Becky and Dave Adams 2015

 

Becky and Dave Adams 44th Wedding: 2015

   

Becky and David 1968

First Baptist Church Altoona, Kansas \May 2015

We had the joy this week to go 

back to the church where we were from 03/1980 to 07/1996, the First Baptist Church of Altoona, KS.  We have been gone from there now for almost 19 years.  Just amazing. 

 

]]]

 

John Piper - The Spirit Helps Us In Our Weakness

Joan Bakewell Interviews Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones

"Christian Guidelines for Interpersonal Relationships." Romans 12:9-21

"Christian Guidelines for Interpersonal Relationships."
Romans 12:9-21

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO VERSES 9-21
The definition of contextual is depending on the context, or surrounding words, phrases, and paragraphs, of the writing. An example of contextual is how the word "read" can have two different meanings depending upon what words are around it.

A. This section could best be entitled "Christian Guidelines for Interpersonal Relationships." This is a practical discussion of love (cf. Matthew. 5-7; 1 Corinthians. 13 and 1 John 3:18; 4:7-21).

B. Romans 12 is very similar in content and structure to 1 Corinthians 12-13. Immediately after the discussion of spiritual gifts comes a warning about pride and an emphasis on practical lifestyle love.

C. The context deals with
1. our relations with other Christians (cf. Romans. 12:9-13). This is also discussed in detail in Romans14:1-15:13 and in 1 Corinthians. 8:11; 10:23-33

2. our relations with unbelievers or even more probably, other Christians with whom there is a conflict (cf.12:14-21). This section seems to reflect Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (cf. Matthews. 5-7).
3. this division of the passage is somewhat artificial because these areas (relationships) overlap
D. This passage is dominated by ongoing, lifestyle commands (present active imperatives, cf. Romans. 12:4 [thrice], 16, 20 [twice], 21 [twice] and by present active participles used in the sense of imperatives seventeen times). Salvation is a free gift of the grace of God through the finished work of Christ and the wooing of the Spirit, but once received, it is a costs-everything commitment and lifestyle! Calling Jesus "Lord" is not a metaphor (cf. Luke 6:46)!
E. This passage also has several present participles used in the sense of imperatives with the negative particle which usually means to stop an act already in process, Romans. 12:14, 16 (twice), 17, 19 and 21. Christians were already living out of bounds! In one sense sin can be defined as taking God's gifts beyond their God-given bounds.
F. Christianity must be "open"- open-minded, open-handed, open-hearted and open-doored (cf. James 2).
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: ROMANS 12:9-13

Romans 12:9
9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

12:9 "Let love be without hypocrisy" In the Greek text there were no linking words (asyndeton) in this context which was very unusual in Koine Greek. It might reflect the Hebrew grammatical form behind the Beatitudes of Matthew 5. This grammatical form would emphasize each one of the phrases as a stand-alone truth.
"Hypocrisy" was a theatrical term for "speaking behind a mask." Love must not be play acting or counterfeit (cf. 2 Corinthians. 6:6). Love is the characteristic of believers (cf. John 13:34-35; 15:12,17; 1 John 3:11,18; 4:7-21) because it is the character of God.
 "abhor what is evil" This is a present active participle used in the sense of an imperative. Believers need to be surprised and revolted by evil (cf. 1 Thess. 5:21-22). Often we are only surprised by the consequences that directly impact our lives.
NASB, NKJV"cling to what is good"
NRSV"hold fast to what is good"
TEV"hold on to what is good"
NJB"stick to what is good"
This is a present passive (but used in a middle sense) participle used in the sense of an imperative-"be glued to" (cf. LXX of Genesis0 2:24; Acts 8:29 and also Phil. 4:8; 1 Thess. 5:21-22). Notice the necessity of diligence and perseverance!

Romans 12:10
NASB"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love"
NKJV"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love"
NRSV"Love one another with mutual affection"
TEV"Love one another warmly as Christians"
NJB"Love each other as much as brothers should"
This was a compound Greek term (phileō + storge) combining "brotherly love" with "family love" and is used only here in the NT. Christians are a family. We are commanded to love one another (cf. 1 Thess. 4:9).
This is the first of a series of datives which were placed first in the Greek sentence for emphasis.
NASB"give preference to one another in honor"
NKJV"in honor giving preference to one another"
NRSV"outdo one another in showing honor"
TEV"and be eager to show respect for one another"
NJB"have a profound respect for each other"
This is a present middle (deponent) participle used in the sense of an imperative. Believers must treat other covenant partners as more important than themselves (cf. Eph. 4:2; Phil. 2:3).

Romans 12:11
NASB"not lagging behind in diligence"
NKJV"not lagging in diligence"
NRSV"do not lag in zeal"
TEV"work hard and do not be lazy"
NJB"work for the Lord with untiring effort"
True love produces great energy (cf. Gal. 6:9).
NASB, NKJV"fervent in spirit"
NRSV"ardent in spirit"
TEV"with a heart full of devotion"
NJB"with great earnestness of spirit"
This is a present active participle used in the sense of an imperative. It is literally "to boil." This could refer to the regenerated human spirit or the indwelling Holy Spirit (RSV, cf. Acts 18:25; Rev. 3:15-16).
 "serving the Lord" This is a present active participle used in the sense of an imperative. There is a manuscript variation here. Some of the western family of Greek manuscripts (MSS D*,3, F, and G) read "in time" (kairos) instead of "in the Lord" (kurios). The variant would emphasize serving the Lord and His church as the opportunity arises (cf. John 9:4; Eph. 5:16).
In all probability the confusion occurred because kurios was misunderstood or misread. The best and oldest Greek manuscripts P46, א, A, and B have "serving the Lord." The UBS4 rates "Lord" as "certain" (A).

Romans 12:12 "rejoicing in hope"This is a present active participle used in the sense of an imperative (cf. Rom. 5:2).
The term "hope" was often used in connection with the Second Coming (cf. Rom. 5:2; 8:24; 15:13; 1 Thess. 5:8). It is not hope in the English sense of a wish, but in the NT sense of a certain event, but with an ambiguous time element. See full notes at Rom. 4:18 and 5:2.
▣ "persevering" This is a present active participle used in the sense of an imperative. The term means "active, voluntary, steadfast endurance."
▣ "in tribulation" As in Rom. 5:3,5 "hope" was linked to tribulation (thlipsis). This is the norm for followers of Christ in a fallen world (cf. Matt. 5:10-12; John 16:1-3; 17:14; Acts 14:22; Romans. 5:3-4; 8:17; 2 Corinthians. 4:16-18; 6:3-10; 11:23-30; Philippians. 1:29; 1 Thess. 3:3; 2 Timothy. 3:12; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter. 4:12-16). We must not seek it nor shun it!
▣ "devoted to prayer" This is a present active participle used in the sense of an imperative. Prayer is a spiritual discipline and gift that recognizes God's active hand in history. Believers can affect a loving Heavenly Father. God has chosen to limit Himself to the prayers of His children (cf. Acts 1:14; 2:42; 6:4; Ephesians. 6:18-19; Colossians. 4:2). This makes prayer an awesome responsibility.

Romans 12:13
NASB, NRSV"contributing to the needs of the saints"
NKJV"distributing to the needs of the saints"
TEV"share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians"
NJB"share with any of God's holy people who are in need"
The Greek verb koinōneō means "fellowship with." This term has a wide range of meaning for Paul. It includes both fellowship in the gospel and physical needs (cf. Gal. 6:6). It is even used of sharing Christ's suffering (cf. Phil. 3:8-10; 1 Pet. 4:13) and Paul's (cf. Phil. 4:14). To be united with Christ meant to be united with His people at every level! See SPECIAL TOPIC: SAINTS at Rom. 1:7.
This is a present active participle used in the sense of an imperative (cf. Proverbs. 3:27; Galatians. 6:10). Believers are to work hard so as to have more for others, in Jesus' name (cf. 2 Corinthians. 8:11-12; Ephesians. 4:28).
▣ "practicing hospitality" This is a present active participle used in the sense of an imperative. It is literally "pursuing hospitality" (see note at Romans. 14:19, cf. 1 Timothy. 3:2; Titus 1:8; Hebrews. 13:2; 1 Peter. 4:9). This ministry was extremely important in the early church because of the evil reputation of "inns." This primarily referred to the housing and feeding itinerant Christian ministers.

Romans 12:14
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20"But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
12:14 "bless those who persecute you" This is a present active imperative used twice in this verse. We get the English term "eulogy" from this term, "bless" (cf. Matthews. 5:44; Luke 6:28; 1 Corinthians. 4:12; James 3:9-12; 1 Peter. 3:9). In P46 (The Chester Beatty Papyri) and manuscript B (Vaticanus), "you" is left out making the statement much more inclusive or to put it another way, a much more general statement. For "persecute" see note at Romans. 14:9.
▣ "do not curse" This is a present middle (deponent) imperative with the negative particle, which usually means to stop an act already in process. This refers to calling God's name in prayer for vengeance (similar to the curses of 1 Cor. 12:3). This does not refer to profanity (cf. Ephesians. 4:29; 1 Peter. 3:9).

Romans 12:15
 "rejoice with those people who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" These two present infinitives are used in the sense of imperatives. Christians are a family. Believers are not in competition, but must treat each other in family love. Because of the context of Romans. 12:14-21 it is even possible that this reflects the believer's response to the unbelieving community using cultural opportunities or circumstances for evangelistic opportunities.

Romans 12:16
NASB, NKJV"Be of the same mind toward one another"
NRSV"Live in harmony with one another"
TEV"Have the same concern for everyone"
NJB"Treat everyone with equal kindness"
This is a present active participle used in the sense of an imperative (cf. Romans. 15:5; 2 Corinthians. 13:11; Philippians. 2:2). Verse 16 may be viewed in relation to the conflict between
1. believing Jews and believing Gentiles in the Roman Church (cf. Romans. 11:13-24)
2. the age-old conflict between economic classes
3. the differing spiritual gifts
4. generational traditions and personal preferences
▣ "do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly" This is a present active imperative with the negative particle, which usually means to stop an act already in process.
The term "lowly" can be masculine or neuter. If it is neuter then the translation should read "accept humble duties"; if masculine, "associate with poor or humble people."
▣ "Do not be wise in your own estimation" This is a present middle (deponent) imperative with the negative particle, which usually means stop an act already in process (cf. Proverbs. 3:7; Isaiah. 5:21; 1 Corinthians. 10:12; Galatians. 6:3). Believers must not act superior to each other or arrogantly toward the unbelieving community.

Romans 12:17
"Never pay back evil for evil to anyone" This is a present active participle used in the sense of an imperative with the negative particle, which meant stop an act already in process. It is up to God to set things straight, not believers (cf. Proverbs. 20:22; 24:29; Matthews. 5:38-48; Luke 6:27; 1 Thess. 5:15; 1 Peter. 3:9).
▣ "Respect what is right in the sight of all men" This is a present middle participle used in the sense of an imperative (cf. 2 Corinthians. 8:21; 1 Thess. 5:22; and 1 Timithy. 3:7). This may be an allusion to Proverbs. 3:4 in the Septuagint (LXX). Believers live with an eye toward evangelizing unbelievers. We should do nothing that would offend or alienate an unbeliever (cf. 1 Corinthians. 9:19-23). Even our deepest convictions must be expressed in loving ways.

Romans 12:18
"If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men" This is a first class conditional sentence which is assumed to be true from the author's perspective or for his literary purposes. It is followed in the next clause by a present active participle used in the sense of an imperative. This is not always the believer's choice, but the grammar implies that it is often possible (cf. Mark 9:50; 2 Corinthians. 13:11; 1 Thess. 5:13).

Romans 12:19
 "Never take your own revenge" This is a present active participle with the negative particle used in the sense of an imperative, which usually means stop an act already in process. God will set it straight one day (cf. Leveticus. 19:18; Deut. 32:35; Hebrews. 10:30).
▣ "for it is written" This is a perfect passive indicative, which is a Semitic idiomatic way of referring to inspired Scripture. This idiom of inspiration is paralleled to "as the Lord says" (cf. 1 Corinthians. 14:21 and 2 Corinthians. 6:17). This is a quote from Deut. 32:35.

Romans 12:20
"But if your enemy" This is a third class conditional sentence which meant potential future action. Enemies will come!

▣ "heap burning coals on his head" This is an allusion to Proverbs. 25:21-22. The theories of interpretation are:
1. This was a cultural idiom possibly from Egypt which meant that kindness is the best way to turn an enemy into a friend. It is still the Christian response to entrenched evil (cf. Matthews. 5:44).
2. "Burning coals" seem to represent shame at one's improper actions which are so clearly revealed in light of another's love and forgiveness (cf. Ambrosiaster, Augustine and Jerome).
3. Origen and Chrysostom said this refers to Christian kindness which causes God to judge even more severely the unrepentant (cf. the Jerome Biblical Commentary, vol. 2, p. 326).
All the above theories are only that. The key is in Paul's summary statement in Romans. 12:21.

Romans 12:21
 "Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good" This is a present passive imperative and present active imperative. Our response to unfair treatment will determine and reflect the level of our own inner peace and joy. Bitterness is a spiritual cancer. Believers must give it to God.
▣ "evil" This is either masculine and, therefore, a reference to the evil one (see Special Topic at Rom. 16:20), or it could be neuter and refer to evil in general (cf. Romans. 12:9; 1 Thess. 5:21-22). This is a common NT ambiguity (cf. Matthews. 5:37; 6:13; 13:19,28; John 17:15; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 John 2:13-14; 3:12; 5:18-19).
It must be remembered that the purpose of these new attitudes and actions is evangelism!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR VERSES 9-21
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Why are there so many present imperatives with the negative particle in Rom. 12:9-21?
2. List all of the commands in these verses separately in a column. They are an awesome list of what practical, daily Christlikeness involves!
3. Why is it so difficult to determine which verses refer to Christians' treatment of other believers and which refer to their treatment of unbelievers?

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge - ROMANS 12 Marks of the True Christian ESV

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge -
ROMANS 12
Marks of the True Christian ESV
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,[g] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.[h] Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[i] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge -
ROMANS 12
http://www.godrules.net/library/treasury/treasuryrom12.htm#9
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12&version=ESV
  1  God's mercies must move us to please God.
 3  No man must think too well of himself;
 6  but everyone attend on that calling wherein he is placed.
 9  Love, and many other duties are required of us.
19  Revenge is especially forbidden.

VERSE 9  Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good
 - love.
   * 2Sa 20:9,10 Ps 55:21 Pr 26:25 Eze 33:31 Mt 26:49 Joh 12:6
   * 2Co 6:6; 8:8 1Th 2:3 1Ti 1:5 Jas 15 2:15,16 1Pe 1:22; 4:8
   * 1Jo 3:18-20
- Abhor.
   * Ps 34:14; 36:4; 45:7; 97:10; 101:3; 119:104,163 Pr 8:13 Am 5:15
   * Heb 1:9
- cleave.
   * Ac 11:23 1Th 5:15 Heb 12:14 1Pe 3:10,11

VERSE 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor.
 - kindly.
   * Joh 13:34,35; 15:17; 17:21 Ac 4:32 Ga 5:6,13,22 Eph 4:1-3
   * Col 1:4 1Th 4:9 2Th 1:3 Heb 13:1 1Pe 1:22; 2:17; 3:8,9 2Pe 1:7
   * 1Jo 2:9-11; 3:10-18; 4:11,20,21; 5:1,2
- with brotherly love.  or, in the love of the brethren.
   * Job 1:4 Ps 133:1
- in honor.
   * Ge 13:9 Mt 20:26 Lu 14:10 Php 2:3 1Pe 5:5

VERSE 11  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
 - lazy.
   * Ex 5:17 Pr 6:6-9; 10:26; 13:4; 18:9; 22:29; 24:30-34; 26:13-16
   * Ec 9:10 Isa 56:10 Mt 25:26 Ac 20:34,35 Eph 4:28 1Th 4:11,12
   * 2Th 3:6-12 1Ti 5:13 Heb 6:10,11
- fervent.
   * Mt 24:12 Ac 18:25 Col 4:12,13 Jas 16 5:16 1Pe 1:22; 4:8 Re 2:4
   * Re 3:15,16
- serving.
   * 1Co 7:22 Eph 6:5-8 Col 3:22-24; 4:1 Tit 2:9,10 Heb 12:28

VERSE 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer
 - Rejoicing.
   * Ro 5:2,3; 15:13 Ps 16:9-11; 71:20-23; 73:24-26 Pr 10:28; 14:32
   * La 3:24-26 Hab 3:17,18 Mt 5:12 Lu 10:20 1Co 13:13 Php 3:1; 4:4
   * Col 1:27 1Th 5:8,16 2Th 2:16,17 Tit 2:13; 3:7 Heb 3:6; 6:17-19
   * 1Pe 1:3-8; 4:13 1Jo 3:1-3
- patient.
   * Ro 2:7; 5:3,4; 8:25; 15:4 Ps 37:7; 40:1 Lu 8:15; 21:19 Col 1:11
   * 1Th 1:3 2Th 1:4; 3:5 1Ti 6:11 2Ti 3:10 Heb 6:12,15; 10:36; 12:1
   * Jas 3 1:3,4; 5:7,10,11 1Pe 2:19,20 2Pe 1:6 Re 13:10
- continuing.
   * Ge 32:24-26 Job 27:8-10 Ps 55:16,17; 62:8; 109:4 Jer 29:12,13
   * Da 9:18,19 Lu 11:5-13; 18:1-8 *etc:
   * Ac 1:14; 2:42; 6:4; 12:5 2Co 12:8 Eph 6:18,19 Php 4:6,7
   * Col 4:2,12 1Th 5:17 Heb 5:7 Jas 15 5:15,16 1Pe 4:7 1Jo 5:14,15
VERSE 13  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
 - Distributing.  See on ver.
   * :8; 15:25-28 Ps 41:1 Ac 4:35; 9:36-41; 10:4; 20:34,35 1Co 16:1,2
   * 2Co 8:1-4; 9:1,12 Ga 6:10 Phm 7 1:7 Heb 6:10; 13:16 1Jo 3:17
- given.
   * Ge 18:2-8; 19:1-3 1Ti 3:2; 5:10 Tit 1:8 Heb 13:2 1Pe 4:9

VERSE 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
    * :21 Job 31:29,30 Mt 5:44 Lu 6:28; 23:34 Ac 7:60 1Co 4:12,13
   * 1Th 5:15 Jas 3:10 1Pe 2:21-23; 3:9

VERSE 15  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep
 - Rejoice.
   * Isa 66:10-14 Lu 1:58; 15:5-10 Ac 11:23 1Co 12:26 2Co 2:3
   * Php 2:17,18,28
- weep.
   * Ne 1:4 Job 2:11 Ps 35:13,14 Jer 9:1 Joh 11:19,33-36 2Co 11:29
   * Php 2:26 Heb 13:3

VERSE 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.[h] Never be wise in your own sight.
 - of the.
   * Ro 15:5; 6:2 2Ch 30:12 Jer 32:39 Ac 4:32 1Co 1:10 Php 1:27; 2:2,3
   * Php 3:16; 4:2 1Pe 3:8
- Mind.
   * Ps 131:1,2 Jer 45:5 Mt 18:1-4; 20:21-28 Lu 4:6-11; 22:24-27
   * 1Pe 5:3 3Jo 1:9 Re 13:7,8
- condescend to men of low estate.  or, be contented with mean
  things.
   * Job 31:13-16; 36:5 Pr 17:5; 19:7,17,22 Mt 6:25,26; 11:5; 26:11
   * Lu 6:20; 14:13 Php 4:11-13 1Ti 6:6-9 Heb 13:5 Jas 5 2:5,6
- Be not.
   * Ro 11:25 Pr 3:7; 26:12 Isa 5:21 1Co 3:18; 4:10; 6:5; 8:2 Jas 13 3:13-17

VERSE 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
 - Recompense.
   * :19 Pr 20:22 Mt 5:39 1Th 5:15 1Pe 3:9
- Provide.
   * Ro 14:16 1Co 6:6,7; 13:4,5 2Co 8:20,21 Php 4:8,9 Col 4:5 1Th 4:12
   * 1Th 5:22 1Ti 5:14 Tit 2:4,5 1Pe 2:12; 3:16

VERSE 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
    * Ro 14:17,19 2Sa 20:19 Ps 34:14; 120:5-7 Pr 12:20 Mt 5:5,9 Mr 9:50
   * 1Co 7:15 2Co 13:11 Ga 5:22 Eph 4:3 Col 3:14,15 1Th 5:13
   * 2Ti 2:22 Heb 12:14 Jas 16 3:16-18 1Pe 3:11

VERSE 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[i] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.
 - avenge.
   * :14,17 Le 19:18 1Sa 25:26,33 Pr 24:17-19,29 Eze 25:12
- give.
   * Mt 5:39 Lu 6:27-29; 9:55,56
- Vengeance.
   * Ro 13:4 De 32:35,43 Ps 94:1-3 Na 1:2,3 Heb 10:30

VERSE 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
 - if thine.
   * Ex 23:4,5 1Sa 24:16-19; 26:21 Pr 25:21,22 Mt 5:44
- coals.
   * Ps 120:4; 140:10 So 8:6,7

VERSE 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
    * Pr 16:32 Lu 6:27-30 1Pe 3:9

Hungry and Thirsty After Righteousness

[

 

What Kind Of Person Does God Use

1

 2 \

3

 

Luke 6 21 TheMeek

How to Response to Civil Governement

Quotes from Pastor/Teacher Charles e Whisnant

 

Preaching/Teaching God's Word is rather easy when you have a group of people who hunger to hear and apply the Word. When a preacher knows he is speaking to thirsty people, he is willing that much more to give them the Water of Life with passion and joy.

When God's People have a hunger and thirst to hear God's Word, with a hunger for righteousness of Jesus Christ, give good evidences that they are heirs of the Kingdom Of God.

Our Wednesday Night services are attended by the same number that attend on Sunday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. Now I know we have a very small group, but do you know another church that that happens? Some many do not have but one service. I love to preach/teach and we have those who like to hear it as well.,

From the time I felt that the Lord had called me to preach (which I questioned a lot), I made plans to go to seminary. What I should have done was to go to college first, but didn't. I should have grown up a little more. But I believe every man today should make plans to do both. 

The joy of a pastor's heart is to see God's people come to listen to God's Word in God's church, to worship with God's people. And that is what happen today and tonight at Rivers of Joy Baptist Church, MInford OH.

  I want to preach the truth of God and only one way for me to do that is to be diligent on the explaining of the Scripture as truthful as I can and if that calls for study of the original language and other helps and if that is called teaching than I will stick with it Of course that is what I do. And if that is a definition of a Baptist who is Independent Fundamental Preacher than I am one. Well I got that off my mind, now back to mowing the lawn, or something.

 

Bibical Verses About God's Love

1. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8
   
2. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)
3. being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; (Romans 3:24)
   For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
   For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; (Ephesians 2:8)
4. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10)
5. So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. (Romans 5:18)
   For the death that He [Jesus] died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. (Romans 6:10)
   ...God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
   For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. (1 Timothy 4:10)
   For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, (Titus 2:11)
   and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)
6. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
   For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call upon Him; (Romans 10:12)
   There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
7. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
8. But love [agape] your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (Luke 6:35)
9. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. (2 Peter 1:4)
10. "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And He said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."(Matthew 22:36-40)
11. 2 Thessalonians 3:5

 What is love?

Everybody seems to believe that love is a good thing. However, not all agree what is love. Is love that warm touchy-feely feeling a person has when he is with a familiar person? According to the Bible, love is caring in action. Love isn't what we feel, but what we do.

Introduction

The true meaning of love, as defined in the Bible, has been corrupted in the common usage of our English language and society. Most often, love is confused with infatuation - that elated, "high" feeling we get when we "fall in love." This kind of "love" is something that lasts typically less than a year, and unless replaced by true love, results in broken relationships.

Quotes of The Week

John Owen said  “Be Killing Sin or It will be Killing You,

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
––John Newton

 

iS THIS PHOTO OFFENSIVE, OR IS IT JUST ONE WOMAN’S WAY OF EXPRESSING HER FREEDOM?

You missed meaning of this...it is absolutely TRUE you cannot be married to Christ if you don't first turn from sin

"The best way to prove that a stick is crooked is to set a straight one beside it. No words need to be spoken." AW Tozer

Only Jesus can satisfy your soul and give you contentment. NO human being can do that!

"In a nutshell, abiding in Christ means allowing His Word to fill our minds, direct our wills,& transform our affections."-Sinclair Ferguson

Quotes of The Week

John Owen said  “Be Killing Sin or It will be Killing You,

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
––John Newton

You missed meaning of this...it is absolutely TRUE you cannot be married to Christ if you don't first turn from sin

"The best way to prove that a stick is crooked is to set a straight one beside it. No words need to be spoken." AW Tozer

Only Jesus can satisfy your soul and give you contentment. NO human being can do that!

"In a nutshell, abiding in Christ means allowing His Word to fill our minds, direct our wills,& transform our affections."-Sinclair Ferguson

Rivers of Joy Baptist Ladies Group Trip 2015

 

LIVING WITH A DIFFICULT HUSBAND in a right manner for the glory of god and the example of Christ
Charles e Whisnant, Pastor/Teacher, Shepherd/Supplier, Protector

First Peter 3:1-6
What Does It Mean To Be A First Peter 3 Wife?

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

• 1) What are the main points of this chapter?

• 2) What are wives told to be in regards to their husbands?  Why? (1)
• 3) What does Peter hope the unbelieving husbands will observe in their    wives? (2)
• 4) Now the bottom line is this, that if we are going to have an exemplary testimony in the world, the hostile world, and if we're going to be used to win people to Christ, then our lives have to be characterized by a certain basic characteristic.  What are?

5)  The bottom line in our testimony in this society in which we live is

•  Attractive behavior involves
• Attractive behavior involves
• Attractive behavior involves
• Attractive behavior involves
• Attractive behavior involves
• Attractive behavior involves doing

Likewise,  or IN THE SAME WAY YOU WIVES: Homoios (ai) gunaikes: 
 (Genesis 3:16; Esther 1:16-20; Romans 7:2; 1Corinthians 11:3; 14:34; Ephesians 5:22, 23, 24,33; Colossians 3:18; 1Timoths 2:11,12; Titus 2:3, 4, 5, 6)
    - Christians should submit to God (Hebrews 12:9 and James 4:7).



Submission involves at least four things.

• First, it begins with an attitude of entrusting oneself to God The focus of our life must be on Jesus Christ.
• Second, submission requires respectful behavior (1Pe 3:1,2). Nagging is not respectful behavior.
• Third, submission involves the development of a godly character (1Pe 3:3-5
• Fourth, submission includes doing what is right (1Pe 3:6). It does not include violating other 

Scriptural principles. Submission is imperative for oneness in marriage.

As a result of Eve's usurpation of Adam's headship, part of the consequence of her sin was that her desire would be for her husband (Genesis 3:16). Genesis 3:16 could be interpreted as a passionate yearning or longing for one's husband but the difficulty with that interpretation is

In what the duty of wives consists. In subjection, or an affectionate submission to the will, and obedience to the just authority of their own husbands, which obliging conduct would be the most likely way to win those disobedient and unbelieving husbands who had rejected the word, or who attended to no other evidence of the truth of it than what they saw in the prudent, peaceable, and exemplary conversation of their wives. Learn,

In Genesis 3:16 the Lord announces a struggle, a conflict between the man and the woman. She will desire to control him, but he will dominate her instead. This interpretation also fits the tone of the passage, which is a judgment oracle.

Own (2398) (idios) means belonging to oneself and not to another, one’s own, peculiar. It denotes "ownership".

Husbands (435) (aner) means man, an adult male person. Aner is used to speak of men in various relations and circumstances where the context determines the proper meaning, as in this verse clearly referring to husbands.



God knows that we have authority only when we place ourselves under authority.

• (1) But we need to realize first of all that it is not only women who are to submit.
• (2) Secondly, Peter points out that the submission of women to their husbands is parallel to Jesus' submission to authority.
• (3) And thirdly, Peter says in this passage that the submission is to be to the woman's own husband, not to men in general.

If your relationship to God does not show itself in being a tender husband and a responsive and respectful wife, then it is not penetrating the most essential area of your life.

SO THAT EVEN IF ANY OF THEM ARE DISOBEDIENT TO THE WORD: hina kai ei tines apeithousin ) to logo:

(1Peter 1:22; 4:17; Romans 6:17; 10:16; 2Thessianons  1:8; Hebrews 5:9; 11:8)

•  Do not obey the word: This refers to an unbelieving husband, but it is a stronger idea than merely "do not believe." It has the idea of someone in active disobedience to God's word. Even these husbands can be won through the godly conduct of loving wives

Disobedient (544) (apeitheo from "a" = negating what follows, without + peithes = obedient) literally describes one who refuses to be persuaded and who disbelieves willfully and perversely.  They are unpersuaded and express an obstinate rejection to the will of God. Is an attitude (present tense) of unbelief which involves deliberate disobedience and conscious resistance to authority.

The word (3056) (logos  from lego = to speak intelligently source of English "logic, logical  means something said and describes a communication whereby the mind finds expression in words.

THEY MAY BE WON WITHOUT A WORD BY THE BEHAVIOR OF THEIR WIVES: dia tes ton gunaikon anastrophes aneu logou kerdethesontai,

• : (1Corinthians 7:16; Colossians 4:5) (Won: Proverbs 11:30; 18:19; Matthews 18:15; 1Corinithans 9:19, 20, 21, 22; James 5:19,20)

Grand kids May 2015

 

Have You Worshipped God Today

The Church In I Corinthians video by Charles e Whisnant

]

]

HOW DO I KNOW THAT I AM ONE WHO IS GOING TO ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD?  God’s intended character?
Matthew 5 and Luke 6
Charles e Whisnant, Pastor/Teacher/ Supplier/Shepherd

1A  THE AUDIENCE THAT JESUS WAS SPEAKING TO AND THEIR EXPECTATION OF A MESSIAH

2A  THE HISTORY OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE AND THE ROMAN GOVERNMENT

3A  JESUS ARRIVES ON THE SCENCE: Mark 1:14-15

4A  GOD'S PLAN WAS NOT WHAT THE JEWS THOUGHT THEY WOULD BE ARE EVEN WANTED:  Isaiah 40-66, Luke 24:25-27; I Corinthians 1:26-27 

5A  THE JEWS MISSED THE POINT WHAT JESUS CAME FOR:  HUMILITY AND SELF-DENIAL.

6A  THE SERMON WAS TO TELL THE JEWS HOW TO ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD? 

The broken, the mourning, and the meek, are those who enter the Kingdom.  Broken in spirit focuses on my sinfulness. Meekness focuses on God's Holiness  My spirit is broken because I am a sinner. Meek because God is holy in comparison. Broken in spirit is negative and results in mourning. Meekness is positive and results in seeking righteousness.

7A  GROUPS WANT A DIFFERENT KIND OF MESSIAH: 

8A  THE KIND OF MESSIAH GOD HAVE US:  Ephesians 4:1-2; Titus 3:2; Colossians 3:12.

9A  GOD'S STANDARD HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE SAME: Psalms 22:26; Psalms 25:9a, Psalms 147:6a Isaiah 29:19; Psalms 18:21-23; Psalms 107:8-9;  Psalms 17:3-5, 15.

QUESTION  One:  WHAT DOES IT MEAN REALLY TO BE MEEK? 
Meek:  Meekness is a gentleness, and a mildness, a subdued character, but it is not weakness. It is power under control

2 Corinthians 10:1; Matthew 21:5;  Proverbs 16:32; Proverbs 25;28
Meekness is a person who has died to self. he bears no grudges, does not worry about his own injuries.
    Hebrews 10:34, First Peter 2:21,23

QUESTION NUMBER TWO:  HOW DOES MEEKNESS MANIFEST ITSELF?

Abraham:  Genesis 12; Genesis 13:7-9. Joseph.  David in First Samuel 26,  Moses in Humber 12:3
2 Chronicles 26  Uzziah
When a man is meek he will defend God because he has no need to defend himself.
Paul:  Philippians 3:3 and Philippians 4:13. 

QUESTION NUMBER THREE:  WHAT IS THE RESULT OF MEEKNESS?
    Blessed and Happy.
    Meek shall inherit the earth:  Psalms 37:11, I Corinthians 3:21-23; Psalms 149:4

QUESTION NUMBER FOUR:  WHY IS MEEKNESS NECESSARY?
    Psalms 149:4; Zechariah 2:13; James 1:21; First Peter 3:15

QUESTION NUMBER FIVE: HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M MEEK?
Do I experience self control
Do you get angry only when God get's dishonored
Do you always respond humbly and obediently to the word?
Do I make peace?
Do you receive criticism well and love the people who give it

Wanna stay away from being a false teacher? Don't make primary doctrine secondary and secondary doctrine primary.

It is of utmost importance that we keep in mind that it matters not only WHO we worship but also HOW we worship.

 

I want the whole Christ as Saviour, the whole Bible as my book..& the whole world for my mission field. John Wesley

https://vimeo.com/121194494

Shepherds Conference 2015 John MacArthur

Shepherds' Conference | General Session 1 - John MacArthur from Grace Community Church on Vimeo.

Cartoon

And the Rabbi asks, who would put a Bar in a place like this and the Priest says it wasn't me because I don't believe that they are wise investments, so it had to be the Pastor because they are always trying to change everything with their believing all things are possible. Lol....

First Peter

What Money Will Buy and No Buy: Jesus and Judas vide

God Is Still Speaking Today Videos

Charles e Whisnant, Preaching/Teaching 2015