"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? . . . Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message through the word of Christ" (Romans 10: 14-17).
Nowhere in the Scriptures has God produced faith in a person apart from His word. It is through the preaching of the gospel that a person comes to faith in Christ. The gospel is a unique literary genre; it is the good news about Jesus, who he is and what he has done.
Christian faith is the belief of the testimony about Jesus. Is the faith that we have in Jesus blind faith or gullibility? It is if it is based on hearsay, rumor and simple anecdotal testimonials, but that is not the case with faith in Christ. Faith requires the kind of adequate and authenticated testimony that is counted as proof in a court of law.
The evidence for the gospel would stand up in court. There were more than 2 witnesses whose integrity was proven by persecution. Their testimony agrees on the matter in question, though the details may not agree; this is normal and is indicative of their integrity, not of conspiracy. The testimony was first given in a hostile place to a hostile people with the result being that many of those hostile people became believers too!
Remember, the faith we have in Jesus is not wishful thinking; it is based on a solid foundation of evidence. The world says, "This is all there is," or "You only go around once in life so grab all the gusto you can get." Christians see it a different way because of faith; we are not going to sell out to the popular culture; because of faith, we have a great future that those without it can never appreciate.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
DO NOT GIVE UP!
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father" (Ephesians 5:18-20).
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9).
There are many Christians who are caught in sins of compulsion. It seems that they cannot stop! The rest of us do the respectable sinning, a little gossip now and then, a little disrespecting or favoritism, etc.--everybody does it, but it is just as sinful!
It could be that the little sinners are in more danger than the big sinners because it is so common we stop recognizing the little sins as sins, and thus stop confessing them. Those who are caught in the compulsive sins, like the different kinds of addictions, are keenly aware of their sins, but seem powerless to stop them.
Praise God! He is not like people. If we wrong another person and ask for forgiveness, we might be forgiven perhaps up to seven times, but we all reach our limit. With God, His forgiveness is 70 times 7--infinite! Do not give up on recognizing your sin and asking God for forgiveness!
God has given us the power through the Holy Spirit to live lives that bring glory to His name. But how do we appropriate that power? Paul suggests these things in the text: great teaching, great preaching, great singing, great fellowship, great prayer and observance of the Lord's Supper. You might be thinking, "Steele, I think you are reading a lot into the text." Perhaps, but I don't think so. The participles indicate the manner in which one is filled with the Spirit; it is when Christians are faithful in worship and fellowship. Little by little we are shaped into the image of Christ because we allow the Spirit to be at work in our lives!
When one stops worshipping and fellowshipping with those who do worship, the chance for change is almost zero. Never give up on worship!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9).
There are many Christians who are caught in sins of compulsion. It seems that they cannot stop! The rest of us do the respectable sinning, a little gossip now and then, a little disrespecting or favoritism, etc.--everybody does it, but it is just as sinful!
It could be that the little sinners are in more danger than the big sinners because it is so common we stop recognizing the little sins as sins, and thus stop confessing them. Those who are caught in the compulsive sins, like the different kinds of addictions, are keenly aware of their sins, but seem powerless to stop them.
Praise God! He is not like people. If we wrong another person and ask for forgiveness, we might be forgiven perhaps up to seven times, but we all reach our limit. With God, His forgiveness is 70 times 7--infinite! Do not give up on recognizing your sin and asking God for forgiveness!
God has given us the power through the Holy Spirit to live lives that bring glory to His name. But how do we appropriate that power? Paul suggests these things in the text: great teaching, great preaching, great singing, great fellowship, great prayer and observance of the Lord's Supper. You might be thinking, "Steele, I think you are reading a lot into the text." Perhaps, but I don't think so. The participles indicate the manner in which one is filled with the Spirit; it is when Christians are faithful in worship and fellowship. Little by little we are shaped into the image of Christ because we allow the Spirit to be at work in our lives!
When one stops worshipping and fellowshipping with those who do worship, the chance for change is almost zero. Never give up on worship!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Friday, May 26, 2006
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
"For we are all baptized byone Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given one Spirit to drink" (I Corinthians 12:13).
"Christian baptism has two facets, human and Divine. Christ baptizes in the one Spirit those who yield themselves to him as servants of righteousness in the baptism of water. Together they constitute the 'one baptism' of Ephesians 4:5" (Russell Boatman).
In Acts 2:17, Peter, quoting the Old Testament prophet Joel, says, "In the last days, God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit on all people." Now what I understand Peter to mean by "all people" is all people who come to Jesus for salvation regardless of age, sex, race, economic achievement or political persuasion. The Holy Spirit is not for a select few, but for all who come to Jesus!
The sign that credentialed Peter, and the others speaking at Pentecost was the 'speaking in tongues as the Spirit enabled them' (Acts 2:4). In Acts 10:44 it was the household of Cornelius that received the credentialing sign, just as the apostles received it at Pentecost. It was by this sign that Peter overcame his Jewish prejudice and recognized this family as proper candidates for water baptism. The Jewish Christians needed to understand that God had granted salvation to the Gentiles too (Acts 11:18).
The point I want to make is that speaking in tongues in these instances was a credentialing sign, but not required for baptism in the Holy Spirit. Suppose I should be found speaking in another language I had never learned, as the apostles did at Pentecost, I would not hesitate to claim the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Suppose I should be found loving as Christ loves or be found at peace in the midst of trial--that is not my natural spirit. Could I not also claim the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
We still have to contend with the world, the flesh and the devil. It is not easy! "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25). Though we lose some battles we find courage to fight on because of the Holy Spirit within us. The Holy Spirit's presence is our guarantee of salvation!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
"Christian baptism has two facets, human and Divine. Christ baptizes in the one Spirit those who yield themselves to him as servants of righteousness in the baptism of water. Together they constitute the 'one baptism' of Ephesians 4:5" (Russell Boatman).
In Acts 2:17, Peter, quoting the Old Testament prophet Joel, says, "In the last days, God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit on all people." Now what I understand Peter to mean by "all people" is all people who come to Jesus for salvation regardless of age, sex, race, economic achievement or political persuasion. The Holy Spirit is not for a select few, but for all who come to Jesus!
The sign that credentialed Peter, and the others speaking at Pentecost was the 'speaking in tongues as the Spirit enabled them' (Acts 2:4). In Acts 10:44 it was the household of Cornelius that received the credentialing sign, just as the apostles received it at Pentecost. It was by this sign that Peter overcame his Jewish prejudice and recognized this family as proper candidates for water baptism. The Jewish Christians needed to understand that God had granted salvation to the Gentiles too (Acts 11:18).
The point I want to make is that speaking in tongues in these instances was a credentialing sign, but not required for baptism in the Holy Spirit. Suppose I should be found speaking in another language I had never learned, as the apostles did at Pentecost, I would not hesitate to claim the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Suppose I should be found loving as Christ loves or be found at peace in the midst of trial--that is not my natural spirit. Could I not also claim the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
We still have to contend with the world, the flesh and the devil. It is not easy! "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25). Though we lose some battles we find courage to fight on because of the Holy Spirit within us. The Holy Spirit's presence is our guarantee of salvation!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Thursday, May 25, 2006
BAPTISMA NOT BAPTISMOS
"There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all" (Ephesians 4:4-6).
"I baptize in water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry, He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering the wheat into his barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire" (Matthew 3:11ff).
The image of baptism is one of being overwhelmed, whether it is by water, fire or Spirit. Baptisma is a word used 22 times by the inspired writers of the New Testament to describe whole Christian baptism. It is interesting that baptisma was never found outside of the New Testament in ancient literature. Baptismos is a word used both in the N.T. and ancient literature to describe washings, ceremonial and otherwise, but it is not used to describe Christian baptism because it only focuses on the act. The ma suffix of baptisma indicates the state of mind that accompanies the act.
What baptisma describes is the surrender of our bodies to the engulfing, overwhelming water as a visual dramatization of our personal trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also descriptive of our personal surrender of our spirit to the Holy Spirit that we might be led of the Spirit from that point on in newness of life.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*I am indebted to Russell Boatman and Karl Ketcherside for drawing my attention to the distinction between baptisma & baptismos.
ADDENDUM
Noting the difference between baptisma and baptismos reveals the deficiency in the traditions that focus on the act of baptism, the traditions that focus on faith only and the traditions that see baptism in the Holy Spirit as a separate and distinct baptism apart from Christian baptism. I will be writing about that tomorrow, the Lord willing.
"I baptize in water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry, He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering the wheat into his barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire" (Matthew 3:11ff).
The image of baptism is one of being overwhelmed, whether it is by water, fire or Spirit. Baptisma is a word used 22 times by the inspired writers of the New Testament to describe whole Christian baptism. It is interesting that baptisma was never found outside of the New Testament in ancient literature. Baptismos is a word used both in the N.T. and ancient literature to describe washings, ceremonial and otherwise, but it is not used to describe Christian baptism because it only focuses on the act. The ma suffix of baptisma indicates the state of mind that accompanies the act.
What baptisma describes is the surrender of our bodies to the engulfing, overwhelming water as a visual dramatization of our personal trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also descriptive of our personal surrender of our spirit to the Holy Spirit that we might be led of the Spirit from that point on in newness of life.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*I am indebted to Russell Boatman and Karl Ketcherside for drawing my attention to the distinction between baptisma & baptismos.
ADDENDUM
Noting the difference between baptisma and baptismos reveals the deficiency in the traditions that focus on the act of baptism, the traditions that focus on faith only and the traditions that see baptism in the Holy Spirit as a separate and distinct baptism apart from Christian baptism. I will be writing about that tomorrow, the Lord willing.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
ASSISTING GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
"how shall we escape if we ignore such great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will" (Hebrews 2:3-4).
"Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts and now I will show you the most excellent way" (I Corinthians 12:29-31).
In the very earliest days of the church, the only available Scripture was the Old Testament; not much of New Testament Scripture was written nor widely circulated (There are fragments of Mark's gospel dated in the 50's that have been discovered. All of the cannon of NT Scripture was written before 70CE). Sufficient numbers of appropriately trained preachers, teachers and leaders were not available, except by Divine intervention, to assist the church in its function as the Body of Christ(I Corinthians 12:27). And intervene He did, supplying the church of the New Testament with those assisting gifts.
"When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money. . ." (Acts 8:18). It is apparent that these assisting gifts of the Spirit were given through the laying on of the apostles' hands. Like Simon, there are many who have lusted after apostolic authority to dispense Spiritual gifts, but that was a special authority delegated to only the apostles of Christ named in the New Testament.
What is important to remember about miraculous gifts is that they are not indicative of a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. It is possible to have one and not be a Godly person at all; Balaam and his donkey, and Caiaphas, the high priest are a couple of examples.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
"Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts and now I will show you the most excellent way" (I Corinthians 12:29-31).
In the very earliest days of the church, the only available Scripture was the Old Testament; not much of New Testament Scripture was written nor widely circulated (There are fragments of Mark's gospel dated in the 50's that have been discovered. All of the cannon of NT Scripture was written before 70CE). Sufficient numbers of appropriately trained preachers, teachers and leaders were not available, except by Divine intervention, to assist the church in its function as the Body of Christ(I Corinthians 12:27). And intervene He did, supplying the church of the New Testament with those assisting gifts.
"When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money. . ." (Acts 8:18). It is apparent that these assisting gifts of the Spirit were given through the laying on of the apostles' hands. Like Simon, there are many who have lusted after apostolic authority to dispense Spiritual gifts, but that was a special authority delegated to only the apostles of Christ named in the New Testament.
What is important to remember about miraculous gifts is that they are not indicative of a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. It is possible to have one and not be a Godly person at all; Balaam and his donkey, and Caiaphas, the high priest are a couple of examples.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Monday, May 22, 2006
THE ABIDING GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
Not only has every Christian been given the gift of eternal life, every Christian has also been given the gift of the Holy Spirit Himself. This abiding presence of the Holy Spirit was promised by Christ to His disciples, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor, the Spirit of truth, to be with you forever" (John 14:16-17). It is this abiding gift of the Spirit that leads us to seek God's truth within the Scriptures. It is this abiding presence that is the Spirit of adoption, who enables us to feel perfectly at home addressing God as "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:14-17). Abba, Father are common words, and therefore accurately translated, Daddy, Daddy!! The Spirit of adoption allows us to have an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father!
The abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives begins to make Himself known IF we allow Him. The Holy Guest is not pushy, nor does He make us act against our own will. His presence in our lives is manifested in our fruit production. Fruit production is not flashy; it is pretty plain stuff, but essential as we prepare for heavenly life. As we cling to Christ (John 15:1-17) and allow the abiding Spirit to work in our lives, His fruit is produced little by little, ". . . love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control" (Galatians 5:22). The fruit of the Spirit are grown as we cooperate with the Spirit's work in our lives; they are not bestowed. I wish it were that we were "zapped" with the fruit of the Spirit, instantly; life would be soooo much easier!!
Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven" (Matthew 6:10). The abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is the first answer to that prayer. Little by little He molds and shapes our lives with a view toward making God's will being done in our lives, just as it is done in heaven.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Not only has every Christian been given the gift of eternal life, every Christian has also been given the gift of the Holy Spirit Himself. This abiding presence of the Holy Spirit was promised by Christ to His disciples, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor, the Spirit of truth, to be with you forever" (John 14:16-17). It is this abiding gift of the Spirit that leads us to seek God's truth within the Scriptures. It is this abiding presence that is the Spirit of adoption, who enables us to feel perfectly at home addressing God as "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:14-17). Abba, Father are common words, and therefore accurately translated, Daddy, Daddy!! The Spirit of adoption allows us to have an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father!
The abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives begins to make Himself known IF we allow Him. The Holy Guest is not pushy, nor does He make us act against our own will. His presence in our lives is manifested in our fruit production. Fruit production is not flashy; it is pretty plain stuff, but essential as we prepare for heavenly life. As we cling to Christ (John 15:1-17) and allow the abiding Spirit to work in our lives, His fruit is produced little by little, ". . . love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control" (Galatians 5:22). The fruit of the Spirit are grown as we cooperate with the Spirit's work in our lives; they are not bestowed. I wish it were that we were "zapped" with the fruit of the Spirit, instantly; life would be soooo much easier!!
Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven" (Matthew 6:10). The abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is the first answer to that prayer. Little by little He molds and shapes our lives with a view toward making God's will being done in our lives, just as it is done in heaven.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Saturday, May 20, 2006
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
"May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion and become partakers of the divine nature" (II Peter 1:2-4).
Many Christians may feel like they need more of the Spirit, or they may feel deprived in their spiritual lives, like they are lacking something. Peter indicates that the Christian already has been given all things that pertain to life and godliness. It is essential to understand that the greatest charismatic gift is the gift is the gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift (charisma) of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our lord" (Romans 6:23).
All Christians are charismatic because they have been given eternal life and the abiding gift of the Holy Spirit, "Peter said to them, 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Praise the Lord! We have been given a new life in Christ! We have the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit! What does that mean for us? Check in on Monday to see!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Many Christians may feel like they need more of the Spirit, or they may feel deprived in their spiritual lives, like they are lacking something. Peter indicates that the Christian already has been given all things that pertain to life and godliness. It is essential to understand that the greatest charismatic gift is the gift is the gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift (charisma) of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our lord" (Romans 6:23).
All Christians are charismatic because they have been given eternal life and the abiding gift of the Holy Spirit, "Peter said to them, 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Praise the Lord! We have been given a new life in Christ! We have the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit! What does that mean for us? Check in on Monday to see!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
AN ADDENDUM TO WHO ARE YOU?
I thought yesterday's post needed an addendum Scripture: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body" (Proverbs 3:5-8).
As a culture, we have come to believe genes influence character more than anything else. Though genetic influence is significant, it is not the whole story; the Lord can shape us into something much more than it would seem we could be IF we trust Him.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
As a culture, we have come to believe genes influence character more than anything else. Though genetic influence is significant, it is not the whole story; the Lord can shape us into something much more than it would seem we could be IF we trust Him.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
WHO ARE YOU?
Much of what we know of personality factors is learned from the study of identical twins. Two personality factors: openness to new experience and Extroversion/Introversion are known to be genetic in nature because of research done with identical twins. Identical twins are living, breathing clones of each other, so one would assume that they would be just like each other in every respect, but that is not true.
There are many case histories of identical twins whose functional lives turned out to be quite different from each other. One who struggled with mental illness much of her life, yet her sister is a practicing psychiatrist--well maybe they are not so different after all, LOL. Mothers of identicals will tell you that their babies are distinct from the moment they are born. Researchers believe that the prenatal environment accounts for some of the differences in identical twins as they compete with one another for nutrients.
The point I wanted to make with this blurb is that we know that certain genes make people susceptible to certain traits like aggression and depression. But, from our study of identical twins, we know that susceptibility is not inevitability!!! To some degree, we are co-creators of ourselves with God. Our genes may not be the best, our environments may leave something to be desired, but by trusting in God, our lives will be blessed beyond our wildest dreams. "Now to Him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Grace&Peace;
Tom
There are many case histories of identical twins whose functional lives turned out to be quite different from each other. One who struggled with mental illness much of her life, yet her sister is a practicing psychiatrist--well maybe they are not so different after all, LOL. Mothers of identicals will tell you that their babies are distinct from the moment they are born. Researchers believe that the prenatal environment accounts for some of the differences in identical twins as they compete with one another for nutrients.
The point I wanted to make with this blurb is that we know that certain genes make people susceptible to certain traits like aggression and depression. But, from our study of identical twins, we know that susceptibility is not inevitability!!! To some degree, we are co-creators of ourselves with God. Our genes may not be the best, our environments may leave something to be desired, but by trusting in God, our lives will be blessed beyond our wildest dreams. "Now to Him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Monday, May 15, 2006
IS IT ADULTERY?
Last Friday, Harriet commented that she thought it was silly to think that a less than 5 to 1 positive to negative communication ratio constituted adultery. I'm sticking to my position. Marriage is a relationship where both partners vowed to love and cherish each other. Certainly there will be times in that relationship when one will feel like neither loving nor cherishing, but that doesn't diminish the responsibility to act in a loving and cherishing way.
Dr. John Gottman has done a lot of research in the area of marital communication. As I recall, he is the one who stated that when the positive to negative communication ratio falls below 5 positives to 1 negative, the marriage is not healthy. Negatives weigh a lot more than positives, so everyone needs a lot of positive strokes.
When I was the interim executive director at Midwest Christian Services, I interviewed an applicant who had been fired from a well-known residential treatment facility. I asked her the reason for her dismissal. She said, "I didn't keep up my positive to negative communication ratio of 7 to 1. " At that time Midwest wasn't even tracking that for employee evaluation. I hired her and she worked fine for us. It is interesting, though, that even residential treatment facilities recognize this as a requisite for effective treatment of kids!
Harriet, your husband might be acting as if everything is okay, but inside things are not. Solomon didn't write this for nothing, "It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious woman" (Proverbs 21:9).
If you are not being kind to your spouse 5 times as much as being negative, are you keeping the vow?
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Dr. John Gottman has done a lot of research in the area of marital communication. As I recall, he is the one who stated that when the positive to negative communication ratio falls below 5 positives to 1 negative, the marriage is not healthy. Negatives weigh a lot more than positives, so everyone needs a lot of positive strokes.
When I was the interim executive director at Midwest Christian Services, I interviewed an applicant who had been fired from a well-known residential treatment facility. I asked her the reason for her dismissal. She said, "I didn't keep up my positive to negative communication ratio of 7 to 1. " At that time Midwest wasn't even tracking that for employee evaluation. I hired her and she worked fine for us. It is interesting, though, that even residential treatment facilities recognize this as a requisite for effective treatment of kids!
Harriet, your husband might be acting as if everything is okay, but inside things are not. Solomon didn't write this for nothing, "It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious woman" (Proverbs 21:9).
If you are not being kind to your spouse 5 times as much as being negative, are you keeping the vow?
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Friday, May 12, 2006
WOMAN, MARRIED WOMAN OR WIFE?
"BUT I SAY TO YOU THAT EVERYONE WHO LOOKS AT A WOMAN LUSTFULLY HAS ALREADY COMMITTED ADULTERY WITH HER IN HIS HEART" (MATTHEW 5:28).
In response to my post of three days ago, Anonymous questioned my use of "married woman" in place of "woman" in Matt. 5:28, when the translators have almost universally said "woman." Anon thought I was adding to the Scripture. Why did I do what I did?
A little time spent with an analytical concordance reveals that the Greek term "gune" is translated in the King James Version as "wife" 92 times; as "married woman" only once; and as "woman" 129 times. How "gune" is translated depends on the context, but it seems to me that in many cases "woman" is an arbitrary translation rather than a contextual one.
Jesus spoke these words to those with an Old Testament understanding, not a New Testament one. For any man to desire a woman was not sinful. It only became sinful when a woman was married and the marriage covenant was disregarded. Physical attraction is not a bad thing. It is one of the factors that motivates guys to check out gals. That is how God created us. What is bad is if physical attraction is the only thing! I do not believe Jesus was out to make an adulterer out of every young man. They become adulterous by continuing to desire a woman regardless of her marital status. Desire becomes sinful when it is out of bounds and out of control. Thus, in my view, "gune" should be translated, "wife" or "married woman" in Matthew 5:28.
The Greek term "thelus" is translated "female"twice and "woman" three times in the KJV New Testament. Jesus could have used that term if it could have been just any woman.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
In response to my post of three days ago, Anonymous questioned my use of "married woman" in place of "woman" in Matt. 5:28, when the translators have almost universally said "woman." Anon thought I was adding to the Scripture. Why did I do what I did?
A little time spent with an analytical concordance reveals that the Greek term "gune" is translated in the King James Version as "wife" 92 times; as "married woman" only once; and as "woman" 129 times. How "gune" is translated depends on the context, but it seems to me that in many cases "woman" is an arbitrary translation rather than a contextual one.
Jesus spoke these words to those with an Old Testament understanding, not a New Testament one. For any man to desire a woman was not sinful. It only became sinful when a woman was married and the marriage covenant was disregarded. Physical attraction is not a bad thing. It is one of the factors that motivates guys to check out gals. That is how God created us. What is bad is if physical attraction is the only thing! I do not believe Jesus was out to make an adulterer out of every young man. They become adulterous by continuing to desire a woman regardless of her marital status. Desire becomes sinful when it is out of bounds and out of control. Thus, in my view, "gune" should be translated, "wife" or "married woman" in Matthew 5:28.
The Greek term "thelus" is translated "female"twice and "woman" three times in the KJV New Testament. Jesus could have used that term if it could have been just any woman.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Thursday, May 11, 2006
NONSEXUAL ADULTERY?4
"So Steele, what's the point of all this nonsexual adultery stuff?" you ask. It is important, in my view, to understand that adultery isn't about unlawful sex. Adultery is about basic disloyalty. Sometimes sexual intercourse is involved, many times not! In Hosea 7:4 God says of Israel, "They are all adulterers. . ." In 7:1 God says the "committed falsehood and thievery." In 7:5 God says they misused wine, and in 7:7 God says they devoured their rulers. These people were adulterers because they, as God's people, were disloyal to Him. It is for the same reason that a sign-seeker is an adulterer (Matthew 12:39). As God's people, we live by faith in Him. We trust in His provision. To ask for a sign is to accuse God of unfaithfulness. He may choose to give us a sign. As in the case of Ahaz, He may tell us to ask for a sign. But, generally, it is unfaithfulness that causes one to be a sign-seeker.
In marriage, the same is true. We have covenanted to love and cherish our spouse. When one of the partners acts in disloyalty to the vow, adultery has been committed. It's about an attitude, "I do not care what my wife says, I'm going to do it any way." It is about running up credit-card debt, or over-drawing a checking account without a spouse's knowledge. It is about abuse and addiction. It is about constant criticism, little positive communication where the positive to negative communication ratio falls below 5 positives to 1 negative. It's nearly impossible to have a healthy relationship at less than 5 to 1.
All of those deficiencies destroy trust and create bitterness just as surely as an affair. One cannot be self-righteous about this matter of adultery because nearly everyone has committed it in one way or another. So confess it, ask God for forgiveness and learn to do better.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
PS I'm indebted to Olan Hicks' book, What the Bible Says About Divorce, Marriage and Remarriage for helping me to think about this subject.
In marriage, the same is true. We have covenanted to love and cherish our spouse. When one of the partners acts in disloyalty to the vow, adultery has been committed. It's about an attitude, "I do not care what my wife says, I'm going to do it any way." It is about running up credit-card debt, or over-drawing a checking account without a spouse's knowledge. It is about abuse and addiction. It is about constant criticism, little positive communication where the positive to negative communication ratio falls below 5 positives to 1 negative. It's nearly impossible to have a healthy relationship at less than 5 to 1.
All of those deficiencies destroy trust and create bitterness just as surely as an affair. One cannot be self-righteous about this matter of adultery because nearly everyone has committed it in one way or another. So confess it, ask God for forgiveness and learn to do better.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
PS I'm indebted to Olan Hicks' book, What the Bible Says About Divorce, Marriage and Remarriage for helping me to think about this subject.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
NONSEXUAL ADULTERY? 3
A term is defined by how it is used in context.
If this were an exhaustive Biblical study, I could show many examples of sexual sin that were not called adultery, I Corinthians 5:1-5 being one of them. My opinion about why Paul did not use the term adultery to describe this is; even though the father may have given permission for the son to have his wife (not mother) and thus is not a technical violation of the marriage covenant, it was still a sinful relationship!
There are Scriptural examples where the term "adultery" is used when sex is not a factor. Jeremiah speaks of Judah and Israel commit adultery by worshipping idols (3:9). Jesus used adultery in connection with seeking a sign (Matthew 12:39). James says that friendship with the world is adultery (4:4). Jesus says that divorcing and remarrying is adultery (Matthew 19:9).
I'm sorry, but the clock is calling again. I'll try to get to the point of this tomorrow.
Grace & Peace;
Tom
If this were an exhaustive Biblical study, I could show many examples of sexual sin that were not called adultery, I Corinthians 5:1-5 being one of them. My opinion about why Paul did not use the term adultery to describe this is; even though the father may have given permission for the son to have his wife (not mother) and thus is not a technical violation of the marriage covenant, it was still a sinful relationship!
There are Scriptural examples where the term "adultery" is used when sex is not a factor. Jeremiah speaks of Judah and Israel commit adultery by worshipping idols (3:9). Jesus used adultery in connection with seeking a sign (Matthew 12:39). James says that friendship with the world is adultery (4:4). Jesus says that divorcing and remarrying is adultery (Matthew 19:9).
I'm sorry, but the clock is calling again. I'll try to get to the point of this tomorrow.
Grace & Peace;
Tom
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
NONSEXUAL ADULTERY?
Is there such a thing? Yes. A quick reading of Matthew 5:28 reveals Jesus teaching that a man who lusts after a married woman has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Oh! Wait! I guess that is about sex too! In any study of adultery, sex is the first thing that comes to mind. Can there be adultery without sex?
In 385 CE Jerome translated the Bible into Latin. In that translation is where the term "adulterio" first appears. It means to alter or change by adding something. It doesn't necessarily have to be sexual. In 1385 John Wycliff did the first English translation. He used the term "avowteria" rather than adultery. In 1535 William Tyndale used the term "advoutrie" in his translation. These scholars understood that sex was not a necessary requisite to adultery. In my view, Jerome's "adulterio" doesn't convey the meaning of the original as good as "avowteria" or "advoutrie," both of which mean, "against the vow," or betrayal of the vow."
Remember, a term is defined by how it is used in context. I will pick it up here tomorrow because the clock is calling me right now.
Grace & Peace;
Tom
In 385 CE Jerome translated the Bible into Latin. In that translation is where the term "adulterio" first appears. It means to alter or change by adding something. It doesn't necessarily have to be sexual. In 1385 John Wycliff did the first English translation. He used the term "avowteria" rather than adultery. In 1535 William Tyndale used the term "advoutrie" in his translation. These scholars understood that sex was not a necessary requisite to adultery. In my view, Jerome's "adulterio" doesn't convey the meaning of the original as good as "avowteria" or "advoutrie," both of which mean, "against the vow," or betrayal of the vow."
Remember, a term is defined by how it is used in context. I will pick it up here tomorrow because the clock is calling me right now.
Grace & Peace;
Tom
Monday, May 08, 2006
NONSEXUAL ADULTERY?
Because of the pressure to be in the field getting the crops planted, I will not post anything but this today. My next topic is nonsexual adultery; is it possible? Until tomorrow, the Lord willing, Grace&Peace;
Tom
Tom
Saturday, May 06, 2006
SATURDAY HUMOR
Exhausted after driving all night, a man decided to pull over to get some sleep. He had just settled back to snooze when there was a knock on the window.
He opened his eyes to a jogger, who asked, "excuse me, but do you have the time?" "It's 8:10." "Thanks," he replied running off. The man had just dozed off when there was another knock. "What time is it?" asked a hiker. "8:25."
Fed up, the man put a sign in his window that read, "I don't know what time it is!" Knock, knock! He was suddenly awakened again. Scowling, the man rolled down the window. "What?!" he yelled at the Boy Scout standing there. "It's 8:45, mister."
Grace&Peace;
Tom
He opened his eyes to a jogger, who asked, "excuse me, but do you have the time?" "It's 8:10." "Thanks," he replied running off. The man had just dozed off when there was another knock. "What time is it?" asked a hiker. "8:25."
Fed up, the man put a sign in his window that read, "I don't know what time it is!" Knock, knock! He was suddenly awakened again. Scowling, the man rolled down the window. "What?!" he yelled at the Boy Scout standing there. "It's 8:45, mister."
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Friday, May 05, 2006
WHAT DO NATURAL DISASTERS MEAN?*
Use the opportunity that natural tragedy affords to offer comfort to those who suffer. II Corinthians 1:4 reminds us that God comforts us "so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." Help them to find something redemptive in their tragedy. "Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11). Every tragedy is an opportunity to witness to the compassion of our God.
There is something that is inspiring about a person who has successfully emerged from difficult circumstances. As that person goes about helping others, it is not so much about the words that are spoken; it is about the faith, love and courage that are implicit in the act of helping. It is not so much about saying as it is about doing that brings comfort to those who have experienced tragedy.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*Part 5, the last part, of a series.
There is something that is inspiring about a person who has successfully emerged from difficult circumstances. As that person goes about helping others, it is not so much about the words that are spoken; it is about the faith, love and courage that are implicit in the act of helping. It is not so much about saying as it is about doing that brings comfort to those who have experienced tragedy.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*Part 5, the last part, of a series.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
WHAT DO NATURAL DISASTERS MEAN?*
Human beings are not some sort of Divine experiment in which God looks down at us, like we do lab rats, checking out how we will respond to certain situations. God knows us better than we know ourselves. If anyone is to learn anything, it should be us. Trials can both build and reveal character. Going through trial, whether it be a bad marriage or a terrible hurricane, can reveal to us how much work we have to do on our own character if we are open to being taught by it. "Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" (James 1:2-3).
Rather than being a Divine experiment, God intimately participates in the process of making us NEW! He became flesh, and all that that means; something we do not fully appreciate. He knows what it is like to be human because He became human. He knows what it is to suffer because He did suffer as a human being. He know what it is to deal with temptation, because He dealt with real temptation as a human being. Let no one say, "God, you do not understand what it is like to be human," because He does!!! God has not insulated Himself from the pain of human experience. When we go through tragedy and disaster we know He feels our pain!! "For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).
While we are grieving it is natural to be angry with God. I have encouraged many grievers to have an angry talk with God. God is God; He can take it. But why does it have to be this way? I do not have all the answers for that, but I do know that God experiences our pain too. We are not alone in this! His Spirit will walk along beside us and give us comfort if we will let Him.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*Part 4 of a series.
Rather than being a Divine experiment, God intimately participates in the process of making us NEW! He became flesh, and all that that means; something we do not fully appreciate. He knows what it is like to be human because He became human. He knows what it is to suffer because He did suffer as a human being. He know what it is to deal with temptation, because He dealt with real temptation as a human being. Let no one say, "God, you do not understand what it is like to be human," because He does!!! God has not insulated Himself from the pain of human experience. When we go through tragedy and disaster we know He feels our pain!! "For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).
While we are grieving it is natural to be angry with God. I have encouraged many grievers to have an angry talk with God. God is God; He can take it. But why does it have to be this way? I do not have all the answers for that, but I do know that God experiences our pain too. We are not alone in this! His Spirit will walk along beside us and give us comfort if we will let Him.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*Part 4 of a series.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
WHAT DO NATURAL DISASTERS MEAN?*
One of the salient teachings of Christian theology is "the fall." Perhaps it is because of the fall that God has allowed satan to be active in His creation, but, at any rate, it is because of the fall that human existence became difficult. The world is not a perfect place. Because of the fall the world will be filled with heartache, pain and death--there is no escape. It is part of human existence.
What is the role of our adversary, satan, in all of this? A quick read of Job reveals the fact that satan was the cause of Job's sufferings, though Job never knew it, and God did not reveal it to him. God shouldered all of the responsibilities for Job's sufferings. I assume He did so because He could have prevented satan from carrying out his diabolical work, but He did not. Satan was the instigator of the muderous raids and the cause of the natural disasters that destroyed Job's family and wealth. Satan has always been on a leash. Sometimes it has been a long leash, sometimes a shorter leash, but he has always been restrained from freely working havoc on God's creation; notice the limits placed on satan's activity (Job 2:6).
I believe satan has a role in the natural disasters, and other difficulties we face in life. To what extent that is, I am not sure, but I do know that satan is a destroyer, he is as a roaring lion prowling around, looking for someone to devour (IPeter 5:8). He intends to destroy, but what satan intends for our destruction, God can use for our good, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God. . ." (Romans 8:28). What satan uses to devour us, God can use to strengthen us who love Him. What a wonderful God we serve who can reach into the blackest moments of human history, and bring good from them!!!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*Part 3 of a series.
What is the role of our adversary, satan, in all of this? A quick read of Job reveals the fact that satan was the cause of Job's sufferings, though Job never knew it, and God did not reveal it to him. God shouldered all of the responsibilities for Job's sufferings. I assume He did so because He could have prevented satan from carrying out his diabolical work, but He did not. Satan was the instigator of the muderous raids and the cause of the natural disasters that destroyed Job's family and wealth. Satan has always been on a leash. Sometimes it has been a long leash, sometimes a shorter leash, but he has always been restrained from freely working havoc on God's creation; notice the limits placed on satan's activity (Job 2:6).
I believe satan has a role in the natural disasters, and other difficulties we face in life. To what extent that is, I am not sure, but I do know that satan is a destroyer, he is as a roaring lion prowling around, looking for someone to devour (IPeter 5:8). He intends to destroy, but what satan intends for our destruction, God can use for our good, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God. . ." (Romans 8:28). What satan uses to devour us, God can use to strengthen us who love Him. What a wonderful God we serve who can reach into the blackest moments of human history, and bring good from them!!!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*Part 3 of a series.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
WHAT DO NATURAL DISASTERS MEAN?*
It is only the blood of Jesus that cleanses from all sin. It is available to all people. Hart makes the argument that if God were to punish any part of the world for its sin, the cross would not be necessary because those who suffered such a tragedy would have paid the penalty for their sin, and would not need Christ's salvation. Therefore, in the New Covenant, Divine punishment is not to be thought of as the purpose of natural disaster, or any other hardship. It is an interesting argument that I had not really though about until I read his editorial. While I think he is right, I need to wrestle with it a bit.
I have always believed that we should see natural disasters, and other troubles, more as discipline. Hebrews 12:10b-11 says, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we might share in his holiness. Now discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. In my view, one of the questions we should always ask ourselves when we are going through difficult times is, what does God want me to learn from this? Every situation is a learning experience that can make us wiser and stronger.
Grace&peace;
Tom
*Part 2 of a series adapted from an editorial by Archibald Hart that appeared in the Christian Counseling Connection.
I have always believed that we should see natural disasters, and other troubles, more as discipline. Hebrews 12:10b-11 says, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we might share in his holiness. Now discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. In my view, one of the questions we should always ask ourselves when we are going through difficult times is, what does God want me to learn from this? Every situation is a learning experience that can make us wiser and stronger.
Grace&peace;
Tom
*Part 2 of a series adapted from an editorial by Archibald Hart that appeared in the Christian Counseling Connection.
Monday, May 01, 2006
WHAT DO NATURAL DISASTERS MEAN?*
Insurance companies call them 'acts of God.' These disasters have been so vast and devastating that they cause people to wonder about the role of God in these events. Could it be that people are being punished for their sins? To what extent, if at all, is God responsible for these horrifying happenings?
One doesn't just have to notice the giant tsunami's, tornados, hurricanes or earthquakes to be filled with fear and confusion. Every family faces, on a regular basis, some personal tragedy that raises the same questions: Where is God when terrible things hit us? Why doesn't He stop it from happening? These "smaller" tragedies are just as devastating to those involved as the big ones: cancer, a car accident, divorce, getting fired from a job, etc. I seems as if life is full of bad things waiting to happen.
From my study of the Scriptures, I believe that one cannot know what a specific event means unless God tells us. We can draw conclusions from what the Bible says, but they may, or may not, be accurate. I know of no living prophet that is trustworthy enough to tell me what a specific event means--that includes Pat Robertson.
Today, I want to leave you with this: "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31).
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*Adapted from an article by Archibald Hart. The series will continue throughout this week.
One doesn't just have to notice the giant tsunami's, tornados, hurricanes or earthquakes to be filled with fear and confusion. Every family faces, on a regular basis, some personal tragedy that raises the same questions: Where is God when terrible things hit us? Why doesn't He stop it from happening? These "smaller" tragedies are just as devastating to those involved as the big ones: cancer, a car accident, divorce, getting fired from a job, etc. I seems as if life is full of bad things waiting to happen.
From my study of the Scriptures, I believe that one cannot know what a specific event means unless God tells us. We can draw conclusions from what the Bible says, but they may, or may not, be accurate. I know of no living prophet that is trustworthy enough to tell me what a specific event means--that includes Pat Robertson.
Today, I want to leave you with this: "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31).
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*Adapted from an article by Archibald Hart. The series will continue throughout this week.
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