Proper Thinking At The Time Of Death And / Or At Funeral Of A Loved One

Proper Thinking At The Time Of Death And / Or At Funeral Of A Loved One

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Many times when I attend funerals or I am told of the death of family or friends my mind races with how I am to think in times such as these. For example: It happened when my mother died and again when my father passed away and now again today when I was told a gentleman passed away whom I graduated with from school days. I have found some things that help me. These I share with you from the heart. Take them read and use them as needed in your life in the future. As always in the spirit to help in times of need I submit this to you my dear friends and may God bless you ..............Steve

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Remember These Words of Comfort:

I AM the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he
that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he
live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never
die. St. John 11:25, 26
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I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand
at the latter day upon the earth: and though this body be
destroyed, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see
for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another.
Job 19:25, 26, 27
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We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we
can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath
taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord.
1 Timothy 6:7; Job 1:21
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He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent
me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation;
but is passed from death unto life. St. John 5:24
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I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that
he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him
against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12

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The Lord Our Hope:

THE LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then
shall I fear? * the LORD is the strength of my life; of
whom then shall I be afraid?
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One thing have I desired of the LORD, which I will
require; * even that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the LORD,
and to visit his temple.
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For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his tabernacle;
* yea, in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide
me, and set me up upon a rock of stone.
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And now shall he lift up my head * above mine enemies
round about me.Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation, with
great gladness: * I will sing and speak praises unto the
LORD.
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Hearken unto my voice, O LORD, when I cry unto thee; *
have mercy upon me, and hear me.
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My heart hath talked of thee, Seek ye my face: * Thy
face, LORD, will I seek.
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O hide not thou thy face from me, * nor cast thy servant
away in displeasure.
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The Lord My Delight from Psalm 116
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MY delight is in the LORD; * because he hath heard
the voice of my prayer;
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Because he hath inclined his ear unto me; * therefore
will I call upon him as long as I live.
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The snares of death compassed me round about, * and
the pains of hell gat hold upon me.
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I found trouble and heaviness; then called I upon the
Name of the LORD; * O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my
soul.
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Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; * yea, our God is
merciful.
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The LORD preserveth the simple: * I was in misery, and
he helped me.
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Turn again then unto thy rest, O my soul; * for the LORD
hath rewarded thee.
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And why? thou hast delivered my soul from death, *
mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
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I will walk before the LORD * in the land of the living.
I will receive the cup of salvation, * and call upon the
Name of the LORD.
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I will pay my vows now in the presence of all his
people: * right dear in the sight of the LORD is the death
of his saints.
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The Lord My Shepherd And Provider from Psalm 23

A. My Shepherd:
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THE LORD is my shepherd; * I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: * he
leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: * he leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for his Name’s sake.
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Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil: * for thou art with me; thy rod and
thy staff they comfort me.
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B. My Provider:
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Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of
mine enemies: * thou anointest my head with oil; my cup
runneth over.

C. My Conclusion:
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Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life: * and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for
ever.

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Assurance Of the Resurrection From 1 Corinthians 15

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NOW is Christ risen from the dead, and become the
firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came
death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For
as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward
they that are Christ’s, at his coming.
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Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the
kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down
all rule, and all authority, and power. For he must reign, till he hath
put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall
be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his
feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is
manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under
him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then
shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all
things under him, that God may be all in all.
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But some man will say, How are the dead raised up?
and with what body do they come? Thou foolish one, that
which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: and that
which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be,
but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other
grain: but God giveth it a body, as it hath pleased him, and
to every seed its own body. So also is the resurrection of the
dead: It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: It is sown in
weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it
is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there
is a spiritual body.
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And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living
soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit,
that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural;
and afterward that which is spiritual.
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The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is
the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also
that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also
that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the
earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot
inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit
incorruption.
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Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but
we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an
eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the
dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal
must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put
on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality;
then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is
swallowed up in victory.O death, where is thy sting? O grave,
where is thy victory?The sting of death is sin; and the strength
of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know
that your labour is not invain in the Lord.
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God’s People Cannot Be Separated From His Love From Romans 8
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THERE is therefore now no condemnation to them
which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ
Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage
again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself beareth
witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And
if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with
Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also
glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this
present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us.
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And we know that all things work together for good to
them that love God, to them who are the called according
to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did
predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that
he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover
whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom
he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified,
them he also glorified.
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What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us,
who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love
of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or
famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these
things we are more than conquerors through him that loved
us.
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For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present,
nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other
creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Some Prayers Always Befitting For Times Such As These

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OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On
earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass
against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us
from evil. Amen.
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A Prayer For The Bereaved:
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ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, the Consolation of
the sorrowful, and the Support of the weary, who dost
not willingly grieve or afflict the children of men; Look
down in tender love and pity, we beseech thee, upon thy
bereaved servants, whose joy is turned into mourning; So
that, while they mourn, they may not murmur, or faint under
thy chastening hand; but, remembering all thy mercies,
thy promises, and thy love in Christ, may resign themselves
meekly into thy hands, to be taught and comforted by thee,
who bringest life out of death, and who canst turn their grief
into eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Or:
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O LORD, our God, who art the disposer of human events,
in whom we live and move and have our being; We
beseech thee to grant us that sense of thy presence, which
will enable us to see that thy wisdom and love are involved
in this dispensation of thy Providence. May we remember
that thou art all wise and canst not make a mistake; that
thou art also all love and canst not be cruel to any of thy
children. Help us to believe that all things are working
together for our good, and that what we know not now, we
shall hereafter fully know and understand. Sanctify to us
this ordering of thy Providence. Comfort and uphold thy
servants in this hour of their sorrow. Impart to them thy
sufficient and sustaining grace, distilling in every wounded
heart the solace of thy Holy Spirit; And when thy summons
shall come to us, vouchsafe, O Lord, that, having trusted in
the atoning work of thine only-begotton Son, our Saviour,
we may be received into thy presence, where there is fullness
of joy for evermore; through the same our Lord Jesus
Christ. Amen.
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Thanksgiving and Prayer for Grace

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ALMIGHTY and everliving God, we yield unto thee most
high praise and hearty thanks, for the wonderful grace
and virtue declared in all thy saints, who have been the
choice vessels of thy grace, and the lights of the world in
their several generations; most humbly beseeching thee to
give us grace so to follow the example of their steadfastness
in thy faith, and obedience to thy holy commandments, that
at the day of the general Resurrection, we, with all those
who are of the mystical body of thy Son, may be set on his
right hand, and hear that his most joyful voice: Come, ye
blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you
from the foundation of the world. Grant this, O Father, for
the sake of the same thy Son Jesus Christ, our only Mediator
and Advocate. Amen.
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When Visiting the Grave Site Here Are Some Appropriate Thoughts and Prayers Directed By Holy Scripture:
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MAN, that is born of a woman, hath but a short time
to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up, and is
cut down, like a flower; he fleeth as it were a shadow, and
never continueth in one stay.
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In the midst of life we are in death: of whom may we
seek for succour, but of thee, O Lord, who for our sins art
justly displeased?
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Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty, O holy
and most merciful Saviour, deliver us not into the bitter
pains of eternal death.
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Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts; shut not
thy merciful ears to our prayer; but spare us, Lord most holy,
O God most mighty, O holy and merciful Saviour, thou most
worthy Judge eternal, suffer us not, at our last hour, for any
pains of death, to fall from thee.
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Or this.
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ALL that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him
that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Father,
I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me
where I am; that they may behold my glory. Ye now have
sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice,
and your joy no man taketh from you.
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Also This
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IF the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead
dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall
also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth
in you.
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And This
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FORASMUCH as it hath pleased Almighty God of his
great mercy to take unto himself the soul of our dear
brother (or this beloved child), here departed, we therefore
commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to
ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection
to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ; at whose
coming in glorious majesty to judge the world, the earth and
the sea shall give up their dead; and the corruptible bodies
of those who sleep in him shall be changed, and made like
unto his own glorious body; according to the mighty working
whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself.
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And This
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I HEARD a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write,
From henceforth blessed are the dead who die in the
Lord: even so saith the Spirit; for they rest from their
labours.
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O LORD Jesus Christ, who by thy death didst take away
the sting of death; Grant unto us thy servants so to
follow in faith where thou hast led the way, that we may at
length fall asleep peacefully in thee, and awake up after thy
likeness; through thy mercy, who livest with the Father and
the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
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Hebrews 13:20, 21:

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The God of peace, who brought again from the dead
our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep,
through the blood of the everlasting covenant; Make you
perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you
that which is well pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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AMEN!!!

Outlined Approach For Reading This Blog Site


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Due to continued contact regarding many people’s thankfulness for the practical and understandable biblical instruction on the blog site and in trying to keep it simple and easy to understand I have updated and constructed what seems good to me to be the best outline for following the blogs in systematic catagories. Therefore if you are new to the blog or are reading them through for the first time I do suggest reading them in the order as stated below. I will update this from time to time as more blogs are added. It has been updated as of 1/30 2006.

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At the top of the page you can search the blog for each of the areas of Study (61 different areas of study as of 1/30/06.

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As previously stated it is not perfect in many ways (typing errors, limited site manipulators, etc.) but it is instructive without being in any way debative or argumentative. The best we can do as Christians is to write to instruct God’s people in a positive manner. Please continue to pray that all Christians will feel comfortable reading and learning at this site.
.Thanks for your continued support and for those that continue to plug this blogsite and use it for reference and support.
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I. God’s Gift of Grace Applied

1. Grace, Grace, God’s Grace

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2. The Covenant of Grace - Hodge

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3. The New Birth and Conversion: The True Biblical Salvation

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4. God’s Orderly Work of Salvation

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5.Foreknowledged Defined

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6. Christ The Lord

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7. The Providence of God Brings Comfort To Believers

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8. Perseverance of the Saints

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9. Calvinism

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10. Jesus Had The Power To Sin But Did Not Have The Character To Sin

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11. A Follow-up Explaination off “Jesus Had The Power To Sin But Did Not Have The Character To Sin”

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II. The Church, Communion and Day Of Worship

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1. Identifying the Church

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2. The Holy spirit and the Church

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3. Leadership and Unity in the Kingdom of God

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4. Bible Instruction Must Be Under The Authority of the Church

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5. The Baptism Of Our Sinless Saviour

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6. Baptismal Exhortation

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7. Infant Baptism Does the Bible Teach It

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8. The Sins of Rebaptism and Of Leaving One's Baby Unbaptized

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9. True Communion

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10. Glorifying God

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11. The Lord’s Wonderful Day
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III. Christian Witnessing

1. Called To Confess Christ In Word And As A Living Letter

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2. Listening for Gospel Opportunities

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3. Let's Evangelize

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4. Creationism.

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IV. God’s Guidance and the Tools of Faith

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1. Guided … by God?

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2. Tools of the Faith

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3. Favorite Hymns

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4. More Favorite Hymns

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5. The Bible God’s Word To Us

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6. Progressive Sanctification – Growing in Grace, Cooperation With God

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V. Practical Christian Living to Glorify God

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1. One Anothering

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2. What is Nouthetic Counseling – Jay Adams

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3. Godliness through Discipline – Jay Adams

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4. A Look At Commitment

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5. Our Basic Duty – Forgive the Repentant

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6. Overcoming Evil – Jay Adams

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7. Worry: A Serious Life Issue That Leads To Atheistic and Lazy Process Which Must Be
Broken Broken

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8. Biblical Principals of Work and the Biblical Work Ethic

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9. Thoughts on Biblical Sexuality and in Overcoming Sexual Difficulty

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10. AA Doctrines Compared with the Scriptures

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11. Can We Use Eastern Language In Our Prayer And Devotional Life

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12. Abomination – Often Used And Misunderstood

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13. Perseverance Of The Saints

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14. From Uselessness To Usefulness

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VI. Miscellaneous
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1. A Request Humble Honored

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2. Judy Rogers Music – Giving The Best To Your Children

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3. Proverbs Themes

1. Patience

2. Discipline

3. Self Image

4. Wisdom

5. Accountability

6. Honesty

7. Instant Living and Its Down Fall

8. Friendship

9. Family (Father, Mother, Children)

10. The Simple

11 The Tongue

12. Laziness

13. Abomination

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Stay tuned for such themes as:..

1. Productivity

2. Conflict

3. Purity

4. Reputation

5. Wealth

6. Providence

7. Contentment

8. Laziness

9. Etc.

Abomination - Often Used And Must Be Understood

Abomination Defined

a-bom-i-nā´shun (פּגּוּלpiggūl, תּועבה, tō‛ēbhāh, שׁקץ, sheḳec (שׁקּוּץ, shiḳḳūc)): three distinct Hebrew words are rendered in the English Bible by "abomination," or "abominable thing," referring (except in Gen_43:32; Gen_46:34) to things or practices abhorrent to Yahweh, and opposed to the ritual or moral requirements of His religion. It would be well if these words could be distinguished in translation, as they denote different degrees of abhorrence or loathsomeness.



The word most used for this idea by the Hebrews and indicating the highest degree of abomination is תּועבה, tō‛ēbhāh, meaning primarily that which offends the religious sense of a people. When it is said, for example, "The Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians," this is the word used; the significance being that the Hebrews were repugnant to the Egyptians as foreigners, as of an inferior caste, and especially as shepherds (Gen_46:34).


The feeling of the Egyptians for the Greeks was likewise one of repugnance. Herodotus (ii.41) says the Egyptians would not kiss a Greek on the mouth, or use his dish, or taste meat cut with the knife of a Greek.


Among the objects described in the Old Testament as "abominations" in this sense are heathen gods, such as Ashtoreth (Astarte), Chemosh, Milcom, the "abominations" of the Zidonians (Phoenicians), Moabites, and Ammonites, respectively (2Ki_23:13), and everything connected with the worship of such gods. When Pharaoh, remonstrating against the departure of the children of Israel, exhorted them to offer sacrifices to their God in Egypt, Moses said: "Shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians (i.e. the animals worshipped by them which were taboo, tō‛ēbhāh, to the Israelites) before their eyes, and will they not stone us?" (Exo_8:26).
It is to be noted that, not only the heathen idol itself, but anything offered to or associated with the idol, all the paraphernalia of the forbidden cult, was called an "abomination," for it "is an abomination to Yahweh thy God" (Deu_7:25, Deu_7:26). The Deuteronomic writer here adds, in terms quite significant of the point of view and the spirit of the whole law: 'Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thy house and thus become a thing set apart (ḥērem = tabooed) like unto it; thou shalt utterly detest it and utterly abhor it, for it is a thing set apart' (tabooed). Tō‛ēbhāh is even used as synonymous with "idol" or heathen deity, as in Isa_44:19; Deu_32:16; 2Ki_23:13; and especially Exo_8:22.


Everything akin to magic or divination is likewise an abomination tō‛ēbhāh; as are sexual transgressions (Deu_22:5; Deu_23:18; Deu_24:4), especially incest and other unnatural offenses: "For all these abominations have the men of the land done, that were before you" (Lev_18:27; compare Eze_8:15). It is to be noted, however, that the word takes on in the later usage a higher ethical and spiritual meaning: as where "divers measures, a great and a small," are forbidden (Deu_25:14-16); and in Proverbs where "lying lips" (Pro_12:22), "the proud in heart" (Pro_16:5), "the way of the wicked" (Pro_15:9), "evil devices" (Pro_15:26), and "he that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous" (Pro_17:15), are said to be an abomination in God's sight. At last prophet and sage are found to unite in declaring that any sacrifice, however free from physical blemish, if offered without purity of motive, is an abomination: 'Bring no more an oblation of falsehood - an incense of abomination it is to me' (Isa_1:13; compare Jer_7:10). "The sacrifice of the wicked" and the prayer of him "that turneth away his ear from hearing the law," are equally an abomination (see Pro_15:8; Pro_21:27; Pro_28:9).


Another word rendered "abomination" in the King James Version is שׁקץ, sheḳec or שׁקּוּץ, shiḳḳuč. It expresses generally a somewhat less degree of horror or religious aversion than tō‛ēbhāh, but sometimes seems to stand about on a level with it in meaning. In Deu_14:3, for example, we have the command, "Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing," as introductory to the laws prohibiting the use of the unclean animals (see CLEAN AND UNCLEAN ANIMALS), and the word there used is tō‛ēbhāȟ. But in Lev_11:10-13, Lev_11:20, Lev_11:23, Lev_11:41, Lev_11:42; Isa_66:17; and in Eze_8:10 sheḳec is the word used and likewise applied to the prohibited animals; as also in Lev_11:43 sheḳec is used when it is commanded, "Ye shall not make yourselves abominable." Then sheḳec is often used parallel to or together with tō‛ēbhāh of that which should be held as detestable, as for instance, of idols and idolatrous practices (see especially Deu_29:17; Hos_9:10; Jer_4:1; Jer_13:27; Jer_16:18; Eze_11:18-21; Eze_20:7, Eze_20:8). It is used exactly as tō‛ēbhāh is used as applied to Milcom, the god of the Ammonites, which is spoken of as the detestable thing sheḳec of the Ammonites (1Ki_11:5). Still even in such cases to'ebhah seems to be the stronger word and to express that which is in the highest degree abhorrent.


The other word used to express a somewhat kindred idea of abhorrence and translated "abomination" in the King James Version is פגול, piggūl; but it is used in the Hebrew Bible only of sacrificial flesh that has become stale, putrid, tainted (see Lev_7:18; Lev_19:7; Eze_4:14; Isa_65:4). Driver maintains that it occurs only as a "technical term for such state sacrificial flesh as has not been eaten within the prescribed time," and, accordingly, he would everywhere render it specifically "refuse meat." Compare leḥem meghō'āl, "the loathsome bread" (from gā'al, "to loathe") Mal_1:7. A chief interest in the subject for Christians grows out of the use of the term in the expression "abomination of desolation" (Mat_24:15 and Mar_13:14), which see. See also ABHOR.


Literature
Commentators at the place Rabbinical literature in point. Driver; Weiss; Gratz, Gesch. der Juden, IV, note 15.

Passages in Proverbs Concerning Abomination:

(Pro 3:32) For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

(Pro 6:16-19) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: (17) A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, (18) A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, (19) A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

(Pro 8:7) For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

(Pro 11:1) A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

(Pro 11:20) They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

(Pro 12:22) Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

(Pro 13:19) The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

(Pro 15:8) The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

(Pro 15:9) The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

(Pro 15:26) The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

(Pro 16:5) Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

(Pro 16:12) It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

(Pro 17:15) He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.

(Pro 20:10) Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.

(Pro 20:23) Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

(Pro 21:27) The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

(Pro 24:9) The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

(Pro 28:9) He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

(Pro 29:27) An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

From Uselessness To UseFullness

From Uselessness to UseFullness

Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me. (Phm 1:11)

Here is one of the greatest things that I have discovered in my Christian training and discipleship. I clearly saw that I was a useless and horrible person when I was not a believer but once redeemed I realized that through the redemption in Christ I was made useful. May God grant you blessings and encouragement as you read through this and know that in Christ you are useful! ...Steve

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A. Sin Brought Uselessness

We do not need to look deep in to the Bible to see that sin caused men, in their depraved state, to be useless. Men were created in the image and likeness of God and by sin men fell from original righteousness and are in their natural state found to be defiled in all aspects of their being. As a sinner the conscience and mind are defiled so that every thought and intent of the heart is continually wicked and evil. Fallen men are are worthless and do no good at all. Men become angry, hateful and "are swift to shed blood". "They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work." The way of life of men as a sinner are the paths of "ruin and misery" (Gen_6:5; Jer_17:9; Rom_3:10-19; Titus 1:15-16)

To Do:

Who can you name in the Bible who exemplified this uselessness?
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B. Christ Saves Us And Works In Us Making Us UseFul

My personal testimony is found in the Psalm 40: 1-3. In 1977 I was detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. I was in a life of "ruin and misery". But then I heard of Christ and saw my sinful state and destruction. He then "drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God." He saved me and made me a useful being.

In the Bible we read a snipet of the life of Onesimus. Onesimus is an execellent exampple of a life which was brought from uselessness to usefullness. Onesimus was a slave who belonging to Philemon a citizen of Colosse, member of the church there. Onesimus an unbeliever defrauded Philemon then ran from his owner and out of the city of Colosse. He ended up in Rome where wicked,evil and useless men tended to flock. While there he came in contact with Paul, who was then in his own hired house, under military custody.

While we don't know how they came in contact. We do know that Onesimus knew of Paul since he was of the house of Phileman and also tht he would have been exposed to Christian worship, and that he would have have had covenantal blessings upon him since he was under the covenantal authority of Phileman. Perhaps he got hungry and knew that Paul, being in the church and being in Rome would show him love and help him feed his belly. Perhaps he was reminded of the covenantal blessings of family, work and worship and longed for what he had seen exemplified in the Church. Perhaps he could not forget how Philemon had many a time spoken of Paul, to whom he owed his conversion. Or perhaps he just had bad feelings of guilt in that he defrauded his master.Whatever happened in God's design Onesimus was in Rome, Paul was in Rome and they somehow met.

The result of this meeting, Onesimus was converted to Christ, through the work of the Apostle Paul ("my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds," Philem 1:10). That is right God called him to salvation wherin he repented of sin and placed faith in the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Something changed! Onesimus who was formerly "useless to you (Philemon) is now indeed useful to you and to me." Onesineus and his services had become very acceptable to Paul, who would gladly have kept Onesimus with him; but since he could not do this without the knowledge and consent of Philemon, he sent Onesimus back to Colosse, to his master there.

Paul's Appeal To Philemon:

Phm 1:10-14 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own free will.

Now what we must understand is simply this: God does this for all His people. That is right, Think about it - He brings us from a useless state to make us useful. When Jesus saves us He gives us a new heart and spirit (Act_20:32; Rom_6:5, Rom_6:6; 1Co_6:11; Phi_3:10). We are set upon solid ground. We are a new creature having our minds renewed. We have the Holy Spirit working in us, giving to each of us dynamic power in order that we may live righteously in love towards our God and our fellow man (2Co_3:5; Phi_2:13; Phi_4:13). By the grace of God we are brought from a state of uselessness to a state of usefulness.

It is a good thing to know that by the grace of God we can love our families, work and labor for them, and for our church and our society and culture, and then we together worship the Lord of glory. In all of this we are most useful to God, our families and society. In our love to God, because He first loved us, we become useful men and women who seek a life of honor, service and worship submitting to the ways of the faith and the Church.

Believers are brought into a state of usefulness where they start obeying God's word doing what he commands by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Eze_36:26, Eze_36:27; Joh_15:4-6). In this obedience we do truly become useful as we obey God's word. By the doing of good works we show our thankfulness to God for the work of salvation worked in us (Psa_116:12-14 ; 1Pe_2:9), we also edify our Christian brethern (Mat_5:16; 2Co_9:2) and we glorify God by doing that which God has commanded that we do (Joh_15:8; Phi_1:11; 1Pe_2:12).

To Do:

Who Can You Name In The Bible Who Exemplified Usefullness?

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C. Christianity - A Walk Of Usefulness

Eph 4:17-32:

17-19 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

20-24 But that is not the way you learned Christ!-- assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

25- 32 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

D. What To Do When A Brother or Sister Fails: Restore to Usefullness

One huge aspect of usefulness that we have been called to is that of love and service to one another (Gal.5:13-14). In this service of love if we see a brother or sister in the faith trapped and caught in sin or doctrinal error we are commanded to restore that one overtaken in a sin back to usefullnes.. " Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal 6:1-2)

As believers we are still prone to sin and sometimes Christians are overtaken in it. After all there are the pulls of the world, the schemes of the devil and the desires of the flesh that war against us as we walk toward the day we enter the celestial city. At time we find Christian brethern that have been overtaken and we have the command that we who are spiritual are to "restore him".

God calls each believer to disciple and help other believers. You may say, "I have a difficult time talking to others since I am unsure what to say." Or perhaps, "That is the job of the minister". I encourage you to go to your pastor and elders to tell them of your weaknesses in this area and let them help you become useful in this area. You see this is not the job of the "professional" pastor or elder. It is the relationship we have with one another. We need each other in this manner and are commanded to love one another and help a nd serve when needed.

Your goal is to work to disciple to "restore" the one caught in this horrible trap of sin. Since you must "restore" the person you need to understand what this means. It simple means to reach out to the person in a way so that the one entrapped by the sin is repared: that is they are changed in a way to be once again useful in the kingdom of God. Now what does the term restor mean. I find it interesting that this term was used in the gospels in reference to fishermen mending their nets so that they were again useful to the fishing industry. The term was also used by doctors in reference to the setting of broken bones for the purpose of healing so that the limb would once again be of service to the patient. From this we conclude that a brother overtaken in a sin is not to be abandoned but is to be ministered to in love and given the direction and counsel in order to be restored back to usefulness in the kingdom of God for the glory of God, the good of the Church and society. In reality we truly useful for we are "our brothers keeper".

Conclusion:

In summary we see the uselessness of sinful men. ThankGod we have not been left in that estate. God in his mercy has reached out to us and showed us our sin and called us to repent from it and given us faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We can truly at weahave been translated from darkness and uselessness to light and usefullness. I am also thankful for the ministry of the church and the members to one another so that if I am overtaken in a sin that you can work for my restoration and get me back to a usefullness in the kingdom of God.

Perhaps like Onesimus God is showing you your uselessness. You see and recognizeyour sin and how it affects every aspect of your life. Perhaps you are searching to be useful in life towards your family a nd towards God. If so then I ask that you repent of your sins and turn to Christ who abundantly pardons and gives you the Holy Spirit, His word and His Church in order for you to be that useful person you are now desiring to be. If this be so then I ask that you contact a bible believing Church in your area. These are Churches such as the Presbyterian Church in America, A good Bible Church, of a strong Bible beleiving Baptist church. Let them know of your desire and intention and need for Christian training so that you learn more of Christ and his way will for your life. Also if you read this on the blog please read the blogs as a means of discipleship and godly instruction but understandthat you need the church for more that this blog site can ever give you. Okay and God bless.

Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer

Recently there was a discussion concerning the use of written prayers. While one does not need to use then there are prayers written in the Bible. This is clear as we look at the psalms, prayers of the saints in the Old Testament and prayers of our Lord as well as the prayers of some of the apostles. When the Lord taught us to pray in the Lord's Prayer we were taught to pray intelligently and for a purpose (actually many purposes).

This morning I was very sick. Therefore I want to share with you my morning prayer and devotions from the "Book of Common Prayer" which has helped me to focus in my daily worship prayers and devotion to the Lord............Steve

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Morning Prayer

THE LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep
silence before him. Habakkuk 2:20

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the
house of the LORD. Psalm 122:1

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my
heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and
my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

O send out thy light and thy truth, that they may lead
me, and bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling.
Psalm 43:3

Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth
eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy
place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit,
to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart
of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15

The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers
shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father
seeketh such to worship him. St. John 4:23

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father,
and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2

When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness
that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and
right, he shall save his soul alive. Ezekiel 18:27

Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine
iniquities. Psalm 51:9

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. 1 St. John 1:8, 9




DEARLY beloved brethren, the Scripture moveth us,
in sundry places, to acknowledge and confess our
manifold sins and wickedness; and that we should not dissemble
nor cloak them before the face of Almighty God our
heavenly Father; but confess them with an humble, lowly,
penitent, and obedient heart; to the end that we may obtain
forgiveness of the same, by his infinite goodness and mercy….


Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.


ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, We have erred, and
strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed
too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We
have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone
those things which we ought to have done; And we have
done those things which we ought not to have done; And
there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou those, O God, who
confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent;
According to thy promises declared unto mankind In Christ
Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his
sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and
sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he
may turn from his wickedness and live, hath given power, and
commandment, to his Ministers, to declare and pronounce
to his people, being penitent, the Absolution and Remission
of their sins. He pardoneth and absolveth all those who truly
repent, and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel.
Wherefore let us beseech him to grant us true repentance,
and his Holy Spirit, that those things may please him
which we do at this present; and that the rest of our life
hereafter may be pure and holy; so that at the last we may
come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On
earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass
against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us
from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and
the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.


O Lord, open thou our lips.
Answer. And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.


Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to
the Holy Ghost;

Answer. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be, world without end. Amen.

Praise ye the Lord.
The Lord’s Name be praised.


Venite, exultemus Domino. from Psalms 95 and 96

O COME, let us sing unto the LORD; * let us heartily
rejoice in the strength of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; *
and show ourselves glad in him with psalms.

For the LORD is a great God; * and a great King above
all gods.

In his hand are all the corners of the earth; * and the
strength of the hills is his also.

The sea is his, and he made it; * and his hands prepared
the dry land.

O come, let us worship and fall down, * and kneel before
the LORD our Maker.

For he is the Lord our God; * and we are the people of
his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; * let the
whole earth stand in awe of him.

For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth; * and
with righteousness to judge the world, and the peoples with
his truth.

GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.


Te Deum laudamus

WE praise thee, O God; we acknowledge thee to be
the Lord.

All the earth doth worship thee, the Father everlasting.
To thee all Angels cry aloud; the Heavens, and all the
Powers therein;

To thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry,
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;

Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of thy glory.

The glorious company of the Apostles praise thee.
The goodly fellowship of the Prophets praise thee.
The noble army of Martyrs praise thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world doth
acknowledge thee;
The Father: of an infinite Majesty;
Thine adorable, true, and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.

THOU art the King of Glory, O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man, thou didst
humble thyself to be born of a Virgin.

When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, thou
didst open the kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the glory of the
Father.

We believe that thou shalt come to be our Judge.
We therefore pray thee, help thy servants, whom thou
hast redeemed with thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with thy Saints, in glory
everlasting.


O Y E Heavens, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and
magnify him for ever.

O ye Waters that be above the firmament, bless ye the
Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.


O all ye Powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * praise
him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Sun and Moon, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and
magnify him for ever.

O ye Stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord: * praise him,
and magnify him for ever.

O ye Showers and Dew, bless ye the Lord: * praise him,
and magnify him for ever.

O ye Winds of God, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and
magnify him for ever.

O ye Fire and Heat, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and
magnify him for ever.

O ye Winter and Summer, bless ye the Lord: * praise
him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Dews and Frosts, bless ye the Lord: * praise him,
and magnify him for ever.

O ye Frost and Cold, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and
magnify him for ever.

O ye Ice and Snow, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and
magnify him for ever.

O ye Nights and Days, bless ye the Lord: * praise him,
and magnify him for ever.

O ye Light and Darkness, bless ye the Lord: * praise him,
and magnify him for ever.

O ye Lightnings and Clouds, bless ye the Lord: * praise
him, and magnify him for ever.

O LET the Earth bless the Lord: * yea, let it praise him,
and magnify him for ever.

O ye Mountains and Hills, bless ye the Lord: * praise
him, and magnify him for ever.

O all ye Green Things upon the earth, bless ye the
Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Wells, bless ye the Lord: * praise him, and magnify
him for ever.

O ye Seas and Floods, bless ye the Lord: * praise him,
and magnify him for ever.


14 O ye Whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye
the Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O all ye Fowls of the air, bless ye the Lord: * praise him,
and magnify him for ever.

O all ye Beasts and Cattle, bless ye the Lord: * praise
him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Children of Men, bless ye the Lord: * praise him,
and magnify him for ever.

O LET Israel bless the Lord: * praise him, and magnify
him for ever.

O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * praise him,
and magnify him for ever.

O ye Servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * praise
him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, bless ye the
Lord: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye holy and humble Men of heart, bless ye the Lord: *
praise him, and magnify him for ever.

LET us bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy
Ghost: * praise him, and magnify him for ever.


Jubilate Deo. Psalm 100

O BE joyful in the LORD, all ye lands: * serve the LORD
with gladness, and come before his presence with a
song.

Be ye sure that the LORD he is God; it is he that hath
made us, and not we ourselves; * we are his people, and the
sheep of his pasture.

O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into
his courts with praise; * be thankful unto him, and speak
good of his Name.

For the LORD is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; * and
his truth endureth from generation to generation.


Prayer for Peace

O GOD, who art the author of peace and lover of
concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal
life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble
servants in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting
in thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries,
through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Prayer for Defense

O LORD, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting
God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning
of this day; Defend us in the same with thy mighty power;
and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into
any kind of danger; but that all our doings, being ordered
by thy governance, may be righteous in thy sight; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Prayer For The President of the United States,
and all in Civil Authority

O LORD, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty Ruler
of the universe, who dost from thy throne behold all
the dwellers upon earth; Most heartily we beseech thee, with
thy favour to behold and bless thy servant [N ], our President,
[our Senate and Representatives in Congress assembled],
[N ], the Governor of our State (or Commonwealth), and
all others in authority; and so replenish them with the grace
of thy Holy Spirit, that they may always incline to thy will,
and walk in thy way. Endue them plenteously with heavenly
gifts; grant them in health and prosperity long to live; and
finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


A Prayer for the Clergy and People

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, from whom cometh every
good and perfect gift; Send down upon our Bishops,
and other Clergy, and upon the congregations committed
to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; and, that
they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual
dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of
our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.


A Prayer for all Conditions of Men

O GOD, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind,
we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions
of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways
known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More
especially we pray for thy holy Church universal; that it may
be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who
profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the
way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the
bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend
to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways
afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; [especially
those for whom our (silent) prayers are desired;] that it may please
thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several
necessities; giving them patience under their sufferings, and
a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg
for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.


A Prayer Of General Thanksgiving

ALMIGHTY God, Father of all mercies, we, thine unworthy
servants, do give thee most humble and hearty thanks
for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us, and to all
men. We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all
the blessings of this life; but above all, for thine inestimable
love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we
beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that
our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful; and that we may
show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to thy service, and by walking before
thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy
Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.


2 Corinthians 13:14: THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of
God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us
all evermore. Amen.

The Goal .... Tongue Control (Prov. Part 11)

The Goal .... Tongue Control
(Prov. Part 11)

A Personal Note To You:

It seems very hypocritical of me to be the one to post this on the tongue. I cannot tell you how often I fail in not controlling the tongue. I have been insensitive saying things without the flavour of grace. I have in anger exploded and let the mouth say regrettable things. I have judged others where I did not have all the facts before me. And I have beared false witness by making statements concerning folks at times when I should have gone to them to find out the "what, why and whom" concerning what was truly meant or said or did.

"Have I grown in control of the tongue? Yes! by God's grace." "Am I perfect in control of the tongue? NO." I will seek to grow in this area. I will promise this that I will repent and seek forgivness if I sin against others with my tongue. I ask that you be patient with me, love me and let me know if and when I sin in this manner and I shall see reconcilation with you before my Almighty God..... Steve

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A. The Tongue Of Truth (Wise and Righteous)

(Pro 10:20) The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.

(Pro 12:18) There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

(Pro 12:19) Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

(Pro 10:31) The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

(Pro 15:2) The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

(Pro 15:4) A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

(Pro 15:23) To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

(Pro 15:28) The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.




B. The power of the Tongue


(Pro 18:21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

(Jam 1:26) If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

(Jam 3:5) So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

(Jam 3:6) And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

(Jam 3:8) but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

(Pro 15:1) A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

(Pro 21:23) Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

(Pro 24:26) Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.



C. Effects Of A Wicked Tongue


Pro 6:16-19 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: (17) haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, (18) a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, (19) a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

(Pro 12:18) There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

(Pro 12:19) Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

(Pro 15:2) The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

(Pro 15:4) A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

(Pro 17:20) A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.

(Pro 21:6) The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.

(Pro 25:23) The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

(Pro 26:28) A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

(Pro 15:1) A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.



D. Truthful And Wise Lips Do Not Go Unnoticed


(Pro 12:18) There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

(Pro 12:19) Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

(Pro 15:2) The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

(Pro 15:4) A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

(Pro 28:23) Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.



E. Evildoer And Mischevious Tongue


(Pro 17:4) An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

(Pro 25:15) With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.

Laziness Leads To ____________ ? (Prov. Unit 11)

Laziness Leads To ____________? (Fill in the Blank)
(Prov. Unit 11)

For Information on work and labor see the Blog - Biblical Principal of Work And The Biblical Work Ethic at:

http://christianthotsataglance.blogspot.com/2005/09/biblical-principals-of-work-and.html

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Pro 6:6-11 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: (7) Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, (8) Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. (9) How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? (10) Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: (11) So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth, and thy want as an armed man.

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A. Lazy People Are Irritating
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(Pro 10:26) As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
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B. Lazy People Make Excuses And Want Get up To Work
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(Pro 6:9) How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

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(Pro 20:4) The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
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(Pro 22:13) The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
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(Pro 26:13) The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
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(Pro 26:14) As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
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(Pro 18:9) He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
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C. Lazy People End Up With What They Work For Which Is ______
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(Pro 13:4) The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

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(Pro 15:19) The way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

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(Pro 21:25) The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labor.
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D. Lazy People Are Wise in Their Own Eyes But Really Have No Understanding

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26:16) The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

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(Pro 24:30) I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
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E. Lazy People Need Taught .. Even Nature Can teach Them
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(Pro 6:6) Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
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F. Lazy People Are Dependent Upon the Government
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(Pro 12:24) The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

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(Pro 12:27) The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

Listing of Thematic Posts From Proverbs Thus Far

Update and Listing on Posts So Far From Proverbs Themes
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Over the last few weeks there have been 10 thematic postings from Proverbs. We would like to remind you that theyare good for daily devotional readiungs and suggeswt you use them in you quiet time with the Lord.
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The themes posted include:
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1. Patience
2. Discipline
3. Self Image
4. Wisdom
5. Accountability
6. Honesty
7. Instant Living and Its Down Fall
8. Friendship
9. Family (Father, Mother, Children)
10. The Simple
11 The Tongue
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At the top of the page you can search the blog for each of these themes to read the blog on the "Proverbial theme".
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Stay tuned for such themes as:
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1. Productivity
3. Conflict
4. Purity
5. Reputation
6. Wealth
7. Providence
8. Contentment
9. Laziness
10. Etc.
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We remind you that as always this is for all members of Christ's Church in order that we may grow in our faith and in living our lives for the glory of God (Sola Scriptura). God grant that we all gain wisdom to live to the glory of God and unified with one another as people of Christ's Church................Enjoy! Pamela aka Wyogridley
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The Ways Of the Simple (Prov. Part 10)

The Ways of the Simple

(Prov. Part 10)

The word, “simple” is found 21 time in the Bible. The first three instances, it is used as a synonym to easy. Everything thereafter is referring to a person who is called “simple”. After looking up every verse using this word, I have concluded that calling someone simple, using the meaning of the majority use in scripture, is NOT a complement.

I will list the verses in Proverbs (where most of these verses are found) with a bit of context, and let you draw your own conclusions. It is far better to look these up with your Bible open. Enjoy! Pamela aka Wyogridley

Proverbs 1:1-6 NIV Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; 3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-- 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-- 6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.

Proverbs 1:22 22 "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 1:32-33 32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

Proverbs 7:7 7 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment.

Proverbs 8:4-6 4 "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. 5 You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. 6 Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.

Proverbs 9:4-6 4 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment. 5 "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.

Proverbs 9:16 16 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment.

Proverbs 14:15 15 A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

Proverbs 14:18 18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

Proverbs 21:11 11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.

Proverbs 19:25 25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

Proverbs 22:3 3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

Proverbs 27:12 12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

Can I Use "Eastern Language" in my Prayer and Devotional Life?

Can I use "Eastern Language" in My Prayer and Devotional Life?

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I am not sure how many of you that read this blog are real familiar with the Emergent Church Movement. If not I suggest you get familiar with it in order that you not be caught up in it at all. It is a basket of bad apples!. For more informations go to a blog site called Emergent No to begin. Also note that there are many other good sites that address the problems of the Emergent movement.
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This brings me to my question of the day: Can I use "Eastern Language in My Prayer and Devotional Life?
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Now I understand that we are not to be doing Yoga, or other strange stuff that we see some of the eastern mystics do, nor are we to be doing TM as a part of and a way to worship (formally or informally), pray and have devotions.
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So I have thought about how the Bible would bear on this question that I have since I hold Sola Scriptura. This doctrine I hold states the sufficiency of the Bible to be the only rule of 1. faith (orthodoxy) and 2. practice (orthopraxy) (did I spell that right :)
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1. The Bible - Written in an Eastern Culture
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I notice that the Bible is written in a culture far from mine. I live in the US and the ways of the eastern cultures are so strange to my way of life, So in my discoveries I found that the Bible is written in an eastern culture.
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2. Grammatical and Historical Intrepretation Takes me to the East.
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In seeking to understand the Bible I must take the Theological, Grammatical (Eastern language) and Historical (In Eastern Culture) approach in interpreting it.
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3. I discovered that the Hebrew writers used language that establishes mental pictures. The are very poetical and picturesque (did I spell that correctly:) Here are a few examples:
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Psa 42:1-2 To the choirmaster. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah. As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. (2) My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?
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Psa 56:8 You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?
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Psalm 23 - We have the two images of comfort and protection from our God in a.) The Shepherd and b.) the Feast
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Psa 36:7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
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Psa 40:1-2 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. (2) He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
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Therefore I conclude that if we only use the Bible imagery alone ( which some are only comfortable with) that we are using Eastern language. So the answer to the question is yes. I can use the images of the Bible, or I can use images as they come to me as I often like to do of "jumping into my Father's arms of love". . However our mental thoughts of God must not profane His character in any way. This is Sola Scripture in practice!

An Explanation For Unity

An Explanation For Unity

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Recently there were some folks that questioned what I stated about “vain discussions” in the area of the impeccability of Christ. For the record I did not state that the doctrine of Christ’s sinlessness was not important. I did refer to a need for Christian apologetic study and to the need for the elders in the Church ensure they are training their parishioners in this area. The real thing that I was wanting to say on the blog was that many times discussing established issues amongst Christians is just babbling since the Bible states he did not sin.
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Concerning the statement “It was possible that Jesus, being God, could have sinned since being omnipotent he had the power to perform any particular act. As a person Jesus has such a character that would be morally impossible for Him to have sinned.” In the blog titled Jesus Had the Power To Sin, But The Character Not To Sin I am just stating that Jesus had power, physically, being man, to “smack” someone if he desired. Now take note that I said He would not have done that. Why? He was sinless (impeccible)! Any Questions?
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Now if there is a question on my understanding of this fundamental doctrine please read the entire post and note that I posted creedal summaries of the doctrine of Our Sinless Savior. Also please take note that I have also previously posted on this blog these postings that mention the impeccability of Christ:
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Christ the Lord
The Baptism of our Sinless Savior
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Finally my concern was and still is that in many of these discussions lead to sin. So I stated, “Paul stated in the Pastorals to “shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” Believe me ungodliness does increase when Christians get together to ponder these “deep” questions. I will give some examples later. …… Then later I stated :"In these type of discussions sin increases for some state one opinion and one another. Some I hear calling one person a heretic and another one gets mad........... It seem to me that a hold could be put on the discussion, and if some need to discuss it, take time for the purpose of truly studying the issue then come back and “share” what you have found in your personal study and in the official doctrine of the Church through the solid covenants and studies of your ministers. Our prayer needs to be for patience and unity and discipline and time to set aside to come together and encourage one another. Don’t vain babble and sin. Ok!"
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Let’s face it …. it happens. If you don’t believe me read the posts at other forums that have followed. It is very seldom, if ever, that one can state in word or by pen a full and complete explanation of every detail in a discussion. Even debates and books end! Because of this people have a tendency to get “heated” which generally means sin comes into the picture. I therefore take the position that the doctrine is stated as best as can be and has been documented in summary from the scripture for us to know and to hold to. So mature Christians (all “Christians” on Pal Talk are mature/ haha!) do not need to discuss the issue. Now I understand personal discipleship but lets face it that it does not get done most of the time in many forums. So lets be wise and not sin. IF the folks we talk to are going to bible believing churches send them there if there is a question. After all they have ordained men to administer the Word to them. This is God’s way and will protect us from falling into sin through heated discussions. ……………STEVE

Family In The Kingdom Of God (Prov. Part 9)

Family In the Kingdom Of God (Prov Part 9)

(Prov. Part 9)
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Family is so important. The promises of God are to the families of believers. Parents are to instruct the children in the ways of the Lord (discipline and instruction). Within the Kingdom of God there is Parental responsibility and child responsibility. Oh Lord may me be faithful in our call and may we see our children be as our Lord increase "in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man"..............Steve

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I. PURPOSE OF PROVERBS - Family Instruction For Wisdom ( Notice the directive term "my son" mentioned 23 times in the Proverbs with 16 of these in the first 7 chapters)

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Pro 1:1-6 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; (2) To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; (3) To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; (4) To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. (5) A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: (6) To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

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II. Fathers and Mothers to Teach the Children

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(Pro 1:8) My son, hear your father's instruction, and do not forsake the law of your mother;
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(Pro 3:12) for whom Jehovah loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son with whom he is pleased.
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(Pro 4:1) Sons, hear the instruction of a father, pay attention to know understanding,
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Deu 6:4-7 Hear, O Israel, Jehovah our God is one Jehovah. (5) And you shall love Jehovah your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. (6) And these Words which I am commanding you today shall be on your heart. (7) And you shall teach them to your sons, and shall speak of them as you sit in your house, and as you walk in the way, and as you are lying down, and as you are rising up.
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Eph 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (2) "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise, Ex. 20:12 (3) "that it may be well with you, and you may be long-lived on the earth". Deut. 5:16 (4) And fathers, do not provoke your children, but nurture them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.
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Col 3:20-21 Children, obey the parents in all things, for this is pleasing to the Lord. (21) Fathers, do not provoke your children, that they may not be disheartened.

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III. Rod Of Correction A Tool To Be Properly Used For Family Correction
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(Pro 13:24) He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him seeks him with correction.
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(Pro 22:15) Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a boy, the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
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(Pro 23:13) Do not withhold correction from a boy, for if you strike him with the rod, he will not die.
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(Pro 29:15) The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a boy let loose causes shame to his mother.
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(Pro 29:17) Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
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(Pro 29:21) He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

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IV. A Father And Mothers Response To Having A Wise Son:
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(Pro 1:8) My son, hear your father's instruction, and do not forsake the law of your mother
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(Pro 15:20) A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
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(Pro 4:1) Sons, hear the instruction of a father, pay attention to know understanding,
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Pro 2:1-2 My son, if you will receive my words, and treasure up my commandments with you, (2) so that you attend to wisdom, you shall extend your heart to understanding.
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(Pro 22:6) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
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(Pro 23:24) The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

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V. The Call Of The Son To Listen To Parents Instruction
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(Pro 23:22) Listen to your father, this one fathered you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
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(Pro 29:3) He who loves wisdom gladdens his father, but a feeder of harlots wastes wealth.
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(Pro 30:17) The eye that mocks its father and despises to obey its mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the sons of the eagle shall eat it.
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Eph 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (2) "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise, Ex. 20:12 (3) "that it may be well with you, and you may be long-lived on the earth". Deut. 5:16
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Col 3:20 Children, obey the parents in all things, for this is pleasing to the Lord.

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VI. A Wise Son Is A Blessing To Mother and Dad:

(Pro 10:1) The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a father rejoice, but the foolish son is his mother's sorrow.
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(Pro 13:1) A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scorner does not hear rebuke.
(Pro 15:20) A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
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(Pro 23:15) My son, if your heart is wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
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(Pro 23:19) My son, hear, you, and be wise, and advance your heart in the way.
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(Pro 27:11) My son, become wise and give joy to my heart, so that I may return a word to him that taunts me.
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(Pro 28:7) He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who is one feeding gluttons shames his father.
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(Pro 23:24) The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise one shall even be glad in him.
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(Pro 23:25) Your father and your mother shall be glad, and she who bore you shall rejoice.
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(Pro 20:11) Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

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VII. A Foolish Son Despises His Mother and Is a Ruin To His Father:
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(Pro 10:1) The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a father rejoice, but the foolish son is his mother's sorrow.
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(Pro 15:20) A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
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(Pro 17:25) A foolish son is a vexation to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.
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(Pro 19:13) A foolish son is a ruin to his father, and a wife's quarreling a never ending dripping.
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VIII. A Foolish Son Causes Many Sorrows:
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(Pro 15:5) A fool despises his father's instruction, but he keeping correction is sensible.
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(Pro 17:21) He who fathers a fool has sorrow for it; yea, the father of a fool has no joy.
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(Pro 17:25) A foolish son is a vexation to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.
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(Pro 19:13) A foolish son is a ruin to his father, and a wife's quarreling a never ending dripping.
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(Pro 19:26) He who assaults his father and chases his mother away, he is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
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(Pro 20:20) Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in deep darkness.
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(Pro 28:7) He who keeps the law is a wise son, but he who is one feeding gluttons shames his father.
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(Pro 29:15) The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a boy let loose causes shame to his mother.
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(Pro 30:11) A generation curses its father, and does not bless its mother,

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IX. Birds OF A Feather Flock Together
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(Pro 28:24) He who robs his father or his mother, and says, It is not a transgression, he shall be a partner to a man who corrupts.

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X. Son Do Not Despise the Chastening Of The Lord
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(Pro 3:11) My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
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(Pro 3:12) For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
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(Pro 19:27) Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

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XII. Judgment Comes To The Disobedient Son
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Pro 20:20) Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
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(Pro 30:17) The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

Instant Life And Godly Living (Prov. Part 8)
(Prov. Part 8)


One of the joys of reading and re-reading Proverbs for me recently has been having different things stand out to me every time. This time, as I read through, I noticed how often it spoke of things in the context of rushing, quickness, or haste. Almost every time, the concept of haste was shown as negative and contrasted with something better, which is in the form of Hebrew Poetry that is called Antithetical. In this day and age of instant gratification, microwave ovens, and 30 minute plot lines, we have been trained to hurry. Wisdom is a time consuming pursuit, a life long endeavor. Let us slow down for a few minutes and look over some of the scriptures in Proverbs relating to haste…… Wyogridly a.k.a Pamela

As always…. The scriptures speak for themselves……… Enjoy!

Proverbs 20:25 25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.


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Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
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Proverbs 20:3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
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Proverbs 20:21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.
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Proverbs 1:15-16 my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; 16 for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood.
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Proverbs 14:17 A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.
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Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
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Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
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Proverbs 20:25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.
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Proverbs 12:16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
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Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.
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Proverbs 14:16 16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
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Proverbs 15:2 2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
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Proverbs 15:28 28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
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Proverbs 15:18 18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.
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Proverbs 19:19 19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.
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Proverbs 22:24-25 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, 25 or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.
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Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.
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Proverbs 18:13 He who answers before listening-- that is his folly and his shame.
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Proverbs 19:2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.
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Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
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Proverbs 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.