Beyond The Four Spiritual Laws

[Wired 4 Fishen]

Not only is the preacher/teacher to prepare themselves to speak, but those who are to hear the Word must prepare themselves to receive.

Amen, finally some truth.
Far to many times it's not the message or the one who delivered it but the one who just did not Hear it.
Blessings

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

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.

No its Called the Spirit of Self Righteousness.

 

[Adziilii]

.
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.

Here's an interesting thought. If Christ's followers are required to be reliable, don't you think Christ would be required to be reliable too?

Well; I tend to think that Christ not only leads by decree, but by example too; and I, for one, am counting on him to honor his promises and his commitments: not just some of them; all of them; especially the one below.

"I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. Whoever enters through me will be saved." (John 10:7-9)

Were Christ a so-so shepherd instead of the good shepherd he claims to be; then he wouldn't dare say "will be" saved; no, he'd have to tone it down a bit and say "can be" saved. That would allow him some room for error. But when Christ says "will be" he's claiming a 0.0% failure rate.
_

 

[Christ4Ever]

.
Rom 12:7b . . If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching.

I had a Sunday school teacher once who worked as a maintenance man in a public swimming facility. One Saturday he had to work very late repairing some equipment at the pool and had no time to prepare his lesson plan for Sunday morning so he just threw something together. It stunk; and my wife and I got nothing out of it.

In contrast, I once knew a pastor who took all week long to prepare his Sunday morning sermons rather than put it off till Saturday night. Now there was a guy who knew what it means to do a good job of teaching; viz: a conscientious job.

NOTE: Internet forums have given many of Christ's obscure followers a convenient venue for sharing their time-won knowledge and experience with a worldwide audience. For the world's sake, I highly recommend making an effort to compose legible posts; neatly arranged and tidy.

Shouting with king-size bold letters, lack of adequate paragraphing, twitter spelling, unnecessary smilies, horrible grammar, and a confusing mixture of fonts, sizes, and colors, makes for tiresome clutter and annoying forum graffiti that leave a bad impression.

I rather suspect that some people regard forums as a canvas for painting their comments instead of composing them. Well; that might be okay for outsiders, but for those of us who honestly believe ourselves to be representing God's son; it's unacceptable.

"Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." (Phil 1:27)
_

Hello Brother,
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions brother as it pertains to methodology used in communicating ones thoughts in written form. So, don't be too harsh in your annoyance. For me, if I can show someone that something that they have said has brought a smile to my face, or that something I have written them should not be taken as anything but constructive criticism and an emoji is able to assist in communicating this point by using a wink and a smile I will do so, and hope any annoyance on the persons part in my use of them may be tempered by the intent.

As far as grammar, and the other annoyances you mentioned in the above quoted post. Again, to each his own. (Me smiling.) Annoying to you, but maybe helpful and maybe even necessary on the part of the individual in making their point. A variety of reasons may effect a person in why they communicate in the fashion that they do. So, a little understanding, and compassion can go a long way in having a healthy communication with someone who is different. Being a Servant can at times be very difficult brother and the annoyances at times difficult to put up with, much less understand. Still, to God's Glory we give it our all!

There is also a Joy to be had in all that you do brother.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><

 

[Adziilii]

.
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 that command. For all they know, God has outer darkness planned for them. That's not something to be glad about.
_

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

.
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 that command. For all they know, God has outer darkness planned for them. That's not something to be glad about.
_

I do not mean any disrespect here but what are you trying to apply.

I don't know any Born Again Spirit Filled Believer (Christian) that is not totally sure of their afterlife destination. Why it's home with the Father.
Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Forgive me if I simply missed your point.
Blessings

 

[Adziilii]

I don't know any Born Again Spirit Filled Believer (Christian) that is not totally sure of their afterlife destination.

Webster's defines a Christian as a one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ; viz: one need not actually believe in Christ's teachings in order to qualify as a Christian. They only need to profess they believe.

A forum I was on several years ago stopped all the silly squabbling over who is a true Christian and who isn't by making it a rule that in order to qualify as a Christian people only had to believe themselves a Christian.
_

 

[Adziilii]

.
Rom 12:12b . . Be patient in trouble.

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.
_

 

[Adziilii]

.
Rom 12:13a . . Share with God's people who are in need.

The Jews 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 been greatly reduced.
_

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

NOTE: Nazi Germany was very nearly 99% Christian. Had they all complied with Rom 12:13a, the effects of the Holocaust would've been greatly reduced.

I find this statement to be very strange. Nothing about the Nazi was Christian. Hitler in his own perverted mind thought he was doing the work of God but so does a lot of radical groups.
Blessings

 

[Christ4Ever]

A forum I was on several years ago stopped all the silly squabbling over who is a true Christian and who isn't by making it a rule that in order to qualify as a Christian people only had to believe themselves a Christian.
_

Aren't you glad you're not at that forum now?
We still allow the "silly squabbling" now and again. As long as it's done respectfully, with Scripture backing and doesn't become circular.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><

Jeremiah 17:9
Ezekiel 36:26

 

[Adziilii]

.

Aren't you glad you're not at that forum now?

I'd still be with BeliefNet had they not discontinued their forums.
_

 

[Christ4Ever]

.



I'd still be with BeliefNet had they not discontinued their forums.
_

I did not know them, but if you're an example of those who were there. It would have been interesting site to say the least
Blessed to have you here brother.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><

 

[Adziilii]

.
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.
_

 

[Adziilii]

.
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.
_

 

[Sue D.]

Webster's defines a Christian as a one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ; viz: one need not actually believe in Christ's teachings in order to qualify as a Christian. They only need to profess they believe.

A forum I was on several years ago stopped all the silly squabbling over who is a true Christian and who isn't by making it a rule that in order to qualify as a Christian people only had to believe themselves a Christian.
_

This comment is a bit out of order -- but I wanted to include it in the conversation.

A question -- Why would a person Want to be called a Christian if that person didn't actually believe in those / Christ's/ teachings? Why would a person want to live a lie?

Your second sentence regarding a forum you used to be on. Was that being said in seriousness or in sarcasm.

Would it really be 'silly squabbling' regarding what constitutes being a 'true' Christian? Wouldn't it really be the most important decision a person will make in their life time? Upon what basis is a person 'believing themselves a Christian' ?

 

[Adziilii]

Your second sentence regarding a forum you used to be on. Was that being said in seriousness or in sarcasm.

Seriousness.

Would it really be 'silly squabbling' regarding what constitutes being a 'true' Christian? Wouldn't it really be the most important decision a person will make in their life time? Upon what basis is a person 'believing themselves a Christian' ?

No comment.
_

 

[Adziilii]

.
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 psychopathic 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
_

 

[Adziilii]

.
Rom 12:16a . . Live in harmony with each other.

It isn't necessary to be in 100% agreement with others on everything in order to comply with that command. But it is necessary to practice courtesy, tolerance, and patience, i.e. make every effort to avoid feuding, one-upmanship, and debating. The opposite of harmony is dissonance which can be defined as. a mingling of sounds that strike the ear harshly, e.g. sour notes.

For some people, every disagreement is an act of war to be won at any cost. That's not harmony, that's hostility. It's far and away better for Christians to be diplomatic than to be right all the time.

"For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder." (2Cor 12:19-20)
_

 

[Sue D.]

Seriousness.




No comment.
_

I'm curious about your 'no comment' response. Why did you respond in that manner?