Suggested Outline For Your Reading and Learning Pleasure

See also the blogsite Doctrines of Grace at http://pilgrimchristian.blogspot.com/ since the information here will soon be merged there. Please be patient as we are UNDER CONSTRUCTION!


Again thanks for your continued support and for those that continue to plug and advertise this blogsite and use it for reference and support. With over 140 different blog subjects and areas of study in Practical Christian Living we present the following suggested outline in reading this blog site:



I. God’s Gift of Grace Applied

1. Grace, Grace, God’s Grace
2. The Covenant of Grace - Hodge
3. The New Birth and Conversion: The True Biblical Salvation
4. God’s Orderly Work of Salvation
5.Foreknowledged Defined
6. Christ The Lord
7. The Providence of God Brings Comfort To Believers
8. Perseverance of the Saints
9. Calvinism
10. Jesus Had The Power To Sin But Did Not Have The Character To Sin
11. A Follow-up Explaination off “Jesus Had The Power To Sin But Did Not Have The Character To Sin”
12. A Critical Look At the Emerging Church Movement w/ Catechism Editing A Critical Look At the Emerging Church Movement by: Phil Johnson (Catechism Editing By Steve Horne)
13. Infants In The Celestial City!
14. Salvation
15. Christian Tracts
16. Why Did the Son of God Come?
17. Why All Things Work For Good
18. Justification- Salvation By Grace Through Faith
19. Decisional Regeneration
20. Salvation- God Rescues His People
21. All Of Grace
22. Perseverance Of The Saints
23. A Critical Look At the Emerging Church Movement by Phil Johnson 2006 -----Catechism EditingBy Steve Horne http://christianthotsataglance.blogspot.com/

…………

II. The Doctrine of Sola Scriptura

1. Sola Scriptura in Doctrine and Practice (Part 1)
2. Sola Scriptura And Orthopraxy (Part 2)
3. Sola Scriptura and Orthopraxy: Establishes "Philosophy of Ministry" (Part 3)
4. Sola Scriptura and Orthopraxy: In Doctrine, Church Polity, Worship, and More (Part 4)
5. Sola Scriptura and Orthopraxy: In Our Worship and Christian Living (Part 5)

.......

III. The Church, Communion and Day Of Worship

1. Identifying the Church
2. The Importance Of Church Membership
3. The Holy Spirit and the Church
4. Leadership and Unity in the Kingdom of God
5. Bible Instruction Must Be Under The Authority of the Church
6. The Keys, Who Has Them?
7. The Baptism Of Our Sinless Saviour
8. Baptismal Exhortation9. Infant Baptism Does the Bible Teach It
10. The Sins of Rebaptism and Of Leaving One's Baby Unbaptized
11. Confusion, Not God's Way So IT Can BE Cleared Up – Baptismal Confusion
12. True Communion
13. Glorifying God
14. The Lord’s Wonderful Day
15. Thinking Deacon
16. What Type Of Church Did The Apostles Attend

17. Are We Catholics?
18. What Think Ye Of Mary
19. God’s Word Filtered!
20. Visible and Invisible Church
21. Oil in the Vessel
22. The true Church
23. The “true Church” Syndrome
24. How Did John Bunyan View Baptism?
25. Where Did Baptists Originate?

......

IV. Christian Witnessing


1. Called To Confess Christ In Word And As A Living Letter
2. Listening for Gospel Opportunities
3. Let's Evangelize
4. Creationism.
5. Merry Christiman
6. Why Do We Witnes To Muslims?
7. What is Pelagianism?
8. If Any Thirst
9. Why Did The Son Of God Come?
10. The Myth of Freewill
11. Abomination – Often Used And Misunderstood
12. God’s Mighty Promises

......

V. God’s Guidance and the Tools of Faith


1. Guided … by God?
2. Tools of the Faith
3. Canon - God’s Word Filtered!
4. Favorite Hymns
5. More Favorite Hymns
6. The Bible God’s Word To Us
7. Progressive Sanctification – Growing in Grace, Cooperation With God

8. Can We Use Eastern Language In Our Prayer And Devotional Life
9. We Must Be Holy
10. Much Study Is Wearisome

......

VI Practical Christian Living to Glorify God

A. About Biblical Counseling

1. What is Nouthetic Counseling – Jay Adams
2. Christ And Your Problems
3. Counseling and Special Revelation
4. The Sovereignity of God in Counseling
5. Is There Any Difference In Biblical Counseling?
6. Christian Counseling Change vs. Change
7. Godliness through Discipline – Jay Adams
8. Guided! … By God?
9. From Uselessness To Usefulness
10. One Anothering
11. Not Controling But Loving and Serving
12. Guidance When You are Just Not Sure What To Do
13. Biblical View of Self Esteem
14. What Do You Do When Anger Gets The Upper Hand?
15. God Has A Plan
16. God is Always in Control
17. Counseling Encourages Talebearing


B. Work

1. Biblical Principals of Work and the Biblical Work Ethic
2. What Christians May Do
3. Everybody Works for God
4. From Uselessness To Usefulness
5. Discontentment


C. Forgivness

1. Our Basic Duty – Forgive the Repentant
2. A Look At Commitment
3. The Need To Forgive God
4. What is Forgivness?
5. From Unpardonable to Pardonable
6. From Uselessness To Usefulness
7. Being Angry for the Purpose Of Problem Resolution
8. One Anothering


D. Worry, Guilt And Depression

1. Worry: A Serious Life Issue Which Must Be Broken
2. How Is Your Conscience?
3. What To Do With Guilt
4. Godliness Through Discipline
5. Calvin and Anxiety
6. From Unpardonable to Pardonable
7. What If I Find Hypocricy in Me?
8. What Do You Do When You Become Depressed?
9. God Has A Plan
10. Anger (# 1)
11. Anger (# 2)
12. Impatience and Idolatry
13. Keeping the Heart



E. What To Do With Evil

1. Overcoming Evil – Jay Adams
2. The Evil of Backbiting and Evil Speaking
3. Gossips



F. Sex Issues

1. Thoughts on Biblical Sexuality and in Overcoming Sexual Difficulty


G. Addictions

1. AA Doctrines Compared with the Scriptures
2. Thoughts on Biblical Sexuality and in Overcoming Sexual Difficulty


H. Death and Dying / Health

1. Proper Thinking At the Time of A Death and / Or At A Funeral
2. A Saint Looks At Death
3.. Being Thankful For Pain
4. To Oil or Not To Oil



I. Communication

1. Handling Doctrinal Disagreement
2. The Evil of Backbiting and Evil Speaking
3. Is IT Right To Judge

.........

VII. My Most Precious Faith (10 Parts) Written for my Children and Place Here To Encourage You As You Disciple Your Children in the Most Holy Faith



1. My Most Prescious Faith - Introduction
2. My Most Precious Faith - Deliverance
3. My Most Precious Faith – Belief of A Christian
4. My Most Precious Faith – Concerning the Sacraments
5. My Most Precious Faith – Living in Grace and Gratitude
6. My Most Precious Faith – Our Duty to God
7. My Most Precious Faith – Our Duty to Men
8. My Most Precious Faith – Prayer Our Duty and Pleasure
9. My Most Precious Faith – The Lord’s Coming Again
10. My Most Precious Faith - Conclusion



………

IX. Miscellaneous.

1. A Request Humble Honored
2. Judy Rogers Music – Giving The Best To Your Children
3. Proverbs Themes:

a. Patience
b. Discipline
c. Self Image
d. Wisdome
e. Accountability
f. Honesty
g. Instant Living and Its Down Fall
h. Friendshipi. Family (Father, Mother, Children)
i. The Simplek The Tongue
j. Laziness
k. Abomination


3. Spurgeon

a. Are You Sure You Like Spurgeon?
b. Two Dozen Facts about Spurgeon
c. Twelve Proofs Spurgeon Believed in Uncoditional Election
d. Life
e. The Christian
f. Feeding Sheep or Amusing Goats
g. The Riches of Spurgeon
h. A Sin For Which There Is No Excuse

Occupational Search - A Biblical View

Occupational Search Help Using A Biblical View

An Edited Paper By Naomi (my 15 yr old Daughter)

Does the Bible have anything to say and guide us, I’m fifteen, in our search for our occupation in life? You bet it does! God cares immensly about us and He equips us with talents and gifts to labor for our good and for His Glory. So let’s take a look at what I discovered concerning how one needs to understand the teaching of the Bible while researching what their occupational labor will be.


“God created men as a two part being. There is an immaterial part of man and a physical aspect of man. Man has a physical body and a mind. Men, created as a thinking being, are to think, and plan and establish projects. The Lord Jesus used the example of using the mind in the teaching that He provided in the need of counting the cost (planning / thinking ) before building a tower "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? (Lk.14:28)" Once planned men are then to meet those goals through labor. To move things, to clean, to build, etc. is to stretch the muscles using the body. Man was created with muscles and the ability to engage the body in planned labour.

God has given men certain competiencies to fit

the calling God has for each person

There is an inter-relational order between the different types of labor- mental and physical.. Some men and women work and labor intently with their minds in their vocation. In this type of labor there are the lawyers, teachers, engineers, pastors, corporate leaders, etc. Other men and women labor intently with their hands, backs and minds in doing the practical work of building things as well as carrying forth services that are needed by our society. They are the builders, nurses, mechanics, cooks, policemen, etc. All types of people are needed in our society to build and serve the societial infrastructure. While some work with their hands and back with chemicals, wood, paper, computers, etc. they are also called to work with people that work more with their minds teaching, managing, writing, planning, etc.and vise versa. One type of labor is not better than the other. We all are obligated and responsible, being given the ability and responsibility to work together with people with all types and variety of competiencies. Both are equally important in this world for society and for the good of mankind to build the proper social infrastructure. Each persons competiencies and gifts are given by God for the common good of all mankind, the advancement of the kingdom of God and for the glory of God.


The Gifts and Call of God in Your Work


God has given men certain competiencies to fit the calling or callings God has for each person. Men are to work using those gifts and ablities which God has gifted him or her. We live in a society wherein we think we all have the rights and ability to go to college, take whaever course of study we desire, struggle through, graduate and then work at that job for which we desire even though we barely passed the final exam. It is true that we are all created equal but we do not have the same abilities. Maybe, just maybe, we are over extended from our God given abilities. You need to understand that not all people have the same abilities. Some people do not see well. Therefore for them to take a job as a reader, test grader, newspaper journalist / editor would be out of their God given providential abilities. The gifts of God in Romans 12, 1 Peter, and 1 Corinthians are gifts based upon the abilities God is pleased to give the believers. So it is with mankind in creation in general. All non-inhibited, non-handicapped people may be creative in their abilities God has given them, but not all of them can be carpenters, lawyers, doctors, business men. Not all can be office managers, drafters, contract negotiators, etc. Your abilities are a gift from God. You need to decern your abilities and seek those as avenues of study and labor. For you to try to be an auto mechanic, even if you have a desire, without the ability to perform this task is to bring upon you undue burden, hard labor, dissatification in the work force and personal relationship problems. You may even find yourself eventually in the unemployment line. Without further comment and any other example I think most of us can identify with this in that many of us may have possibly have been there.

How does one evaluate to discover, develop, and use the gifts God has given to you as an individual? Romans 12:3-6 affords a basic biblical framework!

We need to understand that our abilities are from God. Not only are our gifts and abilities from him but also the labor that we are to perform is a calling of God in our lives. We know that God is soverign and that in His providence we are in a vocation from God. Therefore we are to work in that position which fits our competiencies and abilities to the glory of Christ our Savior knowing that this is God’s will for us at this time. Our life will be best regulated when the focus is to know, acknowledge and use those God given abilities. In putting our abilities to use we will not be unsettled about where to look for a place to fit in the work environment. We will not be running to and fro at every "I think I’d like to do this" fanciful whim. We will not be trying to do that which is really beyond our abilities. We will quickly become more stable in our work environment, with a more stabile work enviornment and we will be more stable in providing for the family. Also in this we will be able to do a better quality work for the glory of God, the advancement of the kingdom and the common good for our society.



How does one evaluate to discover, develop, and use the gifts God has given to you as an individual? Romans 12:3-6 affords a basic biblical framework. First, you need to evaluate soberly (clearly and factually) yourself in order to discover God’s gifts. An example: Do not think you are a scientist when you do not know nor have never worked in science field but only like science magazines. Secondly, you must recognize the function of the individual gifts among the many that there are. You must know that your abilities are different from others yet they are part of a whole. Not all have the same gifts or abilities. Thirdly, use the individual gift in practical applications which is goive you by the grace of God, by God’s help. In othere words, "How does that which I am able to do affect others in church and society?
.
Romans 12:3-6 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:4-5 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching.



Work was established in the garden prior tothe fall. In this "friendly environment" work was about being obedient to God who ordained it. Created men were to accomplish work because of the ordanince / decree of God. Therefore we can deduce from the time historical account of the established ordinance that money is not the satisification we get from work. The money we get from work is a benefit and not its ultimate purpose. The ultimate purpose in work is to please God by being obedient to Him working aqs unto Him. Work done in a God-honoring manner will bring joy and satisfaction as we live redeemed in Christ in the abundant life He gives.


The necessity in man is to be a creative and productive being.



The necessity in man is to be a creative and productive being. Man has been made to have dominion over the works of his hands. God has put all things under his feet. (Ps. 8:6 and Genesis chapters 1-2) This overall calling and necessity is seen in the carrying forth of such desires in the tasks and duties of: a. the science of discovery; b. building of things; c. Home furnishing and decorating; d. gardening; e. self-employment of many sorts; f. baking; g. hobbies; etc.”



You can know what God has called you to do. Practically think through what you have read and make application to yourself. Then take your competiencies and talents and put them to work. Remember God has provided what you need to be successful in a proper occupation!

Gifts! ... From God? (Part Two)

Gifts! … From God? (Part Two)

Developing Our Children’s Gifts

Our children being in the Church, and God;s people, also have gifts given to them by God. As parents it is important that we parent properly in order fulfill our responsibility developing our children’s individual gifts. Parents are often heard saying, “My children are so different from one another it is hard to believe they are from the same family.” Why is that? Well simply put it is that God has given your children different gifts for His glory, the advancement of his kingdom and for the service of others.


As parents we must be cautious not to place more stress or bring more awareness on one child’s gifts over the others. Twins get this a lot. Remember mom considering it cute or clever when they did not give you your own personal identity but in all things they stressed the similarities between you and your brother or sister by even dressing you alike. Wise parents will the fact that each child, twin or not, is a unique person with his (or her) God-given gifts. As Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 12 each one has a unique combination of gifts, possessed by none of the other children or possibly no one else. There will be similarities but the gifts are uniquely given by the Holy Spirit Himself and those must be acknowledged and developed. These gifts are there to fill a place in the body of Christ that only he or she can. We parents must work to help them discover them and then to lead the children to strengthen, and emphasize those unique gifts.



All children, must be worked with individually by parents and Church leaders so that the do not just merely blend in merely as members of the family or the Church “crowd”. All children need time alone (and that often) with each parent in the family and with the elders in the Church so that they are able to contribute as their gifts develop no matter how brief that time may be. Those parents and church leaders that address their children only as a group, or in a group setting, are missing vital opportunities for blessings.



In every setting the child is placed in whether family , Church, School, etc. the children need some one on one in order that they have opportunity to be heard, loved, heard, and cared for as the unique gifted individuals that they truly are. We who are parents know that your child is at his best when you and he / she are together alone. Many times this is when one discovers, strengthens, and proper emphasis can be placed upon the unique gifts of the child.



Now children many times do not understand why someone may not have done something like they did. In this they may tend to complain about others. This must be countered by pointing out the variety of gifts distributed among believers. That there are differences of gifts cautions parents not to push for conformity of life styles when the variety in life style comes from the differing gifts of each child. To do so is to attempt to thwart the Spirit's plans and purposes for the children and the Church at large. Instead of complaints due to lack of “conformity” there must be a replaced communication and mindset with compliments must be replaced by complemental communication and action as they recognize the use of the gifts of th Holy Spirit in the life of the other children and people as they function in unity with the other members of the body (cf. I Cor. 12:14ff.).



Each child has their own gifts and abilities therefore they are to understand that they can have their own help and service (ministry) to people of all ages (I Corinthians 12:4-6). The children must learn that it is not proper to say "There is no place for me to help.” If the child does that then the parents, pastors, teachers must help them find their place so they can be happily productive.

In conclusion Christian parents please focus on helping your children develop, discover and use their God given gift (s). In this they will see their life in the Kingdom of God as satisfying, having meaning and productive.

Gifts! ...... From God

Gifts! …… From God?

In the seventies and early eighties there was much discussion and focus upon recognizing the gift (s) which the Lord had given the Christian for the work in the kingdom. It seems in the 1990’s and since that the gifts of the Holy Spirit nor a call of God in the life of ministers and pastors is something rarely spoken about. I guess I can understand that, even though it is wrong, when ministers become “administrators and office managers” earning $100,000.00 plus a year. The work becomes a job and not a call at that point! As one missionary used to say, “ many men seem to be Mommy called and Daddy sent.”


Oh Lord, please lead your Church by men called of you, and may we each seek to discover, know and apply the gifts give to us by the blessed Holy Spirit for the advancement of your kingdom and in the service of others showing forth the sacrificial love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, It is important to distinguish the difference between the Fruit of the Spirit, from the Gifts of the Spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit is for all believers, “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” (Eph. 5:9) The fruit of the Spirit stands opposed to the works of the flesh building character in the Christian for “ … the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22-23)

The gifts of the Spirit, while every Christian has at least one, are distributed by the Holy Spirit according to His sovereign will. ( 1 Cor. 12:3-11; Eph. 4:7; 1 Pt. 4:10) He gives the gifts to His people as he determines and in the measure He decides. WE can rest assured the gift (s) we have is to be used to glorify our Lord, help, serve and encourage the saints, and to advance the kingdom of out Lord!


1Co 12:3-11 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (4) Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (8) For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; (9) To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (10) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (11) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Eph 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.


1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Several Biblical truths are presented in the above passages regarding the gifts of the Holy Spirit:

1. Every Christian has a gift or gifts from the Holy Spirit to them - "To each one of us ..." (Ephesians 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10)- "each one has received a gift"

2. The gifts the Holy Spirit gives are different in that each is its own kind of gift. They each have different purposes. Therefore the gifts being applied in the kingdom of God has different results. - "Now there are varieties of gifts .. . varieties of ministries, and . . . varieties of effects" (I Corinthians 12:4-6) and "distributing to each one individually" (I Corinthians 12:11).

3. The gifts are given to each person in a measure poured out by the Holy Spirit - "according to the measure of Christ's gift" (Ephesians 4:7).

4. Individual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the benefit of all - "To each one is given... for the common good' (I Corinthians 12:7; cf. also vss. 14-31;! Peter 4:10)

5. All gifts given by the Holy Spirit are important and needed by all - I Corinthians 12:14-31

6. Gifts are distributed sovereignly by the Holy Spirit - "as He wills" (I Corinthians 12:1)



Secondly, the reality of gifts being given to the Church to individuals by the Holy Spirit calls for Her members to insist upon having instruction for the identification, development and use of the gifts. There must be a “programmed focus” by our Church leaders to instruct the Church members in what the gifts are, the discovery of the gifts of each person in the kingdom and in the manner that the gifts are to be developed and used. After all this is the call, gifting, purpose and results of the work of our pastor teachers.

Eph 4:11-16 And he gave some ….. pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.


A program for the discovery, development, and use of gifts is requisite for Christians to get a grasp on their gift (s) and call from God. Roman 12: 3-8 establishes the basic framework for evaluating, recognizing and application of the gifts and call of God in ones life. We see that framework for in we :

• vs 3: Evaluate soberly to discover God's gifts.

• vss. 4-5: Recognize the function of the individual gift among the many.

• vss. 6-8: Use the individual gift in practical applications by God's help.


Rom 12:3-8 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (4) For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: (5) So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (6) Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; (7) Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; (8) Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.



Thirdly, the implications of having a gift or gifts from God are many. They are as varied as each individual and each gift God bestows. Each person with their gift (s) identified will need to implement the use of the gift in the best and most efficient manner possible to them. Perhaps you are laboring where God have gifted you but you have discovered another gift that will take more time throughout the weeks and years to come. In this case then you will need to learn time management, planning and scheduling. As good stewards in the kingdom of God we each will seek be faithful to our Lord. Some will have the call of God in their life to the ministry, some to missionary work, some are called to be carpenters, clerks, housewives, nurses, doctors, etc. Therefore many will need to set aside time for schooling or perhaps the schooling has been done but you may not be working in the gift (s) and call the Lord has given to you. More on the gifts of God and our vocation in life can be discovered in the writing Biblical Principals of Work and the Biblical Work Ethic at http://christianthotsataglance.blogspot.com/ .

You may find that as you discover, develop and began deploying you gifts faithfully there may be changes in you life may forthcoming. For example a change in your focus, attitude and practice in the vocation God has you working in now in your life may be needful. Especially if instead of seeing your gifts and labor as unto the Lord you discover that you are a “job complainer”. And in this you are a complainer of the gift (s) God have given you! This sin therefore will need to be confessed for, we are instructed - “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” (Col. 3:22-25)

There is no room for job complaints. Those that complain about their jobs, their bosses, and, especially, any lack of appreciation must be confronted for all such complaints ultimately are against Christ, for "it is the Lord Christ whom you serve" (vs. 24).

God has given men certain competiencies to fit the calling or callings God has for each person. Men are to work using those gifts and ablities which God has gifted him or her. We live in a society wherein we think we all have the rights and ability to go to college, take whaever course of study we desire, struggle through, graduate and then work at that job for which we desire even though we barely passed the final exam. It is true that we are all created equal but we do not have the same abilities. Maybe, just maybe, we are over extended from our God given abilities. You need to understand that not all people have the same abilities. Some people do not see well. Therefore for them to take a job as a reader, test grader, newspaper journalist / editor would be out of their God given providential abilities.

The gifts of God in Romans 12, 1 Peter, and 1 Corinthians are gifts based upon the abilities God is pleased to give the believers. So it is with mankind in creation in general. All non-inhibited, non-handicapped people may be creative in their abilities God has given them, but not all of them can be carpenters, lawyers, doctors, business men. Not all can be office managers, drafters, contract negotiators, etc. Your abilities are a gift from God. You need to decern your abilities and seek those avenues of study and labor. For you to try to be an auto mechanic, even if you have a desire, without the ability to perform this task is to bring upon you undue burden, hard labor, dissatification in the work force and personal relationship problems. You may even find yourself eventually in the unemployment line. Without further comment and any other example I think most of us can identify with this in that many of us may have possibly have been there.We need to understand that our abilities are from God.

Not only are our gifts and abilities from him but also the labor that we are to perform is a calling of God in our lives. We know that God is soverign and that in His providence we are in a vocation from God. Therefore we are to work in that position which fits our competiencies and abilities to the glory of Christ our Savior knowing that this is God’s will for us at this time. Our life will be best regulated when the focus is to know, acknowledge and use those God given abilities. In putting our abilities to use we will not be unsettled about where to look for a place to fit in the work environment. We will not be running to and fro at every "I think I’d like to do this" fanciful whim. We will not be trying to do that which is really beyond our abilities. We will quickly become more stable in our work environment, with a more stabile work enviornment and we will be more stable in providing for the family. Also in this we will be able to do a better quality work for the glory of God, the advancement of the kingdom and the common good for our society.

.How does one evaluate to discover, develop, and use the gifts God has given to you as an individual? Romans 12:3-6 affords a basic biblical framework.

1. First, you need to evaluate soberly (clearly and factually) yourself in order to discover God’s gifts. An example: Do not think you are a scientist when you do not know nor have never worked in science field but only like science magazines.

2. Secondly, you must recognize the function of the individual gifts among the many that there are. You must know that your abilities are different from others yet they are part of a whole. Not all have the same gifts or abilities.

3. Thirdly, use the individual gift in practical applications which is given you by the grace of God, by God’s help. In other words, "How does that which I am able to do affect others in church and society?Romans 12:3-6 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:4-5 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Work was established in the garden prior tothe fall. In this "friendly environment" work was about being obedient to God who ordained it. Created men were to accomplish work because of the ordanince / decree of God. Therefore we can deduce from the time historical account of the established ordinance that money is not the satisification we get from work. The money we get from work is a benefit and not its ultimate purpose. The ultimate purpose in work is to please God by being obedient to Him working aqs unto Him. Work done in a God-honoring manner will bring joy and satisfaction as we live redeemed in Christ in the abundant life He gives.The necessity in man is to be a creative and productive being. Man has been made to have dominion over the works of his hands. God has put all things under his feet. (Ps. 8:6 and Genesis chapters 1-2) This overall calling and necessity is seen in the carrying forth of such desires in the tasks and duties of:

a. the science of discovery;

b. building of things;

c. Home furnishing and decorating;

d. gardening;

e. self-employment of many sorts;

f. baking;

g. hobbies;

h. etc.

Fourthly, No one is useless in the Kingdom of God. All Christians are given a gift or gifts. The biblical teaching on gifts meets all those objections of persons who have arrived at the erroneous conclusion that they are useless, have no reason for going on, etc. What one does not have cannot be expected from that person however what one has been given is ti be discovered, developed and applied. The person that claims, “I have no gifts.” Has not been taught, or is seeking laziness as a way of life in the kingdom or perhaps they are depressed. Even the sick and elderly can do some things which the Lord gives them. For example a person that is no longer able to work outside and is therefore homebound or has been placed in a mature care facility can pray, send cards, make phone calls, etc. in order to encourage support actions in the kingdom of God.

There is no one useless in the kingdom of God! The biblical facts show that there is always a place to work in the kingdom of God. The Body of Christ is in need of all your gifts and the combinations there of. If they are not used the body of Christ suffers from your using them. The Holy Spirit knows what He is doing therefore lets use the gift (s) given us. OK! For more on the usefulness of all Christians please read the blog From Uselessness To UseFullness http://christianthotsataglance.blogspot.com/.

Fifthly, There is no room for bragging – “I’m better than you.” One the other hand that is not one person that has the rite to say, “Look at me I am better than you are since I have this or that gift”. Remember that God has given the gifts and distributed them as he has desired. Properly understood this stamps out pride in those that think they are better than others and on the flip side it knocks out envy and jealously since that is not the purpose of God in the giving of the gifts. The purpose is to glorify God, serve our brethern and advance the kingdom of our Lord.

To be continued ...... Steve

The Power of Relationships

The Power of Relationships

My father and mother is with our Lord. Their love for the Lord and for me and my nine brothers and sisters have been the greatest influence in my life. As always, I am always thankful for their godly influence in my life………… Steve

As a kid my dad used to tell me, “Son be careful who you run around with they can influence you to do things that your mom a I have taught you not to do.” He, being wise, understood that no man lived unto themselves but that all of our contacts with others inevitably influence us one way or another. He knew that those we imitate influence us “pouring into and upon” us their thoughts and actions. He also understood the thoughts and actions of the people influencing us could be right and proper or they could be wrong and sinful since those we imitate can be bad influences to us if they pour into us He was concerned that this would cause me to sin.


THE POWER OF INFLUENCES:

Influences are powerful and are inevitable in each of our lives. We are socially interdependent creatures and we are not an island unto ourselves. God created us social beings and influences that come from others are very powerful in our lives. God holds us responsible to avoid evil influences and to seek out edifying ones. As we make friends and acquaintances our lives will be affected for good or bad. It is God’s will that we imitate other people. It is how God created us! We have been adequately forewarned and we are to “be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” (I Cor. 15:33) Therefore we need to avoid bad company and seek positive godly friends and influences. The influences we choose whether good or bad, consciously or unconsciously, are a matter of personal choice. They have personal consequences. If we link ourselves with someone that is bad and sinful there will be bad influences poured upon is. When we sin because of choosing the wrong person to imitate we have no right to say “the devil made me do it”, or my friend Sally (or Fred) made me do it.” We should repent, confess our sin and seek forgiveness. Part of our repentance is that we are to seek proper friends and relationships since we will now accept our accountability for how we are influenced.


DO NOT BE UNEQUALLY YOKED


Since we are influenced by, and imitate those, we have relationships with, and since the Bible calls us to godly relationships, it is important that we are not unequally yoked (believers w/ unbelievers). It is important that Christians establish relationships such as friends, spouses, business partners and any other acquaintances in the context of a Christian worldview. Therefore the friends we choose need to care about living out their lives to the glory of God. Our friends need to be members of the Church, faithful in the study and application of the scriptures and people that will exert a positive influence in our lives.



a. Not yoked with the world”


We are not to be unequally yoked with the world. Christianity and the world have different morals and values. Even so we must have limited contact and relationships with the world since we are still in the world. We must live, work, and do business with those that are not believers. We cannot avoid the world altogether since we need others competences, skills and abilities in many areas of life. However the world is to be avoided in its unchristian philosophies, morals and ethics so that we are not influenced by them and become corrupted. The we are to work with the world in areas of business and commerce and in such a manner that we can be witnesses for our Lord.


I wrote to you in my letter not to get mixed up with those who are sexually immoral; not that you shouldn't have anything whatever to do with the sexualy immoral of this world (or with greedy persons, or robbers, or idolaters) since to do that you would have to leave the world altogether.But now let me explain that- what I wrote was that you must not get mixedup with any so-called brother who is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkkard or a robber; you must not even eai with a person like that. (1 Cor. 5:9-11)


b. Not yoked with those under church discipline


We are not to have fellowship or be unequally yoked with Christians that are under Church discipline and remaining unrepentant. We are to look out for and mark these folks so tht we not become yoked to such a person. Matthew chapter 18 instructs us that there is no true fellowship with someone who remains unrepentant and we must not get mixed up with them. Compare also Paul’s instruction to the Thessalonians in 3:14,15 of his letter:
Now, whoever doesn't obey what we say in this letter, mark that person and don't mix with him so that he may become ashamed of himself. And yet, don't regard him as an enemy, but rather counsel him as a brother.


WE DO IMITATE OTHERS:


We are created to imitate others. It is a basic characteristic of life. That’s how God created us and that is assumed by the writers of scripture. John, knowing this, called for his friend to be responsible and to imitate good and not evil (III John). Imitating others is a part of the learning process in life. Infants and small children learn by imitating their moms, dads, or sitter. As they grow and enter school they imitate their teachers, school and church friends. In college and later in life the influences come from professors, close friends, spouses, work friends and people in the church. It is clear that as created much of what we learn comes through imitation, in childhood and throughout life.


BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS GOOD MORALS:


Sinful influences in ones life affects ones worship of God, ones work ethic and ones marriage. For example whenever a couple or one spouse develops a close tie with someone whose influence issinful it will inevitably affect the marriage for ill. I knew a couple that together were influenced by an evil person to such a degrading level to have another person enter their marriage bed. Suffice it to say that soon after the marriage ended, their home was lost, the parties ended up living for awhile on the street, the kids were disbursed, etc. Bad company corrupts good morals. Remember this and write it on the doorposts of your house. Sin will take you down the road father than you ever want to go, keep you longer than you ever want to stay and cost you more than you intend to spend.


If someone begins having problems in their life one thing to be aware of is their friends, associates, children and the influences they may be having in one’s life:


a. Teenager trouble - If teenagers who are they hanging out and talking with. Are they being influenced to “experiment” with drugs, abuse of alcohol sex, etc. Teenagers influence other teenagers – big time! This can cause dishonoring to parents, crime, addictions and sexual problems.


b. Marriage trouble – Are there inappropriate influences from the in-laws? Are the Children influencing you and turn ing you against your spouse? Is the wife of a couple listening to other women who are talking about their husbands. My wife and I have seen this type of “stuff” happen in a woman’s groups in one local church years ago. Is a husband listening to sexual jokes and sexual escapades by office friends? Is one spouse keeping inappropriate time with someone of the other sex swapping family problems? This things cause marriage troubles and is not corrected bust marriages!


c. Work or labor trouble – Is the person hanging out at work with people that grumble, are malcontent and do not respect authority? Are you work friends people that miss work, or seek to get out of work by not doing what they are hired to do? Sinful influences will pull you away from the biblical work ethic!



CAUTION - DON’T BE MISLED:


Now we must be on our guard. We all are influenced and led by others. We are to ensure that we are not misled. You may think you are a strong tower and can withstand any influencing “winds of life” that blow your way. You may even think that you can spend time to help a person of evil doing or ill repute as you “seek to help” him or her. Or you may think that you can be a “friend” of a person that does evil without being influenced by it BUT YOU CANNOT. Either ever so slowly or by not being able to handle “felt pressure” your good practices and habits erode causing you sadly to end up doing what you normally would not do. Therefore, tape this to the frontal lobes of your mind and do not forget this protective warning and command of God – “Don't be misled; "Bad companions corrupt good habits." (I Cor. 15:33)


Companions and friendships with evil people will not only influence you but they will “corrupt good habits." (1 Cor. 15:33) That is that which is already established in your character which is good and honoring to God they can and will rip from you. Paul urges the Romans Church brethren “to watch out for those who, by disregarding the teaching that you have learned, cause divisions and give occasion for stumbling. Such people do not serve our Lord Christ as bondservants, but are slaves of their own appetites; and by fine talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. (Rom. 16:16, 17) Wrong evil and sinful companions, through flattery and deceit, cause divisions in life amongst moms and daughters, fathers and sons, brothers and sisters, wives and husbands, churches, good friendships, etc.


WISDOM CALLS FOR PERSONAL APPLICATION:


The message of wisdom is proclaimed over and over in both the Old and New Testaments. That message is simple, “Keep away from those that live displeasing to God or they will corrupt you.”

Don't be misled; "Bad companions corrupt good habits. (I Cor. 15:33)

Quit the company of the simple and live (Prov. 9:6).

The companion of fools will suffer harm (Prov. 13:20).

Do not associate with one given to anger, and with a wrathful man do not keep company, lest you leam his ways and fall into a trap (Prov. 22:24).

Be not among the winebibbers, among gluttonous eaters of flesh (Prov. 23:20).

The partner of a thief hates himself; he heard the curse, but says nothing (Prov.29:24).


With a warning and the call of wisdom, there needs to be a response from each of us. That response, while it may be difficult to carry out is also simple in application – Watch out for bad people and influences, don’t be taken in by their flattery and cunning fables and deceit. Put away from you any relationship that is now or will be a bad influence in order to build friendships and companions of godly character.

Can you list some good influential friendships within Scripture:


1. Paul and Timothy
2. ________________________
3. ________________________
4. ________________________
5. ________________________


Can you list bad influential friendships within Scripture:

1. ________________________
2. ________________________
3. ________________________
4. ________________________
5. ________________________

TAKE PERSONAL INVENTORY:

Here is something to do so that you can consider whether, and confirm if, your relationships in life are correct.

a. List as many people you can who have had an influence on you, either for good or for evil.


b. Identify your relationships now and list how they are influencing you now for either good or bad. If there are bad influences then take action to build new relationships with people that honor God, his Word and his people.

And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where are Thou?

And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
Tim Naab (AKA Tim Micer)

Man, for centuries, has debated their own state of being. Scripture is clear in stating that all men, from the moment of life, are lost. This “lostness” is not a result of what each man does, but is a lostness based on imputaution. Adam was told by God, “… of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the DAY that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely DIE”. Gen 2:17. The serpent said, “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall NOT surely DIE:” Gen. 3:4. Since both of these statements can not be true, either God or the serpent was lying. “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”Titus 1:2. So the liar is the serpent. Therefore God was speaking truth when He said that IN THE DAY you eat of it YOU SHALL DIE. Since Adam did not die physically that day then he must have died spiritualy. Paul said in Romans 8 that God will quicken our mortal bodies by His Spirit dwelling IN us. We are made alive spiritualy when God redeems us. Adam, being dead spiritualy can not produce a man that is alive spiritualy. Any more than Adam being mortal could produce an immortale offspring. We see in Genesis 1 that God brought forth all creatures after their own kind. Therefore by the offence of one man, all are dead in sin.



Sin is a symptom of our state of being, not the cause of it. In other words, when we sin we do not BECOME lost we are already lost. The view that our sin causes us to become lost is called Pelagianism. Pelagianism is an heretical and anti-christian view of the state of man. This view holds that all men are not corrupt because of Adam in that each man is only responsible for the sins he commits. In essence it says that man BECOMES lost when he sins and that all men WILL eventualy sin. Here is a quote from a statement of faith from kingmessiahproject.com..” 11. According to Romans 5:18, original sin is imputed to every single person born into the world (with no exceptions). This is because the entire humans race was in Adam's loins when he sinned and, because of this, is just as guilty. Romans 5:19 adds that, because of Adam's disobedience, "many were made sinners." In other words, it is our nature to sin. We just can't help it!” This “appears to be right on, however in speaking to the owner of this website on this matter he states, “Man becomes lost when he hears the Gospel and rejects it. If a man never hears the Gospel, he is not responsible and will be saved by the knowledge he has received. THIS IS Pelagianism. We must be very careful when we read a person’s or organization’s statement of faith. As with all false beliefs, they sound good in their statements but in fact deny what they appear to stand for. This type of pelagainism will go to great lengths to twist scripture to hold to an emotional belief by stating the following, “12. Though original sin is imputed to every single person born into the world, babies, young children and the mentally handicapped who die and were obviously unable to understand or accept the gospel message are treated with God's grace and mercy and are saved.” (another quote from kingmessiahproject.com) Notice the EMOTIONAL appeal as proof over Scripture.


Spiritualy dead men can not know the things of God nor can he even receive them. Paul covered this very well in 1 Cor.2:9-14 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.


Notice that no eye can see, no ear can hear, neither can it even ENTER in to the hearts of WHO???? V14……. the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ALL men from the moment of life are natural men and spitirualy dead. The Gospel is spiritual, redepemption is spiritual, justification is spiritual, sanctification is spiritual….so you must ask yourself HOW DOES GOD PLACE SPIRITUAL THINGS IN A NATURAL MAN. God will not negate scripture and scripture says the natural man CAN NOT receive these things NEITHER can he know them.


If you say God places it there while the man is still natural and not spiritual, then you are saying that God goes against His word. That the only way God can place this spiritual understanding into a man is to FIRST make him spiritual. We are reconciled to God NOT as redeemed men but as enemies of God. Romans 5:10 does not say, When we believe we are reconciled to God.” Nor dos it say, “when we are born-again we are reconciled to God”. It says, …, when we were ENEMIES, we were reconciled to God…. This MUST be true for ALL men. Which means ALL men are LOST from the moment of life and NEVER become lost. God regenerates a man (makes spiritually alive) and then places his truth in them so they WILL believe. Now comes the “hard” part, many will say, “this means I don’t have FREE WILL.” RIGHT!! We are NOT saved by our will but by the will of God. John 1:12-13 “ But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Many argue that we have free will because we CHOOSE this or that, yet in John 1 it says we are not born by the will (choice) of man but by (the will-His choice) of God. Why is it that many say OUR will is OUR choice but GOD’S WILL is not HIS CHOICE?

Man has now become so intelligent, that he no longer needs a material image of god. The concept of god in the mind of man is no less an image than the wood and stone of other “ignorant” cultures. Man still places his confidence in this mental image and gives it a place of honor in their life. The image of god is still there only to bless the man and see to his every desire. It is an image formed that fits the lifestyle of the individual, one that will accept the man as he is and over look his short comings. Some men have “chosen” to place their faith in this belief and then call themselves, Muslims, Hindu, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Buddhist, and even Christians. The Bible says, “They profess that they know God; BUT IN WORKS THEY DENY HIM, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate”. (Titus 1:16). “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, NEITHER KNOWTH HIM:…” (John 14:17). ”Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, nor the judgment of their God.” (Jeremiah 5:4) ”Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.” (Ecclesiastes 8:17).

The unsaved man has conceived of a god that is in subjection to their desires, a god that is not sovereign, a god formed in THEIR image. THIS IS NOT GOD. Man is not injured and in need of healing, he is dead in need of raising. Unless God reveals himself to a man, he CAN NOT be known. Check yourself. Is the god you believed in before your “conversion” the same god you now serve? If so, then you are serving an image of god, nothing less than an idol. No more a god than the wood and stone images of the “ignorant” people. Just because you call this image God or Jesus does not make it so. If you respond, “yes it is the same god, I just know him in a better way”, wrong answer! If you say, “I know him in my spirit now not just in my mind”, wrong answer! ”For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:11)

You can not be a new creation and have an old creation concept of God. A new creation will have a new nature and mind, it will be able to see the old creation and realize the difference. If there is no recognition of the difference, then there is no difference and you are still dead in your sin. Stop trying to use fanciful spiritual language to convince yourself you are ok with God. Be honest and look at yourself. Compare the difference. If the only difference you see is that you stopped cursing, or drinking, or doing drugs, and started going to church, then all you are seeing is how your flesh has improved. Noah was not saved FROM the flood, Lot was not saved FROM Sodom and Gomorrah, the children of Israel were not saved FROM the death angel in Egypt and the redeemed were not saved FROM hell. Noah, Lot, the children of Israel and the redeemed, were not saved TO be in heaven with God. Neither were any of these saved BY the ark, nor BY the angels, nor BY the blood on the door posts, nor BY their decision. None were saved FOR there own sake…….ALL that are saved are saved FROM GOD, TO GOD, BY GOD, and FOR GOD. Saved FROM His WRATH, TO His PRESENCE, BY His WILL, FOR His GLORY. This is not a time to play religious word games, it is a time to take a close look at yourself. The problem is, most will not. Pride will cause most to believe they are ok with God. Many will read this and say, “this isn’t for me”. My hope and prayer is that some will read this and realize that they do not know God and in so doing will know Him.

Tim Naab