I thought I would reiterate what I have said on numerous occasions with a particular angle. When we are believers we can discern others who are full of the Spirit because we sense conviction of unworthiness as well as the love of Christ at the same time. That truly is a paradox; but shows us a healthy fear of God but exposes us to His mercy as well; and it is and should be truly unnerving at times. That is what I would like to live out; but admit I am sadly short.
We are to be at peace with one another, forgive one another, have mercy on one another.
Just a few references.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 5:26
Galatians 6:2
Matthew 7:12
1 John 4:7
However, we don't lie or deceive one another for the sake of peace. The truth hurts sometimes but it promotes spiritual growth providing that the Christ spirit is in the person.
BELEIVERS SHUNNING OTHER BELEIVERS.
To shun is to deliberately avoid something or someone. In the Bible, the word shun is applied to evil. Job 1:8, Job 28:28, Proverbs 3:7-8Proverbs 14:16. So, shunning evil is good.
There is scripture that promotes excommunication. Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14. but do we do it for harm or Good? What's the intent?
In any case, it would seem that extreme forms of shunning, such as considering someone "dead," utterly ignoring him, or refusing to acknowledge his existence, go beyond what Scripture commands.
After all, Jesus said that, when someone is put out of the church, he should be treated as "a pagan or a tax collector" Matthew 18:17. In other words, treat an intractable offender as an unsaved person.
How are we to treat the unsaved? With love and grace.
The "pagans and tax collectors" need to be evangelized. We are to love even our enemies ( Matthew 5:44).
The goal of excommunication and any form of shunning is restoration ( Galatians 6:1).
The purpose of any type of discipline is to prompt repentance and, ultimately, to reunite our fallen brother or sister with the church body. Being officially ostracized from the church, the sinner might be brought to repentance.
When the man in the Corinthian church later realized that he had sinned against God, he repented and came back to the church for forgiveness and reinstatement. Fellowship with the Corinthian believers was restored ( 2 Corinthians 2:6-11).
Isn't it hateful to ignore or shun other believers?
How to read scripture: Part 2 on how NOT to read the Bible
In a bullet point presentation I would list things something like this in regard to this subject.
1. Do not regard scripture as just good literature; or as one of many sources of truth. As C.S. Lewis pointed out Christ Himself can only be taken as a liar; a madman or telling the truth. (from Mere Christianity: actually stated as Christ being the Devil Himself rather than a liar because of His claims to be Divine). What this does not mean is that you can't find certain elements of truth in other writings and/or religions. The SOURCE of all truth is in the Bible; but it doesn't mean that elements common to human understanding can't be replicated elsewhere. It also doesn't mean that corroborating facts can't be found elsewhere (such as in Macabees) that explain missing time periods or further explains things such as further details in genealogies; or the history of kings and empires. But the unique claims of truth in scripture are clear enough; there is no wiggle room for other religions which are called out as false with no uncertain terms.
2. Don't think you can figure out how to understand God's ways or Christ's salvation on your own understanding. Proverbs 14:12 warns about what seems right to a man leading to death. Someone can presume to follow the basic concepts in the Sermon on the Mount such as the "Golden rule" about doing unto others. In reality; however no one can love their enemies in their own strength or selflessly serve as our Lord did. To see God clearly we must realize that there is enmity between God an us (see Isaiah 59:1-2 and many other passages on this). If there was any other way; God would not have to send His Son to die on the cross to save His creation (man) from eternal damnation.
3. We can't explain away miracles due to natural circumstances from the Bible. There were some things unique to Christ such as forgiveness of sin; and control over nature.
Jesus was Prophet; Priest and King. He fulfilled roles which no other individual was allowed to do in scripture. David acted as Priest when needed when he was a king; but only due to his own sin. Solomon had to complete building the Temple because David was disallowed according to scripture because of certain acts of violence (I am guessing partly due to having Uriah killed off to get Bathsheeba). Even though Solomon commissioned men to do the work on the Temple we see no direct priestly action by him; only a dedication of the nation of Israel and prayers lifted up and the beginning of the operations there. Generally kings were not allowed to offer sacrifices; a Levite was needed first off. This disqualified Saul's attempt when he presumptuously went ahead with it rather than waiting for the right person to do the job and that resulted in being dethroned and his life started to fall apart. Prophets also kept away from sacrifices; but in the case of Christ He fulfilled the prophecies Himself by BEING our sacrifice and hence exalted by the Father to rule and reign as King on the earth in the Millennium.
The Bible describes many kings along with exhaustive lists of their actions which sadly were predominantly evil. The length of their reign as well as the fate of the nation at large was tied into blessings and cursings. Transgressions would cause a downfall; and in the case of the few righteous kings it exalted the nation ( Proverbs 14:34). After Solomon compromised he forfeited his own length of life as well as the nation being able to rule permanently without being under the thumb of other nations. In Ecclesiastes his conclusion after discussing all his own vanity and of life in general was to "fear God and keep his commandments" at the end of chapter 12. Through Christ alone can we fulfill the law because we are grafted in to the true vine inheriting His righeousness because of His victory.
This is my favorite scripture because, you can dig into this scripture really deeply! James 1:19-20 is literally the main learning point of the old saying "God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason", we should should use our ears to listen and learn and when we gain wisdom through this we can then use that wisdom to teach through our mouths; Cross References= Proverbs 17:27 and Proverbs 14:29! James 1:21-24 goes to show that we should lay aside all disobedience and defiance, read the word and live it; Romans 2:13, Jeremiah 44:16, and 1 Thessalonians 1:5!
"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;"
This verse; in a nutshell explains how; following man's expulsion from Eden that Adam's descendants-more or less willingly walked away from what they knew intellectually about God through the testimony of Adam and others who lived many hundreds of years into idol worship. This would result in the end of the antidiluvian world when Noah entered the ark; and would also signify the reason why God would use Israel to wipe out pagan nations once their "iniquity was at the full" (See Genesis 15:16 for earlier example). Israel was warned repeatedly not to follow the customs of the surrounding nations which often came through intermarriage or by obtaining cursed items. Sadly they hardened their hearts ( Jeremiah 32:35) to do the horrible act in Hinnom of sacrificing their children to Molech in the fire. God also judged Sodom; Gomorrah and the surrounding cities for the behaviors of men there of sodomy. Proverbs 14:34 states that righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.
This verse shows that there is a process involved when people drift off into sin; we all can see evidence of God in the Creation; even the Godhead as Romans 1:20 indicates (see also Psalm 19). Acts 8:23 shows someone in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity. This was Simon the Sorcerer; whose story began in verse 9. AFTER being baptized and claiming to be a believer he somehow thought he could buy the powers that the Apostles had of laying hands on people and having them receive the Holy Ghost. He was warned that he had no part in their ministry by Peter; and at the end of the story he asked them to pray for him.
It is hard to say exactly what Peter warned would happen to him or if he truly repented. We see; however a warning that it more than power in the gifts but the giver of gifts we worship.
Nineveh and Babylon appear to be two nations that had a wholesale turn toward God; initiated in both cases by the rulers at hand.
Sackcloth and ashes were worn by the King in the first example; along with a mandatory fast. In the second case; it appears that
Nebuchadnezzar may have recognized God's power in his declaration of Daniel 3:29; as to not saying anything against God; but his own personal understanding appears to have come later as predicted in Daniel 4:25. In our nation revivals in the 1700s seemed to eclipse even George Washington's noteriety with individuals like Whitfield and similar things happened in Europe with the Wesleyan revival.
In both cases from scripture we see the ruler being warned about sin; with Jonah it was just a general declaration of judgment to come; with Nebuchadnezzar a direct plea from Daniel in Daniel 4:27 to turn from sin was given. I believe the same thing
happened with a challenge to a President in our country in the 1800s; maybe someone has that information here.
Proverbs 14:34 explains how sin is a reproach to any nation; which is contrasted by righteousness exalting a nation in the first part of the verse. Truly a nation is made up of individuals; hance as someone comes to faith it may change the balance to
forestall judgment for a time. As with nations; individuals also can extend their lives ( 2 Kings 20:6); and the wicked as a
principle will not live out half their days ( Psalm 55:23). Nahum shows how judgment was only forestalled and delayed not averted; and we can read the rest of Jeremiah to see how Babylon fared; with an end time parallel in Revelation 18.
As we see from the above examples; righteous leadership can bring benefits to all; even if not all individuals are actually saved.
The same principle applies with the wheat and the tares in churches. Some only secretly desire worldly comforts or prestige who surround themselves around repentant saints.
The second thing after prayer for those walking in the Spirit is some sort of action whenever we are able. 1 John 3:17 echoes what is already written in Proverbs 14:31 about not neglecting a brother in need (a sin of omission). Sadly; we live in a fallen world and what is politically correct in immediately stepping out to help financially may end up getting us rended such as indicated in Matthew 7:6.
Often today no one wants to get into something messy. There are things such as domestic abuse where wisdom in contacting the authorities and those who are specialized in care of certain situations rather than stepping in ourselves.
I cannot overemphasize from the way I see it warning people of the seriousness of sin; as it affects not just them but others within their family and the entire congregation much of the time as well. We cannot assume if someone has been a believer for many years that they can't be headed for a fall; and these days more seem to go toward total apostasy. Exhortation needs to warn people that in our own strength we will be beaten down; in our own understanding we can and will be decieved without the Spirit guiding us as well as TRUSTING God even when it seems things around us contradict that as being a logical approach.
Just as we need to be careful who prays for us; we also need to be cautious who we take advice from. The enemy was granted permission to speak lies through the prophets ( 1 Kings 22:21-23) and many around us today will be used by the enemy if we are not careful. Such things as divorce and subsequent remarriage are high on that list in my assessment. There is always someone out there who will tell us to do what we want and tell us what we want to hear.
It is always a small remnant who live out what they believe by example; and there are no short cuts to obedience due to our love for Christ. ( John 14:15). Obedience is better than sacrifice as well ( 1 Sam. 15:22).
Actually GOD will stick up for people who don't even know how to pray : Proverbs 14:31,
Only after special treatment from GOD, then rebellion does HE ignore, Jeremiah 11:12-20, but in repentance Psalms 106:44, context Psalms 106, Matthew 25:31-46,
Wes gave a wise answer on Christmas. Exodus 23:8, Deuteronomy 16:19, Ecclesiastes 7:7, may The HOLY Spirit teach us. John 14:26
I love to celebrate Christmas, I really enjoy the lights, the focus on our Savior. The generosity in the season. Christmas is a time of year, people remember more their fellow man, needs & wants of others. Christmas time reminds us of the joys of giving & putting smiles on others faces, teaching by love & kindnesses. Surprising a person with anonymous unexpected gifts, giving hope to people in desperation, food, clothing, volunteering, etc. warms their hearts, body & soul & sometimes gives them hope for a better ' tomorrow '. Christmas is the time of year people are more willing to receive from a Christian.....
We as Believers have an open door at Christmas unlike any other time of the year, to show the World who Jesus is, who the Church is.
When we remember those most "forgotten by others" showing them, they are not forgotten by GOD, it's amazing how even those around them are affected.
This Christmas season we really have a moment to help comfort, our nations with love, giving hope through the WORD, to poor in spirit & helping heal wounds. There is much we can give this year, for those in need. I pray GOD lead us even now, to start the giving season early. Romans 6:23, 2Corinthians 1:4, Proverbs 15:23,
Proverbs 14:34 comes to mind in this chapter. Here we see the beginning of a process which God Himself had "set up" to accomplish His purposes. Mordecai supervised Esther; and told her NOT to reveal that she was a Jew. This affiliation with her people was to have enormous implications that can hardly be overstated; and she later had to be prodded to risk her own life and reveal these things once the plot of Haman was concocted and the King's edict rendered.
Titus 2:3-5 also is relevant here; as is 1 Peter 3:6 among other verses which show God's plan for women to be exalted.
The record of Mordecai of the attempted assault of the two chamberlains showed how the Jews were to be commended for helping with the security of the King; and this record would help the "humble to be exalted" as it were at a later date to vindicate Mordecai. (see ( Matthew 23:12). This attitude of service was repeated with Daniel in exile in Persia under Nebuchadnezzar; and Joseph in Egypt under the Pharaoh. We see a similar pattern as well with a crisis for the whole Jewish nation when the golden idol was set up; and the three men along with Daniel refused to worship it. Daniel himself ignored an edict about praying toward Jerusalem which put him in the lion's den. To be willing to die rather than serve men; Christ (the 4th man in the fire) was exalted and edicts went out that anyone who did NOT honor the God of Israel was to have their houses made into a "dunghill" ( Daniel 3:29). The edict of King Ahasuerus was also a game changer; to bring about God's preservation of His people.
The whole world is corrupt beyond easure; whether it is what is within men's hearts; or the world system; or the demonic principalities and powers controlling the affairs of men. We have made idols of popular foods; actors and actresses; musicians and our general way of life which we desire to maintain at all costs.
Proverbs 14:34 says Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Whether it is grandma or her apple pie that brings us comfort only the Lord and those in Him will live forever and things in this life are fleeting. All desires of the flesh of beauty also are temporal along with any material goods that we obsess over. The Kingdom of Heaven is more than eating and drinking ( Romans 14:17) and for some reason the Gospel quote I am having difficulty finding. The point is the Holy Spirit must take over our minds and control our bodies and souls and put to death the old mind; otherwise known as mortifying the flesh ( Romans 8:13). Or as the quote mentioned in church today stated when the demon possessed child was to be healed "Lord help me with my unbelief". ( Mark 9:23 and following verses with anecdote).
Or as the song "How Deep the Father's Love" states in the end of the third stanza. "Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers."
Those TRULY in the Lord will also recognize when the enemy is falsely accusing them of not knowing the Lord whenever a believer falls into sin or having fallen beyond redemption as another accusation. In my experience I have found that is a common way the Lord reigns me in to realize the sin that I've committed and to once again trust Him so that I am protected from the enemy's strongholds. Never try to outsmart the enemy.
Agape.
Hebrews 4:16 kjv.
Okay I need to clarify the point that indeed the unregenerate will along with worshipping the beast also have terror and fear and as scripture states the Beast will force men to take the mark. That forcing means execution for those not worshipping the Beast and taking it; but at first it just means there is no means to obtain food and other needed things without the mark hence it is forcing that as a means of economic transactions. Just how long it will be before men are killed after that could be up for debate.
Those who know Christ therefore are not the cowards mentioned in Revelation 22. We are strong and courageous ONLY because we are redeemed; else how can anyone bear to think of God's judgments and the pains of hell? Scripture states in Isaiah that those who can dwell in the everlasting fire are the redeemed; in other words those who the second death won't touch.
When I lived in another city I warned my Pastor at the time that we need to very seriously take the prophets literally as to how terrible the end times will be. It seemed he was either focusing on the fulfillments in the past or somehow thinking it surely couldn't be as bad as it seems in the future judgments. This attitude along with the lax concepts on hell; men's depravity and other important subjects seems to be commonplace today along with many in the replacement theology camp.
It is so easy at least for me to be numb seeing how horrible this world is; as I brought up recently with just the one fact of over 70 MILLION abortions worldwide a year. God has in a few specific cases clearly rendered judgment upon particularly wicked men. But judgment day is clearly soon; and the evil fruit getting to full maturity. It is pretty clear that if we think any other way we don't understand the God we claim to believe. ( Proverbs 14:34).
I pray we all focus on the Great Commission and warn others to flee from the wrath to come rather than get too sidetracked.
Agape.
1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
The clash and contrast between light and darkness is at a fevered pitch in our time. Psalm 7:15 states He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. Sin is a reproach to anyone; Proverbs 14:34 says Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Thus the sins of individuals collectively bring down everyone who is not one of God's children.
My own situation has shown me how elderly people who used to be characterized as having a nice personality show their true nature when running out of options in life. This can have the opposite effect on some who were always nasty; and of course the Lord can intervene; as long as their is breath there is hope; or as Ecclesiastes 9:4 states For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
Proverbs 9:8 says Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Those who God has called and chosen will be drawn through warnings of their sinful state; in fact they will be thankful always to find the remedy as only the sick need a physician ( Luke 5:31). In contrast the wicked cannot love God or rebuke; they will only try to avoid the consequences of their actions through self justification or somehow thinking their "good works outweigh the bad". 2 Corinthians 7:10 says For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. Thus; the wicked through conviction are led to self destruction and the righteous have the opposite fate.
The final battle of Armageddon draws ever nearer. May we all be ready at His coming.
In light of my previous attempt to cover some areas in regard to Baptism and other important factors that should aid in raising Godly children; I started discussing how the Spirit works in a household as a specific example from scriptures on the subject.
Joshua 24:15 says: And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
In light of Genesis 15:16 and the sin of the Amorites coming to the fullness about 400 years later and then being devoted to destruction; we certainly can look to the approximately 400 years we have been a nation since Plymouth Rock and how far we have strayed; no doubt worshipping some of the entities which our ancestors found with the American Indians who were considered "pagans" at the time and in general wantonly destroyed. We also could go further and see how the Indian nations themselves were in a sense being judged for some of their wicked practices; although my cousin an expert on the subject gave me a book about 20 years ago which shows the incredible complexity; diversity and number of Indian nations.
Anyway; looking at Proverbs 14:34
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
Since John 16:8 mentions sin; righteousness and judgment to come as the working of the Holy Spirit I thought I would reiterate what I have said on numerous occasions with a particular angle. When we are believers we can discern others who are full of the Spirit because we sense conviction of unworthiness as well as the love of Christ at the same time. That truly is a paradox; but shows us a healthy fear of God but exposes us to His mercy as well; and it is and should be truly unnerving at times. That is what I would like to live out; but admit I am sadly short.
"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." Luke 23:34 KJV
"He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me." Psalms 18:17 KJV
"In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge." Proverbs 14:26 KJV
Standing in agreement with you for peace during this time. Amen.
Part 3.
How should Christian treat one another?
We are to be at peace with one another, forgive one another, have mercy on one another.
Just a few references.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 5:26
Galatians 6:2
Matthew 7:12
1 John 4:7
However, we don't lie or deceive one another for the sake of peace. The truth hurts sometimes but it promotes spiritual growth providing that the Christ spirit is in the person.
BELEIVERS SHUNNING OTHER BELEIVERS.
To shun is to deliberately avoid something or someone. In the Bible, the word shun is applied to evil. Job 1:8, Job 28:28, Proverbs 3:7-8 Proverbs 14:16. So, shunning evil is good.
There is scripture that promotes excommunication. Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14. but do we do it for harm or Good? What's the intent?
In any case, it would seem that extreme forms of shunning, such as considering someone "dead," utterly ignoring him, or refusing to acknowledge his existence, go beyond what Scripture commands.
After all, Jesus said that, when someone is put out of the church, he should be treated as "a pagan or a tax collector" Matthew 18:17. In other words, treat an intractable offender as an unsaved person.
How are we to treat the unsaved? With love and grace.
The "pagans and tax collectors" need to be evangelized. We are to love even our enemies ( Matthew 5:44).
The goal of excommunication and any form of shunning is restoration ( Galatians 6:1).
The purpose of any type of discipline is to prompt repentance and, ultimately, to reunite our fallen brother or sister with the church body. Being officially ostracized from the church, the sinner might be brought to repentance.
When the man in the Corinthian church later realized that he had sinned against God, he repented and came back to the church for forgiveness and reinstatement. Fellowship with the Corinthian believers was restored ( 2 Corinthians 2:6-11).
Isn't it hateful to ignore or shun other believers?
See part 4.
In a bullet point presentation I would list things something like this in regard to this subject.
1. Do not regard scripture as just good literature; or as one of many sources of truth. As C.S. Lewis pointed out Christ Himself can only be taken as a liar; a madman or telling the truth. (from Mere Christianity: actually stated as Christ being the Devil Himself rather than a liar because of His claims to be Divine). What this does not mean is that you can't find certain elements of truth in other writings and/or religions. The SOURCE of all truth is in the Bible; but it doesn't mean that elements common to human understanding can't be replicated elsewhere. It also doesn't mean that corroborating facts can't be found elsewhere (such as in Macabees) that explain missing time periods or further explains things such as further details in genealogies; or the history of kings and empires. But the unique claims of truth in scripture are clear enough; there is no wiggle room for other religions which are called out as false with no uncertain terms.
2. Don't think you can figure out how to understand God's ways or Christ's salvation on your own understanding. Proverbs 14:12 warns about what seems right to a man leading to death. Someone can presume to follow the basic concepts in the Sermon on the Mount such as the "Golden rule" about doing unto others. In reality; however no one can love their enemies in their own strength or selflessly serve as our Lord did. To see God clearly we must realize that there is enmity between God an us (see Isaiah 59:1-2 and many other passages on this). If there was any other way; God would not have to send His Son to die on the cross to save His creation (man) from eternal damnation.
3. We can't explain away miracles due to natural circumstances from the Bible. There were some things unique to Christ such as forgiveness of sin; and control over nature.
Jesus was Prophet; Priest and King. He fulfilled roles which no other individual was allowed to do in scripture. David acted as Priest when needed when he was a king; but only due to his own sin. Solomon had to complete building the Temple because David was disallowed according to scripture because of certain acts of violence (I am guessing partly due to having Uriah killed off to get Bathsheeba). Even though Solomon commissioned men to do the work on the Temple we see no direct priestly action by him; only a dedication of the nation of Israel and prayers lifted up and the beginning of the operations there. Generally kings were not allowed to offer sacrifices; a Levite was needed first off. This disqualified Saul's attempt when he presumptuously went ahead with it rather than waiting for the right person to do the job and that resulted in being dethroned and his life started to fall apart. Prophets also kept away from sacrifices; but in the case of Christ He fulfilled the prophecies Himself by BEING our sacrifice and hence exalted by the Father to rule and reign as King on the earth in the Millennium.
The Bible describes many kings along with exhaustive lists of their actions which sadly were predominantly evil. The length of their reign as well as the fate of the nation at large was tied into blessings and cursings. Transgressions would cause a downfall; and in the case of the few righteous kings it exalted the nation ( Proverbs 14:34). After Solomon compromised he forfeited his own length of life as well as the nation being able to rule permanently without being under the thumb of other nations. In Ecclesiastes his conclusion after discussing all his own vanity and of life in general was to "fear God and keep his commandments" at the end of chapter 12. Through Christ alone can we fulfill the law because we are grafted in to the true vine inheriting His righeousness because of His victory.
Here are the commandments of God we are to live by.
Deuteronomy 8:3 ..... but by every word .....
Matthew 4:4 .... but by every word .....
Proverbs 14:15 The simple believeth every word .....
Not 10 commandments, but every WORD (all his words are commandments).
God Bless you
This is my favorite scripture because, you can dig into this scripture really deeply! James 1:19-20 is literally the main learning point of the old saying "God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason", we should should use our ears to listen and learn and when we gain wisdom through this we can then use that wisdom to teach through our mouths; Cross References= Proverbs 17:27 and Proverbs 14:29! James 1:21-24 goes to show that we should lay aside all disobedience and defiance, read the word and live it; Romans 2:13, Jeremiah 44:16, and 1 Thessalonians 1:5!
I'm sorry but the scriptures DO NOT agree with you.
John 5:14 "Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."
Jesus warns that if we continue sinning only worse things will happen!
Proverbs 1:7
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Matthew 10:28
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Proverbs 14:2
"He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him."
Job 28:28
"And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."
God is FEAR and LOVE! If we are wise we will love Him and fear Him!
GBU
"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;"
This verse; in a nutshell explains how; following man's expulsion from Eden that Adam's descendants-more or less willingly walked away from what they knew intellectually about God through the testimony of Adam and others who lived many hundreds of years into idol worship. This would result in the end of the antidiluvian world when Noah entered the ark; and would also signify the reason why God would use Israel to wipe out pagan nations once their "iniquity was at the full" (See Genesis 15:16 for earlier example). Israel was warned repeatedly not to follow the customs of the surrounding nations which often came through intermarriage or by obtaining cursed items. Sadly they hardened their hearts ( Jeremiah 32:35) to do the horrible act in Hinnom of sacrificing their children to Molech in the fire. God also judged Sodom; Gomorrah and the surrounding cities for the behaviors of men there of sodomy. Proverbs 14:34 states that righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.
This verse shows that there is a process involved when people drift off into sin; we all can see evidence of God in the Creation; even the Godhead as Romans 1:20 indicates (see also Psalm 19). Acts 8:23 shows someone in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity. This was Simon the Sorcerer; whose story began in verse 9. AFTER being baptized and claiming to be a believer he somehow thought he could buy the powers that the Apostles had of laying hands on people and having them receive the Holy Ghost. He was warned that he had no part in their ministry by Peter; and at the end of the story he asked them to pray for him.
It is hard to say exactly what Peter warned would happen to him or if he truly repented. We see; however a warning that it more than power in the gifts but the giver of gifts we worship.
Nineveh and Babylon appear to be two nations that had a wholesale turn toward God; initiated in both cases by the rulers at hand.
Sackcloth and ashes were worn by the King in the first example; along with a mandatory fast. In the second case; it appears that
Nebuchadnezzar may have recognized God's power in his declaration of Daniel 3:29; as to not saying anything against God; but his own personal understanding appears to have come later as predicted in Daniel 4:25. In our nation revivals in the 1700s seemed to eclipse even George Washington's noteriety with individuals like Whitfield and similar things happened in Europe with the Wesleyan revival.
In both cases from scripture we see the ruler being warned about sin; with Jonah it was just a general declaration of judgment to come; with Nebuchadnezzar a direct plea from Daniel in Daniel 4:27 to turn from sin was given. I believe the same thing
happened with a challenge to a President in our country in the 1800s; maybe someone has that information here.
Proverbs 14:34 explains how sin is a reproach to any nation; which is contrasted by righteousness exalting a nation in the first part of the verse. Truly a nation is made up of individuals; hance as someone comes to faith it may change the balance to
forestall judgment for a time. As with nations; individuals also can extend their lives ( 2 Kings 20:6); and the wicked as a
principle will not live out half their days ( Psalm 55:23). Nahum shows how judgment was only forestalled and delayed not averted; and we can read the rest of Jeremiah to see how Babylon fared; with an end time parallel in Revelation 18.
As we see from the above examples; righteous leadership can bring benefits to all; even if not all individuals are actually saved.
The same principle applies with the wheat and the tares in churches. Some only secretly desire worldly comforts or prestige who surround themselves around repentant saints.
The second thing after prayer for those walking in the Spirit is some sort of action whenever we are able. 1 John 3:17 echoes what is already written in Proverbs 14:31 about not neglecting a brother in need (a sin of omission). Sadly; we live in a fallen world and what is politically correct in immediately stepping out to help financially may end up getting us rended such as indicated in Matthew 7:6.
Often today no one wants to get into something messy. There are things such as domestic abuse where wisdom in contacting the authorities and those who are specialized in care of certain situations rather than stepping in ourselves.
I cannot overemphasize from the way I see it warning people of the seriousness of sin; as it affects not just them but others within their family and the entire congregation much of the time as well. We cannot assume if someone has been a believer for many years that they can't be headed for a fall; and these days more seem to go toward total apostasy. Exhortation needs to warn people that in our own strength we will be beaten down; in our own understanding we can and will be decieved without the Spirit guiding us as well as TRUSTING God even when it seems things around us contradict that as being a logical approach.
Just as we need to be careful who prays for us; we also need to be cautious who we take advice from. The enemy was granted permission to speak lies through the prophets ( 1 Kings 22:21-23) and many around us today will be used by the enemy if we are not careful. Such things as divorce and subsequent remarriage are high on that list in my assessment. There is always someone out there who will tell us to do what we want and tell us what we want to hear.
It is always a small remnant who live out what they believe by example; and there are no short cuts to obedience due to our love for Christ. ( John 14:15). Obedience is better than sacrifice as well ( 1 Sam. 15:22).
Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:1-29,
Proverbs 14:5,25, John 8,
Revelation 12:19,
Hopefully these are helpful
Psalms 147:3-11, Psalms 9:12, Psalms 107, Proverbs 22:22-23,
Actually GOD will stick up for people who don't even know how to pray : Proverbs 14:31,
Only after special treatment from GOD, then rebellion does HE ignore, Jeremiah 11:12-20, but in repentance Psalms 106:44, context Psalms 106, Matthew 25:31-46,
Proverbs 4:5-27, James 1:5, Ecclesiastes 7:12, Proverbs 112:5,
Proverbs 14:9,
Proverbs 8,
Hopefully these are encouraging as you pray & helpful as you're seeking GOD. Thank you for trusting us with your prayer needs
penury refers to extreme poverty, destitution. Hope this helps.
23In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
Genesis 5:24, Hebrews 11:5, 1Samuel 15:35, Job 10:21,22, Job 34:22, Job 38:17, Revelation 2:7, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 16:19-31, Psalms 6:5, Psalms 48:14, Psalms 49:14, Ecclesiastes 8:8, Isaiah 38:18, Romans 7, 2Corinthians 7:10,
Psalms 56:13, Psalms 89:48, Proverbs 10:2, Proverbs 14:27, Ecclesiastes 9:4,
Psalms 116:15, Proverbs 14:32, Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 25:8, Hosea 13:14, Luke 18:33, John 8:51, John 5:24, Acts 2:24-27, Romans 5:10-21, Romans 6:2-23, Romans 8, 2Timothy 1:10, 1John 3:14,
Jeremiah 21:8, Ezekiel 18:31,32, 1Corinthians 15:20-58, Revelation 1:18,
Hebrews 2:9-18, Revelation 20, Revelation 21,
I love to celebrate Christmas, I really enjoy the lights, the focus on our Savior. The generosity in the season. Christmas is a time of year, people remember more their fellow man, needs & wants of others. Christmas time reminds us of the joys of giving & putting smiles on others faces, teaching by love & kindnesses. Surprising a person with anonymous unexpected gifts, giving hope to people in desperation, food, clothing, volunteering, etc. warms their hearts, body & soul & sometimes gives them hope for a better ' tomorrow '. Christmas is the time of year people are more willing to receive from a Christian.....
We as Believers have an open door at Christmas unlike any other time of the year, to show the World who Jesus is, who the Church is.
When we remember those most "forgotten by others" showing them, they are not forgotten by GOD, it's amazing how even those around them are affected.
Deuteronomy 15:7, Job 5:16, Proverbs 19:4, Psalms 69:33, Proverbs 14:21, 2Corinthians 9:9, Psalms 68:10, Galatians 2:10, Romans 15:26, Psalms 40:17, Proverbs 22:2, Psalms 41:1, Luke 14:13, Psalms 74:21, Proverbs 29:7, Proverbs 28:27, Psalms 112:9, Psalms 82:3, Daniel 4:27, Proverbs 21:13, Proverbs 31:10,20, context Proverbs 31, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 19:7, Luke 4:18, Matthew 11:5, Mark 10:21,
Proverbs 19:6, Esther 9:22, James 1:27,
This Christmas season we really have a moment to help comfort, our nations with love, giving hope through the WORD, to poor in spirit & helping heal wounds. There is much we can give this year, for those in need. I pray GOD lead us even now, to start the giving season early. Romans 6:23, 2Corinthians 1:4, Proverbs 15:23,
Psalms 31:24, Ecclesiastes 3:1,
Relevant today : Ezekiel 13:22,23
Acts 5:1-10 in context Acts 4:32-37, continued into Acts 5,
Wisdom about : Proverbs 14:5-25, Proverbs 29:12, John 8:42-44 in context John 8,
Psalms 40:4, Isaiah 63:8, Zephaniah 3:13,
2Chronicles 32:26,
Hopefully you will find these helpful
Exodus 22:21-27, Exodus 23:1-12, Deuteronomy 24:12-15, Psalms 14:6, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalms 41:1, Psalms 82:3,4, Psalms 112:9, Proverbs 14:31, Proverbs 21:13, Matthew 19:21, Mark 10:21, Luke 14:13,14, Luke 18:22, 2Corinthians 9:9,
Proverbs 13:7,
Hopefully helpful
1 Corinthians 11:3; Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 14:1; Proverbs 19:14; Proverbs 31:10-31; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-4.
Titus 2:3-5 also is relevant here; as is 1 Peter 3:6 among other verses which show God's plan for women to be exalted.
The record of Mordecai of the attempted assault of the two chamberlains showed how the Jews were to be commended for helping with the security of the King; and this record would help the "humble to be exalted" as it were at a later date to vindicate Mordecai. (see ( Matthew 23:12). This attitude of service was repeated with Daniel in exile in Persia under Nebuchadnezzar; and Joseph in Egypt under the Pharaoh. We see a similar pattern as well with a crisis for the whole Jewish nation when the golden idol was set up; and the three men along with Daniel refused to worship it. Daniel himself ignored an edict about praying toward Jerusalem which put him in the lion's den. To be willing to die rather than serve men; Christ (the 4th man in the fire) was exalted and edicts went out that anyone who did NOT honor the God of Israel was to have their houses made into a "dunghill" ( Daniel 3:29). The edict of King Ahasuerus was also a game changer; to bring about God's preservation of His people.