Proverbs 29:21

He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child  shall have him become his son at the length.

Proverbs 29:21

"Here is good advice for managers. Wise and careful treatment of an employee can lead to a relationship with him similar to a family member. There is a great distance in the Bible between masters and servants, approximating employers and employees today. This significant difference in ability and position is to be preserved. But prudent managers also win affectionate loyalty, in addition to diligent obedience, from their employees.

 

The Bible teaches, defends, and promotes authority more than any other philosophy or religion, for the foundation of all human relationships is the sovereign authority of a creator God. Jehovah ordained the five spheres of human authority – husband, parent, master, magistrate, and pastor. Therefore their offices are not to be compromised (Eccl 10:5-7; Rom 13:1-7; I Cor 11:9; Eph 6:1-9; Col 3:18-25; Heb 13:7,17; I Pet 2:13 – 3:7).

But the Bible also restricts and penalizes abuse of this God-ordained authority (Ps 12:5; Eccl 5:8). Masters are limited in their authority over servants, and they are bound to treat them with a minimum level of fairness, kindness, and consistency (Lev 19:13; 25:39-46; Deut 15:12-18; 24:14-15; Eph 6:9; Col 4:1). And the doctrine of God further teaches love of neighbor, including servants, by the standard you seek to be loved (Luke 6:31; 10:27).

The older conservative and evangelical commentators understood this proverb very differently. They believed it condemned treating a servant too well in his youth, for he would be spoiled by the luxury, forget his proper place, and later presume to be equal to the heir. Since most commentators generally follow one another, they agreed with each other here. Their interpretation and application are wrong for the following reasons.

First, an ironical or sarcastic use of words should be obvious to the reader, which is not obvious here. A straightforward reading of the proverb indicates positive instruction for the wise management of servants. To take the words in the opposite sense of a sarcastic rebuke is difficult indeed, for there are no words or contextual hints to do so.

 

Second, “delicately” does not require a definition of pampering luxury, for it also means careful and tactful treatment, as in Agag coming delicately to Samuel (I Sam 15:32).

 

Third, Solomon taught elsewhere in Proverbs that a wise servant would, and therefore should, be promoted over foolish sons and given an interest in the family inheritance (Pr 17:2). And he taught that kings recognize and promote wise servants (Pr 14:35). Jesus taught that a wise and faithful servant would be highly promoted (Luke 12:41-48).

 

Fourth, Scripture warns against abusive treatment of servants and requires kind treatment of them. Moses commanded regarding servants, “Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God” (Lev 25:43). Maidservants were to be treated as daughters and given food, clothing, and the duty of marriage – regular lovemaking, or be set free (Ex 21:9-11). Moses allowed for servants loving their masters and staying with them for life (Ex 21:1-6). And Solomon admitted masters and servants ate the same (Pr 27:27).

Consider Job’s holy and perfect attitude toward servants. He said, “If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me; What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him? Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?” (Job 31:13-15). Though slaves had no legal rights, Job granted them the right to appeal to him!

 

Abraham had such a close relationship with one of his servants – Eliezer of Damascus – he planned on making him his heir (Gen 15:2-3). He later entrusted another servant to pick a bride for his son Isaac, which resulted in Rebekah being the mother of Israel (Gen 24:1-67). And Paul told Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother-servant (Phile 1:16)!

 

Fifth, Daniel, though a captive eunuch from Israel, was affectionately treated by Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, and Cyrus. Even Belshazzar promoted him to third in the kingdom (Dan 5:29). Though a war captive, he was promoted to the inner circle of several kings. Joseph was promoted over all Potiphar’s house and then over the land of Egypt by the wise management of Potiphar and Pharaoh (Gen 39:1-6; 41:38-45).

Sixth, the history of slavery in America and other nations includes examples of servants being treated like family members with deep and abiding affection and loyalty running in both directions. Paul did not admit much difference between young sons and servants (Gal 4:1-2). There were clearly masters that practiced the gentle wisdom of this proverb.

Seventh, those holding the other interpretation were a slave-owning generation that lost sight of this merciful possibility and gracious principle. Due to the outcry against slavery in 18th century England and 19th century America, greater rigor was required to keep servants in their place, so pulpit and pen were slanted to preserve domestic tranquility.

 

Beyond the proverb’s interpretation, what is the lesson for us? Considerate and tactful treatment of employees can result in a relationship with the affection and loyalty of a family member. A common proverb declares, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” You can attract greater devotion and effort with kindness than with meanness. Christian employers should conscientiously treat their employees with discreet and prudent care at all times. They should redress all grievances in a fair and equitable way, and they should communicate openly and honestly with those in their service.

 

“Might makes right” is a foolish invention of God-haters. Wise business owners and managers win the affection and loyalty of employees with careful and tactful treatment. Service from the heart is better than service from fear or a paycheck. Husbands, parents, magistrates, and pastors will also grasp that the principle applies to them as well. Right conduct is determined and defined by scripture, not by the might of those in authority.

 

You tempt the Lord your God, a very serious offence, if you seek to enforce your authority by power and privilege alone (Eccl 5:8; Eph 6:9; Col 3:19,21; 4:1). Let every Christian reader apply the same benevolent kindness to those under their authority as their heavenly Father does to even His enemies (Matt 5:43-48; Acts 14:17). Though He is Lord of all, He is also good to all and satisfies their desires (Ps 145:9-16).

**  Quote from : Let God be True –

Discernment and Opposing Evil

“True biblical discernment is grounded in the knowledge and love of the truth—as Paul said in

1 Thessalonians 5:21, every discerning believer must “hold fast to that which is good.” But that’s not the only ingredient. Too many pastors and church leaders today believe that if they just preach the truth, their people will be able to avoid error by osmosis. True discernment doesn’t work that way, as Paul made clear in his very next line to the Thessalonians: “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

The word translated “abstain” is a very strong verb, apech

ō, meaning “hold oneself back,” “keep away from,” “shun.” It is the same word used in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, “abstain from sexual immorality,” and 1 Peter 2:11, “abstain from fleshly lusts.” It calls for a radical separation from “every form of evil.” This would include evil behavior, of course. But in this context, the primary reference seems to be evil teaching—false doctrine. Having examined everything in light of God’s Word, when you identify something that does not measure up—something that is evil, untrue, erroneous, or contrary to sound doctrine—shun it.”

Read the Full article here:

http://www.gty.org/blog/B140507

The Real Roots of the Emergent Church

See Video
Roots of the Emergent Church
Here: http://youtu.be/SKLAPmQBvdA

"Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.  Jude 3

From the video’s description:

Because diversity characterizes the Emergent Church movement, it is difficult to paint everyone in the movement with a broad brush. Some have observed that defining the Emergent Church is like nailing jello to a wall. All participants agree on their disillusionment with the institutional church, but do not all agree on where the church is destined to go from here. They share a common concern with many evangelicals over the state of the modern church, especially the mega-church phenomenon and “seeker-friendly” churches. For this reason, many evangelicals who observe the Emerging Church are fascinated by it, drawn to its creative approaches to worship, genuineness of many of the leaders and desire to reach Gen Xers. However, these evangelicals fail to look beyond it to understand its underlying theology, or lack thereof.

This Christian documentary film The Real Roots of the Emergent Church will take an honest look at the leaders of the Emerging Church movement such as Brian McLaren, Doug Pagitt, Tony Jones, Rob Bell, Tony Campolo, Steve Chalke, Peter Rollins, Dan Kimball, Richard Rohr, Phyllis Tickle, Spencer Burke and others. Who are they and what are they teaching? Become familiar with the postmodern Emergent Church and its popular tactic of literary deconstruction applied to the Bible. This film takes an in-depth look at what the Emerging Church believes concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Scriptures, absolute truth, hell, homosexuality, mysticism, contemplative prayer, other religions, and eschatology in comparison to the Bible. Much more than candles and couches!

 

The Imperative of Discernment

Stand Firm in the Faith has from the beginning has put the emphasis of the writing, posts, and guest articles in their entirety posted by permission, on the theme of Discernment and Apologetic issues effecting the Church. (Below is only a segment of an article “The Imperative of Discernment” by PFO Quarterly Journal - July - September 2012 Vol. 32 No 3). For the Complete Article - please order from the ministry website: http://www.pfo.org  

The Imperative of Discernment

by G. Richard Fisher

The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel was given a mandate from God that he was to pass on to the leaders of the nation:

“And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean” (Ezekiel 44:23).

 

The leaders were themselves to be discerning, and then teach the people to be discerning. If the nation was going to be God’s nation, its people had to discern.

The Apostle Paul thought discernment was very important. He told the believers in Philippi:

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:9-10).

 

Approving or disapproving of teachings requires that we discern what is being taught. So Paul prays that all believers might abound in discernment. The word “abound” means to go beyond the ordinary.

Commenting on the phrases “that your love may abound” and “approve the things that are excellent,” Roy Laurin wrote:

“Possessed of such love the Christian would acquire a moral discernment which enables him to judge between right and wrong, truth and error. Where there is real love there is a deep moral sensitiveness. Love provides its own defenses against defection. A fully developed love means the highest development of personality which in turn means maturity. With maturity comes discernment and with discernment these Philippians would ‘remain untainted by error, unstumbling amidst obstacles.”’ (1)

 

So we see that Christian maturity depends on our exercising discernment. Our physical and spiritual health--and maybe even our lives--depends on it. 

 

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF DISCERNMENT

K. Neill Foster wrote:

“A.W. Tozer was fond of saying that the greatest need in the church was for the gift of discernment. And Dr. Tozer spoke from his perspective in the middle of the twentieth century. Were he able to comment on today’s religious confusion, I am sure his tones would be more strident, his concerns still deeper. It is certainly clear to Christian leaders everywhere that confusion is increasing. There seems to be a famine of clear thought and penetrating insight.” (2)

 

One example is a quote in the Los Angeles Times by Richard Mouw, president of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena:

“Some are unhappy with me because I have gone on record as saying that [Mitt Romney’s church, the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is not a cult. …I have studied and taught about cults for many years. I have also spent the last dozen years meeting with Mormons --- scholars and church leaders --- to engage in lengthy theological discussions. …Based on these conversations and my own careful study, I do not believe Mormonism is a cult.” (3)

Other Christian leaders may also wish to sidestep labeling Mormonism a cult because they think it is a “loaded” term. However, if Mormonism with its salvation by works, its heretical views of God, and its extra-biblical books is not a cult, then the word “cult” has lost all meaning. Bill McKeever, founder and director of Mormonism Research Ministry, doesn’t agree with those who think the word “cult” needs to be retired.

And Christians have the biblical mandate to expose false teachers and their teaching (Titus 1:11; Ephesians 5:11). Romans 16:17 urges us to have nothing to do with those who would teach contrary to the apostles’ doctrine. Paul, in verse 18, says they do not serve Christ.

DISCERNMENT IS A BIBLE WORD

To many the word “discernment” is an offensive word. However, the writers of Scripture were quite comfortable with it. The Apostle Paul calls it a gift from God in 1 Corinthians 12 and urges its use. The words “discernment” and “discern” are used about 25 times in the New Testament. Other closely associated words such as “judge,” “test,” “try,” and “evaluate” are also used repeatedly.

Discernment is a gift that has fallen on hard times and is rejected and maligned in some circles. In Acts 17:11-12, the Bereans were called noble because they scoured the Scripture to be sure that their teacher Paul was on track. F.F. Bruce, along with the Scriptures, commends the Berean spirit:

“For, with commendable openmindedness, they brought the claims made by Paul to the touchstone of Holy Writ instead of giving way to prejudice. Their procedure, examining the scriptures daily to see if these things were so’ (RSV), is worthy of imitation by all who have some new form of religious teaching pressed upon their acceptance.” (4)

STICKS AND STONES

Now Bereans are addressed by other names and even threatened with death, disease, and a “Holy Ghost machine gun.” It is not uncommon for PFO to receive phone calls from hostile callers because they have come across a Quarterly Journal article which examines a teacher or author to whom they have expressed an impassioned devotion. We have been “damned to hell” and told to “repent” for our evaluations. Apparently it is permissible for these callers to judge our salvation, but we are not afforded the opportunity to judge the doctrine and practice of their spiritual guides. Author Dave Hunt has often remarked that such people should more properly be angry, not at the one exposing the false teaching, but rather at the false teachers themselves for their lies, deception, and heretical doctrine. Those exercising discernment, and even doing it with great love, are often written off as mean-spirited, judgmental, hard-nosed, and critical.

Gnostic researcher James Robinson, back in the 1970s, coined the term “Heresy Hunters.” In 1993, James Spencer used that phrase for the title of his book that castigated PFO and other discernment ministries for their critiques of Benny Hinn and other Word-Faith proponents. What Robinson and Spencer did not realize is that the cliché was incorrect because heresy need not be hunted; it is out in the open. It is proclaimed from church pulpits, stocked on the shelves of both secular and “Christian” bookstores, and fills the airwaves via “Christian” television and radio.

The very latest term and epithet for those who would want to discern truth is “the critique police.” Nevertheless, the mandate and imperative to judge between good and evil --- Hebrews 5:14 ---still stands! Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God is central to discernment. It is, in fact, the “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Our present Church culture reflects the attitudes that were prevalent in Isaiah’s time when people were calling “evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20).

Let’s therefore consider and emphasize crucial points about discernment. 

THE FACT OF DISCERNMENT

The word “discernment” in all its forms and Greek nuances means to investigate, to look into, to scrutinize, question, examine, or to put on trial. It means to determine the good or bad of a person or thing. The Greek, word Kritikos means to critique, to judge, to evaluate and decide, and even pass judgment. As a judge uses the law as his basis of evaluation, believers use the Word of God as the ultimate court of appeal. It is the Word of God that discerns us. This is why men such as Joel Osteen are appalling and Paul is appealing. When the Corinthians refused to judge sin in their church, the apostle argued, “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?” (1 Corinthians 6:2). Here we are commanded to discern and judge.

Someone has coined the phrase, “The pathology of sentimentality.” It is a state of mind where we believe that we have to keep everybody happy by agreeing with them on everything. We can’t rock any boat, not even a little, and we cannot disagree with false teaching or try to correct error. Yet Jesus, in Matthew 10:34-36, said:

“I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.”

 

At times, truth divides no matter how hard we try to present it with meekness, love, and respect. But there must be a separation between truth and error, light and darkness. “And what communion has light with darkness? … what agreement has the temple of God with idols?” Paul asks in 2 Corinthians 6:14 and 16.

Preaching does not always alleviate or solve problems. There may be times when exposition from the pulpit stirs or creates problems, even when we deeply would like to avoid them or not have it so.

 

 

In real life we are constantly discerning things. We discern between a one dollar bill and a ten dollar bill. We discern at the pharmacy and are sure we are not taking the wrong medication. We discern at home and make sure we keep detergents from being mixed with food. If we have young children we are constantly discerning for them what is right and what is wrong. Life could not be lived without constant discernment and choices. We need it no less for spiritual matters.

THE FICTION OF “MANY CHRISTIANITIES”

Some, such as Gnostic champions Bart Ehrman and Elaine Pagels, would have us believe that we really do not know what to believe because the Church of the first four or five centuries was a swirl of contradictory and competing variations of Christianity. There was, in fact, only one true Christianity and many heresies. However, Ehrman, Pagels, and others like them try to reconstruct early Church history in a totally different way. They argue that those with the most money, power, and clout won out. They maintain that it was the overwhelming power plays of the Orthodox that made the day, not truth. But that is just not so. The early Church, fiercely persecuted by the Romans, had no power, money, or clout --- only grace and truth. The early martyrs had no power, money, or clout --- only God’s Word. Truth prevailed plain and simple. The truth of the Bible won the day. The heresies trying to compete with the truth were thoroughly trounced.

All thoughout the New Testament there is a pattern of orthodox doctrine. It is called the “apostles’ doctrine” in Acts 2:42. Paul often refers to it as “the faith,” as does Jude who said it to be “the faith once delivered.” This pattern of orthodox doctrine was then encapsulated in creeds and held in tact for 2000 years. Read those who succeeded the Apostles. Read the early apologists. True Christianity held the fort, not against competing Christianities, but against competing heresies.

DISCERNMENT BEGINS EARLY

Another sad fact is that discerners often think they have to discern only full-blown error in its grossest forms and overlook or ignore the small detours that can lead to all-out heresy. But we must discern error and false teaching even in its earliest forms and its faint beginnings. People oftentimes do not rush into error; they wander there. Proverbs 4 talks about the very early beginnings of sin and false teaching when it says, “Do not enter the path of the wicked … Avoid it … Turn away from it and pass on” (vv. 14-15). Don’t enter that path; don’t even go there --- don’t even start because of where it ultimately leads. In verse 27 of the same proverb we are told, “Do not turn to the right or the left.” Whenever people tell us that “God told them” rather than “the Scripture says,” red flags should go up all over the place. When we hear of people journaling their inner voices more red flags should fly. And when we hear talk of added books to the Bible, even more red flags need to be raised. In many instances our red flags have been replaced by white ones.

(This is only an excerpt from the PFO article: “The Imperative of Discernment"- by G. Richard Fisher, The Quarterly Journal July-September 2012 , Vol. 32, No. 3). To obtain the full article please contact PFO ministry at their website: http://www.pfo.org or write: P.O. Box 26062, Saint Louis, Missouri 63136-0062

Copyright © 2012 Personal Freedom Outreach/ G. Richard Fisher

(partial) Endnotes:

1. Roy Laurin, Philippians - Where Life Advances. Findlay, Ohio: Dunham Publishing 1954, pp. 31.

2. K. Neil Foster, The Discerning Christian Harrisburg, Pa.: Christian Publications, Inc., 1981, pg. 11.

3. Richard J. Mouw, “Mormonism: Not a cult, not a problem,” Op-Ed in Los Angeles Times, Nov. 20, 2011. Document accessed at www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-mouw-mormons-20111120,0,699207.story

4. F.F. Bruce, Commentary on the Book of Acts. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B Eerdmans Publishing 1955, pg 347.

Reflecting on a President's words

On this 4^th of July 2012 it is good to Reflect on a President’s words given in a proclamation in 1983.  

The Year of the Bible, 1983 

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Of the many influences that have shaped the United States of America into a distinctive Nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring than the Bible.

Deep religious beliefs stemming from the Old and New Testament of the bible inspired many of the early settlers of our country, providing them with the strength, character, conviction, and faith necessary to withstand great hardship and danger in the new and rugged land. These shared beliefs helped forge a sense of common purpose among the widely dispersed colonies-a sense of community which laid the foundation for the spirit of nationhood that was to develop in later decades.

The Bible and its teachings helped form the basis for the Founding Fathers’ abiding belief in the inalienable rights of the individual, rights which they found implicit in the Bible’s teachings of the inherent worth and dignity of each individual. This same sense of man patterned the convictions of those who framed the English system of law inherited by our own Nation as well as the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

For centuries the Bible’s emphasis on compassion and love for our neighbor has inspired the institutional and governmental expressions of benevolent outreach such as private charity, the establishment of schools and hospitals, and the abolition of slavery.

Many of our greatest national leaders-among them Presidents Washington, Jackson, Lincoln, and Wilson-have recognized the influence of the Bible on our country’s development. The plainspoken Andrew Jackson referred to the Bible as no less than “the rock on which our Republic rests.”

Today our beloved America and indeed, the world, is facing a decade of enormous challenge. As a people we may well be tested as we have seldom, if ever, been tested before. We will need resources of spirit even more than resources of technology, education, and armaments. There could be no more fitting moment than now to reflect with gratitude, humility, and urgency upon the wisdom revealed to us in the writing that Abraham Lincoln called “the best gift God has ever given to man….But for it we could not know right from wrong.”

The Congress of the United States, in recognition of the unique contribution of the bible in shaping the history and character of the Nation, and so many of its citizens, has by Senate Joint Resolution 165, authorized and requested the President to designate the year 1983 as the “Year of the Bible.”

Now, THEREFORE, I , RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, in recognition of the contribution of the bible on our Republic and our people, do hereby proclaim 1983 the Year of the Bible in the United States. I encourage all citizens, each in his or her own way, to re-examine and rediscover its priceless and timeless message.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh.

Ronald Reagan

From the book ‘The Book that made America How The Bible Formed Our Nation

The Problem with Same-Sex Marriage

See Video :  http://youtu.be/egxB0dTajb4

The Problem with Same-Sex marriage

A documentary every Christian should see, know what is at stake.

1. How is same-sex marriage affects our Kids

2. The Impact on At-Risk children

3. How it affect Religious Freedom and Free speech

4. Reinforces False Assumptions

5. Is it really marriage - same-sex marriage is a contradiction in terms

An Apologetic Response

SEE Video: http://youtu.be/uxIWf7qrcZM
An Apologetic Response

To disagree with the moral or morality of sexual behavior of homosexuality is to be a bigot. This is how the reasoning goes. There is also the flawed position that if you do disagree with homosexuality than that makes you some how unloving. This is not the case and those who oppose the bible’s teaching often used these arguments to silence their audience who do not agree with them. Where is the middle ground for discussing sexuality?

 

 

The word ‘Bigot’ is being re-defined today. As of late, the moral position, and the Christian position is automatically identified as ’bigotry’ and hateful. Christians are being automatically called names due to their honoring what the Word of God says about homosexuality. What is the Christian to do? How can we have a fair conversation about this? 

This video covers many of the objections and points being made by those who oppose the biblical and Christian view of homosexuality.

In this video James White responds to the key elements of the infamous diatribe launched by Dan Savage at a high school journalism conference, and provide a challenge to him to debate this issue in a moderated, public forum

Every Word - Stand Firm on it

How do we stand firm in the faith?  We must be uncompromising about what we believe. The Bible is true and reliable and should be our guide for everything we do.  2 Peter 1:3   If we accept Scripture as an authoritative revelation from God we have a solid foundation in which to stand on.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. (Luke 21:33)

So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth. It shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I send it. (Isaiah 55:11)

For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life.

SEE VIDEO: http://youtu.be/Nrlj2cWkuyU

It is the Word of Christ

The Power of God for Salvation
God-Breathed
Imperishable
Everlasting
Truth
Perfect
Pure
Righteous
Living and Active
Supernatural
Revealing
Penetrating
Effectual
Wonderful

A Witness
A Sword
A Lamp
A Light
A Fire
A Hammer
The Good Seed
Our Tutor
The Law of Liberty
Our Spiritual Food
Eternal Life at work within us
Profitable for Teaching, Reproof, correction and training in Righteousness
More desirable than Gold
Sweeter than honey
It’s the Word of Life

It became flesh and dwelt among us.
It will never pass away
It will be totally fulfilled
It Stands Forever
It needs no corrections
It accomplishes God’s Desires
It convicts us
It shuts our mouths
Humbles us, and exposes our sinfulness
It illuminates and gives understanding and opens eyes

It Imparts Faith and Leads us to Salvation
Restores the Soul
Regenerates and equips for every good work
It Heals Us
It Revives us
Sustains us
Restrains us
Sanctifies us
It Strengthens us and Establishes us.
It makes us Wise and keeps us pure and it sets us Free

We are to eagerly receive it.
Handle it accurately
Abide in it.
Hide it on our hearts and write it on our hearts.
We’re to pay close attention to it.

EXAMINE IT
TEACH IT
REMEMBER IT
PRAISE IT
PREACH IT
DEFEND IT AND CONTEND FOR IT !

We are to long for it
Delight in it
Love it
Treasure it and Rejoice in it.

We’re to keep it,
Continue in it
Be nourished from it and be doers of it.

We’re to fear it
Tremble at it and stand in awe of it.
We’re to speak it Boldly
Be good stewards of it and Glorify it.
We’re to Trust it
Believe it
Implant it
Hold it Fast
Suffer for it and Live by it.

And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19)

AND NOW I COMMEND YOU TO GOD AND TO THE WORD OF HIS GRACE WHICH IS ABLE TO BUILD YOU UP AND TO GIVE YOU THE INHERITANCE AMONG ALL THOSE WHO ARE SANCIFIED.  (Acts 20:32)

“It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’ “   (Matthew 4:4)

Stand Firm and Trust God

God Alone a Refuge From Treachery and Oppression


Psalm 62

My soul waits in silence for God only;
From Him is my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.

How long will you assail a man,
that you may murder him, all of you,
Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?

They have counseled only to thrust him down
from his high position;
They delight in falsehood;
They bless with their mouth,
But inwardly they curse.

My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.

On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.

Men of low degree are only vanity
and men of rank are a lie;
In the balances they go up;
They are together lighter than breath.

Do not trust in oppression
And do not vainly hope in robbery;
If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.

Once God has spoken;
Twice I have heard this;
That power belongs to God;
And lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord,
For You recompense a man according to his work.

Why doctrine is Important

WHY DOCTRINE IS IMPORTANT
For the Christian, the bible is how we determine the truth. It also instructs us on how to handle any conflicts in our relationships, as well as every other area of our lives. But the trouble is; Do we take the bible's instructions and commands seriously, and apply what it says? or do we just brush it off as someone's personal 'opinion' or perception? In Christian relationships or in ministry - this is a crucial question.

To stand firm in the faith you must study the truths of the Faith. It is every Christians responsibility to know and study God's word. You can not mature in the Faith, if you don't personally study the bible for yourself. A lack of studying leads to immature attitudes towards your brothers and sisters in Christ and eventually sin. A lack of personal study also leads many into doctrinal error and misinterpreting of the scripture. Many Christians reject the study of doctrine and theology as unimportant. But isn't real Christian unity based on the whole of Christian truth (doctrine) found in the bible ? If we isolate one doctrinal teaching from others will it not effect the way we treat one another?

But it is not enough to study the truth, but we must also accurately handle the truths of scripture. 2 Tim 2:15 reads: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." We need to be responsible for how we speak, apply, and handle the truth of Scripture, also in Titus 2:1 it says: "But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine."

The word is to be apart of our conversations, applied to our life circumstances and experiences so that we walk wisely, having godly relationships, so we may have peace through our trials and endure through our continued growth in Christ. We will enjoy unbroken fellowship. But if we willfully choose to ignore or brush-off this admonishing from scripture to obey and apply the word as the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts and leads us, there is a warning what will happen to us -

2 Tim 4:3-5 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

In our conduct towards each other we are to live in a matter worthy of the gospel of Christ, standing firm in our faith, living a life that is consistent with God's revealed word. Our testimony before the world requires us to live with godly integrity otherwise we weaken the gospel's credibility. We are to as Phil 2:15, 16 says: "so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among who you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life."

** Note: This entry was originally posted on March 9, 2008. I have had to re-post it again.