DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
<
form action=&amp
;amp;amp;quot;https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr&
amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; method=&am
p;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;p
ost&
quot; target=&am
p;amp;amp;quot;_top&
amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;&am
p;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &a
mp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;input type=&am
p;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;hidden&am
p;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; name=&am
p;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;cmd&a
mp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; value=&
amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot
;_s-xclick&a
mp;amp;quot;&amp
;amp;amp;gt; &am
p;amp;amp;lt;input type=&amp
;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;hidden&amp
;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; name=&amp
;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;hosted_button_id&a
mp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; val
ue=&
quot;DKL7ADEKRVUBL&a
mp;amp;amp;amp;quot;&amp
;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &am
p;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;input type=&amp
;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;image&
amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; src=&a
mp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;https://www.payp
alobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif&am
p;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; border=&
amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;0&a
mp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; nam
e=&q
uot;submit&a
mp;amp;quot; alt=&am
p;amp;amp;amp;quot;PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!
&quo
t;&g
t; &
lt;img alt=&
amp;amp;quot;&am
p;amp;amp;quot; border=&
amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;0&a
mp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; src=&am
p;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;https://www.paypalobjects.com
/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif&a
mp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; width=&
amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;1&a
mp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; height=&amp
;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;1&
amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;&am
p;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &a
mp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/form&
amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
HTML https://3169.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Christian Theology
*****************************************************
#Post#: 3734--------------------------------------------------
Re: Christ's Ways
By: Olde Tymer Date: February 6, 2019, 8:28 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
.
[font=arial]Rom 12:10a . . Love each other with genuine
affection
Real affection is easy to imitate, but not so easy to duplicate.
Going through the motions is just not the same as feeling the
feelings.
There are people in this world who are affection-challenged.
They can't even feel anything for their own children, let alone
other people. For them, parenting is a nightmare rather than a
dream come true. Their children are a burden rather than a
blessing. Children ruin those parents' lives instead of
brightening them up and making their lives more worth the
living.
When affection-challenged people decide to follow Christ,
they're up against it because Christianity is a faith that works
by love rather than by law.
Though someone were to comply with every rule that I've listed
thus far and yet be affection-challenged, they're as Paul
described in his first epistle to the Corinthians as resounding
gongs and clanging cymbals. Those are percussion instruments;
they don't carry a tune or a melody; they just make noise.
However, affection-challenged people aren't entirely hopeless
because Christianity isn't a do-it-yourself religion; it's a
supernatural religion.
"If the spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living
in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life
to your mortal bodies through His spirit, who lives in you." (
Rom 8:11)
Some might argue that verse is talking about the future. Well;
their argument is okay as far as it goes, but doesn't go far
enough. It's futile to resurrect a mortal body because it would
be still be mortal; i.e. vulnerable to disease, aging, and
death. No, the "life" that Rom 8:11 is talking about is a
benefit package defined as the fruit of the Spirit; spoken of in
Gal 5:19-25. One of the benefits in that package is love.
A heads up to affection-challenged people: The fruit of the
Spirit comes with some negative side effects. Though its love
will make you a better human being, it will also make you pretty
miserable at times too because love gets into your heart and
makes you sensitive, compassionate, and empathetic. If you've
never felt those kinds of feelings before, then they would be
overwhelming were they to come upon you in full power.
Fortunately the fruit of the Spirit doesn't come on people all
at once; instead, love sort of grows on people a little at a
time; sort of like gradually bringing a frog up to the boiling
point by starting him out in cold water.
Of course the process is lethal to the frog; but I'm only using
the doomed amphibian as an analogy rather than a reality. The
fruit of the Spirit is life rather than death. So the fruit
gradually brings people up from a cold dead heart to a warm
living heart.
_[/font]
#Post#: 3752--------------------------------------------------
Re: Christ's Ways
By: Olde Tymer Date: February 7, 2019, 8:44 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
.
[font=arial]Rom 12:10b . . Honor others over yourselves.
Christians infected with narcissistic personality disorder will
find that rule difficult, if not impossible, to obey. It's a
mental condition characterized by a grandiose sense of
self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, exploitive
behavior in relationships, and a lack of empathy.
Narcissistic people are by nature insufferably arrogant,
self-absorbed, indifferent, and insensitive. They see nothing
wrong with their behavior, nor are they attuned to its impact on
others. Were you to confront narcissistic folk with your
concerns about their attitude; be prepared for a counterattack
because they'll no doubt become indignant and defensive;
possibly accusing you of selfishness, jealousy, overreaction,
hysteria, and unloving behavior. You see; they're never the
problem: you are.
As I was watching a recent series on the National Geographic
channel about geniuses; it became readily apparent to me that
people in the genius category crave recognition. Albert Einstein
and Pablo Picasso are two very good examples. Their
contributions to art and science were secondary to their
ambitions for greatness. I wouldn't say that all geniuses are
like that of course, but apparently the desire for greatness is
not uncommon among them.
I should think that most alpha achievers would have trouble
complying Rom 12:10b too. I mean. why be a winner if not to feel
superior to everyone else? The alpha achiever's motto is: It's
not enough to succeed: everyone else must fail.
Feelings of value are important to everyone's sense of well
being, but the alpha achiever feels only himself to be of any
real value; in his mind's eye, those "below" him are of little
worth, i.e. expendable and/or a dime a dozen. (cf. Est 6:6, Matt
27:26, Mark 12:38 39, and 3John 1:9)
_[/font]
#Post#: 3768--------------------------------------------------
Re: Christ's Ways
By: Olde Tymer Date: February 8, 2019, 9:59 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
.
[font=arial]Rom 12:11a . . Not slothful in business; fervent in
spirit
The koiné Greek word for "slothful" is okneros (ok-nay-ros')
which, according to its use in Matt 25:26-27, indicates failure
to honor one's fiduciary responsibilities.
In other words: when people have put their trust in you, in
whatever capacity or circumstance: do not disappoint them, nor
(God forbid) make lame excuses for failing to deliver on your
commitments.
"fervent in spirit" sort of means on fire-- i.e. highly
motivated --which is just the opposite of half-hearted,
lukewarm, and/or procrastinating.
A touching example of the kind of reliability I'm talking about
is Boaz. He made a promise to Ruth that goes like this:
"And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou
requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art
a virtuous woman. And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman:
howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I. Tarry this night, and
it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee
the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but
if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do
the part of a kinsman to thee, as The Lord liveth." (Ruth
3:11-13)
That man must've had a reputation in Bethlehem as someone you
could believe because here's Naomi's response upon hearing all
about Ruth's midnight experience.
"Then Naomi said: Wait, my daughter, until you find out what
happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled
today." (Ruth 3:18)
And sure enough, Naomi knew what she was talking about: Boaz got
right to it just as he promised.
_[/font]
#Post#: 3799--------------------------------------------------
Re: Christ's Ways
By: Olde Tymer Date: February 10, 2019, 12:33 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
.
[font=arial]Rom 12:12a . . Be glad for all God is planning for
you.
Christians unsure of their afterlife destination cannot, in all
honesty and a good conscience, comply with the above. For all
they know, God has outer darkness planned for them. That's not
something to be glad about.
_[/font]
#Post#: 3822--------------------------------------------------
Re: Christ's Ways
By: comingfrom Date: February 11, 2019, 3:31 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Thank you Olde Tymer.
When Jesus Christ came He taught God's ways.
The New Testament hadn't been produced yet.
I believe you'll get a lopsided view, if you leave out God's
word.
So let us have a look at the ways of Christ,
which Jesus and St Paul were talking about and teaching us.
Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way,
and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.
Exodus 23:20
The Holy Spirit, which Jesus spoke of, shall keep us in the way.
Jesus said...
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you
into all truth:
John 16:13
~~~`
They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded
them:
they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and
have sacrificed thereunto,
and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee
up out of the land of Egypt.
Exodus 32:8
A warning, that many turn out of the way, to go worship molten
gods.
Jesus said...
And He said,
Take heed that ye be not deceived:
for many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ;
and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
Luke 21:8
for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to
destruction,
and many there be which go in thereat:
Matthew 7:13
~~~`
Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath
commanded you,
that ye may live,
and that it may be well with you,
and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall
possess.
Deuteronomy 5:33
God's commandments are His ways.
Jesus said...
And I know that His commandment is life everlasting:
John 12:50
~~~`
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,
and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way,
and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 6:7
We shall teach the commandments when we are in the way.
Jesus said...
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments,
and shall teach men so,
he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven:
but whosoever shall do and teach them,
the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:19
Bless Jesus.
#Post#: 3825--------------------------------------------------
Re: Christ's Ways
By: Olde Tymer Date: February 11, 2019, 3:55 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
.
[font=arial]Rom 12:12b . . Be patient in trouble, and always be
prayerful.
Patience in trouble requires a hang-in-there, tough-it-out
attitude; i.e. perseverance, which can be defined as continued
effort to do, or achieve, something despite difficulties,
failure, or opposition.
I've heard of people giving up on religion due to adverse
circumstances which they felt were undeserving. But life goes on
whether one is pious or not.
"Adversity that comes into your life is no different from what
others experience." (1Cor 10:13)
"Man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward." (Job
5:7)
I guess some people figure that life should be a bed of roses
for Christians; but alas, such is not the case.
"To be, or not to be, that is the question: whether 'tis nobler
in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous
fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by
opposing end them: to die, to sleep no more; and by a sleep, to
say we end the heart-ache, and the thousand natural shocks that
flesh is heir to? 'Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished."
(Hamlet. Act III, Scene I)
Wishing one's self dead in order to escape troubles doesn't
comply with patience; and wishing one's self was never born is
futile.
"Why didn't I die at birth as I came from the womb? Why did my
mother let me live? Why did she nurse me at her breasts? For if
I had died at birth, I would be at peace now, asleep and at
rest." (Job 3:11-13)
A Christian buddy of mine died in his mid forties. Sometimes I
envy his untimely death because he doesn't have to go through
old age like I'm doing. I've had lots of troubles in my
lifetime: the sudden passing of my favorite nephew, betrayed by
people I thought were BFFs, dumped by girl friends, financial
reversal, appendicitis, thyroid failure, total knee
replacements, cataract surgery, loss of kidney function, loss of
teeth, lay-offs, etc. None of those misfortunes have been as
destructive to my peace of mind as the aging process.
Fortunately I'm not demented nor suffering from onset
Alzheimer's, but nevertheless, I'm disintegrating, little by
little and day by day; and there's no remedy. The aging process
is like Arnold Swarzenegger's relentless movie character; the
Terminator, of whom it is said: feels neither pain nor pity, nor
remorse nor fear; it cannot be reasoned with nor can it be
bargained with, and it absolutely will not stop-- ever --until
you are dead.
I don't really mind getting old, nor mind dying: what I do mind
is falling apart along the way. But others have fallen apart
before me, others are falling apart along with me, and others
will fall apart after me. My own personal Terminator is nothing
new or unusual; so I'm riding it out like people in hurricane
zones ride out the storms that come their way year after year. I
don't know if anyone ever gets comfortable with the aging
process; but at least they can take comfort in knowing we only
have to go through it once.
_[/font]
#Post#: 3864--------------------------------------------------
Re: Christ's Ways
By: Olde Tymer Date: February 12, 2019, 9:16 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
.
[font=arial]Rom 12:13a . . Share with God's people who are in
need.
Hebrews are God's people in accordance with an unconditional
covenant that He made with Abraham. (Gen 17:7-8)
NOTE: Nazi Germany was very nearly 99% Christian. Had they all
complied with Rom 12:13a, the effects of the Holocaust would've
no doubt been greatly reduced.
_[/font]
#Post#: 3880--------------------------------------------------
Re: Christ's Ways
By: Olde Tymer Date: February 13, 2019, 9:13 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
.
[font=arial]Rom 12:13b . . Practice hospitality.
Webster's defines hospitable as: (1) given to generous and
cordial reception of guests, (2) promising or suggesting
generous and cordial welcome, (3) offering a pleasant or
sustaining environment.
In other words; a hospitable person is civil, courteous,
thoughtful, easy on one's nerves, helpful, approachable,
accommodating, and relaxing to be with.
_[/font]
#Post#: 3909--------------------------------------------------
Re: Christ's Ways
By: Olde Tymer Date: February 14, 2019, 8:58 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
.
[font=arial]Rom 12:14 . . Bless those who persecute you; bless
and do not curse.
The koiné Greek word for "persecute" is dioko (dee-o'-ko) which
means to pursue; i.e. to hound. In other words; a persecuting
personality is one whose mission in life is to ruin somebody's
day at every opportunity; and they are pretty good at finding
ways to do it.
Christians are under orders to remain civil with people
deliberately out to get you; and not let them discourage the
practice of hospitality. If they want to behave like predators,
that's their choice; just be careful you don't choose to react
in kind.
_[/font]
#Post#: 3955--------------------------------------------------
Re: Christ's Ways
By: Olde Tymer Date: February 16, 2019, 4:09 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
.
[font=arial]Rom 12:15 . .When others are happy, be happy with
them. If they are sad, share their sorrow.
A number of factors play a role in the making of an insensitive
clod; one of which is defective areas of the brain called
amygdalae. In brief, the amygdalae control, to a large extent,
our emotions; i.e. our feelings, especially relative to empathy.
Normal amygdalae make it possible to commiserate; which can be
roughly defined as feeling sympathy and/or compassion as opposed
to just going thru the motions. For example: I heard somewhere
that half of us go to funerals to honor folk we couldn't be
bothered with when they were alive and then lie through out
teeth when we tell the family "I'm sorry for your loss."
Defective amygdalae are usually a genetic problem; i.e. people
with them were born that way. So, they are going to have a
pretty difficult time of it when it comes to sharing in the
happiness and/or the sorrow of others.
"Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots?"
(Jer 13:23)
The answer to both those questions is of course NO; like they
say: you can't get blood out of a turnip. So then, how is it
reasonable to expect empathy-challenged Christians to share the
happiness of happy people and/or the sorrows of sad people?
Well; it isn't reasonable, but neither is it hopeless seeing as
how a portion of the fruit of the Spirit is love (Gal 5:22). In
other words: there's a supernatural remedy for personality
disorders. (cf. Ezek 36:26)
BTW: It's surprising the number of Christians that I've
encountered, even Sunday school teachers, who honestly believe
that feelings have no role whatsoever in the practice of
Christianity. As a result, they go about the business of their
Christian life as insensitive mannequins: heartless, cold, and
metallic; sort of like the Tin Woodsman of the Wizard of Oz--
without a heart, he couldn't feel the passionate emotions he
once felt for the love of his life. Without a heart; the poor,
pitiful man was barely a sentient being
_[/font]
*****************************************************
DIR Previous Page
DIR Next Page