Archives for June 2020

June 27, 2020 by for_his_glory

BAPTISM

We put on Jesus by the renewal of our mind, body and soul through Jesus life, death and resurrection by which we can reconcile ourselves back to Gods grace and mercy through His Salvation of renewal and rebirth of spirit. We now have the mind of Christ as joint heirs with Jesus as we walk in the path of Jesus and not our own path anymore.

John 3:3-21 except a man be born again of water and Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Vs.6 that which is born of the Flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Flesh cannot perceive the things of the Spirit and is enmity against God, Romans 8:6, 7.

Sin separates us from God because God is a spirit and can only recognize his own children by what spirit is living in their hearts. We have to renew, rebirth – born again, Gods Spirit within us in order to be called a child of God and see the kingdom of heaven. We now put off the old man (flesh) and put on the new man (Spirit), Colossians 3:1-17. We are renewed by the word of God and through the Holy Spirit teaching us of all things, John 14:26.

Acts 2:38,39 When we repent of our sins and ask Jesus into our hearts we are also receiving the promise of God that his Holy Spirit will come and dwell in our hearts and teach us of all things we need to learn, John 14:26. The baptism that Peter was talking about in Acts 2:38 was a Spiritual rebirth through the word of God. Some people think it is being dunked or sprinkled with water the way John the Baptist did and there is nothing wrong with that for it is an outward appearance to man that you have repented and received Jesus and the Holy Spirit into your life, Matthew 3:11, but Jesus himself never baptized with water, John 4:2, for the baptism of Jesus was for receiving the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) that helps us to know the will of the Father, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12.

There is nothing wrong with immersion in water as this is an outward appearance to others that you have received Gods Salvation and the Holy Spirit. When the Disciples where in the upper room they all received the Holy Spirit, not by immersion of water, but by Gods Spirit falling on them. What about those people who can not be immersed in water that are incapacitated. Peter did not say that it was through water that we receive the Holy Spirit in Acts 10:47, 48 he was saying that others should not forbid a Gentile who wants to be immersed in water, but repentance must come first. After repentance and the Spiritual rebirth, John 3:5-7, we are then baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire through that of Christ baptism according to Acts 2:38, 39, Matthew 3:11.

This is from the Jerusalem Bible:

John 4:1 When Jesus heard that the Pharisees had found out that he was making and baptizing more disciples than John though in fact it was his disciples who baptized, not Jesus himself he left Judaea and went back to Galilee.

John’s baptism was for the showing of one who repented of their sins first and then symbolized of actual water that they were made clean again. It was not for the receiving Jesus or the Holy Spirit as Jesus ministry hadn’t started yet and the Holy Spirit was given on the day of Pentecost in the upper room. When Jesus was baptized of John it was to fulfill Gods righteousness in Him to receive Gods power and authority to start His ministry here on earth. Water baptism is an outward appearance to others that you have been made righteous through Christ and have receive the Holy Spirit as we are given Gods power and authority through His grace to be His servants and witness here on Earth as Christ was.

Mat 3:14 But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Mark 10:39; 16:15,16; Acts 2:38 It is Gods Spirit that was in Christ and which we are now baptized or have received as the disciples did on the day of Pentecost as when Jesus ascended into Heaven the Holy Spirit came down and fell on those who received Jesus and his word. The baptism that Jesus and Peter was talking about was a Spiritual rebirth through Gods word, not water, Luke 3:16, as Peter taught it was through repentance and accepting Jesus and his teachings is when we receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:36-38 we have to believe first and through confession, Romans 10:9,10, we are given the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:44-48 The Holy Spirit already fell on the disciples while they were listening to Peter. (No water involved)

Acts 19:1-7 John’s baptism was for repentance and the Holy Spirit was not received nor even heard of yet until the day in the upper room that Jesus was raised up to Heaven and the Holy Spirit fell down on all of them in that room. John baptized with water unto repentance but only as a symbolic sign that one had already repented of their sins and were washed clean by Gods grace.

John 14:16, 17 Jesus is telling his disciples that he will not leave them, but will send the Holy Spirit to comfort them and teach them. Jesus himself did not baptize with water, but with the Spirit and Christian baptism was only instituted after the resurrection when the Lord gave the commission to his apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, Matthew 28:19,20.

Acts 2:38 and Acts 10:47, 48 are both talking about water, but not for the remission of sins, but for an afterward appearance of acknowledgment. John 3:5-7 We are given the Holy Spirit at the same time of repentance and has nothing to do with water baptism as I have stated that water baptism is an outward appearance to others that you have already confessed and believed and received the Holy Spirit.

This is what Smith’s Bible dictionary says:

To be baptized for Christ shows an intention to become a true follower of Christ. John baptized with water unto repentance but as a sign of it, perhaps only a sign of their willingness to enroll themselves among John’s followers. Jesus himself did not baptize with water, but with the Spirit and Christian baptism was only instituted after the resurrection when the Lord gave the commission to his apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

This verse shows that these men had already received the Holy Spirit, but wanted to be baptized in water also as followers of Christ. So I believe both verses in Acts to be water, but not for the receiving of the Holy Spirit, but an outward appearance to others that they have repented and received the Holy Spirit already.

Mat 3:14 But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

Mat 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

John’s baptism was prophesied by the prophets in the OT as only being for the remission of sin before that of Messiah come. John said in Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 28:19 (LEB)

Therefore, goAs a participle of attendant circumstance this participle carries imperatival force picked up from the main verb (“make disciples”) andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“go”) has been translated as a finite verb make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,19Therefore, goAs a participle of attendant circumstance this participle carries imperatival force picked up from the main verb (“make disciples”) andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“go”) has been translated as a finite verb make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Mark 10:39 (LEB)

And they said to him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup that I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with,39And they said to him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup that I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with,

Matthew 3:11 (LEB)

I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I am, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.11I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I am, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Mark 1:1 (LEB)

John the Baptist Begins His MinistryThe beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.Some manuscripts add “the Son of God”John the Baptist Begins His MinistryThe beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.Some manuscripts add “the Son of God”

Mark 1:8 (LEB)

I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”8I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Luke 3:16 (LEB)

John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is more powerful than I am is coming, of whom I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.16John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is more powerful than I am is coming, of whom I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

John 3:3-21 (LEB)

Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born from above,The same Greek word can mean either “from above” or “again,” which allows for the misunderstanding by Nicodemus here; Jesus was speaking of new birth “from above,” while Nicodemus misunderstood him to mean a second physical birth he is not able to see the kingdom of God.”3Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born from above,The same Greek word can mean either “from above” or “again,” which allows for the misunderstanding by Nicodemus here; Jesus was speaking of new birth “from above,” while Nicodemus misunderstood him to mean a second physical birth he is not able to see the kingdom of God.”4Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is an old man? He is not able to enter into his mother’s womb for the second time and be born, can he?”*The negative construction in Greek anticipates a negative answer here, indicated in the translation by the phrase “can he”4Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is an old man? He is not able to enter into his mother’s womb for the second time and be born, can he?”*The negative construction in Greek anticipates a negative answer here, indicated in the translation by the phrase “can he”5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.7Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘It is necessary for you to be born from above.’The same Greek word can mean either “from above” or “again” (see also v. 3)7Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘It is necessary for you to be born from above.’The same Greek word can mean either “from above” or “again” (see also v. 3)8The wind blows wherever it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”8The wind blows wherever it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”9Nicodemus answered and said to him, “How can these things be?”9Nicodemus answered and said to him, “How can these things be?”10Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and you do not understand these things?10Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and you do not understand these things?11Truly, truly I say to you, we speak what we know, and we testify about what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony!11Truly, truly I say to you, we speak what we know, and we testify about what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony!12If I tell you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?12If I tell you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?13And no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven — the Son of Man.13And no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven — the Son of Man.14And just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness,An allusion to Num 21:5–9 thus it is necessary that the Son of Man be lifted up,14And just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness,An allusion to Num 21:5–9 thus it is necessary that the Son of Man be lifted up,15so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.”Some interpreters and Bible translations extend the quotation of Jesus’ words through v. 2115so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.”Some interpreters and Bible translations extend the quotation of Jesus’ words through v. 2116God’s Love for the WorldFor in this way God loved the world, so that he gave his one and only Son, in order that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but will have eternal life.16God’s Love for the WorldFor in this way God loved the world, so that he gave his one and only Son, in order that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but will have eternal life.17For God did not send his Son into the world in order that he should judgeOr “he should condemn” the world, but in order that the world should be saved through him.17For God did not send his Son into the world in order that he should judgeOr “he should condemn” the world, but in order that the world should be saved through him.18The one who believes in him is not judged,Or “condemned” but the one who does not believe has already been judged,Or “been condemned” because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.18The one who believes in him is not judged,Or “condemned” but the one who does not believe has already been judged,Or “been condemned” because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.19And this is the judgment: that the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil.19And this is the judgment: that the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil.20For everyone who practices evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds be exposed.20For everyone who practices evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds be exposed.21But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, in order that his deeds may be revealed, that they are done in God.21But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, in order that his deeds may be revealed, that they are done in God.

John 14:26 (LEB)

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name — that one will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything that I said to you.26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name — that one will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything that I said to you.

John 14:16 (LEB)

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, in order that he may be with you forever“for the age” —16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, in order that he may be with you forever“for the age” —

John 4:2 (LEB)

(although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples),2(although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples),

John 3:5-7 (LEB)

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.7Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘It is necessary for you to be born from above.’The same Greek word can mean either “from above” or “again” (see also v. 3)7Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘It is necessary for you to be born from above.’The same Greek word can mean either “from above” or “again” (see also v. 3)

John 4:1 (LEB)

The Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s WellNow when Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than JohnThe Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s WellNow when Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John

Acts 10:44-48 (LEB)

The Holy Spirit Given to GentilesWhileHere “while” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“was … speaking”) Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who were listening to the message.44The Holy Spirit Given to GentilesWhileHere “while” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“was … speaking”) Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who were listening to the message.45And those believers from the circumcision who had accompanied Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles,45And those believers from the circumcision who had accompanied Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles,46for they heard them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter said,46for they heard them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter said,47“Surely no one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as we also did!”47“Surely no one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as we also did!”48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for several days.48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for several days.

Acts 8:36-38 (LEB)

And as they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”A few later manuscripts add v. 37, with minor variations: “He said to him, ‘If you believe with your whole heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’” The verse is almost certainly not an original part of the text of Acts.36And as they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”A few later manuscripts add v. 37, with minor variations: “He said to him, ‘If you believe with your whole heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’” The verse is almost certainly not an original part of the text of Acts.373738And he ordered the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water — Philip and the eunuch — and he baptized him.38And he ordered the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water — Philip and the eunuch — and he baptized him.

Acts 19:1-7 (LEB)

Paul Finds Disciples of John the Baptist in EphesusAnd it happened that while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the inland regions andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“traveled through”) has been translated as a finite verb cameSome manuscripts have “and came down” to Ephesus and found some disciples.Paul Finds Disciples of John the Baptist in EphesusAnd it happened that while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the inland regions andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“traveled through”) has been translated as a finite verb cameSome manuscripts have “and came down” to Ephesus and found some disciples.2And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when youHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“believed”) which is understood as temporal believed?” And they said to him, “But we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit!”2And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when youHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“believed”) which is understood as temporal believed?” And they said to him, “But we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit!”3And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into the baptism of John.”3And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into the baptism of John.”4And Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the one who was to come after him — that is, in Jesus.”4And Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the one who was to come after him — that is, in Jesus.”5And when theyHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“heard”) which is understood as temporal heard this,*supplied from English context they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.5And when theyHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“heard”) which is understood as temporal heard this,*supplied from English context they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6And whenHere “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“laid”) Paul laid handsSome manuscripts have “placed his hands” on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they began to speakImperfect tense as ingressive (“began to speak”) in tongues and to prophesy.6And whenHere “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“laid”) Paul laid handsSome manuscripts have “placed his hands” on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they began to speakImperfect tense as ingressive (“began to speak”) in tongues and to prophesy.7(Now the total number of men was about twelve.)7(Now the total number of men was about twelve.)

Acts 10:47 (LEB)

“Surely no one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as we also did!”47“Surely no one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as we also did!”

Acts 2:38 (LEB)

And Peter saidSome manuscripts explicitly add “said” to them, “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.38And Peter saidSome manuscripts explicitly add “said” to them, “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 10:9 (LEB)

thatOr “because” if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.9thatOr “because” if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 8:6 (LEB)

For the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace,6For the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace,

Colossians 3:1-17 (LEB)

Seek the Things AboveTherefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Seek the Things AboveTherefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth.2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth.3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.4When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.4When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.5Put Off the Old BehaviorTherefore put to death what is earthly in you“the members on the earth”: sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustful passion, evil desire, and greediness, which is idolatry,5Put Off the Old BehaviorTherefore put to death what is earthly in you“the members on the earth”: sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustful passion, evil desire, and greediness, which is idolatry,6because of which the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,6because of which the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,7in which also you once lived, when you used to live in them.Or “among them” (the pronoun may refer either to people or to sins)7in which also you once lived, when you used to live in them.Or “among them” (the pronoun may refer either to people or to sins)8But now you also lay aside all these things: anger, rage, wickedness, slander, abusive language from your mouth.8But now you also lay aside all these things: anger, rage, wickedness, slander, abusive language from your mouth.9Do not lie to one another, because youHere “because” is supplied as a component of the participle (“have taken off”) which is understood as causal have taken off the old man together with his deeds,9Do not lie to one another, because youHere “because” is supplied as a component of the participle (“have taken off”) which is understood as causal have taken off the old man together with his deeds,10and have put on the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created him,10and have put on the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created him,11where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all, and in all.11where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all, and in all.12Appeal for New BehaviorTherefore, as the chosen of God, holy and dearly loved, put on affection, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience,12Appeal for New BehaviorTherefore, as the chosen of God, holy and dearly loved, put on affection, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience,13putting up with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone should have a complaint against anyone, just as also the Lord forgave you, thus also you do the same.13putting up with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone should have a complaint against anyone, just as also the Lord forgave you, thus also you do the same.14And to all these things add love, which is the bond of perfection.14And to all these things add love, which is the bond of perfection.15And the peace of Christ must rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.15And the peace of Christ must rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom, with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God,16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom, with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God,17and everything whatever“if anything that” you do in word or in deed, giving thanks for all things in the name of the Lord Jesus to God the Father through him.17and everything whatever“if anything that” you do in word or in deed, giving thanks for all things in the name of the Lord Jesus to God the Father through him.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 (LEB)

Appeal for Continuing SanctificationFinally therefore, brothers, we ask you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus that, just as you have received from us how it is necessary for you to live and to please God, just as indeed you are living, that you progress even more.Appeal for Continuing SanctificationFinally therefore, brothers, we ask you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus that, just as you have received from us how it is necessary for you to live and to please God, just as indeed you are living, that you progress even more.2For you know what commands we gave to you through the Lord Jesus.2For you know what commands we gave to you through the Lord Jesus.3For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;3For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;4that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,4that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,5not in lustful passion, just as also the Gentiles who do not know God;5not in lustful passion, just as also the Gentiles who do not know God;6not to transgress and to exploit his brother in the matter, because the Lord is the one who avenges concerning all these things, just as also we told you beforehand and testified solemnly.6not to transgress and to exploit his brother in the matter, because the Lord is the one who avenges concerning all these things, just as also we told you beforehand and testified solemnly.7For God did not call us to impurity, but in holiness.7For God did not call us to impurity, but in holiness.8Therefore the one who rejects this is not rejecting man, but God, who also gives his Holy Spirit to you.8Therefore the one who rejects this is not rejecting man, but God, who also gives his Holy Spirit to you.9Affirmation of Continuing LoveBut concerning brotherly love, I do not have need to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another,9Affirmation of Continuing LoveBut concerning brotherly love, I do not have need to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another,10for indeed you are practicing it toward all the brothers in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to progress even more,10for indeed you are practicing it toward all the brothers in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to progress even more,11and to aspire to live a quiet life, and to attend to your own business,“your own things” and to work with your hands,Some manuscripts have “your own hands” just as we commanded you,11and to aspire to live a quiet life, and to attend to your own business,“your own things” and to work with your hands,Some manuscripts have “your own hands” just as we commanded you,12so that you may live decently toward those outside, and may have need of nothing.12so that you may live decently toward those outside, and may have need of nothing.

June 26, 2020 by hldude

The Lost Art Of Listening

“The Lost Art Of Listening”

James 1:19-20 NLT

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters; You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

There are a lot of situations in life that we must take the time to understand so that we can learn. We spend our young lives taking directions and instructions not only from our parents, but also from our teachers at school as our bodies and brains grow and we absorb valuable lessons. We spend years and years feeding our brains information and processing all of it so that we can continue to learn and grow.

One of the greatest lessons in life is the art of listening. It doesn’t do us any good to just listen good enough to get a decent grade and then forget what we’ve learned. When we are taught lessons by whomever, we should always listen and seek to learn so that we can succeed in all situations and circumstances that come our way.

Listening is definitely an art. We learned at a young age the challenges of listening. For some, listening comes naturally as we are eager to learn. For others, listening takes a lot of work because we get distracted and lose track of the lesson being taught. However, I think in some way we all struggle with listening for one reason or another. James knew this and he shares a very powerful passage here as he teaches us that we all need to be quick to listen.

Friends, it’s a sad reality we must face that we have become people who are not quick to listen, and instead are quick to speak and get angry. That seems to be a large majority of people in the world today. So many people get so angry and determined to get their opinions out all before they take time to actually listen to what others say.

What if we actually took the time to listen to others and started learning before going off on our tangents? I’m not trying to get political in any way and I don’t like politics to be honest. I am saying that it is so important, now more than ever, to stop spewing out what we think and feel all the time and take time to actually listen. Most of all, we need to listen to God and let Him guide us.

Instead of us being slow to listen, quick to speak and quick to get angry, we need to take a step back and start being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. If we practiced this in our lives and in the Church today, it would be amazing what we would learn and the love that would abound as we actually took the initiative to listen and love one another.

God, help us to always strive to listen not only to You most of all, but to others as well as we seek to share Your Love.

Weekly Devotional Blog Site www.zwdevotions.com

James 1:19-20 (LEB)

Doers of the Message, Not Just HearersUnderstand this, my dear brothers: every person must be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger,19Doers of the Message, Not Just HearersUnderstand this, my dear brothers: every person must be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger,20for human“man’s” anger does not accomplish the righteousness of God.20for human“man’s” anger does not accomplish the righteousness of God.

June 23, 2020 by Susannah

Christians and Slavery

I am going to try very hard to say these things without offending anyone. The subject of slavery has been in the news a lot. I actually studied this subject in 1978 at U.C. Berkeley.

The problem with slavery for Christians is that it is rooted in the love of money, which the Bible tells us is the root of all evil.

In parts of this country, when it first came into existence, making money, by making a profit, depended on the labor of slaves. These slaves were not friends with their owners like slavery in the Bible. They were property. They were bought and sold. To save as much money as possible, they were not fed properly and it was against the law for them to learn to read and write.

The other problem with slavery was that to rationalize owning people, the slaves were said to be inferior, less intelligent, and (despite their labor) lazy.

I could write a lot about this but my focus is now is how slavery affects Christians.

I was a Quaker for years. They are known for their position on non-violence. They owned slaves when they first came to America. However, they recognized that it was not a Christian thing to do so they freed their slaves, and gave them wages, a hundred years before the thirteenth amendment freed the slaves. They went on to be Christian abolitionists.

Money is not necessarily a bad thing if used in the interest of others. Christians often have money because God knows they will share it with the less fortunate. But money has its dark side. It can take over ones interest in loving our neighbor, and sometimes people will go against their Christian values to get and maintain money.

The problem of slavery is also a problem of control. After the slaves were freed, they were incarcerated for petty crimes and put in a chain gangs. They lost the right to vote. Share cropping has been referred to as a form of slavery. Jim Crow was another way to control former slaves. Today, mass incarceration of blacks is a problem of control. God does not want us to control each other. He wants us to get to know each other. To respect each other. To love each other.

Between the commandment to “love thy neighbor” and money sometimes being a problem, I think we can all agree that slavery was not a good thing and is not what God wants.

As a Christian this is where I stand. I am 71 and I have seen a lot in my time here on earth. Most of all I have seen progress, albeit slow sometimes. I am hopeful that things will improve and I know it will be Christians who will lead the way. Why? Because God is behind us. He knows where this is all going to end up and he will give is the wisdom, discernment and strength to make a difference. And when people ask who are those courageous people out there helping improve things we will be proud to say we are Christians. Come join us.

June 16, 2020 by hldude

The Ultimate Refuge

“The Ultimate Refuge”

Psalm 91:1-2 NLT

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust Him.

We all have different ways we enjoy being refreshed, don’t we? A glass of ice water or a pool on a hot summer day; taking a book and going to the beach to relax and get some rays; taking a hot shower on a cold winter day. These are just a few of the many ways we seek to be refreshed. Whether it’s something we consume or a place we go, we all have different ways of refreshing ourselves. Right now, you can picture your favorite spot to go to so that you can feel at peace and get some relaxation. We all have our favorite things and places for refreshing.

As I think of all the things people like to do and places people like to go to get refreshment, it reminds me of the great blessings God has given to all of us to have these opportunities. We all need times to get away and be refreshed. We can’t always work, work, work. We need times to get away and calm our minds and just relax. We need to relax our minds and just get lost in letting our minds stop thinking so much. Refreshment is something we all long for so often in the midst of our busy lives.

I hope that we are all thankful, most of all, for the refreshment we have as we take refuge in God. When we live and dwell in the shelter and presence of God, that is refreshment like nothing else. When we take the time to just be in His presence and soak in all that He wants to give us, we experience peace and safety, even while living in a world of chaos. The chaos of the world will most likely never end or slow down, so we need to make it a priority to “check out” often to refresh in Him. As much as the world provides ways of refreshment, there is no refreshment like being in His presence.

When we let Him become our refuge and place of total trust, we find peace like we’ve never experienced before. We find ourselves at the peak of true enjoyment. There is absolutely nothing like resting in the shelter and shadow of Almighty God. When things are crazy in my days, as they often get for many of us, I like to just rest in Him. I know that He will give me refreshment and peace that no one else or nothing else can give in this life.

I pray that we all will find times each day to escape the chaotic world around us and just get lost in His wonderful presence. We all need this, especially with all the craziness going on around us this year. We need Him now more than ever and He will provide this peace and refuge.

Will we seek ultimate refuge in Him?

Weekly Devotional Blog Site www.zwdevotions.com

June 11, 2020 by hldude

Encourage, Love And Support One Another

“Encourage, Love And Support One Another”

Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

This past week I have found it more challenging to think about what I want to write and share about. Some weeks the words just flow easily from my heart. Other weeks, I find it very hard to articulate exactly what I’m feeling and what I want to share with others through my devotional writing. The past weeks, I’ve been thinking and talking with friends and family about all the craziness of life. While God has definitely continued to bless us in many different ways, the craziness of life is still present and we work through it by trusting in His guidance each day.

As I find myself scrolling through facebook, checking the news reports on my phone, listening to various conversations around me at work, I just have to wonder what this world would be like if we really took this passage to heart and lived it out. What if we really challenged ourselves to encourage, love and support one another as God has commanded us to do? What if we took this command seriously, as God wants us to and really loved one another?

It seems these days so many people are so focused on getting their opinions out and making sure they are heard. While this is healthy when done in the right way, we always need to remember that no matter what, God has called us to love, encourage and support one another. I think about that when I’m with my wife and kids especially. Am I loving them or just venting my opinions out to them about how I feel about things? Do I take the time to really love them and hear how they are feeling?

Friends, sometimes we just need to take a step back and really listen to what others have to say. Many months ago I watched a devotional series by Francis Chan and I was really impacted by how he talked about how, in this world today, so many people are so focused on airing their opinions and not just listening. We really need to take the time to listen to others. It’s important to show others we care and help motivate them to doing great things.

I want to encourage all of us to focus more on encouraging others around us each day. This is not to say we can’t share how we feel about things with others, but we need to make sure we are focusing on loving, supporting and encouraging people. That is what God wants us to focus on as we seek to share His Light.

Father, help us to encourage, love and support one another as You have called us to do. Help us focus not on getting our opinions heard so much, but listening to others and seeing how we can help them come to know You.

Weekly Devotional Blog Site www.zwdevotions.com

Hebrews 10:24-25 (LEB)

And let us think about how to stir one another up to love“one another for the stirring up of love” and good works,24And let us think about how to stir one another up to love“one another for the stirring up of love” and good works,25not abandoning our meeting together“the meeting of ourselves”, as is the habit of some, but encouraging each other, and by so much more as you see the day drawing near.25not abandoning our meeting together“the meeting of ourselves”, as is the habit of some, but encouraging each other, and by so much more as you see the day drawing near.

June 9, 2020 by Susannah

Christian Charity

I have a friend in Africa who takes care of orphans. His name is Pastor John. Life is simple there. There is a lot of focus on finding food each day.

John’s parents died of AIDS when he was two years old. He was raised by a window in the village. Lately, he has been depressed. I told him I was a counselor and he did not know what that meant. Therapy is not available where he lives.

I want to help me talk about his feelings. Like most men, he wants to pretend everything is all right even though he is depressed. He told me today he feels stronger because he knows I have his back.

It is so simple to help people even if you have no money. Just open your heart and listen to the pain world wide. God will tell you what to say.

I had this same experience with the homeless where I live. I offer them money and sometimes they say, “I do not need your money, I just need to know that someone cares.” I have also been told, “I need your energy.” “I need your prayers.” “I need your blessing.” “I need you to ask me my name.”

As Christians we are commanded to love our neighbor. We do not need money to do that.

Remember that loving our neighbor is not just a suggestion. It is a commandment. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12

John 15:12 (LEB)

This is my commandment: that you love one another just as I have loved you.12This is my commandment: that you love one another just as I have loved you.