tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74033123864954423152024-03-19T04:55:54.817-05:00Lucia's BlogThis Blog is for the purpose of promoting specific Bible knowledge and the ethical principles that undergird a successful and righteous life for the glory of God.
Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.comBlogger345125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-77649337792962819652024-01-31T15:53:00.022-06:002024-02-01T17:40:40.654-06:00THE CHURCH TREASURY<div id="fb-root"></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5jhWXy4_uoOm3N2n5iv7Dht3CtFaEY8ki3J4Z05B-9pNF3nwcae3UATQDS0xSmEm5cgts0a8kG-mXMcy2iaDooODNTXDvpHBbXsmrDhPF6wIjoA_8ZFUcWQ_uhPU2JrV7JigFKhUPsUH6sS1o-_snCn1sZxsgQzBgde0y6guXLKIz80WqwZZGZqzgdvh/s800/collection-plate-500x800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5jhWXy4_uoOm3N2n5iv7Dht3CtFaEY8ki3J4Z05B-9pNF3nwcae3UATQDS0xSmEm5cgts0a8kG-mXMcy2iaDooODNTXDvpHBbXsmrDhPF6wIjoA_8ZFUcWQ_uhPU2JrV7JigFKhUPsUH6sS1o-_snCn1sZxsgQzBgde0y6guXLKIz80WqwZZGZqzgdvh/w400-h250/collection-plate-500x800.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"Now concerning[a] the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come." </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 16:1-2</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently shared a chart about the church treasury. Some were upset and their comments required me to leave you with more information. My intention is to avoid getting involved in an extensive debate. This explanation should be enough. Anything further, you may communicate with me by email or private message. Please see my blog for this contact information. May God bless you!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzA6RZcNcFc6kXWVM_gofnCtAzHkZM1remN1YtDlu8ozPxaE8oHw1yh7Gtv-KLCZ2yfuIuIjicWHZawyvT_KwyWbXKV6mP_Y2PwJcY0T4G2LFrZ2ocFJh2ijYF4GxsSJdo-Lq7PZC5FOPZPwyswhSHdPZDeErblmWAK-Kh_iutkyqdKZP5Hl3SrIyYqqn/s2048/IMG_0937.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzA6RZcNcFc6kXWVM_gofnCtAzHkZM1remN1YtDlu8ozPxaE8oHw1yh7Gtv-KLCZ2yfuIuIjicWHZawyvT_KwyWbXKV6mP_Y2PwJcY0T4G2LFrZ2ocFJh2ijYF4GxsSJdo-Lq7PZC5FOPZPwyswhSHdPZDeErblmWAK-Kh_iutkyqdKZP5Hl3SrIyYqqn/w310-h400/IMG_0937.JPG" width="310" /></a></div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><span><div><p>Today, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">many denominations and so-called churches of Christ practice things without the authority of God, though they think they’re doing the will of God. </span> When one <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">challenges and questions</span></b> their practices, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">they immediately get defensive and call us names.</span> For example, </p><div><ul><li>There are differences in how the church treasury is used.</li><li>Differences in belief about salvation and the use of mechanical instruments in worship.</li><li>Differences in divorce and remarriage.</li><li>Differences in supporting social institutions such as orphanages, nursing homes, daycare centers, Bible schools, and the such where they use the church treasury. </li></ul></div></div></span></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-36d951db-7fff-04f5-9ab3-05a641208cf1"><div><br /></div><div>I must stress that <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">before any church does anything in our worship and service to God, there must be authority from God.</span> It will be wise to ask ourselves one very critical question. <i><b><span style="color: red;">By what authority are we doing these things?</span></b></i></div><p>We cannot know <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">God’s authority</span></b> in everything we do or say if we are not seeking His will through reading the Scriptures. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">It will be impossible to know the difference if we are ignorant of God’s Word. </span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Ignorance of God’s Word weakens and tosses us by every wind of doctrine. But if we dig deeper into the Scriptures as the Bereans did, we will be able to follow God’s authority as taught in His Word</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 17</span></b>).</p><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span>I. <u>THE POWER OF EMOTIONAL THINKING OVER RATIONAL ORDER</u></span></b><span>:<br /></span></span><br />Corrupt and powerful people learn to manipulate others through emotional arguments that are often dishonest. Governors who wish to enrich themselves and gain more power over us tell of excellent and benevolent purposes they will accomplish if only we will entrust them with our money and support. God knows that absolute power corrupts absolutely, and the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. The principles of Bible authority limit the power we give to elders in the church, and those same principles restrict the use of money in the church. We ignore those principles at our peril, and we tempt men to become corrupt both in their private lives and their public dominion over others. The apostle Paul warned the elders of Ephesus that some from among themselves would abuse their authority and lay waste to the church as wolves that do not spare the flock of God. In this study, please note how people use emotional arguments to justify departures from the pattern of God for the church.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">II. <u>MISSIONARY SOCIETY AND SPONSOR CHURCH ARRANGEMENT</u>:</span></b></div><div><br />In the 1800s, the controversy over the <b><span style="color: red;">Missionary Society</span></b> doing evangelistic work began. Some thought it was an excellent idea for Christians to spread the Gospel better to the lost. So, they created an organization called the <b><span style="color: red;">"Missionary Society." </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The purpose of such an organization was to set up an arrangement to pay preachers, print Bible materials, distribute tracts and other evangelistic works. </span></b><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">But for the missionary society to perform all this, they would need to be funded by local churches from their treasury. </span>This arrangement would allow several local churches to send money to one controlling board of officers, which would then, in turn, use the money for evangelism. The controlling missionary society governs all the work, chooses the evangelists, and directs where they must go and preach.</div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Many churches rejected the authority of this board of directors as unscriptural. Still, they kept the idea by giving the same authority to the elders of a local church called</span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> “the sponsoring church.”</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> This </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">arrangement</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> was mostly seen in the national radio and television program, </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">the Herald of Truth</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. So this resulted in </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">one local church accepting money from many other local churches to pay for a nationwide radio program. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Sadly, these arrangements are still seen and being made today to pay for the high cost of television or any other source of evangelism. Unfortunately, many problems arise with these </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">unauthorized works</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Why? </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Consider them</span><div style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 27pt; margin-top: 24pt;"><div style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 27pt; margin-top: 24pt; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-8e2d80f7-7fff-19f1-508b-e8e638391883"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px; text-align: left;"><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-8e2d80f7-7fff-19f1-508b-e8e638391883"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In the first place, this work destroys the </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">autonomy or self-government of the local church</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and causes the elders of one church to surrender their authority to the central sponsoring church eldership. </span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There is no Bible authority for doing this. </span></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-8e2d80f7-7fff-19f1-508b-e8e638391883"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The advocates of this organization have tried to authorize it under </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">generic authority, but </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">they have abused and misused </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Matthew 28:19</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The only functioning organization authorized in the New Testament is the </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"local church,"</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> which is God's only</span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> "missionary society."</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">local church is authorized</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> to use methods and make choices about carrying forth the Gospel Message, that is, the work God has specifically commanded the church to do. </span></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-8e2d80f7-7fff-19f1-508b-e8e638391883"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We are </span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">not authorized to create groups of churches with</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> a common </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">creed and denominational </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">name. </span></span></span></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-8e2d80f7-7fff-19f1-508b-e8e638391883"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We must not create organizations such as the </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Missionary Society</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> to do the work of the local church. This usurps the role that God has defined for the local church and her elders. </span></span></span></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-8e2d80f7-7fff-19f1-508b-e8e638391883"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is like adding a </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"strange fire"</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> or </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"looking for another river."</span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></li></ol></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">My question is:</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Is there any Bible authority for churches sending money to another church to do evangelism work? </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If there is, I challenge you to give me one!</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></li></ul><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The answer is a big NO! Any local church has no authority</span><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> to use its money to create another organization to do its evangelism work. Though</span><span style="color: #990000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> these efforts may have very good intentions, they have no Bible authority. </span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">These works violate the autonomy of each local church. </span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Why? </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i><b>Because</b></i></span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i><b> </b></i>it is the missionary society (the organization) that decides on Bible materials, pays a preacher's salary, etc., instead of a local church. </span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is a purely man-made organization!</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The sponsoring church violates Bible authority because one church sends money to another local church, leaving her without the right to choose how to use the money. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">When a </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">local church</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> does this, </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">she has given up her authority to another one.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And this is not Scriptural, for each local church must be autonomous!</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In the case of </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">the missionary society and the sponsoring church arrangement, an organization larger than the local church is formed. </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The New Testament talks about the local work of each autonomous church without headquarters, conventions, or someone else telling another local church what to do. </span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Period!</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Such organizations violate God's authority for elders to oversee only their work. </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I can prove this with</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Peter 5:1-2,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> which admonishes the </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">elders, </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">saying,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly."</span><span style="color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></blockquote><span style="color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">You see, God has charged the elders of each local congregation to oversee, that is, take charge of the affairs of only the local congregation in their area. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The problem with the so-called </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">sponsoring church arrangement </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">is that the</span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> elders or overseers of the controlling church have total control over everything each local church does in the Lord's work. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">They are violating God's command given in </span><span style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Peter 5:1-2</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">!</span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-8e2d80f7-7fff-19f1-508b-e8e638391883"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So, what is the primary problem with the so-called missionary society and sponsoring church arrangement?</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></span></span></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The greatest problem is one church (usually a large city church) manages the treasuries of other local churches (usually smaller country churches).</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-8e2d80f7-7fff-19f1-508b-e8e638391883"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Would there be any problem with a wealthy man creating an organization to help pay a preacher's salary so he can do the Lord's work in other areas?</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></span></span></li></ul></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">No! </span><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Any person with the monetary means can do this without any problem.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #783f04; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Another question.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Can any individual person give money to this rich man to help send money to other preachers?</span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></li></ul><p></p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 27pt; margin-top: 24pt; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Absolutely, yes! </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Each of us has the right to give money to those who need it. </span><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">The problem with the missionary society is that they violate the autonomy of each local church every time they use the treasuries of those churches, thus subjugating them to their governing authority. </span><br /></span><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Another question.</span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-8e2d80f7-7fff-19f1-508b-e8e638391883"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Can this rich man help financially with a radio program to evangelize and spread the Gospel?</span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></span></span></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Yes, of course! </span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Any individual person can do this without any problem.</span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-8e2d80f7-7fff-19f1-508b-e8e638391883"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Can this rich man be sent money from another individual to help keep this radio program?</span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></span></span></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Yes, each individual has the right to use his money as best he can. </span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I must </span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">stress</span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> that the </span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">main problem</span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> with the so-called missionary society and sponsoring church arrangements is the </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">abuse of the treasuries of the local churches (each local church). This principle is</span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> illustrated in </span><span style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Acts 5:4</span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><blockquote><i>"But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.'" </i></blockquote></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 27pt; margin-top: 24pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Our money is our own until we give it to the Lord. Each individual Christian is free to choose at his discretion to spend his money on anything he wants, or he can choose to help a preacher. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">You see, there is a </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">big difference between</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> what</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> each local church can do and what each individual can do,</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and we must acknowledge this. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As an individual, can I rent any place to play basketball or any other sport and invite my friends to play and speak to them about the Gospel?</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></span></li></ul></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Absolutely!</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Can a local church do that to spread the Gospel?</span></span></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">No, for no local church has the authority to use its treasury to do such a thing.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As an individual, can I have a garage sale and use my profits to help a preacher in another country or city?</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></span></li></ul></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Absolutely!</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Can any local church sell lottery tickets and then use the money to send to preachers?</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></span></li></ul></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">No, there is no Bible authority for any local church to do this.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Can I have a great banquet at my home, invite all my friends who are not Christians, and use this opportunity to teach the Gospel Message?</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></span></li></ul></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Absolutely! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We see Matthew doing this in</span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Luke 5:29</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span></p><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Can a local church have a great banquet and invite people to come as an opportunity to teach them the Gospel?</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></span></li></ul></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">No!</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Why not? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Because the Bible does not authorize the treasury of each local church to be used for things such as these. </span></span> Each individual Christian can use every opportunity to teach the Gospel while at parties, entert<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ainment, or any such civil event to save those who are lost</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">but the local church cannot use the Lord’s treasury to pay for the parties. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Each Christian can do whatever they choose to do with their own money. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">But this is not the case with the </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">local church</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span><span style="color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So if any Christian wants to meet at a park, home, or restaurant and talk to his friends about the Gospel,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">it is okay as long as it does not use the funds of any local church to create a restaurant, sports complex, or theater of entertainment, for there is no authority in the Bible for that. </span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We must stress that the church that our Lord purchased with His own blood is not an institution or a denominational group of churches organized under a charter or creed. </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is not made up of many local churches.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The church, in general, consists only of people.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #04ff00; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Therefore,</span></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Lord's church consists of all saved individuals from the day of Pentecost to the present day from all over the world. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The church is made up of the dead and alive in Christ,</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Matthew 16:18</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hebrews 12:22-24</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Again, I must stress that </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">each local church in the New Testament was autonomous,</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> worked </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">independently</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> from other </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">local churches,</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and made their own decisions, not another controlling </span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“mother”</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> church. </span></span></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The following are some questions a brother in Christ asked regarding the missionary society and sponsoring church arrangement since he wants to do what is right to please our Lord.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">First question:</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><blockquote style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">"Are the brethren who participate in these things sinning and therefore going to hell?"<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></blockquote><blockquote><span style="background-color: #fcff01; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">My answer:</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i> </i></b></span><span style="color: red;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;"> </span></blockquote><p> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">The question ought to be, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">What does Jesus want me to do? </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">We study the Scriptures to understand </span><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">the pattern of living and worship that Jesus left us because He is Lord, and His Will must be our command. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">If we disobey His Will, that is called sin. How God will judge us in each case is not for me to say because He is the Judge and not me. However, He leaves us with many warnings about the </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Day of Judgment</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">. </span></p></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 27pt; margin-top: 24pt; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Second question:</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p></li></ul></span></span><blockquote><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"If I am part of such a group and the Missionary Societies support me monthly with a certain amount of money to preach the good news about Jesus, how do I free myself from them?" </span></blockquote><blockquote><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"If I succeed in freeing myself from them and they no longer support me, should I quit preaching and find a secular job to take care of my family?"</span></blockquote></div><div style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 27pt; margin-top: 24pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">My answer:</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Bible gives us examples of a church supporting an evangelist working in another city</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">(</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Philippians 4:14-20; 2 Corinthians 11:8</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">). </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We know that is right</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The churches communicated directly with the evangelist</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The evangelist is accountable to the churches that support him, and if any of them see you doing or teaching something they believe is wrong, they can withdraw their support. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If the </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">evangelist</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">sees one of the churches that support him doing or teaching something wrong, he can refuse to accept their support. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In the case of a </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">missionary society or sponsoring church</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, </span><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>another group of overseers stands between the churches and the evangelist. </b></span><span style="color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He is accountable to them and not to the churches supporting him. </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Those overseers have usurped the authority that the supporting churches have. </span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Why can you not communicate directly with the churches that provide the support?</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Do they not know you?</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Will they insist that you have fellowship with them through this missionary society? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Historically, such boards of governors have commanded the preachers they support, telling them where to preach, what to preach, and how to live with an authority that Jesus nowhere gave them. </span><span style="color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If the churches will not support you directly, it is because they do not accept the simple Bible pattern, and you should seek support elsewhere or get a secular job, but you should never quit preaching. </span><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The apostle Paul often found it necessary to work as a tent-maker until he could receive the needed support to devote all of his time to evangelism. However, he never quit preaching</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Acts 18:3; 1 Corinthians 4:12</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Third question:</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p></li></ul></span><blockquote><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Is there any scriptural authority for a church to use her treasury to pay utility bills? If there is any, give me the Book, Chapter, and Verse where the Bible authorizes such expenses."</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">My answer:</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This question usually implies that the churches do many things without Scriptural authority. </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Lord clearly authorized the churches to meet together to take the Lord’s Supper</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Corinthians 11:17-34</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">)</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, to sing together</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ephesians 5:19</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">), and </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">to be edified together</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ephesians 4:11-16</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">). </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The authority to assemble provides us with general authority to pay the expenses of the meeting place, such as the utilities. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nevertheless, the authority to evangelize and support the evangelists does not give us the authority to violate the order of the local churches. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Peter 5:1-3, the apostle Peter</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> commanded the elders to </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“shepherd the flock of God that is among you.”</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><b><span style="background-color: #04ff00; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Their authority does not extend to other flocks or churches that are not theirs.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></b></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Men who are given authority over the work of other churches violate the apostle Peter’s charge to the elders to shepherd the flock among them. The earliest forms of apostasy began with such men, as prophesied by the apostle Paul in</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Acts 20:28- 30</span></span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">. </span>The </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Roman Catholic Church</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> started this way, taking the first step of giving authority to a few men over more and more churches until finally, they had the </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Pope and the society of the Cardinals</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> governing vast numbers of churches. </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Fourth question:</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p></li></ul></span><blockquote><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Does the Missionary Society and Sponsoring Church question have something to do with a man’s salvation?"</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">My answer:</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The question should be, </span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Does Jesus care if we ignore His teachings about how the church serves Him?</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Is Jesus Lord?</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Does Jesus command His kingdom?</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Can we disregard His teachings and be saved? </span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jesus came from heaven to bring us life, and that life is the light of men,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">John 1:4</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span><span style="background-color: #01ffff; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>The light of Jesus is His teachings, all the teachings He brought us through His apostles. </b></span><span style="color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He built His hurch,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Matthew 16:18</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, exactly the way He wanted it built. In </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">John 12:44-50</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, Jesus said,</span><span style="color: #783f04; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”</span><span style="color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></blockquote><span style="color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Then He said in</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">v. 50</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><blockquote><span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“And I know that his commandment is eternal life.”</span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></blockquote><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #04ff00; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>If there is no life in rejecting His words, then there is only death.</b></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So before any local church can do anything, there must be authority from God. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This is a </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">very fundamental principle </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">throughout the Scriptures. In </span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 John 3:4, </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">we read, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><blockquote><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.” </span></blockquote><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Sin is defined for us as acting without law. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">When we do anything </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">without God's authority, we commit</span><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> sin. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In </span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Matthew 7:21, </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">the Lord Jesus said,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><blockquote><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.'"</span></blockquote><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Thus, we cannot do things in the name of God without heeding His authority. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We may deceive ourselves, thinking we have God's approval or</span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> authority</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If God does not authorize what we do, it is lawlessness and not the will of the Father. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In </span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Mark 7:6, </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jesus said,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><blockquote><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” </span></blockquote><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We may deceive ourselves by thinking we are </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">serving God</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, but when </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">we lay aside the Law of Christ and His authority, we disobey God and worship Him in vain.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 8:4 </span></b>provides </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">an example of the work of local evangelism</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. It is not difficult to find the </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">authority</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> to preach the Gospel. </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Evangelism must be the focal point for each individual Christian. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In </span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Mark 16:15,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> the disciples were commanded to</span><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> In </span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Acts 8:4</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, we have another </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">example</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> during the persecution of Christians: </span><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.”</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Individuals</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> must be active in </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">evangelism</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Each local church, as well as each individual, has been given the authority to evangelize the lost </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">(</span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Thessalonians 1:8</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">). Here, Paul </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">commended the Thessalonians for their work,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> saying, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><blockquote><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out so that we do not need to say anything.”</span></blockquote><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <b>The church in Thessalonica sounded forth the Word of God in every place.</b> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The church in Thessalonica was doing the job Christ entrusted them!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In </span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Acts 13:1- 2,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> the </span><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">church in Antioch sent Barnabas and Saul to spread the Gospel in other places.</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px; text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Here, we see that a local church had the authority to send workers to teach the Gospel anywhere. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The local church also had the authority to use its treasury to help evangelists by supporting them, such as in the case of Paul when he preached in Thessalonica. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Thus, each local church today also has this authority. </span></span></li></ol><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In</span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> 2 Corinthians 11:7-9,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> we see that </span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">many churches were supporting Paul while he was doing the work in Corinth. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Therefore, </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">many churches have the authority to send support to a single Gospel preacher. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In </span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Timothy 1:3,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Timothy was to remain in Ephesus to do the work. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We also see in </span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Titus 1:5</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> that </span><span style="color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Titus was to stay in Crete to set things in order to help appoint elders in every city. </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So, it is evident that there can be workers who work in local churches to do the Lord's work. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Paul then gave the </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">command</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> in </span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Corinthians 9:14</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><blockquote><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.”</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></blockquote><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Those who work for the Gospel have the Scriptural authority to be supported for their work. </span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">But we must stress again that nowhere in the New Testament do we find any authority for one church to send money to another church to do the work of evangelism. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And if there is one, I want to know!!</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I don't see any church sending money to another church to preach the Gospel. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In </span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Philippians 2:25,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">the church sent a messenger to give monetary support to Paul.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">But Philippi did not send the money to the local church in Thessalonica to pay him! </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The same is true of </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">the church in Corinth,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2 Corinthians 11:7-9</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The support from other churches did not go to the church in Corinth; instead, it went directly to Paul. </span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We can see the principle of church autonomy upheld in this action.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There is nowhere in the New Testament that a local church engaged in the affairs of another local church. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Each local church was able to do the work of evangelism in its area. </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God specifically commanded that the elders' oversight and functions be restricted to the local church</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (</span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Acts 14:23; 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">). </span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Therefore, it is not "expedient" for the elders of one church to oversee the members, monies, or work (or any part thereof) of another church! </span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is unlawful and sinful! </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It does not fall within the realm of what the Lord authorized the elders to do. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It cannot be Scriptural expediency, for it represents another kind or class of organizational structure!</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The church is the only organization God authorized to preach the Gospel</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (</span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 4:12</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">). </span><span style="color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A Missionary Society and sponsoring churches are not an aid, for they are not within the scope of that which God has authorized.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Missionary Society and sponsoring church arrangement</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> are an </span><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">addition (another kind or class) to the organization established by God. </span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">They are organizations built by men to do the work God gave each local church to do. Therefore, it is unlawful!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>III. <u>THE AUTHORITY FOR BENEVOLENCE</u>:</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">The Individual And The Local Church:</b></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit;">God has authorized individuals to show benevolence toward Christians and unbelievers.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Notice</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 3:17</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i style="font-family: inherit;">“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” </i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></blockquote><blockquote><i style="font-family: inherit;">“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (</span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Galatians 6:10</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">) </span></blockquote></div><div style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 27pt; margin-top: 24pt; text-align: left;"><div><ol><ol><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 6:17-19</span></b>,<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"> the rich are commanded to be rich in good works, do good, be ready to give, and willing to share. </span></li><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 25:31-46</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Jesus says that what we do toward our brethren in physical things is what we are doing toward Him.</span> The <b><span style="color: red;">parable of the good samaritan </span></b>ends with Jesus saying, <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>“Go and do likewise.”</b></i> </span></li><li>As individuals, God commands us to do good to all. </li><li>We must be rich in good works. </li></ol></ol></div><div><b><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">God has also given the local church the authority to use its funds for benevolence.</span> </b>However, there are <b><span style="color: red;">restrictions</span></b> about the use of each <b><span style="color: red;">local church treasury</span></b>. T<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">he local church has limited authority from God.</span> </div><div><ol><ol><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 16:1-2</span></b>, the apostle <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">commands the church to take up a collection for the saints and <b><span style="color: red;">“store it up”</span></b>, that is, in a common treasury.</span> </li><li>On the first day of the week, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">each person must lay something aside</span></b>. </li><li>But notice in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 1</span></b> that the collection is <b><span style="color: red;">“for the saints.”</span></b> </li><li>Carefully notice that we are not told the collection is <b><span style="color: red;">“of the saints”</span></b> or <b><span style="color: red;">“given by the saints,”</span></b> which is sometimes how many misunderstand this passage. </li><li><i><b>The money collected is for the saints!</b></i> </li><li>The money used for benevolence out of a <b><span style="color: red;">local church treasury</span></b> was always for the <b><span style="color: red;">needy saints</span></b>. </li></ol></ol></div><p>In<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Romans 15:25-26</span></b>, we read, </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints who are in Jerusalem.” </i></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><i> <b><span style="color: red;">Who was the contribution for? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">For the poor saints in Jerusalem.</span> </div><div><ol><ol><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 11:27-30</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">we are told that a famine was taking place everywhere.</span> </li><li>In v<b>erse 29</b>, we read, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.” </span></b></i></li><li>Again we can see that the money was sent only to the<b><span style="color: red;"> saints.</span></b> </li><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 4:32-37</span></b>, we read of <i><b>“the multitude of those who believed”</b></i> had all things in common. </li><li>The saints sold their possessions, and the goods were distributed to each one who had need.</li><li> From the very beginning, we see this same situation (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 2:44-45</span></b>). We read, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” </span></b></i></li><li><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Who are those in need? </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">All who believed. </span></li><li>We can prove this even further in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 3</span></b>. </li><li>Notice that the possessions and goods were sold and laid at the apostles’ feet to distribute to <b><span style="color: red;">needy saints</span></b>.</li><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 3:1-6</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Peter and John encountered a lame man on the way to the temple.</span> </li><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 3</span></b>, the lame man asks for alms. </li><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 6</span></b>, Peter says, <i><b>“Silver and gold I do not have…” </b></i></li><li><i><b><span style="color: red;">Is Peter lying?</span></b></i> </li><li>We know Peter had plenty of money and goods available from the selling of the saints’ possessions that took place seven verses earlier. </li><li>Peter was not lying. </li><li>From this passage, we infer that <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">the local church must not use its funds for all the needy of the world.</span> </li><li>The funds must be used for <b><span style="color: red;">needy saints only</span>.</b></li></ol></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #01ffff;"><b>You may ask, <i><span style="color: red;">what about </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">James 1:27</span><span style="color: red;">? </span></i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Many argue that <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">James 1:27</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">authorizes the local church to use its funds for the orphans and widows in this world.</span> The question is, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Is </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">James 1:27</span><span style="color: red;"> addressed to a local church or individuals? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">It is not that difficult to understand and determine the correct answer.</span> </b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>We must first look at the context of the passage. </li><li>We must read the earlier verses of this text to find the nearest reference for this command.</li><li> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Verse 26 </span></b>says, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;"> "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless."</span></b></i> </li><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">James is talking about the religion of a person, for he says <b>“he,” “his tongue,” “his own heart,” and “one’s religion.”</b></span> </li><li><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Our text is clearly talking about what each individual must do.</span> </li><li>Even in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 19,</span></b> we see the discussion of what individuals must do. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Let every man…”</span></b></i> </li><li>J<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ames 1:27</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">commands and gives authority to individuals to take care of widows and orphans.</span></li><li><b><span style="color: #660000;">Therefore, when it comes to the work of benevolence, the treasury of the local church is limited to needy saints only. </span></b> </li></ol></ol></div><div><ul><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">The Church Limits Upon Helping Needy Saints:</b></li></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 5:8</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Thessalonians 3:10</span></b>)</blockquote><div><ol><ol><li>God has placed<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> further limits on the local church</span></b> even on which needy Christians she may help. </li><li>The local church <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">cannot</span></b> immediately step in and help just any needy saint (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Thessalonians 3:10</span></b>). </li></ol></ol>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Thessalonians 3:10</span></b>, Paul says, </div><div><i><blockquote>“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” </blockquote></i></div><div>This same principle is given in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 5:8</span></b>, </div><div><i><blockquote>“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” </blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div>If an individual is <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">unwilling</span></b> to work, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">a local church has no responsibility to help</span> and must not help until that person is ready to take a job.</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 5:4)</span></b></p><p></p></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>Each individual must be willing to work before the local church can help.</b></span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">The family must help before the local church helps him.</span></b> </div><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>A widow was not allowed to be on the role unless the family options were exhausted.</b></span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">The children and grandchildren were responsible for taking care of them, not the local church. The family is expected to contribute before the local church does. </span></b></p><p>In 1<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Timothy 5:16</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Paul says that the church must not be burdened.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">This is an important principle.</span></b> </p><p></p><ol><ol><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Imagine if each local church were to use its funds to help all the poor in the world,</span> it would run out of money and not accomplish the task the Lord has given each local church. </li><li><b><span style="color: #660000;">Each local church must not use its funds in a way that God has not authorized. </span></b></li></ol></ol><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #01ffff;"><b>My question is:</b> </span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Did the apostles set up shelters, orphanages, nursing homes, daycare centers, foster homes, or other institutions to take care of the needy? </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #660000;">And though it might be noble to accomplish such a task, it leaves each local church without funds to do the work God has given it to do in evangelism, edification, and benevolence toward the needy saints. </span></b></div><p></p><p></p><ol><ol><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 11</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Corinthians 8-9</span></b>, we read that a<b><span style="color: red;"> local church </span></b>was unable to meet the needs of the saints. </li><li>So other <b><span style="color: red;">local churches</span></b> sent money to aid those needy saints. </li><li>Here is the only example we have of <b><span style="color: red;">one local church</span></b> sending money to another local church.</li><li>The money was not sent nor used for any other reason. </li><li>Nor do we see these <b><span style="color: red;">receiving churches sending it to other churches.</span></b> </li><li>The saints did not set up a <b><span style="color: red;">benevolent society </span></b>to help all needy people in the world. </li><li>Nor did they use a<b><span style="color: red;"> local church as an agency </span></b>to give aid to all needy people. </li><li>There is <b><span style="color: red;">no authority </span></b>anywhere in the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">New Testament</span></b> for establishing a controlling local church to be in charge of all the needy in each location. </li><li><i><b>If there’s one, I would like to know it! </b></i></li><li>The <b><span style="color: red;">needy Christians</span></b> were the only ones receiving this kind of help. </li><li><i><b>Take heed!</b></i></li></ol></ol><ul><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">No Authority For Supporting Earthly Organizations:</b></li></ul><div><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Many teach that a local church must use its funds to support all of today’s charities and needs.</span> </div><div><ol><ol><li>They want to use <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">the treasury of the local church </span></b>to send funds to nursing homes, daycares, orphanages, hospitals, shelters, the Red Cross, United Way, or any other charitable organization.</li><li>There is <b><span style="color: red;">no authority</span></b> for the funds of a local church to be used for such things. </li><li><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Nowhere do we find a command, a necessary inference, nor do we see an example of any local church supporting such human organizations.</span> </li><li><b><span style="color: #660000;">We do not find any authority for a local church to give its funds to those who are not needy saints.</span></b></li><li>Again, let us remember that in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 3</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Peter and John did not give the lame man, who sat at the gate of the temple, any money. </span>They said they could not give him money. </li><li><i><b><span style="color: red;">Why not?</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Because the inference is that the money must not be used for anyone other than needy saints in dire economic need </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 11:27-30 and 2 Corinthians 8-9</span></b>). </li></ol></ol></div><div><ul><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">The Primary Work of Each Local Church is Spiritual:</b> </li></ul></div><p></p><ol><ol><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">God did not authorize the local church to become a welfare system</span> or an agency to meet the physical needs of others. </li><li>The local church must meet <b><span style="color: red;">spiritual needs</span></b>. </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Peter and John</span></b> gave the lame man something more important than <b><span style="color: red;">gold and silver</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">They healed him so that he and others would believe in Jesus Christ.</span> </li><li><b><span style="color: #990000;">Our faith is the more important thing we can give to people.</span></b> </li><li><b><span style="color: #990000;">We are not authorized to use the funds of a local church to support institutions.</span></b> </li><li><b><span style="color: #660000;">When the Lord commanded us to do good to all and visit the widows and orphans, He was not talking about giving them a check from the church treasury, He was talking about making an effort to help individually.</span></b> </li><li><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">It is an individual responsibility. </span></li></ol></ol>Remember<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Galatians 6:10</span></b>, <div><i><blockquote>“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” </blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">We must help others individually when the opportunity is presented.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Each one of us has been commanded to help believers and non-believers in the area of benevolence.</span></b> It is up to each of us to determine how we are going to help.<br /><p></p><p><b style="background-color: #01ffff;">Thus the right question to ask is:</b> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>By what authority are we doing these things? </b></i> </span></p><div>We must understand that <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">the church is not a physical benevolent society to feed and clothe or meet the physical needs of the worldly poor.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">As designed by God, the primary function of the church is to meet man’s spiritual needs. </span></b> </div><div><ol><ol><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The church is not</span></b> a social club for secular parties, potlucks, entertainment, and music. </li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The church is</span></b> for spiritual worship and spiritual music. </li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The church is not</span></b> a political action force to shape society and culture through public protest.</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The church is non-political</span></b>, and her God-ordained function only is to protest against spiritual things like sin and lawlessness. </li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The church is not</span></b> a fundraising organization whose primary goal is to collect money or invest money through bake sales, raffles, bingos, business ventures, secular real-estate investments, and speculation in the stock market. </li><li><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The church that Jesus purchased with His blood raises money from free-will donations from Christians every first day of the week, Sunday.</span> </li></ol></ol><div><div><b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Some say that if it is a good deed, it cannot be wrong.</span> </b></div><div><ol><li>They justify doing a particular practice, declaring that it is a good deed. </li><li>They often make this argument when we talk to them about misusing the church funds to support orphan homes and other social institutions that help those in need. </li><li>Of course, it is good to help the helpless, but no one denies that these things are good works. </li></ol><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">But is it okay with God, or does He authorize the church to use the treasury to sponsor man-made institutions such as hospitals or homeless shelters, just because it seems a good thing that they do? What do you think? </span></b></i></div></div><i><b><span style="color: #990000;"><div><i><b><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></b></i></div>Take heed and don’t abuse God’s ordained design for the church that His Son purchased with His own blood!</span></b></i></div></div></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><u>CONCLUSION:</u></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 11:28,</span></b> the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders ask Jesus.</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i> “And they said to Him, ‘By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?’”</i></blockquote><p></p><div><br /></div><div>These <b><span style="color: red;">Jewish leaders </span></b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">asked Jesus by whose authority was He doing these things.</span> Notice Jesus’ answer in the following verse. </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“But Jesus answered and said to them, ‘I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: the baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? Answer me.’”</i></p></blockquote><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">Wow, what a remarkable answer from the lips of Jesus!</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jesus did not turn to the Pharisees and authoritatively exclaim He did not need any authority to do what He was doing.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">He did not say how stupid and irrelevant was their question. Jesus’ response was to compel them to see and accept that His authority was straight from God in heaven.</span></b> Furthermore, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Jesus wanted them to accept that He was God and thus had all authority.</span> And though the question was foolish, it had some <b><span style="color: red;">validity</span></b> to it. The question they asked Jesus about <b><span style="color: red;">His authority</span></b> for doing the things He was doing <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">is the same valid question we must ask every time we do anything. We must acknowledge that all our practices, whether our service and worship to God, must have His authority.</span> And this is precisely where<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Nadab and Abihu</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">failed </span></b>when they offered an unauthorized fire. They did not care about what God asked or commanded them to do. </div><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Sadly, we often ask the wrong questions with some of our practices of worship and service to God.</span> We are driven by our <b><span style="color: red;">feelings or emotions</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">We rely more on what others say about a specific practice or issue than doing what God authorizes.</span></b> We rationalize everything as a <b><span style="color: red;">good work or cause</span></b>, and thus, it cannot be wrong. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">We dare to say that God does not care if we do this or not. We must start acknowledging God’s authority for everything we do or say.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We must ask the question:</span></b> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Where is our authority for doing it? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Does God authorize us to participate in a particular practice or work? </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: #01ffff;">When the church and its members fail to ask the question,</b> </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">“By What Authority?” </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>We encounter many problems. Problems such as differences, divisions, and splits</b>.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>How do you suppose we have so many different denominations with different beliefs and practices?</b></i> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Because they don’t care and ask the right question:</span> </b> </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">By whose or what authority? </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #660000;">When they fail to ask the right question, serious problems arise—problems about using the church treasury for social things such as building Bible schools, hospitals, and orphanages.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">So the question is not whether it is a good work or not, what others practiced in the past, or whether or not God really cares. </span> </div><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">The valid question is,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Do we have authority from God? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><b>But when we do things our way, not God’s, we have no authority.</b></span></div><p>You see, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">there are many divisions over the use of mechanical instruments in our worship to enhance the beauty of our music</span>. </p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b>The valid question again is</b>,</span> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Do we have authority from God to play instruments of music in worship to God? </span></b></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">And if we don’t have God’s authority, we must not do it. Period! </span></b></i></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We establish lawful authority by direct statement, approved example, or necessary inference because that which is not authorized is illegal, excluded by God's will, and, therefore, unlawful or sinful. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For anything to be </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Scripturally expedient</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, it must</span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> harmonize with the will of God</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> as expressed in His Word. </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Expediency is the right to choose according to what God has authorized as lawful. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We must stress that for a thing to be </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Scripturally expedient</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, it must first be</span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> lawful or authorized by God</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">(</span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">). Again, we must stress that </span><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">lawful authority must be established by direct statement, approved example, or necessary inference. Therefore,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> that which is</span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> unauthorized is unlawful</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and not in harmony with the will of God; it is</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> excluded by God's authority. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If it is not established by </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">divine authority,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">it is not lawful but sinful.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In</span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> 2 John 9-11,</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: #ffd966; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">we are forbidden from going beyond what is written and authorized. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We cannot know what pleases God if the Holy Spirit has not revealed it to us (</span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Cor. 2:10-13</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">). So </span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">unlawful things cannot be expedient, </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">even if we deceive ourselves into thinking they are good. Take, for example, what </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">David</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> did when he used the ox cart to move the ark of the covenant. It was not right, whatever he might have been thinking (</span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Chron.13:7-10; 15:2, 13-15</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">). </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Because he failed to do it right, in the lawful and authorized way according to God's divine authority, God got angry, striking Uzza down when he put out his hand to steady the ark. </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nadab and Abihu thought</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> the fire they used would </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">expedite </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">their efforts to burn incense (</span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Lev. 10:1-2</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">), </span><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">but God sent fire to consume them, for they offered God unauthorized fire. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It fails to be expedient when</span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> we add to, take away from, or substitute for God's Word and His ways. </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is not a matter of expediency, for it is a transgression against God's will. </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Anything outside the realm of those things that God has authorized is sinful. It is an unauthorized act.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Our only standard for determining what can and cannot be done by the Lord's authority is His Word. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Word of God explicitly authorizes via </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">direct statements and examples. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Thus, whatever we do in word or deed must be done by the</span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> authority of Jesus Christ</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (</span><span style="color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Col. 3:17</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">). The Bible, the Word of God, teaches and authorizes by implication. It is sometimes difficult to understand </span><span style="color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God’s implications</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> because understanding involves </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">proper and sound reasoning to draw the conclusion that God expects us to draw.</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In the Bible, </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">we find three ways of authority: authority through direct command, necessary inference, and approved examples. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #990000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Direct commands are direct expressions of God’s will. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">James 2:11,</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> we find an example of this. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Do not commit adultery.”</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> A necessary inference</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> means that </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">we must come to an obvious conclusion based on the information given by God. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Acts 10,</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> we are given </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">an example of necessary inference. </span><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Peter sees a vision in which he is commanded to kill and eat unclean animals. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This is done </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">three times</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> in that vision. Peter had to infer</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> from his vision</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">that he was to speak to Cornelius, a Gentile. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #990000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God never mentioned to Peter to go to Cornelius directly, but it was what he inferred from the message of his vision that he had to understand. The example</span><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> is simple enough to understand.</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If we see that Christians performed a specific</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> action in the New Testament</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, </span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">then within those boundaries, we are also authorized to perform those actions. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Acts 20:7, </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">we are given an example of the first-century Christians in Troas partaking of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Therefore, we have the </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">authority</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">to partake of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week. </span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God commands us to be submerged, buried in baptism</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Rom. 6:3-4</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">). </span><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Since God has not specified the place to baptize, a baptistery may expedite the accomplishment of God's will. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Thus, a </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">baptistery</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> is an </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">expedient</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Sprinkling for baptism is not expedient, for it is not lawful and does not aid in accomplishing the will of God. </span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It involves another kind or class of action. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Therefore, it is a </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">substitution</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> for what God commanded to be</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> lawful.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">These issues and teachings in the New Testament are simple to understand when one examines the context</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. The apostle Paul also deals with similar issues in </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Romans 14</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. Unfortunately, some have tried </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">to teach this principle</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">to justify matters of doctrinal error in the church:</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #660000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">instrumental music, fellowship, and all other elements that destroy the purity of the church and the Gospel, for they are not matters of expediency but destruction. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We must make sure that we are doing everything</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #cc0000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> to edify and build one another up</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> in the </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">most holy faith</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jude 20</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">). </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Accordingly, </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #cc0000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">elders are given the charge of feeding the church of God,</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Acts 20:28</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. This does not mean that they are </span><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">to abuse their authority by destroying the purity of the church, but rather to expedite their teaching and feeding with the Word of God and His divine authority. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #cc0000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is the only way to radiate unity. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Paul's concept of feeding</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #cc0000; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and edifying the church</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> was not through </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">fleshly “expedients”</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> such as</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> entertainment</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is not Biblical expediency!</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #cc0000; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Elders must take this seriously! </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Why? </span><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Because all decision-making must be done according to His will, His doctrine, and not our will.</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><div style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 27pt; margin-top: 24pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">God’s instructions are the same today as they were in the first century.</b> <b><span style="color: #660000;">And though many had tried to change God’s specific instructions, they have not changed at all. Whatever options, choices, expedients, or generic decisions we make must come from what God has authorized in the timeless written Word.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We cannot have God’s approval while we are teaching error and man-made doctrines.</span> <b style="background-color: #01ffff;">Doctrinal error is to abandon the reliability and authority of God as revealed in His Sacred Word.</b> </div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Therefore, we must search the Scriptures to find out what God has authorized, not men.</span> <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Let us be careful that all the work of the church is genuinely expedient and not just entertainment. </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And though </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">elders</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> have been given the </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">responsibility</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> to </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #660000; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“feed the church of God”</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Acts 20:28</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">), t</span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">his charge does not imply destroying the purity of the church or the Gospel,</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> but rather </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">expediting teaching and feeding according</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> to the will of God that will manifest</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> unity</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">(</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ephesians 4:3</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">). </span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Elders must decide what is most expedient for the congregation. Still, it must be based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (</span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Romans 1:16-17).</span></p><p><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b></i></p><blockquote><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(</span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Corinthians 9:7</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">) </span></b></i></blockquote><p></p></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">May we honor our King and Lord and submit to His Lordship with fear and trembling. May we place His Holy Word above the words of men. </span>May the Lord help us always to do what is expedient to the salvation of our brethren while reverencing the sacred authority of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.</span></p><br /><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">~Luci</span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p></span></div></div></div></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-78121909094437259752024-01-08T13:54:00.005-06:002024-01-08T13:59:34.941-06:00THE NEW BEGINNING - MY SEVENTH BOOK<p> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifctVgkdGuEgI9J9tiuA-SYI9-4VR2MsRO-hIq_zLN9l79kBPStvWf8U7FvA4NuYRZUfyqkEykPwH_jcE-Ua1ahj8AcoU4z70LxrWiiul4fV8HMAhqDVkQBnijUU4n9joVCrWSIVDKa6mLW0TMCFXqcx7g2QEy_oLXudAfsIFmd1tYPg_TdZxXi1Xb1nqV/s300/new-beginning-frontcover-200x300-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifctVgkdGuEgI9J9tiuA-SYI9-4VR2MsRO-hIq_zLN9l79kBPStvWf8U7FvA4NuYRZUfyqkEykPwH_jcE-Ua1ahj8AcoU4z70LxrWiiul4fV8HMAhqDVkQBnijUU4n9joVCrWSIVDKa6mLW0TMCFXqcx7g2QEy_oLXudAfsIFmd1tYPg_TdZxXi1Xb1nqV/w267-h400/new-beginning-frontcover-200x300-1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #990000;"><b>"Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 4:22-24</span></b></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC</span></b></div><p><i><b>Hello everyone! </b></i></p><p>Permit me to introduce you to my seventh book, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"THE NEW BEGINNING." </span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">“The New Beginning: A Collection of Essays about What It Means to Walk with Jesus and Fulfill Our Duties in the Kingdom of God”</span> is available to order. This book contains a collection of thirty-five essays about walking with Jesus and our responsibilities as His disciples. </p><p>This collection of essays is a work of love, not only my love but also the love, support, and encouragement of my husband, Terry, and the diligence of Andy Sochor, who placed the studies in a beautiful and usable format. I am grateful first to God for giving me the gifts to write. <i><b>To God be the glory and honor!</b></i></p><p>The book is now available in both paperback and digital formats. The following link will open a page at the Gospel Armory to read a description of the book and order it.</p><p><a href="https://store.gospelarmory.com/product/the-new-beginning">https://store.gospelarmory.com/product/the-new-beginning</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When sin rules in the life of a Christian as his master, he is living off the garbage that this world has to offer him. In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 4, 5</span>, </b>and<b> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">6</span></b>, the apostle Paul gives us a list of behaviors we must put away and those we must put on or must be doing to allow room for the new life in Christ. God wants us to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel with humility, longsuffering, gentleness, and love. Jesus, our Lord, wants us to mature to the stature of His fullness so that we may stop being children and grow up in Him, who is the Head.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As faithful disciples of Christ, we must no longer walk in darkness but put off the old self, which is part of our old man who is corrupted by sin. Instead, we must renew our minds, putting on the new self, which is made in the likeness of God with righteousness and holiness. There is a great need to understand these Bible principles. Let us consider Paul’s counsel for us as he instructs us about the behavior patterns that are acceptable and not acceptable to God. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>May God bless you!</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Luci</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-76486798556662867692023-03-14T17:05:00.015-05:002023-03-14T17:18:58.805-05:00WITH ONE ACCORD - MY 6TH BOOK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KevvbjsoCFx9vEDR3SQFkIMrsBD8bb3vdVEwlpwcmwTVIee40uAhsiVFIIWR5HifcuvieQ-HzfH7xhZY5d58gZvERipFjRnLtpqkXZFhbQKHP3lrPygzf3NLl4mqxk-F2BuMP3SI7oUQeqsPQtChdwr7jN8rsizJpm7BFDqPPmtH1eWY5cPYdt-hiA/s300/with-one-accord-frontcover-200x300-1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KevvbjsoCFx9vEDR3SQFkIMrsBD8bb3vdVEwlpwcmwTVIee40uAhsiVFIIWR5HifcuvieQ-HzfH7xhZY5d58gZvERipFjRnLtpqkXZFhbQKHP3lrPygzf3NLl4mqxk-F2BuMP3SI7oUQeqsPQtChdwr7jN8rsizJpm7BFDqPPmtH1eWY5cPYdt-hiA/w267-h400/with-one-accord-frontcover-200x300-1.jpeg" width="267" /></span></b></i></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"Now may the God who gives perseverance and</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">encouragement </span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">grant you to be of the same mind </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">with one another according to Christ Jesus, </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">6 so that with one accord you may with one voice </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 15:5-6</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC: </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><b>With One Accord: A </b><b>Collection of Essays about How to Resolve the Conflicts That Threaten Our Unity and Love for One Another.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hello everyone! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Permit me to introduce you to my sixth book entitled <b><span style="color: red;">“WITH ONE ACCORD.” </span></b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This volume is one the most important series of studies that I have prepared because it confronts <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">the problems that destroy the love and unity of saints in the body of Christ. Jesus said that our love one for another would identify us as His disciples.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We may be Scripturally saved and doctrinally correct in our worship as a church but lose our souls because of our poor attitudes toward one another. Countless churches have been destroyed, and countless Christians have returned to the world over the fleshly words and deeds of a few who did not put Jesus’ teachings into practice in their relationships with another in the church. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This collection of essays is a work of love, not only my love but also the love, support, and encouragement of my husband, Terry, and the diligence of Andy Sochor, who placed the studies in a beautiful and usable format. I am grateful first to God for giving me the gifts to write and grateful to my husband Terry and Andy for their help in bringing these words into a more presentable form. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Please click the link for <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gospel Armory</span></b>, and share this post with your friends. May God bless you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Available in print and digital format. Learn more and order your copy here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://store.gospelarmory.com/product/with-one-accord/">https://store.gospelarmory.com/product/with-one-accord/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://gospelarmory.com/newest-release/">https://gospelarmory.com/newest-release/</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">~Luci</div></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-55075691721692856972022-09-23T17:18:00.174-05:002022-12-21T23:05:14.361-06:00"MY JESUS, I LOVE THEE"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LZbrNH9enxvfHU_xL2EuvKUsJih-XMI76_V1culHG0Bv0qEbZSmz11ykfN_tk3q4-jGIUO_6DSuTOMK7RGSrMdwvekVnUWORVnDBLpnxVrl2akRS6GOhJOekMyx8AJVhP3JipMDmq3_IOz1U2GO1C7Uo_gJx0OFs3f-diHS4Un-8dgXKaQHn-zBfvg/s800/Jesus-crucifixion-1200x627-thinkstock.1200w.tn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="800" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LZbrNH9enxvfHU_xL2EuvKUsJih-XMI76_V1culHG0Bv0qEbZSmz11ykfN_tk3q4-jGIUO_6DSuTOMK7RGSrMdwvekVnUWORVnDBLpnxVrl2akRS6GOhJOekMyx8AJVhP3JipMDmq3_IOz1U2GO1C7Uo_gJx0OFs3f-diHS4Un-8dgXKaQHn-zBfvg/w400-h209/Jesus-crucifixion-1200x627-thinkstock.1200w.tn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><b>"We love Him, because He first loved us."</b></i> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 4:19</span></b></span></div><p><br /></p><p>This amazingly beautiful song reminds us of Jesus' love for us. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Because of Jesus' love, He became our Redeemer and Savior to save us from the slavery of sin and its consequence</span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">s</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 1:15</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">He redeemed us by His own blood and reconciled us back to God</span></b> so that we might receive adoption as sons of God (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gal. 4:4</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">He is the Savior who takes away our sins</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 1:21</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">He showed the depth of His love when He laid down His life for us</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 3:16</span></b>). Because of such deep love for us, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">He purchased our pardon on Calvary's tree</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lk. 23:33, 1 Pet. 2:24</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Because of His love, He wore a crown of thorns.</span> </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters),[a] and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him."' </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 15:16-20</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Since He loves us, He has promised to be with us both in life and death.</span> Therefore, we must love Him by living for Him and dying to self.</div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gal. 2:20</span></b>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Since Jesus love us and died for us, we must manifest our love for Him every step of our way whether in life or death.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Phi. 1:20</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Because He loves us, we have the hope of heaven.</span> He's now preparing for us mansions of glory in endless delight.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jn. 14:1-3</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Because Jesus loves us, we have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us, mansions in heaven so bright</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pet. 1:3-4</span></b>). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">And when we get to heaven, we will sing with the glittering crown on our brow.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rev. 2:10</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This beautiful song moves me deeply and compels me to love, and to praise my Lord, saying, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">"My Jesus, I Love Thee."</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;</div><div style="text-align: center;">For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;</div><div style="text-align: center;">If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;</div><div style="text-align: center;">If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;</div><div style="text-align: center;">And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,</div><div style="text-align: center;">If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">In mansions of glory and endless delight,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;</div><div style="text-align: center;">I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;</div><div style="text-align: center;">If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xptIGecOPf4" width="320" youtube-src-id="xptIGecOPf4"></iframe></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">~Luci</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-43370504769396413712022-09-16T21:42:00.751-05:002022-12-20T16:24:39.028-06:00BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj3TWASYfxMhxt-1d1ZlaxapoVbdMQgJS908ILosiwDsymO7sBdMY2ty2XoqL_XB5jaz-oyVR9t8JW1QZJ1JJLwp23XOBqaLilnhWjijXnGYSZInw-m4EkqUnYpl53N2943ypOligeTcxugtCw_8Q1kIa2fKbWNeunGCKPqrf-GoHLKv5Ej3slQRDPg/s502/crown-and-bible-CROP.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj3TWASYfxMhxt-1d1ZlaxapoVbdMQgJS908ILosiwDsymO7sBdMY2ty2XoqL_XB5jaz-oyVR9t8JW1QZJ1JJLwp23XOBqaLilnhWjijXnGYSZInw-m4EkqUnYpl53N2943ypOligeTcxugtCw_8Q1kIa2fKbWNeunGCKPqrf-GoHLKv5Ej3slQRDPg/s16000/crown-and-bible-CROP.webp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><b>"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." </b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Revelation 2:10</span></b></span></div><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">The apostle John made a profound statement to the<b><span style="color: red;"> church at Smyrna </span></b>in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Revelation 2:10</span></b>. John’s inspired words to the church at Smyrna must compel Christians to be faithful to God in whatever they do. S<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">adly, God’s faithful servants are a minority in the church today.</span> We often forget that God commands that we serve Him heartily. God wants us to be faithful unto death to receive our crown of life. Our faithfulness to God demands strong personal commitment. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Colossians 3:23</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">God wants us to be committed in word and deed (<b style="color: #2b00fe;">Colossians 1:17</b>). Each Christian must set a goal and strive for personal commitment. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Faithfulness to God demands a strong personal choice.</span> Each Christian must choose to be faithful to be blessed by God. God blesses our faithfulness. God blessed the people of Joshua's day because of their faithfulness. Hear the words of <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Joshua 24:13-15</span></b>, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><blockquote>"I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant. Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." </blockquote></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You see, these people understood the need for personal choice, for they responded by saying, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"The Lord our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey!"</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Joshua 24:24</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let us unite our voices with theirs and say, </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>"Our God we will serve."</b></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I. <u>WHY MUST WE BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH</u>:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">When we are baptized into Christ, we become Christians and begin walking in newness of life.</span> We begin a new life in which we must resolve to set aside or put to death those things that were part of our <b><span style="color: red;">old way of life, the old man of sin</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 6:4; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:22)</span></b>. As we start crucifying the old man of sin, living and pursuing our new life in Christ, we start an intimate relationship with our Savior and Lord, walking and following His footsteps. Jesus expects this <b><span style="color: red;">new man or new creation</span></b> to <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">be faithful unto death to obtain the reward He promised us, our crown of life</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Revelation 2:10</span></b>). But to be faithful unto death, there are some big steps to Heaven we must consider. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Our church friends teach that once one is saved, he can never be lost, no matter our sins.</span> They ignore and reject God’s exhortation given in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Revelation 2:10</span></b> to Christians about remaining faithful until the end of our journey here on earth. My question is, <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why did Jesus, in His letter to the church at Smyrna, instruct those Christians to “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rev. 2:10)</span><span style="color: red;">? </span></b></i> Jesus said to those brethren that if they remained faithful, despite their circumstances, especially persecution, He would give them<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> “the crown of life” </span></b>(eternal life, synonymous with salvation). God will reward our faithfulness if we remain faithful unto death, even dying for our faith. <i><b><span style="color: red;">So why “faithful unto death” if we are already saved and cannot be lost?</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Faithfulness to God demands complete obedience:</b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Obey:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Lord wants us to conform and surrender our lives to His will alone (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jas. 4:7</span></b>). He likewise wants us to walk faithfully with Him, obeying His commands (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 1:7; Heb. 5:9; Matt. 7:21</span></b>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jesus said, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 11:28-30</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jesus saves those who<b><span style="color: red;"> "obey"</span></b> Him. The Hebrew writer wrote, </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 5:8-9</span></b>) </div><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">There is no salvation without obedience.</span> Obedience compels people to believe, repent, confess Christ, and be baptized into Christ (M<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10; Romans 6:1-5</span></b>). We are saved from our past sins and added to the church because of our obedience (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 2:47</span></b>). Only those who obey God have the right to wear the name <b><span style="color: red;">"Christian." </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 11:26)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Faithfulness to God demands strong commitment and earnestness to put Him first in our hearts and lives:</b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Prioritize:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">The Lord wants us to put Christ and His church first and above everything else in our lives</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Col. 1:18; Matt. 6:33</span></b>). He wants us to use the time God gives us to the best of our ability, for the days are evil. So we must be careful how we spend our God-given time here on earth (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eph. 5:16</span></b>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">God must be above everything else in our lives.</span> It is not enough to obey the Gospel and become a Christian. It is just the beginning of our commitment to living a life devoted to serving God daily. To be His faithful followers, the Lord must be first in our hearts and lives. <b>"<i>But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."</i></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 6:33</span></b>) The <b><span style="color: red;">Macedonians </span></b>were an excellent example of faithfulness and devotion to God. "<i><b>They first gave themselves to the Lord."</b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Corinthians 8:5</span></b>) God is satisfied only when He has <b><span style="color: red;">"preeminence"</span></b> in our hearts and lives. Paul wrote, <i><b>"And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence."</b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Colossians 1:18</span></b>) Thus, Christians must forsake all and resolve to serve God faithfully. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 14:33</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Faithfulness demands an intense hunger and thirst for God’s Word:</b> </li></ul>The Bible must be our <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"roadmap from earth to heaven."</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The Word of God is unique and powerful because it is God’s inspired Word. </span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:15-17</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">So, we must study God’s Word diligently, for it is our daily bread to nourish our souls to salvation.</span> Jesus said, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 4:4</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The Word of God tells us who God is and who we are. It stresses our responsibility toward God. </span> </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:15</span></b>) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The righteous delight in God's Law.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 1:1-2</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">The Word of God tells us how to become a Christian, a faithful follower, and live holy and righteously</span> for Him daily. Without feeding on God's Word daily, we won’t grow to maturity and make it to Heaven. Thus we must study God’s Word daily and diligently to be approved by Him and receive our crown of life. </div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Teach:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">The Lord wants us to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God’s Word</span> (the Gospel) to show and teach others the way to Heaven (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 16:15</span></b>). He wants us to grow in His Word to live a faithful life and show others how to live holy lives that would honor Him. He also wants us to grow in His Word to answer those who are not in Christ their questions concerning His Kingdom and His righteousness (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 3:15</span></b>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Faithfulness to God demands strong self-discipline:</b> </li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">"Discipline"</span></b> is mostly forgotten and neglected in the church today. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">There is minimal church discipline and self-discipline among many followers of Christ.</span> <b><span style="color: red;">Self-discipline</span></b> must be learned and practiced. Paul wrote, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Thessalonians 4:3-6</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Christians must not walk</span><i><b> “according to the flesh, but according to the spirit." </b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 8:1</span></b>) Paul spoke of self-discipline, saying, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 9:27</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">Faithful and godly living demands discipline.</span></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Separate:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The Lord wants Christians to set themselves apart from the ways of the world</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 12:2; 1 Pet. 2:11</span></b>). He wants us to keep ourselves pure and live godly lives (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pet. 1:15-16; 1 John 2:15-17; Tit. 2:11-12)</span></b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Faithfulness to God requires strong and devoted service to Him: </b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Serve:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">The Lord wants us to look and think beyond ourselves</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Phil. 2:3-4</span></b>). He also wants us to seek opportunities to serve others from the heart and to do good to them (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gal. 5:13; Gal. 6:10)</span></b>. When we serve others with a loving heart, we also serve the Lord Himself (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Col. 3:24; Rom. 12:10-11</span></b>).</div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Christians must always be seeking opportunities to serve.</span> Often these opportunities are right before our eyes. Paul declared, </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Galatians 6:10</span></b>) </blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jesus served others and commands us to follow His example of servitude. He said, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"And the King will answer and say to them, Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 25:40</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We confess our faith and our service to our Lord with our actions.</span> Our faith must have works of righteousness. Our faith, that is, our faithfulness, must be shown not just on Sunday morning but daily. Our service to Him demonstrates our faithfulness to God. James wrote, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">James 1:27</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Each Christian must seek opportunities to serve God daily, remembering that even a <b><span style="color: red;">"cup of cold water"</span></b> given as an act of service or in the name of a disciple will have its reward (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 10:42</span></b>).</div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Work:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Faithfulness to God demands hard work.</span> The Lord wants us to be busy in His kingdom, remaining steadfast and bearing abundant fruit to His glory (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 3:9</span></b>).</div><p></p><blockquote><i>“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 15:58</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Faithfulness to God demands constant and strong spiritual growth (maturity): </b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Grow:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><p>The Lord wants us to <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">increase and develop our knowledge, faith, and trust in Him</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Pet. 1:5-11; 3:18</span></b>). But to grow in these areas, we must first study His Word and pray daily (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 2:15; Col. 4:2</span></b>).</p><div style="text-align: left;">Peter declared, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 3:18</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Christians must grow to be able to discern between good and evil.</span> </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 5:12-14</span></b>) </div><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Spiritual growth must compel us to set our minds and hearts on things above this world. And though we still live in this world, Christ’s faithful followers must acknowledge that we are not of the world, for we must live for Christ alone. Jesus declared, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 18:36)</span></b></blockquote><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></b> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Matthew records God's plan for spiritual growth in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 16:24</span></b>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><blockquote>"Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." </blockquote></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Thus, Christians must set their mind on things above, not the things of this earth</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Colossians 3:1</span></b>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Faithfulness to God demands Worship And Praise:</b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Worship:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">The Lord wants us to worship and praise Him from our hearts </span>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 4:24; Matt. 4:10; Heb. 13:15; Eph. 5:19</span></b>), especially on the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">first day</span></b> of each week (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 20:7; Heb. 10:25</span></b>).</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Faithfulness to God demands Endurance:</b></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Endure: </span></b></li></ul></ul></div><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">The Lord wants Christians to persevere through their difficult times.</span> Looking to Him as our example for strength (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 2:3; Heb. 12:1-3</span></b>). He wants us also to press on and finish our race well to reach our eternal goal of Heaven (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Phil. 3:14</span></b>).</p><div style="text-align: left;">In Matthew, Jesus is quoted twice saying, </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 10:22; 24:13)</span></b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mark recorded that same statement (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mk. 13:13</span></b>). J<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">esus stressed the need to live a life of endurance to the end (being patient and faithful).</span> Moreover, Luke recorded Jesus saying, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>“By your patience possess your souls.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lk. 21:19</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">So, if saved followers of Jesus cannot be lost,</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">why did Jesus stress so much the need for patient faithfulness to obtain eternal life?</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">James also had this same sentiment when he wrote along this line: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jas. 1:12</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">James’ message matches those stated above. James wrote to Christians when he referred to them as <i><b><span style="color: red;">“My brethren” </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1:1; 2:1; 3:1</span></b>). The <i><b><span style="color: red;">“man who endures temptation” </span></b></i>is a brother or sister in Christ who endures faithfully to the end, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">without succumbing to whatever temptations the devil throws at them.</span> We will receive the crown of life at the end of our lives if we <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">endure faithfully</span></b>. That same basic thought is expressed in<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Jas. 1:25</span></b>. Thus, we Christians must continue to live by the Gospel of Christ and not be just a hearer but a doer of God’s Word to be blessed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><blockquote>“But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”</blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Aim:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div></i></div><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The Lord wants us to fix our eyes on the glorious reward of Heaven</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 6:20; Col. 3:1-4</span></b>). As we fix our eyes on our glorious reward of Heaven, we will find joy and hope, anticipating Jesus’ return to take us His children home with Him forever (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Phil. 3:20-21; Tit. 2:13</span></b>).</p><p><i><b>God commands us to<span style="color: red;"> “be faithful,”</span> that is, true to Him, His Word, and His church, seeking and pleasing Him above all else! </b></i></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>:</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;">The <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Book of Revelation</span></b> was written during the reign of the<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Roman Emperor, Domitian</span></b>. He persecuted the church for about 10 years after Nero. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The church was under extreme distress because of the persecution they had to endure. The persecution included the slaughter of thousands of Christians, even the apostle John himself, who was exiled to the Island of Patmos.</span> While <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John</span></b> was on that island, he wrote, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><blockquote>"I was in the spirit on the Lord's Day." </blockquote></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">John saw some marvelous visions or revelations he shared with the brethren who were being persecuted to give them the <b><span style="color: red;">hope of eternal life</span></b>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The <b><span style="color: red;">church in Smyrna</span></b> was a group of suffering Christians and was one of only two churches the Lord had nothing bad to say against. Some of these persecuted brethren suffered <b><span style="color: red;">imprisonment and poverty.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Domitian, the Roman Emperor of that time, had thousands of Christians killed because they confessed their faith in Jesus Christ.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Lord spoke through John, urging these brethren to <i>"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Revelation 2:10</span></b>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">The Lord knew the works and tribulations of the church in Smyrna.</span> He knew they were suffering and enduring saints. Our Lord knows our fears, infirmities, and the trials we face because He experienced the same thing at the hands of Satan. <i><b> He had been there! </b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 4:15</span></b>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Lord tells them to <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"be faithful unto death."</span></b></i> And, He will give them <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"a crown of life."</span></b></i></div><p>We must acknowledge that though this letter was written to them, we can still apply those same principles to our lives. <i><b><span style="color: red;">What will happen if we aren't faithful unto death? </span><span style="color: #990000;">There will not be a crown of life for us!</span></b></i></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">In Roman culture, this crown of life, the Stephanos Crown of Life, represented the Crown of Victory.</span> They understood what He meant. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Lord wants us to not only be suffering saints but enduring saints. </span></b> He gave these brethren hope and gives us that same hope today. <i><b>H</b></i><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><i><b>e declared that those who overcome shall not be hurt by the second death. Suffering saints who endure win! </b></i></span>Those suffering and enduring saints who overcome until the end will not gain just a crown but will go to Heaven forever.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">How do we endure? </span></b></i>By having our sins washed away. God washes away sin from our metaphysical body. He adds us to His church, and we become Christians. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">When Christians are faithful unto death, we overcome and receive a crown of life. Thus we must continue being steadfast and faithful unto death.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">It is the only road to victory! </span></b></i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Faithfulness to God is not just showing up and warming a pew on Sunday. Faithfulness is obedient faith that dies to sin and walks in newness of life.</span></b> Since we are baptized into Jesus’ death, we must repent of sins and die to sins. Our dead body of sin must be buried. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">We are buried in water baptism so that our souls can come in contact with the blood of Jesus. God requires obedience to save us from the death of sin.</span> </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 6:1-4</span></b>)</div><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Peter’s second letter, he gives the same instruction. By the way, Peter is writing to Christians, <i><b>“those who have obtained like precious faith with us…”</b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Pet. 1:1</span></b>). He instructs these Christians, saying, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><blockquote>“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election (their eternal salvation) sure….” </blockquote></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He goes on to say, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i><b>“For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”</b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Pet. 1:10-11</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The phrase <i><b><span style="color: red;">“for so”</span></b></i> carries the meaning <i><b><span style="color: red;">“as a result of.”</span></b></i> You see, the diligent faithfulness of these Christians would result in their being given a home in Heaven. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Someone might ask, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i><b><span style="color: red;">What of John, writing about a brother in Christ committing a sin “leading to death”</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Jn. 5:16</span></b>)<b><span style="color: red;">? </span></b></blockquote><b><span style="color: red;"></span></b><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Do you remember what John stated earlier?</span></b></i> He stated, </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” </b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Jn. 1:9</span></b>) </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here, the word <i><b><span style="color: red;">“if” </span></b></i>is conditional. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i><b><span style="color: red;">What if a Christian, having sinned, does not confess his sins? </span></b></i> </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Paul declared, </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>“For the wages of sin is death…” </b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 6:23</span></b>).</div><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, has also warned us to be sober and vigilant, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i><b>“Because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”</b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pet. 5:8</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;"><p> </p><blockquote>But how can the devil “devour” a saved Christian if that Christian cannot be lost once he is saved? </blockquote></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The warning is that a Christian can lose his/her salvation if they do not remain diligently faithful.</span> That is why Jesus stressed to be <i><b>“faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”</b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rev. 2:10</span></b>) </div><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 12:1</span></b>, we are admonished <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">to run our race of faith with endurance. </span> God expects us to run this race to the end (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">Baptism is the beginning of a life lived in faithfulness or loyalty.</span></b> We know and believe that God is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 11:6</span></b>). We also believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 20:30, 31</span></b>). We believe that salvation from sin is available to men by the power of the Gospel (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 1:16</span></b>).</p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Because of the preaching of the Gospel, we believe our faithfulness must become the most vital and abiding pursuit of our lives</span>. We must love God above any person or thing. Consider the words of Jesus to the <b><span style="color: red;">church in Smyrna:</span></b> </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Revelation 2:10</span></b>) </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><b>The context of this statement shows that our faithfulness is literally a matter of life or death. </b></span> </div><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Therefore, each Christian must resolve to remain faithful to God until death despite persecution and death. </span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">We must also examine our faith and evaluate everything we have been taught, every aspect of our lives to be approved by God.</span></b> We must believe that God has prepared a home for the faithful and that a crown is waiting for those who finish the race well. Faithfulness to God is vital to running the race set before us to the end. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God provides the strength to endure, get up and keep running.</span> Because of God’s love and sacrifice, we can live in faithfulness to Him despite <b><span style="color: red;">Satan’s most horrifying taunts or enticing allurements,</span></b> and we must if we want to receive our crown and go to Heaven.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The crown of life makes it all worth it! </span></b></i></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">May we remain faithful to the very end. May we keep our focus on the crown of life and Heaven. May we always remember that this world is not our home and we are just passing through. May we set our minds on things above (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Col. 3:2</span></b>). May we keep our eyes upon Heaven, for one day, all who are in Christ will be glorified with Him for all eternity!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>~Luci</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-92149406090608960552022-08-15T12:14:01.918-05:002022-08-30T14:23:53.821-05:00PREACH THE WORD!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98_hAw2VnIrijFfAd84_ZYhTT8YvsgJzI3n0xU130VAWJw-Wc3byvp4K3AFu-lId5VXqXVWFMrBPRZYvSPqhpiPc1EHczjwb6BLVHQ1Pncx2_dA21m7VQcb3gp0hjSR3-WaqaXkdwGhwbyAKG932M5a_YrpXh7UDJqLGmF7HY1vrKl-nWbL7QOx-nUw/s1280/aaron-burden-426280-unsplash.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1280" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98_hAw2VnIrijFfAd84_ZYhTT8YvsgJzI3n0xU130VAWJw-Wc3byvp4K3AFu-lId5VXqXVWFMrBPRZYvSPqhpiPc1EHczjwb6BLVHQ1Pncx2_dA21m7VQcb3gp0hjSR3-WaqaXkdwGhwbyAKG932M5a_YrpXh7UDJqLGmF7HY1vrKl-nWbL7QOx-nUw/w400-h125/aaron-burden-426280-unsplash.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">“</span><i style="text-align: left;">I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry. “ </i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:1-5</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The closing of this <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2nd letter to Timothy</span></b> is a farewell. Paul’s final words to his beloved <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> bring tears to my eyes because I don’t like goodbyes. Paul concludes this letter by stressing to Timothy the need to be steadfast in the faith during difficult times. He urges Timothy and us to endure and finish the race well. </div><div> </div><div>In the final chapter of <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s letter to Timothy</span></b>, he charges him to continue <b><span style="color: red;">steadfast</span></b> in his work as an evangelist (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 5:21</span></b>). Perhaps, Paul is encouraging Timothy to continue doing what God called him to do because he had stopped preaching and teaching the Gospel. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul warned Timothy that difficult times would come shortly because of false teachers, wicked doctrines, and ungodliness</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 3:1-7, 9, 13</span></b>). These<b><span style="color: red;"> erring men</span></b> would reach the point that they would <b><span style="color: red;">not tolerate sound doctrine or healthy teaching</span></b>. Paul used the term <b><span style="color: red;">“sound doctrine”</span></b> in his two letters to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> to point out how <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">men would not bear what is healthy because it exposes their error and ungodliness </span>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 1:10; 6:3; 2 Tim. 1:13; 4:3</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">They wanted to continue living in sin.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Such brethren prefer to feel good about their sinful ways instead of the shame and guilt they should rightly feel.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">They seek out those preachers and teachers who make them feel good about their sins</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:6</span></b>). </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Isaiah</span></b>, the prophet, warned the people of his time, saying,</div><div><blockquote><i>“For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord; 10 who say to the seers, ‘Do not see,’ and to the prophets, ‘Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions, eave the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.’ 12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel, “Because you despise this word and trust in oppression and perverseness and rely on them, 13 therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach in a high wall, bulging out and about to collapse, whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant; 14 and its breaking is like that of a potter’s vessel that is smashed so ruthlessly that among its fragments not a shard is found with which to take fire from the hearth, or to dip up water out of the cistern.”’</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Isa. 30:9-14</span></b>). </blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>These people had <b><span style="color: red;">“itching ears”</span></b> to hear something other than the Truth, <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">so they could never come to a knowledge of the Truth.</span> <span style="color: #660000; font-weight: bold;">Though they were always learning, they did not love the Truth because it was not what they wanted. They </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;"><i>“turn away their ears from the truth.”</i> </span>Today is no different, for we have the same heart and mindset among brethren. </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>They reject the Truth because it condemns their lifestyle. </li><li>They are hard-hearted and want to continue living in sin and error. </li></ol><div><br /></div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Men’s philosophies and manufactured doctrines do not condemn and bring shame.</span> They do not compel us to <b><span style="color: red;">change or repent</span></b>. They can only comfort us for a while. </div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">chapter 3</span></b> of this letter, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> contrasts false teachers and those who oppose the Truth with <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy.</span></b></span> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>He urges <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> to preach the Word of God in all its purity, even though it would bring hardship to his life. </li><li>That same urgent message applies to us today. </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> reminded <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>about the value and power of the Scriptures. All Scriptures are God’s breath and are profitable for reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>charged <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> to preach the Word because Jesus will judge the living and the dead (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 4:1-2</span></b>). </li></ol><div><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: red;">Can you understand now why preaching and teaching the Word of God is so important?</span></b></i> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">He charged Timothy to preach the Word despite opposition and difficult times. Paul took that charge very seriously because he loved the souls of men and feared for their eternal destiny.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Thus he compelled Timothy and us to be ready to preach God’s message all the time, in season and out of season, with longsuffering! </span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: red;">Are we doing that? </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I. <u>PAUL’S CHARGE TO TIMOTHY</u>:</span></b></div><div><blockquote><i>“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:1-5</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Jesus Will Judge The Living And The Dead:</b> </li></ul></div><div><i></i></div><blockquote><div><i>“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:1</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>The word<b><span style="color: red;"> “charge”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">diamarturomai</span></b>) is the same word found in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 5:21</span></b>. It is defined as <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“to make a solemn (of a serious nature) affirmation; to make a solemn and earnest charge (to entrust with a duty, responsibility, or obligation).” </span></b></i></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Paul’s first charge to Timothy is to do the work of a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">sound and faithful evangelist</span></b> without fail because Christ will judge the living and the dead just as sure as when Jesus came in the flesh and established His kingdom (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 5:28-29; Acts 17:30-31</span></b>). </li><li>That judgment will take place when Christ appears again for the final time (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; Titus 2:13</span></b>). </li><li>Paul lived in the hope of Christ’s imminent return. </li><li>Paul knew that when Christ returned, all humanity would see the majesty and glory of Christ’s kingdom. </li><li>Every knee shall bow to Him, and every tongue shall confess Him (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 14:11</span></b>). </li></ol></ol></div><div><br /></div><div>That’s why <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> charged <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> to <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“preach the word”</span></b></i> despite <b><span style="color: red;">opposition</span></b>. </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>We cannot teach or preach only when it is convenient, safe, or favorable. </li><li>We must correct, rebuke, and encourage with longsuffering when we teach. </li><li>We must be willing to preach or teach the Gospel even when it is difficult. </li><li>We must not bend to our culture or government’s pressure that might prevent us from sharing the Gospel Message or the good news of Jesus. </li><li>We must not shrink back during difficult times. </li><li>Many souls need to hear the Gospel to be saved because God will judge them on the last day (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 12:48; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4</span></b>).</li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Preach The Word:</b></li></ul></div><div><i></i></div><blockquote><div><i>“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:2</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Paul’s second charge to Timothy is to preach the Word and be ready in season and out of season.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy’s preaching</span></b> was to be <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“urgent in season.”</span></b> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>He must be ready to preach anytime and everywhere (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 12:12</span></b>). </li><li>He must be willing to preach when it is not convenient for him. </li></ol></ol><div><br /></div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">When we love our Lord, His Word, and the souls of men, we fix our minds on preaching and teaching the Gospel.</span> <span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">Nothing will prevent us from preaching the Truth to people, even when some do not want to hear it. </span><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">There is no need to apologize for teaching the Truth, for that would be an attempt to bind God’s Word</span><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;"> (</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-weight: bold;">2 Tim. 2:9, 13, 19</span><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">). God’s Truth must be preached no matter the circumstances.</span> We must not change the <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">standards of God’s Word</span> because we are <b><span style="color: red;">afraid </span></b>we might <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">hurt someone’s feelings, shame them or expose their religious practices as errors.</span></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> must <b><span style="color: red;">“reprove” </span></b>people. To <b><span style="color: red;">“reprove”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">elegzon</span></b>) is <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“to put to proof, to test; to convict... to detect, lay bare, expose.” “To find fault with, correct; to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove; show one his fault, demand an explanation”</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Thayer 203</span></b>). He must <b><span style="color: red;">reprove</span></b> to make sinners feel the prick of their hearts. <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> must <b><span style="color: red;">convince</span></b> people of the Truth of the Scriptures and let them see their need for it (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 20:30-31; 2 Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:15</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>must <b><span style="color: red;">“rebuke”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">epitimeson</span></b>) - <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“to tax with fault, rate, chide, rebuke, reprove, censure severely”</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Thayer 245</span></b>). Paul charged him to <b><span style="color: red;">reprove sharply</span></b>, to reprimand with authority. He must <b><span style="color: red;">rebuke </span></b>those Christians living in sin (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 8:26; 1 Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:13; Titus 2:15; Jude 1:9</span></b>). Preachers and teachers must never forget they are preaching and teaching God’s Word to others. They must <b><span style="color: red;">revere </span></b>God’s Word.</li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> must have <b><span style="color: red;">no fear or the favor</span></b> of men to perform this charge. </li><li>Timothy must <b><span style="color: red;">“exhort”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">parakaleson</span></b>) - <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“a calling upon... beseech, entreat, implore... incitement, persuasion...” </span></b></i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> charged <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> to encourage those who were struggling in their Christian walk (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 12:8</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Struggling Christians can be uplifted when they are encouraged by the Word of God</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 4:13</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> must persuade people to live godly in Christ Jesus.</li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> must preach with <b><span style="color: red;">“all longsuffering”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">makrothumia</span></b>) - <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“patient enduring of evil, fortitude... slowness of avenging injuries, forbearance, clemency.”</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">He must do all things with great patience and careful instruction.</span> Every preacher and teacher must be patient and careful when teaching if they want to change <b><span style="color: red;">people’s behavior and beliefs</span></b>, especially our <b><span style="color: red;">opponents</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 2:4; Romans 9:22; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:2; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 1:11; Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 2:25</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>must be<b> <span style="color: red;">patient</span> </b>and <b><span style="color: red;">endure </span></b>the evil and sufferings of the wicked. <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why?</span></b></i> Because <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">some might come to repentance or change their sinful ways and wrong teaching.</span></li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> must be given to <b><span style="color: red;">“teaching”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">didaxe</span></b>) - <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“instruction, the giving of instruction, teaching.”</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Those who teach the Gospel must instruct or teach all, confronting error.</span> </li><li><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">We must remember that the power is in God’s Word, not the preacher or the teacher</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 4:12</span></b>).</li></ol></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Sound Teaching Is Not What Itching Ears Want to Hear:</b></li></ul></div><div><i></i><blockquote><i>“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:3</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">chapter 3</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>warned <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> of <b><span style="color: red;">difficult times</span></b> to happen in the <b><span style="color: red;">near future</span></b> because of <b><span style="color: red;">false teachers</span></b> and <b><span style="color: red;">evildoers</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 3:1-7, 9, 13</span></b>). This is most likely<b><span style="color: red;"> the time</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>spoke in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:1</span></b> as <i><b><span style="color: red;">“the last days.”</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">This would be a time when many would not be content listening to God’s Word</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 1:13</span></b>). There would come a time when they <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“will not endure the sound doctrine.” </span><span style="color: red;">Why? </span></b></i> Because they would have <b><span style="color: red;">“itching ears”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">knethomenoi</span></b>). </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>They would rather feel good about their ungodliness than feel the shame and the guilt of sin. </li><li>They would not tolerate sound teaching. </li><li>Instead, they would accumulate teachers who agree with them and teach what they want to hear to accomplish their desires or passions. </li></ol></ol></div><div><br /></div><div>However, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>commanded <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> and<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> us to teach the Truth from the Scriptures because people will want to hear what satisfies their own desires.</span> Sadly, this is one of the<b><span style="color: red;"> prevalent reasons</span></b> we have so many different kinds of churches today. Often, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">people do not leave the church because of</span> <b><span style="color: red;">doctrinal error or false teaching</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">but because they want to hear what suits their sinful lifestyle.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">They want teachers who give them what they want! </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul urged Timothy to preach the Word and not surrender to these passions or desires. The solution is more of God’s Word and not less.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">When people have itching ears, they seek teachers who will provide entertainment, coffee, donuts, meals, and emotional experience. Their main focus is carnal and not spiritual. </span></b> </div><div><br /></div><div>In the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gospel of John</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Jesus showed us this very problem.</span> After Jesus fed the 5,000, the crowds sought Him and found Him on the other side of the Sea of Galilee. But listen carefully to what Jesus told the crowd when they found Him. </div><div><blockquote><i>“Truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 6:26–27</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Jesus knows the intentions of our hearts.</span> He knew why they had come to Him. </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>They came to Him for the <b><span style="color: red;">wrong reasons</span></b>. </li><li>They did not seek Jesus because they wanted to accept the signs they saw. </li><li><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">They were seeking Jesus to feed them again! </span></b></i> </li></ol></ol><div><br /></div><div>Often, people claim <b><span style="color: red;">to believe in Jesus</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">but what they really want is to find someone who will satisf</span>y <b><span style="color: red;">their physical desires</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">They seek teachers who will give them what they want. They are not hungry and thirsty for God’s Truth.</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">They Will Turn Away From The Truth:</b></li></ul></div><div><i>“And will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:4</span></b>)</div><div><br /></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>These brethren will turn away from God’s Word because they want to listen to preachers and teachers who say things they want to hear. </li><li>They teach and preach only those things that suit the desires of their hearers (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Isaiah 30:10; Mark 4:24; Luke 8:18; 2 Timothy 3:7-8; Hebrews 5:11</span></b>). </li><li>These brethren will turn away from the Truth and turn to myths or fables (1<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Timothy 1:4-6; Titus 1:14</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: red;"> Why?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Because they have given up the Truth to satisfy their futile minds with senseless arguments about anything that is not from God’s Word.</span> Paul was not talking about <b><span style="color: red;">the myths of the Greeks</span></b> or anything like that, but rather about anything that is n<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">ot the Truth of God’s Word. In a few words, Paul was talking about false teaching or fabrication.</span> </li></ol></ol></div><div><br /></div><div>As <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pau</span></b>l said, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">these men are always learning but cannot come to the knowledge of the Truth because they don’t want to hear it, and it is not what they want in their lives.</span> They <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“turn away their ears from the truth.” </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>They reject the Truth and refuse to hear it because it condemns their sinful ways and actions. </li><li>These brethren are hard-hearted, fixed, and determined to have it their way. </li><li>Of course, their ways of error and wrongdoing: <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">the path of unrighteousness, the broad path that leads to destruction.</span></b> </li><li>They are comfortable listening to fables, stories, tales, and the like instead of looking to the Truth of God. </li><li>Paul associated these myths or fables earlier with <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">endless genealogies and profane or irreverent wives’ fables that promote empty speculations rather than God’s Truth</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 1:3-4, 4: 7</span></b>). </li><li>You see, these untruths do not condemn, cause shame or call for repentance. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">They comfort where God does not. </span></b> </li></ol></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Sadly, many churches are buying into this carnal mindset.</span> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>They are not interested in hearing sound preaching and teaching. </li><li>They only care about numbers and people coming back. </li><li>Their preaching and teaching have no substance because they focus on making people feel good with their empty words. </li><li>Today it is rare to hear preaching about <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">hell, repentance, and judgment</span></b>. They are just too offensive to the audience. </li><li>They are afraid of being rejected for preaching and teaching the Truth (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 7:1-9</span></b>). </li><li><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">They sell the Truth and compromise it! Think about it!</span></b></i> </li><li>So what you get is just crumbs and nothing else.</li></ol></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Be Sober-Minded And Endure Suffering or Hardship:</b></li></ul></div><div><blockquote><i>“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:5</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 5 </span></b>of our text,<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul </span></b>urges <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> to <i><b><span style="color: red;">“be sober-minded.”</span></b></i> That is, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> must be watchful against any <b><span style="color: red;">false teaching and sin</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">He must be faithful in his work as an evangelist or teacher of the Word of God</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(Matthew 25:13; 1 Corinthians 16:13</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">Paul repeatedly contrasted false teachers and those who oppose the Truth to Timothy and us.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Preaching and teaching the Word of God in all its purity will likely bring hardship in our lives.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We have been warned.</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">warned and reminde</span></b>d <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>of<b><span style="color: red;"> three things:</span></b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> must be <b><span style="color: red;">“sober”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">nepse</span></b>). It means <b><i><span style="color: #660000;">"to be calm, and collected in spirit; to be temperate, dispassionate, and circumspect"</span></i></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Thayer 425</span></b>). <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"> "Circumspect" </span>is <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"to be self-possessed under all circumstances”</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">AG 538)</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“Heedful of circumstances or consequences” </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">AHD 275</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>must allow people to get under his skin to the point of being discouraged or defeated. It is good and wise to be <b><span style="color: red;">calm and collected</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">when dealing with the erring, for it is easier to declare the Truth of the Word of God. Preachers and teachers must realize that the problem that people have is not with the messenger but with hearing and obeying the Truth.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;"> Those who hold the Truth have nothing to fear from the erring.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">As messengers of God, we must thicken our skin to be effective preachers and teachers! </span></b></i></li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>must <b><span style="color: red;">“suffer hardship or suffering”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 9:16; Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 2:3</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul had warned Timothy earlier of hardship and persecutions as part of our walk of faith.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why? </span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Because people were not going to put up with it or tolerate sound doctrine anymore. You see, sound doctrine shames them and makes them feel guilty and in need of the Truth to repen</span></b>t (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 3:12</span></b>). It is a fact that those who preach and teach the Truth will face plenty of <b><span style="color: red;">opposition</span></b> and <b><span style="color: red;">hardship</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b>, as <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> said, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">must suffer rather than seek a way to avoid conflict, hardship, and suffering</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gal. 6:12-13</span></b>). </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> must <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“do the work of an evangelist.” </span></b></i>The word <b><span style="color: red;">“evangelist”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">euaggelistou</span></b>) means one who <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">announces glad tidings</span>; <b><span style="color: red;">an evangelist, preacher of the Gospel, teacher of the Gospel</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The work of the Gospel preacher or evangelist has been Paul’s main focus to Timothy in his two letters to him.</span> </li></ol></ol><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><ul><li>A <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">good preacher and teacher</span></b> studies the Word of God with diligence to present it in all its purity (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 1:5-7; 4:13; 2 Tim. 2:15</span></b>). </li><li>He fights the good fight of faith. He fights against those who teach error and false doctrines that oppose the Truth of God (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 1:18; 6:12</span></b>). </li><li>He warns the brethren of the dangers of false doctrines and worldliness (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1Tim. 4:6</span></b>). </li><li>He is a sound teacher of the Truth, for he loves the Truth (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 4:11</span></b>). </li><li>He is not a hypocrite, for he lives what he preaches (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 6:13-14</span></b>). </li><li>He is ready to expose error and sin, for he rebukes, corrects, and encourages with great patience and teaching (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 4:2</span></b>). </li><li>He promotes godliness through his teachings (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 4:2</span></b>).</li><li>He is longsuffering, slow to anger, and always exercises self-control (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 4:2</span></b>). </li></ul></ul></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">By doing these things, he would fulfill his ministry.</span> The word<b><span style="color: red;"> “ministry” </span></b>means <b><span style="color: red;">service</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> <b><span style="color: #660000;">would fulfill his ministry by teaching the Truth no matter the outcome. All preachers and teachers must fulfill this task for the Truth to remain pure and truthful.</span></b> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">II. <u>PAUL’S EXAMPLE OF FINISHING WELL</u>:</span></b></div><blockquote><div><i>“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:6-8</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Paul is Ready For His Departure:</b></li></ul></div><div><blockquote>“<i>For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:6)</span></b></blockquote><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 6</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul is ready to depart from this world.</span> The time had come for <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s departure</span></b> from this world. <b><span style="color: #990000;">He is aware that his life is coming to an end and that his time to die is near.</span></b> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Paul looked toward this moment, for he said to die is gain (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Philippians 1:21-22; 2 Corinthians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:14</span></b>). </li><li>Paul was ready to be poured out like a <b><span style="color: red;">"drink offering"</span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Philippians 1:23; Philippians 2:17; 2 Peter 1:14</span></b>). He describes his life as being poured out as a drink offering. </li><li>He compared himself to the wine that was poured out beside the altar in the Jewish sacrifices (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Numbers 15:1-10</span></b>). </li></ol><div><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Paul’s farewell words in this verse moved me deeply! </span></b></i> I have seen very dear loved ones breathe their last breath. It is hard to say <b><span style="color: red;">goodbye</span></b>, even when you know they’ll be with the Lord. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul is near death not because of old age but because of his work in proclaiming the Gospel of our Lord and Savior.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s time of death</span></b> was probably around <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">A.D. 67</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">From tradition, we know that Paul was beheaded in Roman imprisonment during the reign of Nero.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Paul Fought The Good Fight of Faith Victoriously:</b></li></ul></div><div><i></i><blockquote><i>“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:7</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul was ready and aware of what was waiting for him and us</span>. He<b><span style="color: red;"> confidently</span></b> declared that in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 7</span></b>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul l</span></b>ooked at his life and said with <b><span style="color: red;">confidence and satisfaction</span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span><span style="color: #660000;">that he had run the race well and kept the faith.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Such words move me and encourage me!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul’s charge to Timothy was t</span>o <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“fight the good fight of faith...” </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 6:12; 1 Tim. 1:18</span></b>). </li><li>That <b><span style="color: red;">fight of faith</span></b> was against <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">false teachers and evildoers and the persecution against the saints.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> waged war against these men, and now it was time t<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">o pass the baton to faithful and fearless men who would put pressure on the ungodly</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 15:12; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Gal. 4:16; 1 Tim. 1:19- 20, etc.</span></b>). </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s days of warfare</span></b> had come to an end as his death was approaching. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">He would no longer suffer at the hands of wicked men</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Cor. 11:22ff</span></b>). He would no longer be looked upon as a <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“spectacle among men... a fool... weak... suffer hunger, thirst, nakedness, and no place to sleep... defamed and counted as the filth of the world”</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 4:9-13</span></b>). </li><li>He had remained<span style="color: red;"><b> faithful to the Lor</b></span><b><span style="color: red;">d </span></b>through all his trials. </li><li>Through it all, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>was never ashamed of the Gospel message (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 1:16</span></b>). </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Paul’s exemplary life of service and devotion to the Lord is an inspiration to my walk with my Lord!</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">A Crown of Righteousness Awaits Paul:</b></li></ul></div><div><blockquote>“<i>Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:8</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul knew what would lay ahead for him when he departed from this life.</span> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>He knew he would receive a<b><span style="color: red;"> crown of righteousness</span></b>. The crown was a metaphor. The literal crown in his time was a laurel wreath placed upon the head of a <b><span style="color: red;">conquering king</span></b>. This was the <b><span style="color: red;">physical victory crown</span></b> that conquering kings wore when they returned from battle. </li><li>The <b><span style="color: red;">spiritual victory crown</span></b> was reserved for <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 9:25; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10</span></b>). </li><li><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Paul remained faithful to the work God had entrusted him to do and to his faith.</span> </li><li>Thus, Paul was <b><span style="color: red;">confident </span></b>he would receive his <b><span style="color: red;">“crown of righteousness”</span></b> from Jesus Himself when Christ returns (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 1:12</span></b>). </li><li>This is <b><span style="color: red;">Judgment Day</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 3:13)</span></b>. </li></ol></ol><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><ul><li>The day which all Christians look forward to and hope for. </li><li>The day they hope to be rewarded with their own <b><span style="color: red;">“crown of righteousness”</span></b> if they remain faithful as <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> did (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Revelation 1:7; Revelation 22:20</span></b>). </li><li><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">That must be our most important goal in life!</span></b></i></li></ul></ul></ul></div><div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">There was no glorious crown upon Paul’s head, nor will there be upon ours while living in this world.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span><span style="color: #660000;">suffered as a mad man, for the world viewed him that way</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Cor. 5:13</span></b>), <b><span style="color: #660000;">inept</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Cor. 11:5</span></b>), and <b><span style="color: #660000;">cowardly</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Cor. 10:10</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Despite this terrible treatment from others, the time of his glorification had now come.</span> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>This glorious crown would never be taken away by evildoers (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pet. 5:4</span></b>). </li><li>He would now be exalted rather than debased because he had been faithful to our Lord Jesus (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pet. 5:6</span></b>). </li><li>This<b><span style="color: red;"> crown of righteousness, exaltation, and glory</span></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">would be given not only to Paul but also to all faithful followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Those who have suffered because of persecution and evildoers as they presented the Truth and lived it out.</span></b> </li></ol></ol><div><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Don’t we all anticipate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ anxiously to bring us home with Him and to eternal glory?!</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">III. <u>PAUL’S FINAL REQUEST TO TIMOTHY</u>:</span></b></div><div><blockquote><i>“Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:9-12</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Alone:</b></li></ul></div><div><i>“Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:10</span></b>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Paul’s final words to Timothy are an urgent request.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why?</span></b></i> Because <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>urges <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">to come to Rome quickly to see him before he dies.</span> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul wants to spend his last hours with his beloved friend and traveling companion.</span> Perhaps, Paul felt lonely and distressed because brethren were falling away from the faith to avoid persecution. </li><li><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Demas, mentioned in our text, deserted Paul when he needed him and went to Thessalonica, for he loved this world</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 6:19-34; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; 1 John 2:15</span></b>). </li><li><b><span style="color: #990000;">Demas was once a faithful brother in Christ</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24</span></b>). He was with Paul during his <b><span style="color: red;">first Roman imprisonment</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Col. 4:14; Phile. 24</span></b>). </li><li><b><span style="color: #660000;">Demas went back to the pleasures of this world because they were more dear to him than suffering for the cause of Christ.</span></b> </li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Titus</span></b> was a Gentile</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Galatians 2:1-4)</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">who <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>led to faith in Christ</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Titus 1:4</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">He worked side by side with Paul preaching the Gospel</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 15:2; 2 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 8:16-17; 2 Corinthians 2:12-13; 2 Corinthians 7:6-7; 2 Corinthians 7:13-14; 2 Corinthians 8:10; 2 Corinthians 8:17; 2 Corinthians 8:24</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Titus </span></b>was left behind in Crete to continue and strengthen the work when he and Paul went there</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Titus 1:5; Titus 3:12</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul</span></b> stated in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 10 </span></b>that <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Titus</span></b> had gone t<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">o Dalmatia, although, just like <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Crescens</span></b>, we’re not told why he went there.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div>Since all of<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul’s companions</span></b> had left for various reasons, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">it is easy to understand why Paul wants Timothy to come quickly to see him.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Demas </span><span style="color: #660000;">is the only one who deserted </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span><span style="color: #660000;"> in our context. That implies that</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Crescens</span><span style="color: #660000;"> and </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Titus</span><span style="color: #660000;"> left </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span><span style="color: #660000;"> to carry on the work of sharing the Gospel.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 11-12</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> said, </div><div><i><blockquote>“Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.” </blockquote></i></div><div><br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke</span></b> was the only one that was with <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul.</span></b> </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke</span></b> was a Physician. </li><li>He was with <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> during his <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">first arrest in Judea and his first imprisonment when he went to Rome.</span> </li><li>For a considerable part of <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s ministry</span></b>, Luke was his <b><span style="color: red;">traveling companion</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 16:10; Acts 27:1</span></b>). </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke</span></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“the beloved physician”</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Col. 4:14</span></b>), <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">continued with Paul in his times of distress.</span> </li></ol><div><br /></div><b><span style="color: #990000;">It is interesting that </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span><span style="color: #990000;"> asked</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Timothy </span><span style="color: #990000;">to bring </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark</span><span style="color: #990000;"> with him.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Because on his first missionary journey, when both Paul and Barnabas left Antioch, both got into a sharp disagreement over Mark, and both Barnabas and Mark left for Cyprus</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 13:13; Acts 15:36-41</span></b>). However, it is remarkable that <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>asked <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>to bring him to Rome because <b><span style="color: red;">he was useful to him.</span></b> It implies that now<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Mark </span></b>h<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">as grown and matured as a Christian, and the two have reconciled their differences and become close companions.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div>As mentioned in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 12</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Tychicus</span></b> was <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul’s beloved brother in Christ and a faithful evangelist in the Lord. He worked sharing the Gospel in Asia Minor</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; Titus 3:12</span></b>). No one knows why he sent him to Ephesus, although some suggest that <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>was <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"in the process of sending him to Ephesus,"</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">where he could deliver this letter to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b>.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 13</span></b>, <b style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span> </b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">makes one more final request to</span><b style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span>.</b></div><div><blockquote><i>“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:13</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>had left behind his coat when he went to Troas (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 16:8</span></b>) a<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">nd was now in need of it to keep him warm in the colder months of winter</span> ( <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:21</span></b>). </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>also asked <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> to bring the <b><span style="color: red;">“books”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">biblia</span></b>) or <b><span style="color: red;">scrolls</span></b> and the <b><span style="color: red;">“parchments”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">membranas</span></b>). </li></ol><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>The <b><span style="color: red;">scrolls</span></b> were rolls of paper made from the papyrus plant. Perhaps <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>was referring to portions of the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Old Testament Scriptures</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:15</span></b>) or <b><span style="color: red;">scrolls </span></b>written by himself. We are not told. </li><li>The <b><span style="color: red;">“parchments”</span></b> that <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Paul</b> </span>needed were made of tanned animal skins. They were used to write on them. They were also called<b><span style="color: red;"> “vellum.” </span></b></li><li>The <b><span style="color: red;">“parchments” </span></b>were different from the<b><span style="color: red;"> scrolls</span></b>; perhaps they were <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s writings</span></b> from the <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>New Testament</b></span>. Some Bible students have suggested that these <b><span style="color: red;">“parchments”</span></b> were <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">unfinished letters or letters written from churches</span>. Again we are not told much.</li></ul></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Hurt:</b></li></ul></div><div><i></i></div><blockquote><div><i>“Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:14-15</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Alexander stabbed Paul in the back. Paul mentions that Alexander did great harm to him.</span> We are not told exactly what <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Alexander</span></b> did to harm <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b>. The Scriptures mention <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">four Alexanders</span></b> in connection with<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul’s work</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Alexander,</span></b> the coppersmith, is most likely the same person Paul mentioned in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 1:20 and Acts 19:33.</span></b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><ol><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Alexande</span></b>r, the kindred of the High Priest (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 4:6</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Alexander</span></b>, the town clerk of Ephesus (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 19:33ff)</span></b>.</li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Alexander</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">who refused to repent, and Paul delivered his soul to Satan</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 1:20</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Alexander of 2 Tim. 4:14</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">who did much evil and harm to Paul and his work</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 4:14-15</span></b>). </li></ol></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">This brother in Christ is another example of those <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> mentioned earlier in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">chapter three</span></b> of this same letter <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">who claimed to be a follower of Christ but opposed Paul, his teachings, and his work</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:17-18</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">When someone harms us for teaching and proclaiming the Gospel, he is actually harming God’s work.</span> Because this man had <b><span style="color: red;">harmed</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s work of proclaiming the Gospel</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">God was going to judge him or repay him for the damage he caused Paul and his work</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Deuteronomy 32:35; Acts 19:33; Romans 12:19; 1 Timothy 1:20; Hebrews 10:30</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #990000;">Paul warned Timothy to be aware or on guard against him because he strongly opposed the Gospel message.</span></b> He was an <b><span style="color: red;">unrepentant brother</span></b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">who had no respect for God’s authority.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>firmly said to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy,</span><span style="color: red;"> “beware” </span></b>of this man. In a few words, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Timothy must keep watch and keep guard.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Deserted But Rescued:</b></li></ul></div><div><i></i><blockquote><i>“At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:16-18</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Paul’s First Defense in His Roman Trial: </span></b></li></ul></ul></div><div><i></i></div><blockquote><div><i>“At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:16</span></b>) </div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> speaks in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 16</span></b> about his <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">initial trial before Nero’s court</span></b>. He was no stranger to giving <b><span style="color: red;">defense in a trial setting</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 24:10; 25:8, 16; 26:2, 24</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">He said no one supported or stood by him at his first defense as a sympathizer, and everyone had deserted him. </span> It looks like even <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke</span></b> was not with him during his <b><span style="color: red;">first defense</span></b>. It was a time of <b><span style="color: red;">high stress and distress</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">for Paul and those few who were with him.</span> <span><i style="color: #660000; font-weight: bold;">How sad that Paul was abandoned by almost everyone when he needed them the most, just because they were afraid to suffer the same afflictions and persecutions! </i>It reminds</span> me of<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Job </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Job 19:13-17</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: red;">That had to be painful! </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Imagine feeling forsaken and forgotten when you’re going through high stress and affliction, and no one is there to encourage and strengthen you!</span></b></i> </div><div><br /></div><div>Yet, this is precisely what <b><span style="color: red;">our Lord and Savior</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">experienced during his darkest and final moments here on earth.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Everyone deserted our Lord and ran away!</span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Those who claim to be Jesus’ followers and Paul’s supporters hurt them with their actions.</span> Despite this, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> said, </div><div><i><blockquote>“May it not be charged (counted) against them!” </blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Although they hurt <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> and had wronged him, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">he did not speak ill of them and instead asked the Lord to forgive them for their wrong decisions.</span> </li><li><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">He did not hold that against them! </span></b></i></li><li>It reminds me of<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Stephen </span></b>and our <b><span style="color: red;">Lord Jesus</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 23:43; Acts 7:59-60</span></b>). </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> understood why they deserted him. </li><li>He also acknowledged that he was <b><span style="color: red;">not completely alone and forsaken</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">for the Lord stood by him, by his side</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Deuteronomy 32:6; Psalm 27:10; Job 5:17-19; Isaiah 14:1-2</span></b>).</li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 17</span></b>,<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"> Paul said that the Lord strengthened him even though everyone had deserted him.</span> </div><div><i><blockquote>“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.“</blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">I love this verse! </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">It is uplifting and speaks of God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness during our trials and difficulties.</span></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> acknowledged that the Lord stood by his side and strengthened him though all had forsaken him in his hour of intense trial. </li><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">He knew he could do all things through Jesus’ strength</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Phil. 4:13</span></b>). </li><li>It is remarkable that though <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Paul was on trial for his life before Nero</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">he had the right presence of mind to take advantage and preach the Gospel to the Gentile audience that was present.</span> </li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">God’s strength helped him preach the Gospel to the Gentiles</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">A</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">cts 9:15-16; Romans 1:10; Phil. 1:12</span></b>). </li><li><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul was well-known for taking advantage of every open door or opportunity to preach the Gospe</span>l (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts chapters 22, 24, 26</span></b>). </li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">He never gave up because the Lord was beside him and strengthened him.</span></b> </li><li>The Lord had not only strengthened Paul to preach the Gospel, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">but He also rescued him</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“from the lion’s mouth.” </span></b></i>That is <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">the verdict of death by Roman judgment from Nero</span>. </li><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul encouraged Timothy previously to keep pressing forward without fear because the Lord would rescue him from evildoers or wicked men</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:10-11</span></b>). </li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">He also reminded Timothy and us that God knows how to protect His children and bring them home to Him even in death.</span></b> </li></ol></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">IV. <u>FINAL GREETINGS</u>:</span></b></div><blockquote><div><i>“Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 timothy 4:19-22</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 19-22</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul begins with a final doxology as he contemplates the gracious and glorious heavenly Father. </span></div><blockquote><div> <i>“Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">4:19</span></b>). </div></blockquote><blockquote><div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Priscilla </span></b>and <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Aquila</span></b> (husband and wife) worked closely with <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pau</span></b>l on many of his evangelistic journeys.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>They helped <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> <b><span style="color: #990000;">establish a new church and were instrumental in their edification</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 18:2; Acts 18:18-20; Romans 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19</span></b>). </li><li>Paul greeted both Priscilla and Aquila because they dedicated themselves to the preaching of the Gospel with others (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 8:4</span></b>). </li><li>They also shared the same trade as tentmakers with Paul (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 18:2</span></b>). </li></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Onesiphorus</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">had apparently spent time with Paul in prison and had moved on</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 1:16</span></b>). We are not told much about Onesiphorus. However, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> describes him well in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 1:16</span></b>.</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Onesiphorus</span></b> means <b><span style="color: red;">“profit bringer”</span></b> or <b><span style="color: red;">“help bringer,”</span></b> and that’s precisely what he was doing with Paul. </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Onesiphorus</span></b> was a continual blessing to Paul and his work (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Philemon 20</span></b>). </li><li>He often refreshed <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b>. </li><li>He looked after <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s needs</span></b> as Paul continued to preach the Gospel to the lost. </li><li>He wasn’t ashamed of Paul’s chains. </li><li><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Onesiphorus</span></b> was not ashamed to have a friend and brother in Christ in prison and be associated with Paul</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 28:20; Philippians 1:15-18; Colossians 4:3; Colossians 4:18; Philemon 1:10; Philemon 1:13-14; Philemon 1:16</span></b>).</li><li>He searched for Paul until he found him. And though Rome was a huge city, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Onesiphorus went from place to place to find Paul</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 25:36</span></b>).</li></ol></div><div><p> </p><blockquote><i>“Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">4:20</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Erastus was the treasurer of the city of Corinth</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 16:23</span></b>). </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>When <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>preached in Ephesus for over two years, every <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jew and Greek </span></b>who lived in Asia heard the Word (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 19:10)</span></b>. </li><li>When<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul </span></b><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">was on his way to Jerusalem, he passed through Macedonia, where he saw an open door to preach the Gospel.</span> He sent <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Erastus</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> to Macedonia to preach the Gospel in Macedonia (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 19:22</span></b>). Paul mentions him here in this verse. </li><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">It appears that Erastus had returned home sick and was there at the time of this letter. </span></li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Trophimus</span></b> was a man of Asia who accompanied Paul on his third preaching journey at some point</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 20:4; Acts 21:29</span></b>). </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>He is the <b><span style="color: red;">Ephesian Gentile</span></b> that was with Paul in Jerusalem. </li><li><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The Jews accused Paul of bringing him unlawfully into the temple</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 21:29</span></b>). </li><li>They raised a tumult that resulted in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s imprisonment</span></b>. </li></ol></div><div><p> </p><p></p><blockquote><i>“Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:21-22</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Paul ends this letter by reminding and urging Timothy to do his best to come to him before winter arrives</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:9</span></b>). Paul didn’t have much time left to live. Apparently, he wanted his long-time companion and beloved friend <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>with him. And though there is little known about <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eubulu</span></b>s, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pudens, Linus, and Claudia</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">they and all other brethren from Rome sent their greetings to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy.</span></b></span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">They were not ashamed to be associated with Paul as a preacher of the Gospel of Christ</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Philippians 1:12-18</span></b>). </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s final words</span></b> to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>are from his heart,</span></div><blockquote><div><i>“The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:22</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b>, more than anyone, understood <b><span style="color: red;">the need for the Grace of God</span></b> because he had received it himself. </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s hope</span></b> is that <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>and we would always walk in Truth to receive God’s glorious and gracious promises. </li><li><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Paul had finished his race of faith and had fulfilled his ministry well.</span> </li><li>He was ready to die and receive <b><span style="color: red;">his reward.</span></b> </li><li><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">He wanted Timothy and all of us to do the same.</span> </li></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: red;">So, how will you finish? Will you finish like Paul? </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The study of this second letter to Timothy from Paul has been uplifting and refreshing to my soul. </span> I have benefited immensely from<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul’s written words</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">They have strengthened my faith and my walk with my Lord.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">In this letter, Paul reminds us of the race that God has set before us and that we must finish well.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">To finish that race well, we must proclaim the Word, for they are the sacred Scriptures that can make us wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:15</span></b>). They can also make us complete, lacking nothing (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:17</span></b>). Our <b><span style="color: red;">teaching and instruction</span></b> must come from the Word. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">We cannot finish the race victoriously unless we learn and grow in that Word and teach that Word to others.</span> The Word must be taught because <b><span style="color: red;">we will face the judgment of God, both the living and the dead.</span></b> We all must appear in judgment (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Cor. 5:9-11</span></b>). The Word must be proclaimed <b><span style="color: red;">in season and out of season</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The Word must be proclaimed whether it is convenient or not.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Paul warned Timothy about the need for diligence in preaching the Word of God at all times.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why? </span></b></i> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Because people will not endure <b><span style="color: red;">sound doctrine</span></b>. </li><li>They were going <b><span style="color: red;">to gather themselves teachers</span></b> according to their own desires. </li><li>They were going to have <b><span style="color: red;">tickling or itching ears</span></b>. </li><li>They were going <b><span style="color: red;">to turn their ears away from the Truth</span></b> and be turned aside to <b><span style="color: red;">fables or myths</span></b>. </li></ol><div><br /></div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">They will turn away from the Truth to find their own teachers to tell them what they want to hear, like</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Ahab in 2 Chronicles 18:7</b></span>. <i><b><span style="color: red;">Nothing has changed today. Why? </span></b></i> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Because we have many, who desire to do what feels good and right to them without regard to the Truth. </li><li>Because they are enslaved to sin (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 8:34</span></b>). </li><li>Sadly, they will miss heaven. </li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Throughout this letter, Paul contrasts the evil false teachers and Timothy several times.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>has charged <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> to do the <b><span style="color: red;">serious work of an evangelist</span></b>, though <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>knew the <b><span style="color: red;">heartaches and pain</span></b> that came with such work. He exhorted <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">to be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist and fulfill his ministry.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">As Paul looked back on his life, he found satisfaction because he had faithfully served the Lord and accomplished what He had entrusted him to do.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul was confident as he looked forward to Judgment Day and the heavenly kingdom.</span> He could joyfully proclaim, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“I am already being offered.”</span></b></i> In other translations, it reads, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“I am already being poured out as a drink offering.”</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">As a drink offering poured upon the altar of God, Paul suffered for proclaiming the Gospel and for doing precisely the same work that he had charged Timothy to do.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> poured out his soul to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>to encourage <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span><span style="color: red;">to take his mantle and continue doing Paul’s work.</span></b> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Paul fought the good fight of faith. He won his spiritual warfare as a good soldier of Christ.</span> <b><span style="color: red;">He finished the task the Lord had given to him: to testify to the gospel of the grace of God </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 9:15-16; Acts 20:23-24; Acts 21:12-14; 1 Timothy 6:12</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">He finished the race, that is, the work of proclaiming the Gospel was complete</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Philippians 3:14</span></b>). The Christian race allows everyone who wants to take part to be <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">winners if they finish the race well</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 20:8; 2 Timothy 4:8</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul finished well because he kept the faith, that is, he remained faithful to the teachings of the Scriptures and defended them with all his heart and soul</span> (<span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Jude 3</b></span>). </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Paul was confident that because of his godly life and faithful service to God, a</span> <b><span style="color: red;">crown of righteousness</span></b> would be <b><span style="color: red;">reserved </span></b>for him and given to him on that day. Paul also knew what was <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">waiting for him</span> and us, for he said, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“…and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing.”</span></b></i> However, that <b><span style="color: red;">crown of righteousness and glory</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">can only be awarded to us if we fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. It demands great endurance.</span> Paul had accomplished this in his life and was ready for the <b><span style="color: red;">Lord’s appearing</span></b>. </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> fought the good fight because he did not walk out of the ring.</li><li>He did not stop fighting Satan’s work. </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> finished the race well because he did not sit down during that race and give up.</li><li>He endured and continued steadfastly in that race until he finished. </li><li><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul kept the faith.</span> </li><li>He did not let go of his faith when life became <b><span style="color: red;">difficult </span></b>because he held on to his faith and put his hope in that faith until his last breath.</li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div>The<b><span style="color: red;"> crown of life and glory</span></b> demands <b><span style="color: red;">great endurance</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">and that we fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. </span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Paul ends this letter with some painful words.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Demas had deserted him because he loved this present world more than the world to come.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Demas</span></b> labored with <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Paul</b> </span>in the preaching of the Gospel. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The pleasures of this world broke him.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">We cannot finish the race if we love this world</span>. We cannot <b><span style="color: red;">keep the faith, fight the good fight, and receive the crown at His appearing</span></b> if we love this world. Listen to the apostle <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John’s words</span></b>.</div><blockquote><div><i>"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. "</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 2:15–17</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">The love of the Father is not in us when we love this world.</span> When we love this world, we are going to <b><span style="color: red;">fail</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Satan will take our love for this world and press us to abandon the Lord.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">You can rest assured of that!</span></b></i> Loving the world makes us <b><span style="color: red;">weak and defenseless</span></b> against the attacks of our adversary. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Paul is writing this down about Demas to remind and warn us! </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>In this letter,<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul</span></b> also mentions <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Alexander</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Alexander claimed to be a follower of Jesus but opposed Paul and his work, the preaching of the Gospel.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Alexander stabbed Paul in the back. Alexander did great harm to him.</span></b> As Paul stated earlier in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">chapter 3</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Alexander</span></b> was one of those <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> described as <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">lovers of self, only having an appearance of godliness.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">That is why Paul urged Timothy to watch out for Alexander, just like he said earlier about all those false Christians Timothy must avoid</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:5</span></b>).</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">In Paul’s first defense, no one stood by him. Everyone deserted him.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">How painful this must have been!</span></b></i> They<b><span style="color: red;"> abandoned</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> when he needed them <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">to strengthen him and be with him</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Jesus experienced the same during his darkest moments on this earth.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Everyone deserted Him and ran away! </span></b></i> Yet <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s words</span></b> in v<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">erse 16 </span></b>were. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“May it not be counted against them.” </span></b></i>The brethren<b><span style="color: red;"> hurt </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> through their actions. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Although they wronged Paul, he asked the Lord to forgive them and not count it against them.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Paul was alone and hurt.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">How did he finish the race? </span></b></i>Let us read <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:17</span></b>.</div><div><i><blockquote>“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.” </blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">The Lord stood with Paul and gave him strength so he could preach the Gospel to the Gentiles</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 9:15-16; Romans 1:10; Philippians 1:12</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #990000;">Paul praised the Lord for rescuing him from every evil work and bringing him safely into the heavenly kingdom.</span></b> Despite all this <b><span style="color: red;">forsaking and betrayal</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">it is remarkable that Paul kept his faith in God and trusted Him to help him carry him through.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">It is a fact that everyone will let us down at some point! </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Indeed, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">our walk of faith is difficult, especially when we are persecuted for living a godly life in Christ Jesus.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">However, Paul reminded Timothy and us to be faithful and loyal in serving the Lord until our last breath.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">He urged Timothy to have self-control and endure hardship.</span> That same principle applies to us today. <b><span style="color: red;">So we must do the work God wants us to do and endure hardship.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">God will not let us down, for He is faithful.</span> The Lord gave Paul <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">the strength he needed</span>.<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul </span></b>reminded <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> of what <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">the Lord had done for him amid hurt and hardships so that he would be strong also. The Lord will strengthen us also to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Paul wants to remind us that we are not alone even when we feel hurt, betrayed, and alone.</span> Paul reminds us of<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> God’s steadfast love and protection even in death, for He wants to bring us home to Him.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We need Paul’s confidence in God.</span> </div><div> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div>Thus, <i><b><span style="color: red;">how will you finish?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Will you finish like Paul?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Although Paul was abandoned, alone, had no one to encourage him, and had great harm done to him, he did not allow those things to keep him from finishing the race of his faith.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">We must not stop fighting the fight but finish the race well when others hurt us, abandon us and let us down. We must not fail, for we will lose what is waiting for us, the crown of righteousness.</span></b> <b><span style="color: #660000;">We must not give in and let them take our reward away from us</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">We must not turn back and love this world, for we will lose what is laid up for us.</span> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">We must stand up in the faith, proclaim the Gospel, endure hardship and finish the race victoriously.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Let us stand up for Christ and His righteousness when it is convenient and when it is inconvenient!</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div>May we finish our race of faith well, proclaim the Word, for they are the sacred Scriptures that can make us wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus. May we grow in God's Word to teach it to others and finish victoriously. May we be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, and proclaim the Gospel to others to save them. May we look back at the end of our lives and find satisfaction as Paul did because we have faithfully served our Lord. May we keep the faith, remain faithful to the teachings of the Scriptures, and defend them with all our hearts and soul. May we never love this world but rather fight our good fight of faith and keep our faith to finish well and receive our crown of righteousness reserved for us in heaven.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>~Luci</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-54251748734588548932022-07-30T18:57:02.081-05:002022-08-16T12:39:06.283-05:00"THE LAST DAYS"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiodYJh5ACTo5s6evCPQ154Zp-nrCbrS12rMqcdNn5_akJ9_1W1X76XnoH2U00lmIui21ui8Ois3vpU8HMA0IwGy3R-zpq5N7ZBfsFvjBW8UpyGtv9qk3D8q-V26MP5nO8CBipHDoLALtYoa9RmG3YwvrCz08hnrf4rgBGfIR_4Es4k0X0-y7dQBmwiw/s1800/Jean-Le%CC%81on_Ge%CC%81ro%CC%82me_-_The_Christian_Martyrs'_Last_Prayer_-_Walters_37113.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1800" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiodYJh5ACTo5s6evCPQ154Zp-nrCbrS12rMqcdNn5_akJ9_1W1X76XnoH2U00lmIui21ui8Ois3vpU8HMA0IwGy3R-zpq5N7ZBfsFvjBW8UpyGtv9qk3D8q-V26MP5nO8CBipHDoLALtYoa9RmG3YwvrCz08hnrf4rgBGfIR_4Es4k0X0-y7dQBmwiw/w400-h233/Jean-Le%CC%81on_Ge%CC%81ro%CC%82me_-_The_Christian_Martyrs'_Last_Prayer_-_Walters_37113.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:1-5</span></b></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>wrote <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> these words, there were churches throughout the Roman empire. Everywhere, the unbelieving Jews grew more hostile and cunning, entering churches pretending to be believers and wreaking great havoc. The end of the Jerusalem Temple drew near, and the great persecution was growing stronger. These were <b><span style="color: red;">"end-times"</span></b> for them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There is a lot of confusion in the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"religious world" </span></b>concerning the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"last days." </span></b>Many speculate, looking for signs to prove we are in the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"last days."</span></b> They claim there will be wars and terrors that would point to the<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> end of the world </span></b>and that Jesus is coming. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">It is amazing how many books have been sold on the subject of "The Last Days!"</span></b></i> They have posters that say, <i><b><span style="color: red;">"The End Is Near! We are in the last days!"</span></b></i> I wonder if they really study their Bible to find out what the Bible actually teaches concerning <b><span style="color: red;">"the last days."</span></b> I want to stress that <b><span style="color: red;">"the last days"</span></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Paul is talking about began two thousand years ago and will continue until Christ comes again</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 10:11; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1; Heb. 1:2; Jam. 5:3; 1 Pet. 1:20; 2 Pet. 3:3; 1 John 2:18; Jude 18</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">When Christ comes again, it will not be the beginning of <b><span style="color: red;">"the last days." </span></b></span><i><b><span style="color: red;">Why?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Because it will be the end of the</span> <b><span style="color: red;">"last days" </span></b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">when the last enemy, death, is destroyed</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 15:23-26</span></b>), <b><span style="color: red;">at the very last trumpet</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 15: 51-57</span></b>), <b><span style="color: red;">on the very last day</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 6:39, 40, 44, 54; 11:24; 12:48</span></b>). </div><p><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We must understand that our Lord Jesus will not come again to reign on earth for another thousand years or even one day!</span></b></i> </p><p>We have been living in the <span style="color: red;"><b>"last days"</b> </span>since Jesus came to earth. The <b><span style="color: red;">"last days"</span></b> are the days of the <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Messiah, not the end of the world.</span> You see, several centuries before the<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> birth of Christ</span></b>, the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">prophet Joel</span></b> foretold that the <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Spirit of God would be poured out in the</span> <b><span style="color: red;">"last days." </span></b> </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. 29 Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Joel 2:28-29</span></b>) </blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 2:17</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Peter</span></b> quoted from <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Joel 2 </span></b><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">to describe the days in which they were living at that time</span> ("<b><span style="color: red;">the last days"</span></b>). Notice what Peter said at that point in time as living in <b><span style="color: red;">"the last days."</span></b></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” </i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Paul begins <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">chapter 3</span></b> of this <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">letter to Timothy </span></b>by reminding him of the <b><span style="color: red;">great apostasy </span></b>which was to occur in the church in the<b><span style="color: red;"> "last days." </span></b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Timothy was living in</span> <b><span style="color: red;">"the last days."</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span><span style="color: #660000;"> warns </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span><span style="color: #660000;"> about the moral decline that would occur in </span><span style="color: red;">"the last days"</span><span style="color: #660000;"> (times of difficulty or terrible times), describing the characteristics or conditions of the people during those times.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> had to turn away from such people. <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>urged <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>to follow the sound doctrine he had learned from him and his manner of life.</span> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Likewise, he pressed <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> to be aware of the <b><span style="color: red;">persecution</span></b> that will befall those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus.</span> It would be hard to live as <b><span style="color: red;">godly Christians</span></b> during the <b><span style="color: red;">"last days."</span></b> There would be <b><span style="color: red;">terrible times</span></b> for those who are trying to follow Jesus. However, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> urged <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">to continue steadfast in his faith despite all these terrible things that were about to take place.</span> He <b><span style="color: red;">reminded</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> <b><span style="color: #660000;">of those things he had learned since childhood to make him wise, complete, and thoroughly equipped for every good work.</span></b> </div><p>We cannot deny that we all need <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">encouragement during difficult times</span>, especially amid <b><span style="color: red;">persecution and fearful times</span></b>. We all need encouragement to continue <b><span style="color: red;">steadfast in our faith</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul's purpose</span></b> in this <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">letter to Timothy</span></b> is<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> to strengthen his faith and to make him aware of life as a faithful disciple of Jesus.</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Paul</b></span><b style="color: #660000;"> encouraged </b><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b><b style="color: #660000;"> not to be ashamed but rather to use his gifts or talents as a good soldier and vessel of honor in God's house.</b> </p><p>I am enjoying my studies of<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul's second letter to Timothy</span></b>. It strengthens my faith and gives me joy and hope during <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">difficult times, especially persecution</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">God's breathed Word can accomplish this like no other written book! </span></b></i></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:12</span></b>). </p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The Word of God warns us that those who want to live godly will encounter difficult times.</span> Yet, at the same time, that same Word teaches us we can overcome trouble in life through <b><span style="color: red;">faith in Jesus</span></b>. </div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">God called Timothy to turn away from false teachers and to stand alone.</span> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Timothy was to remain faithful to Jesus even in times of persecution.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We must embrace persecution!</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:11–12</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">We must persevere in our faith despite our circumstances. To persevere is challenging when we are enduring persecution.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> It is easy to give up! </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">However, we must read and study the Word of God to allow His message to help and strengthen us.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">God's breathed Word points to our need for faith in Jesus, our Lord. His Word helps us live out our faith. Part of living out our faith is experiencing suffering for the cause of Christ.</span></b> </p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Indeed, Jesus suffered. If Jesus faced suffering, so must we</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 10:24-25</span></b>). As strong as Paul's<span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b> faith</b></span> in God was, he still needed <b><span style="color: red;">encouragement</span></b>. However, we do not have to experience suffering alone. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jesus promised to be with us in the midst of our suffering</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:16-17</span></b>). We must be willing <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">to endure sufferings for the cause of Christ and share in His sufferings and the sufferings of those who stand up for the Gospel of Christ.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I. <u>DIFFICULT TIMES WILL COME</u>:</span></b> </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“But understand this, that i<b>n the last days there will come times of difficulty.</b> 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:1-5</span></b>)</blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">A Description of These Difficult Times:</b> </li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">They Will Come in "The Last Days":</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><p></p><p></p><blockquote><p>“<i>But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:1</span></b>) </p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The word <b><span style="color: red;">"But"</span></b> connects <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">chapter 3</span></b> with the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">previous chapters</span></b>. Paul depicts an understandable picture of <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">God's trustworthy Truth</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Despite how men might try to suppress or disregard the Truth, that Truth will remain a firm foundation.</span> </div><p> Often in the Bible, the <b><span style="color: red;">"last days" </span></b>refer to <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">the time of Christ and the time that followed.</span> The writer of <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews </span></b>states that he was living in the <b><span style="color: red;">"last days."</span></b></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but <b>in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son</b>, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 1:1–2</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">The Hebrew writer declares without a doubt the existence of God</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Genesis 1:1; John 1:1</span></b>). Notice what he said in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 1:1</span></b>.</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets.”</i></p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The writer simply states, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"At many times in many ways."</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">What do you think that implies?</span></b></i> I<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">t implies that God had more to say and that each prophet did not convey the final message.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why? </span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Because God's whole Truth was not revealed yet. God's revelation was not complete yet.</span></b> We know from the Word of God that He spoke to the<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><span style="color: red;">patriarchs</span></b>, and later, He spoke through the <b><span style="color: red;">prophets, dreams, and visions</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">However, God was not done revealing His Word.</span> </div><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 1:2</span></b>, the writer starts this verse with the word <b><span style="color: red;">"But," </span></b>saying,</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“2 But in t<b>hese last days</b> he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">It is a Messianic reference.</span> The <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrew writer</span></b> uses the word <b><span style="color: red;">"But" </span></b>to stress the contrast between <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">how God spoke His revealed Word to us in the past and how He spoke His final and complete revelation through His Son Jesus.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;"> So, why am I saying all this?</span></b></i> Because many of our friends use the term <b><span style="color: red;">"last days"</span></b> to speak of the <b><span style="color: red;">end of the world</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">It does not mean the end of the world!</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Did you know the phrase in the </span><span style="color: red;">"last days"</span><span style="color: #660000;"> was used in the Greek Septuagint in </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Genesis 49</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">:1</span><span style="color: #660000;"> in the exact same way to mean at some point in the future (</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Tim. 4:1</span><span style="color: #660000;">)?</span></b></i> Many have been proclaiming the <b><span style="color: red;">end of the world</span></b> since <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">66 A.D</span>. </b> Take for instance the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jehovah's Witnesses</span></b> who have tried to predict the end of the world at least three times. </div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">There are other different and new predictions made all the time.</span> They all <b><span style="color: red;">predict and warn</span></b> us, saying that we are living in <b><span style="color: red;">"the last days." </span></b>They give us all kinds of <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">predictions and signs past and presen</span></b>t to affirm what they're saying. And though their claim is false, it is true that we Christians are living in <b><span style="color: red;">"the last days." </span></b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The only difference is that we have been living in the last days for the last two thousand years.</span> So when<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul </span></b>tells <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> about<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b> trouble and difficulty</b></span> in <b><span style="color: red;">"the last days,"</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">he is not speaking of a future time of more than 2,000 years away.</span> Rather, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> were living in <b><span style="color: red;">"</span><span style="color: red;">the last days." </span></b><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">We will continue to live in the last days until Jesus' return.</span> </p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">The apostles understood they were living in the last days.</span> In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 24:1-35</span></b>, Jesus used the same language when speaking of <b><span style="color: red;">those days</span></b>. In our context, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jesus' disciples </span></b>came privately to Him and asked Him, </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?' And so, Jesus answered their questions. 'And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!”'</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 24:19</span></b>). </blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In our passage, Jesus used the words <b><span style="color: red;">"those days"</span></b> to describe <b><span style="color: red;">the destruction of Jerusalem</span></b>. However, in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 24:36</span></b> through <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 26:46</span></b>, Jesus used the words <b><span style="color: red;">"that day" </span></b>to describe what will occur at<b><span style="color: red;"> the end of the world</span></b>. <b><span style="color: red;">"The last days"</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">was that time the prophets looked forward when they spoke,</span> saying, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"In those days and at that time."</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even if the world continues to exist for another thousand years, we still would be living in the last days (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 1:1-2</span></b>). Notice that when<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul</span></b> spoke of these <b><span style="color: red;">"difficult times"</span></b> that were to take place, he said, <i><b><span style="color: red;">"in the last days."</span></b></i> In other words, <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Paul at no point is saying these things that were to take place would happen just before Jesus' second coming.</span> When he spoke of <b><span style="color: red;">"the last days,"</span></b> he was saying they were already occurring in <b style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul and Timothy's lifetime</b>. <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> stresses to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> that he must understand that <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">there will be difficult times in the last days</span>. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Things were going to get very difficult for the saints! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">The saints would have to deal with difficult circumstances because of those who opposed the will of God. </span> </div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">There will be difficult times because of the ungodliness of men.</span> Paul then goes on to list many <b><span style="color: red;">non-Christ-like attitudes</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">However, Paul urged Timothy to have nothing to do with such people but rather avoid them.</span> Again, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> was living in<b><span style="color: red;"> "the last days,"</span></b> the days of the <b><span style="color: red;">great apostasy</span></b>. </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Such apostasy was at hand (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 1:2; 2 Peter 3:3; 1 John 2:18; Jude 17-18</span></b>).</li><li>Such days were to be terrible or difficult times. </li><li>There were going to be times of danger, persecution, suffering, and many trials (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-3</span></b>)</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">The Characteristics of Those in "The Last Days":</b> </li></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:2-5</span></b>)</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: red;">False Followers (Carnal-minded Brethren):</span></b></li></ul></div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">This would be happening during the days of Paul and Timothy.</span> In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:2-5</span></b>, Paul describes the characteristics of those <b><span style="color: red;">followers of Jesus</span></b> during these <b><span style="color: red;">"last days."</span></b> And though Paul describes these <b><span style="color: #660000;">traits among these brethren, nothing has changed, for we can find the same kind of heart today.</span></b> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Lovers of self</b> </span>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Philippians 2:21; 2 Timothy 3:5</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">They claim to love God but do not love Him because they love themselves.</span></li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lovers of money</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 6:14; 2 Peter 2:3</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Proud and arrogant</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 1:30; Jude 16; 1 Timothy 4:6</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Abusive</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 1:13; 1 Timothy 1:20</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Disobedient to their parents</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 1:30; Ephesians 6:1-4</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ungrateful</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Proverbs 17:13; 1 Corinthians 4:7</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Unholy</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 1:9</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Without love or heartless</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 1:31</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Unappeasable and unforgiving</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 18:23-35</span></b>). </li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Slanderers</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 1:29-30</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Without self-control</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Proverbs 25:28</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brutal and cruel</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Judges 1:7</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Not lovers of good</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 1:31</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Treacherous and disloyal</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 2:10</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">They betray their friends.</span></li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rash and reckless</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ecclesiastes 5:2</span></b>).</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Conceited </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 4:18</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> They are puffed up with pride.</span></li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Philippians 3:19; 2 Peter 2:13</span></b>)</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Having the appearance of godliness but denying its power</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 5:8; Titus 1:16</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">They claim to be religious within the church, having some form of godliness</span> (<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">appearance of devotion to God</span>). They are <b><span style="color: red;">hypocrites</span></b> who claim to have some connection to God, <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">yet they live blasphemous and sinful lives contrary to Jesus and His Teaching.</span> </li></ol></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">After Paul had finished warning Timothy about these false followers,</span> notice the <b><span style="color: red;">strong words</span></b> he told Timothy.</div><p><i><b><span style="color: #990000;"></span></b></i></p><blockquote><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“Avoid such people.”</span></b></i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Why must they be avoided? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Because fake Christians (false followers) are dangerous in the church.</span> Consider <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul's</span><span style="color: red;"> warning</span></b> to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> concerning these <b><span style="color: red;">false brethren.</span></b></div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“<b>Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people</b>. 6 <b>For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth</b>. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, <b>so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.</b> 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:5-9</span></b>) </div><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Timothy must avoid those who are false Christians (deceivers), and so must we! </span></b></i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">They win others with their erroneous way of thinking</span> and will go to any length to do it. </li><li><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">They pretend they want to help but have alternative motives.</span> </li><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">They take advantage of gullible women,</span> that is, women weak in the faith. </li><li><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">The apostasy is seen as they led these women into immoral behavior</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Thessalonians 2:7; Revelation 2:20-23</span></b>). </li><li>These weak women were already <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"burned with sin,"</span></b></i> that is, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">they were already struggling with sin and thus were easy prey for these deceivers.</span> </li><li>Sadly, these weak women (<b><span style="color: red;">gullible women</span></b>) <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">put themselves under the care of these religious teachers and fake Christians (deceivers).</span> </li><li>Although these <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">deceivers were learning, they never obtained the true knowledge of the way of salvation.</span> They might have learned some things but never learned how to walk the narrow way of the Christian faith (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Thessalonians 2:10-12</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">It sounds very familiar, doesn't it!</span></b></i></li></ol></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Why would God's saints be facing difficult and dangerous times?</span></b></i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The answer is evident in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:2-9</span></b>. Paul explained the<b><span style="color: red;"> reasons</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">I must stress that Paul was not talking about the condition of the sinful or nonbelievers when he listed the sins that the followers of Jesus would be committing.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><span style="color: #660000;">However, this list of sins will always be true for nonbelievers.</span></b><span style="color: #660000;"> <b>Those who do not belong to Jesus.</b></span> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Paul's warning to Timothy was going to happen within the church</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 John 1:10-11; 2 Corinthians 6:17</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Timothy must have nothing to do with these fake or false followers</span> (<b><span style="color: red;">deceivers and impostors</span></b>,<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Matthew 23:3; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Timothy 6:5</span></b>).</div><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Nothing is surprising about these characteristics mentioned in</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:2-5</span></b> among <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">sinful and carnal-minded brethren</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">They are evident among those who defy Jesus.</span> Paul declared that these would be difficult times because those who claim to be <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">followers of Christ would be practicing such</span> <b><span style="color: red;">sinful things</span></b>. They would behave just like nonbelievers. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Today is no different, for we will always have faithful and unfaithful followers of Christ.</span> </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“<b>For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions</b>, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:6-9</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><blockquote><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Verses 6-9</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">tell us why they are dangerous</span>. In v<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">erse 6</span></b>, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>We see that they take advantage of others, especially the weak. </li><li>They worm their way into relationships and homes. </li><li>They target the guilty and those who are weighed down by sin, taking advantage of the circumstances. </li></ol></ol><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></div>Paul warned Timothy about these false and carnal-minded brethren</span> (<b><span style="color: red;">deceivers</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">He also warns us today to avoid these people because they are dangerous! </span></b></i></div><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 7</span></b>,<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> Paul stops and tells us something about these deceivers</span> (<b><span style="color: red;">false, carnal brethren</span></b>). Notice what Paul said.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.”</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>These <b><span style="color: red;">weak and carnal-minded brethren</span></b> are always learning, as Paul said, but are not able to take a stand in their faith or draw the correct conclusion from what they're reading in the Scriptures. </li><li>Sadly, <b><span style="color: red;">their supposed knowledge</span></b> does not help them or do any good in their lives and way of thinking. <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Because they never do what they learn.</span> You see, false and carnal-minded brethren (<b><span style="color: red;">deceivers</span></b>) <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">are not doers of the Word.</span> And though they might hear the Word over and over, the Word cannot penetrate their hearts to transform or change their <b><span style="color: red;">bad habits and sinful behavior</span></b>. </li><li><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">They allow the flesh to rule them, and they oppose the Truth.</span> </li><li>Again, God calls us to <b><span style="color: red;">avoid them</span></b>, f<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">or they are corrupted in their mind, and thus, their faith is worthless.</span> </li></ol></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">These false brethren or false teachers cannot thrive and flourish because their</span> <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">folly and carnality </span><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">will be<span style="color: red;"><b> </b></span>evident to everyone</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 8-9</span></b>).</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 <b>But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men</b>.” </i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jannes</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jambre</span></b>s <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">opposed the miracles God was doing through Moses and Aaron and resisted God's designated leadership</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Exodus 7:8-13; Exodus 7:19-23; Exodus 8:5-7; Exodus 8:16-19</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Jannes and Jambres worked miracles by the power of darkness, not God's power.</span> One of the distinct characteristics <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>warned <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> in <b><span style="color: red;">"the last days"</span></b> of those <b><span style="color: red;">false brethren and false teachers</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">was the apparent ability to perform miracles by the power of darkness and the willingness of other brethren to receive them as authentic</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Corinthians 11:15: 2 Thessalonians 2:9: Revelation 13:13-15</span></b>). Just as J<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">annes</span></b> and<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Jambres </span></b>o<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">pposed the Truth regarding God and His authority, these false teachers among the brethren will oppose the Truth about Christ and His authority.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Does that not sound familiar? </span></b></i></div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">The minds of these false brethren and false teachers are depraved and focused on evil</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 6:5</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">They teach false doctrine and disagree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus. They do not promote godliness. God commands us to reject false teachers</span></b><b style="color: #cc0000;"> </b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">(their carnal mindset and falsehood). He commands us to expose them and avoid them.</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b> (John 12:48; Romans 1:28; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5</b></span>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jannes</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jambre</span></b> were eventually exposed before all.</span> Their <b><span style="color: red;">ungodliness and falsehood</span></b> were exposed before everyone (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Exodus 7:11-12; Exodus 8:18; Exodus 9:11</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Those who oppose the Truth and are corrupted in mind must be disqualified regarding the faith.</span> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Time eventually will reveal or expose their carnality and falsehood. </li><li>We cannot pretend to be something we are not for too long. </li><li>Our carnality and sins will find us out sooner or later. </li><li>They will come out to the light. </li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Paul lists these <b><span style="color: red;">carnal and false brethren's behavior</span></b> in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:2-5</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Sadly, the consequences of these brethren's behavior become evident.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">The world and the church will see and understand what they are and what they teach. And though they might hide and deceive many for a while, the truth about them will eventually become evident to those with an honest and sincere heart. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">II. <u>A REMINDER AND FINAL CHARGE TO TIMOTHY</u>:</span></b></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i><b>“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured</b>; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:10-13</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Paul's Example:</b></li></ul></div><p><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Paul's life and faithful service to God is such an inspiration to me!!</span></b></i> </p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> knew<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> Paul's teachings, sound doctrine, life manner, purpose, love, faithfulness, and perseverance</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 10-11</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>was like a son to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Paul spent several years teaching Timothy. They served the Lord together</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Philippians 2:20; Philippians 2:22; 1 Thessalonians 2:1; 1 Timothy 4:6</span></b>). Timothy knew <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul's</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">faithfulness and longsuffering</span></b> for the sake of the Gospel. He knew Paul could<b><span style="color: red;"> endure </span></b>everything for the sake of the elect of God. Paul was longsuffering even with those who opposed him. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Indeed, Paul is an excellent example of longsuffering and endurance, for he loved others just as Jesus our Lord</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 13:4-8; Romans 5:3-4</span></b>). </p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Do Not Be Shaken And Embrace Persecution:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Why is Paul telling Timothy these things quoted in</b> </span><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:10-13</span><span style="color: red;">?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Because Paul wanted to make Timothy aware of how he had lived a godly life despite his sufferings and persecution.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted. That is a truth that the faithful of God must embrace!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul told Timothy these things to warn him of false brethren and false teachers who would hurt him shortly.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>needed to watch out for them and <b><span style="color: red;">avoid them</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Isn't it something that these false brethren, deceivers, and false teachers were also the reason for Paul's suffering! </span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">How sad that our worst persecutors come from within, our brethren! </span></b></i> Again, this <b><span style="color: red;">persecution</span></b> that Paul is warning Timothy about would come from those who claimed to be followers of Jesus. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">It would be coming from those he trusted because they claimed to be followers of Jesus, his brethren.</span> </p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Paul suffered great persecution in the cities of Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 13:44-52; Acts 14:1-20; Acts 16:1</span></b>). He praised God for rescuing him from his persecution. <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span><span style="color: #660000;">assured </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span><span style="color: #660000;"> that persecutions and trials were to be expected by all who wanted to live godly and holy lives.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Any faithful Christian must expect opposition, suffering, and persecution</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 34:19; John 15:19; Matthew 10:22; Matthew 10:38-39; Acts 14:22</span></b>). </p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Paul urges Timothy and us not to let evil persecutors shake our faith (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 11-12</span></b>)</span>. Notice what Paul says in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 13</span></b>,</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">It is a fact that evildoers and imposters will go from bad to worse, as in Paul's and Timothy's days.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> It is sure to happen to us today!</span></b></i> Evildoers and imposters go from bad to worse. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The persecution these Christians endured went from bad to worse</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Thessalonians 2:1-3</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #990000;">Today, God's faithful children will have to endure the same. </span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Notice that Paul declared that these evildoers and impostors will deceive others and be deceived at the same time.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">They will deceive others into believing that they are true and righteous when, in fact, they are false and unrighteous.</span></b> </div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Sadly, evil will continue, and things will not get better. Evil will not stop.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why?</span></b></i> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Because evildoers and impostors will never stop coming along. </li><li>They will go on from bad to worse. </li><li>They will continue deceiving and being deceived because they do not love the Truth. </li><li><i><b>They are very dangerous! </b></i>Thus we must avoid them, for they are like gangrene that spreads, causing a lot of harm and destruction.<i><b><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></b></i></li></ol></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In Today's world, we have many <b><span style="color: red;">so-called Christians </span></b>who claim to be <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">prophets, perform miracles and heal others</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">They are nothing but deceivers and impostors!</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></b></i> They <b><span style="color: red;">deceive </span></b>many into believing that they are<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> truthful and sincere as they claim to be from God</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">They end up deceiving themselves with their own dangerous deceptions, for they do not love the Truth of God</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Thessalonians 2:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; 1 Timothy 4:1; Titus 3:3; 1 John 1:8; 1 John 2:26</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: red;">We must not go by the motives of others, we must test them by God's Truth! </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 4:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 5:21</span></b>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">III. <u>THE POWER AND VALUE OF THE SCRIPTURES</u>: </span></b></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 <b>and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesu</b>s. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:14-17</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:14-17</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Paull encourages Timothy to continue steadfast in what he has firmly believed.</span> Those things he had been assured of, knowing from who he had learned them (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 14</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul reminds Timothy of what he learned from his childhood in the Holy Scriptures.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">I can relate to this since I had a wonderful and God-fearing mother who instilled in me the value and those principles found in the Scriptures!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Timothy was taught the power, the value, and instruction of the Scriptures</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 15:4</span></b>).</div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Timothy's grandmother <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lois </span></b>and his mother <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eunice </span></b>had done a great job raising him in the instruction of the Word of God (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5</span></b>). </li><li>Timothy had learned the inspired Truth of God, which made him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:3-5; Colossians 1:9; Colossians 3:16</span></b>). </li><li>The wisdom that Timothy learned from the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Old Testament Scriptures </span></b>would prepare him to endure and face all persecution and suffering (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 15:10; Romans 8:18; 2 Timothy 1:13; John 8:31; Titus 1:9</span></b>).</li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: #660000;"><i>So what was Timothy to do in the last days he was living?</i> </span></b></li><li><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Like Timothy, what must we do? </span></b></i></li><li><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">How must we continue steadfast in our faith when facing difficult days that we must expect to happen? </span></b></i></li></ul></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The answer is given in<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> verses 14-17 </span></b>of our text. Consider how we can continue <b><span style="color: red;">steadfast in our faith</span></b> in the face of <b><span style="color: red;">suffering and persecution</span></b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Continue steadfastly in the teachings we have heard and learned (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:14-15</span></b>).</li><li>Depend only on the teachings from the Scriptures as we walk through these difficult times. </li><li>Listen to Pau's words in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 15</span></b>. "<i>The sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." </i>The teachings of the faithful Word of God will make us wise for every good work and unto salvation.</li><li>Do not be shaken by false teachers, evildoers, and impostors. </li><li>Do not give up your faith because of the false or fake faith of others. </li></ol></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i></i><blockquote><i>“</i><i>And how from childhood you have been acquainted with <b>the sacred writings</b>, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. </i><i> <b>All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.</b>”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:15-17</span></b>)</blockquote></div><blockquote><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul </span></b>wrote this letter to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> around <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">A.D. 66/67</span></b>, almost all the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">New Testament Scriptures</span></b> had been written. The term <b><span style="color: red;">"Scripture"</span></b> in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 16</span></b> refers to <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">all the books of our Bible today</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 3:15-16</span></b>). The term <b><span style="color: red;">"the sacred writings," </span></b>in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:15</span></b>, refers to the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrew Scriptures</span></b>. When Paul wrote to Timothy, the <b><span style="color: red;">sacred writings</span></b> would have been the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrew Scriptures</span></b>. The <b><span style="color: red;">sacred writings</span></b> would have been <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Genesis through Malachi, The Old Testament</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">But notice that Paul says that those books can make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Are you aware that every book in the Old Testament is not just stories about people in the past or the nation of Israel? </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Every book in the Old Testament can make us wise for salvation and draw us to faith in Jesus.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Sadly, those 39 books in the Bible are often neglected! </span></b></i> T<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">hose books in the Old and New Testament have as much saving power to help us grow and strengthen our faith.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Personally, the </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalms</span><span style="color: #990000;"> and </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Proverbs</span><span style="color: #990000;"> help and strengthen me in my daily walk with God.</span></b> </div><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">All scripture is breathed out by God</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 16-17</span></b>). <b><span style="color: red;">"Breathed out" </span></b>is what the word <b><span style="color: red;">"inspired"</span></b> means. </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Every word from every book in the Bible comes out of God's mouth. </li><li>Like the apostles and prophets, those who were moved or carried along by the Holy Spirit wrote down God's breathed words (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 1:20-21</span></b>). </li><li>God spoke through the <span style="color: red;"><b>Holy Spiri</b></span><span style="color: red;"><b>t </b></span>to the writers of the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Old and New Testaments</span></b>. </li><li>They were inspired to write down God's words which help us to live out our faith. </li><li>Inspiration is God's self-revelation of His own purpose and will. </li><li>God's Word is beneficial for teaching, rebuke, correction, and for training in righteousness. </li><li>The Scriptures give us wisdom unto eternal life. </li><li>We must allow the Word of God to transform our lives (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 12:2;</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 4:12</span></b>). </li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Second Timothy 3:16-17</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">further affirms the purpose of that inspiration.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><i>"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."</i></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>When we read and study the Word Of God, we allow that Word to teach, rebuke, correct and train us in righteousness. </li><li>God's Word exposes our sins. </li><li>God's Word corrects our path. </li><li>God's Word trains us in righteous living. </li><li>God's Word can cleanse us and make us vessels for honorable use, set apart, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.</li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Therefore, study and love that Word with all your heart, mind, and soul!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">When we apply God's Word correctly, it will lead us to salvation and help us live righteously and holy before God and those around us</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 20:31; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; John 12:48; 2 Peter 1:3</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">We have everything we need to help us through life through the inspired Word of God, no matter what our circumstances might be </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:21; Hebrews 13:21</span></b>). The <b><span style="color: red;">Scriptures</span></b> can help us become <b><span style="color: red;">mature or complete</span></b> through its <b><span style="color: red;">instruction</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Thus we must start being grounded in God's Word to remain strong and faithful and be approved by God.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>:</span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">From the days of Sinai, God has given a body of instruction (His Law) by which His people can know how to live and please Him.</span> For <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Israel</span></b>, that <b><span style="color: red;">body of instruction</span></b> was found in the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Law of Moses</span></b>, the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Old Covenant</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #990000;">That covenant was only for Israel and not the Gentiles</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Deut 5:1-3</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">When God sent His Son, He established a new covenant that included Jew and Gentile</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 8; Eph 2:11-22</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">Though all the Bible is inspired, only the</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">New Covenan</span></b>t (or <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">New Testament</span></b>) is <b><span style="color: red;">authoritative </span></b>for men today. The <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">New Testament </span></b>is the <b><span style="color: red;">perfect law of liberty</span></b>. Those who continue <span style="color: red;"><b>steadfas</b></span><span style="color: red;"><b>t </b></span>in their faith will be blessed in what they do (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">James 1:25; Colossians 3:17</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">It means that we must do everything within the scope of the Lord's authority as given in the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">New Covenant</span></b>.</span> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">The Bible claims to be inspired</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:16-17</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">All Scripture is <b>"God-breathed"</b></span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Genesis 2:7: John 20:22</span></b>). It is the Greek word, <b><span style="color: red;">"</span><span style="color: red;">Theopneustos,"</span></b> which means <b><span style="color: red;">God-inspired</span></b>. It is the only time this word is used in the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">New Testament</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">One of the most essential functions of the Holy Spirit's work deals with God's divine revelation and how men were able to know God's mind.</span> </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 1:20, 21</span></b>). </blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God's Sacred Book did not come through man's wisdom but by God's revelation.</span> When <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>spoke of <b><span style="color: red;">inspiration</span></b>, he used a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Greek compound word </span></b>meaning <b><span style="color: red;">"God-breathed."</span></b> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Paul believed that in reading the Scriptures, one must hear the voice of God as though God were speaking directly to him.</span></b></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“For I make known to you, brethren, as touching the gospel which was preached by me, that it is not after man. 12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Galatians 1:11, 12</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">God's Word passed from His mind to man's mind through inspiration and revelation.</span> To inspire means <b><span style="color: red;">"to breathe into."</span></b> God <b><span style="color: red;">"breathed into"</span></b> men <b><span style="color: red;">the things that they wrote down</span></b>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>God's Word is inerrant (incapable of error, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 14:33</span></b>). </li><li>It is also infallible (a perfect, certain, and sure guide or instruction, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 1:4</span></b>). </li><li>It is our sword of offense and defense (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:1</span></b>2). </li><li>It is sufficient for all man's needs (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 1:11</span></b>). </li><li>It can save men's souls (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 1:16</span></b>). </li><li>The Word of God leads, directs, and instructs us to God's path of righteousness. </li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">God's Divine Word is the only medium through which the Holy Spirit works today.</span> The <b><span style="color: red;">Holy Spirit</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">does not</span></b> give us <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">latter-day revelations, personal conversations and delivers no textual changes or amendments.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why would there be a need for any other work of the Spirit?</span></b></i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>God's revealed Word gives men everything that pertains to<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> life and godliness</span></b>. </li><li>The Divine Word, already delivered, leads men to every good work (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 1:3</span></b>). </li><li>It is the perfect law of liberty (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">James 1:25</span></b>). </li><li>It was once delivered to the saints (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jude 3</span></b>). </li><li>The only way to hear and be led by the Spirit is to open and study God's Sacred Book. </li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">All Christians must use the teaching or instruction of the Scriptures to teach</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 4:23; Romans 15:4; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 4:13, 16</span></b>). The <b><span style="color: red;">Scriptures </span></b>are also useful for <b><span style="color: red;">rebuking</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">for they can convince people of their sins, the Truth, and the faith to lead them to repentance</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 16:8; Hebrews 4:12</span></b>). The Scriptures are also useful for <b><span style="color: red;">correcting</span></b>, for they lead to <b><span style="color: red;">correction or change of life</span></b>. They will keep us from going <b><span style="color: red;">i</span><span style="color: red;">n the wrong direction</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">James 1:22–25</span></b>). The <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Scriptures are also useful for training in righteousness, for they will help us do what is right</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11</span></b>).</div><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The Scriptures will help us maintain our faith amid persecution and difficult times.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">The only way to energize our faith amid persecution and difficult times is by holding on to the teachings of God's Word.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Thus we must ground our life and spend time in God's Word.</span> There is no other way. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">We need God's Word like oxygen in our lungs so that God may approve us.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>gave <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">instructions</span></b> and <b><span style="color: red;">warnings</span></b> to keep him from <b><span style="color: red;">abandoning his faith</span></b>. </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>He had to be godly, devout, and sincere in his faith (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 4:7-8</span></b>). Not just go through the motions. </li><li>Timothy had to trust in God (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 4:10</span></b>).</li><li>He had to be a faithful example to others in all areas of life (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 4:12</span></b>).</li><li>He had to be completely dedicated in faith, not half-hearted (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 4:13-15</span></b>). </li><li>Take heed to himself and sound doctrine (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:2-4</span></b>).</li><li>He had to practice what he preached (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 4:16</span></b>).</li><li>He had to flee sin and follow after righteousness and godliness (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 6:11</span></b>).</li><li>He had to keep God's commandments until the day of the Lord (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 6:14</span></b>).</li><li>Not be ashamed of his faith or the Gospel. He had to be bold (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 1:8; 11-14</span></b>).</li><li>He had to be diligent to be approved by God (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 2:15</span></b>).</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Today Christians must hear and heed these things.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">There is a real danger when one's faith is not genuine.</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">Genuine faith</span></b> comes when one hears, believes, and obeys these words unto salvation (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 10:17</span></b>). T<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">he Bible warns us that one can fall from Grace. Many fail to study God's Word and grow in grace and knowledge.</span> Christians must <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"long for spiritual milk..."</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Peter 2:2</span></b>), so they may grow in faith. We must examine ourselves by the standard of God's Word (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Corinthians 13:5</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">We must serve God faithfully and continue steadfast in our spiritual growth</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 1:5-10</span></b>).</div><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul warned Timothy of those who have the appearance of holiness and devotion to God but deny the power of godliness. </span><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Their words and actions contradict God's Word.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God commands us to turn away from them so that we may not be influenced by them</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 15:33</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">Those who deny the power of godliness represent those who creep into the hearts of faithful brethren. But they are erring brethren, like the prophets of old who proclaimed <i>"peace, peace, when there is no peace"</i></span></b><i> </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jer. 6:14</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">False brethren pervert the Truth because they are never able to come to an understanding of the Truth.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Godliness leads to reverence and respect for the authority of God's divine revelation.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Truth takes diligence and interest on the part of the student or disciple</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> 2 Tim. 2:15</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">These erring, and false brethren never learn Truth because they are not genuinely interested in God's Truth</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John. 14:17; Rom. 8:7; 1 Tim. 6:4-5</span></b>). They are interested in <b><span style="color: red;">strife, conflict, and selfish ambition</span></b>. </p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">To resist or oppose the Truth</span> (<b><span style="color: red;">the Gospel</span></b>,<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Eph. 1:13</span></b>) <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">is to reject the authority of God</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 7:51</span></b>). Those who <b><span style="color: red;">oppose the Truth</span></b> show themselves to have a <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"corrupt mind, reprobate concerning the faith."</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Their thinking is polluted and delusional by self-interest.</span> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">However, the true elect of God (His faithful followers) will not allow false teachers (impostors) to go any further because they look for Bible authority in all they do.</span> Their <b><span style="color: red;">lack of understanding of the Scriptures</span></b> makes them foolish. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Those who give diligence to God's Truth and wisdom can spot them.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">When our words and actions do not measure up to divine revelation, the faithful of God know because they have put their doctrines to the test</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gal. 1:8-9; 1 Jn 4:1ff</span></b>). These men are foolish because they refuse the whole counsel of God. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The faithful of God must expose them for their error and folly.</span> </p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul reminded Timothy of his apostolic example</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Phil. 4:9</span></b>). Paul compared these false brethren to the <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">ungodly who do not respect the authorized words of God yet claim to be pious or godly.</span> P<b><span style="color: #660000;">aul compelled Timothy not to follow his own opinions or man's teachings but rather Paul's teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, persecutions, and sufferings.</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> f<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">ollowed Paul's conduct, doctrine, and consequential treatment (i.e., persecution).</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> was <b><span style="color: red;">persecuted for his faith</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> endured <b><span style="color: red;">persecutions</span></b> at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 13:50; 14:5-7, 19</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Nevertheless, the Lord delivered Paul out of all these persecutions.</span> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul encouraged Timothy to fight the good fight of faith, knowing that the Lord would also deliver him.</span> He wanted <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">to be aware that he was not the only one who suffered for the Truth, but everyone who wants to teach and live the Truth will certainly suffer.</span> You see,<b><span style="color: red;"> evildoers </span></b><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">hate to have their sins exposed. Persecution is inevitable for the child of God who wants to be godly and righteous</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jn. 15:18ff; Phil. 1:29; 1 Thess. 3:1-4</span></b>).</p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul warned Timothy that the days ahead for him and the church would be difficult and grievous because of evildoers and impostors from within</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 3:1,13</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Wicked men persecute the righteous of God for their unwavering stand in Truth.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">They will make things more and more difficult for the godly children of God</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 10:32ff</span></b>). <b><span style="color: red;">Evildoers and false teachers</span></b> not only deceive others with their error but also deceive themselves. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">When one clings to error or false teaching, he will likely be deceived, believing it is truth.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">When one abides in the doctrine of Christ, there is salvation</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Jn. 9</span></b>). <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:3-4</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Paul warned Timothy about those brethren who would reject the Truth.</span></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” </i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Bible study and the correct application of its truth are vital to maintain our faith, our spiritual survival, and salvation.</span> Please take <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Peter's words</span></b> to heart in his letter to the brethren in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 3:17, 18</span></b>. </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that y<b>ou are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.</b> To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">May we follow the excellent example of Paul's life and devotion to God. May we follow his teachings of sound doctrine, purpose, love, faithfulness, and perseverance. May we handle the Word of God with awe and reverence because it comes from His mouth. May we never allow our faith and hope to be shaken even amid persecution and grievous times. May we continue steadfast in what we have firmly believed. May we study God's Word diligently to grow in Grace and knowledge. May we long for spiritual milk to help us grow in our faith and understanding of the Truth. May we examine ourselves by the standard of God's Word. May we serve God faithfully and continue steadfast in our spiritual growth. May we never take for granted the value and instruction of the Scriptures. May we apply ourselves to Bible study to correctly handle the Word of Truth. And finally, may we never be carried away by false teaching and lose our own stability. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">~Luci</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-69543498870658199012022-07-12T12:23:01.620-05:002022-08-16T13:05:15.986-05:00APPROVED BY GOD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOwwYTAXUTg-RESRqkdrcsm-eXIa2fWfCrCTU2KwD4FB1jLoyEAmpPyVSqzbckEtYH_VZG84c-ZULlIHG0hfu-mWytM_TjwWwN_GEqvbjKjLJ4ijZw20XpkiM-rdu3-d2lM6ZKFgR5TwNHVjXcFaChcrnBNlULk7l7C7gBW2-lXo8qxupQ1sre8ON6w/s762/Bible-Authors.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="762" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOwwYTAXUTg-RESRqkdrcsm-eXIa2fWfCrCTU2KwD4FB1jLoyEAmpPyVSqzbckEtYH_VZG84c-ZULlIHG0hfu-mWytM_TjwWwN_GEqvbjKjLJ4ijZw20XpkiM-rdu3-d2lM6ZKFgR5TwNHVjXcFaChcrnBNlULk7l7C7gBW2-lXo8qxupQ1sre8ON6w/w400-h210/Bible-Authors.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;">“Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.” </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:15</span></b></div><p><br /></p><p>A <b><span style="color: red;">“gold brick”</span></b> is a term for a brick painted to look like gold, which serves as a metaphor for a person who appears to be of great virtue but is really useless. Many evangelists are <b><span style="color: red;">“gold bricks.”</span></b> The apostle Paul calls on the evangelist Timothy to be different from the rest.</p><p>I am enjoying my study of <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy.</span></b> Indeed, God’s Word is sufficient to train us in righteousness so that we may be complete and equipped for every good work. However, God wants us to be diligent in studying His Word so that we may be able to handle the Word of Truth correctly. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Teaching the Word of Truth correctly demands in-depth study, meditation, an open heart, application, and prayer.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">God, our Master, does not accept shoddy work! </span></b></i></p><p>Although Paul commands Timothy in this letter to study God’s Word to be approved by Him, he is implying something more than just studying. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Paul wants Timothy to live out what he is studying and teaching</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 12:1-2</span></b>). For Timothy to become<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> a worker approved by God,</span></b> he would have to be <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">diligent in his service to God, correctly handling the Word of God.</span> He would have to understand the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Old and the New Covenants</span></b> correctly. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Timothy must be on guard against false teaching, misapplying, and twisting the Word of Truth when teaching others.</span></b> In doing this, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Timothy could be sure that he would not be ashamed as he stood before God on judgment day.</span> To be <b><span style="color: red;">approved</span></b> by God must be the goal for all Christians. </p><p>In my previous study of <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:1-13</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">we noticed how Paul stresses living faithfully before God, even to the point of suffering.</span> If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he will deny us. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Timothy was to remind his hearers of Jesus’ sacrifice and of their need to serve Him faithfully.</span></b> Nothing pleases God more than handling <b><span style="color: red;">carefully and correctly His written Word</span></b>. We must reverence the written Word of God as the psalmist said, </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 119:105</span></b>).</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">To be approved by God is something that all of us must want! How can God approve us?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">How do we know we are approved servants of God?</span></b></i> In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:14-26</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">we are given three pictures to help us present ourselves as workers approved by God.</span> This is exactly where I want to focus this study.</div><p>In the last half of <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul is compelling Timothy to be useful to the Master, a worker who does not need to be ashamed.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">He also warns Timothy to avoid profane and vain babblings and foolish and ignorant disputes. Paul also reminds Timothy what he must flee from (youthful lusts) and what he must pursue (righteousness, faith, love, peace).</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul urged Timothy to properly handle the Word of Truth and correct others with gentleness and humility.</span> Timothy would be a <b><span style="color: red;">faithful servant</span></b> of the Lord prepared for every good work, especially when dealing with those whom the devil has ensnared.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I. <u>THE FAITHFUL VS. THE UNFAITHFUL</u>:</span></b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.' 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.'"</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:14-26</span></b>)</blockquote></div><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Watching Our Words:</b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:14-19</span></b>)</li></ul><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.’” </i></blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Quarreling And Arguing Over Words:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:14</span></b>)</blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Timothy was to remind Christians to watch their words. </li><li>He was to charge them not to strive about words that do not profit and produce ruin for the hearers. </li><li>Christians must remember that there is no value in quarreling and arguing over words (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 5:21; 1 Timothy 6:4; 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9-11</span></b>). </li><li>He was to warn Christians before God (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 1:18</span></b>). </li><li>Quarreling or arguing over words turns people away from the simplicity of the Gospel, the faith, and discourages everyone who is listening.</li></ol></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Those who quarrel or dispute about words are identified as those who</span><i><b><span style="color: #660000;"> "teach different doctrines"</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Tim. 6:3-6</span></b>). Take notice that the <b><span style="color: red;"> "words"</span></b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">quarreled</span></b> or <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">argued</span></b> in our verse <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">do not profit a man's soul because they ruin those that hear them.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">To hear or accept the doctrines of men that are above and beyond the divine revelation is catastrophic to the eternal state of the soul. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Handling The Word of Truth Rightly:</b> </li></ul></div><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:15</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul urges Timothy to handle the Word of Truth rightly. He implies that it is possible to misuse God’s Word.</span> Timothy was to be <b><span style="color: red;">diligent</span></b> in presenting himself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed and rightly divides the Word of Truth. </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:15</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">All Christians are commanded to study God’s Word to help us live our lives according to the will of God.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">We are to live out what we teach and study. When we faithfully handle the Word of Truth, it means that we are using the Word of God correctly, cutting it straight and dividing it right.</span></b> The word for <b><span style="color: red;">‘rightly handle’</span></b> in Greek is <b><span style="color: red;">‘orthotomeo,’ </span></b>and this is the only time the word is used in the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">New Testament</span></b>.</div><p>In our text,<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul</span></b> is urging <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">to be diligent in applying the Word of God correctly to stand against false teachings</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Peter 1:10</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">It stresses the need for us to study the Word of God. We cannot stand against false teaching or use the Word of God correctly if we neglect the diligent study of it</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hosea 4:6</span></b>).</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>The purpose of God’s Word is not to go argue over words with others. </li><li>God wants us to teach His glory and the truth of His Word, not argue about words. </li><li>Some love to make arguments just for the sake of arguing with others. </li><li>They enjoy poking and prodding others, for they love to quarrel. </li><li>Sadly, they use the Word of God for fighting and arguing, and they look for people to argue with. </li><li>They don’t go to the Word of God to learn, grow in the Grace of God, and be transformed into His image. </li><li>They fight over words because they want to argue about something. </li><li>It is amazing! </li></ol></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">How sad that some love to argue with others about many issues and words! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> It makes them happy to argue and fight.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Think for a moment how many churches have been ripped apart because of a few Christians arguing over words! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The saddest part is that the work of the church is destroyed and, along with it, the faith of many. Some Christians just love to argue over new ideas and teachings, ignoring the impact they are having on the faith of others.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Avoid Irreverent Babble (Irreverent And Empty Speech):</b></li></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:16-18</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 16</span></b>, Paul says<b><span style="color: red;"> to avoid irreverent babble</span></b>. Listen to his words.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b></b></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.” </i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">CSB</span></b> says to <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“avoid irreverent and empty speech.”</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Irreverent and empty speech produces ungodliness.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> warned <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy </span></b>about this<b><span style="color: red;"> kind of speech </span></b>in his<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> first letter</span></b>. Paul urges Timothy and Christians not to fight over words, for it ruins the hearers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. <b>Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions</b> o<b>f what is falsely called 'knowledge,' for by professing it some have swerved from the faith</b>. Grace be with you” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 6:20-21</span></b>). </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Paul wanted Timothy to handle the Word of Truth correctly to avoid godless chatter</span> (<b><span style="color: red;">irreverent or profane babble</span></b>) <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">and getting involved in non-biblical discussions with people.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">By Timothy avoiding this, he would be more involved in doing the work God had commissioned for him to do as an evangelist </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 6:20; Titus 3:9-11</span></b>). <b><span style="color: red;">Profane and vain babblings</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 16-18</span></b>) can only increase <b><span style="color: red;">ungodliness</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 16</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Their message will spread like cancer</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">17a</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Paul gave two examples of such men who depart from the Truth:</span> <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"> </span><b style="color: #2b00fe;">Hymenaeus </b>and<b style="color: #2b00fe;"> Philetus</b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">17b</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">They overthrew the faith of some by saying the resurrection was already past</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 18</span></b>). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Fruitless And Useless Teaching:</b></li></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“And their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:17-18</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">These two men were false teachers</span> (<i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hymenaeus</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Philetus</span></b></i>), <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">for they were teaching that the resurrection had already occurred</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 15:12-19</span></b>). Their teaching was like<b><span style="color: red;"> 'gangrene' </span></b>and was <b><span style="color: red;">destroying the faith of some Christians</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 1:19-20</span></b>). You see, the more people get involved in <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">godless chatte</span><span style="color: red;">r</span></b>, the more <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ungodly</span></b> they become. As a result, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">their teaching spreads like gangrene.</span> The Greek word for gangrene is <b><span style="color: red;">“gaggraina.” </span></b>It is found in the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">New Testament</span></b> only once and implies <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">that it will spread throughout the body unless it's dealt with immediately.</span> In a few words, <b><span style="color: #660000;">if false teaching is not dealt with immediately, it will spread throughout the church like a disease.</span></b> <b style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Teaching fruitless and useless doctrines only leads to division within the church.</b> </div><p>You can be sure that these two men <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">believed they had not left the Truth and that everyone else was wrong. They were ready to fight over words.</span> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>They were destroying the faith of some, teaching something false, even though they thought they were right. </li><li>Even though some Christians had fallen away because of their false teaching, the foundation of the church which God had laid remained firm (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:9-10; Ephesians 2:20-21</span></b>). </li><li>Jesus dealt with the same problem in the Pharisees and scribes who thought they knew the Scriptures well. </li><li>Yet, in their knowledge of the Scriptures, they missed the clear truth of Jesus as their Savior. </li><li>They missed mercy and justice as they argued over empty and useless words. </li></ol></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">There has always been a lot of noise coming from the chattering classes.</span> Many of them wear the formal garb of <b><span style="color: red;">“ministers”</span></b> and sound like informed <b><span style="color: red;">“doctors of divinity,”</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">but their words distract us more than informing us of God's will for our daily lives.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Godliness is the way of living that shows reverence toward God, the fear of God. Nothing is more important to us than pleasing our Creator and Lord.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The evil of irreverent babble is that it always contains small, subtle deceptions that allow us to drift from the path God has ordered for all men</span>. </div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Word war is when arguments turn into malice, slander, and ill-will.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">When this happens, it is impossible to have any kind of discussion about God’s Word with anyone</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">When we think we can argue over doctrinal matters and show feelings of hurt, anger, hate, malice, and slander, we have already left the heart of God and find ourselves in word wars.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;"> Why? </span></b></i> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Because we forget the other person’s soul as we argue that we’re right and the other person is wrong. </li><li>This way of thinking and attitude of heart is destructive. </li><li>Paul declared that such an action spreads like gangrene. </li><li>Gangrene destroys the flesh of others who catch it. </li><li>This spirit of argument is destructive to us and others. </li><li>This is contrary to God’s Word. </li><li>The Word of God does not seek to destroy others but accurately shows how to live our lives in godliness and holiness. </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Let us be careful that we not argue over </span><span style="color: red;">irreverent</span><span style="color: #660000;"> and </span><span style="color: red;">chatter words </span><span style="color: #660000;">(</span><span style="color: red;">irreverent babble</span><span style="color: #660000;">) but instead use God’s Word </span><span style="color: red;">accurately</span><span style="color: #660000;"> to not find ourselves ashamed on the day of judgment.</span></b></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Christians must turn away from wickedness or ungodliness, for it is the key to being known (approved) by God.</span><b><span style="color: #660000;"> If we claim to know and love God, we must live like it</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 13:34-35</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">Our lives must reflect Whom we belong to</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 6:17-18</span></b>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">God’s Firm Foundation:</b></li></ul></div><p></p><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">“But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”’ (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:19</span></b>)</blockquote><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Paul declared that the Lord knows who are His. God's solid foundation stands, having this seal:</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“The Lord knows those who are His” </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">19a</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“Let those who name the name of Christ depart from iniquity”</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">19b</span></b>)</div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">As long as this foundation, Christ, the chief cornerstone, remains firm, there is no need to be troubled by apostasy</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 11:3</span></b>). </p><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Our faith is built on Jesus, the Christ and Son of God (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 16:18-19; John 20:30-31</span></b>). </li><li>The church that remains steady and firm on that foundation will continue to be a shining light amid false teaching. </li><li>As expressed in our text, a seal is used for security or as a mark of authenticity (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 27:66; Revelation 9:4</span></b>). </li><li>The seal here is affixed to the foundation. </li><li>It refers to the inscription of the foundation stone that always remains there. </li><li>The words of the inscription imply that God knows those who are faithful to Him (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Numbers 16:5; Numbers 16:26-27l; Isaiah 52:11; Nahum 1:7; John 10:27-28</span></b>).</li></ol></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">II. <u>VESSELS OF HONOR AND DISHONOR:</u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:20-21</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Honorable Use: </b></li></ul>The <b><span style="color: red;">second picture</span></b> Paul uses is a metaphor that describes<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> those whom God knows and judges by their behavior </span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 20-21</span></b>). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>He used the illustration of a large house full of bowls, dishes, and utensils. </li><li>Such a house has all kinds of vessels, some for honor and some for dishonor (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 20</span></b>). </li><li>Some are used for special occasions, and some are used daily. </li><li>The vessels of <b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">gold and silver</b> are for special purposes. That is, they are profitable for the growth of the kingdom (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 12:14-26; Romans 9:21-23</span></b>). </li><li>The <b style="background-color: #f4cccc;">vessels of wood and clay</b> are for common or everyday use because of their unrighteous living.</li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">So what is Paul’s point?</span></b></i> Let’s take a look at <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 21</span></b>.</div><p><i>"21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”</i></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Paul’s point is that even those vessels of common use will serve the Father’s will God’s way.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Those vessels represented as wood and clay cleanse themselves (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 15:2; 1 John 1:9</span></b>). </li><li>God uses them for special purposes when they are brought out of the cupboard. </li><li>Those who cleanse themselves from things of dishonor will become: <b><span style="color: red;">vessels of honor</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">21</span></b>), <b><span style="color: red;">sanctified </span></b>and <b><span style="color: red;">useful</span></b> for the Master, and <b><span style="color: red;">prepared for every good work</span></b>. </li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Christians must cleanse themselves from those things that are dishonorable for them to be special, honorable instruments.</span> When we are <b><span style="color: red;">set apart</span></b>, our Master God can use us, thus becoming useful and ready for every good work in His Kingdom of righteousness. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">However, those instruments or vessels must first be cleaned up.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">To be a worker or Christian approved by God who has no need to be ashamed, we must get clean.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">We must purify our lives from the filth of this world.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">However, Paul does not just urge us to clean up and get out of the mud. He urges us to examine our hearts and find those areas in our lives that we must cleanse to be approved by God.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Christians are urged to turn away from wickedness (<b><span style="color: red;">godless living</span></b>) for God to work through them</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 2 Timothy 3:17</span></b>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">III. <u>PURSUE PURITY AS GOD'S SERVANT</u>:</span></b></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed.’” (</i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:22-26</span></b>)</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Remove Youthful Passions or Lusts:</b> </li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>“So flee youthful passions.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">22a</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Paul compels Timothy to flee from his youthful evil desires. That same warning applies to us today</span> (<b><span style="color: red;">both young and old)</span></b>. You don't have to be young to suffer from <b><span style="color: red;">youthful lusts</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 6:18 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Timothy 5:2</span></b>). For Timothy to accomplish this, he would have to make a c<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">onscious decision and effort</span></b> to do so ( <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 6:11</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Timothy had to choose the right direction, the path of righteousness, to pursue that which is right and holy before God</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 12:14)</span></b>. In other words, he had to practice all that is <b><span style="color: red;">good and godly</span></b>. He had to practice<b><span style="color: red;"> righteousness</span></b> in all his dealings with people. He had to demonstrate <b><span style="color: red;">faith, love, and peace</span></b> to everyone, as others were doing (1<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Corinthians 1:2; Acts 9:11</span></b>). This same admonition applies to us today. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">We must pursue from a pure heart those things that are righteous and holy.</span> </div><p>To be an i<b><span style="color: red;">nstrument for honorable use</span></b>, set apart, useful to the Master, and ready for every good work, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">we must run from the passions and lusts of the flesh.</span> There is no other way to be useful and approved by God. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">To be approved by God demands that we actively remove the sinful desires that are common to the young.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">We must purify ourselves and run from these things.</span></b> </p><p>However, other <b><span style="color: red;">youthful desires</span></b> include:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Pride.</li><li>Jealousy.</li><li>Greed.</li><li>Being argumentative.</li><li>Lacking compassion and care.</li><li>Being brash.</li><li>Being unwilling to listen, and the like. </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">So how do we get rid of our youthful passions and desires?</span></b></i> Paul gives us the answer in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 22b</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Our focus must be on these things.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><b>Pursue Righteousness, Faith, Love, And Peace From a Pure Heart</b>:</span> </li></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">22b</span></b>) </i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul charged Timothy to flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">To call on the Lord, we must have a pure heart.</span></b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>A pure heart demonstrates pure motives, intentions, and purposes. If these things are not pure, our heart is not pure. </li><li>We cannot call on the Lord out of a pure heart. </li><li>A pure heart seeks only God (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 5:8</span></b>). </li><li>When we seek after something else other than God, our motive is not pure, and thus our heart is not pure. </li><li>The heart must be pure in all its constituents to call on the Lord.</li><li>A pure heart lives to serve God in faith, love, and peace. </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Paul's admonition to Timothy included <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">turning away from, not just the activity of the flesh, but the desires of the flesh (youthful lusts) and striving to be righteous (do the right thing).</span> Those who are <b><span style="color: red;">pure in heart always seek</span></b> to do the right thing, for they do not want to do the wrong thing. <b><span style="color: #990000;">They mourn when they do wrong. That is the challenge of having a pure heart.</span></b></div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>The Word of Truth creates in us purity. </li><li>The word pure means clean. </li><li>The pure heart does not question the validity of God’s Word. Such a heart does not argue with implications. </li><li>Those who are pure in heart strive to do the will of God as written in His Word. </li><li>The pure heart is devoted to God, for such a heart knows that he cannot call on the Lord with an impure heart. </li><li>The pure heart trusts in God and honors Him instead of seeking the things of this world for pleasure. </li><li>Purity in heart is a constant challenge for Christians living in this world. </li><li>When Christians pursue righteousness with the strength that God supplies, they will more likely resist temptation and grow spiritually. </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">One of the most critical roles for both Timothy and Titus was to model good works</span>. For them to teach the Truth about Jesus demanded <b><span style="color: red;">godly and righteous living</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Otherwise, their work was in vain. As they pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace from a pure heart, </span></b>t<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">hey could rest assured God was approving them and their work.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Avoid Foolish And Ignorant Disputes (Controversies):</b> </li></ul></div><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:23</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 23</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul commands Timothy to have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies because they generate quarreling.</span> The <b><span style="color: red;">Lord’s servant</span></b> must not engage in such things. <b><span style="color: #660000;">For Timothy to do this, he must avoid foolish and vain arguments that don’t amount to a hill of beans, for they are not profitable for every good work</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 1:4; 1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Timothy 2:16</span></b>). Such <b><span style="color: red;">foolish and ignorant disputes</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">usually begin with those who often go way beyond what is written and don’t respect the authority of the Scriptures</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 John 9-10</span></b>). Sadly, those who love to <b><span style="color: red;">breed quarrels</span></b> and <b><span style="color: red;">fights</span></b> lead to division within the church (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:14-16; Titus 3:9-11</span></b>). </div><div style="text-align: left;">Those who involve themselves in <b><span style="color: red;">fruitless and vain questions of faith</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">as they try to generate strife must be "refused."</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why? </span></b></i> Because the only thing that comes out of these useless and controversial disputes is strife or quarrels. Those who cause trouble in the Lord’s church are <b><span style="color: red;">false teachers</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Error does nothing but breed "strife"</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Tim. 6:3ff</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Those who love nothing but a “good” quarrel over vain and ignorant controversies are used by the devil to do his will.</span> They have fallen into a common trap of the devil (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 15:17; 1 Timothy 3:7; Hebrews 3:13</span></b>). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">The Lord’s Servant Must Not Be Quarrelsome:</b> </li></ul></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed.’”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:24-26</span></b>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Be Gentle to All:</span></b> </li></ul></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2: 24</span></b>)<i> </i></p><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 24</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul declares that the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patient when wronged, and correct with gentleness or humility.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Timothy was to be an example as a teacher of the Gospel and not quarrel with others. This applies to all Christians (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Titus 3:2</span></b>). </li><li>Timothy must be kind to everyone (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Thessalonians 2:7</span></b>)</li><li>Able to teach (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 3:2</span></b>), and </li><li>Not resentful, that is patient (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13</span></b>). </li><li>In a few words, he was to be a man of peace (<b><span style="color: red;">peacemaker</span></b>). </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Paul stresses that we abstain from erroneous or false teaching to be free of strife.</span> When we teach error, we involve ourselves in strife. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Of course, Paul at no point is promoting peace at the expense of the Word of Truth</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Many believe it is wrong to argue over matters of faith or doctrine. However, Jude, in his letter, commands that we contend for the faith</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jude 3</span></b>). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Correcting With Gentleness:</span></b> </li></ul></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i></i><blockquote><i>“Correcting his opponents with gentleness.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:25</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The <b><span style="color: red;">"opponents" </span></b><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">are those who like to argue all the time over foolish controversies and speculations.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Timothy was not to get angry with them but rather be gentle. In doing this, he would point out their error with the Truth</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 4:12</span></b>) <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">so that they might repent and embrace the Word of Truth</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 11:18; Hebrews 12:13; 1 John 1:7-9</span></b>). </div><p>Thus, those who usually teach error breed <b><span style="color: red;">strife or quarrels</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Rather than causing strife in the church through error, the <b>"Lord's servant" </b>must do the following to be approved by God.</span></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Be gentle toward all.</li><li>Treat people with a mild and calm disposition rather than attacking and having an aggressive disposition. </li><li>Be <b><span style="color: red;">"apt to teach."</span></b> The phrase <b><span style="color: red;">"apt to teach"</span></b> is one word in Greek, i.e., <b><span style="color: red;">"didaktikon," </span></b>which is defined as <b><span style="color: red;">"apt </span></b>(suitable, having a tendency, likely to do something, inclined to do something) <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">or qualified to teach." </span><span>We find this phrase in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Timothy 3:2 </span></b>concerning the <b><span style="color: red;">qualification of elders.</span></b></span></li><li>Have a gentle disposition and willingness to teach the Truth.</li><li>Be <b><span style="color: red;">"forbearing."</span></b> To be forbearing is to be patient with people. You see, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">when we teach others, it usually takes time for them to process spiritual information. Thus we must give them time to think and reflect on the new teaching.</span></li><li>The Lord’s servant must meekly correct those that oppose him. To be <b><span style="color: red;">"meek"</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">praus</span></b>) means to be gentle, kind, mild, humble, soft, and have a forgiving disposition toward others. It shows humility. Both <b><span style="color: red;">Jesus </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">cf. Matt. 11:29</span></b>) and <b><span style="color: red;">Moses</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">cf. Numb. 12:3</span></b>) were meek. Those who are meek are patient with others. Paul stresses that the <i><b><span style="color: red;">"Lord's servant"</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">must deal humbly, gently, and patiently with those who oppose him.</span> Those of opposite opinions and different religious backgrounds or beliefs. </li></ol></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Since the Lord’s servant represents the Truth, he is commanded to be gentle, humble, kind, and patient with his opponents rather than abrasive.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> Hence, let us not be guilty of insulting our opponents when we debate or are defending the Truth but rather let us expose the doctrinal error and false teaching.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Repentance Leading to The Knowledge of The Truth:</b> </li></ul><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed.’”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:25- 26</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">As vessels of honor, our job is to restore our opponents to repentance unto knowledge of the Truth and free them from Satan's captivity.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">The Lord’s servant seeks to rescue the erring with his meek disposition. We must remind ourselves that the main goal is not to win but persuade and lead others to repentance.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">As those who call on the Lord and hope to be found approved by Him, we must think about what we will say or do to help those in sin come to the knowledge of the Truth that perhaps God might grant them repentance</span>. In a few words, <b><span style="color: red;">we must not be an obstacle to repentance</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why? </span></b></i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Because we must think and act like God, who is longsuffering and desires that all men come to their senses and escape Satan’s deception and traps. </li><li>So we must act with gentleness and patience and avoid endless arguments. </li><li>Rather, we must look for resolution and repentance. </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>As those who are <b><span style="color: red;">instruments or vessels of honor</span></b>, our primary goal is to make the effort <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">to be useful to our Master and be ready for every good work.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>: </span></b></div><p>I am enjoying my in-depth studies on <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy</span></b>. This study has enriched me as it deepened my understanding of many critical issues that concern every saint today. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">I love pushing myself beyond my knowledge in search of the Truth on many doctrinal matters.</span> I never tire of searching for God’s riches in His Word of Truth. It reminds me of<b><span style="color: red;"> Jesus' parable of the treasure hidden in a field </span></b>which a man finds. He goes and sells all that he has to buy that field and rejoices in taking possession of that treasure. That is how I often feel when I am compelled to dig deeper into the Scriptures to find God's treasures. I pray that you may feel the same joy. </p><p><i><b><span style="color: #990000;"></span></b></i></p><blockquote><p><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“Oh how I love your law (instruction)! It is my meditation all the day."</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 119:97</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Many in the religious world are confused as to what the Bible says on a variety of subjects.</span> This is evident when we observe the <b><span style="color: #990000;">myriad of denominational churches and the differing doctrines</span></b> they embrace. <i><b><span style="color: red;">Have you ever wondered where these doctrines came from? </span></b></i>Obviously, they originated in the minds of men. <i><b><span style="color: red;">But what did the Lord say about this?</span></b></i> In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 15:8-9</span></b>, Jesus was very <b><span style="color: red;">“plain”</span></b> about it. He warned us of this very thing. After calling the <b><span style="color: #990000;">scribes and Pharisees</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">“hypocrites,”</span></b> He said, </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 9 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Could there be anything clearer than this? </span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: red;">Why do people alter God’s Word to make commandments which God has not written?</span></b></i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The answer is simple. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">They fail to do what God has said because they do not know God’s Word. They don’t read, study, or meditate on the Word of Truth.</span> This is why we are urged in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:15</span></b> <b><span style="color: #990000;">to study with diligence to present ourselves approved by God.</span></b> You see, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Truth (<b>divine revelation</b>) has been contrasted with erring doctrines and men who espouse those doctrines</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 1:13-14 and 2:14</span></b>). However, <b><span style="color: #660000;">the approved Christian is not</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">"ashamed"</span></b> <b><span style="color: #660000;">of Truth</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">God is very concerned about this!</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 1:8; Rom. 1:16)</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">When Christians are ashamed of the Truth, they often refuse to speak about it and reject the teachers of Truth.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Paul compels Timothy not to fear man because souls are at stake</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 1:7</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Those who are approved by God teach the Word of Truth correctly.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Christians are admonished to hold a straight course of Truth and recognize the standards of Truth.</span></b> </div><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 1:1-2</span></b> d<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">escribes the blessed man who finds delight by meditating on God’s Word, day and night.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">When we fail to read, study and meditate on God’s Word, we become like those in</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 3:1</span></b>6, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“unlearned (ignorant) and unstable,” </span></b></i>and as a result, they <b><span style="color: red;">“wrest"</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">twist</span></b>) the scriptures to their own destruction. </p><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">People want to do things their own way, teaching what others want to hear.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:3-4</span></b> warns us of those with <b><span style="color: red;">“itching ears”</span></b> who will not <b><span style="color: red;">“endure sound doctrine.”</span></b> In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 20:30</span></b>, Paul warned the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ephesian elders</span></b> that some of them would speak <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”</span></b></i> Those who want things<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"> “their way” </span>reject <b><span style="color: red;">God’s Word and authority</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Read God’s Word. Rightly divide it. Know it and properly follow it. Examine yourself by God’s Word. Then make the needed changes so you can live godly and righteously.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">We show our love for God when we faithfully obey His Word.</span></b></p><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:14,</span></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Paul charges Timothy to remind the brethren of those against the Gospel Message.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">The Word of Truth does not make us ineffective because God’s promises of salvation are true and faithful</span></b> (2<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Tim. 2:9; 2 Tim. 2:13; Acts 26:14</span></b>). No man can frustrate the promises of God. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul told Timothy to <b><span style="color: red;">"charge"</span></b> men not to teach false doctrines</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Tim. 1:3, 18</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">He told Timothy to remind the brethren of these things</span>.<i><b><span style="color: red;"> What things? The</span></b></i><b style="background-color: #fcff01;"> dangers of false teaching and worldliness</b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 4:6</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">And though the brethren at Ephesus were taught well, they still needed to be reminded of their responsibilities just like the rest of us</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Pet. 1:12-14</span></b>).</p><p><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Paul also commanded Timothy not only to remind the brethren of these things but also to avoid</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“disputing about words that do not profit” </span></b></i>but only “<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ruin the hearer.”</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul’s first letter to Timothy</span></b> gave him similar warnings concerning <b><span style="color: red;">false teachers</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 6:3-6</span></b>). Those who <b><span style="color: red;">quarrel or dispute</span></b> about words are identified as those who "<i><b><span style="color: #990000;">teach different doctrines"</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 6:3-6</span></b>). </p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:15</span></b> <span style="background-color: #01ffff;">provides the needed formula to keep us in shape for our race.</span> </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“</i><i>Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.” </i><i> </i></blockquote><i></i><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Obtaining God’s approval is urgent work.</span> It makes us <b><span style="color: red;">approved Christians</span></b> who are not ashamed of the Truth (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 1:8; Rom. 1:16</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">The Christian who is approved teaches the Word of Truth correctly instead of teaching a different doctrine</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 6:3</span></b>). The only way for Christians to avoid being infected by f<b><span style="color: red;">alse doctrines and the cares of this world</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">is through urgent effort to be approved of God (clean in respect to sin).</span> The apostle Peter gave the same instruction in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Pet. 3:17-18</span></b>.</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that <b>you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ</b>. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”</i></blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #660000;">When Paul stresses that Timothy should avoid profane or irreverent babblings, he is also writing for all faithful servants of the Lord because they will generate ungodliness and eat as gangrene</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:16-18</span></b>). </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some."</i></blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><p><i><b><span style="color: red;">What are profane or irreverent babblings? </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Erring doctrines, empty words, vain disputation, and fruitless disputes that don’t profit</span> (<b><span style="color: red;">kenopsonias</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 6:20</span></b>). Paul gives us two examples of men, <span style="color: #2b00fe; font-weight: bold;">Hymenaeus </span>and<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-weight: bold;"> Philetu</span>s, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">who were teaching doctrinal error about the resurrection, arguing that the resurrection had already passed.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">To say that the resurrection had already passed was to cause controversy about our hope and faith, taking our hope away, making void God’s promises.</span></b> Indeed, such teaching is certainly <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"vain or irreverent babblings." </span></b></i> It is <b><span style="color: red;">fruitless teaching</span></b> identified as <b><span style="color: red;">"error"</span></b> against the Truth. </p><p><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">When men teach fruitless doctrinal error, it usually eats as gangrene does.</span> Paul compares the <b><span style="color: red;">corrupting influence of profane or irreverent talk</span></b> to this disease. Paul was indeed very concerned about the <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">leavening effects of doctrinal error when he dealt with the Corinthians</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 5:6</span></b>). You see, when <b><span style="color: #660000;">doctrinal error spreads, it has the tendency to disturb or overthrow the faith of many.</span></b> <b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">False teachers often pervert the right ways of the Truth.</span> </b> </p><p><b><span style="color: #990000;">The Word of God commands us to expose false teachers so that no one may be deceived by their error or false teaching</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Deut. 13:4-9; 20:16-18; Zech. 13:1-6; Eph. 5:11; II Pet. 2:4ff</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Paul named false teachers in a public setting</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 1:20</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Jesus named false teachers too</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 5:20; 16:11-12 etc.</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Peter associated false teachers with false prophets in</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 2:1-2</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Just take a look at the writings of the prophets in the</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Old Testament</span><span style="color: #660000;"> and notice how they also named the false prophets as well.</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah</span></b> named 5 false prophets (<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">teachers</span></b>): Hananiah, Pashhur, Ahab, Zedekiah, and Shemaiah. <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Micah</span></b> named Balaam, Omri, and Ahab (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Micah 6:5, 12-16</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">This is to warn us that when men’s false doctrines go unchallenged, the souls of many will be lost. Take heed!</span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Although men like Hymenaeus and Philetus taught erring or false doctrines,</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal” </span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 2:19</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Teaching the Truth often brings hardship to one's life.</span> That is why Paul urged Timothy <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">to not be ashamed of the Truth, nor of those who teach the Truth</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 1:8</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul's hardship in teaching and defending the Truth is obviously seen in his letters</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:9</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">Truth cannot be bound even when wicked men try to restrain it and sweep it under the rug with their wickedness.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">There is one thing I have learned, and that is that it does not matter what men like Hymenaeus and Philetus say,</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"the firm foundation of God stands." </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">God’s Truth will remain Truth, and His promises will remain as God's promises.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">No matter what men may do to harm or destroy the Truth, nothing will change it</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 26:14; 2 Tim. 2:13</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">God’s firm foundation is an evident reference to Truth.</span> The<b><span style="color: red;"> "seal" </span></b>of God’s Truth is: <i><b><span style="color: red;">"the Lord knows them that are his"</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rev. 7:1-8; 13:16</span></b>).</p><p>Those that belong to the Lord are those who <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"name the name of the Lord"</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: red;">i.e., live by His authorized pattern</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">They are God’s elect.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> Becaus</span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">e they always strive to depart from unrighteousness or iniquity</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pet. 2:9</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">Those who are His trust in the promises of God because they understand that no matter what men might do against the efficacy of God’s Truth, that Word of Truth will never be destroyed or crushed.</span></b> </p><p>The Lord’s church will always have <b><span style="color: red;">“vessels of dishonor”</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:20-26</span></b>). However, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">the faithful servants of the Lord will always conform their lives to the image of Christ</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:3ff</span></b>). The Lord also knows that some will follow this way of <b><span style="color: red;">righteous living</span></b>. Paul gives us an illustration of <b><span style="color: red;">vessels </span></b>found in a great house. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">In that house, we can find some vessels of gold, silver, wood, and clay (pots).</span> The <b><span style="color: red;">vessels of gold and silver</span></b> are very valuable. They are worth more than <b><span style="color: red;">wood and clay</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;"> I love this illustration! </span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Our world is composed of men and women of honor.</span> They belong to the Lord. <b><span style="color: #990000;">He knows them, and they know Him. </span></b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">These brethren are vessels of honor for the Master's use, prepared unto every good work</span>. Likewise, those within the world are represented as <b><span style="color: red;">vessels of wood and clay</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: red;">Who are they?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">They are those who don’t walk in righteousness according to God’s Truth.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">They are walking in unrighteousness, doing the will of this world.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">And though they’re unfruitful and walking in error, they can still clean themselves, that is, purge sin from their lives.</span> In doing this, they can become <b><span style="color: red;">vessels of honor</span></b>, useful to the Lord in every way. There seems to be a <b><span style="color: red;">double meaning</span></b> here. Perhaps, those in the world (<b><span style="color: red;">nonbelievers</span></b>) and <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">those brethren who have fallen away might be the vessels of dishonor</span> that Paul is talking about. </p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God commands us to flee youthful lusts and follow after righteousness, faith, love, and peace, as those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:22</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: red;">So what are youthful lusts?</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #990000;">They can be things like the desire to be rich in this world</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 6:9</span></b>)<b><span style="color: #990000;"> and sexual immorality</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 6:18</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">The elect of God will follow after righteous and faithful living, love, and peace rather than turmoil.</span> T<b><span style="color: #660000;">he elect of God are those who call on Him out of a pure heart. God’s approval is for those who have run from youthful desires, leading others to God.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">They refuse to fall into word wars, fights, and arrogance.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"The Lord knows who are His, and let everyone who names the name of the Lord run from sin" </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:19</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">When one calls on the name of God, he is invoking God for help. Those who call on the name of the Lord understand their need for Christ, especially the blood of Christ</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 22:16; Heb. 2:18</span></b>). </p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul gives us another warning: to avoid foolish and ignorant questioning or controversies,</span> knowing that they generate <b><span style="color: red;">quarrels or strife </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 2:23</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #990000;">Often, these foolish and ignorant questions are addressed in light of someone teaching a different doctrine</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 6:3-4</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">We’re told to reject those who pose fruitless and vain questions of faith as they breed strife.</span></b> <b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Error does breed strife</b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 6:3ff</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We will be free of strife or quarrels when we abstain from erroneous teaching.</span> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">When we teach error, we are getting involved in strife, that is, fruitless, foolish, and ignorant controversies.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">It is a grave mistake to promote peace at the expense of the Truth! </span></b></i> <b style="background-color: #fcff01;">I</b><b><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">t is not wrong to defend the Truth over matters of doctrine or faith</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jude 3</span></b>). </p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We are commanded not to cause strife (fights) in the church through foolish controversies and speculations.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">The way we interact with each other deeply matters to God. God commands His servants to present themselves as approved workers who do not need to be ashamed.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> It means that we must not use the Word of God to fight, for it will ruin the hearers.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Thus, we must refuse to fight about words and be dishonorable in the way we talk and interact with others</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:20-21</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The Lord’s servant must be gentle, meekly correcting those that oppose us.</span> It will require a <b><span style="color: red;">mild and gentle disposition</span></b> rather than <b><span style="color: red;">attacking with an ill and aggressive disposition</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 2:24-26</span></b>). </p><p><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">To be approved by God, we, His servants, must be kind to those we teach.</span> We also must be patient when teaching others. <b><span style="color: #990000;">Indeed, it takes time for people to process and discern God’s Truth.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why not give them time to digest the new teaching? </span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">It matters to God how we interact with others, especially each other! Why not instruct our opponents with gentleness? </span></b></i></p><p><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">The goal as vessels of honor is not to win. Our goal must be repentance.</b> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Our job is to restore the erring unto the knowledge of the Truth and rescue them from the snares of the devil.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The Lord’s servant watches his words carefully toward those he is teaching so that he may win them to Christ as they repent.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We must not be a stumbling block to repentance!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">So we must act with gentleness and patience and avoid endless arguments.</span><i><b><span style="color: red;"> Why?</span></b></i> <b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Because our goal is resolution and repentance.</b> Those who are <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">instruments of honor</span></b> strive hard to be <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>useful</b> </span>to the Master and ready for <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">every good work</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">God approves those who are not arrogant, run from all wickedness, and avoid fights, arguments, or quarrels. God knows them and is pleased with them.</span> </p><p><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Our Lord Jesus Christ spent His entire life on earth pleasing His Heavenly Father by doing His Will.</b> He set the <b><span style="color: red;">perfect example</span></b> before us. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">He made the way to Salvation possible through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.</span> Therefore, let us be <b><span style="color: red;">vessels of honor approved by God</span></b> who do <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Let us be more godly, sanctified, and useful to our Master for every good work</span>. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Let us pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace and flee from sin.</span> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Let us be gentle to all, able to teach, and patient in all humility as we correct those in opposition.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Perhaps they might come to their senses and escape the devil's snare, for they have been taken captive by him. Perhaps God might grant them repentance through the knowledge of the Truth.</span></b> </p><p>May we be more diligent in presenting ourselves approved to God as servants who do not need to be ashamed, handling the Word of Truth accurately. May we understand that to be a workman that God might approve, we must be diligent in service to Him. May we have an open mind, an open heart, and a faithful life to the Word of Truth. May our main goal and focus be that we be servants worthy of God’s approval. May we live faithfully before God, even to the point of suffering. May we refuse to quarrel, dispute, or strive about words that do not profit but generate endless arguments. May we remind all men of Christ’s sacrifice and the need to obey Him, serve Him, and work diligently to be approved before Him. May we stand before God without shame on that final judgment day. Finally, may we look to the Word of God with the same reverence as the psalmist who wrote, </p><p><i><b><span style="color: #990000;"></span></b></i></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #660000;"><i><b>“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”</b></i> </span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 119:105</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>~Luci</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-12168217706593892522022-07-08T17:56:00.000-05:002022-07-08T17:56:27.415-05:00LA SUMISIÓN - EL PLAN DE DIOS PARA EVA DESDE EL PRINCIPIO<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesCR3A6WNSlNfucyzVIjetZyo89VL0L_YgCVRiETGiRiA8m3Nn5l4qMvT0IZbNykn1jZmaNVCrjgboBct802-bgJHpIcwFHsVrQNlGJejmu2eJkUF9-9m_rTUGk3EhzribLIJy1_S2cntzL3hihICxTbxC2L2gSEO_jOY5xE46nI-ZXu-nkT7rdcBIA/s448/abraham-sarah-isaac.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesCR3A6WNSlNfucyzVIjetZyo89VL0L_YgCVRiETGiRiA8m3Nn5l4qMvT0IZbNykn1jZmaNVCrjgboBct802-bgJHpIcwFHsVrQNlGJejmu2eJkUF9-9m_rTUGk3EhzribLIJy1_S2cntzL3hihICxTbxC2L2gSEO_jOY5xE46nI-ZXu-nkT7rdcBIA/s16000/abraham-sarah-isaac.webp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"Asimismo vosotras, mujeres, estad sujetas a vuestros maridos; para que también los que no creen a la palabra, sean ganados sin palabra por la conducta de sus esposas, 2 considerando vuestra conducta casta y respetuosa. 3 Vuestro atavío no sea el externo de peinados ostentosos, de adornos de oro o de vestidos lujosos, 4 sino el interno, el del corazón, en el incorruptible ornato de un espíritu afable y apacible, que es de grande estima delante de Dios. 5 Porque así también se ataviaban en otro tiempo aquellas santas mujeres que esperaban en Dios, estando sujetas a sus maridos; 6 como Sara obedecía a Abraham, llamándole señor; de la cual vosotras habéis venido a ser hijas, si hacéis el bien, sin temer ninguna amenaza."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1-6</span></b></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Hay una verdadera guerra en marcha, una guerra contra el hogar Bíblico. Los que desprecian la Biblia nos dicen que es una guerra por la igualdad. Es una guerra en contra de los roles de género tal como los define la Biblia. Es un ataque contra la feminidad bíblica . El <b><span style="color: red;">“feminismo”</span></b> moderno se burla de Dios como Goliat se burló de David. Parece que la mayor parte de Israel se está escondiendo de Goliat nuevamente hoy. Debemos hablar abiertamente sobre estas cosas y no simplemente esconder la cabeza en la arena. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Está sucediendo ahora! </span></b></i> Asi que los desafío a profundizar en las Escrituras conmigo y a encontrar las definiciones correctas y lo que la Palabra de Dios tiene que decir sobre la <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">sumisión de las esposas y la autoridad y el liderazgo de la Biblia.</span></b> Mi objetivo es aclarar algunos de estos errores con la esperanza de cambiar esa errónea percepción. </p><div style="text-align: left;">La palabra<b><span style="color: red;"> "sumisión" </span></b> se encuentra en la Biblia varias veces, pero lamentablemente muchos la ignoran y la rechazan. Cuando una mujer está comprometida a <b><span style="color: red;">honrar a su Seño</span></b>r y a vivir una vida justa para la gloria de Dios, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">debe ser lo suficientemente humilde para aceptar con un corazón humilde lo que Dios exige de ella en la vida y el matrimonio y acerca de Su plan para todo.</span> Verá, cuando aceptamos la Biblia como la <b><span style="color: red;">máxima autoridad de Dios</span></b>, la aplicaremos humildemente en nuestras vidas. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">No debemos interpretar la Palabra de Dios basándonos en nuestros sentimientos sino en lo que Dios ha declarado sin retorcerla para adaptarla a nuestras necesidades y emociones.</span> Debemos aceptar la Verdad de Dios sobre lo que Él llama <b><span style="color: red;">sumisión</span></b>. Mi mayor deseo y oración es que nosotras que somos llamadas <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">mujeres de Dios escudriñemos nuestros corazones y los abramos a las riquezas de la Verdad de Dios para cambiar las actitudes de nuestros corazones.</span> Que seamos más abiertas para aplicar los principios de rectitud y santidad de Dios para mostrar honra y respeto a nuestros esposos. Que miremos dentro de nuestros propios matrimonios y familias y hagamos los cambios necesarios en nuestra relación con nuestros esposos y, lo más importante, nuestra relación con nuestro Dios después de que termine esta lección. Y aunque cada matrimonio es diferente en el sentido de que algunos están construidos sobre un sólido fundamento bíblico y principios piadosos, hay otras relaciones donde ese no es el caso. Lamentablemente, algunos esposos tratan mal a sus esposas, abusando de su responsabilidad y del papel que Dios les ha dado hacia sus esposas, tanto emocional como físicamente. </div><p><br /></p><p> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I. <u>¿QUÉ DICE LA BIBLIA SOBRE LA SUMISIÓN</u>?</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"> En la <b><span style="color: red;">cultura feminista</span></b> actual, la palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"sumisión" </span></b>tiene mala reputación. Cuando nuestra sociedad rebelde escucha <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"esposas sométanse a sus esposos," </span></b></i>inmediatamente se molestan. Nos dicen que la <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">sumisión a un hombre es degradante. Dicen que es una debilidad. Están en rebeldía.</span> Pero, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿contra quién se rebelan?</span></b></i> Muchas mujeres e incluso algunas de mis hermanas en Cristo tienen el <b><span style="color: red;">“liderazgo”</span></b> al revés. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Al igual que el mundo, parecen olvidar su obligación de someterse a sus maridos y de respetar sus decisiones.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Además, algunos esposos exigen sumisión de sus esposas en obediencia al Señor, pero no aman a sus esposas como Dios manda, ni son modelos de fidelidad o devoción al Señor. Exigen sacrificio cuando ellos mismos no se sacrifican. </span></b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Me gustaría comenzar con las famosas palabras de <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:21-33</span></b>.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><i></i></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"Sujetándoos los unos a los otros en el temor de Cristo . 22 Casadas, estad sujetas a vuestros propios maridos, como al Señor. 23 Porque el marido es cabeza de la mujer, como también Cristo es cabeza de la iglesia, siendo él mismo es el salvador del cuerpo.24 Pero como la iglesia está sujeta a Cristo, así también las mujeres lo estén a sus maridos en todo. 25 Maridos, amad a vuestras mujeres, así como Cristo amó a la iglesia, y se entregó a sí mismo por ella; 26 para santificarla, habiéndola purificado por el lavamiento del agua con la palabra, 27 para presentarse a sí mismo la iglesia, una iglesia gloriosa, que no tuviese mancha ni arruga ni cosa semejante; sino que debe ser santo y sin mancha. 28 Así también los maridos deben amar a sus mujeres como a sus propios cuerpos. El que ama a su propia mujer, a sí mismo se ama; 29 porque nadie aborreció jamás a su propia carne; sino que la nutre y la cuida, así como Cristo también a la iglesia; 30 porque somos miembros de su cuerpo. 31 Por esto dejará el hombre a su padre y a su madre, y se unirá a su mujer; y los dos serán una sola carne. 32 Grande es este misterio; mas yo hablo respecto de Cristo y de la iglesia. 33 No obstante, ama también cada uno a su propia mujer como a sí mismo; y que la mujer vea que teme a su marido." </i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nuestro texto enfatiza la <b><span style="color: red;">"sumisión" <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> </span></span></b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">de las esposas a sus esposos</span> y el <b><span style="color: red;"> "amor" </span></b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">de los esposos hacia sus esposas.</span> Los roles de los hombres y mujeres son evidentes en las Escrituras desde el comienzo de la creación. No es poca cosa que el apóstol Pablo, inspirado por el Espíritu Santo, diera <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">énfasis al papel y la relación de los esposos con las esposas</span></b> al presentar la <b><span style="color: red;">sumisión </span></b>como paralela a la <b><span style="color: red;">relación de Jesús con su iglesia</span></b>. <span style="color: #990000;"> <i><b>¿Podemos realmente someternos a la autoridad de Dios e ignorar Sus mandamientos como se encuentran en Su Palabra acerca del tema de nuestra relación como esposo y esposa?</b></i> </span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Podemos realmente ignorar lo que la Palabra de Dios nos manda a hacer acerca de la sumisión? ¿Es posible que la sumisión traiga paz a nuestros hogares? </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Las esposas deben someterse a sus maridos como al Señor. </span> Es decir, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡debemos someternos a nuestros esposos porque Dios lo ordena! </span></b></i> Dios quiere que tratemos a los demás como Él lo hace, y eso incluye a nuestros esposos. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Él ordena que tratemos a nuestros esposos con honor, abnegación, apoyo y respeto.</span> Así que debemos hacer lo que Dios manda, dando un paso atrás y dejando que nuestros esposos tomen la <b><span style="color: red;">iniciativa y el liderazgo</span></b>. Dios exige que le sirvamos en los roles en los cuales Él nos ha puesto como esposas y madres, porque ese es su orden divino.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Sumisión en El Temor de Cristo (Reverencia):</b></li></ul></div><p><i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Qué significa sujetarnos (someternos) unos a otros en el temor de Cristo?</span></b></i> </p><p>En la admonición de Pablo, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"Sujetándoos unos a otros en el temor de Cristo "</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 21</span></b>), el verbo ( <b><span style="color: #990000;">hypotassō</span></b> ) significa <b><span style="color: red;">"sujetar o subordinar."</span></b> Aquí Pablo se enfoca principalmente en lo que <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">uno hace para sí mismo: uno debe someterse a los demás.</span> Eso es <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> "sumisión en el sentido de ceder voluntariamente en amor"</span></b> (The Bauer-Ardnt-Gingrich-Danker Greek English Lexicon). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Este sometimiento voluntario es lo que caracteriza a los verdaderos hijos de Dios cuando se someten a Él</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Filipenses 2:3, 5</span></b>). Jesus dijo, </p><div style="text-align: left;"><i></i><blockquote><i>“Pero el que entre vosotros quiera hacerse grande, será vuestro servidor; 27 y el que quiera entre vosotros ser el primero, será vuestro servidor; 28 así como el Hijo del hombre no vino para ser servido, sino para servir, y para dar su vida a rescate por muchos"</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 20:26-28</span></b>).</blockquote></div><p> </p><p>De la misma manera, tanto los apóstoles Pedro y Pablo nos instaron a someternos a los <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ancianos y a someternos los unos a los otro</span></b>s. En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Pedro 5:4-5</span></b> , el apóstol Pedro instó a los <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">jóvenes a someterse o sujetarse ( hupotagete ) a los ancianos.</span></b></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"Y cuando aparezca el Príncipe de los pastores, vosotros recibiréis la corona incorruptible de gloria. 5 Igualmente, jóvenes, estad sujetos a los ancianos; y todos, sumisos unos a otros, revestíos de humildad; porque: Dios resiste a los soberbios, Y da gracia a los humildes." </i></p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Asimismo, Pablo instó a los amos,</span></p><p></p><blockquote><p> <i>"Y vosotros, amos, haced con ellos lo mismo, dejando las amenazas, sabiendo que el Señor de ellos y vuestro está en los cielos, y que para él no hay acepción de personas."</i> (<b><span style="color: red;">ta auta</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Efesios 6:9</span></b>). </p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Los esclavos debían tratarlos asi: </span></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Siervos, obedeced a vuestros amos terrenales con temor y temblor, con sencillez de vuestro corazón, como a Cristo" </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 5</span></b>). </blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Implica<b><span style="color: red;"> reciprocidad entre amos y esclavos</span></b>. La exhortación dada a los cristianos en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:2</span></b>1 es, por lo tanto, una exhortación a la sumisión mutua<b><span style="color: red;"> "unos a otros."</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">En el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nuevo Testamento</span></b>, la declaración más larga sobre <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">la relación entre esposos y esposas </span></b>se encuentra en<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Efesios 5:22-33</span></b>, y es paralela con <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Colosenses 3:18-19</span></b>, donde Pablo expone brevemente <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">los puntos principales de su enseñanza.</span></b> Analizaré<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Efesios 5:22-33</span></b> como base para nuestro estudio y lo relacionaré con <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Colosenses 3:18-19.</span></b> Antes de continuar, debemos determinar el curso de la presentación de Pablo. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Note que Pablo relaciona su discusión previa con el trato entre esposo y esposa diciendo,</span></div><p></p><blockquote><i>“Sujetándoos los unos a los otros en el temor de Cristo” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:21</span></b>).</blockquote><p></p><p> </p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Luego se dirige a las esposas</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 22-24)</span></b> y a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">los esposos</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 25-31</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Él ordena a las esposas a que se sometan a sus maridos como cabezas como la iglesia se somete a Cristo como la cabeza.</span> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Él ordena a los esposos a que amen a sus esposas como Cristo amó a la iglesia.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Pablo compara la relación del esposo y la esposa con la relación entre Cristo y la iglesia.</span></b> Note los comparativos <b><span style="color: red;">"como" </span></b> y <b><span style="color: red;">"como a" </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 22, 23, 24, 25</span></b>). No solo compara el matrimonio con la relación entre Cristo y su iglesia, sino que también amplía sus declaraciones finales. Después de las instrucciones y comparaciones de Pablo, él cita a <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 2:24</span></b> en el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 31 </span></b>de nuestro texto. En el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 32 </span></b>, hace una última referencia a <b><span style="color: red;">la relación entre Cristo y su iglesia</span></b>. Luego concluye resumiendo sus instrucciones en el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 33 </span></b>con dos<b><span style="color: red;"> mandatos fundamentales.</span></b></p><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"> <i>“Por lo demás, cada uno de vosotros ame también a su mujer como a sí mismo; y la mujer respete a su marido." </i></div></blockquote><p> </p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Por lo tanto, el esposo debe amar a su esposa, y la esposa debe temer a su esposo.</span> La palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"temor"</span></b> significa <b style="color: red;">respeto, reverencia.</b> Obviamente, este pasaje abunda con instrucciones acerca de la <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">relación matrimonial</span></b>. El concepto clave en el argumento de Pablo es la <b><span style="color: red;">"sumisión"</span></b> de unos a otros en el temor de Cristo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 21</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">La sumisión de la esposa hacia su esposo como su cabeza, como la iglesia se somete a Cristo su cabeza</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 22-24</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">El amor del marido hacia su mujer, como Cristo ama a la iglesia</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 25-30</span></b>). Pablo concluye su discusión llamando la atención a<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Génesis 2:24</span></b> (v<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ersículo 31</span></b>), <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">enfatizando el amor del esposo y el respeto o temor de la esposa</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 33</span></b>).</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">El propósito de nuestra sumisión unos a otros:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p>El propósito de nuestra sumisión unos a otros es debido a la <b><span style="color: red;"> "reverencia</span></b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">(<b>phobo</b></span>)<b><span style="color: red;"> a Cristo"</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">v. 21</span></b>). <b><span style="color: red;">La reverencia o el temor</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">phobos</span></b>) <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">es una reverencia respetuosa hacia Cristo que reconoce quién nos ha mandado hacerlo, porque Él nos hará responsables de nuestras acciones</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Cor. 5:11; 7:1</span></b>). Así, el mandato dado a los cristianos de someterse unos a otros (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 21</span></b>) marca la pauta. Entonces, la pregunta en juego es, ¿<i><b><span style="color: red;">qué relación tiene el </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 21 </span><span style="color: red;">con los </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 22-33</span><span style="color: red;">?</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Puede haber dos respuestas a esta pregunta.</span></b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: red;">Primero,</span></b> esto podría referirse a los <b><span style="color: red;">mandatos dados a esposas, hijos y sirvientes</span></b>. Y es cierto en cierto modo, porque los cristianos deben someterse a los demás. Además, esto parece ser paralelo a las instrucciones de Pedro cuando insta a los cristianos diciendo, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"</span></b></i><i style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">Por causa del Señor someteos a toda institución humana, ya sea al rey, como a superior." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 2:13</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #990000;">Él explica esto con respecto a la sumisión que los siervos (2:18ss), y las esposas deben dar</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">3:11ss</span></b>). E incluso si esta respuesta fuera adecuada, debe rechazarse siempre que no excluya la comprensión más amplia. </li><li><b><span style="color: red;">En segundo lugar</span></b>, podemos responder que la relación del <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 21</span></b> con los <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 22-33</span></b> es que el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 21</span></b> e<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">stablece un principio general antes de que Pablo pasara a los roles específicos de esposos y esposas, padres e hijos, amos y esclavos, de modo que lo específico sea considerado a la luz de lo general.</span> Desde este punto de vista, <b><span style="color: #660000;">Pablo recuerda y ordena a la iglesia su mutua sumisión en el Cuerpo de Cristo antes de escribir las responsabilidades específicas que cada uno debe tener en cada situación particular. Esto parece estar más en línea con nuestro contexto sobre las exhortaciones de Pablo y Pedro dadas en</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Filipenses 2:3</span></b> y <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 5:5</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 5: 5 </span></b>insta diciendo, <b><span style="color: red;"><i>"y todos</i></span></b>,<i><b><span style="color: #660000;"> sumisos unos a otros </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: red;">allelon</span></b>)<i><b><span style="color: red;">"</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">inmediatamente después instó a los más jóvenes a estar sujetos a sus mayores o ancianos.</span> Así, Pedro ordena a los ancianos entre <b><span style="color: red;">"todos vosotros"</span></b> a que sean humildes con los jóvenes al mismo tiempo <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">que ordena a los jóvenes a someterse a ellos. </span>Así como Pedro expresó ambos conceptos en un versículo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 5:5)</span></b>, así también Pablo ordena la misma <b><span style="color: red;">sumisión mutua</span></b> en el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 21</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">de Efesios</span></b>, seguida por los <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">mandatos específicos de las esposas hacia los esposos,</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 22 en adelante</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Por lo cual, Pablo ordena a todos los cristianos, hombres y mujeres, a que sean sumisos unos a otros antes de instruir a las esposas en su responsabilidad particular hacia sus esposos en la relación matrimonial.</span></b> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Esto pone la sumisión específica y unidireccional en el contexto de la sumisión mutua general, describiendo deberes, roles y responsabilidades específicas al concepto general ordenado por Dios dado a la iglesia sobre la sumisión mutua.</span></b></li></ol><p></p><p> </p><p>S<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">e ha argumentado que el mandato dado a los maridos de amar a sus esposas no es más que otra forma de ordenar a los maridos a que se sometan mutuamente.</span> Pero incluso si ese fuera el caso, Pablo todavía ordena que el esposo sea <b><span style="color: red;">"la cabeza"</span></b> de la esposa y, por lo tanto, <b><span style="color: red;">a quien ella debe someterse en todo</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 22-24</span></b>). Por lo tanto, inferimos que este texto no solo enseña la <b><span style="color: red;">"sumisión mutua"</span></b> <b><span style="color: #660000;">en lugar de la sumisión específica de las esposas a los esposos en el contexto general de la sumisión mutua, la sumisión mutua a la que todos los cristianos están llamados a aceptar.</span></b> Así que eso descarta los roles y relaciones específicos y diferentes a los cuales los esposos y las esposas están obligados o llamados a observar en esos versículos dirigidos a ellos.</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Sumisión y Liderazgo:</b></li></ul></div><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:22-30</span></b> se dirige principalmente a las <b><span style="color: red;">esposas y a los esposos,</span></b> junto con el resumen final del <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 33</span></b>. En nuestro contexto, Pablo enfatiza<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> tres conceptos principales</span></b>: </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>El papel que cada uno tiene (sumisión, liderazgo).</li><li>La actitud que cada uno debe tener para cumplir con su rol (amor, respeto), y</li><li>La analogía del matrimonio con la relación de Cristo y Su iglesia. </li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Los roles de las esposas y los esposos:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:22, Tito 2:5 y 1 Pedro 3:1, 5</span></b> e<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">xhortan a las esposas a estar sujetas (sumisas) a <b>"sus propios" </b> (<b>idiois</b>) esposos.</span> El verbo operativo <b><span style="color: red;">"estar sujetos a"</span></b> o <b><span style="color: red;">"someterse a"</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">hupotasso</span></b>) también se encuentra en el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 24</span></b>, donde Pablo insta a las esposas a someterse <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"a sus maridos en todo" "como la iglesia se sujeta a Cristo."</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Esta es la esencia de la amonestación de Pablo a las esposas, ya que <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Colosenses 3:18</span></b> es la totalidad de su mandato o cargo.</span> "<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Casadas, estad sujetas (hupotasso) a vuestros maridos, como conviene en el Señor."</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Además, este mandato dado a la mujer de someterse a su marido es la enseñanza universal del Nuevo Testamento.</span> Cada Escritura que trata de la<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> relación de la mujer con su marido le manda a ella a "someterse a" él, usando este mismo verbo</span> (<b><span style="color: red;">hupotasso</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:22; Col. 3:18; 1 Pedro 3:1; Tito 2:4</span></b>). El significado de <b><span style="color: red;">hupotasso </span></b>se usa consistentemente para ordenar a las esposas con el mismo <b><span style="color: red;">cargo o mandato </span></b>dado en el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 21</span></b>, tal mandato es la sumisión en el sentido de <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">ceder voluntariamente en amor.</span> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Debemos enfatizar que Jesús nunca ordena a los esposos a que se subordinen sus esposas, es decir, que se sujeten a ellas.</span> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Asi que, se les ha mandado a las esposas a que estén sujetas a sus maridos sin ninguna sugerencia de inferioridad o superioridad.</span> Pedro aclara esto en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1ss</span></b> c<b><span style="color: #660000;">uando ordena que los esposos deben tratar a sus esposas con respeto como a la compañera más débil y como a heredero con ellas de la gracia de la vida para que sus oraciones no sean estorbadas.</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Dios ordena a la esposa a que se someta, honre y afirme o apoye el liderazgo de su esposo y lo ayude a llevarlo a cabo de acuerdo con sus dones.</span> El resultado final de esto es <b><span style="color: red;">gozo</span></b> . <b><span style="color: #660000;">Cuando el esposo y la esposa siguen el diseño del matrimonio de Dios como se describe en</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 2:18-24; Prov. 5:15-19; 31:10-31; Marcos 10:2-12; Efesios 5:21-23; Colosenses 3:18-19; y 1 Pedro 3:1-7,</span></b> t<b><span style="color: #660000;">anto el esposo como la esposa están satisfechos, y Dios es glorificado. Los esposos deben dirigir con un liderazgo piadoso, y la esposa debe seguirlo con una sumisión piadosa.</span></b></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">La naturaleza de la sumisión de la esposa:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">La sumisión de una esposa, como lo ordena Dios, tiene cuatro conceptos clave:</span></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><i><b>"A vuestros propios maridos.".</b></i></li><li><i style="font-weight: bold;">"Como al Señor" (</i>ambos conceptos se encuentran en el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 22, cf. Col. 3:18</span></b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> ).</i></li><li><i style="font-weight: bold;">“Porque el marido es la cabeza de la mujer” </i><b>(</b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-weight: bold;">versículo 23</span><b>)</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>y</li><li><i><b>"Así como Cristo es la cabeza de la iglesia"</b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 24</span></b>) .</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Pablo no está ordenando a todas las mujeres a que se sometan a todos los hombres, sino que les está ordenando a las esposas a que se sometan a sus propios ( </span><span style="color: red;">idiosos</span><span style="color: #660000;"> ) maridos. </span></b> El término <b><span style="color: red;">"su proprio" </span></b> implica que la relación de <b><span style="color: red;">"liderazgo"</span></b> y <b><span style="color: red;">"sumisión"</span></b> entre una <b><span style="color: red;">mujer y su esposo</span></b> d<b><span style="color: #660000;">ebe ser diferente a la sumisión que ella pueda tener con otros hombres en general.</span></b> Dios ha dado a los esposos y a las esposas responsabilidades mutuas en la relación matrimonial que son diferentes de las de los otros hombres y mujeres. Pablo no está insistiendo en que toda relación entre un hombre y una mujer sea de sumisión y liderazgo, sino de<b><span style="color: red;"> liderazgo</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">cabeza</span></b>) en el matrimonio donde la esposa debe someterse al liderazgo o dirección del esposo. La responsabilidad de los hombres hacia las mujeres varía según el tipo de relación que tengan. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Déjame explicar.</span></div><p> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">El esposo y la esposa tienen diferentes responsabilidades que las que tienen un predicador y su esposa, o un anciano y su esposa.</span> Por consiguiente, esas responsabilidades serán diferentes de las distintas responsabilidades de hombres y mujeres, por ejemplo, en los negocios, recreo, el gobierno, la comunidad, el noviazgo, el compromiso, etc. Asimismo, en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 2:11, 12</span></b> y <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 14:34</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #660000;">Pablo ordena que las mujeres no asuman el papel de liderazgo en la iglesia sino que se sometan al liderazgo de los hombres.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Pero aquí en nuestro texto, Pablo ordena a cada esposa a que se someta a la dirección o liderazgo de su propio marido.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">La sumisión de una esposa a su esposo es esa disposición de ceder a la autoridad de su esposo para seguir su liderazgo.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Debo enfatizar que aunque Dios le ha dado el liderazgo al esposo, él jamás debe abusar de él. El esposo no reemplaza a Cristo como la autoridad suprema de la mujer.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Una esposa nunca debe seguir el liderazgo de su esposo hacia el pecado! </span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Ella no debe robar, emborracharse o disfrutar la pornografía con él o seguirlo en otros planes engañosos. Pero si incluso ella tuviera que estar en contra de su esposo por su actitud pecaminosa y poder seguirle fiel a Cristo, ella todavía puede permanecer con un espíritu de sumisión, una disposición a ceder. Ella puede mostrar una actitud piadosa y comportamiento al no resistir la voluntad del esposo porque ella desea que él se arrepienta y dirija con rectitud para que su disposición de honrarlo como la cabeza traiga armonía en el matrimonio.</span></b></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">La naturaleza del liderazgo del esposo:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><p>En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Efesios 5:23</span></b>, Pablo manda a las esposas a someterse a sus maridos, diciendo: <i style="font-weight: bold;"> “Porque (</i><i style="font-weight: bold;">porque”, <span style="color: red;">hoti</span>) el marido es la cabeza (<span style="color: red;">kephale</span>) de la mujer.” </i> Así que es evidente que la palabra cabeza (<b><span style="color: red;">kephale</span></b>) implica <b><span style="color: red;">autoridad.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Pero no todos están de acuerdo!</span></b></i> Algunos dicen que significa <b><span style="color: red;">"fuente."</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Cristo es la cabeza de la iglesia como la autoridad sobre ella ya que el siguiente versículo habla de la iglesia sujeta a Él.</span> Así que los dos conceptos se explican mutuamente. Es decir, la iglesia se somete a la autoridad de Cristo, porque Él es la cabeza o autoridad sobre ella. Sigue las dos referencias previas acerca de Él como la cabeza donde Su autoridad está presente. En<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Efesios 1:22,</span></b> Pablo declara que Cristo es la cabeza sobre <b><span style="color: red;">"todo" </span></b>y que Dios <i><b><span style="color: red;">"ha puesto todas las cosas bajo (hupotasso) Sus pies." </span></b></i> En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 4:15</span></b>, Cristo ha sido designado como la cabeza de la iglesia, Su cuerpo, y es <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Su autoridad y poder lo que causa el crecimiento del cuerpo para la edificación de sí misma en amor.</span> Entonces, cuando uno compara el liderazgo del esposo sobre la esposa con el liderazgo de Cristo sobre la iglesia, Pablo está usando el término <b><span style="color: red;"> kephale</span></b> para el esposo como lo hace para Cristo, es decir, c<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">omo alguien que tiene la autoridad y es el líder. Vemos que el liderazgo se establece en</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 11:1ss</span></b> donde Pablo relaciona <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">el liderazgo del varón sobre la mujer con el de Cristo sobre todo varón y el de Dios sobre Cristo.</span> En este contexto, Pablo cita <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 2:21-24</span></b> para señalar el orden de la creación del hombre y la mujer para enfatizar que la mujer fue creada para ayudar al hombre, no al revés. Pablo enfatiza que Dios ha establecido al hombre como cabeza sobre la mujer por medio de esta acción e intención divina (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 11:8-9</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Así Pablo afirma que el liderazgo masculino es una asignación divina.</span></p><p> </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">El grado o extensión de la sumisión de la esposa:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Pablo concluye el mandato a las esposas de sumisión en</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Ef. 5:22-24</span></b>, instruyendo a las esposas a someterse a sus maridos <b><span style="color: red;">"en todo"</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">en panti</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Significa que su sumisión debe abarcar todos los aspectos de la vida.</span> Seguramente elimina el malentendido que algunos tienen acerca de lo que Pablo está hablando directamente sobre la sumisión en la relación íntima de esposa y esposo o en algún otro ámbito estrecho. Según el decreto de Dios, los cónyuges son <b><span style="color: red;">"una sola carne.''</span></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Dios quiere que la pareja casada funcione junta bajo una cabeza, no como dos individuos autónomos viviendo juntos.</span> Puesto que Dios se preocupa por esa unidad, nosotros también debemos preocuparnos por tal unidad. Dios espera que la esposa se someta a su esposo en todas las cosas con <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">respeto en lugar de sofocar, degradar, humillar, subordinar o ridiculizar el liderazgo del esposo.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Significa eso que los esposos pueden gobernar a sus esposas con insensibilidad?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Por supuesto que no! </span></b></i> Pablo descarta la idea de que deba enseñorearse de aquellos a quienes dirige (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Corintios 1:24</span></b>). Asimismo, Pedro insiste en que los ancianos no se enseñoreen de sus subordinados (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 5:3</span></b>). </p><p>Con las palabras<b><span style="color: red;"> "someterse a"</span></b> y <b><span style="color: red;">"cabeza,"</span></b> Pablo establece los roles fundamentales de las esposas y los esposos, respectivamente. Dios estableció esos roles en la Creación. Tienen como su analogía los roles de Cristo y Su iglesia. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Pablo siempre se dirigió a los que estaban bajo autoridad antes que a los que estaban en autoridad: esposas antes que esposos, hijos antes que padres, siervos antes que amos</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ef .5:22-6:9; Col. 3:18-4:1</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Pablo ordena a los que tienen autoridad a que la ejerzan con amor y respeto hacia los que están bajo su autoridad.</span> Pablo se dirige a los esposos a que amen a sus esposas... (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ef. 5:25; Col. 3:19</span></b>). Es el deber del esposo hacia su esposa. Pablo no les dice a los maridos: <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"¡Sé la cabeza de tu mujer!" </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">En cambio, les ordena dos veces a que amen a sus esposas</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 25 y 28</span></b>).</p><p><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></b></i></p><blockquote><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Maridos, amad a vuestras mujeres,"</span></b></i>, y <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"los maridos deben amar a sus mujeres como a sus propios cuerpos." </span></b></i></blockquote><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></b></i><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Él da este mandato usando la analogía del amor de Cristo por la iglesia</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 25ss</span></b>) <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">y por la analogía de alguien que ama a su propio cuerpo</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 28</span></b>), es decir, <b><span style="color: red;">alimentándolo y cuidándolo</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 29</span></b>). En la comparación que hace Pablo del amor de Cristo por la iglesia, el enfatiza el <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">carácter de entrega de ese amor</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 25</span></b>). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Debe preocuparse por el beneficio y el bienestar del otro para que su vida en común sea armoniosa (v<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ersículos 26-27</span></b>). </li><li>Pablo ordena al marido a que ame a su mujer así como Cristo amó a la iglesia y se entregó a sí mismo por ella... (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 25</span></b>). </li><li>Así manda Dios que el marido ejerza su liderazgo en todo como cabeza sobre su mujer. Debe amarla <i><b><span style="color: red;">"así como" </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">kathos</span></b>) Cristo amó a la iglesia. </li><li>Así como la iglesia, al someterse a Cristo, es modelo de la esposa al someterse a su cabeza (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 23, 24</span></b>). </li><li>Así que Cristo es el modelo para el esposo de amar a su esposa. </li><li>Este carácter y descripción se ve en las palabras <i><b><span style="color: red;">"y se entregó a sí mismo por ella"</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 25</span></b>). Pablo enfatiza que Cristo se entregó a sí mismo por la iglesia, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 26</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">27 </span></b><i><b> "Maridos, amad a vuestras mujeres, así como Cristo amó a la iglesia, y se entregó a sí mismo por ella, 26 para santificarla, habiéndola purificado en el lavamiento del agua por la palabra, 27 a fin de presentársela a sí mismo, una iglesia gloriosa, que no tuviese mancha ni arruga ni cosa semejante, sino que fuese santa y sin mancha. " </b></i></li><li>El marido que ama a su mujer, a sí mismo se ama, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 28b</span></b> , porque son una sola carne. El esposo debe alimentar y cuidar su propia carne, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 29</span></b> . </li><li>Él la cuida y la nutre en cada situación de su vida, porque ella es la amada. Pablo le ordena al esposo a que no sea duro con ella. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“Nadie aborreció jamás a su propio cuerpo”</span></b></i> ( <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:29</span></b>). </li><li>El liderazgo del esposo sobre su esposa no debe ser negativo, dañino, opresivo o retrógrado.</li><li> En cambio, debe ser un liderazgo de amor en el cual el marido se da a sí mismo para el bien de su esposa, alimentando y cuidando, a su amada quien, como su igual, se somete voluntariamente a su liderazgo o dirección.</li></ol></ol></div><p> </p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Dado que el liderazgo del esposo está establecido por Dios, el esposo debe cumplir ese papel como siervo digno de Dios.</span> El liderazgo que se le da en ese papel expresa <b><span style="color: red;">la autoridad de Dios en el matrimonio. </span></b> Por lo tanto, a la esposa se le ordena a someterse a su esposo <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"como al Señor"</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:22</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: red;">"Como" </span></b></i> indica la manera de su sumisión. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> "Como al Señor"</span></b></i> expresa la sumisión piadosa que los cristianos rinden al Señor. En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:6</span></b>, Pedro elogia a Sara por llamar a Abraham<b><span style="color: red;"> "señor." </span></b>Como evidencia de su sumisión a su esposo, Sara <b><span style="color: red;">"obedeció a Abraham."</span></b> La última exhortación dada a las esposas se encuentra en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Efesios 5:33</span></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;"> "... y la mujer respete a su marido."</span></b></i> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>A la esposa se le ordena respetar a su esposo. </li><li>Ella debe tratar el liderazgo de su esposo con respeto y sumisión. </li><li>Ella debe entregar su sumisión de una manera similar a la de la sumisión de la iglesia a Cristo. Es decir, una sumisión genuinamente respetuosa, porque debe ceder voluntariamente de corazón. </li><li>Cuando una esposa respeta a su esposo y el liderazgo de él, implica que su sumisión involucra no solo lo que hace, sino también su actitud al hacerlo. </li><li>Ella respeta a su esposo y su liderazgo al aceptar con un corazón humilde, bueno y grato el papel que Dios le ha asignado de cumplir con la gracia que Dios le ha dado.</li></ol><p></p><p> </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Lo que no Significa Sumisión:</b></li></ul><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Asimismo vosotras, mujeres, estad sujetas a vuestros maridos; para que también los que no creen a la palabra, sean ganados sin palabra por la conducta de sus esposas, 2 considerando vuestra conducta casta y respetuosa. 3 Vuestro atavío no sea el externo de peinados ostentosos, de adornos de oro o de vestidos lujosos, 4 sino el interno, el del corazón, en el incorruptible ornato de un espíritu afable y apacible, que es de grande estima delante de Dios. 5 Porque así también se ataviaban en otro tiempo aquellas santas mujeres que esperaban en Dios, estando sujetas a sus maridos; 6 como Sara obedecía a Abraham, llamándole señor; de la cual vosotras habéis venido a ser hijas, si hacéis el bien, sin temer ninguna amenaza." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1-7</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><p> </p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1-7</span></b> es una excelente Escritura para entender el plan divino de Dios para el matrimonio. En nuestro texto, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Pedro describe las responsabilidades complementarias de esposos y esposas para proteger la relación marital contra los abusos comunes.</span></p><p> Dado que hoy en día hay tantos malentendidos acerca de lo que la Biblia implica acerca de la sumisión y el mandamiento de que las esposas se <b><span style="color: red;"> "sujeten"</span></b> a sus esposos, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1-7</span></b> es un pasaje crucial para ayudarnos a corregir tales malas interpretaciones y prácticas. Nuestro texto no sólo ordena a las esposas a que se "<b><span style="color: red;">sujeten"</span></b> a sus maridos, sino que también nos da varias indicaciones de lo que no significa tal sumisión.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">La sumisión no significa poner al esposo en el lugar de Cristo:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Debemos subrayar que Cristo tiene la prioridad sobre todo, es decir, toda lealtad humana.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 2:13</span></b> comienza diciendo: <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"Por causa del Señor someteos a toda institución humana, ya sea al rey, como a superior."</span></b></i> A los cristianos se nos insta a mirar a Cristo, seguir su ejemplo, andando en sus pisadas ( <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 2:21</span></b>).</p><p>En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1-7</span></b>, Pedro está hablando directamente a las esposas, no a los esposos. S<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">e espera que la esposa escuche, medite, comprenda y responda a la Palabra de Dios. Nuestro texto también se dirige a aquellas esposas cristianas que están casadas con esposos no creyentes. </span> A las esposas se les ordena a <i>"Asimismo vosotras, mujeres, estad sujetas a vuestros maridos; <b>para que también los que no creen a la palabra, sean ganados sin palabra por la conducta de sus esposas, 2 considerando vuestra conducta casta y respetuosa</b></i>." <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">La esposa cristiana temerosa de Dios elige honrar a Cristo cuando se somete a su esposo, incluso cuando él no es cristiano. Su comportamiento respetuoso y el temor de Dios son de suprema importancia en su vida.</span> </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">La sumisión no significa que una esposa deba renunciar a su labor y esfuerzo de influenciar y guiar a su esposo:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Una esposa cristiana piadosa debe tratar de influir en su esposo el temor de Dios</span> para que se vuelva cristiano, un seguidor de Cristo. La Palabra de Dios nos anima a hacer esto.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">La sumisión no significa que una esposa debe ceder a todas las demandas que hace el esposo:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p>Si un esposo le dice a su esposa que deje de ser cristiana y sea como él, ella humildemente tendrá que decir que no, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">pues debe seguir y responder a una autoridad mucho más alta, que es Dios.</span> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Si él le pide que robe, mienta o haga algo contrario a la voluntad de Dios y a los principios de la justicia, ella debe rehusar y cumplir el mandato que le ha sido dado de mantener un comportamiento excelente y ejemplar entre los gentiles, es decir, los que no son creyentes (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 2:12</span></b>). </li><li>Además, la palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"hagnos," </span></b>que es <b><span style="color: red;">"casta,"</span></b> significa puro, libre de corrupción moral. Es un recordatorio hacia el mandato de Dios para ella de que nunca debe ir tan lejos como para desobedecer la voluntad de Dios y sus principios de justicia. </li><li>Y aunque debe ser sumisa a su esposo, eso no significa que vaya a desobedecer a Dios para agradar a su esposo, porque eso sería pecado. Ella todavía debe hacer la voluntad de Dios por causa del Señor (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2:13</span></b>). </li></ol><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">La sumisión no se basa en una menor inteligencia o competencia:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p>La verdad es que un hijo temeroso de Dios que está casado con un no creyente, no cristiano, tiene más conocimiento y sabiduría espiritual que él. Ella conoce la Verdad y la sigue, algo que su esposo no creyente no comprende. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Eso hace una gran diferencia!</span></b></i></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Sumisión no significa ser temeroso o tímido:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p>Pedro instruye a las esposas dieciendo, <i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>"sin temer ninguna amenaza."</b></span></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 6</span></b>) Cuando el Señor dice que ella es <i><b><span style="color: red;">"el vaso más frágil" </span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 7</span></b>), no quiere decir que le falte fuerza interior o valor ante el peligro o la amenaza.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">La sumisión no es incompatible con la igualdad en Cristo:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">La sumisión con respecto a la autoridad es siempre consistente con la igualdad en importancia, dignidad y honra.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Jesús demostró esto cuando se sujetó a sus padres y a Dios el Padre.</span></b> A los cristianos se les ordena a estar sujetos a las autoridades gubernamentales y a los amos incrédulos, aunque seamos muy honrados delante de los ojos de Dios. Por lo tanto, el mandato de Dios a las esposas de estar sujetas a sus maridos nunca debe interpretarse como una sugerencia de que ella es espiritualmente inferior como persona o de menor importancia. De hecho, Pedro afirma que las esposas son <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"coherederas con vosotros de la gracia de la vida"</span></b></i> ( <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 7</span></b> ). Es crucial prestar atención a la relación entre este pasaje y <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gálatas 3:28-29</span></b>.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Ya no hay judío ni griego; no hay esclavo ni libre; no hay hombre ni mujer, porque todos vosotros sois uno en Cristo Jesús. 29 Y si sois de Cristo, entonces sois descendencia de Abraham, herederos según la promesa."</i></blockquote><p></p><p> </p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Esta Escritura a menudo se usa mal como si estuviera en contra de la sumisión, para descartar cualquier mandato de sumisión dentro del matrimonio.</span> Algunos abusan del término <i><b><span style="color: red;">"no hay hombre ni mujer"</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 28</span></b>). Pero en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1-7</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #660000;">vemos que el patrón apostólico no contradice el mandato dado a las esposas de someterse a sus maridos</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 1</span></b>). También notamos la declaración explícita de que los esposos y las esposas son <b><span style="color: red;">coherederos de la gracia de la vida</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 7</span></b>), porque todos somos uno en Cristo Jesús. Y aunque todos somos uno en Cristo, no es incompatible con la sumisión femenina y el liderazgo masculino en el matrimonio. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">La sumisión en papel e igualdad en dignidad e importancia están lado a lado como el patrón diseñado por Dios.</span> De hecho, hay un armonioso paralelo entre<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Gálatas 3:28-29 y 1 Pedro 3:1-7 </span></b>acerca de ser la <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"simiente de Abraham, herederas según la promesa"</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gálatas 3:29</span></b>) en comparación con ser <b><span style="color: red;">hijas de Sara</span></b> en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:6</span></b>. Así, la sumisión de una esposa a su esposo es más como la sumisión de Cristo a Dios el Padre (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 15:28</span></b>). El tipo de sumisión del uno al otro quien es igual en importancia y esencia.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">La sumisión no es aceptar el abuso físico , sino más bien es sumisión al esposo como al Señor Jesús:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p>En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:21-33</span></b>, Dios nos manda a someternos unos a otros, es decir, someternos en vez de exigir nuestra propia manera . <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">El amor debe ser lo que gobierne nuestros hogares, para que podamos preferirnos unos a otros.</span> </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>La sumisión no significa que la esposa sea inferior. La sumisión no es degradante. </li><li>No es un signo de debilidad. </li><li>De hecho, la sumisión es un signo de fortaleza.</li><li>La sumisión requiere mucha fuerza y carácter. </li><li>La sumisión es ese espíritu de mansedumbre y respeto que una esposa tiene hacia su esposo. </li><li>Además, es una actitud del corazón que esté dispuesta a ayudarse mutuamente para vivir juntos una vida más satisfactoria, fructífera, feliz y pacífica. </li><li>Los problemas y desacuerdos entre esposo y esposa son inevitables, pero eso no implica que la esposa tenga el permiso de pecar y tomar cartas en el asunto con sus propias manos. </li><li><i><b>¡Prestemos atención aquí! </b></i></li><li>Cuando una esposa tiene la actitud correcta de un corazón sumiso, es decir un corazón de respeto hacia su esposo, es más probable que cualquier problema o conflicto en el matrimonio se resuelva armoniosamente. </li><li>Tal corazón no deja lugar para disputas desagradables, amargura y resentimiento.</li></ol><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Qué Significa Sumisión En Verdad: </b></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">La verdadera sumisión es la cualidad interna de mansedumbre que afirma el liderazgo del esposo. </span> La expresión <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Sed sumisas a vuestros maridos" </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">significa que una esposa se someterá voluntariamente a la autoridad y liderazgo de su marido en la relación matrimonial.</span> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>La sumisión elige afirmar al marido como el líder o la cabeza dentro de los límites de la obediencia a Cristo. </li><li>Involucra un comportamiento que desea honrarlo como el líder incluso cuando la esposa no está de acuerdo. </li><li>Es una actitud que va mucho más allá de la mera obediencia, porque es la voluntad de la esposa de obedecer la autoridad de su esposo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 5-6</span></b>) como Dios lo ordena. </li><li>El apóstol Pedro ilustra a una esposa sumisa a su propio esposo usando el ejemplo de Sara, que <i>"obedeció a Abraham."</i> </li><li>Así demuestra que la obediencia (<b><span style="color: red;">hypakouo</span></b> ) es la razón por la cual Sara fue sumisa (<b><span style="color: red;">hupotasso</span></b>, la misma palabra que es usada en el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 1</span></b>). </li><li>Este tipo de sumisión es una afirmación respetuosa, porque Sara obedeció a Abraham "<i><b>y lo llamó señor" </b></i>(maestro, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 6</span></b>). </li><li>La sumisión es la belleza que la acompaña. </li><li>Es la belleza de <i><b>“un espíritu afable y apacible, que es de gran valor delante de Dios" </b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 4</span></b>).</li><li>El adjetivo afable (<b><span style="color: red;">praus</span></b>) sólo aparece otras tres veces en el<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Nuevo Testamento</span></b>, refiriéndose dos veces a Cristo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mat. 11:29; 21:5; 5:5</span></b>). </li><li>Su sustantivo relacionado se traduce como <b><span style="color: red;">"amabilidad"</span></b> o <b><span style="color: red;">"mansedumbre,"</span></b> y se usa con más frecuencia (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gálatas 5:23; 6:1; Santiago 3:13, etc.</span></b>). </li><li>Un espíritu afable y tranquilo no insiste en sus propios derechos. </li><li>No es agresivo y egoístamente asertivo. </li><li>No exige su propia voluntad. </li><li>Un espíritu tan afable y apacible es hermoso delante de los ojos de la gente, incluso delante de los esposos incrédulos (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 1-2</span></b>). </li><li>Es de gran valor delante de los ojos de Dios. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué?</span></b></i> Porque tal espíritu es el producto de una confianza tranquila y continua en Dios para suplir las propias necesidades. Dios se deleita cuando confiamos en Él (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">cf. 1 Pedro 1:5, 7-9, 21; 2:6-7. 23: 5:7</span></b>). </li><li>La sumisión va acompañada de las actitudes internas del corazón. </li><li>La fuente de belleza de una mujer debe ser el yo interior, su corazón (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 4</span></b>). Es su personalidad interior. Aunque no es visible en sí mismo, se da a conocer por sus palabras y acciones que revelan sus actitudes internas, las del corazón interno. </li><li>La palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"incorruptible" </span></b>es el adjetivo griego <b><span style="color: red;">"aphartos"</span></b> que el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nuevo Testamento</span></b> siempre usa para hablar de cosas celestiales, verdaderas que no están sujetas al envejecimiento o a la descomposición. Son aquellas cosas que no se desvanecerán con el paso de este mundo presente. </li><li>Un espíritu afable y apacible es la belleza que dura por la eternidad, en contraste con la belleza temporal de las joyas o la ropa, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡la belleza externa! </span></b></i> </li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">La sumisión implica obediencia como la de Sara:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Viviendo en un mundo donde gobierna el feminismo, muchos han intentado ignorar o rechazar la instrucción dada a las esposas de imitar la obediencia de Sara hacia Abraham, que Pedro usa como ejemplo de las <i><b>"mujeres santas del pasado que pusieron su esperanza en Dios"</b></i></span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 5</span></b>). Pedro usa a Sara como un ejemplo positivo para demostrar lo que deben hacer las mujeres, es decir, comportarse como Sara, que <i><b><span style="color: red;">"obedeció a Abraham" </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 6</span></b>). </p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">La sumisión reconoce una autoridad que no es totalmente mutua:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Aunque Pedro se refiere explícitamente a las esposas en nuestro texto, hoy en día muchos se oponen a cualquier tipo de sumisión que se requiera de las esposas y no de los esposos.</span> Para anular la validez del mandato de Dios que ordena a que las esposas estén sujetas a la autoridad de sus maridos, las llamadas <b><span style="color: red;">"feministas evangélicas"</span></b> frecuentemente hablan de <b><span style="color: red;">"sumisión mutua"</span></b> dentro de la relación matrimonial. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Es triste, pero he escuchado a muchos hermanos hablar de esta manera!</span></b></i> La frase en sí misma puede ser un poco ambigua, ya que puede significar varias cosas diferentes. Sin embargo, nuestra frase simplemente significa que <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> los esposos y las esposas deben ser considerados el uno con el otro y poner los intereses y preferencias del otro antes que los suyos propios.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">El concepto de la consideración y el respeto mutuo son totalmente compatibles con las enseñanzas del Nuevo Testamento sobre el rol de liderazgo único del esposo y la responsabilidad única de la esposa de someterse a la autoridad o liderazgo de su esposo.</span></b> Y aunque la palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"sumisión"</span></b> es bastante inusual en nuestro <b><span style="color: red;">mundo feminista</span></b> actual y también es menospreciada, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">es más fácil suponer que se refiera de alguna manera a la <b>"sumisión mutua"</b> en la relación matrimonial.</span> No niego de que pueda haber una posibilidad de <b><span style="color: red;">"sumisión mutua"</span></b> en algunos sentidos en el matrimonio pero no en todos los aspectos. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué? </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Porque la esposa aún debe someterse a la autoridad y liderazgo de su esposo de una manera que el esposo no tenga que someterse a su esposa.</span><i><b><span style="color: #990000;"> ¡Y no debe someterse a la autoridad o liderazgo de su esposa! ¡Punto! ¡Dios le ha dado al esposo un liderazgo único en la familia que él no debe abdicar o rechazar!</span></b></i></p><div style="text-align: left;"> Hoy, las<b><span style="color: red;"> feministas evangélicas</span></b> afirman que la <b><span style="color: red;">"sumisión mutua"</span></b> en la relación matrimonial significa algo muy diferente. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Aplican su frase resbaladiza y favorita a todas las Escrituras que instruyen a las esposas a someterse a sus maridos y niegan o rechazan cualquier sumisión a la autoridad.</span> Así es como niegan y rechazan la validez del mandato de Pedro: "<i><b>Las mujeres... estén sujetas a sus maridos"</b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 1</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Gritan que la sumisión mutua en el matrimonio significa que las esposas deben someterse a los esposos y que los esposos deben someterse a sus esposas exactamente de la misma manera.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Qué hay sobre eso!</span></b></i> De acuerdo con este punto de vista,<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> el esposo no tiene ninguna autoridad o responsabilidad de liderazgo o direccion en el matrimonio.</span> Ellas abusan de <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:21</span></b>, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"Someteos unos a otros en el temor de Dios"</span></b></i> para apoyar su argumento falso. Por supuesto, para hacer este ridículo argumento, las feministas evangélicas dan dos pasos en su falsa interpretación de las Escrituras las cuales son simplemente incorrectas y contrarias a la voluntad de Dios. </div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Primero, ignoran y rechazan deliberadamente el mandato dado a las esposas en el Nuevo Testamento de someterse a sus maridos.</span> Este mandato nunca se invierte.<i><b><span style="color: red;"> ¿Por qué?</span></b></i> Simplemente porque la Palabra de Dios nunca ordenó a los esposos a someterse a sus esposas. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Punto!</span></b></i> El mandato de que un esposo debe someterse a su esposa habría sido bastante inusual o extraño en esa cultura dominada meramente por hombres. Y si, de hecho, los escritores del <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nuevo Testamento</span></b> hubieran pensado de que un matrimonio cristiano exige que los esposos deban someterse a sus esposas, seguramente tendrían que especificarlo y dejarlo claro en sus escritos inspirados por el Espíritu Santo. De lo contrario, ningún cristiano primitivo habría sabido lo que se les exigía. Es sorprendente y asombroso que estas <b><span style="color: red;">feministas evangélicas</span></b> puedan encontrar este mandato en el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nuevo Testamento</span></b> cuando nunca fue hecho, excepto en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:21</span></b>, del cual abusan como se les da la gana y lo aplican fuera de su contexto. No hay que andarse con rodeos acerca de <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:21</span></b> ya que Pablo explicó explícitamente lo que significaba: <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">las esposas deben estar sujetas a la autoridad de sus maridos </span>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 22-24</span></b>),<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> los hijos a los padres</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">6:1-3</span></b>) <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">y los siervos a los amos</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">6:4-8)</span></b>. Evidentemente, en cada uno de estos casos, Pablo da instrucciones a aquellos que tienen autoridad a cómo deben comportarse, con amor, consideración y, por supuesto, con rectitud (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:25-33; 6:4, 9</span></b>). Pablo nunca les dijo a los esposos a que se sometieran a sus esposas, hijos o sirvientes, respectivamente. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Punto!</span></b></i></li><li><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Las feministas evangélicas toman una segunda posición ilegítima en cuanto a la interpretación de la Biblia cuando cambian el significado de la palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"hupotasso"</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">"someterse a", "estar sujeto a"</span></b>).</span> Tuercen y torturan la palabra para que signifique lo que ellas quieren que diga. Por supuesto, es un significado o interpretación falso que no se requiere ni se ordena en ninguna parte de las Escrituras. Una definición torcida como <i><b>"sed considerados; actuad con amor" (el uno hacia el otro), sin ningún sentido de obediencia a una autoridad." <span style="color: #990000;">¡Qué vergonzosa forma de distorsionar la autoridad de las Escrituras! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">A los maridos no se les ordena a estar sujetos a sus mujeres, ni el gobierno a los ciudadanos, ni tampoco a que los amos estén sujetos a los siervos, etc. <b><span style="color: red;">"hupotasso"</span></b> (pasiva) es <b><span style="color: red;">"sé obediente."</span></b></span></li></ol><p></p><p> </p><p>Entonces, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿qué significa la palabra "así mismo" en el versículo uno? </span></b></i> Algunos, por supuesto, se han opuesto a la enseñanza de Pedro, alegando que Pedro está viendo a las esposas en la misma categoría que las siervas, diciendo que las esposas deben comportarse con sus maridos como los sirvientes se comportan con sus amos. Pero esta es una mala interpretación de las palabras de Pedro. <b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué? </span></b> Porque la palabra<b><span style="color: red;"> "así mismo" </span></b>(<b><span style="color: red;">homoios)</span></b> generalmente significa <b><span style="color: red;">"de manera similar."</span></b> Pero el grado de similitud puede variar mucho (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">cf. Lucas 10:32, 37, 16:25; 1 Corintios 7:22; Santiago 2:25</span></b>). La frase <b><span style="color: red;">"así mismo"</span></b> aquí podría significar:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Similar al ejemplo de Cristo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2:21-25</span></b>),.</li><li>Similar a cómo los sirvientes deben ser sumisos (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2:18</span></b>). </li><li>Una tercera posibilidad podría ser que <b><span style="color: red;">homoios</span></b> simplemente significa <b><span style="color: red;">"también."</span></b> introduciendo un nuevo tema en la misma discusión con relación a la autoridad, sin implicar similitud de comportamiento o conducta. </li></ol>Nuestra segunda posición es la mejor. La palabra<b> <span style="color: red;">"así mismo"</span> </b>modifica<b><span style="color: red;"> "sed sumisas,"</span></b>y debemos hacer la conexión con el<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> versículo 2:18</span></b> donde Pedro usó el verbo <b><span style="color: red;">"sed sumisas"</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">hupotasso</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“Criados, estad sujetos... igualmente, las esposas sean sumisas”</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2:18; 3:1</span></b>). Esta forma de expresión es exactamente la misma en el texto griego, con algún uso inusual de un participio para expresar un mandato en ambos casos.<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">II. <u>LOS EJEMPLOS DE SUMISIÓN EN EL ANTIGUO TESTAMENTO </u>:</span></b></div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">El apóstol Pedro usó los ejemplos de la vida de mujeres santas que esperaban en Dios para ilustrar el concepto de la sumisión.</span> Aunque mencionó específicamente a <b><span style="color: red;">Sara</span></b> en el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 6 de 1 Pedro 3</span></b> , el plural <b><span style="color: red;">"mujeres"</span></b> se refiere a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">mujeres piadosas y temerosas de Dios en general</span></b> en el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Antiguo Testamento.</span></b> Aquellas santas mujeres que esperaban en Dios solían adornarse <b><span style="color: red;">"como"</span></b> o<b><span style="color: red;"> "así" </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">houtos, "así."</span></b>refiriéndose a adornando con un espíritu apacible y tranquilo ). La palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"adornar"</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">kosmeo</span></b>) es el verbo relacionado con el sustantivo <b><span style="color: red;">"adornar"</span></b> en el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 3</span></b> . Su tiempo perfecto indica una acción continua o repetida en otro tiempo en el pasado, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"Porque así también se ataviaban en otro tiempo aquellas santas mujeres que esperaban en Dios, estando sujetas a sus maridos.” </span></b></i> Estas mujeres santas se <i><b>"adornaban repetida o continuamente" </b></i> de esta manera. <i><b>"Estaban sujetas a sus maridos"</b></i> o "<i><b>Estando sujetas a sus maridos" </b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 5</span></b>) nos trae de vuelta al tema de los <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 1-2</span></b> para indicar la relación entre tal <b><span style="color: red;"> sumisión y la belleza interior</span></b> de los <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 3-4</span></b>. La confianza silenciosa de una mujer en Dios produce la belleza imperecedera de un espíritu afable y apacible. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">También le hace a ella más fácil el someterse a la autoridad de su marido sin temor a que sea perjudicial para su bienestar o a su persona.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Pedro usa la sumisión de Sara hacia su esposo, Abraham, como un ejemplo de tal sumisión a un esposo.</span> A las esposas se les ordena a estar sujetas a sus maridos (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 5</span></b>), así como Sara obedeció a su marido, Abraham, llamándolo su amo o <b><span style="color: red;">"señor." </span></b><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">El ejemplo de obediencia de Sara fue, y sigue siendo, nuestra motivación para seguir, porque Sara se convirtió en la madre de todos los hijos de Dios en el Antiguo Testamento</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Isaías 51:2; cf. Gálatas 4:22-26</span></b>),<b><span style="color: #660000;"> aunque hubo momentos en los cuales el seguir a Abraham significó confiar en Dios en situaciones inciertas, desagradables y hasta peligrosas</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 12:1, 5, 10:15; 13:1; 20:2-6 [cf. verso 12]; 22: 3)</span></b>. Sin embargo, Pedro elogia a Sarah diciendo que todas las mujeres cristianas creyentes son ahora sus <b><span style="color: red;"> "hijas,"</span></b> miembros verdaderos de su familia espiritual. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Ser hija de Sara es ser coheredera de las promesas y de la honra dada tanto a ella como a Abraham. </span> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Somos hijas de Sara si hacemos lo correcto y no tenemos temor</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 6</span></b>). De nuevo, ambos verbos son participios presentes para indicar un patrón de vida que continúa con el paso del tiempo. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">La insistencia de Pedro de hacer lo correcto es una amonestación para las esposas cristianas de no seguir, ni imitar ningún acto de desobediencia en la vida de Sara</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">cf. Génesis 16:2; 6; 18:15; quizás 20:5</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;"> Es la sumisión de Sara a su esposo y su confianza en Dios lo que Dios ordena a través de Pedro.</span></b> La condición<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> "de la cual vosotras habéis venido a ser hijas, si hacéis el bien, sin temer ninguna amenaza”</span></b></i> es otra forma de expresar<b><span style="color: red;"> nuestra fe</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">La mujer de espíritu afable y apacible sigue esperando y confiando en Dios y no se atemoriza ni se asusta de las circunstancias ni de un marido incrédulo o desobediente</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">cf. Génesis 20:6</span></b>). Considere la siguiente historia de <b><span style="color: red;">Abraham y Sara</span></b>.</div><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Abrahán y Sara:</b></li></ul><p></p><p>Hay una pareja casada de la cual la Biblia habla más que cualquier otra, Abraham y Sara . Eran descendientes del hijo de Noé, Sem. Eran de mucho favor delante de los ojos de Dios. Dios les habló con regularidad. Considere lo que Dios dijo acerca de ellos:</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"Y haré de ti una gran nación, y te bendeciré y engrandeceré tu nombre para que seas una bendición. Bendeciré a los que te bendigan, y al que te deshonre maldeciré, y en ti serán benditas las familias de la tierra" (</i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 12:2-3</span></b>).</p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><p>Esta pareja en particular estuvo felizmente casada durante muchos años. Dios los bendijo y les dio mucha prosperidad. Prometió bendecir grandemente a todos sus descendientes. Note cuán fuertemente describe Dios a Sara en las Escrituras del Nuevo Testamento como la esposa modelo que debemos seguir:</p><p></p><blockquote><i>"Porque así se adornaban las santas mujeres que esperaban en Dios, sujetándose a sus propios maridos, como Sara obedecía a Abraham, llamándolo señor, y vosotros sois sus hijos, si hacéis el bien y no teméis nada que es espantoso" </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Pedro 3:1-6</span></b>).</blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Este texto debe ser de gran importancia para las esposas a la hora de la sumisión.</span> Instruye a las esposas a someterse voluntariamente a sus maridos. Irónicamente, este es un mandato no muy popular y controvertido en nuestra cultura actual. Note que aunque él escribe, "<i><b>mujeres santas que esperaban en Dios"</b></i> (en el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 5)</span></b>, Sara es la única nombrada. Somos llamadas hijas de Sara si hacemos bien (lo que es correcto o bueno en otras traducciones). Lo<b><span style="color: red;"> "correcto o recto"</span></b> por lo que fue elogiada fue el someterse a Abraham su esposo, tratándolo con respeto y honra sin ser intimidada o tener temor. Sara llamó a su esposo, <b><span style="color: red;">"señor."</span></b> No hace mucho tiempo que en nuestra cultura las mujeres piadosas llamaban a sus maridos <b><span style="color: red;"> "señor."</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">Señor</span></b> y <b><span style="color: red;">Señora </span></b>títulos similares a <b><span style="color: red;">Don y Doña. </span></b> Eran títulos nobles que reflejaban actitudes de nobleza las cuales nuestros antepasados entendían muy bien. Eran un reconocimiento del orden de la autoridad, y fueron enseñados por el ejemplo de Abraham y Sara. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">¡El hecho de que hayamos perdido esa costumbre debería alarmarnos!</span></b></i></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Tomemos un momento y consideremos la gran historia de esta santa mujer:</span></b> </p><p>Ella se nos presenta por primera vez como <b><span style="color: red;">"Sarai" </span></b>en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 12</span></b> . Ella era la esposa y media hermana de Abram. Aunque tenían el mismo padre, tenían diferentes madres. Era común en esos días casarse con aquellos que estaban estrechamente relacionados. No estaba prohibido durante la <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Era Patriarcal</span></b> . Más tarde en la <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ley de Moisés</span></b>, Dios lo prohibió. Esta pareja dejó su hogar en Harán y se fueron a vivir a Canaán, siendo esta la tierra que Dios les había prometido darles. Poco después de llegar a Canaán, una escasez o carestía golpeó la tierra y Dios les ordenó a ambos a que fueran a Egipto. Aunque Sarah tenía 65 años, todavía era hermosa lo suficiente para llamar la atención de un hombre. Note lo que la Biblia nos dice:</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Y aconteció que cuando estaba para entrar en Egipto, dijo a Sarai su mujer: He aquí, ahora conozco que eres mujer de hermoso aspecto; 12 y cuando te vean los egipcios, dirán: Su mujer es; y me matarán a mí, y a ti te reservarán la vida. 13 Ahora, pues, di que eres mi hermana, para que me vaya bien por causa tuya, y viva mi alma por causa de ti. </i><i>14 Y aconteció que cuando entró Abram en Egipto, los egipcios vieron que la mujer era hermosa en gran manera. 15 También la vieron los príncipes de Faraón, y la alabaron delante de él; y fue llevada la mujer a casa de Faraón" </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 12:11-15</span></b>).</blockquote><p></p><p> </p><p>El pueblo egipcio estaba bajo el control de un sistema totalitario en el que el Faraón era reconocido como el señor superior de la tierra. Lo que esto significa es que tenía un control absoluto y completo sobre todos y todo lo que existia en su reino. Su palabra era literalmente la ley de la tierra. El Faraón tenía todo el derecho y el poder, bajo su sistema de ley escrito, para matar a cualquiera que quisiera por cualquier razón. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">No era raro que hombres con tal poder tomarán a cualquier mujer hermosa que desearan y mataran a su esposo.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Esto es horrible! </span></b></i> Así que no era irrazonable que Abram esperara que su esposa, Sarai, fuera llevada a la casa de Faraón. La única forma de evitar el peligro era el de no ir a Egipto, pero Dios le ordenó que fuera allá.</p><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">"<i>E hizo bien a Abram por causa de ella; y él tuvo ovejas, vacas, asnos, siervos, criadas, asnas y camellos. 17 Mas Jehová hirió a Faraón y a su casa con grandes plagas, por causa de Sarai mujer de Abram. 18 Entonces Faraón llamó a Abram, y le dijo: ¿Qué es esto que has hecho conmigo? ¿Por qué no me declaraste que era tu mujer? 19 ¿Por qué dijiste: Es mi hermana, poniéndome en ocasión de tomarla para mí por mujer? Ahora, pues, he aquí tu mujer; tómala, y vete. 20 Entonces Faraón dio orden a su gente acerca de Abram; y le acompañaron, y a su mujer, con todo lo que tenía"</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 12:16-20</span></b>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Más tarde, en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 20,</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">notamos que Abram estaba mandando a Sarai nuevamente a mentir a Abimelec, rey de Gerar, diciendo que ella era la hermana de Abram</span>. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿No es asombroso que Sarai hiciera lo que decía Abram? </span></b></i> Estuvo mal que él le pidiera a Sarai, su esposa, mentir diciendo una verdad a medias. Pero podemos estar seguros de que Sarai nunca habria querido estar en una situación tan desafiante y peligrosa. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">¡Pero aún así, es notable que ella obedeciera a Abram y que Dios la protegiera!</span></b></i></div><p>A veces es difícil confiar en el Señor. Es innegable que si Abram hubiera resistido al Faraón, el rey podría haber tratado de matarlo. Imagínense si Abraham hubiera sido matado por ser el esposo de Sara. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿No cree que su situación hubiera sido peor?</span></b></i> Recuerde lo que le dijo a ella en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 12:13</span></b>, </p><blockquote><p> <span style="font-style: italic;">"Ahora, pues, di que eres mi hermana, para que me vaya bien por causa tuya, y viva mi alma por causa de ti."</span></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Aunque Dios no nos dijo lo que pensaba de la estratagema de Abraham, es evidente que preservó a esta pareja piadosa y continuó bendiciendolos.</span> Y debido a la obediencia justa de Sara hacia su esposo, Abraham, ella fue alabada y presentada como un modelo piadoso para todas las mujeres cristianas a lo largo de todas las generaciones.</div><p> De hecho, las mujeres en nuestra cultura no están de acuerdo sobre el verdadero significado de la sumisión. No hay nada que enoje más a las <b><span style="color: red;">feministas</span></b> que la idea de que una mujer se someta voluntariamente a su marido; eso es, estar bajo la autoridad de un hombre. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Es indignante para las mujeres feministas!</span></b></i> Incluso para muchas mujeres cristianas, <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">la idea de que las esposas se sometan a sus maridos no es muy agradable ni aceptable.</span></p><p>Algunas <b><span style="color: red;">feministas evangélicas</span></b> se atreven a decir que lo que <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5 </span></b> ordena a las mujeres es que no traten de gobernar a los maridos sino que compartan el mismo estatus con ellos, diciéndoles a los hombres que hagan lo mismo. Pero la buena noticia es que esto no es lo que Efesios 5 nos ordena hacer. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Pablo está enseñando a estas mujeres de Éfeso a corregir sus prácticas e impulsos pecaminosos en la relación con sus maridos.</span> En ningún momento el apóstol Pablo está diciendo que dejemos de reconocer las distinciones de género o que compartamos el papel de liderazgo por igual en el hogar y la iglesia. Más bien, Pablo está diciendo,</p><p></p><blockquote><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Las casadas estén sujetas a sus propios maridos, como al Señor"</span></b></i> <b>y </b><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Maridos, amad a vuestras mujeres, así como Cristo amó a la iglesia, y se entregó a sí mismo por ella." </span></b></i></blockquote><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></b></i><p></p><p> </p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Desde el principio, la intención de Dios fue de que las mujeres se sometieran al liderazgo masculino en el hogar. Pero Dios también quiso que los hombres guiarán a sus esposas con amor, honor y respeto, poniendo las necesidades de ella por encima de las de él, ya que ella es un vaso más frágil.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">La sumisión y el temor de Dios van mano a mano. El temor de Dios es fundamental para la sumisión y es su principio más importante.</span></b> La sumisión cede voluntariamente en amor. Cuando colocamos <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 1-3</span></b> al lado de <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5</span></b>, vemos que la Palabra de Dios no está enseñando que los roles de género son el resultado de la caída sino más bien <b><span style="color: red;">Su diseño desde el principio</span></b>. Cristo no vino a eliminar las distinciones de género sino más bien El vino a repararlos y a restaurarlos para que puedan funcionar de tal manera que revelen Su gloria. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Por lo tanto, las esposas deben someterse a sus maridos, no por la fuerza, sino voluntariamente en lugar de tomar todos los asuntos con sus propias manos tanto en el hogar como en la iglesia. Luego, por supuesto, los esposos deben amar a sus esposas, guiandolas con Gracia.</span> El matrimonio se trata de dos relaciones y dos personas, nuestra relación con Dios y nuestra relación con nuestro esposo o esposa. A medida que nos acercamos más a Dios, nuestro deseo debe ser el de acercarnos también a nuestro esposo, amándolo más y tratándolo más amablemente, mostrándole más honra y respeto, siendo solidario y servicial, y dispuestas a ser desinteresadas.</p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Nuestra generación da habitualmente todo tipo de excusas. Nos hemos obligado a inventar todo tipo de excepciones en lo que respecta a la sumisión.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Simplemente no nos gusta!</span></b></i> L<b><span style="color: #660000;">a sumisión va en contra de nuestra cultura moderna y atea. Para una mujer, hacer lo que su esposo cree que es mejor, o hacer lo que ella no quiere hacer, no es muy atractivo y agradable. De hecho, a muchos no les gusta que nadie les diga lo que deben hacer.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Es un hecho real y feo! </span></b></i>M<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">uchas mujeres quieren ser su propia jefa o autoridad y hacer lo que creen que es mejor. Desafortunadamente, esa es su naturaleza, pero no debería ser</span> así. ¡<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Debemos agradar a Dios, haciendo Su voluntad y no la nuestra! ¡Me pregunto si la razón por la que nuestras mujeres pasan tanto tiempo resistiéndose al liderazgo de sus maridos es porque quieren aferrarse a un feminismo blanqueado! ¡Prestemos atención!</span></b></i></p><p>Francamente, la sumisión es difícil porque a todas nos han lavado el cerebro con una "<b><span style="color: red;">visión feminista del mundo"</span></b> de una forma u otra, pero debemos trabajar duro si queremos ser salvas. Debemos recordar que no es nuestra opinión lo que importa. <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">¡Es la opinión de Dios lo que importa y nada más! ¡La Biblia es muy clara acerca de que las esposas se sometan a sus esposos! ¡Dios ordena a las esposas a que lo hagan!</span></b></i> Consideremos otras Escrituras además de<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> I de Pedro 3 y Efesios 5:22-24 </span></b>que nos exhortan a someternos a nuestros maridos y, de alguna manera, a toda autoridad masculina. </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"Casadas, estad sujetas a vuestros maridos, como conviene en el Señor."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Colosenses 3:18</span></b>)</p><p> <i>"La mujer aprenda en silencio, con toda sujeción. 12 Porque no permito a la mujer enseñar, ni ejercer dominio sobre el hombre, sino estar en silencio. mujer aprenda en silencio con toda sumisión."</i> (I<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Timoteo 2:11-12</span></b> ).</p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Tengamos en cuenta que la sumisión de una mujer a Dios es el primer paso en su sumisión a su esposo.</span> <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>¡Ella no debe resistir la voluntad de Dios, Sus mandamientos o dirección!</b></i> </span></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">III. <u>LA PARADOJA DE LA SUMISIÓN</u>:</span></b></div><p> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Cada mujer que conozco batalla con la sumisión. Es un hecho que todas somos feministas de corazón desde Eva.</span> Queremos ser independientes. Así somos, pero no es así como Dios nos hizo.</p><div style="text-align: left;"> La Biblia está llena de <b><span style="color: red;">paradojas</span></b>: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Los últimos serán los primeros. </li><li>El más grande de todos es el servidor de todos. </li><li>Si pierdemos nuestra vida, encontraremos nuestra vida. </li><li>La sumisión es otra de estas paradojas.</li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Muchos piensan que la sumisión implica debilidad, siendo un tapete. De hecho, es justo lo contrario. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué? </span></b></i>Porque exige mucha <b><span style="color: red;">fuerza y carácter</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Es difícil! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">No son las mujeres débiles las que se someten respetuosamente sino las mujeres fuertes.</span><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> ¡No me malinterpreten aquí!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">En la sumisión, somos fuertes porque obedecemos a Dios, y al hacer esto hallamos favor delante Él.</span> Note lo que la Biblia tiene que decir al respecto .</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i> “Porque así dijo Jehová el Señor, el Santo de Israel: En descanso y en reposo seréis salvos; en quietud y en confianza será vuestra fortaleza." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Isaiah 30:15</span></b>) </p><p><i>“He aquí el ojo de Jehová sobre los que le temen, Sobre los que esperan en su misericordia." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Salmo 33:18</span></b>).</p></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Una de las razones por las que la sumisión es tan difícil para las mujeres es porque quieren ser las que tienen el control de todo. Entonces creen que cuando se someten, están renunciando a su poder.</span></div><p>Creen que al estar sujetas a sus maridos, ellas pierden su <b><span style="color: red;">valor e influencia</span></b>. De hecho, la sumisión nos da una gran influencia (porque es una influencia legítima), nos eleva delante de los ojos de nuestros esposos, y da contentamiento y satisfacción a ambos. Nuestro motivo principal nunca debe ser el de manipular, sino el de someternos a nuestros esposos como al Señor. Esto es simplemente obedecer a Dios. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Porque la sumisión es simplemente un acto de obediencia hacia Dios y su autoridad o gobierno.</span> Así es como mostramos nuestra obediencia y esperanza en Él. Nada más. Nuestra sumisión hacia la voluntad de Dios nos permite hacer que todas las cosas funcionen para nuestro propio bien. Nuestra esperanza no está en nuestros esposos porque cometerán errores incluso cuando son maduros y piadosos. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Nuestra esperanza debe estar en Dios porque Él es nuestro Gobernante Supremo. Él nunca comete errores. Él nunca nos falla.</span></p><p> <b><span style="color: red;">Esto me lleva a las siguientes preguntas:</span></b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><i> ¿Es la sumisión un signo de fortaleza o debilidad? </i></li><li><i>¿En qué áreas, como esposas, necesitan volverse más sumisas a sus esposos? Por supuesto, primero debe someterse a Dios y a su autoridad. </i></li><li><i>¿Es difícil practicar y obedecer la sumisión en su caminar con Cristo? </i></li><li><i>¿Muestra su sumisión su fe en Dios? </i></li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Suponga que su esposo le dice un día que quiere comenzar a tener una lectura bíblica devocional diaria por la mañana en lugar de por la noche. Digamos que usted se niega a hacer esto porque no es una persona mañanera y se resiste al cambio sin importar cuál sea. Simplemente le gusta tu rutina.</span></b></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Ahora tenemos aquí dos formas de acción:</span></b> </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Primera forma de acción:</b></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Una es el no preocuparse y hacer nada al respecto, haciendo que su esposo tenga que repetir la misma cosa hasta que se enoje.</span> Puede que le diga: <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"¡Quiero que te levantes ahora mismo!"</span></b></i> Esto, por supuesto, provocará que se sienta amargada y resentida. </p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Cuando una esposa se niega a someterse voluntariamente a su esposo, ella está en la posición de tener que obedecer.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">¡La mayoría de nosotras las mujeres, odiamos esto! </span></b></i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué?</span></b> Simplemente porque no nos gusta que nos manden y nos digan lo que debemos hacer. </p><p>Entonces, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿qué sucede cuando nos negamos a someternos? </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Nos encontramos en el papel de un niño: nos vemos obligadas a obedecer órdenes que van en contra de nuestra voluntad. </span> </p><p>Sin embargo, es vital que no nos pongamos en esa posición. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué? </span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Cuando nos negamos a cooperar con nuestros maridos, este tipo de comportamiento obliga a nuestros maridos a mandarnos a hacer lo que nos negamos a hacer voluntariamente.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">¡Se convierte en una situación desagradable en el matrimonio! ¡Este rechazo de someternos voluntariamente debe evitarse! </span></b></i> Es terrible para nuestros matrimonios y nuestros hogares.</p><p>Dicho esto, con respecto a la<b><span style="color: red;"> primera forma de acción</span></b>, examinemos la <b><span style="color: red;">segunda forma de acción</span></b>. Es la manera correcta y piadosa de actuar de una mujer:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">La segunda forma de acción:</b></li></ul><p></p><p><b style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Comencemos con el mismo escenario:</b> su esposo quiere que todos comiencen temprano con una lectura devocional de la Biblia. Y aunque no quiera cambiar el horario familiar de la forma en que su esposo está dirigiendo a todos, pero por su obediencia a la voluntad de Dios, sabiendo que debe someterse, enseguida comienza a pensar cómo seguir la instrucción de su esposo. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ahora fíjese en la parte más crítica de todo este escenario:</span></b> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>La esposa, comienza a pensar en cómo seguir las instrucciones de su esposo sin vacilación ni resistencia. </li><li>Aquí, la esposa no está en posición de hacer su voluntad contra la de su marido como en el primer caso. </li><li><i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué? </span></b></i>Porque ella simplemente se sometió a la voluntad de su marido. </li><li>Ahora está en el asiento del conductor con su esposo. </li><li>Ella está cooperando en lugar de resistirse. </li><li><i><b>¡Y esto es precisamente lo que se supone que deben hacer las esposas! </b></i></li><li>La esposa está tratando al máximo de hacer lo que su esposo quiere o necesita que ella haga. </li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Estamos comenzando a ver cómo es la sumisión Bíblica.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Es una esposa que toma la decisión de no resistir, pelear o desafiar la voluntad de su esposo.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Pelear con su esposo no solo es un comportamiento impío sino un terrible ejemplo para sus hijos! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Aunque la opinión de una esposa sobre cualquier asunto puede diferir, ella todavía puede expresarlo de una manera respetuosa y honorable sin confrontaciones menospreciables.</span> Tal discreción trae <b><span style="color: red;">armonía y paz al matrimonio</span></b>. Para ella expresar sus opiniones, consejos y sugerencias será siempre un aspecto valioso de la ayuda que le brinda a su esposo, siempre y cuando lo haga con un <b><span style="color: red;">espíritu afable y apacible</span></b>.</div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Mis preguntas son:</span></b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><i>¿Está fallando a someterse a su esposo, y en qué áreas? </i></li><li><i>¿Qué puede hacer para estar de acuerdo con los deseos de su esposo? </i></li><li><i>¿Va a resistir y a rebelarse, o está dispuesta a hacer la voluntad de Dios sometiéndose a la dirección de su esposo?</i></li></ol><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">¿Cómo podemos ayudar a nuestros esposos a dirigir mejor de acuerdo al plan divino de Dios?</b></i></li></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Aunque algunas esposas no tienen ningún problema a someterse al liderazgo del esposo, a menudo ellas desean que sus esposos despierten y muestren alguna manifestación o indicación de ello.</span></b> Las mujeres se quejan de que por mucho que se esfuercen a ayudar para que los maridos reconozcan y acepten esta responsabilidad u obligación, todavía no lo consiguen. <b><span style="color: red;">De hecho, algunas me han preguntado:</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"¿Cómo puedo hacer que mi esposo dirija de la manera que Dios quiere que lo haga?</span></b></i> Es una pregunta no bíblica. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué? </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Simplemente porque la esposa no puede forzar o hacer que su esposo dirija. Pero, ella puede ayudarlo a ser mejor líder siguiéndolo y apoyándolo.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Cómo puede una esposa ayudar a su esposo a ser el líder o la cabeza de su hogar? </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Animándolo a dirigir y luego siguiendo, respetando y honrando su liderazgo o dirección. Incluso cuando él no está dirigiendo de la mejor manera.</span> </div><p><b style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Mi próxima pregunta, </b><i><b><span style="color: red;">¿y si el esposo no está gobernando bien? ¿Qué sucede si él no está dirigiendo de la mejor y correcta manera?</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Esto es realmente difícil de decidir o establecer para las esposas. Francamente, he conocido a algunas mujeres, hermanas en Cristo, que estaban seguras de ser más sabias y piadosas que sus maridos. Eran muy francas acerca de esto sin ninguna reserva.</span></b> Para ser sincera, tenía mis dudas incluso cuando nunca había conocido a sus maridos. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué? </span></b></i>Porque para mí, parecían ser arrogantes. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Es pecado!</span></b></i> Y necesitan arrepentirse de esto.</p><p><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">No voy a negar que algunas mujeres tienen más enfoque integral orientando a la familia que sus maridos.</span> Por ejemplo, una esposa puede dedicarse a instruir a los niños en su educación o en la Biblia mientras el esposo está en el trabajo todo el día. Ella aprovecha al máximo su tiempo para el bienestar de sus hijos. Así es como ella está ayudando a su esposo como su ayuda idónea en el sentido bíblico de la palabra, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">no tomando el liderazgo del esposo en sus propias manos sino simplemente le está ayudando donde hay necesidad.</span></p><p><b style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Entonces, mi próxima pregunta es:</b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Cómo podemos ayudar a nuestros esposos a hacer la voluntad de Dios? </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Aquí es donde las esposas deben comportarse de una manera piadosa y respetuosa, incluso cuando el esposo no está obedeciendo al Señor como debería.</span> De hecho, una esposa está mandada a comportarse de una manera <b><span style="color: #660000;">casta y respetuosa en todas las circunstancias de su vida.</span></b> Una esposa puede pedir respetuosamente la opinión de su esposo sobre cualquier asunto, siempre y cuando lo haga de una manera justa y respetuosa. Por otro lado, cuando una esposa asume <b><span style="color: red;">el liderazgo del esposo</span></b>, indiscutiblemente ella está obstaculizando o impidiendo su liderazgo.<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> Eventualmente, ella destruirá la confianza y la habilidad del esposo para dirigir.</span> Sin duda, esto puede convertirse en <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"derribar su casa con sus propias manos.".</span></b></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“La mujer sabia edifica su casa, pero la necia con sus propias manos la derriba” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Proverbios 14:</span></b> ).</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></blockquote><p></p><p><b style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Usted podría estar pensando:</b> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> "¡Bueno, ciertamente, soy yo la que tiene que tomar el liderazgo! ¡Mi esposo no muestra ninguna habilidad para dirigir!"</span></b></i> Francamente, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡eso no es verdad!</span></b></i> El punto final es que el esposo es la cabeza de la esposa. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡No hay otra manera! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Dios le ha dado al esposo la posición de liderazgo.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Punto final!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Incluso cuando parece que él no está dirigiendo, él sigue dirigiendo.</span> S<b><span style="color: #660000;">implemente está dirigiendo mal. Aquí es donde se vuelve peligroso para la esposa que es dominante, de carácter fuerte, obstinada y muy segura de si misma, ya que tiende a empeorar las cosas para el esposo.</span></b><i><b><span style="color: red;"> ¡Será un desastre para el matrimonio y la familia!</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué? </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Porque cuando la esposa toma el control, el liderazgo y la dirección de su esposo son distorsionados y abusados.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Esto no está dentro del orden creado por Dios. ¡Es una violación de Su Palabra!</span></b></i></p><p> <b><span style="color: red;">Mi siguiente preguntas son:</span></b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>¿<i>Qué pasa si el esposo no es creyente o cristiano? </i></li><li><i>¿Se le ordena a la esposa a someterse a él? </i></li><li><i>¿Por qué no ir a la fuente de toda Verdad para buscar la respuesta a esta pregunta? </i></li></ol><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Consideremos lo que<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> I Pedro 3</span></b> tiene que decir acerca de nuestra manera de comportarnos hacia los esposos no creyentes.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i> “Asimismo vosotras, mujeres, estad sujetas a vuestros propios maridos, para que, aunque alguno de ellos sea desobediente a la palabra, sea ganado sin palabra por la conducta de sus mujeres, observando vuestra conducta casta y respetuosa"</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1-2</span></b>).</p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Podemos ver claramente que la conducta casta y respetuosa de una esposa hacia su esposo, que no es creyente, puede ganarlo sin palabra; siendo esta la forma de acción correcta y piadosa, la estrategia correcta.</span> Creo que esto se aplica a todos los <b><span style="color: red;">esposos creyentes y no creyentes</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Nuestro comportamiento casto y respetuoso no solo es correcto y piadoso, sino que también es la única forma por la cual podemos ganar el amor, respeto y confianza del esposo que lo anima a ser piadoso y santo.</span></b></p><p>Las mujeres creyentes y los hombres creyentes ciertamente saben que Dios creó los cielos y la tierra por Su Palabra hablada. Además, Él puede resucitar a los muertos. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Dios puede transformar y regenerar el corazón del hombre</span>. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Y no hay duda en mi corazón de que Dios puede cambiar el corazón de nuestros esposos de gloria en gloria! ¿Lo duda? </span></b></i></p><p> Entonces, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿se encuentra usted manipulando a su esposo en lugar de ayudarlo a dirigir, confiando en que Dios refinará y cambiará el corazón de él para que pueda ser piadoso?</span></b></i></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">¿Por qué toman las mujeres todo asunto en sus propias manos?</b></li></ul></div><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">No hay lugar a dudas de que una cosa que es vital para el proceso de aprendizaje de la sumisión es de nunca tomar cualquier asunto con nuestras propias manos.</span> Incluso <b><span style="color: red;">Sara</span></b>, que nos ha sido dada como ejemplo de sumisión en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3</span></b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">fracasó en esta área de sumisión.</span> Ella sufrió las consecuencias de tal fracaso. Volvamos atrás y leamos la historia en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 15</span></b>. Dios hizo un pacto con Abram en el que prometió que su descendencia sería tan innumerable como las estrellas en los cielos. Se nos dice que Abram creyó a Dios, <i><b>"y le fue contado por justicia." </b></i>Sin embargo, hubo un problema con esta promesa . <b><span style="color: red;">Sarai era estéril.</span></b> No había podido concebir incluso después de muchos años de matrimonio con Abram. Y siendo estéril, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿cómo iba a tener tanta descendencia? </span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">El fracaso de Sarai fue pensar que ella misma podría resolver el problema mandando a su esposo Abram a que se casara con su esclava.</span> Ella pensó que podría tener hijos a través de <b><span style="color: red;">Agar</span></b>. En el Medio Oriente, esta era una práctica común. Al hacer que Agar, su esclava, concibiera por ella, el niño pertenecería legalmente a Sarai. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Pensando que esta era la solución a su problema, le dio su esclava a Abram. Agar concibió un hijo. No hace falta decir que esta solución a su problema generó nada más que más problemas para Sarai</span>. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué?</span></b></i> Porque Sarai comenzó a tratar a Agar con desprecio; ella fue despreciativa. Era evidente que había <b><span style="color: red;">tensión y conflictos</span></b> entre ambas. Luego, más tarde, cuando Agar dio a luz a su hijo, <b><span style="color: red;">Ismael</span></b>, Sarai se puso celosa y la trató a ella y al niño con <b><span style="color: red;">dureza y desprecio</span></b>. Ella le dijo a Abraham: <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"Echa a esta esclava con su hijo, porque el hijo de esta esclava no será heredero con mi hijo Isaac.'</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Y la cosa desagradó mucho a Abraham por causa de su hijo.” </span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 21:8-14</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Hubo una contienda entre las dos mujeres y sus hijos</span>. ¡<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Una contienda que ha perdurado por miles de años!</span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Aunque Sarai conocía el plan de Dios, ella tuvo problemas para creer y confiar en la promesa de Dios.</span> Ella se <b><span style="color: red;">engañó</span></b> a sí misma, pensando que Dios iba a cumplir Su promesa hacia ella al tomar el asunto en <b><span style="color: red;">sus propias manos</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Su insistencia de que Abram llevará a cabo su plan es similar a lo que Eva le hizo a Adán en el Huerto del Edén.</span></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"Y al hombre dijo: Por cuanto obedeciste a la voz de tu mujer, y comiste del árbol de que te mandé diciendo: No comerás de él; maldita será la tierra por tu causa; con dolor comerás de ella todos los días de tu vida." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 3:17</span></b>)</p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Es indiscutible que estos dos esposos, Adán y Abram, se metieron en problemas graves al permitir que sus esposas llevaran a cabo sus propios planes.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">El fracaso de ambos fue escuchar la voz de sus esposas en lugar de la voz y la instrucción de Dios.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Lo sorprendente es que estos dos hombres eran temerosos de Dios!</span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">No estoy diciendo que las esposas siempre desvían a sus maridos, ni estoy diciendo que este texto esté diciendo eso. Además, no estoy diciendo que la esposa nunca debe hacer sugerencias ni dar consejos a su esposo.</span> Al contrario, una de las maneras en la cual la esposa puede ayudar a su esposo es <b><span style="color: red;">ofreciendo consejo sabio</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Pero las esposas deben ser respetuosas con sus esposos y tener cuidado de no cruzar la línea!</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Recuerden que nuestras palabras tienen mucho valor e importancia para nuestros esposos. Puede que no se den cuenta, pero podemos influenciar mucho a nuestros esposos a hacer el bien o el mal. Esto es cierto tanto en los buenos y los malos matrimonios.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Tengamos cuidado y no destruyamos nuestros hogares con nuestras propias manos porque tendremos que dar cuenta de esto a Dios.</span></p><p>Habiendo dicho todo esto, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">seamos particularmente cuidadosas acerca de cómo influenciamos a nuestros esposos cuando él toma decisiones u opciones importantes.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué? </span></b></i>Porque esto puede cambiar drásticamente el futuro de nuestras familias. Entonces, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿por qué no orar fervientemente para que Dios le dé a nuestro esposo suficiente sabiduría y discernimiento para que pueda dirigir bien, agradando a Dios y haciendo Su perfecta voluntad?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">En lugar de tratar de persuadirlo o tentarlo para que acepte nuestro punto de vista.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">¿Por qué no animar y ayudar a nuestro esposo diciéndole que estamos orando por él para que el Señor lo ayude a guiar a la familia de la mejor manera y para que pueda hacer las decisiones mas correctas de acuerdo a la voluntad de Dios?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Le aseguro como esposa temerosa de Dios que esto será bueno y sabio!</span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Una esposa debe usar discreción y sabiduría a la hora de dar consejos a su marido. Debe tener en cuenta que es la voluntad de Dios y no su propia voluntad.</span> </p><p> Otro ejemplo dado en la Biblia de una esposa que también tomó el asunto en sus propias manos fue <b><span style="color: red;">Rebeca</span></b>, la esposa de Isaac, el hijo de Sara.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"Y oró Isaac a Jehová por su mujer, que era estéril; y lo aceptó Jehová, y concibió Rebeca su mujer. 22 Y los hijos luchaban dentro de ella; y dijo: Si es así, ¿para qué vivo yo? Y fue a consultar a Jehová; 23 y le respondió Jehová: Dos naciones hay en tu seno, Y dos pueblos serán divididos desde tus entrañas; El un pueblo será más fuerte que el otro pueblo, Y el mayor servirá al menor."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 25:21-23</span></b>) </p><p></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Dios le había dejado claro a Rebeca que el gemelo más joven, Jacob, sería su elegido, el hombre de Dios. </span> Sin embargo, Jacob necesitaría ser quebrantado por Dios para convertirlo en un gran hombre, el hombre de Dios.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“Y crecieron los niños, y Esaú fue diestro en la caza, hombre del campo; pero Jacob era varón quieto, que habitaba en tiendas. 28 Y amó Isaac a Esaú, porque comía de su caza; mas Rebeca amaba a Jacob.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 25:27-28</span></b>) </p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Más adelante en este capítulo, se nos dice que Esaú vendió su primogenitura por un plato de sopa de lentejas a Jacob, su hermano.</span> En el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">libro de Hebreos</span></b>, se nos dice lo que Dios pensó de este acto, y también de Esaú.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“No sea que haya algún fornicario, o profano, como Esaú, que por una sola comida vendió su primogenitura."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebreos 12:16</span></b>)</p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><p>Otra Escritura que menciona a Esaú se encuentra en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Malaquías 1:2-3</span></b>.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Yo os he amado, dice Jehová; y dijisteis: ¿En qué nos amaste? ¿No era Esaú hermano de Jacob? dice Jehová. Y amé a Jacob, 3 y a Esaú aborrecí, y convertí sus montes en desolación, y abandoné su heredad para los chacales del desierto." </i></blockquote><p></p><p> </p><p>Se nos dice en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 25</span></b> que <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Rebeca amaba a Jacob y que Isaac amaba a Esaú.</span> Estoy seguro que Rebeca sabía cuál de sus dos hijos iba a ser el hombre escogido de Dios. Más adelante en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 27</span></b>, se nos dice que Isaac estaba envejeciendo y que sus ojos estaban oscurecidos y no podía ver. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Cuando Isaac se dio cuenta de que su muerte se acercaba, llamó a Esaú, su hijo predilecto, y le pidió que se preparara para recibir su bendición.</span> Rebeca sabiendo que esto no era lo que se suponía que iba a pasar y que Jacob era el elegido para recibir la bendición, <b><span style="color: red;">ideó un plan:</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Jacob se disfrazaría de Esaú y engañaría a su padre, Isaac, para obtener la bendición. Jacob accedió a llevar a cabo el plan.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Y funcionó!</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Su plan tuvo éxito, pero a un costo terrible para ella y toda su familia.</span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Cuando Esaú se enteró de lo que había hecho su hermano, decidió matarlo.</span></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Y fueron dichas a Rebeca las palabras de Esaú su hijo mayor; y ella envió y llamó a Jacob su hijo menor, y le dijo: He aquí, Esaú tu hermano se consuela acerca de ti con la idea de matarte. 43 Ahora pues, hijo mío, obedece a mi voz; levántate y huye a casa de Labán mi hermano en Harán, 44 y mora con él algunos días, hasta que el enojo de tu hermano se mitigue; 45 hasta que se aplaque la ira de tu hermano contra ti, y olvide lo que le has hecho; yo enviaré entonces, y te traeré de allá. ¿Por qué seré privada de vosotros ambos en un día?" </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 27:42-45)</span></b>.</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Jacob ahora se ve obligado a huir para salvar su vida.</span> Terminó en la casa de Labán, el hermano de su madre. Mientras trabajaba para su tío, Jacob se enamoró de <b><span style="color: red;">Raquel, su prima</span></b>. Aceptó trabajar para Rachael por siete años en lugar de los tres habituales. Y como Jacobo no contaba con el apoyo de su padre y los otros hombres de su casa, terminó por completar todas las negociaciones por su cuenta. Esto facilitó que su <b><span style="color: red;">tío Labán </span></b>se aprovechara y abusara terriblemente de él. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Labán engañó a Jacob, dándole a Lea, su hija mayor, en lugar de Raquel en su noche de bodas.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡El pobre Jacobo terminó trabajando otros siete años más para obtener la esposa que quería, la que le habían prometido!</span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Labán trató a Jacobo con mucha injusticia.</span> Creo que la razón por la cual Labán maltrató a Jacobo y se aprovechó de él fue porque estaba sin dinero y necesitado cuando llegó a la casa de Labán. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Jacobo trajo estas circunstancias sobre sí mismo porque tuvo que huir para salvar su vida.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Ahora, piense por un momento lo que significó para Rebekah cuando se dio cuenta de que su hijo favorito se había ido no solo por unos días como había planeado, sino por veinte años.</span></b> La última vez que escuchamos de <b><span style="color: red;">Rebeca en la Biblia </span></b>fue cuando le dio a Jacobo sus instrucciones de despedida. Ella tuvo que haber muerto antes de que Jacobo regresara a su casa. Eso significa que nunca volvió a ver a su amado hijo. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Qué triste!</span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Imagine a Rebeca teniendo que vivir con Esaú junto con sus esposas paganas y fastidiosas.</span> Estoy bastante segura de que esto es algo que ella <b><span style="color: red;">no planeó y pudo haber tratado de evitar</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">¡Todo esto porque ella tomó el asunto en sus propias manos e impulsó a Jacobo a engañar a su padre para recibir la bendición y heredar la tierra de su padre!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">La Biblia nunca más hace mención de Rebeca, de su muerte o de su sepultura. Quizás, esta es una indicación de deshonra.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Cómo pudo Rebeca impedir a Isaac, quien estaba tratando de hacer lo correcto, sabiendo que finalmente Dios tendria otros planes?</span></b></i> Ella seguramente sabía que legalmente Esaú era el heredero legítimo para continuar con el linaje divino. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Evidentemente, ella pensó que Dios no era capaz de hacer que esto sucediera sin que ella tomara el asunto en sus propias manos.</span></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000;">Ninguna de nosotras podemos negar que en algunas ocasiones hemos intentado (o hemos sido tentadas) tomar cartas en el asunto.</span></b> </p><p> Debería ser muy inquietante para nosotras. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Es inquietante e incluso alarmante! ¿Por qué?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Porque en lugar de que las esposas tomen todo asunto en sus propias manos, deberían estar orando fervientemente, honrando a sus esposos, comportándose de manera casta y respetuosa, esperando en Dios y confiando en que Él vendrá a nuestro rescate y nos salvará de todas nuestras pruebas.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡No olvidemos que nuestro Dios es poderoso! ¡Él es nuestro Libertador!</span></b></i> Nosotras, como esposas, debemos <b><span style="color: red;">esperar pacientemente</span></b> en la ayuda de Dios en lugar de ser <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">presuntuosas, tomando todos los asuntos en nuestras propias manos.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Debemos creer esto y tomarlo en serio!</span></b></i></p><p>“Jehová es mi roca y mi fortaleza y mi libertador, mi Dios, mi roca, en quien me refugio; mi escudo y el cuerno de mi salvación, mi fortaleza” (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Salmo 18:2</span></b>).</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“Puesto que estoy afligido y necesitado, Que el Señor se acuerde de mí. Tú eres mi ayuda y mi libertador; No tardes, oh Dios mío ” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Salmo 40:17</span></b>).</p><p><i>“Mi misericordia y mi fortaleza, mi baluarte y mi libertador, mi escudo y aquel en quien me refugio, el que sujeta a mi pueblo debajo de mí” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Salmo 144:2</span></b>).</p><p><i>“Hermanos míos, tened por sumo gozo cuando os halléis en diversas pruebas, sabiendo que la prueba de vuestra fe produce paciencia. Y que la paciencia tenga su resultado perfecto, para que seáis perfectos y completos, sin que os falte nada”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Santiago 1: 2-4</span></b>).</p></blockquote><p></p><p> </p><p><b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Quiero terminar con algunas preguntas para meditar.</b> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>¿<i>Cree que es mejor confiar en Dios y esperar en Él para ayudarnos en lugar de tomar todo asunto en nuestras propias manos? \¿Qué es lo contrario de someterse?¿Qué es lo contrario de ser cabeza? ¿Qué es lo contrario de estar sujeta? </i></li><li><i>¿Qué es lo opuesto al amor? </i></li><li><i>Y finalmente, ¿qué es lo contrario de dar?</i></li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSIÓN</u>:</span></b></div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">La palabra sumisión significa someterse o ponerse bajo el control o la autoridad de otra persona, lo que generalmente se considera mandatorio u obligatorio.</span> Se nos ordena someternos a todas las formas de autoridad (el límite de velocidad legal, todas las leyes civiles como impuestos, inmigración, leyes financieras o comerciales, y muchas otras leyes que debemos seguir aquí en la tierra). Nos hacemos daño a nosotros mismos cuando no cumplimos con esas leyes o requisitos. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Obediencia es someterse o ser sumiso a la autoridad o leyes, estando bajo esa autoridad o el control de alguien o algo más. El concepto bíblico de sumisión es muy diferente de la idea actual de feminidad.</span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Vivimos en una época en la que la sumisión a la autoridad se desacredita constantemente y se piensa que es degradante y deshumanizadora.</span> Pero las palabras de Dios en<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> 1 Pedro 2 y 3</span></b> nos recuerdan que la <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">sumisión a la autoridad legítima es hermosa, gratificante y justa en el reino de justicia de Dios.</span> Es "<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">por causa del Señor" </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2:13</span></b>) <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">que los cristianos deben estar sujetos a las autoridades ordenadas por Dios, ya sea en el gobierno civil </span>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2:13-17</span></b>), <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">en el empleo </span>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2:18-20</span></b>), <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">en la familia </span>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">3:1-6)</span></b><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> o en la iglesia</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">5:5</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #990000;">En la relación matrimonial, la belleza de la sumisión de una esposa a su esposo es evidente hacia los incrédulos, los cuales son atraídos a Cristo a través de ella</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículos 1-2</span></b> ). </p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Dios también espera que esta belleza sea evidente hacia los esposos creyentes y para otras personas en general, porque tal belleza es lo que Dios espera que las mujeres cristianas tengan de "adorno", su fuente de belleza</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 4</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">Esta es la hermosura que adornaba a las santas mujeres del Antiguo Testamento que ponían su esperanza en Dios y estaban sujetas a sus propios maridos</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 5</span></b>). </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Esta belleza también debe verse en una esposa cristiana, porque no va acompañada de temor (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 6</span></b>), </li><li>sino de reverencia, pureza (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 2</span></b>), </li><li>rectitud moral, piedad, santidad (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 6</span></b>), </li><li>quietud de espíritu (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 4</span></b>), </li><li>y esperanza o confianza en Dios (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 5</span></b>). </li><li>La belleza de esta sumisión es evidente ante Dios, porque el espíritu afable y apacible que acompaña a tal sumisión es precioso y de gran valor delante de los ojos de Dios (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">versículo 4</span></b>).</li></ol><br /><p></p><p>En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:4-6</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Pedro habla de la sumisión como piadosa. Él manda a las esposas a ceder, a estar sujetas a sus maridos, porque esta es la voluntad de Dios.</span> Nuestra cultura a menudo ha<b><span style="color: red;"> desafiado</span></b> y ha hecho difícil el mandato de que las esposas se sometan a sus esposos. Nuestra sociedad marca el "<b><span style="color: red;">liderazgo"</span></b> como <b><span style="color: red;">"dictadura."</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Lo único justo y recto es que la esposa se someta voluntariamente a su esposo, buscando el mejor interés de su esposo.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Su sumisión es lo que Dios exige de ella! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Una esposa piadosa y temerosa de Dios quiere que su esposo la guíe y a la familia sin que ella intente hacerlo por él.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Nuestra sociedad nos ha fallado al invertir los papeles! </span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Vemos maridos muy pasivos y a esposas muy dominantes.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Los hombres no quieren dirigir o proveer para sus familias y se contentan con ser flojos.</span></b> Por lo tanto, dan la <b><span style="color: red;">responsabilidad de dirigir </span></b>su hogar a sus esposas. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">!Muchos incluso envían a sus esposas a trabajar y se contentan con no satisfacer las necesidades de su familia!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> Esposos, Dios los ha hecho responsables de su familia, no a su esposa. Como la cabeza de su hogar,</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡el responsable es usted!</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¿Cómo puede pedirle a su esposa que ceda mientras se niega a dirigir como debe hacerlo?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">¡Asuma la responsabilidad y sea el líder que Dios manda que sea! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #ffd966;">Esposas, Dios les ordena que apoyen el liderazgo de sus esposos.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> ¡No trate de apoderarse del liderazgo de su esposo solo porque piensa que él no está dirigiendo como debe! </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Aún si ese fuera el caso debe continuar teniendo un espíritu de sumisión y apoyar el liderazgo de su esposo.</span></p><p>En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:22-23</span></b>, el apóstol Pablo insta a las esposas diciendo, <i>"Sométanse a sus propios maridos, como al Señor. 23 Porque el marido es la cabeza de la mujer, así como Cristo es la cabeza de la iglesia, su cuerpo, y él mismo es su Salvador." </i></p><p>En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 4:1-3</span></b>, el apóstol Pablo instó a los santos, eso es a los Crisitanos, a andar como es digno de su vocación. Aquí, en el próximo capítulo, explica cómo l<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">as mujeres hacen esto en el matrimonio al someterse voluntariamente a sus maridos</span>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">En nuestra sociedad retorcida y feminista, la palabra "sumisión" se ha convertido en una palabra desagradable y fea.</span></b> Presentan una imagen de ser <b><span style="color: red;">dominado y oprimido.</span></b> Han corrompido por completo el significado de la palabra y el concepto divino de lo que enseña la Biblia. </p><p><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Jesús nunca nos ha pedido que hagamos algo que Él mismo no haya hecho</span>. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jesús se sometió a la voluntad de Su Padre y cedió a los intereses de Su Padre.</span></b> Él ordena a las esposas a que se sometan voluntariamente al liderazgo de sus maridos.<b><span style="color: #660000;"> Esposos, recuerden que el Señor no quiere que abusen de su liderazgo obligando a su esposa a someterse, usando castigos u otras tácticas. Si las esposas se niegan a sujetarse, creo que no hay nada que pueda hacer sino ser responsable ante Dios y esperar que Él juzgue a las esposas si se niegan a arrepentirse.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Ella debe someterse voluntariamente al liderazgo del esposo sin que el esposo la obligue a hacerlo! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Las esposas que temen al Señor se someten al liderazgo o dirección de sus maridos sin imposición. El deseo primordial de ellas debe ser el de someterse a la voluntad de Dios ya la de sus maridos.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Debemos enfatizar la importancia de que las esposas se comporten de manera santa fuera y dentro del hogar.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1-2</span></b>, ilustra a una esposa cuyo esposo no es obediente a la Palabra de Dios. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Se le ordena ganar a su esposo por su conducta piadosa y santa.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Esposas, ¡sus vidas piadosas y justas hablan más que mil palabras!</span></b></i> Pedro dice que cuando las esposas se someten voluntariamente a sus esposos, ellas van a recibir un a <b><span style="color: red;">buena recompensa de Dios</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">El esposo incrédulo puede ser ganado a Cristo po el buen ejemplo de sus esposas.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Lamentablemente hay esposos incredulos que rechazan la Palabra de Dios y maltratan a sus esposas que son Cristianas. Y aunque estas esposas cristianas tienen tales maridos, ellos aun pueden ser ganados a Cristo por la conducta piadosa sin palabra.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;"> ¡Eso es poderoso!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Pero si nos comportamos como el mundo, no estamos obedeciendo a Dios ni sometiéndonos a Su gobierno. </span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Punto!</span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> Debemos comportarnos de una manera piadosa independientemente de cómo él actúe hacia nosotras. Si no actúa como un hombre piadoso y temeroso de Dios, de la forma que debe hacerlo, eso no nos da permiso o derecho alguno para negarse a someterse a él. </span> </p><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Recuerde que aquellas santas mujeres en el pasado pusieron su esperanza o confianza en Dios y se adornaron por dentro y por fuera.</span> Se vistieron con un <b><span style="color: red;">corazón sumiso </span></b>hacia Dios. Sara es el mejor ejemplo piadoso y sumiso para todas las esposas cristianas, y debemos aprender de su ejemplo. Sara <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">mostró un espíritu sumiso y dócil en la forma en que trataba a su esposo, incluso en sus conversaciones con Abraham.</span> Siguiendo su ejemplo piadoso y santo, somos hijas de Sara. No podemos ser <b><span style="color: red;">herederas de la promesa</span></b> cuando nos comportamos de <b><span style="color: red;">manera impía e infiel</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Una esposa dócil o sumisa confía en su esposo y actúa en su mejor interés. Ella cede o se somete a su esposo porque teme a Dios y desea someterse a Él, haciendo lo correcto. Ella es piadosa y tiene un espíritu afable y apacible, porque obedece a Cristo.</span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Hermanas y amigas, recuerden que no debemos enfocarnos solo en lo externo.</span> Nuestra belleza no debe ser externa, sino una belleza espiritual Nuestra belleza debe revelar un <b><span style="color: red;">espíritu afable y apacible</span></b>. Nuestros corazones son preciosos para Dios, especialmente cuando nuestro carácter es <b><span style="color: red;">gentil y tranquilo</span></b>. En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 5:5</span></b>, se les ordena a todos los cristianos a ser mansos, es decir, apacible, dócil o gentil como <b><span style="color: red;">Moisés</span></b>, quien es alabado por su mansedumbre y afabilidad de corazón para con todos (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Núm. 12:3</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Esposas y hermanas recuerden que nuestra más excelente belleza proviene de nuestra piedad y rectitud de corazón.</span></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Primero debemos someternos a Dios y a Su autoridad para poder someternos a nuestros esposos.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Al someternos a Dios, estamos obedeciendo Su plan y autoridad para nosotras en el hogar, y hace más fácil el honrar a nuestro esposo como el líder o la cabeza espiritual de nuestros hogares.</span> A medida que nos sometemos a la autoridad de Dios, será más fácil para nosotras, las esposas, dar un paso atrás y permitir que nuestros maridos guíen como deben hacerlo. Es un recordatorio de lo que significa dar un paso atrás y permitir que Dios nos guíe a todos. Como esposas temerosas de Dios, debemos rehusarse a tener el control de todo en nuestros hogares, debemos dejarlo a un lado, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">porque no debemos dirigir y llevar las riendas, sino seguir el liderazgo de nuestro esposo.</span> Debemos seguir, ofrecer, servir, ayudar, compartir, observar, luego debemos <i><b><span style="color: red;">"echar más sopa en la olla de la que sacamos con el cucharón.". </span></b></i></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000;">Debemos contemplar las bendiciones de la sumisión en nuestro matrimonio, dar un paso atrás y dar espacio para que nuestros esposos den un paso adelante, porque esta es la sabiduría de Dios para nosotras las mujeres.</span></b> Lamentablemente, en la cultura actual, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡la relación entre marido y mujer se ha visto afectada por el feminismo! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Las semillas del feminismo se encuentran dentro de cada uno de nuestros corazones. El feminismo ignora la necesidad de roles, ya que iguala los roles con un valor propio.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;"> ¡Pero eso no es lo que declara la Palabra de Dios! </span></b></i> En la Biblia, es más fácil ver la igualdad fundamental de hombres y mujeres en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 1:27</span></b>. En ninguna parte de la Biblia leemos que los hombres son de mayor estima delante de Dios que las mujeres. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Ambos hombres y mujeres comparten por igual el privilegio de ser hechos a la imagen o semejanza de Dios. Tenemos la misma honra.</span></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Nosotras, las esposas, debemos someternos al Señor primero para que nos sometamos a nuestros maridos.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Nuestro Señor y Salvador está declarando Su gloria en nuestra sumisión, y también está enseñando a las esposas lo que significa someterse a Él.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Debemos liberarnos de la forma de bancarrota que el mundo ve el matrimonio!</span></b></i> Es nuestro deber como aquellos que caminan en la Verdad y el Amor reemplazar la <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">visión distorsionada del matrimonio del mundo por una visión divina.</span> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">No olvidemos que el matrimonio muestra la gloria del Evangelio de nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo.</span> Todo lo relacionado con el matrimonio se puede resolver cuando aplicamos los principios fundamentales enseñados en la Palabra de Dios. </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Así mismo, toda pareja casada debe estar dispuesta a comprender y aceptar humildemente la voluntad y el propósito de Dios para el matrimonio.</span></b> No se trata de <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"mis necesidades"</span></b> o <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"mis derechos."</span></b> La visión del matrimonio de <b><span style="color: red;">"las necesidades de ella"</span></b> aflige a muchas. Si de verdad amamos la Verdad, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">¡debemos aceptar y seguir la visión del matrimonio divino de Dios!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Despertémonos de nuestro sueño y pongámonos de pie para hacer realidad el diseño divino de Dios para nosotros en nuestros hogares.</span> Por supuesto, eso es, si verdaderamente confiamos en Dios y veneramos Su Santa Palabra. Seamos hijos de Luz y no nos rindamos a la presión de nuestra <b><span style="color: red;">cultura pagana </span></b>que nos obliga a rechazar todo lo que es justo y piadoso. <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">Fijemos nuestros ojos solo en Dios y no en nuestra cultura pagana.</span> Con corazón sincero, fijemos la mirada sólo en Él y no en el <b><span style="color: red;">feminismo gigante</span></b> que se rebela contra Dios y toda justicia. Recuerde, los caminos de Dios son perfectos y mejores para nosotros. Dejemos que Dios y su Palabra obre en nosotros.</p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Entonces, señoritas, si no desean someterse y seguir el liderazgo de un hombre, entonces no deben casarse, pero no pueden escapar de su obligación de someterse a la autoridad masculina permaneciendo solteras.</span> Para agradar a Dios, todavía debe aprender a someter su voluntad a la voluntad divina. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Punto!</span></b></i> Recuerde, la sumisión no significa que sea inferior. ¿<i><b><span style="color: red;">Supone usted que Cristo fue inferior cuando se sometió a la voluntad de su Padre?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">¡¡No me parece!!</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué? </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Porque la sumisión muestra fuerza y mansedumbre piadosa.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Recuerde que cuando se sometes a su esposo, está demostrando reverencia y servicio al Señor. Es decir, está sirviendo a Cristo al someterse a la voluntad de su esposo y no a la suya.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Porque su marido es su cabeza! </span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Sólo hay una cabeza en la relación matrimonial. Dios creó al esposo y a la esposa como una sola carne para que funcionen juntos bajo una sola cabeza.</span> No deben ser <b><span style="color: red;">autónomos</span></b> sino vivir juntos. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Dios ha hecho que la relación matrimonial sea tan hermosa como lo es Cristo para la iglesia.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Esposas, la sumisión no es hacer lo que siempre quiere hacer, ni es salirse con la suya! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">La sumisión es elegir someterse a la voluntad y deseos de su esposo. Esto es caminar en piedad y amor.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Es devoción al Señor! </span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #660000;">La sumisión honra y afirma el liderazgo del esposo y lo ayuda a continuar en su papel de liderazgo. La sumisión no es negarle el papel al esposo como la cabeza, y no menosprecia y desautoriza el liderazgo de su esposo </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1-2</span></b>). <b><span style="color: red;"> Esposas</span></b>, ustedes están obedeciendo a Cristo y sometiéndose a Su voluntad cuando se someten al liderazgo de su esposo. Recuerden, serán recompensadas por su servicio generoso y amoroso hacia su esposo y al Señor.</p><p><b><span style="color: #660000;">Hasta que los hombres y las mujeres comiencen a darse cuenta de lo que Dios quiere y exige de ellos como esposos y esposas, sometiéndose a Su liderazgo y Su gobierno, será difícil que nuestros matrimonios operen y se transformen de la manera que Dios ha querido desde el principio.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Tristemente, la visión de Dios del matrimonio ha sido severamente dañada en nuestra sociedad, pero puede ser restaurada al diseño original de Dios a través del Evangelio de Su Hijo.</span></p><p> Es mi <b><span style="color: red;">oración ferviente </span></b>que Dios, de alguna manera, ayude a las esposas a someterse a sus esposos como a Él con un corazón sincero y puro, de acuerdo al propósito divino de Dios. Sé que no es fácil ya que Satanás se ha esforzado mucho en pervertir nuestros corazones contra la voluntad de Dios. Pero en el fondo de mi corazón, sé que es posible <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">si comenzamos a pensar y comportarnos como hijos de Luz cuyo deseo principal es hacer la voluntad del Padre en los cielos.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Gracias a Dios por el Evangelio, que es su poder para salvación! </span></b></i></p><p>Por lo tanto, rechacemos la <b><span style="color: red;">visión distorsionada del mundo sobre el matrimonio y el hogar</span></b>, y todas las <b><span style="color: red;">mentiras del feminismo</span></b>, y decidamos volver a los <b><span style="color: red;">caminos antiguos y justos de Dios</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Gracias a Dios por esa hermosa visión del matrimonio que nos ha dado, que es mucho mejor que nuestra propia visión, más hermosa, más peculiar y más vivificante. </span></p><p> Que nos sometamos a nuestros maridos como al Señor. Porque el esposo es la cabeza de la esposa como también nuestro Señor y Salvador, Jesucristo es la cabeza de Su iglesia y el Salvador del cuerpo. Que sea como el Señor nuestro Dios ha dicho. Que nosotros, de un corazón sincero y contrito, cambiemos el rumbo de nuestros matrimonios. Que podamos darle a Dios mucho más de lo que le estamos dando actualmente. Que podamos ponernos de pie como David y luchar contra el gigante, el <b><span style="color: red;">feminismo</span></b>, aceptando la feminidad definida por Dios. Y que permitamos que Su Palabra eterna nos transforme, nos regenere, nos pula y cambie para la gloria de Dios. </p><p> </p><p>Luci</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-36364635048114098662022-07-07T11:17:01.595-05:002022-08-05T17:06:47.449-05:00CONTENDIENDO POR LA MODESTIA<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxo9eiQqI6yFw02pK6RPMci_0eogWg7mzGRCTPHgRIrFQg6x-oCvPmHvluB4dp9NVZKskc69trwPRWzdzgLpCYMmZZuisaGj7WZjY2dkCb2Y5pAKqch3ZbTtNkhylIqehDw3iBj-4ZcE-KEk4KwL2CmvJ0UFtCeOsCOTV-u4TCX53Uwy4P31nCqdJ5w/s700/Reading-Bible-together-sq.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxo9eiQqI6yFw02pK6RPMci_0eogWg7mzGRCTPHgRIrFQg6x-oCvPmHvluB4dp9NVZKskc69trwPRWzdzgLpCYMmZZuisaGj7WZjY2dkCb2Y5pAKqch3ZbTtNkhylIqehDw3iBj-4ZcE-KEk4KwL2CmvJ0UFtCeOsCOTV-u4TCX53Uwy4P31nCqdJ5w/w400-h400/Reading-Bible-together-sq.webp" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>“Y considerémonos unos a otros para estimularnos al amor y a las buenas obras.”</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebreos 10:24</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>Con el calor del verano, las temperaturas suben y tendemos a buscar alivio vistiéndonos con ropa más fresca. Si nuestros estándares se han desviado un poco hacia lo que nuestros amigos mundanos permiten, es posible que permitamos un poco más de desnudez de lo que solemos hacer. Lamentablemente, nuestra cultura nos ha insensibilizado ya que lo vemos en todas partes, pero el pensamiento de Dios no ha cambiado. Ahora vamos a no ponernos a la defensiva. Necesitamos educarnos constantemente hacia lo que la Biblia llama el <b><span style="color: red;">"temor de Dios."</span></b> C<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">on este estudio acerca de la modestia, mi mayor propósito es refrescar nuestra memoria a las enseñanzas divinas que nos guían sobre el vestir de acuerdo a la voluntad de Dios.</span> </p><p>Es un gran alivio anticipar el clima más fresco del otoño porque todos tendremos una razón para guardar la <b><span style="color: red;">ropa vergonzosa</span></b> de verano y comenzar a cubrir <b><span style="color: red;">la vergüenza de la desnudez</span></b>. En serio, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¿Podríamos pensar y analizar un poco más la forma en la que vestimos nuestros cuerpos dados por Dios?</span><span style="color: #990000;"> ¡El Señor ha escrito que nuestros cuerpos son el Templo de Dios!</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Cómo es nuestro templo para el mundo?</span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">La modestia es definitivamente un tema controversial, independientemente de cómo uno lo exponga.</span> A menudo, cuando uno se embarca en este tema, tiene que hacerlo con cautela, ya que siempre resulta costoso y desafiante hablar en contra de tal tema. Es inevitable. No hay nada que provoque más un choque de frente que este espinoso asunto de la modestia y el pudor. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Sin embargo, mi deseo no es la polémica sino estimularnos al amor y a las buenas obras para la gloria de Dios.</span> Mi objetivo es la edificación a través de la Verdad de Dios.</p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Francamente, la falta de modestia y pudor deben de ser una gran preocupación para la iglesia del Señor.</span> Muchos cristianos no quieren decir algo al respecto porque temen parecer inmodestos con las mismas palabras que usan. Otros están tal vez dispuestos a hablar en contra, pero no pueden abordar el tema desde un punto de vista Bíblico. <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Es innegable que la modestia es una virtud perdida en nuestra sociedad.</span> Tenemos buenas razones para estar preocupados. En mi estudio estaré considerando las razones de esta preocupación. Quiero comenzar este estudio con <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 3:7-10 </span></b>donde vemos el origen de la vergüenza en el jardín del Edén cuando Adán y Eva se hallaron desnudos.</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I. <u>EL ORIGEN DE LA VERGÜENZA Y LAS EXCUSAS:</u></span></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>“Entonces fueron abiertos los ojos de ambos, y conocieron que estaban desnudos; entonces cosieron hojas de higuera, y se hicieron delantales. 8 Y oyeron la voz de Jehová Dios que se paseaba en el huerto, al aire del día; y el hombre y su mujer se escondieron de la presencia de Jehová Dios entre los árboles del huerto. 9 Mas Jehová Dios llamó al hombre, y le dijo: ¿Dónde estás tú? 10 Y él respondió: Oí tu voz en el huerto, y tuve miedo, porque estaba desnudo; y me escondí.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 3:7-10</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">El origen de la Vergüenza:</b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Los ojos de Adán y Eva Fueron abiertos:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Ahora Adán y Eva han adquirido el conocimiento del bien y del mal.</li><li>Ahora tanto Adán como Eva conocen el bien y el mal, pero hubieran deseado no haberlo sabido nunca. </li><li>A medida que maduramos y nuestra conciencia se desarrolla, y llegamos a la edad de entender entre el bien y el mal, a través del discernimiento de la Palabra de Dios, nuestros ojos se abren al pecado. </li><li>Hoy llamamos a esto la <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">'edad de la responsabilidad o de la comprensión.’</span></b> </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Note lo que dice <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nehemías</span></b>:</div><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Y el sacerdote Esdras trajo la ley delante de la congregación, así de hombres como de mujeres y de todos los que podían entender, el primer día del mes séptimo. 3 Y leyó en el libro delante de la plaza que está delante de la puerta de las Aguas, desde el alba hasta el mediodía, en presencia de hombres y mujeres y de todos los que podían entender; y los oídos de todo el pueblo estaban atentos al libro de la ley.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nehemías 8:2-3</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">La comprensión sólo puede llegar con el crecimiento y el discernimiento.</span></div><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Para Adán y Eva el conocimiento vino inmediatamente:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p>Para Adán y Eva este conocimiento llegó completamente desarrollado en un instante a si como cuando fueron ambos creados. Tengamos en cuenta que ellos fueron los primeros que experimentaron las mentiras de Satanás y sus terribles consecuencias.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Tanto Adán como Eva se encontraron avergonzados ante Dios y los hombres:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Y oyeron la voz de Jehová Dios que se paseaba en el huerto, al aire del día; y el hombre y su mujer se escondieron de la presencia de Jehová Dios entre los árboles del huerto. 9 Mas Jehová Dios llamó al hombre, y le dijo: ¿Dónde estás tú? 10 Y él respondió: Oí tu voz en el huerto, y tuve miedo, porque estaba desnudo; y me escondí."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 3:8-10</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">La Desnudez Debe Cubrirse:</b></li></ul></div><p><i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Qué fue lo primero de lo que se dieron cuenta Adán y Eva cuando Dios los llamó? </span></b></i></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Que estaban desnudos. Su conciencia les decía que estaban mal andando así, desnudos.</span> En otras palabras, su conciencia los estaba acusando. En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romanos 2:15</span></b>, leemos,</div><p></p><blockquote>"<i>Mostrando la obra de la ley escrita en sus corazones, dando testimonio su conciencia, y acusándoles o defendiéndoles sus razonamientos.”</i></blockquote><i></i><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Solo aquellos que tienen <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">el conocimiento del bien y del mal y cuya conciencia no ha sido completamente cauterizada</span> tienen un sentido de <b><span style="color: red;">vergüenza</span></b>. Asimismo, también reconocen que deben <b><span style="color: red;">taparse</span></b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Cubrieron Sus Lomos:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Tanto Adán como Eva estaban conscientes de las partes de sus cuerpos que necesitaban ser cubiertas.</span> Cuando se dieron cuenta de que tenían que cubrir sus cuerpos, hicieron algunas cubiertas o revestimientos con lo que había disponible en el jardín, principalmente las hojas de los árboles frutales. </div><p><i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Puede ver el efecto del pecado? </span></b></i></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Note que Adán debía arreglar y cuidar el jardín, y ahora se encontraba desgarrando los árboles para encontrar algo con qué cubrirse.</span> Cubrieron sus lomos con hojas. Adán y Eva sabían que algo andaba mal y que tenían que hacer algo al respecto. Realmente no sabían cómo solucionar su problema. Hicieron lo mejor que pudieron pensar en ese momento. Ellos, de hecho, pensaron que ya habían hecho lo suficiente. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Pero hasta que Dios los llamó, no se dieron cuenta de que en realidad no habían hecho lo suficiente para cubrir su desnudez.</span></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Sus Lomos No Estaban Adecuadamente Cubiertos Delante Dios:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p>Adán y Eva pensaron que habían cubierto su desnudez lo suficiente. <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Por lo tanto, dejaron de añadir más cubiertas a su desnudez.</span> Pero cuando oyeron que Dios se acercaba hacia ellos en el jardín, se escondieron. Esto me lleva a las siguientes preguntas: </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><i>Si Adán y Eva habían cubierto lo suficiente sus lomos, ¿por qué se escondieron cuando Dios los llamó? </i></li><li><i>¿Qué dijo Adán en respuesta a Dios? "Porque estaba desnudo, y me escondí."</i></li></ol></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">El conocimiento de Adán del bien y del mal fue suficiente</span>. Esto es lo que TODOS debemos hacer hoy dia. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Si está desnudo, ¡no se exhiba en público! </span></b></i>Evidentemente, tanto Adán como Eva sabían que no estaban <b><span style="color: red;">presentablemente decentes</span></b>. Además, sabían que lo que llevaban puesto (como se cubrieron) <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">no era de ninguna manera apropiada ni aceptable en la presencia de Dios. Todavía estaban desnudos. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Entonces, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¿por qué es que muchos no piensan nada en absoluto al presentarse delante Dios y los hombres en las mas peores e indecentes modas de desnudez o incluso desnudarse sin sonrojarse hoy?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">El conocimiento del mal de la desnudez pública se ha perdido en nuestra gente.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Intentaron Esconderse de Dios:</b></li></ul></div><p><i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Ha notado que los culpables siempre huyen? </span></b></i>Incluso cuando nadie los persigue. En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Proverbios 28:1</span></b> leemos:</p><div style="text-align: left;"><i></i></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"Huye el impío sin que nadie lo persiga; Mas el justo está confiado como un león.”</i></div><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Aunque Adán y Eva trataron de escaparse de que Dios nos los viera y supiera de su desnudez, Dios sabía. </span> </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"¿Soy yo Dios de cerca solamente, dice Jehová, y no Dios desde muy lejos? 24 ¿Se ocultará alguno, dice Jehová, en escondrijos que yo no lo vea? ¿No lleno yo, dice Jehová, el cielo y la tierra? 25 Yo he oído lo que aquellos profetas dijeron, profetizando mentira en mi nombre, diciendo: Soñé, soñé.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremías 23:23-25</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Muchos hoy se comportan como Adán y Eva o incluso peor porque no tienen ninguna vergüenza exhibiendo su desnudez ante los ojos de los hombres y Dios.</span> No hacen ni el mínimo esfuerzo para ocultarlo. Pretenden que Dios no puede ver su <b><span style="color: red;">desnudez</span></b>. </div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">Más tarde, Dios les proporcionó una cobertura adecuada y duradera:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“Y Jehová Dios hizo al hombre y a su mujer túnicas de pieles, y los vistió.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 3:21</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Aunque Adán y Eva sabían que tenían que ponerse algo que fuera más apropiado para su desnudez, no dieron con la respuesta correcta y no pudieron resolver el problema.</span></b> Así que Dios les dio <b><span style="color: red;">ropa adecuada y decente</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Dios les hizo ropa duradera para usar la cual fue modesta. Los cubrió adecuadamente.</span> Y aunque habían cubierto sus <b><span style="color: red;">“lomos,” </span></b>Dios les hizo prendas llamadas<b><span style="color: red;"> “túnicas.”</span></b> Esto era nuevo para ellos. <b><span style="color: #990000;">Era ropa adecuada tanto en el material como en la cantidad de ropa que cubría el cuerpo. La gente en algunas partes del mundo todavía usa este tipo de túnica como su vestimenta típica.</span></b></div><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">II. <u>MOTIVOS DE PREOCUPACIÓN</u>:</span></b></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"Bienaventurados los de limpio corazón, porque ellos verán a Dios.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 5:8</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Vivimos en una cultura donde la desnudez o el estilo de vida de<b> "ropa opcional"</b> se está convirtiendo en un gran negocio.</span> Ya nadie se <b><span style="color: red;">sonroja</span></b>. Hubo un tiempo en el cual nuestra gente se avergonzaba de la <b><span style="color: red;">indecencia pública</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Una cultura que adora la naturaleza y la sensualidad es propensa a vestirse sin modestia. Del mismo modo, aquellos que hacen idolatría de las posesiones materiales a menudo caen presa de la esclavitud vanidosa de la moda. Sin embargo, una cultura que abraza la fe en Cristo y el temor de Dios primero busca la santidad como su estándar de vestimenta personal (cobertura o recubrimiento). </span></b><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">El código de vestimenta piadoso enfatiza principios bíblicos como distinción, funcionalidad y modestia. Cómo cubrimos nuestros cuerpos no es una cuestión moralmente neutral.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Además, los <b><span style="color: red;">estándares y códigos de vestimenta</span></b> son inevitables.<i><b><span style="color: red;"> ¿Por qué? </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Porque todos seguimos un código de vestimenta ya sea por diseño o como forma predeterminada.</span> <span style="color: red;">¿</span><i><b><span style="color: red;">Ha usted examinado y considerado las implicaciones morales y filosóficas de su código de vestimenta o ha permitido que otros piensen por usted y, de hecho, ha aceptado el juicio de ellos?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">La realidad es que todos tenemos un código de vestimenta.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Reina la Moda:</b></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Los cristianos deben entender muy bien que las normas de vestimenta son inevitables.</span> Desafortunadamente, hemos visto tres formas de pensamiento:</div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>El surgimiento del antinomianismo (el rechazo de Dios como Legislador).</li><li>El resurgimiento del gnosticismo (la creencia de que Dios no se preocupa por las cosas físicas o materiales).</li><li>Y la aceptación general de la neutralidad (la noción de que el Señorío de Cristo sólo se aplica a la acción humana en asuntos <b>"espirituales"</b>).</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Muchos cristianos se han dejado llevar por el curso de este mundo, y se han rendido por completo al príncipe de las tinieblas antes que a Dios.</span> Caminan en pura desobediencia. Prefieren ser llevados cautivos por las <b><span style="color: red;">inclinaciones pecaminosas de nuestra cultura pagana</span></b>,<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> en lugar de obedecer la amonestación de llevar cautivo todo pensamiento a la obediencia a Cristo.</span> </div><p><b><span style="color: #660000;">Como cristianos, que obedecemos a su Señor, debemos honrar las reglas de nuestro Legislador con respecto a nuestra vestimenta.</span></b> De lo contrario, estamos <b><span style="color: red;">rechazando el Señorío de Jesús</span></b>. Ya sea que queramos reconocerlo o no, en realidad estamos diciendo:</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i> "Mi estándar de vestimenta es una zona neutral. Jesús no habla de este tema."</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Entonces, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¿quién es el Legislador? ¿El hombre o Dios?</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Cuando alguien afirma ser cristiano en palabra y obra, debe discernir cómo reverenciar sabiamente el Señorío de Cristo y aplicar todos Sus principios revelados a nuestras normas de vestimenta.</span></b></div><p><b><span style="color: #660000;">Puede estar absolutamente seguro de que la Palabra de Dios revelada es suficiente para nosotros en cuanto a cómo debemos vestirnos de una manera que honre a Cristo con respecto a nuestro género y nuestra situación en la vida.</span></b> </p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Por lo tanto, debemos aplicar los principios, preceptos y patrones normativos inmutables de las Escrituras a cada hecho cultural.</span> Uno de estos temas vitales es <b><span style="color: red;">la desnudez o la falta de modestia y pudor</span></b>. La Palabra de Dios revelada tiene mucho que decir sobre este asunto.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Por desgracia, hoy en día, más y más cristianos piensan de la desnudez o falta de modestia como algo normal y aceptable, incluso preferible. </li><li>De alguna manera, creen que tienen permiso para eliminar las <b><span style="color: red;">"restricciones"</span></b> de la vestimenta modesta siguiendo las modas paganas que son físicamente reveladoras. </li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Como terrible consecuencia de todo esto, la gente sobria se presenta públicamente desnudos sin ningún pudor.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡NO! </span></b></i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Como cristianos profesantes, debemos hablar la Verdad en contra de esta tendencia moderna hacia la desnudez y sus consecuencias. Debemos comenzar a criar hijos e hijas que permanezcan moralmente puros en una cultura idólatra que adora la carne y la desnudez.</span></b></div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Hoy en día, el nudismo se presenta como ocio y entretenimiento de vanguardia.</span> Coincide con la tendencia <b><span style="color: red;">de la moda hacia la desnudez</span></b>. </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Nuestros diseñadores de moda parecen estar atrapados en la idea de que menos es más, promoviendo con fuerza estilos que descubran más piel. </li><li>Los diseñadores exitosos comercializan el concepto de que lo que es sensual y revelador es en realidad la tendencia moderna. </li><li>Su comercialización es más atractiva y persuasiva entre nuestras adolescentes y mujeres jóvenes. Se trata de usar lo que es atractivo y de moda, independientemente de sí es un ajuste o estilo adecuado para quien lo usa. </li><li>No me sorprende que nuestra cultura acepte estos estilos, pero es inquietante ver a nuestras hermanas en Cristo unirse a tal forma de pensar y actuar. </li></ol><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“Pero el hombre natural no percibe las cosas que son del Espíritu de Dios, porque para él son locura, y no las puede entender, porque se han de discernir espiritualmente.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corintios 2:14</span></b>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></blockquote><p></p><p><i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Estamos verdaderamente escuchando las palabras inspiradas del Espíritu Santo? </span></b></i>Lo que es problemático para mí es que tantos c<span style="color: #660000;">ristianos/cristianas estén dispuestos a doblar la rodilla ante las tentaciones engañosas de las modas provocativas como si dijeran:</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Lo que me pongo es asunto mío y de nadie más."</span></b></i></p><p>Cuando uno se atreve a hablar de la<b><span style="color: red;"> modestia y de sus normas</span></b> hoy día, está arriesgándose. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">!Porque muchos nos marcan como ingenuo, poco práctico, anticuado, atrasado, mojigato y, lo que es peor, ¡entrometido!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Ya sea que lo aceptemos o no, los principios de la modestia están entretejidos de manera convincente a lo largo de las Escrituras. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Uno de los rasgos de carácter que caracteriza al pueblo de Dios es la modestia.</span> La modestia está relacionada con los rasgos piadosos del carácter de humildad, discreción, pureza y dominio propio. Sin embargo, es un tema que permanece mayormente<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"> ignorado en nuestra instrucción y amonestación divina.</span> Consideremos los siguientes puntos que encontramos en la enseñanza de la Biblia acerca de la <b><span style="color: red;">modestia.</span></b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li> La modestia se aborda tanto en el <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Antiguo como en el Nuevo Testamento</span> </b>como algo vital para comprender la santidad de Dios.</li><li>La modestia bíblica no es un asunto de ley sino más bien un estado de actitud mental o disposición que refleja fundamentalmente lo interno, el del corazón. </li><li>Debemos ensenar cuidadosamente la modestia para que podamos controlar la forma en la que hablamos, nos comportamos y nos adornamos, especialmente en situaciones públicas y de compañía mixta.</li></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Los padres que son propensos a nos importarles y hacer indiferentes en cuanto a la forma actual de vertirse de sus niños y niñas están poniendo a sus hijos en riesgo tanto espiritual como socialmente.</span></b></div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Los cristianos deben prestar atención a las enseñanzas de la Biblia correctamente para que puedan vivir según la norma divina, que es la norma más alta de pureza y santidad.</span></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"Y sed santos, porque yo soy santo." </i>(<span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Levítico 11:44; I Pedro 1:16</b></span>)</p><p><i>"Sed, pues, imitadores de Dios, como hijos amados."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:1</span></b>)</p></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dejemos que estas palabras divinas penetren profundamente en nuestros corazones. Tienen un significado bíblico serio que nos conecta distintivamente con nuestro Creador.</div><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">La intención final de Dios para Sus hijos es que sean diferentes, apartados del mundo, apartados de nuestra cultura moderna, en la forma en que piensan, hablan, se comportan y especialmente como se visten.</span></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i> “Así alumbre vuestra luz delante de los hombres, para que vean vuestras buenas obras, y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 5:16</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Debemos ser un "pueblo peculiar." <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(Tito 2:14; I Pedro 2:9</span></b>) </li><li>Vemos esta Verdad en las primeras páginas de <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis</span></b>. </li><li>La Biblia proclama las normas justas de Dios y define los límites de nuestra libertad.</li><li>Como cristianos, debemos considerarnos <b>"extranjeros y peregrinos.” </b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 2:11</span></b>)</li><li>No debemos amar al mundo ni las cosas de este mundo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Juan 2:15</span></b>).</li><li>No debemos conformarnos a este mundo, sino ser transformados, regenerados (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romanos 12:1-2</span></b>).</li><li>No somos solo una subcultura en control de crucero, sino una contracultura que marcha con cautela al ritmo de un tamborilero diferente, nuestro Señor Jesucristo.</li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">III. <u>DEFINICIONES DE LA PALABRA "MODESTIA</u>"</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Modestia: una pequeña palabra con un gran significado</b></li></ul></div><p>Entonces, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿qué es la modestia?</span></b></i> </p><div style="text-align: left;">La visión de la modestia de mediados del siglo XVI, definida por sus partes, nos brinda una perspectiva útil:</div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Humildad: falta de voluntad para llamar la atención sobre sus propios logros o habilidades.</li><li>Reserva sexual: Reserva sobre la desnudez o asuntos sexuales, principalmente una preferencia por la ropa que mantiene mucho el cuerpo cubierto.</li><li>Timidez: Falta de confianza al hablar con otros o expresar opiniones, y la tendencia a sentirse incómodo o avergonzado en compañía.</li><li>Simplicidad: Falta de grandeza u ostentación.</li><li>Moderación: Moderación en tamaño, escala o extensión.</li></ol></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">El diccionario moderno define la palabra<b><span style="color: red;"> "modestia" </span></b>como:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Moderado, no atrevido ni jactancioso.</li><li>Sin audacia, presunción, ostentación, sin pretensiones.</li><li>Casto y decente.</li></ol></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Las definiciones formales de modestia se han mantenido relativamente sin cambios. El diccionario Noah Webster agrega,</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“En las mujeres, la modestia tiene el mismo carácter que en los hombres; pero la palabra también se usa como sinónimo de castidad o pureza de modales. educación y principios. La modestia intacta es el encanto más dulce de la excelencia femenina, la joya más rica en la diadema de su honor. “</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Asi que, de acuerdo con las definiciones mencionadas anteriormente, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">la modestia es un concepto amplio que no se limita a la connotación sexual.</span> Es un estado de ánimo o la disposición de expresar una humilde evaluación o examen de uno mismo ante Dios. La modestia, como la humildad, es lo contrario de la arrogancia. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">No busca llamar la atención sobre sí mismo. La castidad está ligada a la modestia (pureza moral de pensamiento y conducta).</span> Tanto la pureza moral como la humildad no exhiben sensualidad y ostentación.</div><p>A principios del siglo XX, la gente tomaba en serio la modestia, ya que estaba en el corazón del concepto cristiano de vestimenta<b><span style="color: red;"> "decente." </span></b>Los <b><span style="color: red;">primeros trajes de baño para mujeres</span></b> consistían de medias y bombachos (blumers) negros, que cubrían desde el cuello hasta los tobillos. Por desgracia, los estilos continuaron cambiando, dándonos el <b><span style="color: red;">bikini</span></b> y <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">reduciendo la práctica del pudor por la desnudez sin ninguna vergüenza.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">El exceso y la sensualidad van en contra de la modestia.</span> Es imperativo que la mujer cristiana controle conscientemente su corazón y sus pasiones en lugar de dejarse llevar por <b><span style="color: red;">modas elaboradas, costosas y sensuales</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Cuando el corazón de una mujer es puro y modesto, ella no dara lugar para llamar la atención de una manera que no sea santa y justa.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Su ropa no enviará el mensaje: sexo, orgullo o dinero, sino más bien "pureza, humildad y moderación."</span></p><p>Hermanas y amigas, como mujeres cristianas que profesan la piedad, no olvidemos que la iglesia es <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"columna y baluarte de la verdad"</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Tim. 3:15</span></b>). Por lo tanto, dejemos que esos principios divinos enseñados por la Palabra revelada de Dios guíen nuestro diario vivir para glorificar a Dios. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">No olvidemos que debemos vestirnos con modestia y discreción en presencia de los hombres y de Dios.</span> Cuando el corazón está bien con Dios, va a comportarse con pureza, humildad, y modestia. <b><span style="color: red;">La modestia cristiana no expone su desnudez públicamente.</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">IV. <u>DIOS ES EL CREADOR Y DISEÑADOR DE LA ROPA</u>:</span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Es una realidad innegable que la ropa entró con el pecado.</span> Aquellos que son nacidos del Espíritu de Dios, están de acuerdo en que <b><span style="color: red;">no debemos conformarnos con la desnudez</span></b> sino más bien rechazarla practicando la modestia. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Ofrece la Biblia un estándar objetivo para cada uno de nosotros?</span></b></i> Definitivamente,<i><b><span style="color: red;"> ¡SÍ!</span></b></i> La verdad es que la modestia se arraiga firmemente en la naturaleza de Dios, Su Gracia y Su voluntad. La Palabra de Dios describe a Dios como el Creador de todas las cosas, así como el Creador y Diseñador de la ropa. Vemos esto en el relato bíblico del origen de la ropa, y sus ejemplos posteriores de vestimenta revelados como un principio o regla de conducta.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Cuando no había ropa,</span></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Entonces fueron abiertos los ojos de ambos, y conocieron que estaban desnudos; entonces cosieron hojas de higuera, y se hicieron delantales. 8 Y oyeron la voz de Jehová Dios que se paseaba en el huerto, al aire del día; y el hombre y su mujer se escondieron de la presencia de Jehová Dios entre los árboles del huerto. 9 Mas Jehová Dios llamó al hombre, y le dijo: ¿Dónde estás tú? 10 Y él respondió: Oí tu voz en el huerto, y tuve miedo, porque estaba desnudo; y me escondí. 11 Y Dios le dijo: ¿Quién te enseñó que estabas desnudo? ¿Has comido del árbol del que yo te mandé no comieses?” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Genesis 3:7-11</span></b>).</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Es fundamental entender que en el principio, antes de que Adán y Eva desobedecieran a Dios, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">la desnudez no era vergonzosa.</span> De hecho las Escrituras dicen, <i>"Y vio Dios todo lo que había hecho, y he aquí que era bueno en gran manera.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gén. 1:31</span></b>)</div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Aunque Adán y Eva estaban desnudos, no sintieron ninguna verguenza publica.</span> Dios los creó así sin necesidad de ropa. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">La desnudez fue buena hasta que Adán y Eva se rebelaron (pecaron) contra Dios.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Cuando ambos reconocieron que estaban desnudos, tuvieron miedo y trataron de esconderse de Dios. Trataron de cubrirse porque tenian vergüenza.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Ellos trataron de cubrir su desnudez cosiendo hojas de higuera. Ellos hicieron delantales para cubrirlos, pero eso aún no era suficiente</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 3:7, 10, 21</span></b>).</p><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Como resultado de su desobediencia a Dios, Dios tuvo que cubrir la desnudez de Adán y Eva.</span> El conocimiento de su pecado cambió lo que era <b><span style="color: red;">"bueno," </span></b>la <b><span style="color: red;">desnudez</span></b>, en vergüenza humillante. Por lo tanto, sonrojados y llenos de verguenza, entraron en la historia. En Su gran misericordia, Dios proveyó una cubierta llena de gracia. Cubrió tanto a Adán como a Eva, proporcionando capas de piel para <b><span style="color: red;">"cubrir" </span></b>a ambos, aunque trataron de cubrirse con<b><span style="color: red;"> "delantales"</span></b> hechos de hojas de higuera. Esta maravillosa bondad de la misericordia (Gracia) de Dios se cumplió más tarde en el sacrificio propiciatorio de nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo.</p><p>Dios cambió los delantales de Adán y Eva con<b><span style="color: red;"> "túnicas de piel."</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Aunque Adán y Eva intentaron cubrir sus lomos, no fue aceptable delante de Dios. Dios tuvo que cubrirlos desde el cuello hasta las rodillas.</span> El cubrió completamente sus cuerpos con <b><span style="color: red;">túnicas</span></b> (un vestido parecido a una túnica). En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis,</span></b> la palabra hebrea para <b><span style="color: red;">"túnicas"</span></b> es<b><span style="color: red;"> "kuttonet,"</span></b> que significa cubrir. El<b><span style="color: red;"> "kuttonet"</span></b> era la prenda que vestían el hombre y la mujer, como se ve en las túnicas de piel. Lo más importante que hay que reconocer es que este fue el diseño de Dios para cubrir la desnudez y la vergüenza de Adán y Eva. Estrictamente hablando, <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Dios no le dio a Eva un bikini de piel para cubrirla, sino una cubierta de cuerpo completo.</span></p><p>Algunos argumentan que dado que la palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"modestia"</span></b> no aparece en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis</span></b>, no se puede extraer ningún principio de modestia. Lo que no quieren aceptar es que los principios bíblicos y las verdades bíblicas a menudo se demuestran a través de eventos literales. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Cuando Dios cubrió a Adán y Eva, estableció un principio moral que fue reforzado tanto en el Antiguo como en el Nuevo Testamento.</span> Por lo tanto, este principio moral debe ser nuestro patrón moderador, estándar, independientemente de las tendencias culturales o los tiempos cambiantes.</p><p>Cuando Dios ordenó a los <b><span style="color: red;">sacerdotes a su santo oficio</span></b>, también diseñó sus vestiduras sagradas. Le dijo a Moisés:</p><p></p><blockquote><i>“Harás llegar delante de ti a Aarón tu hermano, y a sus hijos consigo, de entre los hijos de Israel, para que sean mis sacerdotes; a Aarón y a Nadab, Abiú, Eleazar e Itamar hijos de Aarón. 2 Y harás vestiduras sagradas a Aarón tu hermano, para honra y hermosura. 3 Y tú hablarás a todos los sabios de corazón, a quienes yo he llenado de espíritu de sabiduría, para que hagan las vestiduras de Aarón, para consagrarle para que sea mi sacerdote. 4 Las vestiduras que harán son estas: el pectoral, el efod, el manto, la túnica bordada, la mitra y el cinturón. Hagan, pues, las vestiduras sagradas para Aarón tu hermano, y para sus hijos, para que sean mis sacerdotes. 40 Y para los hijos de Aarón harás túnicas; también les harás cintos, y les harás tiaras para honra y hermosura. 41 Y con ellos vestirás a Aarón tu hermano, y a sus hijos con él; y los ungirás, y los consagrarás y santificarás, para que sean mis sacerdotes. 42 Y les harás calzoncillos de lino para cubrir su desnudez; serán desde los lomos hasta los muslos. 43 Y estarán sobre Aarón y sobre sus hijos cuando entren en el tabernáculo de reunión, o cuando se acerquen al altar para servir en el santuario, para que no lleven pecado y mueran. Es estatuto perpetuo para él, y para su descendencia después de él.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Éxodo 28:3-4, 40-43</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Aquí vemos bien claro a Dios como el <b><span style="color: red;">Diseñador Original de la Ropa </span></b>al cubrir sus cuerpos como lo había hecho antes con Adán y Eva.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">V. <u>LA MODESTIA EN ACCIÓN</u>:</span></b></div><p>Aunque la palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"modestia"</span></b> sólo aparece dos veces en la Biblia (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Reina Valera 1960 y La Biblia De Las América</span></b>), a menudo se usan diferentes palabras relacionadas con la modestia. Como se usa con respecto a la modestia se ve en sus significados griegos: Considere, por ejemplo, las palabras <b><span style="color: red;">"kosmios,"</span></b> <span style="color: red;"><b>"kosmos"</b></span> y <b><span style="color: red;">"kosmeo."</span></b> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>La palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"modestia"</span></b> proviene de <b><span style="color: red;">"kosmios." </span></b>que significa ordenado, correcto, decente, modesto, respetable. </li><li>La raíz de la palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"kosmos"</span></b> de la que se derivan las palabras <b><span style="color: red;">"kosmios</span></b> y <b><span style="color: red;">kosmeó,"</span></b> se refiere a orden, adorno, decoración. También se aplica al mundo, o al universo, como algo divinamente dispuesto (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 13:35; Juan 3:16; I Juan 2:15; Santiago 1:27</span></b>). Vemos estos términos usados en las epístolas de Pablo y Pedro. Considerelos.</li></ol><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Asimismo, que las mujeres se vistan (<b><span style="color: red;">kosmeó</span></b>) con ropa decorosa, con <b>pudor y modestia</b> (<b><span style="color: red;">kosmios</span></b>), no con peinado ostentoso, no con oro, o perlas, o vestidos costosos; 10 sino con buenas obras, como corresponde a las mujeres que profesan la piedad.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Timoteo 2:9-10</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">La palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"pudor" </span></b>en el versículo anterior nos da la idea de una cualidad moral innata que causa rubor o una sensación de vergüenza, vergüenza hacia lo que es deshonroso (desnudez, inmodestia).</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Palabra fiel: Si alguno anhela obispado, buena obra desea. 2 Pero es necesario que el obispo sea irreprensible, marido de una sola mujer, sobrio, prudente, decoroso (<b><span style="color: red;">kosmios</span></b>) , hospedador, apto para enseñar; 3 no dado al vino, no pendenciero, no codicioso de ganancias deshonestas, sino amable, apacible, no avaro; 4 que gobierne bien su casa, que tenga a sus hijos en sujeción con toda honestidad 5 (pues el que no sabe gobernar su propia casa, ¿cómo cuidará de la iglesia de Dios?); 6 no un neófito, no sea que envaneciéndose caiga en la condenación del diablo.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Timoteo 3:1-6</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Aquí, Pablo les está recordando a aquellos que desean liderar en la iglesia a que sean maduros en Cristo para que puedan representar los altos estándares o cualidades como hombres de Dios para que no sean juzgados estrictamente. Es difícil no notar los principios de la modestia (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Santiago 3:1</span></b>).</div><p>Aunque Pablo está hablando principalmente a los líderes de la iglesia, hombres cristianos, les está diciendo que esas cualidades que hacen fuerte a un hombre de Dios deben ser evidentes y aumentar (crecimiento) en cada hombre cristiano, aunque nuestra cultura idolatra idealize el tipo de hombre que es independiente, audaz, atrevido, y seductor.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Asimismo vosotras, mujeres, estad sujetas a vuestros maridos; para que también los que no creen a la palabra, sean ganados sin palabra por la conducta de sus esposas, 2 considerando vuestra conducta casta y respetuosa. 3 Vuestro atavío no sea el externo de peinados ostentosos, de adornos de oro o de vestidos lujosos, 4 sino el interno, el del corazón, en el incorruptible ornato de un espíritu afable y apacible, que es de grande estima delante de Dios.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1-4</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">El apóstol Pedro está exhortando a las mujeres cristianas, es decir, a las esposas, a ser modestas en su forma de vestir y en su comportamiento.</span> También está enfatizando que lo que es realmente importante en el atavío (<b><span style="color: red;">kosmos</span></b>) de una mujer es su corazón interior, su vida, el <i><b><span style="color: red;">"hombre interno del corazón."</span></b></i> Nuestro carácter interno se demuestra en la forma en que hablamos, nos comportamos y por supuesto en nuestra manera de vestirnos. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">VI. <u>CONTENDIENDO CON INDIFERENCIA MORAL</u>:</span></b></div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Hoy vivimos tiempos de confusión moral. Nuestra cultura parece ser indiferente a todo lo que es moral, y obviamente se refleja en la forma de vestir.</span> Asimismo, también vivimos en una <b><span style="color: red;">sociedad pornográfica</span></b> que se ahoga en el éxtasis de una <b><span style="color: red;">cultura sensual y depravada</span></b>. Lamentablemente, algunos líderes en la iglesia, entre ellos predicadores y ancianos, contemplan un desfile interminable de sensualidad, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">y concluyen que los trajes de baño, las faldas cortas, las camisetas sin mangas, las blusas transparentes, los jeans de cintura baja, los vestidos con escote en la parte delantera y trasera y las faldas y los vestidos con aberturas laterales y demás no son tan malos después de todo.</span> Dicen ellos que no hay nada de malo y que todo está bien. Entre estos líderes (incluidos los llamados <b><span style="color: red;">"ministros de jóvenes"</span></b>) en la iglesia, algunos se atreven a animar a nuestras mujeres (especialmente a las jóvenes) en sus congregaciones a usar trajes de baño <b><span style="color: red;">"modestos de una sola pieza" </span></b>antes de ir a la playa. Es innegable que nuestros <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">modernos trajes de una sola pieza no son más que una obra maestra de camuflaje sensual.</span> <span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">¿Por qué? </span><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>Porque una pieza de vestido de bano está diseñado principalmente para aprovechar al máximo <b><span style="color: red;">"lo que tiene una mujer."</span></b> Sin embargo, los hijos de Dios están llamados a ser puros y santos. </p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Dios manda a los Cristianos a tener cuidado de los estilos y modas, especialmente a aquellos estilos de moda que promueven la desnudez pública.</span> Tengamos cuidado ya que el corte como la tela exponen y enfatizan extremadamente ciertas áreas del cuerpo. Estas modas o estilos tienen un solo propósito para el usuario, <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">despertar un interés profano, principalmente lujuria, en las mentes de los espectadores masculinos.</span> </p><p>Hoy, es repugnante y desalentador ver este problema impregnando la iglesia del Señor, la cual Él compró con Su sangre. Muchas veces tengo que sacudir mi cabeza cuando veo que las mujeres mayores no son un buen ejemplo en su forma de vestir y en su comportamiento. He visto este problema entre las esposas e hijas de nuestros predicadores y ancianos. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Muchos de estos líderes se atreven a publicar fotos de ellos mismos con sus mujeres vestidos (o desnudos) con ropa indecente (ellos mismos en pantalones cortos y sin camisa) en redes sociales como Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+, etc.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Me niego a presionar el buton "me gusta" en tales mensajes!</span></b></i></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><i>¿Dónde están nuestros hombres piadosos, nuestros líderes en la iglesia del Señor?</i></li><li><i>¿Qué están haciendo ustedes con la iglesia del Señor?</i></li><li><i>¿Estás destruyendo la obra de Dios, o la están construyendo para las generaciones futuras?</i></li><li><i>¿No tienen miedo de la ira de Dios?</i></li><li><i>Y vosotras, cristianas, ¿por qué os comportáis de una manera tan indigna?</i></li><li><i>¿No sabéis, mujer cristiana, que vuestros cuerpos son miembros de Cristo? ¿Tomaré, pues, los miembros de Cristo, y los haré miembros de una ramera? ¡Dios no quiera! </i></li><li><i>¿No sabéis "que vuestro cuerpo es templo del Espíritu Santo que está en vosotros, el cual tenéis de Dios? y que no sois vuestros."</i></li><li><i>¿No sabes que "habéis sido comprados por precio: glorificad, pues, a Dios en vuestro cuerpo."</i></li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Así que como cristianos y cristianas, dejemos de ser como los fariseos del tiempo de Jesús y comencemos a <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">dar buenos frutos para que no seamos juzgados estrictamente por el Juez Mayor de todos.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"¿Me he convertido entonces en vuestro enemigo por deciros la verdad?"</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Espero sinceramente que no sea asi!</span></b></i></div><p>Indiscutiblemente, este es un problema que está haciendo sangrar a la iglesia del Señor. Ella está desangrando almas. Es serio y peligroso porque es pecaminoso, distrae y compromete la causa de Cristo. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">La iglesia que permanece en silencio sobre el tema de la modestia y la pureza está disminuyendo la sangre de Cristo, Su cruz y la obra de la iglesia.</span> Además, priva, y engaña a los hijos de Dios, guiandoles a falsa doctrina y al mal. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">¡¿Por qué no corregir, instruir y enseñar la justicia de Dios a los que son desobedientes y andan desordenadamente?! ¡Prestemos atención a la Palabra de Dios!</span></b></i></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Toda la Escritura es inspirada por Dios, y útil para enseñar, para redargüir, para corregir, para instruir en justicia, 17 a fin de que el hombre de Dios sea perfecto, enteramente preparado para toda buena obra.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timoteo 3:16-17</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Que nadie nos engañe. La modestia es una <b><span style="color: red;">"cosa de Dios."</span></b>La modestia es ese rasgo de carácter que nos ayuda como <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">una arma de defensa contra varias formas de inmoralidad (fornicación, adulterio).</span> Como aquellos que profesan ser seguidores de Cristo, somos responsables de crecer en nuestro carácter y virtud. También somos responsables de rechazar todo lo que no esté en armonía con la Palabra de Dios. El apóstol Pablo nos amonesta diciendo: <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"Examinadlo todo, retened lo bueno."</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></b></i>(1<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Tesalonicenses 5:21</span></b>)</div><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">VII. <u>AMANDO LAS COSAS QUE HAY EN EL MUNDO</u>:</span></b></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"No améis al mundo, ni las cosas que están en el mundo. Si alguno ama al mundo, el amor del Padre no está en él. 16 Porque todo lo que hay en el mundo, los deseos de la carne, los deseos de los ojos, y la vanagloria de la vida, no proviene del Padre, sino del mundo.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Juan 2:15-16</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">La Palabra de Dios es clara como el cristal. Nos exhorta a no amar al mundo ni las cosas del mundo.</span> Como cristianos, no debemos conformarnos a este mundo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romanos 12:2</span></b>), sino ser luz y sal, aunque vivamos en un mundo entero que está bajo el maligno (maldad, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Juan 5:19</span></b>).</div><p>Aunque Dios nos concede una gran libertad a través de Su Hijo, no debemos amar al mundo y todo lo que hay en él. La palabra<b><span style="color: red;"> "mundo"</span></b> en este contexto es todo el esquema humano de las cosas con respecto a la sabiduría humana (para lograr una meta humana), <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">sin referencia a Dios y a Sus leyes, Sus normas morales y Su juicio final. El mundo, por naturaleza, es hostil a Dios y a Su Palabra eterna.</span></p><p>Irónicamente, este es el mismo mundo en el que Jesús quizo edificar Su iglesia (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 16:18</span></b>). Llegará el día en que nosotros, como piedras vivas que se van edificando como casa espiritual para un sacerdocio santo, llegaremos a nuestro fin. Hasta ese día, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">debemos vivir firmemente de acuerdo con la Palabra de Dios, aunque nuestro mundo, nuestra cultura, parezca estar más influenciada por ideas, normas o prácticas mundanas.</span> Por supuesto, esto incluye la forma en que nos <b><span style="color: red;">vestimos</span></b>, lo que nos ponemos. </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>La mayoría de las modas de hoy dia, incluyendo nuestros trajes de baño modernos, obviamente están diseñados según los estándares del mundo, no los de Jesucristo. </li><li>La industria de la moda satisface el orgullo, la lujuria de la carne y la lujuria de los ojos, pero no la pureza y la santidad. </li><li>Su objetivo principal es descubrir sensualmente ell cuerpo en lugar de cubrirlo. </li><li>El mundo no niega esto. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Debemos los cristianos negar esto? </span></b></i></li></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Me parece que el mundo es más honesto sobre este tema que muchos cristianos. Nuestra cultura se ha movido de una <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">cosmovisión bíblica</span></b> que una vez afirmó: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"La devota doncella puritana encontró la belleza en la oración y la autodisciplina en lugar de usar ropa bonita y joyas."</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A una <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">cosmovisión carnal </span></b>que dice: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"Es glamoroso y exótico."</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Hombres de Dios, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿de qué se trata entonces?</span></b></i> Hermanas, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿de qué se trata?</span></b></i></div><p></p><p>Las consecuencias de esta tendencia popular hacia la moda que va en contra del pudor es la <b><span style="color: red;">"desnudez"</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">pública</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Esta debería ser una preocupación primordial para la iglesia del Señor.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Porque estos estilos reveladores y provocativos asaltan no solo todos los lugares públicos, sino que a menudo también rondan en la iglesia.</span></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>El objetivo de nuestra industria de la moda es ser creativo, colorido y dinámico, irradiando popularidad y glamour. </li><li>Nuestra industria de la televisión y de Hollywood es un bastión del interés propio y la autoexpresión que no tiene en cuenta las normas morales cristianas, la modestia, la pureza, rectitud y el temor de Dios. </li><li>Además, la industria de la moda no cree, y rechaza a toda costa el propósito principal de cubrir el cuerpo. </li><li>Su motivo principal para vestir es la atracción sexual. </li><li>Esto es lo opuesto a la piedad, la pureza y la santidad o la modestia cristiana.</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Por lo tanto, nuestras mujeres cristianas deben ser cautelosas y conscientes de cómo su vestimenta impacta a los hombres.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué? </span></b></i>Porque los hombres están más <b><span style="color: red;">orientados visualmente </span></b>que las mujeres. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Lamentablemente muchas mujeres no comprenden que son velas encendidas que caminan entre barriles de pólvora. Son piedras de tropiezo en la forma en que se visten y se comportan. </span></b> Tengamos cuidados porque Dios nos juzgara.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">VIII. <u>SEÑALES DE NUESTROS TIEMPOS</u>:</span></b></p><p>Las doctrinas y paredes de muchas de nuestras tiendas de ropa dejan poco a la imaginación cuando promocionan sus exhibiciones de moda explícitamente como <b><span style="color: red;">"muy sexy, muy actual" </span></b>y <b><span style="color: red;">"coqueta."</span></b> Tomemos, por ejemplo, a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Victoria's Secret</span></b>, que durante mucho tiempo ha sido objeto de boicot por parte de la <b><span style="color: red;">Asociación Estadounidense de la Decencia</span></b> (ADA) porque <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"utiliza agresivamente el erotismo en la comercialización de su producto." </span></b></i>Otra es <b><span style="color: red;">Abercrombie and Fitch</span></b>, que incluso van más allá al mostrar en muchos de sus <b><span style="color: red;">catálogos</span></b> a jóvenes en edad universitaria sin apenas ropa. Por cierto, también están en la lista de boicot de la ADA.</p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">En el sitio web de la ADA, ellos cuestionan a la comunidad cristiana por su falta de preocupación.</span> Ellos preguntan:<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> "¿Dónde está la protesta,"</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"especialmente de aquellos que dicen ser cristianos?"</span></b></i> Por desgracia, muchas veces, l<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">os que están en el cuerpo de Cristo viven de la misma manera que los de afuera del mundo.</span> La <b><span style="color: red;">ADA</span></b> va más allá y agrega esta advertencia:</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Las tácticas de marketing utilizadas por Abercrombie & Fitch están comenzando a ser seguidas por otras compañías. Si A & E continúan con su impulso, con poca protesta pública, espere una avalancha de pornografía en el mercado en un futuro no muy lejano."</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Y aunque es verdad que hay un número considerable de modas y estilos que no honran a Dios, todavía hay algunas opciones que son decentes y modestas. Desafortunadamente, siempre son las opciones atrevidas e indecentes las que con mayor frecuencia tienden a captar la atención del público.</span></b></div><p>El <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">atuendo de una ramera (prostituta) </span></b>tiene un aspecto peculiar que está diseñado principalmente para llamar la atención y estimular el deseo carnal, la lujuria (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Proverbios 7:10</span></b>). Considere muchas de las modas actuales que logran pasar por alto la modestia de muchas maneras. Estos son recordatorios constantes del atuendo de la ramera.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Camisetas sin mangas.</li><li>Tapas de tubo.</li><li>Camisetas y camis.</li><li>Tiras de espagueti.</li><li>Blusas y vestidos transparentes.</li><li>Camisas y blusas escotadas.</li><li>Minifaldas.</li><li>Jeans o pantalones de talle bajo.</li><li>Shorts cortos.</li><li>Vestidos con frentes o espaldas escotadas.</li><li>Faldas y vestidos con aberturas laterales.</li></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">A los cristianos se les manda a examinar todo y retener lo bueno</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Tes. 5:21</span></b>). Por lo tanto, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Debemos examinar todas nuestras prendas y ver si hay algún problema que sea evidente.</li><li>Debemos tomar en cuenta todo sobre su diseño o uso que apele a la carne. </li><li><i>¿Sabía que la camisola, una chaqueta corta de negligé para mujeres, era originalmente una prenda interior? </i></li><li>Claramente, como prenda exterior corta y de encaje, ofrece la oportunidad de lucir seductora, atrayente y deseable. </li><li>Vestirse para lucir seductora, atrayente o deseable es una invitación a la lujuria. </li><li>La lujuria, por supuesto, es un pecado que la Biblia advierte a los hombres que eviten. </li></ol></div><p></p><blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“Pero yo os digo que cualquiera que mira a una mujer para codiciarla, ya adulteró con ella en su corazón.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 5:28</span></b>)</div><p></p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Prestemos atención mujeres cristianas y no hagamos tropezar a nuestros hermanos en Cristo por nuestra forma inmoral de vestirnos.</span> Soy consciente de que algunas mujeres cristians podrían objetar diciendo: <i><b><span style="color: red;">"¡Pero no estoy tratando de ser seductora, sensual o tentadora hacia los hombres!"</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Espero que este sea el caso. La verdad es que si usted se expone vistiéndose con ropa provocativa y sensual para que los hombres la vean, no está promoviendo la castidad, por mucho que crea que se está esforzandose.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Nuestras acciones hablan más que las palabras.</span> Y en este caso, <b><span style="color: red;">la ropa ceñida y pegada a la piel</span></b> diseñada para enfatizar o resaltar sus <b><span style="color: red;">"curvas" </span></b>habla mucho más fuerte que el deseo de su corazón. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">El mismo principio se aplica a otras prendas que exponen y revelan el cuerpo en lugar de cubrirlo.</span></div><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">El mundo y sus dioses de la moda no deben ser el estándar de vestimenta de los cristianos, ni tienen ninguna autoridad en los estándares de lo que es la belleza divina.</span> Sigamos el estándar, las reglas de Dios, y no las del mundo. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Examinemos cuidadosamente lo que nos ponemos y nuestros motivos como hijos del Dios Todopoderoso.</span></b> Pablo nos amonesta diciendo:</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Y todo lo que hacéis, sea de palabra o de hecho, hacedlo todo en el nombre del Señor Jesús, dando gracias a Dios Padre por medio de él.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Colosenses 3:17</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Nosotros los cristianos/cristianas glorificamos a nuestro Dios por la forma en que nos vestimos.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Examinemos nuestros corazones. Hermanas y amigas, usar nuestra figura y halagarla es más adecuado para una sociedad pornográfica e inmoral que para la sociedad de los hijos de Dios.</span></b> Deje que esto penetre profundamente en su corazón. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">No olvide que vivimos entre los muertos espirituales y que nosotros, como cristianos y cristianas, somos velas encendidas que caminan en un mundo oscuro.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">IX. <u>EXTREMOS Y PELIGROS DE LA MODA:</u></span></b></div><p>La mayoría de nuestras tiendas de ropa ofrecen servicio a clientes <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">preadolescentes, adolescentes y universitarios</span></b>, cuyo objetivo principal es parecer <b><span style="color: red;">"sexy." </span></b>Tomemos, por ejemplo, la tienda de ropa <b><span style="color: red;">Express</span></b> que presenta una línea de pantalones llamada <i><b><span style="color: red;">"historia de moda sexy, de tiro bajo y entallada,"</span></b></i> así como <i><b><span style="color: red;">"jeans imprudentemente sexys."</span></b></i> La tienda Limited acentúa la decoración de sus paredes con eslóganes escritos artísticamente que dicen <i><b><span style="color: red;">"elegante, moderno, sexy," "casual, sexy, genial,"</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">"suéter sexy"</span></b></i> y <i><b><span style="color: red;">"Me encantan los pantalones sexy."</span></b></i></p><p><b><span style="color: #660000;">Sin duda, este tipo de mercado ha sido efectivo para llamar la atención y despertar emociones, especialmente entre nuestros hombres jóvenes y mujeres jóvenes cuyo mundo gira en torno a la mujer Cosmo y muchas celebridades de Hollywood.</span></b> Otras tiendas como <b><span style="color: red;">Rampage, The Gap y Miller's Outpost</span></b> comercializan los mismos estilos, pero parecen un poco más restringidas al presentar la palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"sexy."</span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">La moda masculina no suele ser tan reveladora.</span> Sin embargo, </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Algunos preadolescentes y chicos en edad universitaria han adoptado el estilo hip-hop, insistiendo en usar sus pantalones muy anchos y bajos en las caderas que uno se pregunta cómo pueden pararse y mantenerse de pie. Esto es más frecuente entre los jóvenes del centro de la ciudad.</li><li>Aunque se dice que son <b><span style="color: red;">"geniales,"</span></b> rápidamente se vuelven <b><span style="color: red;">vulgares</span></b> (también en la moda femenina) cuando intencionalmente quieren mostrar su ropa interior (y algo más que me niego a mencionar) mientras se agachan o se sientan. </li><li>Esto debe ser de gran preocupación para los padres ya que estas modas no pueden separarse fácilmente de la influencia de una cultura Hip Hop y las letras explícitamente sensuales que impregnan muchos de sus eventos escénicos y videos musicales.</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Un área donde la modestia es mayormente ignorada es la vestimenta de playa para mujeres.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>La norma para muchos adoradores del sol, entusiastas del agua y atletas de playa es usar la minima cantidad de ropa posible. </li><li>Como mencioné anteriormente en la Parte I de este estudio, la modestia estaba en el corazón de muchas mujeres a principios del siglo XX y se tomaba en serio. </li><li>Los estilos o disenos de las mujeres fueron diseñados para cubrir la figura de una mujer desde el cuello hasta los tobillos. Tenía mucho que ver con la visión predominante de la <span style="color: red;"><b>"decencia." </b></span>Esto es tan contrario a los atuendos inmorales de hoy dia.</li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">No se Trata Solo de Ropa:</b></li></ul><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"Huye también de las pasiones juveniles, y sigue la justicia, la fe, el amor y la paz, con los que de corazón limpio invocan al Señor." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 2:22</span></b>)</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Aunque la desnudez se expone públicamente en la playa o la piscina y no solo en un medio programado o publicado, se hace en la vida real.</span></b> Sin embargo, ciertos cristianos parecen unirse felizmente a mirar aunque muchos de ellos evitan diligentemente ver ciertas películas, programas de televisión y libros de lectura debido a su contenido ofensivo. Alguien dijo,</div><p></p><blockquote>"<i>Los trajes de baño no solo legitiman la desnudez, sino también su gemelo siamés, el voyeurismo. La forma femenina ya no era una fantasía escondida bajo capas de tela y enaguas. Ahora era una realidad cruda y sensual para todos aquellos que querían mirar."</i></blockquote><i></i><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Entonces, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿qué es un voyeur o mirón? </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Es aquel que encuentra satisfacción en mirar objetos, actos o escenas sexuales.</span> El <b><span style="color: red;">voyeurismo</span></b> se asocia más comúnmente con la perversión sexual de los <b><span style="color: red;">"mirones"</span></b> que buscan mirar a través de la ventana de un dormitorio parcialmente abierta mientras una mujer se desnuda. Hoy, gracias a la magia de las<b><span style="color: red;"> cámaras de televisión</span></b>, hombres y mujeres pueden mirar descaradamente los dormitorios de extraños. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Quitada la vergüenza de la desnudez, los hombres comúnmente se detienen y miran a las mujeres que caminan hacia el mercado o cualquier lugar en la calle en varias etapas de desnudez. Este voyerismo retrata la antítesis de la pureza de mente y conciencia.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Un cristiano temeroso de Dios no se sucumbirá a un comportamiento tan desvergonzado.</span> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Los cristianos no debemos subestimar nuestra inclinación hacia el voyeurismo que se produce por la constante exposición hacia todas las formas de indecencia.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Aquellos que se involucran en pensamientos impuros y en todas las formas de impureza eventualmente adormecerán o entumecerán su conciencia.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Tengan cuidado!</span></b></i></div><p>Muchos de nuestros sitios web, revistas, programas de televisión, películas, libros, etc. fomentan el <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">voyerismo sin límites</span></b>.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">X. <u>DIOS ES TODO PODEROSO Y SOBRE TODO</u>:</span></b></div><p>En los días de la nación de Israel, Dios ordenó a Israel, diciendo:</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Ahora, pues, Israel, ¿qué pide Jehová tu Dios de ti, sino que temas a Jehová tu Dios, que andes en todos sus caminos, y que lo ames, y sirvas a Jehová tu Dios con todo tu corazón y con toda tu alma; 13 que guardes los mandamientos de Jehová y sus estatutos, que yo te prescribo hoy, para que tengas prosperidad? 14 He aquí, de Jehová tu Dios son los cielos, y los cielos de los cielos, la tierra, y todas las cosas que hay en ella.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Deut. 10:12-14</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dios había ordenado a Israel como <b><span style="color: red;">"un reino de sacerdotes y una nación santa." </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Éxodo 19:6</span></b>). Dios estableció normas específicas con respecto a la fe y la conducta. Los asuntos de pureza y los ritos de purificación eran asuntos importantes para Su pueblo, la nación de Israel. De igual manera, el apóstol Pedro nos recuerda que llevamos el <b><span style="color: red;">sello de Dios</span></b>. Tenemos un deber y una posición como sacerdotes.</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Mas vosotros sois linaje escogido, real sacerdocio, nación santa, pueblo adquirido por Dios, para que anunciéis las virtudes de aquel que os llamó de las tinieblas a su luz admirable. 11 Amados, yo os ruego como a extranjeros y peregrinos, que os abstengáis de los deseos carnales que batallan contra el alma, 12 manteniendo buena vuestra manera de vivir entre los gentiles; para que en lo que murmuran de vosotros como de malhechores, glorifiquen a Dios en el día de la visitación, al considerar vuestras buenas obras."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Pedro 2:9, 11-12</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dicho esto, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">la pureza moral se proclama en formas de modestia. La pureza de pensamiento y la modestia se interrelacionan como una forma de "abstenerse de los deseos carnales."</span> Juntos reflejan un <b><span style="color: red;">"corazón" </span></b>que desea agradar solo a Dios. Tal corazón es considerado y consciente hacia los demás (amar a su prójimo). <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">La modestia no es tanto acerca de la vestimenta sino de cubrir la desnudez (ya que el cuerpo debe cubrirse).</span> Las modas o estilos han sido una característica entre paganos o incrédulos. Los cristianos a menudo se destacaban por su modestia. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Hoy, es difícil ver la diferencia porque las distinciones son muy borrosas.</span> La iglesia del Señor, para su vergüenza, está imitando al mundo en cuestiones de pureza y modestia. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Aunque la pureza moral (virtud) es un asunto personal para muchos, es un asunto bíblico que no debe estar abierto a la interpretación privada.</span></b></div><p></p><blockquote><i>"Entendiendo primero esto, que ninguna profecía de la Escritura es de interpretación privada." </i> (2<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Pedro 1:20</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">¿A quién debemos complacer?</b></i></li></ul></div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">La Palabra de Dios es totalmente clara acerca de la modestia y la moda moderna.</span> Las modas o tendencias de hoy representan una<b><span style="color: red;"> cosmovisión opuesta</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">La modestia bíblica es de Dios, mientras que la moda popular o de moda es del mundo de las tinieblas. Los preceptos de Dios están destinados para instruir nuestras mentes y conciencias hacia la justicia y santidad.</span></b> Todos los <b><span style="color: red;">principios de modestia </span></b>asignados en la Biblia deben regir nuestras opiniones y preferencias. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Para nosotros como cristianos, todo lo que implica vestirse (cubrirse) y desvestirse (descubrirse) se reduce en última instancia a la pregunta:</span></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li> <i>“¿A quién queremos agradar, a Dios o a los hombres?”</i></li><li><i>"¿Quién es Aquel que establece las normas por las cuales todos los cristianos deben vivir, Dios o el hombre?"</i></li><li><i>"¿Quién dijo, 'vosotros se santos, porque yo soy santo', Dios o el hombre?'"</i></li></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Las respuestas son simples y fáciles. Ponerlas en práctica no lo es.</span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">El apóstol Pablo nos advierte diciendo,</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"No os dejéis engañar; las malas compañías corrompen las buenas costumbres."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Cor. 15:33</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Los cristianos están en mala compañía cuando son apáticos o están satisfechos con todas las influencias mundanas que giran a su alrededor.</span> Prestemos atención al enfoque y entendimiento vital del salmista que todavía es esencial para nosotros hoy:</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"¿Con qué limpiará el joven su camino? Con guardar tu palabra. 10 Con todo mi corazón te he buscado; No me dejes desviarme de tus mandamientos. 11 En mi corazón he guardado tus dichos, Para no pecar contra ti.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Salmo 119:9-11</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">XI. <u>"GLORIFICAD A DIOS EN VUESTRO CUERPO"</u>: </span></b></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"¿O ignoráis que vuestro cuerpo es templo del Espíritu Santo, el cual está en vosotros, el cual tenéis de Dios, y que no sois vuestros? 20 Porque habéis sido comprados por precio; glorificad, pues, a Dios en vuestro cuerpo y en vuestro espíritu, los cuales son de Dios.’” </i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> 1 Corintios 6:19-20</span></b></div></blockquote><p> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Glorificando Nuestros Cuerpos:</b></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">El otro día me encontré con un artículo que enfatizaba cómo perder el respeto como mujer.</span> Me recordó que tanto los hombres como las mujeres hoy en día no les importa ni tienen cuidado con su vestimenta. Esta indiferencia provoca una pérdida de respeto hacia ambos. Reconsideremos qué partes de nuestro cuerpo deberían ser privadas. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Podriamos reajustar nuestros "parámetros de privacidad "?</span></b></i></div><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">La modestia no es una cuestión de elección propia, sino más bien un mandato de Dios.</span> Dios ciertamente ha revelado Su voluntad a través de Su Palabra en cuanto a cómo debemos cubrir nuestros cuerpos para agradarle y honrarlo. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Debemos hacer lo que Él manda!</span></b></i></p><p>En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timoteo 2:9</span></b>, el Señor ha mandado que las mujeres se atavíen con ropa decorosa, es decir, con decoro y moderación. También implica que deben comportarse tanto exterior como interiormente como Cristo, en el espíritu de Cristo.</p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Dios llama a los cristianos a un estándar de modestia y pureza, y debemos entender y abrazar bien este mandato.</span> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Significa que debemos entender el significado de la ropa.</li><li>Que nuestro propósito principal es de traer a otros a Cristo con nuestro ejemplo piadoso.</li><li>Que nuestro enfoque principal es el de llegar a ser más y más como Cristo.</li><li>Que debemos vivir por un estándar más alto ya que Dios es santo y justo y que no podemos bajo ninguna circunstancia seguir e imitar nuestra cultura con sus dioses de moda inmoral sino ser <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"imitadores de Cristo."</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:1-2</span></b>)</li><li>La forma en la que cubrimos nuestro cuerpo muestra el amor y la reverencia que tenemos hacia nuestro Padre que está en los cielos y el respeto y el amor que tenemos hacia nuestros esposos, nosotras mismas y nuestro prójimo. </li><li>Como aquellos que caminan en la Luz haciendo la voluntad del Padre, no debemos aceptar el estándar de vestimenta e indecencia del mundo. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Debemos rechazarlo!</span></b></i> </li><li>El que ha muerto al pecado para vivir en justicia y santidad buscará agradar a su Padre y no a los hombres (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Pedro 4:4; Romanos 6:3-4)</span></b>.</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Estoy consciente de que el mundo acepta<b><span style="color: red;"> toda forma de impiedad</span></b>, especialmente con respecto a la ropa que usamos o la forma en que cubrimos nuestros cuerpos. Por cierto, estoy hablando tanto para <b><span style="color: red;">hombres como a mujeres</span></b>. No es extraño que los mundanos e impíos (especialmente aquellos que no son cristianos) usen pantalones cortos de mezclilla, blusas sin mangas, tirantes finos, trajes de baño, blusas escotadas, atuendos transparentes, ropa ajustada y otras formas indecentes de ropa reveladora. Pero para nosotros los cristianos, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¿no es una vergüenza que andemos como los paganos e incrédulos, vistiéndonos inmodestamente y seductoramente usando ropa tan impía para llamar la atencion**? </span></b></i></div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Se nos ordena a no amar al mundo ni las cosas de este mundo</span> (los dioses de la moda y el estilo establecidos por el mundo sin Dios en mente). Significa que debemos <b><span style="color: red;">"sonrojarnos" </span></b>incluso cuando uno es tentado a vestirse impíamente. SÍ, deberíamos avergonzarnos de dejar que ese pensamiento capture nuestros corazones. Recuerde que todo este mundo, junto con su impiedad, perecerá un día. Es solo temporal. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Pero los que obedecen y hacen la voluntad de su Padre que está en los cielos, permanecerán para siempre</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Juan 14:15</span></b>).</p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Nuestra actitud como quienes profesan ser seguidores de Cristo debe ser la de trazar una línea entre lo santo y lo profano, lo modesto y lo inmodesto.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Tengamos cuidado! </span></b></i>Debemos imitar a nuestro Padre en el cielo y permitir que Su Palabra nos guíe en santidad y justicia. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Seamos luces que resplandecen en este mundo de tinieblas para que podamos glorificar a nuestro Padre</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 5:14-16</span></b>). Estudiemos con detenimiento la Palabra de Dios, poniéndola en práctica en este asunto de la <b><span style="color: red;">modestia y decoro</span></b>, para que no seamos juzgados. <span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">Tampoco hagamos que otros pequen a causa de nuestra impiedad.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Dios nos libre!</span></b></i></p><p>Quiero desafiarles a pensar mas en cuanto a nuestras actitudes hacia la modestia. </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Nuestro corazón debe ser puro (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 5:8</span></b>); </li><li>limpio (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Salmo 51:10</span></b>); </li><li>firme (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Salmo 57:7</span></b>); </li><li>recto (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Salmo 94:15</span></b>); </li><li>perfecto (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Salmo 101:2</span></b>) y </li><li>sabio (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Proverbios 10:8</span></b>).</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nuestra motivación hacia la modestia debe estar arraigada en el <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">deseo de honrar y glorificar a nuestro Dios como Rey de reyes y Señor de señores.</span> <b><span style="color: red;">Cristo debe ser la razón suprema de todo lo que hacemos ya sea de palabra o hechos.</span></b> La modestia no se trata sólo de los hombres. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué?</span></b></i> Porque la modestia no se trata solo de ayudar a los hombres en su batalla contra la lujuria o de evitar que los hombres codicien. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Y aunque debemos animar y a ayudar a los hombres a mantener su pureza, tenemos nuestra responsabilidad ante Dios de caminar en pureza y santidad.</span> Significa que en lugar de preguntarnos: <i><b><span style="color: red;">"¿Cómo me hace sentir esto o hasta dónde puedo llegar?"</span></b></i> Debemos preguntarnos honestamente: <i><b><span style="color: red;">"¿Qué tan santo o santa pudiera ser ante mi Dios?"</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Dios debe ser la razón más importante por la que elegimos vestirnos con modestia y decencia. </span>Asimismo, quiero reflejarlo y representarlo bien en la forma en que me presento, y eso es ser lo más modesta, casta y piadosa que pueda.</div><p>Cuando Adán y Eva pecaron, y se dieron cuenta de que estaban desnudos, Dios los cubrió con pieles de animales para cubrir la desnudez de sus cuerpos. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Los protegió de la vergüenza de la desnudez</span>. <b><span style="color: #990000;">Cuando exponemos nuestros cuerpos desnudos a la vista del público, estamos devaluando algo precioso, nuestro valor dado por Dios como mujer o como hombre.</span></b></p><p>La modestia es pura humildad en acción. ¿Por qué digo eso? Porque se nos ha dado el amor misericordioso de Dios. Además, porque Dios ha establecido explícitamente para nosotros lo valiosos que somos para Él. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Debemos adorar a Dios en todos los aspectos de nuestra vida. Por supuesto, eso incluye cómo nos vestimos y cubrimos nuestros cuerpos dados por Dios.</span></p><p>Como aquellos que han sido llamados de la iniquidad a la justicia, debemos buscar la santidad y llegar a ser más como nuestro Maestro y Salvador. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Nuestros cuerpos no nos pertenecen a nosotros sino a Dios, nuestro Creador (y con Su permiso a nuestro cónyuge).</span> <b><span style="color: red;">Debemos vestirnos de una manera que glorifique a nuestro Creador.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">¿Cómo supone que debemos enseñar y alcanzar a los perdidos si no somos ejemplos piadosos nosotros mismos?</span></b></i> Seguramente no podemos ser efectivos en enseñarles las <b><span style="color: red;">"buenas nuevas"</span></b> si solo estamos viviendo como ellos (vistiendonos sin modestia,<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Mateo 7:1-5</span></b>). Nuestra influencia será destruida.</p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Vivimos en una cultura que es bombardeada con sensualidad e inmoralidad todo el tiempo.</span> Dondequiera que volteamos la cabeza, encontramos mujeres casi desnudas, por decir lo menos. El otro día recibí una de mis revistas de cocina por correo. Para mi sorpresa, cuando miré las páginas, vi (no exagero) a una <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">mujer que estaba básicamente semi desnusda con solo una pequeña bufanda colocada estratégicamente para obstruir la vista de los lectores pero no la vista del hombre detrás de ella.</span> Ella estaba promocionando algún tipo de perfume. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Esto me impactó tremendamente!</span></b></i> No quisiera que mis hijos inocentemente vieran esto, ni quiero que mi esposo tenga que verlo. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Es perturbante! </span></b></i>Lo impactante es que parece como si a nadie le importara. Nos hemos convertido en una sociedad tan insensible. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Han olvidado cómo sonrojarse!</span></b></i></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"¿Se han avergonzado de haber hecho abominación? Ciertamente no se han avergonzado, ni aun saben tener vergüenza; por tanto, caerán entre los que caigan; cuando los castigue caerán, dice Jehová." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah 6:15</span></b>) </blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mi pregunta es, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">"¿Adónde ha ido a parar nuestra dignidad y respeto como sociedad?" "¿Por qué nuestras mujeres se han vuelto tan desvergonzadas e indignas?" "¿Dónde ha ido a para su dignidad?"</span></b></i></div><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Nuestras mujeres, sin duda alguna, han perdido el respeto y la dignidad, incluso nuestras hermanas en Cristo.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">¿Cómo podemos exigir verbalmente respeto de aquellos quienes nos rodean cuando nos comportamos de una manera tan desvergonzada? ¿Cómo podemos enfadarnos cuando los demás no nos valoran como seres humanos dignos?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Es un hecho que queremos que los demás nos traten con respeto y dignidad y, sin embargo, ni siquiera nos respetamos a nosotras mismas.</span></p><p>Quiero señalar que el llamado <b><span style="color: red;">"movimiento de la liberación femenina" </span></b>nos ha dado también el <b><span style="color: red;">"movimiento de liberación sexual."</span></b> Gracias a estos movimientos, nuestras mujeres, especialmente nuestras señoritas, <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">han sido adoctrinadas para creer un montón de mentiras.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">A nuestras chicas se les ha enseñado que el poder de una mujer le da la libertad o el permiso para mostrar o exhibir su desnudez sin ningún tipo de vergüenza.</span></b> Les han lavado el cerebro para que piensen que finalmente están libres de todos los lazos de la justicia divina de Dios. <b><span style="color: red;">Los lazos del pudo</span></b>r. Libres para comportarse sensual y provocativamente como deseen. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Lamentablemente, esta es una de las mentiras más grandes que dicta nuestra cultura.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Hace algunos años, otras mujeres miraban con vergüenza a una mujer que posaba de manera sensual y provocativa.</span> Las mujeres que hacían alarde de sus cuerpos desnudos para llamar la atención de los hombres se consideraban una gran desgracia. Nuestra cultura realmente ha perdido la vergüenza, el valor, la dignidad y el respeto que da la modestia. Temo decirlo, pero en la cultura actual, nuestras mujeres parecen estar tratando de imitar a la mujer de <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Proverbios 7:10</span></b>.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Y he aquí, una mujer sale a su encuentro, vestida de ramera y astuta de corazón.”</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Hoy en día, hay poca diferencia entre la apariencia de una mujer y la de una prostituta.</span> Quieren ver y defender la belleza como algo <b><span style="color: red;">atractivo y provocativo</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Nuestra gente hoy dia enseña que para que una mujer sea atractiva, ella tiene que mostrar o exhibir todo lo que tiene.</span> Su cosmovisión de la belleza es la <b><span style="color: red;">desnudez</span></b>. Lo abrazan públicamente sin ninguna vergüenza. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Sus mensajes son engañosos y llenos de libertinaje que son indecentes, desvergonzados y sensuales.</span></b></div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">En la cultura actual, nuestras mujeres son vistas como meros objetos en lugar de seres humanos dignos.</span> Nosotras las mujeres queremos ser <b><span style="color: red;">valoradas y respetadas</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Desafortunadamente, eso es exactamente lo que están tirando a la basura muchas mujeres. En el momento en que exponen las partes íntimas de su cuerpo para que cualquiera las vea, están enviando mensajes erróneos al mundo de que desean ser vistas como objetos de placer en lugar de seres humanos dignos.</span> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Cuando una mujer elige vender su desnudez al mundo, está entrenando a hombres y mujeres para que la vean como un objeto que se puede comprar. </li><li>Cuanto más descubre su cuerpo, más desecha o bota a la basura su respeto y su dignidad.</li><li>Lamentablemente, con este comportamiento vergonzoso, estamos entrenando inconscientemente a nuestros hombres para que hagan lo mismo. </li><li>¿<i>Qué deben esperar si las mujeres no valoran y protegen su propia desnudez?</i></li><li><i>¿No saben que están devaluando y botando su valor? </i></li><li>Solo algo valioso y raro se le llama tesoro.</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Una cosa que nuestras mujeres y niñas están olvidando es que nuestro Creador nos hizo mujeres hermosas. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Nuestro Dios nos diseñó para ser simplemente hermosas. Por lo tanto, nuestra belleza no es el enemigo aquí.</span> No hay nada de malo con la belleza que Dios nos ha dado. Nunca debemos olvidar que Dios nos diseñó para ser santas y hermosas segun Su imagen. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡No lo convirtamos en algo común y barato!</span></b></i></div><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Algunos piensan que los estándares de modestia son diferentes para hombres y mujeres.</span> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Que los hombres están exentos o pueden salirse con la suya siendo inmodestos, usando ropa más reveladora que las mujeres. </li><li>Afirman que las mujeres generalmente no tienen el mismo problema con la lujuria que los hombres (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 5:28</span></b>). </li><li>Y aunque es cierto que los hombres luchan más con la lujuria que las mujeres, no es cierto que las mujeres no tengan pensamientos impuros. </li><li>Los principios bíblicos de la modestia se aplican tanto a hombres como a mujeres, aunque se enfoca hacia las mujeres en 1 <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timoteo 2:9</span></b>.</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Por lo tanto, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Cuando un hombre muestra su pecho desnudo en público, no glorifica a Dios. </li><li>Está llamando la atención innecesariamente por su falta de ropa. </li><li>No está demostrando humildad, pureza y santidad. </li><li>Los hombres deben mantener el pecho cubierto y evitar usar pantalones cortos en público (ya sea que vayan a nadar, correr, trabajar en el jardín o al aire libre, etc.). </li><li>Los pantalones deben ir desde la cintura hasta la parte inferior de las rodillas (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Éxodo 28:42)</span></b>.</li><li>Nuestra meta debe ser la de agradar a Dios. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Así de sencillo!</span></b></i></li></ol></div><p>Asimismo, </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Cuando una mujer muestra sus muslos (porque usa faldas cortas, vestidos y pantalones cortos), o su pecho en público, usando escotes, tampoco está honrando y glorificando a Dios. </li><li>Una vez más, está llamando innecesariamente la atención por su falta de ropa. </li><li>Los muslos y el pecho pueden estar expuestos solo cuando se sientan o se mueven de cierta manera, pero aunque asi sea estan mostrando su desnudez. </li><li>La moda del mundo es mostrar la ropa interior o intima, tirantes, y sostenes, aunque sea por un momento. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Es una burla!</span></b></i> </li><li>Ella no está exhibiendo humildad, pureza y santidad.</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">¡Ay, muchos cristianos se mezclan muy bien con el mundo porque no toman una postura firme hacia lo que es justo y santo! ¡No se oponen a los caminos del pecado, reflejados en el atuendo inmodesto que usan o que aprueban en los demás! </span></b></i>La pregunta es: <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿pueden otros ver la diferencia entre su vida como seguidor de Cristo y la vida de aquellos que no son cristianos? </span></b></i>Entonces, si el mundo nos ama, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">¡debemos ser como ellos!</span></b></i></div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Dado que Dios es el Creador del encanto y tenía un propósito específico de cómo debería usarse, las mujeres deben reservar ese encanto para un solo hombre, su futuro marido.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Nuestra cultura persuade a nuestras mujeres y niñas a usar su atractivo físico para atraer y seducir a otros hombres y llamar la atención ya sea en el trabajo o en cualquier lugar. Este aparente afán de llamar la atención devalúa el respeto y el valor de una mujer.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿No sabe que cuando usted, como mujer, se viste sin pudor, crea deseo carnal en la mayoría de los hombres? </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">La mayoría de las mujeres de hoy usan su belleza con el propósito de intoxicar a los hombres. No olvidemos que nuestro atractivo es un regalo de Dios cuyo propósito es intoxicar o atraer a un solo hombre, nuestro esposo.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Cuando una mujer de cualquier edad se viste inmodestamente, provoca que los hombres la codicien, hombres que no son su esposo. </span></b><i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Sabia que está usando el atractivo que Dios le ha dado de una manera impía cuando hace esto?</span></b></i></p><p>Recordemos siempre que, como cristianos, nuestros cuerpos son más que una hermosa obra de arte o obra de Dios.<b><span style="color: red;"> Ellos son el templo de Dios donde mora su Espíritu </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I Corintios 6:19-21</span></b>).</p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Así que propongamos en nuestro corazón y mente tratar el cuerpo con dignidad y respeto ya que es sumamente valioso, el templo del Espíritu Santo.</span> Tengamos en <b><span style="color: red;">alta estima el templo de Dios</span></b> con pureza por la forma en que nos vestimos y nos comportamos. Esto honra a nuestro Dios.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSIÓN</u>:</span></b></div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">No hay duda de que nuestra cultura siempre está trabajando en contra de los excelentes caminos e ideales de Dios para nosotros, sus hijos.</span> De hecho, nuestra cultura está llena de mentiras con respecto a nuestra libertad sensual. Dicen que es el mejor camino a seguir. No nos dejemos engañar y tomemos el camino equivocado. Es un callejón sin salida que no nos llevará a ninguna parte buena y nos dejará vacíos. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué no usar la belleza que Dios nos ha dado para glorificar a nuestro Creador?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Daría valor a nuestra desnudez. Guarda su atractivo para un hombre, su marido. Otros hombres no tienen nada que hacer aquí.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Como padres, debemos dar un paso al frente y luchar cuando sea necesario y enseñar a nuestros hijos los principios de la rectitud.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Seamos sabios y no necios, y aprendamos de los principios antiguos que fueron escritos para nuestra enseñanza</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romanos 15:4</span></b>). </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Debemos cubrirnos apropiadamente y con decoro en público y en todo lugar sin importar nuestro género. </li><li>Nosotros como padres debemos enseñar a nuestros hijos, niños o niñas, sobre la modestia y la castidad. </li><li>No debemos conformarnos a las normas mundanas sino a las normas santas, como santos que profesan la piedad. </li><li>No nos dejemos seducir por los mensajes engañosos de nuestra cultura. </li><li>Nuestra cultura exige que hagamos alarde de lo que tenemos. </li><li>Cambiemos nuestro corazón mundano y pecador por uno puro, pidiéndole a Dios y suplicando por Su ayuda. </li><li>Mujeres, no usemos nuestra belleza para seducir a los hombres. </li><li>Usemos nuestra belleza y modestia como instrumentos de justicia. </li><li>Debemos ser ejemplos de castidad, pureza, piedad y santidad en nuestra conducta hacia nuestros hijos, la iglesia y el mundo. </li><li>La forma en que hablamos, actuamos y nos vestimos traerá honor o deshonra a nuestro Padre celestial. </li><li>¡<i><b>Nuestros cuerpos pertenecen a Dios, y deben ser usados para honrarlo!</b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tesalonicenses 4:4</span></b>). </li><li>Por lo tanto, respetemos nuestros cuerpos ya que ellos son el templo de Dios.</li><li>Debemos usar nuestros cuerpos para la gloria de nuestro Padre en el cielo en lugar de avergonzarlo. Él desea esto para nuestro propio bien (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Deut. 6:24</span></b>). </li><li>Dios quiere que los padres enseñen a sus hijos todas las cosas pertenecientes a la piedad y la santidad; son buenos para ellos y para nosotros. </li><li>Debemos enseñar a nuestros hijos a agradar a Dios en todo lo que hacen en palabra y obra. </li><li>No contristemos al Espíritu Santo a causa de nuestra impiedad y falta de santidad de corazón (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 4:30</span></b>).</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cuando nosotros, los cristianos, deseamos andar y abundar en pureza, amor, conocimiento y discernimiento (las excelencias de Dios), nuestras vidas estarán <b><span style="color: red;">"llenas de frutos de justicia"</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Filipenses 1:11</span></b>). Nuestros <b><span style="color: red;">"frutos de justicia"</span></b> glorifican y alaban a nuestro Dios. Por lo tanto, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">hagamos brillar nuestra luz para que los hombres glorifiquen a nuestro Padre celestial con nuestras buenas obras.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Presentemos nuestros cuerpos como sacrificio vivo, santo y agradable a Dios, que es nuestro culto racional.</span></b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">No nos conformemos a las normas mundanas e impías de este mundo, sino más bien reprendámoslas</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:11</span></b>), <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">siendo transformados a Su semejanza.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Asimismo, renovemos nuestra mente para que podamos probar lo que es bueno y aceptable, Su voluntad, ante un mundo de tinieblas.</span></div><p>Que nuestro Señor nos ayude a aceptar los límites de la modestia, la piedad y la santidad en nuestra vida diaria para que podamos honrarlo y glorificarlo en medio de un mudo de tantas tienieblas.</p><p><br /></p><p>~Luci</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-40901054294321137142022-06-29T10:03:00.768-05:002022-09-08T12:07:26.003-05:00BE STRONG IN THE GRACE OF GOD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhB3QrtDWOacPyRPWvR-jYWbzuVtW_DVMGzMbIy_FK9SeOeILf-0A69L9sU9cRi6Vv-eV46F_9fo69wneqiVU0KBAHXfkiUf2dj-n_gM7nmmLYKEYUJBgbE9V1dQfZMHzuTIy3WlmjdCCVLBs73Hck7Qds4_NSz9XbG0hdpHAjZhmTSLvfs_bBzxciw/s1000/Cumberland-Heights-Sunday-Sermon-Meaning-making-through-Perseverance.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="1000" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhB3QrtDWOacPyRPWvR-jYWbzuVtW_DVMGzMbIy_FK9SeOeILf-0A69L9sU9cRi6Vv-eV46F_9fo69wneqiVU0KBAHXfkiUf2dj-n_gM7nmmLYKEYUJBgbE9V1dQfZMHzuTIy3WlmjdCCVLBs73Hck7Qds4_NSz9XbG0hdpHAjZhmTSLvfs_bBzxciw/w400-h229/Cumberland-Heights-Sunday-Sermon-Meaning-making-through-Perseverance.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:1</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been enjoying my quiet time studying the Scriptures and making home improvements around my house. Although I am supposed to take a break, especially from social media, the Lord is still using me to His glory. One door closes, but another one opens. I have been teaching a group of Spanish sisters from El Salvador for over a month. They asked me to teach them some fundamental truths about the home, the family, and the role of women. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I love their receptive and humble hearts!</span></b></i> I am teaching in Spanish and translating my studies. And though Spanish is my native language, it is still challenging since I’ve been writing and speaking English more than Spanish. However, I am thrilled that the Lord is using me to spread the Gospel among my people. </div><p>I have been reading and studying <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2nd Timothy</span></b>. It is such an encouraging message. I would like to write down my thoughts and consider them a personal letter. Paul begins this letter by reminding Timothy to reflect on his sincere faith taught by his mother Eunice, and his grandmother Lois, from a very young age. Timothy’s genuine faith is evident to Paul. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy to encourage him to be strong in the Grace of God and to continue steadfastly amid apostasy and godlessness.</span> He urges Timothy to continue to hold on to <b><span style="color: red;">‘the faith’ </span></b>and to be bold and prepared to teach the Word of God in all circumstances. </p><p>In my previous study, <i><b><span style="color: red;">“Run With Endurance,”</span></b></i> I covered<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> t</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">he 1st chapter of 2 Timothy</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 1:8-18</span></b>). In this 1st chapter, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul speaks about our faith in difficult times. Paul instructs Timothy to have stronger faith and endure as a servant of God.</span> He urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel during fearful and challenging times. He reminds Timothy of the Grace that is in Christ Jesus (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 1:2</span></b>). He compels him to be strong in that same Grace found in Christ when we obey the Gospel and are baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 2:38; Romans:3-6)</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">God’s Grace motivates us to do what He wants us to do</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 4:15</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">The more we understand God’s Grace, the more we will be grateful to Him for His Grace</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Corinthians 4:15</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The more we will commit to God’s Grace, and become stronger and mature as Christians</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Peter 3:18</span></b>).</p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">This study will consider chapter two,</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 1-13</span></b>. Paul and Timothy were facing <b><span style="color: red;">difficult times</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">He appealed to Timothy to be strengthened by God’s Grace and to pass to others what he had heard and was taught from Paul so that they might teach others also.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The good news of the Gospel must never stop, for we must continue teaching it to others.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">God’s Grace gives us the strength to continue and be steadfast.</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I. <u>APPEAL FOR LOYALTY TO PAUL AND THE GOSPEL</u>:</span></b></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:1-13</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">J<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">esus commissioned Paul to preach the Gospel</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Galatians 1:11-12</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">Now, Paul is urging Timothy to teach faithful men the pattern of sound doctrine he had learned from him so that they could stand firm and hold on to them by word</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 11:2; 1 Tim. 3:2-7; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:15</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">They were supposed to teach others that same sound doctrine</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 28:20; 1 Timothy 1:7; 2 Timothy 2:15</span></b>). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Be Strong in the Grace of God Found In Jesus:</b></li></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” </i> ( <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:1-2</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">first two verses of chapter 2</span></b>, Paul encourages Timothy to be <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">strengthened by the Grace </span></b>that is in Christ Jesus. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">God’s Grace will give Timothy what he needs to hear to be strong.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">To be strong in the Grace of God means to hold on to and pass it on to others who will also teach others. The Gospel, the Grace of God, must never end with ourselves, for we must share it with others who, in return, must teach others. </span></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">However, to be strong in the Grace of God, we must be good soldiers, athletes, and farmers.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;">A Good Soldier:</span></b></li></ul></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:3-4</span></b>) </blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul wants us to consider the good qualities of a good soldier.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Paul asks Timothy to join him in his suffering. He likewise reminds Timothy that Christ’s good soldiers should expect suffering</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 14:22; 1 Corinthians 9:7; 2 Corinthians 11:23-29; 1 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 2:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; 2 Timothy 3:8-13; 1 Peter 1:6-7</span></b>). P<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">aul wants Christians to share in suffering as good soldiers of Christ.</span> </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him.”</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">All Christians are involved in spiritual warfare</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 6:10-20</span></b>). The<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> devil</span></b> will definitely attack anyone who wants to preach or teach the Gospel of Christ. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul wants to make Timothy aware that no one serving as a good soldier gets entangled in life’s affairs.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Good soldiers never lose their focus</span></b>: </div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Their primary focus is to be faithful teachers of God’s Word (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 9:25-27</span></b>). </li><li>Be pleasing to their commanding officer in all things (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 12:1-2</span></b>).</li></ol><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Good soldiers of Christ grow and strengthen their faith and will not allow it, under any circumstances, to grow weak or waver</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eph. 4:11-16; 2 Thess. 1:3</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">They are well aware that they must take on every virtue and grace to reflect God and Christ's character</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gal. 5:22; 2 Pet. 1:5-7</span></b>). <b><span style="color: red;">God's armor</span></b> provides truth, righteousness, readiness, etc. (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eph. 6:14-17</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The Word of God, vigilant prayer, study, and application in our lives fortifies our souls and will prepare us to fight against Satan and his attacks</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 4:16; Matt. 26:41</span></b>). When we heed God's words, we will overcome Satan and be victorious in Christ (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eph. 6:13</span></b>). </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Any good soldier on the battlefield cannot afford to be distracted or lose his focus.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>A soldier never entangles himself with other things, for he must be focused on doing exactly what his commanding officer says to do. </li><li>He knows that distraction will keep him from pleasing the one who enlisted him. </li><li>He is single-minded, for he must be focused. </li><li>He refuses to be distracted by the affairs of everyday life. </li><li><i>Do you get distracted by the affairs of everyday life? </i></li><li><i>Do you let social media distract you? </i></li><li><i>Do you let current events distract you? </i></li><li><i>Do you let politics distract you? </i></li><li><i>Do you let cultural problems distract you? </i></li><li><i>Do you let your job distract you? </i></li><li><i>Do you let your hobbies distract you? </i></li><li><i>Do you let technology distract you? </i></li><li><i>What distracts you from focusing on what God is calling you to do? </i> </li></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">We cannot please the Lord when we are distracted or lacking focus!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: red;">A Good Athlete: </span></b></li></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:5</span></b>).</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">After giving us a metaphor about the soldier, Paul now gives the metaphor of an athlete</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 9:24</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #990000;">Athletes must compete by the rules to win. They cannot change the rules</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 7:21-23; Mark 7:1-9</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">To receive our victor’s crown, Christians must play by the rules God has set out</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 4:7; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27</span></b>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">So, what are the rules that Paul is talking about?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul stresses the need to join in the suffering</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 1:8, 2:3</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">The rule for an athlete in this race is to take up his cross and follow Jesus not avoid difficulties.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">The rule to follow Jesus is to suffer with Him</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 16:24</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The rule of our race is to die to ourselves instead of saving our lives. </span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: red;">The Hardworking Farmer:</span></b></li></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:6-7</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Our third metaphor is the hard-working farmer.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The farmer must work hard (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 9:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:8</span></b>). </li><li>The farmer is expected to eat from the food he’s worked so hard to produce (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 9:12-18</span></b>).</li><li>There is no reward without hard work. </li><li>There is no harvest if the farmer fails to work hard. </li><li>The hardworking farmer gets his reward. </li><li>He enjoys the reward of his hard work. </li></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 7</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul wants Timothy and us to consider these examples, which are metaphors that give us insight and understanding.</span> He wants us to apply them in our lives (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 17:11; 1 Timothy 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:5</span></b>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Remember Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection:</b></li></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. “ </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:8-10</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The central and most important theme of the doctrine of Christ, the Gospel, is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 2:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 1:3-4</span></b>). Paul urged Timothy to remember this <b><span style="color: red;">important truth</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">He wanted him to remember this fundamental truth so that he might have the heart to face any suffering that came his way</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Revelation 2:10</span></b>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We are strengthened from a spiritual perspective.</span></b> Look at <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 8-9</span></b>.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!” </i></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Paul begins <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 8</span></b> with <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“Remember Jesus Christ”</span></b></i> to remind Timothy of the most important thing he must preach. Indeed, this phrase contains great and fundamental truths. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">First, Jesus was raised from the dead. This is the central point of the Gospel – the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">If Christ has not been raised from the dead, our faith is in vain.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">In Paul’s days, many were attacking the truth about the resurrection of Christ.</span> To say that Jesus rose from the dead meant that He died. And we know that He died as a <b><span style="color: red;">ransom for all</span></b>. </div><div><blockquote><i>“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 2:2</span></b>)</blockquote></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Notice that Paul says the gospel is <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">“my gospel” </span>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:8</span>)</b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">He personally shared the good news of the death and resurrection of Jesus with Timothy.</span> </div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The Gospel became a part of Paul’s life (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 2:16; Romans 16:25; Galatians 1:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:14</span></b>). </li><li>And though Paul suffered for preaching the Gospel, ending up in chains, he was aware that the <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Word of God could not be chained or bound</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 4:19-20, 9:16, 26:29, 28:31; Ephesians 3:1, 6:20; Colossians 4:3; 2 Timothy 1:8, 2 Timothy 4:17; Philemon 1:13-14</span></b>). </li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul was willing to endure hardship for the elect's sake, that is, the church</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Corinthians 1:6; Ephesians 3:13; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 3:10; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 1:2</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">He was willing to endure to save others. Salvation is only in Christ</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 4:12; Romans 6:3-6</span></b>). Those baptized into Christ have entered into a relationship with the Father and the Son. A relationship that will have eternal consequences.</div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jesus is the ultimate example of hardship and suffering.</span> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Our Lord and Savior was willing to suffer shame, pain, rejection, and death. </li><li>However, He received the reward of His work and suffering. </li><li>He was raised from the dead and exalted to God’s right hand. </li><li>Paul followed the same path. </li><li>He suffered, for he was bound in chains like a criminal. </li><li>He competed and ran by the rules. </li><li>However, he had a single focus. </li><li>He endured everything for the good of those who are the elect. </li><li>He sacrificed himself and suffered so that others might also obtain the salvation that is in Jesus with eternal glory. </li></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Paul wants Timothy <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and example</span></b> and how He suffered so that others might obtain salvation and eternal glory. A good soldier follows Jesus and Paul’s example of hardship and suffering. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So Paul declares in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 10</span></b>, </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” </i></blockquote><p></p><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">We can see Paul’s heart here.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">He was more concerned about others than himself. This is another reason we need to be strong. We must endure so that others may hear the Gospel and be saved. Salvation is the outcome of the Gospel.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God wants to send the Gospel out to all the world so that people will hear it and be saved. Notice that there is more than just salvation – there is eternal glory.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">We receive eternal glory on top of our salvation. So not only will we be raised from the dead, but we will be given an indescribable glory.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">This is truly the Grace of God!</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Some Fundamental Truths:</b></li></ul></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Christians have four fundamental truths for the hope we have for our salvation.</span></b></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:11-13</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:11-13</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul encourages Timothy to endure hardship by reminding him of his hope for salvation.</span> This hope is a <b><span style="color: red;">“trustworthy saying”</span></b> that is worthy of his full attention (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 1:15</span></b>). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Christians have died with Christ by crucifying themselves with Christ (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 6:6; Romans 6:8; Philippians 3:10</span></b>). </li><li>They have died and have been buried with Christ in the waters of baptism (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 6:4-5</span></b>). </li><li>Their old self was crucified with Him so that they would no longer be enslaved to sin (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 6:6</span></b>).</li><li>They now live with Christ and reign with Him as Christ rose from the grave (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 11:25; Romans 5:17; Romans 6:3-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:10; 1 John 5:11</span></b>).</li><li>If we endure as Christians and suffer as Christ did (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 4:13</span></b>), we will also reign with Him. </li><li>If we lose our life, we will reign with Him. </li><li>However, if we aren’t willing to confess Christ through obedient living, He will deny us (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 12:9; 1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Peter 2:1; Jude 4</span></b>). </li><li>If we disown Jesus, He will disown us. </li><li>If we don’t stand up for Him, He will not stand up for us. </li><li>If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for he cannot deny Himself. God remains faithful. </li><li>Sadly many Christians fall away and choose not to follow Jesus anymore. However, Jesus will remain faithfully committed to His church (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 20:28</span></b>).</li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">These must have been encouraging words to Timothy!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">So we must not be ashamed but rather get up and get back in there.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 1:9</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Let the Grace of God strengthen us in Christ Jesus.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">God cannot deny Himself, for He is a merciful, compassionate, loving, and forgiving God. God wants Christians to endure as good soldiers for Christ to receive their great reward.</span></b> </div><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>:</span></b></p><p><i><b><span style="color: red;">How many of us consider ourselves strong people, in general? What does it mean to be strong?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Someone strong is someone who can overcome adversity, challenges, and hardship.</span> S<b><span style="color: #660000;">omeone strong does not avoid difficulty but goes through it to the end.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">How many of us want to be stronger? </span></b></i> This is exactly what <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b>calls on <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> to become in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy chapter 2</span></b>. In my previous study, at the end of <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">chapter 1</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul expressed how everyone in the province of Asia deserted him, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. He then commended Onesiphorus, who searched hard to find Paul in Rome.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Remember that Paul was locked up in prison during a time of intense persecution of Christians. Yet, Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul’s chains and often refreshed him.</span></b></p><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:1</span></b>, Paul turned his attention back to Timothy. Notice what Paul told him. </p><p><i><b></b></i></p><blockquote><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” </span></b></i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Notice how Paul starts this chapter. <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">“You then.” </span></i></b> Paul is calling Timothy to pay <b><span style="color: red;">careful attention.</span></b> Paul was always concerned about the church's future and Timothy's well-being. He called him <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“my son,”</span></b></i> showing his <b><span style="color: red;">deep affection</span></b> for Timothy, his beloved disciple. <b><span style="color: #660000;">He urged Timothy to be strong in the Grace of God. He wanted Timothy to be strengthened.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The source of that strength was not in Timothy.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why? </span></b></i>Because Paul did not ask Timothy, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“be strong by believing in yourself.”</span></b></i> He did not say, <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>“be strong for me, son.”</b></i> </span> He said, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“be strong in the grace.”</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">The source of our strength is in God’s Grace. The source of that Grace is in Christ Jesus.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">So, why does Timothy need to be strong?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">How can he be strong? </span></b></i>Paul answered these two questions in<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> verses 2-7</span></b> of our context. He used earthly and spiritual examples in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 8-13 of 2 Timothy 2</span></b>.</div><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 2</span></b>, Paul stated, </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” </i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">This is one of the reasons why Timothy had to be strong. He had to carry on God’s Message, the Gospel, and was commanded to lead the church in the presence of many witnesses.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> charged <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> with <b><span style="color: #990000;">the task of passing on the teachings of the Gospel to faithful men who were qualified to teach.</span></b> I<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> am sure it was hard to find faithful men to teach since, apparently, many had deserted Paul.</span> These <b><span style="color: red;">faithful men</span></b> had to be blameless, without reproach, men who were not living in sin but striving to lead holy lives. </div><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">It takes a lot of strength to disciple people.</span> <span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">It takes strength to carry on the Gospel Message.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Timothy had to study to show himself as one approved, even when it seemed that those he was teaching weren’t getting it.</span></b> Perhaps sometimes, only <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">3 people would show up</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Many get discouraged when nobody shows up for a Bible class. But thank God for their faithfulness.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Thank God for those preachers and teachers who are always faithful to preparing and leading a Bible study.</span></b> In doing this, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">they are passing on the Gospel Message to others.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">And though the work is not easy, they can draw strength from the Grace of God that is in Christ Jesus!</span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Another reason Timothy needed to be strong is found in</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 3 of 2 Timothy 2</span></b>. </p><p><i><b><span style="color: #660000;"></span></b></i></p><blockquote><i>“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” </i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">One thing I know for sure is that there will be suffering along the way.</span> Paul used the <b><span style="color: red;">metaphor of a good soldier of Christ</span></b> to indicate that we are in a war. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eph 6:12</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Satan is real. Evil is real! </span></b></i> These are the forces behind this world’s suffering. <b><span style="color: #660000;">However, our Lord Jesus is fighting against it all, not with worldly weapons, but with His Word, His Gospel Message.</span></b> </div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jesus calls us to be His soldiers. Not just ordinary soldiers, but good soldiers. Good soldiers who patiently endure.</span> Jesus, our Lord, has given us <b><span style="color: red;">words of encouragement</span></b> – that we suffer together for the cause of Christ. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">When we suffer for Christ, we are all sharing in the same suffering. Even Christ Himself suffered.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">There will always be suffering until Jesus comes again, so even if we escape with Christ, we will still not escape from suffering. Only Christ can give us strength and hope through all of our sufferings.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Suffering for His cause is a different kind of suffering from the world.</span> Let us join with Christ in suffering for His cause. Let us join with <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b> in suffering <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">and join with all of our brothers and sisters in suffering as good soldiers of Christ Jesus.</span></p><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:4-6</span></b>, Paul uses <b><span style="color: red;">3 metaphors:</span></b> t<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">he good soldier, the athlete, and the hardworking farmer, to teach Timothy and us about perseverance and how to be strengthened by the Grace of God.</span> The metaphor is intended to help us not allow anything <b><span style="color: #660000;">to hinder our faith and service to God.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Sin, greed, and unbelief can cause us to fall away.</span> Notice <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 4</span></b>, </p><p><i>“No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”</i> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Paul may have been chained to a Roman soldier while in prison and would have noticed his discipline and obedience to commands.</span> You see, a <b><span style="color: red;">Roman soldier </span></b>was not allowed to get involved in running a business or a farm during his active service. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Why? </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Because getting involved would affect his ability to be a good soldier and carry out his commands.</span> Instead, a <span style="color: red;"><b>good soldie</b></span><span style="color: red;"><b>r</b></span> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">knows that his main objective is to please his commanding officer. </span> To <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #660000;">that meant he must give his whole time and effort to leading the church and not forsake his duty with other distractions that would take his focus off his primary goal. The good soldier makes every effort to please his commanding officer, and our Commanding Officer is Christ himself.</span></b></div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Through the example of the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer, we can see how we may be strengthened in the Grace that is in Jesus Christ.</span> Notice that all of these activities require <b><span style="color: red;">effort or endeavor</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Strength does not come passively but comes to us as we faithfully serve the Lord. We become stronger by the Grace of God as we invest time and work. Jesus gives us strength to make the effort.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Remember that Jesus is the source of our strength.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">So, what is the Grace of God in each of our three examples (the soldier, the athlete, and the hardworking farmer)?</span></b></i> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>For the soldier, it is the pleasure of pleasing his commanding officer. </li><li>For the athlete, it is the victor’s crown. </li><li>For the farmer, it is the crops. </li></ol><div><br /></div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">These are the reasons they each persevere through their trials because their goal or main focus is to obtain the reward from the Lord.</span> They are <b><span style="color: red;">strengthened </span></b>because they know that their efforts are not in vain. <b><span style="color: #660000;">We will be strengthened through serving and trusting in Jesus Christ because of His grace.</span></b> <br /><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #660000;">The Grace of God opens the eyes of our minds to God’s glorious Truth so that we might be continually strengthened by the increase in knowledge and understanding of His words.</span></b> T<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">hus, we must often reflect on the Word of God and study the Bible to receive strength and insight. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Without the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">No resurrection means that sin won over Christ and continues to win over all. If Jesus was not raised but remained dead, then we remain dead. So, the power of sin remains. The power of sin is death</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 15:56</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: red;">If Jesus was not raised, then His death accomplished nothing!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jesus' resurrection validated His death's work in forgiving our sins.</span> Notice Paul’s words to the Romans. </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“That is why his faith was ‘counted to him as righteousness.’ 23 But the words ‘it was counted to him’ were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 4:24–25</span></b>). </p></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Jesus was raised for our justification! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">If Jesus rose, then the power of death is broken, and final victory is assured.</span></div><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Jesus is King, the heir of King David’s throne.</span> Because of <b><span style="color: red;">His resurrection</span></b>, He has ascended and become our Eternal King. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">The Gospel is the resurrection, the Messiah, which means good news.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">This is the Gospel given to Paul to preach, then delivered to Timothy to pass on, and given to us to continue to pass on.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">This is the reason Timothy needed strength: because of the Gospel Message.</span> We need <b><span style="color: red;">strength</span></b> because of the Gospel Message. <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why? </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Because it is the Gospel that caused Paul to be put into prison.</span> Sadly today, many hate the Gospel. In some countries, many are thrown in jail for sharing the Gospel Message.</p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Though Paul was chained, the Gospel Message was not chained.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">The Gospel cannot be stopped, for it must go out to reach the darkest corners of this earth.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">That is why we need to be strong. God sends us to dark places to bring the light of the Gospel to others</span>. <i><b><span style="color: red;">It is amazing that though Paul was in chains in prison, his guards became his captive audience!</span></b></i><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> These guards were chained to Paul through the Gospel. The Gospel was spread in prison because of Paul’s persecution.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Those even up in Caesar’s palace heard the Gospel. God can cause persecution to spread the Gospel! </span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">From a spiritual perspective, we also see how we are strengthened.</span> Paul quotes a poem in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 11-13 of 2 Timothy.</span></b></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” </i></p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Paul commends these verses or poem as trustworthy saying.</span> We must rely on these words and believe in them. <b><span style="color: #660000;">We can be strengthened: by dying, repenting daily of our sins, enduring sufferings, and remaining faithful to Him.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">And once again, we are strengthened by the Grace that is in Christ Jesus.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">What is His Grace to us?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> It is life, glory, and His faithfulness. In God, we can trust.</span> Since God is faithful and does not change, we can trust His great and glorious promises. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">God’s Grace is the firm foundation, the unbreakable bedrock of our strength.</span> </div><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Thus, we must carry out His commands to please our Commanding Officer as good soldiers.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Let us forget what is behind: our sins and accomplishments and keep pressing on like good athletes who run with endurance to the goal line to win the prize for which our God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus, our Lord.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Let us do the humble work of a farmer, sowing seed, watering the plants, preparing Bible studies, sharing the good news of the Gospel, and praying for everyone so that God will grant us an abundant harvest.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Let us join with Paul and Timothy in suffering for the sake of the church and the Gospel so that all who come to believe may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.</span></b></p><p>May we be strengthened by the Grace of God to make every effort to persevere in all of life’s difficulties and trials, and in every good work. May we be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus. May we never be discouraged when life does not go our way. May we allow God’s Grace to test us and grow our faith. May we bring God’s Grace to others to be saved. May we persevere to the end to receive the crown of life that is awaiting us (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">James 1:12</span></b>). May we do the humble work of a farmer, sowing seed, watering the plants, preparing Bible studies, sharing the good news of the Gospel, praying for everyone, so that God will grant us an abundant harvest. And finally, may we join with Paul and Timothy in suffering for the sake of the church and the Gospel so that all who come to believe may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.</p><p><br /></p><p>Luci</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-20374351381547202502022-06-08T15:34:00.002-05:002022-06-08T16:17:27.943-05:00UNA CASA EDIFICADA POR DIOS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx8rzsLvZSGKxQ8ad7WHv096ED6RGl-h81eXT71rGiL6-2ll9Sz7DFy8QjvnAbjl6Qfe6ASKmd4p5jeRNanYflqIUxhuMp5M54bx0DoIDSzePo6UlCsjYVha3I-Fvs8ZSmEGEAO7c0Utmm0sfqtl8gKjtT9YOw1of0JaysEkLVRmfjmEoEQCVW161Wg/s736/christianhome3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="736" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx8rzsLvZSGKxQ8ad7WHv096ED6RGl-h81eXT71rGiL6-2ll9Sz7DFy8QjvnAbjl6Qfe6ASKmd4p5jeRNanYflqIUxhuMp5M54bx0DoIDSzePo6UlCsjYVha3I-Fvs8ZSmEGEAO7c0Utmm0sfqtl8gKjtT9YOw1of0JaysEkLVRmfjmEoEQCVW161Wg/w400-h300/christianhome3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;">"<b><span style="color: #660000;">Con sabiduría se edifica una casa, y con prudencia se afianza; 4 con conocimiento se llenan las cámaras de todo bien preciado y deseable.”</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Proverbios 24:3-4</span></b></div><p></p><p> </p><p>En el quinto día de la creación de Dios, Él llenó los océanos con vida marina, haciéndolos rebosar de vida fructífera, pero aún no era suficientemente bueno. Al día siguiente creó al hombre y a todas las criaturas terrestres que respiran oxígeno y exhalan CO2. Solo había un problema: hizo solo un hombre. Él dijo: <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"No es bueno que el hombre esté solo." </span></b></i>Hizo a la mujer para que él y ella pudieran formar una familia, y llenar la tierra con la criatura que más amaba, la humanidad. La máxima expresión de ese amor se encuentra en Su ideal del hogar piadoso. Uno de los sonidos más bellos de esta tierra es la risa de los niños. El sonido de los niños jugando en el patio o en la calle es el sonido de un vecindario que tiene vida. Asumimos mucho. Las familias felices no son un accidente. De principio a fin, Dios ha tenido siempre un plan. Él es nuestro Creador y Juez. Él sabe lo que es mejor para los hombres y mujeres que creó.</p><p> Últimamente he estado reflexionando sobre el papel fundamental que tiene el hogar en nuestra sociedad, la iglesia y la nación. Lamento mucho ver tantos hogares que se derrumban ante nuestros ojos. Nuestra cultura impía está destruyendo la unidad más fundamental de la sociedad, el hogar . <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Los hogares fuertes, piadosos y sanos son la única esperanza para la supervivencia de nuestra gente.</span> El hogar es el laboratorio y la cámara de incubación para las próximas generaciones de nuestro pueblo. La identidad de nuestra cultura se encuentra en el carácter de nuestros hogares. </p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Uno de los factores más dañinos en el fracaso y desmoronamiento de nuestros hogares es la fornicación, la intimidad sexual fuera del matrimonio que no es autorizada por Dios.</span> Nuestra cultura impía acepta la práctica generalizada de parejas viviendo juntas, incluso criando hijos, sin los lazos sagrados y el compromiso del matrimonio. Estas parejas dan muchas excusas para no casarse. ¡<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">La verdad es que no quieren el compromiso del matrimonio por vida! </span></b></i>Se jactan de su amor mutuo, pero insisten en profanar ese amor mediante la fornicación, burlándose del contrato matrimonial público que santifica tal unión ante Dios y los hombres. Nuestra cultura no sólo acepta este arreglo sino que lo celebra. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Es escandaloso!</span></b></i> </p><p>Entonces, si realmente se amaran y quisieran pasar el resto de sus vidas juntos, como dicen, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿por qué no se casan? </span></b></i> Cuando uno plantea tal pregunta, tartamudean o guardan silencio. Pero la verdad es que no quieren verdaderamente comprometerse el uno al otro y a sus votos matrimoniales. Des esta manera ellos creen que pueden abandonar su relación a cualquier momento sin las complicaciones legales de una licencia de matrimonio .<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> Lamentablemente tales relaciones no suelen durar.</span> No duran porque tales parejas intencionalmente rechazan y no respetan las leyes de Dios acerca de la moralidad sexual y los principios de rectitud y piedad que Dios ha establecido. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Debo enfatizar que vivir juntos o estar comprometidos como esposo y esposa fuera del matrimonio es fornicación o inmoralidad sexual en la Ley de Dios, Su Palabra.</span> Es condenado en la Biblia y trae la ira de Dios ( 1<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Cor. 6:9-10; Gál. 5:19-21; Ef. 5:3-5; Col. 3:5-6; Apoc. 21: 8</span></b> ). Aquellos que practican el vivir en tales relaciones pecaminosas no irán al cielo. No heredarán el reino de los cielos. Ellos insultan claramente tal estándar divino o principio de moralidad, <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">diciendo que la moralidad bíblica es anticuada y está pasada de moda.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Pero adivine que? </span></b></i>Las leyes de Dios, Su Palabra, nunca cambian. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Es tan relevante hoy como cuando se escribió por primera vez!</span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Cuando los niños nacen fuera del matrimonio, están en desventaja tanto social como moralmente.</span> Cuando crecen sin el ejemplo piadoso de un padre fiel casado con su madre, no están preparados para establecer una familia estable en la que puedan criar a sus propios hijos. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Forman otro hogar disfuncional.</span></b> Los padres pasan su conducta pecaminosa a sus hijos, los cuales también viven en la fornicación. El ciclo continúa generación tras generación. Estos pecados de inmoralidad traen muchas consecuencias terribles. Entonces, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿qué sucede con una sociedad o pueblo donde no hay temor de Dios, sus jóvenes se involucran en la inmoralidad sexual fuera del matrimonio y rechazan los votos matrimoniales de Dios? </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Nada más que caos y fracaso, hogares impíos y dañados que no son capaces de apoyar y fortalecer la integridad continua de nuestra cultura.</span> Cuando el hogar se desmorona, debilita su capacidad para fortalecer la cultura. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Así como va nuestra cultura , así va nuestra nación y la iglesia.</span> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Es alarmante ver el desmoronamiento progresivo del hogar en nuestra cultura. La destrucción del hogar ha llegado ahora a la iglesia la cual Jesús compró con su propia sangre.</span> </p><p> La iglesia del Señor se ve profundamente afectada por el desmoronamiento o destrucción del hogar. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Los hogares que son fuertes y piadosos tienen un tremendo poder para criar hijos fuertes y fieles que, a la larga, pueden convertirse en cristianos fuertes y fieles cuando sean adultos.</span> Como adultos fieles , construyen hogares cristianos fuertes y piadosos cuyo Arquitecto es Jesús, Aquel cuyo reino es justicia. Un hogar edificado con la sabiduría de Dios puede producir cristianos piadosos, fuertes y fieles . <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Tales almas piadosas son una bendición para la iglesia del Señor! </span></b></i>Tales almas fortalecen a la iglesia. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Estos son el tipo de hogares que producen líderes que servirán en muchas funciones vitales en la iglesia.</span></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li> Hoy, la iglesia del Señor necesita hombres que se dediquen fervientemente a aprender y aplicar la Palabra de Dios en su vida diaria, para que puedan ser fieles a Sus enseñanzas. </li><li>El Señor necesita modelos piadosos que puedan ser la sal de la tierra en Su iglesia, el hogar y el mundo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mat. 5:13; Fil. 2:15-16</span></b>). </li><li>La iglesia necesita hombres y mujeres que puedan ser fuertes y sólidos maestros de la Biblia (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timoteo 2:2</span></b>).</li><li>La iglesia necesita adultos fuertes y piadosos que enseñen a los jóvenes el temor de Dios y el deseo convincente y persuasivo de servirlo y amarlo fielmente. </li><li>La iglesia necesita ancianos, diáconos y predicadores que sean fuertes en la fe y así brinden un liderazgo justo al rebaño (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timoteo 3:1-3; 1 Pedro 5:1-3; 2 Timoteo 4:1-5</span></b>) . </li><li>La iglesia necesita miembros que puedan amarse unos a otros como Cristo nos ha amado (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Juan 13:34-35</span></b>). </li><li>La iglesia necesita miembros que puedan exhortar, animar y fortalecerse unos a otros continuamente (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Heb. 3:13; 10:24</span></b>). </li><li>Finalmente, la iglesia necesita miembros que puedan amar a Dios con todo su corazón, alma, mente y fuerzas (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mat. 22:37</span></b>) y que puedan ser devotos y estar comprometidos a Él y a Su iglesia. </li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Verá, los hogares rotos y disfuncionales a menudo no crían cristianos tan increíbles.</span> Lo más triste es que la iglesia del Señor está sufriendo inmensamente por el <b><span style="color: red;">desmoronamiento del hogar</span></b> . En lugar de vencer al mundo por medio de nuestra sal y devoción a Cristo y a Su reino (siendo ejemplos piadosos), somos vencidos por el mundo y su desenfreno y oscuridad. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Debemos asumir la responsabilidad de inmediato, porque todas estas cosas están poniendo nuestros hogares patas arriba.</span></div><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Otro factor importante en la descomposición del hogar es que los hombres no están cumpliendo con la responsabilidad que Dios les ha dado de ser la cabeza del hogar</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:22-24</span></b>). No es una cuestión de igualdad o de quién es inferior a quién. Más bien, Dios ha dado a los hombres y a las mujeres diferentes roles en el hogar (Más sobre esto más adelante).</p><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">El divorcio es otro gran factor que contribuye a la ruptura del hogar.</span> Se espera un divorcio por cada dos matrimonios realizados en nuestra sociedad. Desafortunadamente, ha sido así durante muchas décadas. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡No puedo entender por qué la gente hace algo que Dios odia tanto! </span></b></i>La respuesta es que muy pocas personas conocen a Dios o les importa muy poco lo que la Biblia dice. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">La fe se desarrolla escuchando y prestando atención a las enseñanzas de la Palabra de Dios</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romanos 10:17</span></b>). Aquellos que se preocupan poco por buscar al Señor y Su Palabra ciertamente tendrán muy poco conocimiento de Sus leyes o enseñanzas y violarán descuidadamente Sus enseñanzas o leyes. Por lo tanto, su fe será débil. Es por eso que debemos enfatizar la necesidad de pasar tiempo <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">estudiando</span></b> la Palabra de Dios diligentemente y enseñándole a otros para que puedan estar equipados para hacer obras buenas y justas (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timoteo 2:15</span></b>). </p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Algunas parejas casadas deciden buscar al Señor sólo para descubrir que su pareja actual todavía está casada con otra persona, convirtiéndolos en adúlteros, según la enseñanza de Jesús sobre el divorcio y las segundas nupcias</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mat. 5:31-32; 19:8-9</span></b>). Eran <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ignorantes y no conocían la voluntad de Dios</span></b> acerca del matrimonio y el hogar. A menudo esto viene a ser una <b><span style="color: red;">piedra de tropiezo para su fe</span></b>, ya que esto crea un problema delante de Dios. Pablo enfatizo para los Atenienses de que ignorar la Voluntad de Dios no es una excusa aceptable o justificada, porque Dios nos hará responsables al final (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hechos 17:30-31</span></b>). La <b><span style="color: red;">inmoralidad sexual</span></b> es la única excepción en la ley de Dios con respecto al matrimonio, el divorcio y las segundas nupcias. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Y aun si nuestra sociedad acepta o no está de acuerdo y respeta las leyes de Dios sobre el matrimonio , delante de los ojos de Dios, el compromiso del matrimonio es de por vida hasta la muerte excepto por inmoralidad sexual o la muerte de uno de los cónyuges</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Cor. 7:39</span></b>). Es la intención de Dios desde el principio (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mat. 19:8; Mc. 10:4-9</span></b>). Su diseño para el matrimonio es simple, un <b><span style="color: red;">hombre y una mujer juntos de por vida</span></b>. </p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Hoy en día, los votos matrimoniales ya no tienen valor y son comúnmente rechazados por parejas a las que parece importarles poco el compromiso matrimonial y el diseño divino de Dios para el hogar.</span> Tal <b><span style="color: red;">diseño</span></b> debe estar basado en el amor . <b><span style="color: #660000;">Desafortunadamente, nuestra cultura está patas arriba porque ha desarrollado una actitud descuidada, frívola e irreverente hacia el matrimonio y el divorcio.</span></b> En lugar de resolver sus diferencias y problemas matrimoniales, a menudo tales parejas abandonan su matrimonio . <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Las consecuencias son devastadoras para el hogar.</span></b> </div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Los niños tendrán que ser criados en un hogar monoparental, un hogar disfuncional y roto. </li><li>Los niños son criados sin modelos piadosos a seguir de un hogar fuerte y estable. </li><li>Los jóvenes crecen sin padres que puedan enseñarles con ejemplo todo acerca de la hombría y la piedad. </li><li>Las jóvenes crecen sin aprender la virtud, la castidad y lo qué deben de esperar de un marido. </li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Como resultado de esta ruptura del hogar, nuestra sociedad se debilita y nuestra cultura se desintegra.</span> No se dan cuenta de que<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Dios odia el divorcio</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mal. 2:16; Mat. 19:9; Mat. 5:32</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">El único motivo de divorcio es el adulterio. Aparte del adulterio, no hay otras bases bíblicas para el divorcio.</span> Como dije antes, el diseño divino de Dios para el matrimonio es un hombre y una mujer casados de por vida. Tristemente, nuestra sociedad y cultura ha rechazado y sigue ignorando las leyes de Dios acerca del <b><span style="color: red;">matrimonio y el divorcio</span></b>. Como se dice en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Oseas 8:7</span></b> , <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">hemos sembrado vientos y estamos segando tempestades. </span></b></i> Debemos regresar y volver a Dios y a Su diseño divino para el hogar. </div><p>Considere algunos <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">buenos y sabios consejos</span></b> sobre la relación matrimonial y las reglas generales para un <b><span style="color: red;">matrimonio y un hogar piadoso.</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>I. </b><u>CAMINAR COMO ES DIGNO EN EL HOGAR</u><b>:</b></span></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Esposas sumisas en el hogar:</b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:22-24; 1 Pedro 3:1-7</span></b>)</li></ul><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Asimismo vosotras, mujeres, estad sujetas a vuestros maridos; para que también los que no creen a la palabra, sean ganados sin palabra por la conducta de sus esposas, 2 considerando vuestra conducta casta y respetuosa. 3 Vuestro atavío no sea el externo de peinados ostentosos, de adornos de oro o de vestidos lujosos, 4 sino el interno, el del corazón, en el incorruptible ornato de un espíritu afable y apacible, que es de grande estima delante de Dios. 5 Porque así también se ataviaban en otro tiempo aquellas santas mujeres que esperaban en Dios, estando sujetas a sus maridos; 6 como Sara obedecía a Abraham, llamándole señor; de la cual vosotras habéis venido a ser hijas, si hacéis el bien, sin temer ninguna amenaza. 7 Vosotros, maridos, igualmente, vivid con ellas sabiamente, dando honor a la mujer como a vaso más frágil, y como a coherederas de la gracia de la vida, para que vuestras oraciones no tengan estorbo.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1-7</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">El apóstol Pedro comienza con la frase, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Asimismo vosotras, mujeres."</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Qué cree usted Pedro está insinuando aquí? </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Está enfatizando la necesidad de vivir nuestras vidas de tal manera que glorifiquen a Dios por nuestras buenas y justas obras delante del mundo</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 2:12</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">El punto central es vivir de una manera piadosa para animar a otros a obedecer a Dios</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 2:15</span></b>). Por lo tanto, Pedro les está mandando a las esposas a que sean <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">sumisas y dóciles en el hogar.</span></b> Al hacerlo, las esposas ceden y están sujetas a sus maridos.</div><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Nuestra cultura a menudo ha desafiado y ha hecho difícil que las esposas obedezcan el mandamiento de someterse a sus maridos.</span> Nuestra sociedad coloca <b><span style="color: red;">"liderazgo"</span></b> o <b><span style="color: red;">“dirección”</span></b> como<b><span style="color: red;"> "dictadura."</span></b> La única verdad es que <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">la esposa debe ceder voluntariamente a su esposo, buscando el bienestar de él.</span> Su <b><span style="color: red;">sumisión </span></b>es lo que Dios exige de ella. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Una esposa piadosa desea que su esposo la guíe y a su familia sin que ella intente hacerlo.</span> Nuestra sociedad nos ha fallado <b><span style="color: red;">invirtiendo los papeles.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Vemos maridos pasivos y esposas dominantes.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Los hombres no quieren dirigir, tomar el liderazgo y proveer para sus familias. Están contentos siendo holgazanes y perezosos.</span></b> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Por lo tanto, ponen toda la responsabilidad de dirigir y llevar las riendas del hogar en sus esposas.</span></b> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Muchos incluso envían a sus esposas a trabajar y se contentan con no proveer y satisfacer las necesidades de sus familias.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Esposos, Dios los ha hecho responsables de sus familias, no a sus esposas </span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Como cabeza, la responsabilidad recae en usted!</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Cómo puede pedirle a su esposa que ceda y se niegue a ser el líder? </span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Anímate y sé el líder!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Esposas, Dios les ordena que apoyen y sigan el liderazgo o la dirección de sus esposos.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">No trate de apoderarse del liderazgo de su esposo solo porque piensa que él no está dirigiendo bien. Aún debe continuar teniendo un espíritu de sumisión y apoyar el liderazgo de su esposo.</span></b></p><p>En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:22-23</span></b>, el apóstol Pablo está instando a las esposas diciendo, </p><p><i><b><span style="color: #660000;"></span></b></i></p><blockquote><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"Las casadas estén sujetas a sus propios maridos, como al Señor; 23 porque el marido es cabeza de la mujer, así como Cristo es cabeza de la iglesia, la cual es su cuerpo, y él es su Salvador.”</span></b></i> </blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Al someterse voluntariamente a su marido, usted está andando como es digno de su llamado en el matrimonio.</span> En nuestra sociedad torcida, la palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"sumisión" </span></b>se ha convertido en una palabra desagradable y fea. Presentan una imagen de ser <b><span style="color: red;">dominado y oprimido.</span></b> Han corrompido por completo el significado de la palabra y el concepto de lo que enseña la Biblia. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jesús nunca nos ha pedido que hagamos algo que Él mismo nunca hizo. </span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jesús se sometió a la voluntad de Su Padre y cedió a los intereses de Su Padre.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Él quiere que las esposas se sometan voluntariamente al liderazgo de sus esposos. </span><b><span style="color: #660000;"> Esposos, recuerden que el Señor no quiere que abusen de su liderazgo obligando a sus esposas a someterse a ustedes, usando castigos u otras consecuencias. </span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Si las esposas se niegan a ceder, creo que no hay nada que ustedes puedan hacer sino ser responsables delante Dios y esperar que Él juzgue a las esposas si se niegan a arrepentirse.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">La esposa debe someterse voluntariamente al liderazgo del esposo sin que el esposo la obligue a hacerlo.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Las esposas que temen al Señor se someten al liderazgo y dirección de sus maridos sin imposición.</span> Su deseo principal debe ser el de someterse a la voluntad de Dios ya la de sus maridos.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Amigas, si no desean someterse y seguir el liderazgo de un hombre, entonces no deben casarse, pero no pueden escapar de su obligación de someterse a la autoridad masculina permaneciendo solteras.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Para agradar a Dios, todavía deben aprender a someter su voluntad a la voluntad divina.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Punto!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Recuerde, la sumisión no significa que seas inferior.</span> <i style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">¿Cree que Cristo fue inferior cuando se sometió a la voluntad de su Padre?</i><span style="color: #cc0000;"> <b><i> ¡No me parece!</i></b></span><span style="color: red;"> <i><b>¿Por qué?</b></i> </span> P<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">orque la sumisión o ceder muestra fuerza y mansedumbre piadosa. </span> La sumisión debe ser alabada, no menospreciada y difamada. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> Recuerde que cuando se sometes a su esposo , está mostrando reverencia y servicio al Señor.</span> Es decir, estás sirviendo a Cristo al someterte a la voluntad de su esposo y no a la suya. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Porque el marido es la cabeza de la mujer. </span></b> Sólo hay una cabeza en la relación marital. Dios creó tanto al esposo como a la esposa como una sola carne para funcionar juntos bajo <b><span style="color: red;">una sola cabeza</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">No deben ser autónomos sino vivir juntos.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Dios ha hecho que la relación matrimonial sea tan hermosa como lo es Cristo para la iglesia.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Esposas, la sumisión no es hacer lo que siempre quieren hacer o salirsen con la suya.</span> La sumisión es elegir someterse o ceder su voluntad y sus deseos a la voluntad de su esposo. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Esto es andar en piedad y amor</span>. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> ¡Es devoción al Señor!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">La sumisión honra y afirma el liderazgo del esposo y lo ayuda y anima a seguir su liderazgo.</span> La sumisión no envidia, resiente y menosprecia el liderazgo del esposo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1-2</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Esposas, ustedes están obedeciendo a Cristo y sometiéndose a Su voluntad cuando se someten al liderazgo o dirección de sus esposos.</span> Recuerden que serán recompensadas por su servicio generoso y amoroso hacia sus esposos y al Señor.</div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Debemos enfatizar la importancia de que las esposas se comporten de manera santa y reverente fuera y dentro del hogar.</span> En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:1-2 </span></b>, <b><span style="color: #660000;">el apóstol Pedro nos muestra a una esposa cuyo esposo no es obediente a la Palabra de Dios, no es Cristiano. Se le ordena a la esposa ganar a su esposo al Señor por su conducta piadosa y santa.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Esposas, sus vidas piadosas y justas hablan más que mil palabras.</span> Pero si se comportan como el mundo, no están obedeciendo a Dios ni sometiéndosen a Sus reglas. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Punto!<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"> </span></span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Deben comportartsen de una manera piadosa independientemente de cómo sus esposos actúen con ustedes.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Si él no actúa como un hombre piadoso, como debe hacerlo, no les da permiso ni derecho alguno para que se niegen a someterse a él. </span></b><i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Punto!</span></b></i></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Las mujeres santas en el pasado pusieron su esperanza o confianza en Dios y se adornaban por dentro y por fuera.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Se vestían con un corazón cediente o sumiso hacia Dios.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Sara es el mejor ejemplo piadoso y sumiso para todas las esposas cristianas, y debemos aprender de su ejemplo.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Verá, Sara mostró un espíritu sumiso y dócil en la forma en que trataba a su esposo, incluso en sus conversaciones con Abraham.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Cuando seguimos su ejemplo piadoso y santo , somos hijas de Sara</span>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">No podemos ser coherederas de la promesa cuando nos comportamos de manera impía e infiel. Una esposa dócil confía en su esposo y actúa en su mejor interés, para el bienestar de su esposo.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Ella cede o se somete a su esposo porque teme a Dios y desea someterse a Él, haciendo lo que es justo y recto.</span> Ella es piadosa y tiene un espíritu <b><span style="color: red;">afable y apacible</span></b>, porque obedece a Cristo.</p><p><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Hermanas y amigas , recuerden que no debemos enfocarnos solo en lo externo.</span> Nuestra belleza no debe ser externa, sino una belleza espiritual. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Nuestra belleza debe revelar un espíritu afable y apacible.</span></b> Nuestros corazones son preciosos para Dios, por lo cual deben tener un carácter amable y apacible. En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 5:5</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">a todos los cristianos se les ordena a ser mansos, es decir, gentiles, tal como Moisés, quien es alabado por su mansedumbre o gentileza de corazón para con todos</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Núm. 12:3 </span></b>). Esposas y hermanas acuerdense de que nuestra excelentísima hermosura proviene de nuestra piedad y castidad.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Esposos andando como es digno de su vocación: </b> </li></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“Maridos, amad a vuestras mujeres, así como Cristo amó a la iglesia, y se entregó a sí mismo por ella, 26 para santificarla, habiéndola purificado en el lavamiento del agua por la palabra, 27 a fin de presentársela a sí mismo, una iglesia gloriosa, que no tuviese mancha ni arruga ni cosa semejante, sino que fuese santa y sin mancha. 28 Así también los maridos deben amar a sus mujeres como a sus mismos cuerpos. El que ama a su mujer, a sí mismo se ama. 29 Porque nadie aborreció jamás a su propia carne, sino que la sustenta y la cuida, como también Cristo a la iglesia, 30 porque somos miembros de su cuerpo, de su carne y de sus huesos. 31 Por esto dejará el hombre a su padre y a su madre, y se unirá a su mujer, y los dos serán una sola carne. 32 Grande es este misterio; mas yo digo esto respecto de Cristo y de la iglesia. 33 Por lo demás, cada uno de vosotros ame también a su mujer como a sí mismo; y la mujer respete a su marido.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:25-33</span></b>)</p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Maridos, andar como es digno de su vocación significa amar a sus esposas como Cristo amó a la iglesia y se entregó a sí mismo por ella.</span> A<b><span style="color: #660000;">mar a sus esposas significa renunciar a sus intereses y deseos por los de sus esposas. Amar a sus esposas es hacer todo para el bienestar de sus esposas.</span></b> Este es el amor de Cristo por Su iglesia. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Él no hizo lo que pensó que era mejor para Él sino para nosotros.</span> </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Maridos, deben amar a sus esposas en toda circunstancia y no cuando les convenga. </li><li>Deben amar a sus esposas como a su propio cuerpo.</li><li>Al esposo se le ordena ser la cabeza de su casa. </li><li>Él es responsable ante Dios por su familia. </li><li>Es responsable del bienestar de su familia en todos los aspectos, principalmente en las cosas espirituales. </li><li>Cuando los esposos aman y se someten al liderazgo de Cristo y su gobierno, ellos guiarán o dirigirán apropiadamente. </li><li>Debemos enfatizar la importancia de guiar a sus esposas con amor de una manera piadosa.</li><li>Pablo enfatizó la clase de amor que los esposos deben tener hacia sus esposas en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:28-29</span></b>.</li><li>Deben amar a sus esposas como a sus propios cuerpos. </li><li>Es decir, deben amarlas y cuidarlas, porque la esposa es su cuerpo, y los dos son una sola carne.</li><li>Así, si en verdad temen al Señor, no conducirán a sus esposas por un camino desagradable, rencoroso y amargo. </li><li>En cambio, las apreciarán ya que son uno.</li><li>Por lo tanto, el esposo debe ver su relación matrimonial de una manera piadosa, tratando a su esposa con cuidado y amor.</li><li>No hay otra manera de agradar a Dios.</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pedro 3:7</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">los esposos deben de tratar a sus esposas con comprensión y de manera considerada, honrándola como a un vaso más frágil.</span> El esposo debe tratar a su esposa como un vaso delicado y frágil . <b><span style="color: #660000;">Traten a sus esposas con respeto, porque no son inferiores y porque la esposa es compañera de la gracia de la vida con ustedes.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Significa que debe tratarla como igual ya que ella es heredera con él y no esclava por debajo de él.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Esposos, cuando maltratan a su esposa y no muestran honor, no están mostrando comprensión ni compasión. Por lo tanto, corre el riesgo de que sus oraciones sean estorbadas.</span></b> Dios no les escuchará , y no podrá tener una relación con Él. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Esto es extremadamente serio! </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">No puede tratar a su esposa como una esclava, maltratándola y aún así esperar tener comunión con Dios.</span> Cuando se comporta de una manera tan impía, está separado de Dios, porque está en pecado. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Por lo tanto, debe mostrarle honor y amabilidad . Muestre respeto, comprensión y compasión en sus acciones y palabras hacia ella. </li><li>Trátela como una coheredera igual en su caminar con Cristo para que sus oraciones no sean bloqueadas ni estorbadas. </li><li><i><b>¡Tenga cuidado!</b></i></li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Amor incondicional en el matrimonio:</b></li></ul></div><p><i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Qué es el amor? </span></b></i> Para la mayoría de las personas, el amor es subjetivo y se basa en sentimientos y experiencias personales. Es imposible definir tal amor objetivamente . De hecho, es mucho más fácil describir el amor que definirlo. Pero la definición más inclusiva se encuentra en la Palabra de Dios: </p><p><i><b><span style="color: #660000;"></span></b></i></p><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“El que no ama no conoce a Dios, porque Dios es amor.” </span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Juan 4:8</span></b>)</div></blockquote><blockquote><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Aunque la mayoría de la gente estaría de acuerdo en que el amor es la base fundamental del matrimonio , la emoción suele ser lo que impulsa a una pareja a casarse. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">El problema es que cuando el amor es solo emocional, va a disminuir en un período de tiempo muy corto. Como resultado, el matrimonio está en peligro.</span> No niego que la emoción es vital entre un esposo y una esposa que se aman. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Aun así, el único amor que sustentará la relación matrimonial debe basarse en algo más que la mera emoción.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">En el amor incondicional, el compromiso es vital para que un matrimonio resista las asechanzas de Satanás.</span> El tipo de amor en el tratado de amor de Pablo en <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 13:1-3 </span></b>es <b><span style="color: red;">"amor ágape."</span></b> A menudo se describe <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">como la forma más excelente de amor en el idioma griego del Nuevo Testamento.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Verá, el<b><span style="color: red;"> "amor ágape"</span></b> no se basa en emociones o atracción física. </li><li>Es un amor devoto, voluntarioso y comprometido en el cual una persona extiende a otra persona que elige amar. </li><li>Extiende ese amor incluso cuando no es amado a cambio. </li><li>Está decidido a amar incluso cuando esa otra persona no es digna de su amor. </li><li>Él ama a esa persona incluso cuando esa persona no es amada. </li><li>Está practicando el amor ágape. </li><li>En una cultura que está al revés, este tipo de amor suena bastante extraño. </li><li>Todo el mundo quiere obtener algo a cambio de su inversión (dinero, tiempo, emoción, etc.). </li><li>A menudo, escucho que el matrimonio es una propuesta de 50-50, y que cada cónyuge debe cumplir con el otro a mitad de camino. </li><li>Con este tipo de mentalidad, hay muchos problemas en la relación matrimonial. </li><li><i><b>¡El matrimonio no es una relación 50-50! </b></i></li><li>Para que un matrimonio funcione de la manera en que Dios lo ha diseñado (para que sea rico, satisfactorio y recompensado por Dios), debe haber un compromiso del 100% tanto del esposo como de la esposa con la relación matrimonial. </li><li>Habrá momentos en que la relación matrimonial se someterá a una tensión adicional. Aquí es donde debe entrar en juego el <b><span style="color: red;">"amor ágape." </span></b>.</li><li>El amor ágape sostendrá la relación matrimonial frente a la prueba. </li><li>El amor ágape entra en acción cuando el otro cónyuge no es amado. </li><li>El amor ágape se niega a renunciar al matrimonio cuando el mundo grita:<i><b> "¡Vete, divorciate!" </b></i></li><li>El amor ágape sigue amando incondicionalmente,</li><li>El amor ágape prevalece. </li><li>El amor ágape, el amor incondicional, vence el mal con el bien (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 12:21</span></b>).</li></ol></div><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Padres, eduquen a sus hijos en la disciplina e instrucción del Señor:</b> </li></ul><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“Y vosotros, padres, no provoquéis a ira a vuestros hijos, sino criadlos en la disciplina e instrucción del Señor.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 6:4</span></b>)</p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><p>La palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"disciplina</span></b>" implica la actividad de la educación. Algunas traducciones usan la palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"entrenamiento."</span></b> La palabra <b><span style="color: red;">"instrucción" </span></b>es la parte verbal de la educación. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Por lo tanto, los padres deben educar e instruir verbalmente a sus hijos con sus acciones y palabras.</span> Ambos son necesarios. La enseñanza más importante que un padre puede hacer por sus hijos se basa en las <b><span style="color: red;">instrucciones de Dios</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Cuando el padre sigue las instrucciones de Dios, les enseñará a amar a Dios sobre todas las cosas, obedecerle, temerle y adorarle con alegría.</span> Pero las <b><span style="color: red;">palabras y las acciones </span></b>son necesarias para tener éxito. </p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Los padres cristianos juegan un papel fundamental en enseñar a sus hijos diariamente el temor de Dios.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Desafortunadamente, muchos padres cristianos no sirven fielmente a Dios y terminan criando hijos que, como adultos, tampoco sirven a Dios.</span></b> Sus hijos crecen y se pierden. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Otras razones podrían ser las influencias culturales combinadas con la falta de enseñanza bíblica adecuada. </span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">El poder de las influencias culturales es más fuerte que nunca con el aumento de los medios sociales y los muchos dispositivos tecnológicos (televisión, películas, videojuegos, música, redes sociales, Internet, mensajes de texto, etc.).</span></b> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>La mayoría de estas influencias son impías..</li><li>Incluso aquellos niños que fueron criados en un hogar cristiano y piadoso pasan la mayor parte de su tiempo con otros niños que no se crían con el temor de Dios y Su Palabra. </li><li>Todos los padres cristianos deben luchar con uñas y dientes contra todas las influencias culturales negativas. </li><li>Deben inculcar principios de justicia y la Palabra de Dios en la vida de sus hijos. </li><li>No es suficiente llevar a nuestros hijos a la iglesia semanalmente.</li><li>No basta alimentarlos y vestirlos bien sin enseñarles el temor de Dios y la obediencia a su Palabra,</li><li>La asistencia sola (cuando nos reunimos para adorar a Dios) no es suficiente y el pilar central de la vida sin la enseñanza o instrucción bíblica adecuada. </li><li>Es cómo vivimos nuestras vidas, nuestras acciones que enseñarán a nuestros hijos a hacer lo correcto y justo como hijos genuinos de Dios. </li><li>De hecho, nuestros hijos pueden ver dónde están nuestras prioridades . </li><li>Los padres no deben provocar a sus hijos, porque se desanimarán. </li><li>Padres, a ustedes se les ha dado la responsabilidad última de formar a sus hijos sin ira ni desánimo.</li><li>Deben educar a sus hijos para salvarlos espiritualmente. </li><li>Bajo ninguna circunstancia, abusen de su autoridad. </li><li>No deben ser agobiantes y opresivos sino más bien deben ejercitarse con sabiduría y discernimiento. </li></ol><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Salvando a Nuestros Hijos:</b></li></ul><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Amarás al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón y con toda tu alma y con todas tus fuerzas. 6 Y estas palabras que yo te mando hoy, estarán sobre tu corazón. 7 Las enseñarás diligentemente a tus hijos, y habla de ellas cuando te sientes en tu casa, y cuando andes por el camino, y cuando te acuestes, y cuando te levantes.8 Las atarás como una señal en tu mano, y estarán como frontales entre tus ojos. 9 Las escribirás en los postes de tu casa y en tus puertas." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Deuteronomio 6:5-9</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><p> </p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Dios nos ha puesto a nosotros los padres a cargo de nuestro hogar, y debemos conducir adecuadamente de acuerdo a la voluntad de Dios.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Nuestras vidas deben ser ordenadas y determinadas por el reino de Dios y Su justicia si en verdad somos fieles seguidores de Cristo. </span></b>Al hacer esto, podemos estar seguros de que estaremos equipados para enseñar a nuestros hijos el temor de Dios y derrotar todas las influencias culturales negativas que existen. </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Debemos preocuparnos por las almas de nuestros hijos y aprender de la sabiduría de Dios escrita hace mucho tiempo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Deut. 10:12-13 </span></b>).</li><li>Nosotros, como padres cristianos y piadosos, debemos andar como es digno del Evangelio si queremos que nuestros hijos obedezcan a Dios. </li><li>Es una verdad fundamental para salvar a nuestros hijos. </li><li>No podemos esperar que nuestros hijos sean fieles a Dios si estamos parcialmente comprometidos a Cristo. </li><li>Cuando ambos padres temen a Dios, son devotos, dedicados y celosos del Señor y de Su obra, lo más probable es que sus hijos sigan con éxito el ejemplo de sus padres.</li><li>La iglesia no puede salvar a nuestros hijos. </li><li>Los padres son los únicos que pueden salvarlos con la ayuda del Señor. </li><li>Ninguna clase de Biblia y sermones en un edificio de la iglesia semanalmente influirá en la vida de nuestros hijos y los salvará. </li><li>Los padres deben caminar por el camino de rectitud y practicar lo que enseñan a sus hijos para que puedan ver el camino al cielo. </li><li>El poder del ejemplo piadoso de ambos padres es vital para que los hijos se salven y vayan al cielo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Deuteronomio 6:5-9</span></b>). De hecho, esta Escritura está llena de sabiduría práctica sobre el hogar piadoso que no se olvida de Dios. </li><li>Cuando uno ama a Dios, también amará Su Palabra. </li></ol><p><br /></p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Cuando se trata de la crianza de los hijos, los padres deben practicar lo que predican.</span> Debe haber ejemplo personal y una enseñanza y formación espiritual. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">El estudio de la Biblia con sus hijos es una oportunidad invaluable.</span></b><p></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Los padres deben enseñar a sus hijos a amar, respetar y obedecer a Dios por encima de todo. </li><li>Deben enseñarles el amor al prójimo.</li><li>Cómo respetar y someterse a toda autoridad. </li><li>Deben enseñarles a ser humildes, ejercitar la auto disciplina y trabajar duro.</li><li>Cómo ser clemente y misericordioso con todos. </li><li>Se les debe recordar que Dios está mirando lo que hacen y que cosecharán lo que siembran. </li><li>Y finalmente que deben seguir aprendiendo y creciendo en el temor de Dios. </li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Estas son verdades fundamentales e invaluables que salvarán a nuestros hijos.</span> Recuerde que nuestro objetivo principal es enseñar a nuestros hijos cómo caminar con Dios, y a la misma vez nosotros debemos de esforzarnos a hacerlo también. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Guiarlos con ejemplo no es suficiente a veces, ya que también debemos invertir tiempo para enseñarles adecuadamente</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 6: 4</span></b>). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Sin el conocimiento de la Biblia, la sabiduría de Dios y el camino de la justicia en sus vidas, es más probable que nuestros hijos se pierdan en este mundo de tinieblas (la cultura que los rodea). </li><li>No permitamos que las constantes distracciones de este mundo nos hagan desperdiciar estas preciosas oportunidades para enseñar a nuestros hijos lo que realmente es importa, el temor de Dios, el amor por Su Palabra y la obediencia a todos Sus mandamientos (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Deut. 6:8-9</span></b>). </li></ol> <br />Padres de familia, <i><b><span style="color: red;">¿conocen sus hijos bien la Palabra de Dios?</span></b></i> Por ejemplo, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">¿saben dónde encontrar el Sermón del Monte? ¿Amor? ¿Fe? ¿Salvación? ¿Cielo? ¿Infierno? ¿Día del juicio?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Recuerden, nuestro tiempo con nuestros hijos es limitado! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Por lo tanto, debemos instruirlos bien en el camino del Señor.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;"> ¡Por favor, no abandone su deber dado por Dios!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Por favor, enseñe a sus hijos las riquezas de Dios que se encuentran en Su Palabra para que puedan escucharla y entenderla y puedan producir abundante fruto para el Señor</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 13:22-23</span></b>).</div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Propongámonos en nuestros corazones a entrenar y a criar hijos piadosos.</span> Entrenemos estas preciosas almas para que se conviertan en discípulos fieles y celosos de nuestro Señor Jesucristo ya que Dios ha confiado el alma de nuestros hijos a nuestro cuidado. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> Recuerde, nuestro trabajo como padres es primero criar hijos piadosos, incluso mientras los estamos preparando para ganarse la vida.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">¿Por qué no comenzar a usar nuestro tiempo que Dios nos ha dado para manifestar nuestra fe en nuestros hijos para que ellos también puedan estar firmemente establecidos en su fe? ¿Por qué no enseñarles lealtad a Cristo y a Su iglesia, la cual Él compró con Su propia sangre?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Ya que Dios se preocupa por nuestras relaciones, debemos andar de una manera digna de nuestro llamado, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ef. 4:1</span></b> en nuestros hogares y en la vida cristiana.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Hijos, obedezcan a sus padres:</b> </li></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"Hijos, obedeced a vuestros padres en el Señor, porque esto es justo. 2 Honra a tu padre y a tu madre (que es el primer mandamiento con promesa), 3 para que te vaya bien, y para que tengas larga vida sobre la tierra.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 6:1</span></b>)</p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Dios manda que los hijos escuchen y obedezcan a sus padres en todo, porque esta es Su voluntad.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Hijos, especialmente adolescentes, están andando como es digno de Dios obedeciendo a sus padres, mostrándoles honra y respeto.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">La obediencia hacia sus padres es su servicio, sumisión y adoración a Cristo y su gobierno.</span> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Deben obedecer a sus padres en el Señor, porque al hacerlo, están sirviendo al Señor a través de su obediencia. Es agradable al Señor.</li><li>Cuando se rebelan contra sus padres, están rebelándose contra Dios. </li><li>Se les ordena honrar a su padre y a su madre (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 6:2-3</span></b>). </li><li>Cuando ustedes honran a sus padres, están reflejando su relación con Dios. </li><li>Y les guste o no, sus padres son más sabios que ustedes. </li><li>Sus vidas serán mejores cuando se sometan a sus consejos e instrucciones. </li><li>Recuerden, sus padres les están dando reglas e instrucciones para su propio bien, evitándoles muchos dolores de cabeza en la vida y para que no destruya sus almas.</li></ol><p></p><p> </p><p>En <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 15:3-6</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Jesús condenó a los fariseos por quebrantar el mandamiento de honrar a sus padres.</span> No pudieron cuidar financieramente de sus padres, diciendo que su dinero se lo daban a Dios. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Fallaron en demostrar respeto y honor por toda la vida, olvidando que nunca termina.</span> <b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Y aunque sus padres no sean dignos de honor, porque se han comportado deshonrosamente con ustedes, aún deben mostrar respeto y honor hacia ellos.</b> Es la voluntad de Dios que los honremos, cuidemos y respetemos y evitemos comportarnos pecaminosamente con ellos. Dios nos juzgará al final. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Tengan cuidado!</span></b></i></p><p> </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Entonces, ¿por qué se debe casar?</b></i></li></ul><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Que el matrimonio sea honroso en todos, y que el lecho conyugal sea inmaculado, porque Dios juzgará a los fornicarios y adúlteros."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebreos 13:4 </span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><p> </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><i><b><span style="color: red;">¿Por qué deben casarse un hombre y una mujer?</span></b></i></li></ul></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Un hombre con una mujer debe casarse porque el matrimonio es honorable, justo y ordenado por Dios.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Además, Dios juzgará a los que viven en fornicación o adulterio </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Heb. 13:4</span></b>). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Dios diseñó e instituyó el matrimonio. No sucedió por accidente. </li><li>Dios creó a la mujer Eva, de un hueso del cuerpo del hombre. </li><li>Luego se la presentó al hombre, Adán (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gén. 2:21-24</span></b>). </li><li>Un hombre y una mujer debe casarse porque se honran, se respetan y se aman. </li><li>La gente debería casarse porque quieren hijos. </li><li>El matrimonio es la relación la cual Dios diseñó para que los niños nazcan en este mundo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Génesis 1:28, Sal. 127:3-5</span></b>). </li><li>Los niños nunca deben ser vistos como una molestia o un inconveniente. </li><li>Desafortunadamente, esa es exactamente la visión moderna de nuestra sociedad. </li><li>Los hijos son una bendición de Dios (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Sal. 128:3-4</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡Nunca olviden eso!</span></b></i> </li><li>Los hombres y las mujeres deben casarse porque Dios bendice la relación matrimonial emocional, física y espiritualmente. </li><li>Mientras el esposo y la esposa se esfuerzan juntamente, se ayudan mutuamente a ir al cielo, pero solo cuando ambos son cristianos y fieles a Dios. </li><li>Una esposa debe amar a su esposo lo suficiente como para estar en sujeción y ser sumisa a él y respetarlo como su cabeza y esposo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:22-24, 33</span></b>). </li><li>Un esposo debe amar a su esposa como Cristo amó a la iglesia, ¡<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">lo suficiente como para morir por ella! </span></b></i></li><li>Debe amarla como a su propio cuerpo, nutrirla y cuidarla (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:25, 28-29</span></b>). </li><li>Por lo tanto, los que se van a casarse deben tener cuidado en pensamiento y oración para hacer la voluntad de Dios en su relación matrimonial.</li></ol></div><p> </p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">La preparación para el matrimonio comienza con mamá y papá caminando juntos y modelando un ejemplo piadoso en su relación matrimonial todos los días.</span> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Los padres temerosos de Dios deben enseñar a sus hijos los <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">principios de justicia de Dios en la relación matrimonial.</span></b> </li><li>Deben inculcar tales principios de justicia para guiarlos a ser esposos y esposas piadosos de la manera en que Dios los diseñó para ser. </li><li>Los padres deben criar y entrenar a sus hijos para que teman a Dios y le sean fieles porque cuando temen a Dios y le son fieles, la relación matrimonial será bendecida a medida que cada uno va trabajando diligentemente para llegar al cielo (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Filipenses 3:11-14</span></b>). </li><li>Los padres deben enseñar a sus hijos con ejemplo de que el matrimonio es un compromiso de veinticuatro horas al día, siete días a la semana. </li><li>Tal compromiso debe estar lleno de alegría en lugar de amargura y rencor . </li></ol><p></p><p> </p><div style="text-align: left;"> <b><u><span style="color: #cc0000;">CONCLUSIÓN:</span></u></b></div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">El matrimonio es una de las mayores bendiciones que Dios otorgó a la humanidad. </span> Dios creó al hombre ya la mujer para que estuvieran juntos y se completaran el uno al otro. <b><span style="color: #990000;">Me fascina cómo Dios formó a la mujer de uno de los huesos de Adán</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gén. 2:21-23</span></b>). Es asombroso cómo Dios trajo personalmente a la mujer al hombre y cómo reconoció esa unión como <b><span style="color: red;">matrimonio desde el principio</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gén. 2:24</span></b>). El matrimonio no es un subproducto de algún supuesto proceso evolutivo social. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>¡Era el diseño intencionado de Dios!</i></span></b> Desafortunadamente, la humanidad ha estropeado a lo grande una bendición tan maravillosa. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Dios diseñó el matrimonio para que sea una bendición en la que el esposo y la esposa puedan realizarse o completarse mutuamente en todos los aspectos de la vida.</span> Hoy en día, nuestra cultura impía rechaza la voluntad de Dios hacia ellos de permanecer <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">vírgenes, puros e inocentes hasta el matrimonio. </span></b> Hoy en día, se supone que debemos creer que es raro que las parejas permanezcan vírgenes hasta el matrimonio. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">La parte más triste es que este comportamiento impío está contaminando la iglesia del Señor.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cada vez más cristianos pierden la virginidad antes del matrimonio.</span></b> Dios nos ha advertido repetidamente a través de Su Palabra acerca de la inmoralidad sexual que incluye la fornicación, las relaciones sexuales, antes y fuera del matrimonio (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mate. 5:31-32; 19:8-9; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Galón. 5:19-21; Ef. 5:3-4; Colosenses 3:5-9; Apocalipsis 21:8</span></b>) .</p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Vivir juntos o cohabitar como marido y mujer, pero sin estar casados, es pecado. </span> Incluso criar hijos sin estar casados es muy común hoy en día. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">El adulterio se justifica y se defiende e incluso se sanciona como un medio para encontrar la realización y la felicidad.</span> El matrimonio se ha convertido en una mercancía que uno puede desechar cuando ya no la desea. Como resultado, la <b><span style="color: red;">estructura familiar </span></b>se degrada catastróficamente. El hogar es el salvavidas para desarrollar y mantener el carácter y la fuerza de una sociedad. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">¡No hay otro substituto que pueda funcionar! </span></b></i>La moralidad, la fuerza y la estabilidad de nuestra cultura y sociedad se están inclinando hacia abajo debido a la manera descuidada, impía e irresponsable en que nuestra cultura ve el <b><span style="color: red;">matrimonio y el hogar</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Cuando el hogar está en el corazón de una cultura fuerte y temerosa de Dios, el matrimonio ciertamente estará en el corazón de un hogar fuerte y piadoso.</span></p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:32-33</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">nos muestra un hermoso cuadro de la relación entre Cristo y la iglesia . Un matrimonio y un hogar piadoso refleja tal relación.</span> Cuando andamos como es digno de nuestro llamado en nuestro matrimonio, esposas, esposos e hijos se comportan apropiadamente de acuerdo a la voluntad de Dios. Los esposos amarán a sus esposas con amor, honor y respeto. Dirigirá a su familia, reflejando sus mejores intereses para el bienestar de su hogar, porque quieren agradar y honrar a Cristo. Las esposas respetarán y honrarán a sus maridos incluso cuando él no es digno de ello. La esposa lo hace porque ella ama a Cristo y quiere someterse a Él y a Su voluntad tal como Él lo hizo cuando se sometió a Su Padre en el cielo. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">La esposa honrará el liderazgo que Dios le ha dado a su esposo ayudándolo. Ella será su ayuda y compañera de por vida sin vacilar, así como Dios es fiel a sus hijos fieles.</span> Ella lo ayudará en ese papel. Ni el esposo ni la esposa herirán al otro con palabras o acciones, porque quieren agradar a Cristo. La esposa mostrará respeto hacia su esposo en público y en privado, cediendo a los mejores intereses de su esposo por encima de los suyos tal como Cristo lo hizo por nosotros.</p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Solo cuando las esposas, los esposos y los hijos se someten a Cristo y a Su dirección, el matrimonio y el hogar serán una gozosa bendición.</span> Pero cuando el matrimonio o el hogar son egoístas, enfocados cada uno en su propio camino, la hermosa imagen de Dios del hogar será destruida y el pecado gobernará a tal hogar. Por eso existe el <b><span style="color: red;">divorcio</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Recuerde, el divorcio es un pecado y no es digno del llamado al que Dios nos ha llamado.</span> Cuando amamos a Cristo, Su reino o gobierno, podemos vivir para Él y hacer Su voluntad con gozo para amarnos y someternos unos a otros.</p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Una casa cuyos cimientos se basan en la sabiduría mediante el conocimiento y la comprensión de Dios es un refugio lleno de tesoros ilimitados.</span> Estos tesoros de ninguna manera son terrenales, ni se pudrirán ni se oxidarán. En cambio, son tesoros eternos como la piedad, el carácter, la paz, la sabiduría y el amor. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Un hogar estable debe construirse sobre la virtud y la instrucción divina para mantenerse firme.</span></b></p><blockquote><p><i>“Si Jehová no edificare la casa, en vano trabajan los que la edifican; si Jehová no guardare la ciudad, en vano velará la guardia”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Salmo 127:1-2</span></b>).</p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Aquellos que verdaderamente pertenecen a Cristo y cuyas vidas están escondidas en Él, han muerto a todo aquello que les impida su amor por Cristo y Su reino de justicia.</span> Se han revestido del nuevo yo como escogidos de Dios. Una vida que está escondida en Cristo se comportará piadosamente en todas las relaciones. Significa que como pueblo escogido de Dios, nuestras relaciones deben mostrar a Cristo en nosotros en cuanto a cómo nos tratamos unos a otros. El problema es que muchos ignoran el diseño de Dios para las relaciones, especialmente en el hogar, y terminan con problemas de relación catastróficos. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Nuestro Señor y Salvador debe ser todo y en todos, incluso en nuestras relaciones íntimas.</span> Las diferencias de papeles no significan desigualdad de valor. Debemos mantener nuestra mirada en Cristo y aplicar sus principios de justicia en todas nuestras relaciones.</p><p><b><span style="color: #660000;">Dios se preocupa mucho por nuestras relaciones con los demás y lo que sucede en nuestras vidas, incluso a puerta cerrada.</span></b> Él se preocupa por nuestra sumisión a Cristo y unos a otros, esposos, esposas, padres e hijos. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Cuando nos sometemos unos a otros de la manera que Dios quiere, estamos mostrando la belleza de la sumisión.</span> Solo cuando nos sometemos a Cristo y a su gobierno en el temor de Dios, podemos agradar a Dios como hijos y padres, andando dignamente en la familia. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Andar como es digno de nuestra vocación en el hogar significa honrar a nuestros padres y enseñar a nuestros hijos el temor del Señor.</span></b> Dios se preocupa mucho por la vida en el hogar. Los padres deben formar a sus hijos en lo que es la educación más crítica: <b><span style="color: red;">la educación de Dios en el hogar.</span></b></p><p></p><blockquote><i>"Por tanto, cualquiera que oye estas palabras mías y las pone en práctica, será semejante a un hombre sabio que edificó su casa sobre la roca; 25 y cayó la lluvia, vinieron los torrentes, soplaron los vientos y azotaron aquella casa; pero no se cayó, porque había sido fundada sobre la roca. 26 Y todo el que oye estas palabras mías y no las pone en práctica, será semejante a un hombre insensato que edificó su casa sobre la arena; 27 y cayó la lluvia, vinieron los torrentes, soplaron los vientos y azotaron aquella casa; y cayó, y grande fue su destrucción." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mateo 7:24-27</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><p> . </p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Un hogar construido con posesiones materiales y terrenales no tiene valor.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Un hogar debe edificarse sobre la base de buscar a Dios, Su instrucción, Su amor y Sus principios de justicia.</span></b> Esto eventualmente se verá en la familia. Desafortunadamente, hoy en día muchos hogares están construidos sobre el <b><span style="color: red;">dinero y el materialismo</span></b>. Nuestros hogares se han vuelto más como piezas de exhibición en lugar de lo que Dios exige de nuestros hogares. Lamentablemente, muchas casas parecen obras maestras porque nunca hay nadie allí.</p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Por lo tanto, es vital enfatizar que nuestro objetivo principal no debe ser tener un hogar centrado en la tierra. </span> No debemos dejarnos esclavizar por las cosas materiales, entregados a los aparatos electrónicos de última generación. <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Qué aislamiento! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Pasemos verdadero tiempo juntos leyendo nuestra Biblia, meditando en ella, amándonos y alentándonos unos a otros.</span> </p><p><i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Con razón nuestras iglesias y nuestra cultura están tan desordenadas!</span></b></i> Es lamentable que todos estos tesoros hayan sido reemplazados por dispositivos tecnológicos y sí, Facebook. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Pasamos demasiado tiempo en Facebook y en línea.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">¡Aprovechemos el tiempo! </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Seamos sabios y no reemplacemos las bendiciones de nuestros hogares con cosas mundanas, no sea que olvidemos apreciar lo que Dios nos ha confiado, nuestra unidad familiar , que Él ha diseñado para nosotros para que no lo olvidemos porque Él nos juzgará.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Por lo tanto, tenemos la responsabilidad de hacer de nuestros hogares un impacto duradero en este mundo de tinieblas.</span></b> Aunque nuestros hijos crezcan o se vayan, los recuerdos y las lecciones enseñadas y aprendidas los edificaran por dentro para toda la vida. Nuestros hijos pueden difundir todas estas bendiciones en el mundo. Podríamos llamarlo <b><span style="color: red;">EVANGELISMO</span></b> .</p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">A veces me pregunto si los cristianos hemos olvidado la verdadera definición de lo que debe ser un hogar.</span> Se supone que una casa es nuestro <b><span style="color: red;">"refugio."</span></b> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Es aquí, en casa, donde se hace nuestro refugio. </li><li>Es donde nuestras conversaciones durante la cena están llenas de alegría, preguntas y respuestas. <i><b>¡Oh, cuánto atesoro esto!</b></i> </li><li>Es donde se ordena la vida, se celebran los cumpleaños y se estudia la Palabra de Dios con sus grandes preguntas y respuestas. </li><li>Es donde el amor se construye y se aprecia. </li><li>Es el lugar más sagrado. </li><li>Es donde mostramos <b><span style="color: red;">"hospitalidad" </span></b>a los demás, lo que en la Biblia significa amor a los extraños (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebreos 13:2</span></b>). </li></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Lamentablemente, muchos no pueden esperar para estar en cualquier lugar que no sea su hogar y evitan estar allí.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Construir un hogar sobre la sabiduría de Dios requiere trabajo y tiempo diario</span></b>. Debemos establecer una atmósfera de paz, aprendizaje, amor y piedad. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">No podemos cometer el error de proporcionar una atmósfera de mundanalidad, humanismo e impiedad.</span> En cambio, debemos proporcionar una atmósfera cuya <b><span style="color: red;">fragancia es Cristo </span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Corintios 2:15-17</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Dios debe ser el centro de nuestros hogares. Él necesita morar allí.</span> Por supuesto, esto requiere una gran inversión en aquellos a quienes amamos y nos preocupamos. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Requiere estar plenamente presente, haciendo el esfuerzo de conexión. </span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Vamos más despacio y hagamos recuerdos hablando palabras de sabiduría, amor, bondad y vida de Dios en las vidas de nuestros hijos.</span></b> El mundo necesita ver la Luz brillar en medio de tanta oscuridad y que mejor lugar que nuestros hogares.</div><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“La maldición de Jehová está sobre la casa del impío, pero Él bendice la morada de los justos” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Proverbios 3:33</span></b>). </p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #660000;">Un matrimonio y un hogar piadoso no suceden por accidente. Se desarrolla y se sostiene a través de un enfoque cuidadoso y un compromiso diligente tanto del esposo como de la esposa porque saben que es una bendición de Dios.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Considere algunas reglas generales que pueden servir como guía en la relación matrimonial.</span></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Siempre pongan a Dios a la cabeza de su vida, hogar y matrimonio (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mat. 22:37-38</span></b>).</li><li>No permita que Satanás obstruya su matrimonio (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Santiago 4:7-8</span></b>).</li><li>Ame a su cónyuge lo suficientemente profundo como para aceptarlo y satisfacerlo con alegría sin resentir el papel que Dios les ha dado como marido y mujer (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 5:22-25</span></b>).</li><li>Comprométase a guiar fielmente a su familia en el temor de Dios (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 6:4</span></b>).</li><li>Sean siempre honestos y leales los unos con los otros (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Prov. 12:22</span></b>).</li><li>No se rindan a la ira, la amargura o la maledicencia en su relación matrimonial (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 4:31</span></b>).</li><li>Sean bondadosos y misericordiosos unos con otros (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Efesios 4:32</span></b>).</li><li>Perdonen, olviden y sigan adelante en su relación matrimonial (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Marcos 11:25-26</span></b>).</li><li>Sean solidarios y lleven las cargas los unos a los otros (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hechos 20:35; 1 Corintios 13:7; Gálatas 6:2</span></b> ).</li><li>Lleven su vida matrimonial y todo a Dios en oración juntos como esposo y esposa (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tes. 5:17</span></b>).</li><li>Nunca dejen de contar sus bendiciones juntos y estén agradecidos por lo que Dios ha hecho por ustedes dos (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tes. 5:18</span></b>).</li><li>Sobre todo, ámense los unos a los otros profunda e incondicionalmente (<b><span style="color: red;">"amor ágape,"</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corintios 13:8, 13</span></b>).</li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Hay una un himno que describe la máxima expresión del amor de Dios que se encuentra en Su ideal del hogar piadoso.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">DIOS NOS DÉ HOGARES CRISTIANOS</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Por BB Mc Kinney</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">¡Dios nos dé hogares cristianos! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hogares donde se ama y se enseña la Biblia, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hogares donde se busca la voluntad del Maestro, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hogares coronados de belleza Tu amor ha forjado; </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dios nos dé hogares cristianos; </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">¡Dios nos dé hogares cristianos! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hogares donde el padre es verdadero y fuerte, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hogares que están libres de la plaga del mal, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hogares que se alegran con el amor y el canto; </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dios nos dé hogares cristianos; </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">¡Dios nos dé hogares cristianos! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hogares donde la madre, en búsqueda solícita, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Se esfuerza por mostrar a otros que Tu Camino es el mejor, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hogares donde el Señor es un huésped de honor; </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dios nos dé hogares cristianos; </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">¡Dios nos dé hogares cristianos! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hogares donde los niños son llevados a conocer a</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cristo en su hermosura que tanto los ama, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hogares donde los fuegos del altar arden y brillan; </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dios nos dé hogares cristianos; </div><div style="text-align: center;">¡Dios nos dé hogares cristianos!</div></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: left;">Que nuestro SEÑOR nos dé sabiduría mientras construimos nuestros hogares sobre Él y Su Verdad. Que podamos gobernar nuestros pequeños rincones del reino de Dios con honor y bien. Que busquemos Su sabiduría y perseveremos fielmente en nuestro papel dado por Dios como padres piadosos. Que podamos entronar a nuestro SEÑOR en nuestros corazones como padres piadosos para que todos puedan ver Su gloria brillando en nosotros. Que todas las esposas amen a sus esposos y se sometan a ellos como a Cristo. Que hagamos de nuestros hogares una gozosa bendición que nos da nuestro Padre que está en los cielos. Que mostremos al mundo la hermosa imagen de Dios del hogar en lugar de destruirlo debido al pecado que gobierna nuestros matrimonios. Que caminemos como es digno del llamado de nuestro Padre que está en los cielos, viviendo solo para Cristo amándonos y sometiéndonos unos a otros. Que podamos mostrar respeto el uno al otro en el hogar con nuestras acciones y palabras. Que las esposas muestren su belleza interior y no solo exterior. Que reflejemos un espíritu apacible y afable por medio de nuestra conducta pura y piadosa. Que todos los esposos muestren compasión y comprensión hacia sus esposas, honrándolas como sus posesiones más preciadas y valiosas. Que el mundo vea a Cristo en nosotros en la forma en que nos comportamos como esposas, esposos, padres e hijos. Que podamos aplicar los principios de justicia de Dios a todas nuestras relaciones, especialmente en el hogar.</div><p> </p><p>~Luci</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-45567864269563775822022-05-31T13:53:00.529-05:002022-08-16T13:05:37.964-05:00RUN WITH ENDURANCE!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT61TiZUpNx6I06y74sKqigBygyw2bA3m31hrilRGEUnPoXgTw0lX1kny3Vq-Y41e2FVb_EEgN84a2ZQ0EckIird4LJHgqfqZJ27Rvby0ok11xYS2IT6y-GtGt3kSzUkQIqi_lqqYIkvzF1aEIPgKqpMMHCK2ngZSReuHQ6jQl9tX1RfZI7_H84Tz1Ng/s600/depositphotos_7756573-stock-illustration-runners.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="600" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT61TiZUpNx6I06y74sKqigBygyw2bA3m31hrilRGEUnPoXgTw0lX1kny3Vq-Y41e2FVb_EEgN84a2ZQ0EckIird4LJHgqfqZJ27Rvby0ok11xYS2IT6y-GtGt3kSzUkQIqi_lqqYIkvzF1aEIPgKqpMMHCK2ngZSReuHQ6jQl9tX1RfZI7_H84Tz1Ng/w400-h190/depositphotos_7756573-stock-illustration-runners.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, <b>and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God</b>. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or faint hearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood… 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. “ </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 12:1-13</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Recently, I was hacked by a clever, vile and hateful hacker on Facebook. The hacker overcame all available security and was able to change my password and email address. It is unclear how he found unrestricted access to my Facebook account. Once this evil hacker had access to my account, he changed my profile picture for an offensive, racist and obnoxious one, intending to imply that Christians are vile racists so that Facebook might be justified in shutting down my account. That allowed Facebook to shut down my account for almost two days. I've been treated as a criminal and attacked unjustly because of my faith in Christ. I am stunned that there is so much hate and evil in the hearts of such people. They hate the Bible and all things sacred but ultimately their own God. They are<b><span style="color: red;"> God-haters</span></b> whose only purpose is to declare war on all faithful Christians. </div><blockquote><div><i>“An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Proverbs 29:27</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One thing that is clear to me is that we Christians are surrounded by <b><span style="color: red;">God-hating and Bible-hating people</span></b> whose primary purpose is to tear us apart. These God-haters are against everything sacred and holy and are determined to declare war on us. Of course, they are Satan’s ministers. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">They look for opportunities to attack the Bible and Christ and to ridicule Christians.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Such men are shameless! </span></b></i> They are determined to drive a stake into the heart of God and Christians. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">However, I am not ashamed of my Lord and His Gospel.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I am a soldier in the Lord’s Army!</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #660000;">My Lord Jesus will help me be faithful to the fight of my faith until my race is finished. </span></b> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I will never surrender to the Enemy! </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">I will not compromise my faith and devotion to my Lord, not for my friends, family, foes, or brethren.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">I am a soldier, marching heavenward, claiming victory as I walk the narrow way. Here I stand for my Lord!</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Will you stand with me?</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I. <u>NOT ASHAMED</u>!</span></b></div><div><blockquote><i>“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 1:8-18</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy to encourage and strengthen his faith because of what he was enduring.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Suffering and hardship can indeed shake our faith.</span></b> Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy knew that he was praying for him and his sincere faith. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul encouraged Timothy to use his God-given gifts and not be ashamed of Jesus or of him because he was in prison.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Our Lord wants us to stand faithful even amid nasty opposition. All who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.</span></b> And though we will be<b><span style="color: red;"> persecuted </span></b>for proclaiming the Gospel and because of our faithfulness, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">God expects us to teach the Gospel even when it is not convenient or favorable.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Usually, we serve God and teach others the Gospel when all is well and it is safe.</span> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>We must be willing to preach and teach the Gospel to others, even when it is<b><span style="color: red;"> difficult</span></b>. </li><li>We must not bend to <b><span style="color: red;">cultural or governmental pressure</span></b> to keep us from teaching the good news of Jesus. </li><li>We must <b><span style="color: red;">not shrink back</span></b> when the times are difficult. I believe this is what has happened to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Timothy</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">And though Timothy did not give up, he<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> stepped back because the times were difficult.</span></b></i></span></li><li><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We must never be ashamed of our Lord Jesus and the Gospel, no matter our circumstances!</span></b></i></li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div>Consider the following <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">reasons why we must not be ashamed but rather stand faithfully and unashamed</span> of Jesus. </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Who Saved Us: </b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 1:9-10</span></b>)</li></ul></div><div><i></i></div><blockquote><div><i>"<b>Who saved us and called us to a holy calling</b>, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."</i></div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">We must acknowledge until our last breath what our Lord did for us.</span> We’re ashamed of Jesus when we forget and do not appreciate what He did for us. Jesus <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">saved us and called</span></b> us to a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">holy calling</span></b> because of His own <b><span style="color: red;">purpose and Grace</span></b> before time began. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">God’s purpose was to save us and show us His Grace before the creation of the world.</span> God’s purpose for us is <b><span style="color: red;">life and immortality</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: red;">So, how can we be ashamed of our Lord and what He did for us?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">How can we be ashamed of our Deliverer?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">How can we be ashamed of our hope? How can we be ashamed of the abundant life He has brought to us?</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Know Whom You Have Believed:</b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 1:11-12</span></b>)</li></ul></div><div><i><blockquote>"For which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. <b>But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard </b>until that day what has been entrusted to me."</blockquote></i></div><div><i> </i></div><div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul acknowledges that his suffering was because of the Gospel Message which he was appointed to preach and teach.</span> However, Paul is <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">not ashamed</span></b> even though he suffered from preaching the Gospel. <i><b><span style="color: red;">How was Paul not ashamed even though he was suffering and in prison?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">He was not ashamed because he knew whom he had believed in and was persuaded that the Lord would guard what had been entrusted to him until that day.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Paul acknowledged whom he believed in, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Paul was willing to suffer for the Gospel.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>He endured the shame</b></span> because he knew whom he had believed and was convinced of the <b><span style="color: red;">vindication</span></b> that he would receive on that day. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b>Paul was not afraid of public opinion because he knew whom he believed in.</b></span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">And so must we!</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Hold On To What You Have:</b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 1:13-14</span></b>)</li></ul></div><div><i></i></div><blockquote><div><i>"<b>Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus</b>. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, <b>guard </b>the good deposit entrusted to you."</i></div><div></div></blockquote><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We must hold on to what we have.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">What is it that we must hold on to?</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Sound teaching or doctrine in the faith and love in Christ Jesus. Holding on to sound teaching will lead us to a life lived in faith and love.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Thus we must guard that sound teaching through the inspired Word of God that lives in us.</span> When we hold on to <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">sound faith in Jesus</span></b>, we are never alone. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">We’re given a treasure that we must hold on to and guard.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">God will help our efforts and our devoted service to Him. He will support us, and that is all we need.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">So we must not be ashamed and give up!</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Verses 13-14</span></b> are very similar to what Paul told the Christians in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Philippi</span></b>.</div><div><blockquote><i>“Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Philippians 2:12–13</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: #fce5cd;">God is working in us as we are working for Him.</b> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Thus, I am not ashamed because I know that God is with me. He is upholding and supporting me while I suffer shame for His sake.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">So, I am determined to hold on to Him and not give up proclaiming His Gospel Message! </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Failing To Hold On:</b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 1:15</span></b>)</li></ul></div><div><i><blockquote>"You are aware that all who are in Asia <b>turned away from me</b>, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes."</blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">Paul warns us in</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 15</span></b>. The warning is <b><span style="color: red;">disheartening and crushing</span></b>. Listen to Paul’s words. <i><b>“You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me.”</b></i> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Sadly, many were ashamed of Paul and the testimony of our Lord.</span> </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Everyone in Asia had deserted him. </li><li>Everyone bailed out when things got ugly and difficult. </li><li>Everyone left him. </li><li>Our faithfulness and devoted service to God will make others turn away from us. </li><li>Many will be ashamed of us and our faithfulness. </li><li>They will turn away or desert us. </li><li>They will turn their backs on us when the shame is cast on us. </li></ul></ul><div><br /></div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">However, we must not allow it to shake us, for we must know in whom we believe and serve.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">The hurt stings even stronger when it comes from brethren of the same precious faith.</span></b> This was precisely what Paul experienced. The brethren <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">deserted</span></b> Paul and <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">refused</span></b> to stand firm with him because they were <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">ashamed of him and the Gospel.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Sadly, many will be ashamed and fall back when it gets hard!</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Mercy To Those Who Hold On:</b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 1:16-18</span></b>)</li></ul></div><div><i><b></b><blockquote><b>"May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains</b>, 17 but when he arrived in Rome <b>he searched for me earnestly and found me</b>— 18 <b>may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!</b>—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.”</blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 16-18</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">we notice that there was one who did not shrink back and was not ashamed of Paul’s chains.</span> His name was <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Onesiphorus</span></b>. This man r<b><span style="color: red;">efreshed and encouraged</span></b> Paul while he was in prison. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">He went out of his way, searching all over Rome to find Paul so that he could refresh and encourage Paul.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">God gives mercy to those who are not ashamed of Him and His sound teaching. Mercy will be given to those who hold onto God's treasure, the Gospel.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">God is with us! </span></b></i> Listen to Jesus’ words in the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">book of Revelation</span></b>.</div><div><blockquote><i>"Then he said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. <b>I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life. 7 The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be my son. 8 But the cowards, faithless</b>, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars—their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.'"</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Revelation 21:6-8</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><b>Those who hold on, are not ashamed, and do not shrink back will inherit the spring of the water of life.</b></span> The Lord will be their God, and they will be His children forever. However, listen to what will happen in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 8</span></b> to those whose share is not with the Lord but with the <span style="color: #990000;"><b>second death</b>.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Are you surprised?</span></b></i> The <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">cowards and faithless</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">will have their share with the second death.</span> </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Mercy is not given to the cowards and faithless. </li><li>Mercy is not given to those who bend under pressure. </li><li>Mercy is not given to those who waver because of public opinion and persecution. </li><li>Mercy is not given to those who are ashamed of our Lord and His Gospel. </li></ul></ul><div><br /></div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Listen to Jesus’ words.</span></div><div><blockquote><i>"Then he said to them all, '<b>If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it</b>. For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is <b>ashamed of me and my words</b>, <b>the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory</b> and that of the Father and the holy angels.'"</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 9:23-26</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">Why would so many strive to save their lives and be unwilling to lose their lives for Jesus our Lord and Savior?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Because they are ashamed of Him and His words.</span> Jesus will be ashamed of them when He comes in glory. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">This ought to shake us to our core!</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 5:10-12</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Jesus spoke of how the faithful will be treated.</span></div><div><i><blockquote>"<b>Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</b> 11 Blessed are you when others <b>revile you and persecute you</b> and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 <b>Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven</b>, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'"</blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Jesus said we would be blessed when hated</b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 6:22-23</span></b>). </div><blockquote><div>"<i><b>Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!</b> 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets."</i></div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Sadly, the faithful of God are looked at as troublemakers</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 17:1-6</span></b>). As we study the<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> New Testament</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">the mistreatment of the saints is obvious</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 6:8-14; Acts 7:51-60, Romans 3:8, I Thessalonians 3:1-5, I Peter 3:16-17, I John 3:13, etc</span></b>.). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Jesus could not hide his disgust toward the hard-hearted</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 3:1-6 and John 2:13-17</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">When the godly and righteous of God are filled with the Word of God, they will be hated and persecuted</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah 6:11</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah 15:16-17; cf. Acts 18:5-6</span></b>). </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">When we recognize what God has done for us through His beloved Son, we will not be ashamed because we know who we have believed.</span> </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We are not ashamed because we know that God will do just as He promised. </li><li>We are not ashamed because we know God will vindicate us for our faith and faithfulness to Him. </li><li>He will not be ashamed of us at the end of our journey. </li></ul><div><br /></div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Thus we must hold on to the treasure we have, God’s sound teaching given to us by Him.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Such sound teaching has the power to transform our lives of sin with faith and love.</span></b> God will show <b><span style="color: red;">mercy</span></b> to those who are<b><span style="color: red;"> not ashamed </span></b>of Him and His words. However, those who are <b><span style="color: red;">ashamed</span></b> of Him, the <b><span style="color: red;">cowards</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">will have their part in the lake of fire, the second death. They will not partake of the glorious kingdom of God.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jesus will be ashamed of us.</span></b> </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If we deny Jesus, He will deny us. </li><li>If we disown Him, He will disown us. </li><li>If we do not stand up for Him, He will not stand up for us. </li><li>If we renounce Him, He will renounce us. </li></ul><div><br /></div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Knowing this, let us not give up, quit, and stop pressing forward.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">It is so sad that many stopped walking faithfully with God when life became difficult! </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is our ultimate example. He is our visible proof of future glory, for He endured hardship and suffering.</span> J<b><span style="color: #660000;">esus was willing to suffer shame, pain, rejection, and death. Because of His work and suffering, He received the reward and was raised from the dead and exalted to God’s right hand.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Paul also walked the narrow path of faith. Paul suffered for the Gospel even to the point of being bound in chains like a criminal.</span> However, he <b><span style="color: red;">endured everything</span></b> for the sake of Jesus. Like Jesus, he <b><span style="color: red;">endured for us</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><b>He endured everything so that others might receive salvation found in Jesus. </b></span> </div><blockquote><div><i>“<b>Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect</b>, that they also may <b>obtain the salvation </b>that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:10</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">Paul wanted Timothy and us to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and suffering so that we might obtain salvation and eternal glory.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Like Jesus, Paul sacrificed himself also being in chains and suffering so that others might obtain salvation and eternal glory.</span> That is what a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">good soldier, a good athlete, and a good farmer</span></b> do. They <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">fight, compete and work hard</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We must also follow the same model. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><b>When we die with Jesus and give our lives to Him, we will live with Him.</b></span> Paul knew in whom he <b><span style="color: red;">believed</span></b>. He <b><span style="color: red;">endured </span></b>because he was fully <b><span style="color: red;">convinced</span></b> he would reign with Him on that final day (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Timothy 1:12</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Like Paul, if we endure, we will also reign with Him.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Therefore, do not be ashamed and give up. Do not let go of the treasure that you have. But rather, be willing to suffer even shame. Be willing to give your life to your Lord.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">To reign with our Lord, we must be willing to lose our lives. If we endure until the end, God will put us on His throne.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">What an amazing promise! </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Lastly, if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny himself.</b> And though we might <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">fall, fail, become weak</span></b> in our faith and <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">let God down</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God will remain faithful and keep His promises.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Even when we falter, God remains faithful. Even when we seem to be sinking because we have stepped out of the boat, striving to have the faith to walk on water, God remains faithful.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">He will pull us out of that water. </span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Even when we falter like Peter, God remains faithful and calls us back to Him to feed His sheep. Our God will be faithful to us when we get back up and follow Him.</span></b> </div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Therefore, since we have these encouraging words, let us get back on track and keep fighting!</span></b></i> God has not given us a spirit of <b><span style="color: red;">fear and timidity</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Let us not be ashamed but rather hold on to the treasure, the deposit given to us.</span> From a sincere heart, let us <b><span style="color: red;">suffer together </span></b>because it is not too late to be a good soldier, compete as an athlete, and be a hardworking farmer. Remember<b><span style="color: red;"> Jesus’ example</span></b> and follow Him. Be<b><span style="color: red;"> strengthened by the Grace</span></b> that is in Christ Jesus. God’s plan for us is not for our lives to be <b><span style="color: #990000;">comfortable or avoid hardship</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">God's plan for us is to endure as good and brave soldiers for the Lord to receive our great reward.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>May we die with Jesus and give our lives completely to Him so that we may remain faithful to Him as He is always faithful to us. May we never be ashamed of Jesus but rather hold on to the treasure, the deposit given to us. May we follow Jesus' example and be strengthened by the Grace that is in Him. May we endure as good and brave soldiers for the Lord that we may receive our reward. May we be willing to surfer shame for His sake and the sake of so many souls.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Luci</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-27146923758929316292022-05-07T11:30:00.173-05:002022-06-09T15:00:24.969-05:00“MENDED AND WHOLE”<div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWckg8CIoxbFJCzmPWGuReXQmiuFC6PqdXtT6TjzT4lI7X7LqQR0eW61ZT4vfMruaiM9DH6OOo4GTAKMkDWiAwTjlfW4yRJ82CBn9-6tNNY_ZQc1Nx10JNVWMijS6kx30p5Oj3MzgBdIBs6ewhjbc0o08iGnKoccOmkyYfYjCWU5v3_eYF2BjPxwH-yg/s1600/Tea_bowl_Korea_Joseon_dynasty_16th_century_AD_Mishima-hakeme_type_buncheong_ware_stoneware_with_white_engobe_and_translucent_greenish-gray_glaze_gold_lacquer_-_Ethnological_Museum_Berlin_-_DSC02061.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWckg8CIoxbFJCzmPWGuReXQmiuFC6PqdXtT6TjzT4lI7X7LqQR0eW61ZT4vfMruaiM9DH6OOo4GTAKMkDWiAwTjlfW4yRJ82CBn9-6tNNY_ZQc1Nx10JNVWMijS6kx30p5Oj3MzgBdIBs6ewhjbc0o08iGnKoccOmkyYfYjCWU5v3_eYF2BjPxwH-yg/w400-h225/Tea_bowl_Korea_Joseon_dynasty_16th_century_AD_Mishima-hakeme_type_buncheong_ware_stoneware_with_white_engobe_and_translucent_greenish-gray_glaze_gold_lacquer_-_Ethnological_Museum_Berlin_-_DSC02061.webp" width="400" /></a></div></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Peter 2:24</span></b></div><p><br /></p><p>I love to sing songs when I need to be lifted up. They speak to my heart. Our beautiful song, <i><b><span style="color: red;">“Mended And Whole,” </span></b></i>reminds us of what Jesus did on the cross to bear our sins in His own body to save us from sin. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Oh, how great a salvation in Jesus! </span></b></i>God planned His scheme of redemption through Jesus His Son from the beginning.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Jesus Christ is the source (Author) of eternal salvation.</b> </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Heb. 5:8-9</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">God’s prophets unfolded His Plan of salvation for us that even the angels longed to see.</b></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Peter 1:10-12</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Through Jesus’ crucifixion, the scheme of God’s redemption was accomplished.</b></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’ 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.’”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 1:18-24</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">Christ came to fulfill <b><span style="color: red;">God’s scheme of redemption </span></b>by living a sinless life, a perfect example. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">It was prophesied that Christ would be led as a lamb to the slaughter.</span></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” </i> ( <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Isa. 53:7</span></b>) </blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Jesus, the Lamb of Calvary, left us an example that we should follow even amid anguished suffering.</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We must learn to walk in His steps by looking to Him.</span></b></div><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i></i></span></b></p><blockquote><p><i>“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Peter 2:21-23</span></b>)</p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Christ’s precious blood brings redemption to us. </li><li>We’re saved by Christ’s living Word, the Gospel, which is God’s power to save men, those who believe in the Gospel Message (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 1:16</span></b>). </li><li>This salvation must compel us to show our love toward others that is fervently pure (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pet. 1:22</span></b>).</li><li>Christ’s precious blood makes it possible for us to be redeemed.</li></ol></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Peter 1:18-19</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>:</span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jesus, our Lord and Savior endured everything to make redemption possible for us:</span> </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>He endured threats, slander, every thorn, every nail, and every tear to mend our souls and make them whole again. </li><li>He was broken with anguished pain and suffering for us.</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Since Jesus endured so much <b><span style="color: red;">pain and shame</span></b> to accomplish <b><span style="color: red;">God’s scheme of redemption</span></b>, let us strive to live as those who have been <b><span style="color: red;">“mended and whole.”</span></b> And let us teach those lost in sin how to be mended and whole. Thus, we, the redeemed of God, must be thankful for what Christ has done to save us from sin.<p></p><p>May we do everything we can through teaching and our godly influence to save souls. May we lead sinners to God and His kingdom of righteousness and thus set them free from the bondage of sin. Our Lor and Savior wants us to be soul winners, for He died for all. He wants to heal, mend and make whole the sin-sick soul. May we bring the lost to Christ our Savior that they His Grace may know. </p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Oh how great the salvation in Jesus,</div><div style="text-align: center;">That the prophets of old testified!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Even angels desire its revealing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise and glory to Christ crucified!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">As a lamb that was led to the slaughter,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not a threat, not a word did You say.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Help me, Lord, when my heart fills with anger,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your example I will not betray.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">I’ve been saved by Your Word that is living,</div><div style="text-align: center;">To a love that is fervently pure.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Precious blood from Your cross brings redemption</div><div style="text-align: center;">With a hope that is living and sure.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The chorus,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You were threatened for me, You were slandered for me,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Every thorn, every nail, every tear was for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet the thought that my soul may be mended and whole</div><div style="text-align: center;">By my Lord who was broken for me.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NzdUgI1Z9yk" width="320" youtube-src-id="NzdUgI1Z9yk"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Luci</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-82901406383076973852022-04-07T17:45:01.408-05:002022-05-21T19:37:53.606-05:00BY WHAT AUTHORITY?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hl6vFvWbc6QhUpzpD2uqeEivavjHI4XTQhSh7i8iGaUujVlyEPh-QhZYF623lbbTaWtWiKD9Yt45rAR33yFyJjn-57Z6Ck3X-iHfTLXSdmRYcv9wcCyY9hixgsV8mEOkHCH68ZpH9GgdAl_nD3sij1eTXZ_rFTFJHQtOdT6M6H6koE3Aymdkbz1Fdg/s1200/By%20What%20Authority%3F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1200" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hl6vFvWbc6QhUpzpD2uqeEivavjHI4XTQhSh7i8iGaUujVlyEPh-QhZYF623lbbTaWtWiKD9Yt45rAR33yFyJjn-57Z6Ck3X-iHfTLXSdmRYcv9wcCyY9hixgsV8mEOkHCH68ZpH9GgdAl_nD3sij1eTXZ_rFTFJHQtOdT6M6H6koE3Aymdkbz1Fdg/w400-h273/By%20What%20Authority%3F.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 'What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.' 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be silent, and come out of him!' 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, 'What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.' 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. '"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 1:21-28</span></b></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One definition of true faith is to do what God commands, exactly the way He commands, just because He commands it. <i><b><span style="color: red;">How important is it to do what Jesus, the Son of God, commands, exactly the way He commands, just because He commands it?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jesus is Lord and King.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">What is the nature of His lordship?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Let us consider what the Scriptures teach about the authority of the Son of God.</span></div><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 1:21-39,</span></b> we can easily observe the <b><span style="color: red;">King’s authority</span></b>, our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus the King and Lord is the beginning of the Good News that the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Prophet Isaiah</span></b> prophesied. Jesus is the righteous servant in whom God delights. He successfully defeated Satan. Jesus’ teaching is authoritative, and we see it in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 1:21-22</span></b> as He enters the synagogue and teaches on the Sabbath. But His teaching is different. His teaching was so different and unusual that it astonished the people in the synagogue. Jesus was not a fancy speaker. The people were astonished because Jesus <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.” </span></b></i></p><p>You see, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">the teachers of that time quoted the elders and the rabbis.</span> The Jewish religious experts did not care about and value originality. They passed down the authoritative <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“tradition of the elders.” </span></b>But <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Jesus spoke with the authority of God.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">He did not repeat the tradition of men!</span></b></i> In the <b><span style="color: red;">Sermon on the Mount,</span></b> Jesus taught with authority when He said, </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“You have heard that it was said of old, but I say to you.” </i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jesus taught about the Father, saying, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><blockquote>“Because I said so.” </blockquote></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">When Jesus spoke, His words were God’s authoritative words.</span> He was the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Author of the Scriptures</span></b>. Jesus did not quote a Scripture for authority or appeal for authority outside Himself. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">He taught as someone who possessed great authority like no one else on earth. </span> His words were unique, for they were <b><span style="color: red;">authoritative.</span></b> His <b><span style="color: red;">authoritative words</span></b> must rule our lives, for He is King, and we must do what He commands. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">We must allow Jesus’ words to be the authority over our lives.</span></div><p>Today, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">many denominations and so-called churches of Christ practice things without the authority of God, though they think they’re doing the will of God. </span> When one <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">challenges and questions</span></b> their practices, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">they immediately get defensive and call us names.</span> For example, </p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>There are differences in how the church treasury is used.</li><li>Differences in belief about salvation and the use of mechanical instruments in worship.</li><li>Differences in divorce and remarriage.</li><li>Differences in supporting social institutions such as orphanages, nursing homes, daycare centers, Bible schools, and the such where they use the church treasury. </li></ul><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I must stress that <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">before any church does anything in our worship and service to God, there must be authority from God.</span> It will be wise to ask ourselves one very critical question. <i><b><span style="color: red;">By what authority are we doing these things?</span></b></i></div><p>We cannot know <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">God’s authority</span></b> in everything we do or say if we are not seeking His will through reading the Scriptures. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">It will be impossible to know the difference if we are ignorant of God’s Word. </span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Ignorance of God’s Word weakens and tosses us by every wind of doctrine. But if we dig deeper into the Scriptures as the Bereans did, we will be able to follow God’s authority as taught in His Word</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 17</span></b>).</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I. <u>THE AUTHORITY OF GOD</u>:</span></b></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">What Is Our Standard of Authority? </b></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Our only standard for determining what can and cannot be done by the Lord's authority is His Word.</span> The Word of God explicitly authorizes via <b><span style="color: red;">direct statements and examples</span></b>. Thus whatever we do in word or deed must be done by the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">authority of Jesus Christ </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Col. 3:17</span></b>). T<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">he Bible, the Word of God, teaches and authorizes by implication.</span> It is sometimes difficult to understand <b><span style="color: red;">God’s implications</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">because understanding involves proper and sound reasoning to draw the conclusion that God expects us to draw.</span> Since God made us in His image, and He is <b><span style="color: red;">all-wise</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #660000;">He expects us to use the wisdom He has given us to study His Word and draw conclusions from His explicit statements in the Bible.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">We must stress again that Truth via implication is authoritative. God also authorizes what is expedient within the confines of that which is lawful.</span> Though God gives us <b><span style="color: red;">laws, rules, and obligations</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">He doesn't always specify all the details to fulfill those duties, so we must weigh the available choices to determine which choice is the most advantageous to accomplish such general obligations.</span> That is, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">we must seek the most expedient way to carry out the Lord’s will. <span>Let me give you a few examples:</span></span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;">Noah And The Ark:</span> </span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Genesis 6:13-16</span></b>)</li></ul></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">God specified <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"gopher wood" </span></b>for the construction of the ark (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gen. 6:14</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">By faith, Noah did all that God commanded him to do</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gen. 6:22; Cf. Heb. 11:7</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">{God was also very specific about the Passover sacrifice. It had to be a blemish-free male lamb of the first year (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ex. 12:5</span></b>).}</span> God was very specific in His <b><span style="color: red;">instructions</span></b> to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Noah</span></b>. He explicitly told <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Noah </span></b>what kind of <b><span style="color: red;">wood </span></b>to use. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Expediency in human wisdom requires the right of choice within the realm of those things that God has authorized.</span> And though Noah could have chosen another wood similar to gopher, whether small or large logs, he still had to obey God and use <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">gopher wood</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">{The Israelites could have chosen which blemish-free male lamb of the first year to be offered, but to obey God, they had to offer such an animal.}</span> </div><p>To go beyond what is <b><span style="color: red;">specified</span></b>, or offer a <b><span style="color: red;">substitute</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">is to add to what God has already said rather than obeying His Word.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">So if God had not been specific with Noah, Noah could have used any other type of wood he wanted, right?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Yes! </span></b></i>If God had said to use <b><span style="color: red;">“wood”</span></b> to make the ark, Noah would have had <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">God's authority (by expediency)</span></b> to use another wood such as oak, pine, birch, or any other kind of wood that might serve his purpose. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">However, God never gave Noah that choice, for He was very specific when He authorized gopher wood! </span></b></i> God commanded Noah to use gopher wood and nothing else. You see, God does not have to prohibit everything He does not want. <i><b><span style="color: red;"> Why?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Because all He needs to do is to authorize what He wants us to do, and we must never go beyond His authority!</span></b></i></p><p><b style="background-color: #ffe599;">Think for a moment. </b></p><p><b><span style="color: #660000;">If God had to specifically prohibit everything He did not want us to do or say, our Bibles would have to be very big.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">It would surely be impossible to carry our Bibles!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Hence we must respect the silence of the Scriptures and determine to say and do only those things that God has authorized.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">That is what </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Colossians 3:17</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> teaches!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">It would be a big mistake to justify anything that God has not authorized by simply stating that the Bible does not explicitly prohibit such.</span> Instead of looking within ourselves to determine whether we should do or say a certain thing, we should look to what God wants us to do. We must ask ourselves, <i><b><span style="color: red;">"Where has God authorized it?" </span><span style="color: #990000;">It is not enough to claim that the New Testament does not condemn a certain activity, for that type of thinking does not work! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">What works for God is to show that He has authorized a particular thing by direct statement, example, or implication.</span> Within these <b><span style="color: red;">three expressions of authority</span></b>, we must also consider the most expedient way to carry out God’s will.</p><p>So, the question at stake is. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Did Noah have to use any human judgment when he built the ark? </span></b></i></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Well, not in the matter of which wood to use because God was very specific about it.</span> And though God was very specific about the building of the ark, He still allowed Noah to use his <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">human judgment </span></b>in many ways to fulfill the <b><span style="color: red;">obligation </span></b>of building the ark. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Human judgment is involved in all obligations that God has given us.</span> For example, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">did God specify where to build the ark?</span></b></i> There is no indication that He did. Noah could have built the ark in his backyard, on top of a hill, or anywhere else large enough to build it. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">God gave Noah the obligation to build the ark, and, to fulfill that obligation, he had to choose an appropriate location to build the ark.</span> Now, under the circumstances, I doubt it would have been expedient for Noah to build the ark on top of a hill because he would have been required to haul a lot of wood up there. And that brings me to another question.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Where was Noah supposed to get the wood? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; text-align: left;">The Bible does not tell us where God specified Noah to get the wood.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> He probably had to go out and cut the wood. Now that brings up other matters for </span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">human judgment</span></b><span style="text-align: left;">. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">How was Noah to cut the wood? <br /></span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: red;">Was he supposed to use a hand saw or chainsaw? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Of course, Noah did not have a chain saw.</span> The point is that even when God was very specific, Noah had to make some <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">decisions</span></b> concerning the construction of the ark. I don't doubt that Noah chose the options that were most expedient or advantageous for him. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Of course, all the choices he made had to be in harmony with the will of God and the general and specific obligations that He had placed on him.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Noah did not go beyond that which God had authorized him to do.</span></b></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Genesis 6:22</span></b>)</blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">God authorizes by expediency where man must make human judgments to fulfill his obligations.</span> However, we must understand that if God specifies how an <b><span style="color: red;">obligation</span></b> is to be carried out, <b><span style="color: #990000;">then the method is just as binding as the obligation itself.</span></b> If God had told Noah where to get the wood, how to cut it, and where and when to build the ark, then none of these things would have been <b><span style="color: red;">matters of expediency.</span></b> But sometimes, as in the case of Noah, God gives obligations to fulfill to please Him. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">However, there are times when we will have to use common sense to make our choices.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">So, before we can say or do something, we must first have the authority from God to say or do it! </span></b></i></div><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="background-color: #01ffff; color: red;">Nadab and Abihu:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Leviticus 10:1-3</span></b>, we have the story of <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nadab and Abihu</span></b>. They were offering God fire on the altar of incense that was supposed to be taken from a particular altar, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">the altar of burnt offering</span></b>. But notice what happened next.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. 2 And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. 3 Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’ And Aaron held his peace.’” </i></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">So what is the problem? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Nadab and Abihu used an unauthorized, unholy, and profane fire.</span> They used something different than what God had <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">commanded</span></b>. They thought it would not matter to God. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>But it did matter to God! </i></span></b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">We cannot worship God using our own wisdom and not His. We must not rely on what others say.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">It was presumptuous for Nadab and Abihu to offer profane fire (their way) rather than the sanctified fire to God</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lev. 10</span></b>). And though <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Nadab and Abihu</span></b> offered worship to God, they were still not acceptable because they did not worship God the way He had commanded. God expected the priests to obey the Law completely. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">His silence toward all prohibited worship does not authorize a practice or activity that might be offered as worship to God</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lev. 10</span></b>). </div><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 28:18-20</span></b>, Jesus said, </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.’”</i></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Did Jesus say that all authority had been given to men to design worship that would please others? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">All authority is from God and no one else.</span> We must not look to others to determine if any practice is lawful before God. <b><span style="color: #990000;">We must not rely on men, magazines, or scholarly works such as commentaries to determine the authority of God on any given practice. We cannot please God and follow men and their creeds.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">They will be wrong! </span></b></i> We must search the Word of God for answers about everything we do or say. <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Period!</span></b></i> </div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><b><span style="background-color: #01ffff; color: red;">Uzzah And Ahio:</span></b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p>When the sons of <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Abinadab, Uzzah and Ahio</span></b>, were bringing the Ark back, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">they put the Ark on an ox cart.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">This was their first mistake.</span></b> They did not follow the instructions given by the LORD about handling the Ark. Apparently, they had forgotten. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">This mistake ended in tragedy.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">As they were bringing the Ark back, Ahio was walking ahead of it.</span> David and his house celebrated and rendered worship to the LORD with all kinds of instruments: lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">When they reached the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and perhaps the Ark wobbled, so Uzzah, a non-Levite, reached out to take hold of the Ark.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">That was the second mistake.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Uzzah was immediately struck down by God, dying beside the Ark because of his lack of reverence.</span> </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“So they set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart. And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill, accompanying the ark of God; and Ahio went before the ark. Then David and all the house of Israel played music before the LORD on all kinds of instruments of fir wood, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on sistrums, and on cymbals. And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Samuel 6:3-7</span></b>)</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Do you not believe that what Uzzah did was a good deed? </span></b></i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">He reached up to the Ark to stop it from falling when the oxen stumbled. But here is the problem.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>God’s Law commanded the Israelites not to touch the Ark. </li><li>Only the priests from the family of Kohath were allowed to carry the Ark by using the poles specially designed to fit inside rings on each side of the Ark. </li><li>And though Uzzah had good intentions, it was not okay with God. </li><li>Uzzah died for his error. </li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Some say that if it is a good deed, it cannot be wrong.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>They justify doing a particular practice, declaring that it is a good deed. </li><li>They often make this argument when we talk to them about misusing the church funds to support orphan homes and other social institutions that help those in need. </li><li>Of course, it is good to help the helpless, but no one denies that these things are good works. </li></ol><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">But is it okay with God, or does He authorize the church to use the treasury to sponsor man-made institutions such as hospitals or homeless shelters, just because it seems a good thing that they do? What do you think? </span></b></i></div><p>We are given many other examples. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Again we must stress that when an action, fact, or teaching is commanded in the Bible without being explicitly specified or stated, you can rest assured that such an action, fact, or teaching is a matter of implication.</span> The<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> New Testamen</span></b>t <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">authorizes and prohibits certain things by implication. </span></b> Hence, God in the<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> New Testament, the Law of Chris</span></b>t, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">authorizes via direct statements, examples, and undeniable implications.</span></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus..."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Col. 3:17</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">II. <u>THE AUTHORITY OF GOD IN THE CHURCH TODAY</u>:</span></b></div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Any local church must ask the question, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Do we have God’s authority for what we do in worship?</span></b></i> </p><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 3:4</span></b>, we are told that <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">sin is lawlessness.</span> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We must do everything within God’s Law. Otherwise, we sin.</span> The disciples had to determine if there was any <b><span style="color: #990000;">authority for the Gentiles to be baptized to be saved.</span></b> Again, we must stress the use of direct command, necessary inference, and approved examples to discover the authority of God. In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 15</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">we have a great example of these three principles in action to determine what God authorizes.</span> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 15:7-11</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Peter </span></b>describes what happened to him in Acts 10.</span> In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 8</span></b>, he says that the <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Gentiles received the Holy Spirit just as the apostles did, making no distinction.</span> You see, Peter made a <b><span style="color: red;">necessary inference</span></b> to show that God cleansed the hearts of the Gentiles by faith and did not place the yoke of the Law of Moses on their necks. </li><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 15:12,</span></b> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul and Barnabas</span></b> declared the <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">many miracles and wonders God had performed</span> through them among the Gentiles. Here we see the use of an <b><span style="color: red;">approved example</span></b>. </li><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 15:13-19</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">James</span></b> quotes <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Amos 9:11-12</span></b> to relate the direct command of God, to show that Gentiles could be saved.</span> James declares that the things that took place were previously spoken by God. You see, the apostles discovered <b><span style="color: red;">the authority of God</span></b> this way, a<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">nd it is the way we must use to find God’s authority today.</span></li></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">The Authority For Benevolence: The Individual And The Local Church:</b></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God has authorized individuals to show benevolence toward Christians and unbelievers.</span> Notice <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 3:17</span></b>,</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” </i></blockquote><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Galatians 6:10</span></b>) </div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 6:17-19</span></b>,<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"> the rich are commanded to be rich in good works, do good, be ready to give, and willing to share. </span></li><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 25:31-46</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Jesus says that what we do toward our brethren in physical things is what we are doing toward Him.</span> The <b><span style="color: red;">parable of the good samaritan </span></b>ends with Jesus saying, <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>“Go and do likewise.”</b></i> </span></li><li>As individuals, God commands us to do good to all. </li><li>We must be rich in good works. </li></ol></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">God has also given the local church the authority to use its funds for benevolence.</span> However, there are <b><span style="color: red;">restrictions</span></b> about the use of each <b><span style="color: red;">local church treasury</span></b>. T<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">he local church has limited authority from God.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 16:1-2</span></b>, the apostle <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paul </span></b><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">commands the church to take up a collection for the saints and <b><span style="color: red;">“store it up”</span></b>, that is, in a common treasury.</span> </li><li>On the first day of the week, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">each person must lay something aside</span></b>. </li><li>But notice in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 1</span></b> that the collection is <b><span style="color: red;">“for the saints.”</span></b> </li><li>Carefully notice that we are not told the collection is <b><span style="color: red;">“of the saints”</span></b> or <b><span style="color: red;">“given by the saints,”</span></b> which is sometimes how many misunderstand this passage. </li><li><i><b>The money collected is for the saints!</b></i> </li><li>The money used for benevolence out of a <b><span style="color: red;">local church treasury</span></b> was always for the <b><span style="color: red;">needy saints</span></b>. </li></ol></ol></div><p>In<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Romans 15:25-26</span></b>, we read, </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints who are in Jerusalem.” </i></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><i> <b><span style="color: red;">Who was the contribution for? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">For the poor saints in Jerusalem.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 11:27-30</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">we are told that a famine was taking place everywhere.</span> </li><li>In v<b>erse 29</b>, we read, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.” </span></b></i></li><li>Again we can see that the money was sent only to the<b><span style="color: red;"> saints.</span></b> </li><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 4:32-37</span></b>, we read of <i><b>“the multitude of those who believed”</b></i> had all things in common. </li><li>The saints sold their possessions, and the goods were distributed to each one who had need.</li><li> From the very beginning, we see this same situation (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 2:44-45</span></b>). We read, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” </span></b></i></li><li><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Who are those in need? </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">All who believed. </span></li><li>We can prove this even further in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 3</span></b>. </li><li>Notice that the possessions and goods were sold and laid at the apostles’ feet to distribute to <b><span style="color: red;">needy saints</span></b>.</li><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 3:1-6</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Peter and John encountered a lame man on the way to the temple.</span> </li><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 3</span></b>, the lame man asks for alms. </li><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 6</span></b>, Peter says, <i><b>“Silver and gold I do not have…” </b></i></li><li><i><b><span style="color: red;">Is Peter lying?</span></b></i> </li><li>We know Peter had plenty of money and goods available from the selling of the saints’ possessions that took place seven verses earlier. </li><li>Peter was not lying. </li><li>From this passage, we infer that <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">the local church must not use its funds for all the needy of the world.</span> </li><li>The funds must be used for <b><span style="color: red;">needy saints only</span>.</b></li></ol></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You may ask, <i><b><span style="color: red;">what about </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">James 1:27</span><span style="color: red;">? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many argue that <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">James 1:27</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">authorizes the local church to use its funds for the orphans and widows in this world.</span> The question is, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Is </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">James 1:27</span><span style="color: red;"> addressed to a local church or individuals? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">It is not that difficult to understand and determine the correct answer.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>We must first look at the context of the passage. </li><li>We must read the earlier verses of this text to find the nearest reference for this command.</li><li> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Verse 26 </span></b>says, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;"> "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless."</span></b></i> </li><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">James is talking about the religion of a person, for he says <b>“he,” “his tongue,” “his own heart,” and “one’s religion.”</b></span> </li><li><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Our text is clearly talking about what each individual must do.</span> </li><li>Even in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 19,</span></b> we see the discussion of what individuals must do. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Let every man…”</span></b></i> </li><li>J<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ames 1:27</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">commands and gives authority to individuals to take care of widows and orphans.</span></li><li><b><span style="color: #660000;"> Therefore, when it comes to the work of benevolence, the treasury of the local church is limited to needy saints only. </span></b> </li></ol></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">The Church Limits Upon Helping Needy Saints:</b></li></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 5:8</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Thessalonians 3:10</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>God has placed<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> further limits on the local church</span></b> even on which needy Christians she may help. </li><li>The local church <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">cannot</span></b> immediately step in and help just any needy saint (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Thessalonians 3:10</span></b>). </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Thessalonians 3:10</span></b>, Paul says, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><blockquote>“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” </blockquote></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This same principle is given in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 5:8</span></b>, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><blockquote>“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” </blockquote></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If an individual is <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">unwilling</span></b> to work, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">a local church has no responsibility to help</span> and must not help until that person is ready to take a job.</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Timothy 5:4)</span></b></p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Each individual must be willing to work before the local church can help.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">The family must help before the local church helps him.</span></b> </div><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">A widow was not allowed to be on the role unless the family options were exhausted.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">The children and grandchildren were responsible for taking care of them, not the local church. The family is expected to contribute before the local church does. </span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">In 1<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Timothy 5:16</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Paul says that the church must not be burdened.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">This is an important principle.</span></b> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Imagine if each local church were to use its funds to help all the poor in the world,</span> it would run out of money and not accomplish the task the Lord has given each local church. </li><li><b><span style="color: #660000;">Each local church must not use its funds in a way that God has not authorized. </span></b></li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;"><b>My question is,</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Did the apostles set up shelters, orphanages, nursing homes, daycare centers, foster homes, or other institutions to take care of the needy? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">And though it might be noble to accomplish such a task, it leaves each local church without funds to do the work God has given it to do in evangelism, edification, and benevolence toward the needy saints. </span></b></div><p></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 11</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Corinthians 8-9</span></b>, we read that a<b><span style="color: red;"> local church </span></b>was unable to meet the needs of the saints. </li><li>So other <b><span style="color: red;">local churches</span></b> sent money to aid those needy saints. </li><li>Here is the only example we have of <b><span style="color: red;">one local church</span></b> sending money to another local church.</li><li>The money was not sent nor used for any other reason. </li><li>Nor do we see these <b><span style="color: red;">receiving churches sending it to other churches.</span></b> </li><li>The saints did not set up a <b><span style="color: red;">benevolent society </span></b>to help all needy people in the world. </li><li>Nor did they use a<b><span style="color: red;"> local church as an agency </span></b>to give aid to all needy people. </li><li>There is <b><span style="color: red;">no authority </span></b>anywhere in the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">New Testament</span></b> for establishing a controlling local church to be in charge of all the needy in each location. </li><li><i><b>If there’s one, I would like to know it! </b></i></li><li>The <b><span style="color: red;">needy Christians</span></b> were the only ones receiving this kind of help. </li><li><i><b>Take heed!</b></i></li></ol></ol><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">No Authority For Supporting Earthly Organizations:</b></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Many teach that a local church must use its funds to support all of today’s charities and needs.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>They want to use <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">the treasury of the local church </span></b>to send funds to nursing homes, daycares, orphanages, hospitals, shelters, the Red Cross, United Way, or any other charitable organization.</li><li>There is <b><span style="color: red;">no authority</span></b> for the funds of a local church to be used for such things. </li><li><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Nowhere do we find a command, a necessary inference, nor do we see an example of any local church supporting such human organizations.</span> </li><li><b><span style="color: #660000;">We do not find any authority for a local church to give its funds to those who are not needy saints.</span></b></li><li>Again, let us remember that in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 3</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Peter and John did not give the lame man, who sat at the gate of the temple, any money. </span>They said they could not give him money. </li><li><i><b><span style="color: red;">Why not?</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Because the inference is that the money must not be used for anyone other than needy saints in dire economic need </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 11:27-30 and 2 Corinthians 8-9</span></b>). </li></ol></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">The Primary Work of Each Local Church is Spiritual:</b> </li></ul></div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">God did not authorize the local church to become a welfare system</span> or an agency to meet the physical needs of others. </li><li>The local church must meet <b><span style="color: red;">spiritual needs</span></b>. </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Peter and John</span></b> gave the lame man something more important than <b><span style="color: red;">gold and silver</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">They healed him so that he and others would believe in Jesus Christ.</span> </li><li><b><span style="color: #990000;">Our faith is the more important thing we can give to people.</span></b> </li><li><b><span style="color: #990000;">We are not authorized to use the funds of a local church to support institutions.</span></b> </li><li><b><span style="color: #660000;">When the Lord commanded us to do good to all and visit the widows and orphans, He was not talking about giving them a check from the church treasury, He was talking about making an effort to help individually.</span></b> </li><li><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">It is an individual responsibility. </span></li></ol></ol><div><br /></div>Remember<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Galatians 6:10</span></b>, <div><i><blockquote>“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” </blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">We must help others individually when the opportunity is presented.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Each one of us has been commanded to help believers and non-believers in the area of benevolence.</span></b> It is up to each of us to determine how we are going to help.<br /><p></p><p><b style="background-color: #01ffff;">Thus the right question to ask is:</b> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>By what authority are we doing these things? </b></i> </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We must understand that <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">the church is not a physical benevolent society to feed and clothe or meet the physical needs of the worldly poor.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">As designed by God, the primary function of the church is to meet man’s spiritual needs. </span></b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The church is not</span></b> a social club for secular parties, potlucks, entertainment, and music. </li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The church is</span></b> for spiritual worship and spiritual music. </li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The church is not</span></b> a political action force to shape society and culture through public protest.</li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The church is non-political</span></b>, and her God-ordained function only is to protest against spiritual things like sin and lawlessness. </li><li><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The church is not</span></b> a fundraising organization whose primary goal is to collect money or invest money through bake sales, raffles, bingos, business ventures, secular real-estate investments, and speculation in the stock market. </li><li><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The church that Jesus purchased with His blood raises money from free-will donations from Christians every first day of the week, Sunday.</span> </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Take heed and don’t abuse God’s ordained design for the church that His Son purchased with His own blood!</span></b></i></div><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>: </span></b> </p><div style="text-align: left;">In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 11:28,</span></b> the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders ask Jesus.</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i> “And they said to Him, ‘By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?’”</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These <b><span style="color: red;">Jewish leaders </span></b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">asked Jesus by whose authority was He doing these things.</span> Notice Jesus’ answer in the following verse. </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“But Jesus answered and said to them, ‘I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: the baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? Answer me.’”</i></p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Wow, what a remarkable answer from the lips of Jesus!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jesus did not turn to the Pharisees and authoritatively exclaim He did not need any authority to do what He was doing.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">He did not say how stupid and irrelevant was their question. Jesus’ response was to compel them to see and accept that His authority was straight from God in heaven.</span></b> Furthermore, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Jesus wanted them to accept that He was God and thus had all authority.</span> And though the question was foolish, it had some <b><span style="color: red;">validity</span></b> to it. The question they asked Jesus about <b><span style="color: red;">His authority</span></b> for doing the things He was doing <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">is the same valid question we must ask every time we do anything. We must acknowledge that all our practices, whether our service and worship to God, must have His authority.</span> And this is precisely where<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Nadab and Abihu</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">failed </span></b>when they offered an unauthorized fire. They did not care about what God asked or commanded them to do. </div><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Sadly, we often ask the wrong questions with some of our practices of worship and service to God.</span> We are driven by our <b><span style="color: red;">feelings or emotions</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #660000;">We rely more on what others say about a specific practice or issue than doing what God authorizes.</span></b> We rationalize everything as a <b><span style="color: red;">good work or cause</span></b>, and thus, it cannot be wrong. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">We dare to say that God does not care if we do this or not. We must start acknowledging God’s authority for everything we do or say.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We must ask the question:</span></b> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Where is our authority for doing it? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Does God authorize us to participate in a particular practice or work? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #01ffff;">When the church and its members fail to ask the question,</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">“By What Authority?” </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>We encounter many problems. Problems such as differences, divisions, and splits</b>.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>How do you suppose we have so many different denominations with different beliefs and practices?</b></i> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Because they don’t care and ask the right question:</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">By whose or what authority? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">When they fail to ask the right question, serious problems arise—problems about using the church treasury for social things such as building Bible schools, hospitals, and orphanages.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">So the question is not whether it is a good work or not, what others practiced in the past, or whether or not God really cares. </span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">The valid question is,</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Do we have authority from God? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><b>But when we do things our way, not God’s, we have no authority.</b></span></div><p>You see, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">there are many divisions over the use of mechanical instruments in our worship to enhance the beauty of our music</span>. </p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b>The valid question again is</b>,</span> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Do we have authority from God to play instruments of music in worship to God? </span></b></i></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">And if we don’t have God’s authority, we must not do it. Period! </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Others teach that we are saved just by believing and accepting the Lord in our hearts.</span> Once again, the issue is, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">we must not do what others say about our salvation, or trust in scholarly books, commentators, and preachers.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">The valid question is,</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Do we have authority from God? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">If we don’t accept God’s authority to baptize for the remission of sins, we are not obeying His authority.</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 2:38</span></b>)</div><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">There is much danger when we ignore God’s authority and fail to ask the question,</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="background-color: #fcff01; color: red;">”By What authority.” </span></b></i> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">When we refuse to obey God’s authority in everything we practice, we are standing on dangerous ground.</span></b> Jesus plainly said in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 7:6-9</span></b>. </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“He answered and said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 'For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men–the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.’ He said to them, ‘All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.’”</i></p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b>When we disobey the authority of God, what we do is vain, and thus, our hearts are far from God.</b></span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">A heart far from God is lost, for such a heart rejects God’s commands, His authority.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The danger is evident, for we are led into error.</span> When we fail to ask if what we do is by <b><span style="color: red;">God’s authority</span></b>, we will be led into error. <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Because we will be easy prey for those who teach error and false doctrine. When we stop asking the question, by what authority, we will be led into false teaching.</span><i><b><span style="color: red;"> Why?</span></b></i> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Because we will follow men’s doctrines and reject God’s. We will accept and fall for anything just because it sounds good, not because it is the truth. </span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">We must not accept anything just because it sounds good or because we esteem the teacher highly!</span></b></i> That is very dangerous, and that is exactly what Jude was stressing in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jude 8</span></b>.</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Yet in the same way these men, also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties.” </i></blockquote><p></p><p>Also, we find this warning in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 2:9-10</span></b>, </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority.”</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Knowing that punishment is reserved for those who reject God’s authority, we must be careful and reject error and false teaching.</span> <b style="background-color: #01ffff;">Error and false teaching paralyze us.</b> We should never do anything <b><span style="color: red;">“new” </span></b>or <b><span style="color: red;">“different.”</span></b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"> Examine the context of what Jesus is saying in</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 7.</span></b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The Pharisees accused Jesus and His disciples of not washing their hands according to the tradition of the elders.</span> Honestly, <i><b><span style="color: red;">was washing the hands commanded by God? </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">No, for it was a tradition handed down, not found in the Scriptures.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">However, the Pharisees made this a command of God and accused Jesus’ disciples of violating God’s Law for not doing it. It is the same thing we see happening today in the religious world. We must not allow men’s traditions and expedients to become law where God has not made law in our worship to Him.</span></b></div><p><b style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Therefore, we must teach the authority of God in our worship and service to Him.</b> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Is it authorized? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Has God specifically given us the authority to do these things?</span></b></i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">We must obey God’s authority in everything we do or say.</span> Otherwise, we are <b><span style="color: red;">undermining</span></b> God’s Word and authority because we are doing it our way. <b><span style="color: #660000;">When we do things our way, we are hypocrites, and God will judge us</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 7:6-9</span></b>). </div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Soundness is doing what God authorizes and not what sounds good to us. Soundness is not holding to the traditions of men as the commands of God.</span> Jesus said it was <b><span style="color: red;">foolish and vain</span></b> to lay aside the commands of God. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">When we do what God has told us to do, we are seeking God’s authority. We are reflecting soundness in His word.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">God has already spoken. He has commanded that we not add to His words nor take away from His words.</span></b> </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: red;">We must not</span></b> turn to the right hand nor the left, nor should we do less or more than what God has taught and authorized. </li><li><b><span style="color: red;">We must do</span></b> just what He specifies. </li><li><b><span style="color: red;">We must use</span></b> only generic options found in His given specific commands or statements. </li><li><b><span style="color: red;">We have no right and are not authorized </span></b>to declare something to be expedient to carry out some specific command that does not exist. </li><li><b><span style="color: red;">We must not</span></b> make a law out of a true expedient. </li><li><b><span style="color: red;">We must </span></b>acknowledge that what God specifies must not change and must be followed. God’s specific instructions do not change with culture and centuries of time. <i><b><span style="color: red;">Take heed! </span></b></i> </li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">God’s instructions are the same today as they were in the first century.</b> <b><span style="color: #660000;">And though many had tried to change God’s specific instructions, they have not changed at all. Whatever options, choices, expedients, or generic decisions we make must come from what God has authorized in the timeless written Word.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We cannot have God’s approval while we are teaching error and man-made doctrines.</span> <b style="background-color: #01ffff;">Doctrinal error is to abandon the reliability and authority of God as revealed in His Sacred Word.</b> </div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Therefore, we must search the Scriptures to find out what God has authorized, not men.</span> We must seek <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">His will and authority </span></b>to learn what God has commanded us to do. <b style="background-color: #d9ead3;">There is no other way to be sound in God’s Word and come to a knowledge of God’s will.</b> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We must not allow ourselves to be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine! </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">We must diligently study the Scriptures as the Bereans to examine if everything taught by others are the words of God and not men</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 17</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We must do what God has said and obey His authority alone. </span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Jesus gives life to whom He will</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 5:21</span></b>). He gives <b><span style="color: red;">life abundantly</span></b> to those who do His will, hear and believe Him (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 5:24</span></b>). God the Father has given to the Son all judgment (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 5:22</span></b>). Thus, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">whoever dishonors Jesus also dishonors the Father</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 5:23</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: red;">Do you honor the King?</span></b></i> T<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">he only way to honor the King is to bow our knees and submit to His authority alone.</span> We <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">honor </span></b>the King by worshiping Him. We <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">honor </span></b>the King by praising Him, <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">for He is worthy of all praise and honor.</span> We <b><span style="color: red;">honor </span></b>the King by doing what He commands. <b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Since Jesus is God, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, we must submit to Him and God the Father with fear and trembling.</b> </p><p>May we honor our King and Lord and submit to His Lordship with fear and trembling. May we honor our King and do what He commands, for He is worthy of all praise and honor. May we place His Holy Word above the words of men. </p><p>~Luci </p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-48989135230557675102022-03-12T18:18:01.232-06:002022-05-04T22:01:27.467-05:00THE BEAUTY OF A BROKEN SPIRIT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVylkl_PU_LKntnmlBjQvU7pxtmKVquEDTffzlKTmJcwmLGTiPGKdNTC3-NJoQ-2DVj7jiV-FyBpIsgzPXsX_YhK7b-GAb0MgGG1WtJee7g6dCK-ZWOu16WrNWlT3lvFEZJqqRsusxZI7GLgaHOzGeknjHwM3ojXNZEAYf-1mhmF6JUk0iGwV-f8mRA/s612/istockphoto-1254263775-612x612.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="612" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVylkl_PU_LKntnmlBjQvU7pxtmKVquEDTffzlKTmJcwmLGTiPGKdNTC3-NJoQ-2DVj7jiV-FyBpIsgzPXsX_YhK7b-GAb0MgGG1WtJee7g6dCK-ZWOu16WrNWlT3lvFEZJqqRsusxZI7GLgaHOzGeknjHwM3ojXNZEAYf-1mhmF6JUk0iGwV-f8mRA/w400-h267/istockphoto-1254263775-612x612.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"For thou delightest not in sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." </i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 51:16-17</span></b></div><p><br /></p><p>Jesus, our Lord and Savior, invites all broken and lost souls to come to Him for help and rest from the burden of sin. He wants those lost souls to bring their brokenness to Him for healing. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Christ, our Savior, can make broken souls anew. Though marred by sin, they become whole again.</span> He can restore our broken lives and the empty and wasted years of sin. When we obey His Gospel, our Lord removes our iniquities and remembers them no more. When we obey <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">the remedy for sin</span></b> that He offers and are buried with Him in baptism, He creates us anew. It is then that we start walking in the <b><span style="color: red;">newness of life.</span></b></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 6:3-4</span></b>) </blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Our wasted life He will restore, justified before God.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i></i></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 6:11</span></b>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">In Christ, God has promised to remember our iniquities no more.</span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. 8 For he finds fault with them when he says: 'Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.'"</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 8:6-12</span></b>) </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When we bring our <b><span style="color: red;">broken hearts by sin </span></b>to Christ, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">we find rest because Jesus purifies them from an evil conscience</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Heb. 10:19-22</span></b>). Jesus can give us rest from the burden of sin and take us to heaven when we surrender our brokenness to Him (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 11:28-30</span></b>). Jesus Christ came to earth as our blest Savior (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 1:21</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">He has promised His redeemed to be with them until the end</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 28:19-20</span></b>). He is now preparing a home in His Father’s house for all those broken souls marred by sin who humbly come to Him to be forgiven (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 14:1-3</span></b>). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">It is so amazing to see a new Christian arise from the watery grave of baptism, buried with Christ as they humbly bring their broken lives and brokenness of soul to Him to be restored and made anew!</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I. <i> </i><u>SIN AND BROKENNESS</u>:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">We live in a world of broken people.</span> Our broken world has been around since the beginning of mankind when sin entered this world. Before Jesus was born, God spoke through the prophet <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah</span></b> of His people as being<b><span style="color: red;"> “broken.”</span></b> Listen to His words.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>“They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11</span></b>). </blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Sin:</b></li></ul></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Sin is the cause of our broken world.</span> When people ignore and refuse to listen to God’s instructions, that course of action will lead them to<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> brokenness in their lives and the lives of others.</span> Our lives will break down when we live contrary to our Creator’s direction. Such <b><span style="color: red;">“brokenness” </span></b>is seen throughout the Scriptures. </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our time in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Titus 3:3</span></b>).</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>“Being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 1:29-31</span></b>).</blockquote></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“Everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 8:34</span></b>).</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly, many people are <b><span style="color: red;">deceived</span></b>, believing they can ignore God and His instruction and still remain <b><span style="color: red;">whole, good, and put together</span></b>. They expect to function well in life while living <b><span style="color: red;">the broken life of sin.</span></b> Consider the following Scripture that describes how hostility toward God results in <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“evil deeds.” </span></b></div><p></p><blockquote><i>“And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Colossians 1:21</span></b>). </blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Their hostility toward God affects them. Their wrong attitude is against God.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Jesus stressed the commands to love God with all our hearts and our neighbor as ourselves. The two commands are inseparable</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 22:37-39</span></b>). <span style="color: red;"><i><b>Let us not deceive ourselves!</b></i> </span><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Can we remove God from our lives and continue to love people as we should? </span></b></i></div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">When people depart from God, choosing to ignore His will, they are in trouble.</span> And once they get in trouble, they often get their loved ones to cover for them. The truth is that when we <b><span style="color: red;">involve </span></b>others in our sins, that shows we only care about ourselves. We are concerned only about ourselves and are willing to throw everyone else underneath the bus. This course of action shows a lack of humility and repentance: <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">a lack of brokenness of heart.</span></b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Sin is indeed ugly and harsh. </li><li>Sin will take a toll on our compassion and love, and defile our conscience (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah 6:15</span></b>) and our relationships. </li><li>Our honesty disappears (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 3:10-21</span></b>), and </li><li>Our self-control goes out the window along with our view of reality (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Thess. 2:10-12</span></b>). </li></ol></ol><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Notice what <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah</span></b> declared.</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“For My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, to hewn for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah 2:13</span></b>).</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">When we forsake God, we find a replacement.</span> God is the source of all true refreshment and living waters. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Those who forsook God, according to</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">tried to dig and create their own source of refreshment.</span> The problem is that such a <b><span style="color: red;">carnally devised source</span></b> cannot hold water. It is cracked and cannot quench the human thirst for real and lasting peace, happiness and meaning. It only works for a short time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">The Bible tells us that sin is sin and that sin must never be considered</span> <b><span style="color: red;">"right"</span></b> or "<b><span style="color: red;">excusable." </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">All sin is simply sin.</span></b> We all have sinned, and some more than others. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">One of the hardest things for us is confronting just how bad our sins are before our Holy God and truly weep for them </span>(<b><span style="color: red;">godly sorrow</span></b>). God is not interested in <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">empty apologies, rationalizations, explanations, or excuses</span></b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">to defend or justify sin.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>We cannot fool God, even though we might fool ourselves and others for a while. </li><li>We must recognize and accept that God demands truth, honesty, and integrity of heart. </li><li>Our spirit within us must be crushed by guilt, leaving us with genuine and deep sorrow because we have been rebellious and sinful before our God. </li><li>We must resolve to humbly repent with a contrite and broken heart that does not seek to rationalize, defend and justify our sins. </li><li>We must not blame our circumstances, others, or even God for our failures, rebellions, or sins. </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: red;">Our sins will find us out! </span></b></i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We must regard our sins, iniquities, and transgressions with a contrite or broken heart.</span> Our God will not accept empty apologies, cheap promises, or resolutions to justify our sins. He wants our <b><span style="color: red;">broken and contrite hearts</span></b>. </div><p><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">The guilt of sin weighs heavily on man’s heart, soul, and mind.</span> It covers the soul with deep sadness, profound grief, and tormenting pain. Some sins bring a heavier weight to the soul than others. It is a deep pain that almost everyone has felt in his life as he tries to serve God faithfully. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Sin in our life is the transgression of God's will and rebellion against Him.</span> </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>It is thoroughly evil from top to bottom. </li><li>It opposes all that God is, His purposes, His love, and His Grace. </li><li>Sin is hopelessly corrupt, filthy, and contaminating. </li><li>It produces guilt, shame, and filthiness. </li><li>Sin is falsehood and is the antithesis of Truth. </li><li>It reduces man to a puppet in the hands of Satan. </li><li>It crushes those who indulge in it. </li><li>It separates man from God. </li><li>Sin can numb the conscience and blind our understanding. </li><li>Sin enslaves us by piling on more and more sin until the soul is fully absorbed. </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Only when sinners surrender to God with a broken or contrite heart (<b><span style="color: red;">godly sorrow</span></b>) can they be forgiven and cleansed by God's Grace. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Thanks be to our merciful and loving God who delivers us from wrath through His Son Jesus, our Lord, and from the grave of sin and guilt!! Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!!</span></b></i></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">What Is Brokenness?</b></i></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Have you ever broken something valuable to you or your loved ones?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Did you ever break one of your mother’s favorite vases or figurines? </span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Did you try to glue it back together? </span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">I surely did and got in trouble quite a few times!</span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">When things get broken, we often think of them as worthless and useless. </span> We believe they are not worthy of keeping any longer. So we get rid of them right away. <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why not take a closer look at what brokenness is?</span></b></i></div><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Often, our character or bad experiences make us feel broken.</span> Sadly, we allow those negative feelings or life’s circumstances to <b><span style="color: red;">define us</span></b>. We let them rule our spiritual lives to our detriment. It would be good and wise to consider<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> God’s viewpoint of broken people</span></b> to help us change our way of thinking. After all,<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> the Bible does say that brokenness is a good spiritual quality to have.</span> </p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">In countries like Japan, broken things are often repaired with gold.</span> They restore the broken part with <b><span style="color: red;">gold mixed with epoxy.</span></b> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Their purpose is not just to replace the damaged piece but to convey awe, reverence, and restoration.</span></b> The <b><span style="color: red;">flaw in the broken vessel</span></b> is seen as a unique piece of the object’s history, which adds to its beauty. The <b><span style="color: red;">gold-filled cracks</span></b> are a testament to its history. Such a history is critical to embrace. <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why? </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Because just like those once broken objects, we humans have a history that God, our Creator, can use for His glory.</span> </p><p>In Japanese culture, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“it’s very important that we understand the spiritual backgrounds or the history behind… the material.”</span></b></i></p><p>The <b><span style="color: red;">Japanese people</span></b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> set aside the sad stories that show how difficult it was to recover from devastation, betrayals, and losses.</span> The stories tend to cling to misfortune and imply that they are <b><span style="color: red;">“damaged goods,”</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">not worthy of love, recognition, or success.</span> Like the Japanese people, <i><b><span style="color: red;">do you have a story or life event that you cannot recover from? </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Has betrayal, loss of family, and loved ones brought you down so much that it prevents you from getting closer to God?</span></b></i><span style="color: #990000;"> </span> S<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">adly, many people think of themselves as damaged goods and worthless. Their state of mind affects their growth and restoration with God.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">We often hear that the church is for people who cannot get it together, losers, and those who need help.</span></b> Let us consider a few things, such as <b><span style="color: red;">gold and epoxy</span></b> used to restore broken objects.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Gold and Epoxy:</b></li></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">So what does the gold in our story represent to us? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">the gold is God’s love, God’s forgiveness, an opportunity to know Him and thus be restored and transformed.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">What does the epoxy represent to us?</span></b></i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The epoxy is Jesus, Jesus’ life and teachings, and, more importantly, Jesus on the cross.</span></div><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Now let us think for a moment and try to put it all together. </span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>God puts us back together with Himself (gold) and Jesus. </li><li>When God fixes us, we are given a strong bond. </li><li>This bond now makes us whole, better, and more beautiful before God. </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 51 </span></b>explains David’s brokenness after God rebuked him for his sin. David was broken with godly sorrow, which showed true repentance before God. </li></ol></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Notice what <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 51:17 </span></b>declares about David’s brokenness of heart. </div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”</i></div><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">God does not despise our brokenness. It pleases Him. </span> God delights in those who want to be changed, who want the damage of sin repaired. He wants to heal us from our brokenness, for He desires to mend us and make us whole. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">His arms are wide open to welcome those who wish to make a comeback to rebuild their lives destroyed by sin.</span> You see, broken pieces are stronger and better. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">God repairs and uses damaged and broken people to do amazing things! </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">“A Broken And Contrite Heart"</span> </b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 51:16-17</span></b>)</li></ul></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“For thou delightest not in sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”</i></p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">This is the very essence of what God wants. God wants our hearts and not our sacrifices.</span> He wants contrite and sincere hearts that will listen to Him. An honest heart seeks His approval, for such a heart wants to do His will. Such a heart is willing to surrender to God's will. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Our worship to God is useless if our hearts are not broken over our sins.</span> Our good works are meaningless if we do not have a broken and contrite heart toward God. All that we do in word and deed must come from the love of our hearts. Otherwise, it will be despised. God will only delight in us when our heart is humble and devoted to Him. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Even under the Law of Moses, God demanded sacrifices that arise from hearts obedient to Him.</span> </div><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">God wants a broken and contrite spirit. He will welcome such a heart and rejoice over it.</span> A broken heart surrenders and accepts responsibility for his sins. Such a heart destroys his strong will and allows God to rule it. It does not become calloused by sin. A broken heart admits his sins and is sorrowful, desiring to change and be in fellowship with God. A broken heart does not allow guilt to eat him away but longs to do God's will. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The broken heart accepts responsibility for his sins, for it has godly sorrow. </span> A contrite heart is poor in spirit and is fully aware of its need for God's approval. A broken heart submits to God and His rule. Our hearts must break with sorrow when we sin. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">God will respond to our brokenness with Grace when we humbly confess our sins and surrender to His will.</span> A contrite heart accepts that change must happen, deep repentance. <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">The Grace of God will only save the brokenhearted and poor in spirit.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Sinners must be heartbroken over their sins.</span> They must grieve for defying God. God cannot extend His Grace if there is no deep concern or sorrow over sin. There must be a desire to turn away from sin to walk in newness of life. Sinners must accept <b><span style="color: red;">God’s terms of Grace</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">When they do, they will be ready to have a new heart, a new joy, and a renewed fellowship with Him.</span> <b><span style="color: red;">God’s righteous and holy standards</span></b> must rule their new life. The redeemed must then pass <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">God's most magnificent gift of love</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">to others by sharing the Gospel, the Good News, to others who are broken because of sin.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">What is godly sorrow? </b></i></li></ul></div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Godly sorrow does not come from endless human therapy, human theology, or self-help principles.</span> Through the <b><span style="color: red;">Gospel</span></b>, God calls men to find the remedy for their sinful way of living. G<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">od uses the Gospel to return the hearts of men to Him. </span> Paul declared, </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">II Cor. 7:10</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Corinthians 7:-8-9</span></b>, Paul stated, </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it—for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while— I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us." </i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul declared that he did not regret hurting the church by preaching repentance, even though it broke his heart.</span> Though the message brought guilt because of sin and the church was broken, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">they turned from their sin, drawing closer to the Lord.</span> It was God's will for them to be broken in their sin through the knowledge of His Word. <b><span style="color: #660000;">This sound knowledge of sin produced godly sorrow that moved them to a deeper surrender to their Father in heaven.</span></b></div><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">On the other hand, worldly sorrow is a cruel thing. It is guilt without hope.</span> One can have sincere remorse for offending God and others, but not to the point of repenting and changing his life completely. Such a person is only sorry because he got caught in sin. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">True repentance does not take place with someone unwilling to repent and turn from his sins and completely surrender to the will of God.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">So I ask you, can the sinner's prayer for forgiveness save a man if he is not willing to repent of his sins, be renewed, and be transformed by the everlasting TRUTH?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Worldly sorrow can’t produce genuine repentance that transforms and regenerates the character or heart of man.</span> If man is<b><span style="color: red;"> not </span></b>willing to surrender from the heart completely to the Lord, he is wasting his time because <b><span style="color: red;">worldly sorrow </span></b>can only produce <b><span style="color: red;">eternal death</span></b>. It renders man hopeless.</p><p>For a person to come to know <b><span style="color: red;">godly sorrow</span></b>, he must humbly see himself as totally<b><span style="color: red;"> lost: </span></b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">lost because of sin and undone without God in his life. </span> He must feel <b><span style="color: red;">sin-sick </span></b>before seeking the <b><span style="color: red;">Great Physician</span></b> who offers the remedy that can heal him. This attitude of heart is vital to receiving <b><span style="color: red;">pardon</span></b>. </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Sinners must be aware of their spiritual poverty. </li><li>They must accept their slavery to sin before they can have the hope found in Jesus that restores thier broken souls. </li><li>They must be thirsty for righteousness and willing to take up Christ's sweet and easy yoke.</li><li>They must feel cast down because of theirs sins before looking for a Savior to redeem them. </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This <b><span style="color: red;">godly sorrow</span></b> zeros in on the root of the problem called sin. Godly sorrow regenerates a broken heart into a righteous and holy one. </div><p></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">II. <u>OUR NEED FOR A SAVIOR</u>:</span></b></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 1:11–16</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jesus came to all who would receive Him. He gave them the right to become children of God, receiving Grace on top of Grace.</span> Our Lord came to gather the <b><span style="color: red;">outcasts and the broken</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 3:181-9</span></b>). God has compassion for all the <b><span style="color: red;">broken people </span></b>in the world. God did not come to us with <b><span style="color: red;">harshness.</span></b> Remember the prophecy of<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Isaiah </span></b>regarding the arrival of Jesus.</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Isaiah 42:3</span></b>). </blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Jesus came to restore us from our brokenness. He came to gather the broken to Himself.</span> God receives the broken. He will restore them. Jesus has come, and it is Grace upon Grace to us. He takes away our shame and gives us peace and rest with Him. </div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><i>Why did Jesus die on the cross? </i></li><li><i>Was there another way? </i></li><li><i>What is God’s plan for us? </i></li><li><i>What does God expect from us? </i></li><li><i>Why did He give us the Bible? </i></li><li><i>Why does He want us to obey everything in it? </i></li><li><i>Does God want us to live a righteous life to go to heaven? </i></li><li><i>Or can we live a good moral life and go to heaven? </i></li><li><i>Is there more than that? </i></li></ol></ol><div style="font-style: italic;"><i><br /></i></div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Indeed, these questions deserve worthy answers. <span>Such a</span><span>nswers focus on our need for a Savior.</span></span> <br /><p></p><blockquote><p><i>“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He *said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 9:36-38</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Jesus was heartbroken for the lost.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><i>Are you heartbroken for the lost? </i></li><li><i>Do you look on them with eyes of compassion as our Savior did? </i></li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">We're given the greatest gift ever. </span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">But often, we stop short of doing anything with it!</span></b></i> Satan whispers,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><blockquote>"They don’t want to hear the good news...they wouldn’t accept the gift even if you tried."</blockquote></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">That is so sad!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">People need the Lord and the remedy for sin found in His Gospel.</span> And while it’s on them if they accept <b><span style="color: red;">Christ’s terms of redemption</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">we must still share Jesus and be His light in this world of darkness.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">Thus we must share the Gospel with the lost to save them from the wrath of God.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Why the Bible? </b></i></li></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">It is a common question. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Some are so bold as to say that God in His Word never intended to keep us from doing whatever we enjoy.</span> Nevertheless, God made it clear in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Deuteronomy 10:12-13</span></b>, that His laws were given for their good. It is like when you buy a car, they give you an <b><span style="color: red;">owner’s manual </span></b>full of things to do and not to do. Its <b><span style="color: red;">purpose</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">is not to restrict you, but to give you the best possible use and benefit from the car.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">The Bible is our God-given owner’s manual to teach us how to get the most out of life by walking in righteousness and holiness and at the end of life to pass on to your eternal reward.</span></b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The main reason God gave us the Bible is to help us become like Him so that we can live with Him.</span> God made us because He wants us to live with Him. God has done everything possible to make living with Him possible. Notice what<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Paul</span></b> declares in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Titus 1:1-3</span></b>.</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that is in accordance with godliness, in the hope of eternal life that God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior.” </i></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If we do what <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">God commands</span></b>, we will be like God, we will walk with God like Enoch, and at the end of our journey, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">we will find ourselves with God in heaven. </span></div><p>God wants us to be like Him. In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 5:48</span></b>, Jesus emphasizes this with statements such as <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“even as”</span></b></i> or <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“just as”</span></b></i> to show us how we must live to be like the Father. </p><div style="text-align: left;"><i></i></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” </i></div><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In this case, <b><span style="color: red;">“perfect”</span></b> refers to our goal of maturity, the image of Christ that we strive to imitate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 13:34</span></b>, Jesus declared,</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” </i></p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 4:32,</span></b> Paul said, </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” </i></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 2:6,</span></b></div><blockquote><p><i>“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”</i></p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">We must live like God to be in His likeness.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">However, there is one big problem:</span></b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>We do not always live like God. </li><li>We have not kept His Law. </li><li>We have sinned. </li><li>We have violated God’s Law (“<i><b>Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” </b></i>–1<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> John 3:4</span></b>). </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 3:23</span></b> tells us that all have sinned. </li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 3:9-10</span></b> declares that there is none righteous, not even one.</li></ol></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">So what is the result of our sins? </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>We cannot live with God while we live in sin. </li><li>God will not have us in heaven with Him while we walk in sin. </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 6:23</span></b> defines the <b><span style="color: red;">consequences of sin</span></b>. </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“The wages of sin is death.” </i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Death is separation from God.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Isaiah 59:1-2</span></b>, we read,</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.”</i></p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It does not matter how many times we have sinned or how <b><span style="color: red;">“bad” </span></b>our sins have been. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Even one sin can separate us from God and make us unable to live with Him.</span> In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 7:41-42</span></b>, Jesus told a parable to a <b><span style="color: red;">Pharisee </span></b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">who thought he was saved because he had sinned far less than a sinful woman who was also in Jesus’ presence.</span> In the parable, Jesus showed how the Pharisee was in the <b><span style="color: red;">same condition</span></b> as the sinful woman. <b><span style="color: #660000;">And though his sins might have been fewer compared to the sins of this woman, he still could not pay the penalty for his sins any more than this woman could.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Thus, we are all in the same boat: lost and unable to get out of our sinful condition by our good moral works.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We need a Savior to rescue us from our sins! </span></b></i> We need <b><span style="color: red;">Jesus’ blood </span></b>to cleanse us from our sins and thus restore us to our Father in heaven.</div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We must stress that no one will be saved because they may have lived a good moral life, for we need our Savior’s blood to wash away our sins.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">A good moral life will not do it. We cannot make up for our sins by being good, even sinning once.</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">Let me explain. </span></b> </p><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 10:2</span></b>, we read of a man named <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Cornelius </span></b>who was <i><b>“devout, feared God with his whole house, gave much money to the poor, and prayed to God always.” </b></i><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Yet Cornelius was lost because he had not done what the Lord required to obtain forgiveness. He had to wash away his sins to be forgiven and restored to God. </span> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">God’s Remedy to Sin:</b></li></ul></div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Here is where the love of God and the Grace of God comes in.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">God made us with a specific purpose:</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">to live with Him.</span> And though our world is<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"> broken and is lost in sin, </span>God does not want us to stay in that condition. <i><b><span style="color: red;">So how does God provide forgiveness? </span></b></i></p><p>Consider the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">two statements of the Great Commission</span></b> found in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 28:18-20</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 16:15-16.</span></b></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”</i></blockquote><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">God saves people by making them disciples of <b><span style="color: red;">Jesus’ teachings </span></b>and providing salvation according to those teachings when they repent of their old ways of thinking and living and are <b><span style="color: red;">baptized</span></b> in water for the <b><span style="color: red;">remission of their sins.</span></b> In the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gospel of John chapter 3</span></b>, he compared it to a <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">new birth that begins with the water of baptism and continues with the teachings of the Holy Spirit that transform us by the renewing of the mind.</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 6:3-18; 8:5-11; 12:1-2; Colossians 1:21-29; 2:1-5.</span></b></div><p><i><b><span style="color: red;">So, how do we remain forgiven after we are baptized?</span></b></i> The beauty of the Gospel is that once we are in Christ, we can continue to have <b><span style="color: red;">forgiveness of sins</span></b> when we obey God and confess our sins to Him.</p><p><i><b><span style="color: red;">How do we obtain forgiveness after we have been saved?</span></b></i> John gives us the answer in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 1:7-2:5</span></b>,</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.’” </i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">There is no better picture of God's Grace and what He can do with our sins.</span> God forgives, cleanses, and blots out our sins. God removes our sins and erases them from His record. This is how God deals with our sins through the fullness of <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">His redemption, the thoroughness of His cleansing.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">When God forgives us, He justifies us</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 3:24</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #990000;">This justification requires godly sorrow, a deep understanding of what our sins have done to God.</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">Godly sorrow or brokenness</span></b> declares, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“my sins are first against God and second against men and finally against myself.”</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Since God is righteous and holy, any sin is against Him. </span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>My sins hurt God, others and, of course, myself. </li><li>My sins separate me from God and corrupt my relationship with those around me. </li><li>My sins cannot be excused, rationalized, or blamed on others or circumstances. </li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Since no one can forgive himself of sin's stain and guilt, God must do i</span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span>t</span>.</span> So we must approach Him on His own <b><span style="color: red;">terms</span></b> to find forgiveness or pardon. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Sin must be dealt with in God's way for true peace and reconciliation to happen.</span> Then we can then sing again because God has pardoned us. We must face our sinfulness with <b><span style="color: red;">brokenness</span></b> and lay our sins at God's feet. Remember, sin stands between God and us, between our joy and our righteousness. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Nothing can remove our sins except God's Grace, the precious blood of His Son. </span> Only when we bring our brokenness and transgression to God, do we find the forgiveness our hearts crave.</div><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">God forgives, cleanses, and blots out our sins.</span> God removes our sins and erases them from His record. This is how God deals with our sins through the fulness of His redemption, the thoroughness of His cleansing. When God forgives us, He justifies us (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 3:24</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Without understanding how grave our sins truly are (godly sorrow), it is impossible to have that poverty of spirit, brokenness.</span> There won't be any <b><span style="color: red;">Grace </span></b>for us until we are poor in spirit and broken because of our sins. It will be impossible to grasp Christ's glory and His riches toward us until we understand our <b><span style="color: red;">deadness, blindness, and brokenness due to sin.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> I<span>n broken</span></span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">ness, we become aware of our sinfulness.</span> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">One must be broken before God to have God's mercy and lovingkindness (Grace).</span> When we acknowledge our <b><span style="color: red;">brokenness</span></b>, we benefit from His power that can transform our lives into righteousness. God will only forgive the broken heart, the godly sorrowful, who accepts <b><span style="color: red;">his sinful condition</span></b> before Him. He is willing to repent because he feels broken and wants to be forgiven. Such a heart seeks to humbly serve and bless others who are also broken because of sin. </p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Thus we must empty ourselves to be filled with God's righteousness.</span> The brokenhearted are sorrowful and make changes. </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><i>So, will you come to Jesus our Lord with a broken and contrite heart, confessing your sins so that He may cleanse your heart? </i></li><li><i>Will you allow Jesus to transform your life? </i></li><li><i>Are you willing to experience the salvation that He and only He can provide? </i></li><li><i>Why not turn to God for refuge? </i></li><li><i>Why not refuse the urge to be self-sufficient and independent, for you need a Savior to save you from your broken life?! </i></li><li><i>Since your ways of living have failed, why not seek God’s ways and receive salvation and Grace? </i></li></ol></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't let Satan <b><span style="color: red;">immobilize </span></b>you because of your guilt, for he wants you to give up before you are restored to a relationship with God. <b><span style="color: #660000;">Remember, God can blot out your transgressions and continue His unfailing love toward you and me only when we confess our sins to Him with complete brokenness and poverty of spirit.</span></b></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>:</span></b></div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Indeed, we live in a world of broken people hurt by sin.</span> Some are willing to change, thus<b><span style="color: red;"> repenting</span></b> from their sinful ways. They acknowledge that God is the only real answer for their brokenness. Our gracious God can help us put our lives back together. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">He is willing to mend and restore our broken lives. God will never despise a broken and contrite heart.</span> He delights in those who admit how broken they are. He will help them (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 61:1; 66:2; 57:15</span></b>).</p><p><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Is it not marvelous how God responds to our brokenness, the brokenness caused by our sins! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">It is an extension of His Grace and lovingkindness.</span> God responds to our brokenness when we are humble of heart. He is well pleased. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> But He rejects the haughty spirit—the humble heart yielding to God's will.</span> A broken man weeps bitterly over his sins and repents before his God, for he recognizes his spiritual poverty. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">He humbly confesses his need for God’s mercy, God’s forgiveness, and His Grace.</span> In the spirit of brokenness, the poor in spirit surrenders to the need for <b><span style="color: red;">righteousness and obedience</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">The broken heart stands before God without any pretense, for he strips himself of self-sufficiency, self-security, and self-righteousness.</span> The broken and poor spirit will humbly admit that he has sinned against his Lord and thus is not worthy of being God's son in His kingdom. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">We cannot enter heaven any other way. God demands that a man’s heart be broken, and his spirit humbled before he may enter His heavenly kingdom.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Lack of surrender to God is merely the result of a selfish heart.</span> Our <b><span style="color: red;">selfishness</span></b> robs us of the power of the Gospel to transform our lives. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Our pride and self-sufficiency must be broken, and our love for sin surrendered.</span> God wants the broken to know the depth of their sins and the need for a Savior to rescue them from their desperate spiritual poverty. Only the poor in spirit will allow Jesus our Lord to rule their hearts. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Those who are brokenhearted will heed the Gospel Message, the good news, to set them free from the slavery of sin. </span> <b><span style="color: red;">God's Grace </span></b>will not benefit us unless we accept and grasp the enormity of our guilt, that is, our brokenness, before a righteous and holy God. The brokenhearted grow in the awareness of their sins and plead to God for mercy. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The brokenhearted seek to be pure in heart and do not question the efficacy of the Law of Christ. </span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">They do not argue with demands implied by that message. </span></b></p><p>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 51</span></b>,<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> David teaches us to acknowledge our sin and its guilty stain.</span> He also shows us the remedy for sin: <b><span style="color: red;">restoring our soul to God.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">King David repented of his adultery with Bathsheba when his pride and self-will were finally broken.</span> When he confronted the ugliness of the evil he had committed in the presence of a Holy God, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">David realized that he had to lay aside all pride and rebellion.</span> His <b><span style="color: red;">guilt and repentance</span></b> brought David back into a <b><span style="color: red;">relationship with God</span></b>. David’s moving phrase in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 51</span></b>,<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> "Create in me a clean heart, O God," </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">reflects an earnest desire from a broken heart that wishes to repent and to be restored to God.</span> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">It portrays the height of God’s Grace and genuine repentance (godly sorrow, brokenness).</span> </p><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">But, salvation is presented as conditional,</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">for God's Word declares that one must acknowledge his sin, turn away from it with godly sorrow, accept the responsibility and come to God for fellowship.</span></b> However, there must be a full intent of <b><span style="color: red;">returning</span></b> to God so that He may run to meet us. One must choose to repent and turn from all evil and lawlessness to walk in righteousness. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">This moving Psalm gives hope to the broken sinner.</span> It is the picture of the <b><span style="color: red;">prodigal son</span></b> in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 15</span></b> where we see on parade: <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">full repentance, grace, complete forgiveness, full restoration from the depths of sin, and the indescribable hope in God for the hopeless.</span> As we read David's pleadings, we notice the profound and dark valley of tragedy lying prostrate before the highest mountain of <b><span style="color: red;">God's character and Grace</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Can we not rejoice in the goodness of God toward the broken and contrite heart?!</span></b></i></p><p> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">God’s plan of salvation is based on a Fatherly God who desires to save the hopeless and helpless.</span> God, our Father, so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son on the cross to give us t<b><span style="color: red;">he remedy for sin. </span></b></p><p>The kingdom of Christ is only for the <b><span style="color: red;">“poor in spirit.”</span></b> T<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">he poor in spirit have brokenness of heart. They seek and look to God for help.</span> They strip themselves of all <b><span style="color: red;">self-sufficiency, self-security, and self-righteousness</span></b>. They are <b><span style="color: red;">not proud</span></b>, thinking that God owes them something. They are aware of their spiritual poverty. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">They acknowledge they must be beggars before God to enter the kingdom of heaven. Kingdom citizens beg and do not boast or brag</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 15:5; 9:39-41</span></b>). God wants <b><span style="color: red;">broken hearts</span></b> <b><span style="color: #660000;">that recognize that their goodness is not enough to measure up to God's standards. </span></b> You see, this is a big problem with our people today, for they think they're good enough and don't see the need for God to save them. </p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Without brokenness and poverty of spirit, we can only endure one ruler.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Guess who?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Self. Why?</span></b></i> Because we deceive ourselves, believing that we must fight to preserve our own little <b><span style="color: red;">kingdom of death</span></b> rather than <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">repent and follow Jesus, who must rule over us.</span> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> We must empty ourselves to be saved. </span> Without accepting our <b><span style="color: red;">grave sins</span></b>, it will be impossible to have <b><span style="color: red;">brokenness</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">There won't be any Grace.</span> It will be impossible to grasp Christ's glory and riches found in the Gospel without brokenness. In <b><span style="color: red;">brokenness</span></b>, we become aware of our <b><span style="color: red;">sinfulness</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 3:10; 3:23</span></b>). A failure to recognize our brokenness can only alienate us from God's Grace and power to transform our lives of sin into righteousness. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Thus we must empty ourselves that we might be filled with God's righteousness. </span></p><p><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">So, will you come to Jesus our Lord with a broken and contrite heart, confessing your sins so that He may cleanse your heart? Will you allow Jesus to transform your life? Will you be willing to experience the salvation that He and only He can provide? Why not turn to God for refuge? Why not refuse the urge to self-sufficiency and independence, for you need a Savior to save you from your broken life?! Why would anyone turn such a great salvation down?! Why not find God after failure and receive salvation and Grace?</span></b></i> </p><p><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Don't let Satan immobilize you because of your guilt, for he wants you to give up restoring your relationship with God!</span></b></i> Remember that God can blot out your transgressions and continue His unfailing love toward you and me only when we confess our sins to Him with complete brokenness and poverty of spirit. </p><p>May we teach the Gospel of Salvation to all the broken people in this world and give them the hope to mend their lives. May they bring their broken lives to God to be mended and be made whole again. May all men have brokenness of heart, sincere repentance, sorrow over sin, and a heartfelt appeal to God for His Grace and lovingkindness. May they have a spirit of brokenness that weeps bitterly over their sins, and may they repent before God before it’s too late. May all people know the depth of their sins and the need for a Savior to rescue them from their brokenness of spirit. May they have a heart of humility to heed the Gospel Message to transform their broken lives into vessels of righteousness to God’s glory. </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 5:3-4</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our beautiful song, <i><b><span style="color: red;">“Just as I Am I Come Broken To Be Mended,”</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">expresses the blessings of brokenness. It speaks of the submission that comes from our brokenness of heart.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">There is no salvation but in Christ, for there is no other way to plead our case to God but through His Son who shed His blood for us in Calvary </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 5:8; Titus 3:5</span></b>). To be saved from our sins, we must humbly come to Christ. He has promised not to cast out those who come broken to Him to be mended (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 6:37</span></b>). J<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">esus has already paid the ramson for our sins through His blood</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 26:28</span></b>). So, we must come to Him with our brokenness to rid our souls of the dark spots that sin has caused in our souls (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 3:14</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: red;">So, why wait to be mended from your brokenness? </span></b></i> Come now just as you are to enjoy the blessings of salvation (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Cor. 6:2</span></b>).</div><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">However, there must be motivating penitent feelings to come to Christ to be mended.</span> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Our brokenness leads us to genuine repentance</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Cor. 7:10</span></b>). That was David’s case after confessing his sin to God (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 51:1-2</span></b>). When we come to Christ with our brokenness, we can find all we lack: spiritual blessings and healing (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Revelation 3:18</span></b>). The broken in sin are spiritually poor, wretched, and blind (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Revelation 3:17</span></b>). But they must come to Christ to partake of these spiritual blessings, for they are only found in Him (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eph. 1:3</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 1:29</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Our Lamb of God came to welcome, pardon, cleanse, and relieve us from the burden of sin.</span></b> <b><span style="color: red;">God’s love made this happen</span></b> ( <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 3:16</span></b>). God’s love sent His beloved Son to be our sacrifice for sin. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Therefore, the broken in sin must believe in Christ to be saved.</span> Come to Jesus, our Lamb of God, turning from all sin and humbly submitting to Him. Let God mold you into what He wants you to be. </p><p>I hope the words of this lovely song stir your soul the way it does mine.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Just as I Am, I Come Broken To Be Mended</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just as I am, without one plea </div><div style="text-align: center;">But that Thy blood was shed for me,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,</div><div style="text-align: center;">O Lamb of God, I come, I come.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just as I am, and waiting not</div><div style="text-align: center;">To rid my soul of one dark blot.</div><div style="text-align: center;">To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,</div><div style="text-align: center;">O Lamb of God, I come, I come.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">I come broken to be mended </div><div style="text-align: center;">.I come wounded to be healed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I come desperate to be rescued.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I come empty to be filled.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I come guilty to be pardoned.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">By the blood of Christ the Lamb,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I'm welcomed with open arms,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise God, just as I am.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just as I am, I would be lost,</div><div style="text-align: center;">But mercy and grace my freedom bought.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And now to glory in Your cross,</div><div style="text-align: center;">O Lamb of God, I come, I come.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">I come broken to be mended.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I come wounded to be healed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I come desperate to be rescued.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I come empty to be filled.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I come guilty to be pardoned.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">By the blood of Christ the Lamb,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I'm welcomed with open arms,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise God, just as I am</div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise God, just as I am</div><div style="text-align: center;">Praise God, just as I am.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zz5ahm0_IYA" width="320" youtube-src-id="Zz5ahm0_IYA"></iframe></div><br /><p>Luci</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-38020166426503932252022-03-10T18:23:00.001-06:002022-03-10T18:24:16.266-06:00THE FIELDS ARE WHITE FOR HARVEST - MY 5TH BOOK<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0C9LUVPYkRN2IvC4BTWL71mrp9WQ6xexd7qLKBTNTG1htIjP1wawcu50Sgjyw_NURtpUwz06eaq2gBkf4tpPabfvB48FCMfNGMaFFE1ZPy4U75fMZzksRfFSTWt_WQOAX43y3nWfKLvGyz8T-jqX65_nvQH_CLRrGy-LImQE0Xyt1vQCQhev0vHYqPA=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0C9LUVPYkRN2IvC4BTWL71mrp9WQ6xexd7qLKBTNTG1htIjP1wawcu50Sgjyw_NURtpUwz06eaq2gBkf4tpPabfvB48FCMfNGMaFFE1ZPy4U75fMZzksRfFSTWt_WQOAX43y3nWfKLvGyz8T-jqX65_nvQH_CLRrGy-LImQE0Xyt1vQCQhev0vHYqPA=w266-h400" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 9:35-38</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></b></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My book is ready for preorder. I would like to encourage my friends who are interested to go to Gospel Armory and preorder at this link below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://store.gospelarmory.com/product/the-fields-are-white-for-harvest/" target="_blank">https://store.gospelarmory.com/product/the-fields-are-white-for-harvest/</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm grateful to God for making this possible and Andy Sochor for his diligent work in giving the book its final form. I appreciate his patience with me during this project. I'm thankful to my husband for his support and encouragement. This book contains a collection of twenty-three essays discussing personal evangelism and the need for others to hear the gospel. This book is one of the most important books that I have written because it presents the urgent need to save lost souls. <i>To God be the glory!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">~Luci</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-70149303395140977912022-02-17T23:48:00.430-06:002022-04-13T14:48:15.271-05:00BRING CHRIST YOUR BROKEN LIFE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmlxnR-vMJp4gxki6T129q6ISN7cYEj8zCb3sqPnEHIve9kZ-ljZRuLJtO3INzPjZR92KHvbKeVpuc8QshpXEj6ibJwcQXB7NKwklaR79Y0vvvR9kz5sE749p2EoWx_BZ2Mb3ecg550_JO-JM61NrmItaviE5dtLd0WgpZHXgYHjMnCJyxIRf23ZdHA/s1600/dry-cracked-desert.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmlxnR-vMJp4gxki6T129q6ISN7cYEj8zCb3sqPnEHIve9kZ-ljZRuLJtO3INzPjZR92KHvbKeVpuc8QshpXEj6ibJwcQXB7NKwklaR79Y0vvvR9kz5sE749p2EoWx_BZ2Mb3ecg550_JO-JM61NrmItaviE5dtLd0WgpZHXgYHjMnCJyxIRf23ZdHA/w400-h300/dry-cracked-desert.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">"<i><b><span style="color: #660000;">For thou delightest not in sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." </span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Psalm 51:16-17</span></b></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God wants a broken and contrite spirit. He will welcome such a heart and rejoice over it.</span> A broken heart surrenders and accepts responsibility for his sins. Such a heart destroys his strong will and allows God to rule it. It does not become calloused by sin. The broken heart mourns over his sins and is fully aware of his need for God's approval. Our hearts must break with sorrow when we sin. God will respond to our brokenness with Grace when we humbly confess our sins and surrender to His will. A contrite heart accepts that change must happen, godly sorrow (deep repentance). The Grace of God will only save the brokenhearted and poor in spirit.</div><p>Our lovely song, <i><b><span style="color: red;">"Bring Christ Your Broken Life," </span></b></i>compels us to bring our broken lives to Christ, who makes them new. It is a pleading invitation for lost souls to come to Jesus for help. When we bring our broken hearts caused by sin to Christ, we find rest or relief because Jesus purifies them from an evil conscience.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Heb. 10:19-22</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jesus, our Lord and Savior, invites all broken and lost souls to come to Him for help and rest from the burden of sin. He wants those lost souls to bring their brokenness to Him for healing. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Christ, our Savior, can make broken souls anew.</span> He will <b><span style="color: red;">"create anew."</span></b> Our <b><span style="color: red;">empty years marred by sin</span></b>, He will restore when we are baptized and begin walking in newness of life. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">He will restore us to righteousness before God.</span><div><br /></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">In baptism, we are buried with Christ to walk in newness of life.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 6:3-4</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Our wasted life He will restore, justified before God.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><div><i>"And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."</i> (1<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Cor. 6:11)</span></b></div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">God has promised that our iniquities, He will "remember no more." </b></div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div><i>"For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Heb. 8:12</span></b>)</div><div><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Jesus will mend and relieve our broken hearts and give us rest from the burden of sin when we surrender our brokenness to Him.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 11:28-30</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><i><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Jesus came to be the Blest Savior of us all! </b></i></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 1:21</span></b>). </blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">He has promised us that His presence will be ours until the end.</b></div><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 28:19-20</span></b>)</p><p></p></blockquote><p><br /></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">He is now preparing a home in His Father's house for all who will come to Him to be saved.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p></p><blockquote><i>"In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 14:2-3</span></b>) </blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">With Him, morning breaks, and Heaven is near! </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><p><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">He will wipe our tears away. </b> </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eph. 5:2</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">We can <b><span style="color: red;">"weep out"</span></b> our <b><span style="color: red;">"blinding tears upon His breast"</span></b> because <b><span style="color: red;">"His love is wonderful."</span></b></div><p>Thus,</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"None that trust in Him shall be desolate."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Prov. 3:5</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Without Jesus and the healing power of His precious Gospel, life would be dark and drear!</span></b></i></div><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>:</span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We live in a world of broken people.</span> Our broken world has been around since the beginning of mankind when sin entered this world. Before Jesus was born, God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah of His people as being <b><span style="color: red;">“broken.” </span></b> Listen to His words.</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i> “They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11</span></b>).</p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">Sin is the cause of our broken world. </span> When people ignore and refuse to listen to God’s instructions, that course of action will lead them to <b><span style="color: red;">brokenness</span></b> in their lives and the lives of others. O<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">ur lives will break down when we live contrary to our Creator’s direction.</span> Such <span style="color: red;"><b>“brokenness”</b> </span>is seen throughout the Scriptures. </div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>“For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our time in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Titus 3:3</span></b>).</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>When we obey His Gospel, our Lord removes our <b><span style="color: #990000;">iniquities and remembers them no more.</span></b> When we obey <b><span style="color: red;">the remedy for sin</span></b> that He offers and are buried with Him in baptism, He creates us <b><span style="color: red;">anew</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">It is then that we start walking in the newness of life.</span> </div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">It is a joy to behold a new Christian arise from the watery grave of baptism to begin the new life with Christ! </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Read with me the words of the song, <i><b><span style="color: red;">"Bring Christ Your Broken Life,"</span></b></i> and let its words stir your soul. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Bring Christ your broken life,</div><div style="text-align: center;">So marred by sin.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He will create anew,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Make whole again.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your empty wasted years</div><div style="text-align: center;">He will restore,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And your iniquities,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember no more.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bring Him your every care</div><div style="text-align: center;">if great or small</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">whatever troubles you</div><div style="text-align: center;">oh, bring it all</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bring him the haunting fears</div><div style="text-align: center;">the nameless dread</div><div style="text-align: center;">thy heart he will relieve</div><div style="text-align: center;">and lift up thy head.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bring Him your weariness </div><div style="text-align: center;">receive his rest</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Weep out your blinding tears</div><div style="text-align: center;">upon his breast</div><div style="text-align: center;">His love is wonderful</div><div style="text-align: center;">his power is great</div><div style="text-align: center;">and none that trust in him shall be desolate.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Blest Saviour of us all</div><div style="text-align: center;">Almighty friend!</div><div style="text-align: center;">His presence shall be ours</div><div style="text-align: center;">unto the end</div><div style="text-align: center;">without him, life would be</div><div style="text-align: center;">how dark, how drear</div><div style="text-align: center;">but with him morning breaks</div><div style="text-align: center;">and Heaven is near!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c7ncG8BRfL0" width="320" youtube-src-id="c7ncG8BRfL0"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">~Luci</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-23039145296706773922022-02-08T07:21:00.763-06:002022-04-07T20:35:38.255-05:00THERE IS A GREAT DAY COMING! <div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxwpZeKr1YAHP_p_ownLDyFzE_LDuIwcvVBpnjG87zfNlscOE5UqJPsatchw4Uo-z1rhTvLyfUttbqQD1_Vfv2_EWXsVSyT_Ba8nTVu1xtXjDMWe9sbPETpUbMR-B2oCgRs2E0Gri8QzNipGHXpL8NMPO-fi3mitdZJlT_DQ_GIsPYYpmT5ZccO1wPw/s750/throne-of-judgment.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="750" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxwpZeKr1YAHP_p_ownLDyFzE_LDuIwcvVBpnjG87zfNlscOE5UqJPsatchw4Uo-z1rhTvLyfUttbqQD1_Vfv2_EWXsVSyT_Ba8nTVu1xtXjDMWe9sbPETpUbMR-B2oCgRs2E0Gri8QzNipGHXpL8NMPO-fi3mitdZJlT_DQ_GIsPYYpmT5ZccO1wPw/w400-h219/throne-of-judgment.webp" width="400" /></a></div></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Corinthians 6:2</span></b></div><p><br /></p><p>In a civil courtroom, the judge enters wearing a black robe symbolic of his office while the bailiff calls on those present to stand. There is a shuffling of feet as everyone rises to show due respect to the judge and his court. The attorney for the prosecution formally presses charges against the accused, presents the evidence, and calls for a conviction and sentence to punish the guilty. If he is convicted and sentenced, he is taken straight to prison. Our system has been developed to ensure a fair and just outcome, so much of our formality is an imitation of what justice looks like in the Bible as presented by God. However, God will not use a <b><span style="color: red;">“jury of our peers”</span></b> to condemn us. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">His knowledge of our crimes is absolute, and His justice is perfect.</span> We can be sure that every sinner will be condemned for all eternity unless he is <b><span style="color: red;">forgiven </span></b>and <b><span style="color: red;">transformed </span></b>into a <b><span style="color: red;">righteous servant </span></b>of his Creator and Judge before <b><span style="color: red;">t</span><span style="color: red;">he last great Day of Judgment</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">There is a Great Day Coming!</span></b></i></p><div><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Today is the day of salvation!</span></b></i> It is vital that we make proper preparation before the Lord returns, certainly before we die. It is impossible to prepare after we die because God will not give us the opportunity. After we die, we will be judged. There will be no second chance.</div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Heb. 9:27)</span></b></blockquote><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"></span></b><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">After death, there is no plan of redemption.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Are you preparing for Judgment Day? </span></b></i></li><li><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Are you ready to be called before the judgment throne of God? </span></b></i></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: red;">It is such a tragedy to be found unprepared! </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Those who linger and are unprepared will receive eternal punishment.</span></div><blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><i>"This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— 6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Thess. 1:5-9</span></b>) </p></blockquote><p> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We must be ready, for we do not know when that day of reckoning will be (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 24:36; 2 Pet. 3:10)</span></b>. </li><li>We must make sure that we are ready while we still have the opportunity (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Cor. 6:2; Heb. 3:15</span></b>). </li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Therefore, we must obey the Gospel now, before we die.</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">The Gospel will judge us.</span></b> Jesus, our Lord, and Savior, came from Heaven to bring salvation to mankind by <b><span style="color: #990000;">God’s Grace</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 1:21, Lk. 2:11; 19:10, 1 Tim. 1:15; Tit. 2:11)</span></b>. This salvation is a<b><span style="color: red;"> free gift</span></b> offered to all men by God (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 5:12-21</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">However, we must refuse to continue in sin to receive such a free gift. </span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why? </span></b></i>Because we must <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">turn from our sins and obey the Gospel to be forgiven or redeemed</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:38</span></b>). The Lord urges <b><span style="color: red;">Christians and unbelievers </span></b>to be ready because <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"There’s A Great Day Coming."</span></b></i> <i><b style="background-color: #fce5cd;">May we never miss Heaven and be lost forever! </b></i></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>"And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him"</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Heb. 9:27-28</span></b>).</p><p><i>"For I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'" </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 16:28-31</span></b>). </p></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">There is no opportunity for obedience after death!! </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Eternity is real, and we must accept that we will be either in Heaven or Hell, eternally. </span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">It will directly reflect how we have lived our lives here on earth.</span></b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><u><br /></u></div><div><p><span style="color: red;"><b><u>ARE YOU READY TO MEET YOUR GOD?</u></b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Two Eternal Destinies:</b> </li></ul><p></p></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">This morning more than 250,000 souls woke up, not knowing that it would be their last day here on earth.</span> This will be the day that <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">they face the Judge of all men, and most of them are unprepared.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;"> Are you prepared to meet your God? </span></b></i> Remember, we're given <b><span style="color: red;">two destinies</span></b>: <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b>Heaven</b></span><b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> or Hell.</span> </b> Men may choose only two paths: <b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">death in sin or dead to sin</b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 6</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Be wise and choose well!</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Knowing that <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">someday we all will die and be raised to stand before the Judge of all</span> when we receive our eternal reward, Heaven or hell, <i><b><span style="color: red;">how seriously do we acknowledge this?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Are you ready for death, resurrection, and final judgment?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Man has only one earthly life and death. After judgment, men will receive their eternal destinies.</span> The<b><span style="color: red;"> righteous </span></b>will receive eternal life, a state of bliss in the presence of God. On the other hand, the<b><span style="color: red;"> wicked </span></b>will receive <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">eternal punishment, suffering, and sorrow, separated from God.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">How much worse could it be? </span></b></i> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>Judgment will be fair and just!</b></i> </span></li><li>It will be based on Truth (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 2:2)</span></b>. </li><li>Men will be judged without partiality (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 2:11; 1 Peter 1:17</span></b>). </li><li>Judgment will be inescapable (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 2:3)</span></b>. </li><li>It will be universal (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 2:6, 9, 10; 10:14-12</span></b>). </li><li>It will be individual (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 2:6; 14:12</span></b>). </li><li>It will be thorough. </li><li>All aspects of life will be examined (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 2:7, 8, 9, 10, 16; 2 Cor. 5:10; Eccl. 12:14; Jeremiah 17:10; Luke 12:2</span></b>). </li><li><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">And it will be final! </span></b></i></li><li>The rewards given on that day will be eternal and unalterable (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 2;7; Matt. 25:46</span></b>).</li></ol></ol></div></div><div><blockquote><div><i>"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 10:28</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Many <b><span style="color: red;">skeptics</span></b>, some Christians, and some non-Christians, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">repudiate the concept of everlasting punishment.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">They dare to ask why would a loving God send people to hell.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">They reject Jesus' teaching on hell on the grounds that a just and merciful God could not do such a thing.</span> They lean toward the atheist's arguments,<b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b>who claim <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">that if there were a God, He would not be so unjust as to send people to hell.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div>Our <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lord Jesus Christ</span></b> has declared that <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">He will sit on His throne of glory and separate the righteous from the wicked.</span> He will do this as the shepherd divides his <b><span style="color: red;">sheep from the goats</span></b>. Both will be judged according to their <b><span style="color: red;">works </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #990000;">righteous and evil works</span></b>). Then the <b><span style="color: red;">dreadful sentence</span></b> will be executed accordingly. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God urges men to acknowledge their lost condition outside of Christ and accept that being lost means going to hell eternally, where suffering and agony never end.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">The horrible thought of going to hell ought to alarm us and cause panic!! </span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Revelation 14:10)</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;"> For this reason, we must try to rescue the lost from the broad road that leads to this terrible perdition.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Sadly, most people refuse to believe in God. </b> </li></ul></div><div>There is indeed a <b><span style="color: red;">great contrast</span></b> between those <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">who die in the Lord, the saved (the obedient and righteous) and those who die lost, without obeying the Gospel of Christ (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 16:26</span></b>).</span> There is no opportunity <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">to obey the Gospel after death</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 25:31-34, 41, 46</span></b>). We must make <b><span style="color: red;">proper preparation</span></b> before the Lord returns or before our death. It is impossible to prepare <b><span style="color: red;">after our resurrection</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">for there will be no open door or opportunity.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 7:23</span></b>, Jesus said, <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“I never knew you,” </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">to Christians whose faith did not remain active and living.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">A Christian can and will fall from grace if he allows his faith (his faithfulness) to die! </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 2:5-10,</span></b> we read that God will give eternal life only <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life."</span></b></i> <b style="background-color: #01ffff;">But to</b> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury (hell)."</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">God will give each of us an entrance into either Heaven or Hell according to our works or deeds.</span> He will give <b><span style="color: red;">eternal life (Heaven)</span><span style="color: #660000;"> only to those who do the will of God and persevere in faith and faithful service.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Faith is not complete without active, good, and righteous works. We are justified by works and not by faith alone.</span> </div><blockquote><div><i>"For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead." (</i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">James 2:18-26</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Modern Protestants err by making a distinction between</span> <b><span style="color: red;">"the faith that saves" </span></b>(<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">without obedience or "works")</span> and <b><span style="color: red;">the faith that obeys the Lord Jesus</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">But such theology is pure folly! The Bible does not speak that way!</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Those who willfully reject and disobey the Gospel of Christ</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of His might.”</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Thess. 1:9</span></b>) After death, judgment will follow. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">There will be no second chance for salvation</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Heb. 9:27</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“There is a great gulf fixed” </span></b></i>(t<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">he perfect tense form in the Greek Testament stresses the abiding nature of this separation</span>), <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">and to pass from one realm to the other, it is impossible</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 16:26</span></b>). In hell, there's <b><span style="color: red;">no plan of redemption</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 16:28-31</span></b>). </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">The Bible is crystal clear about the consequences of our choices here in this life.</b> </li></ul></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">There is a right and wrong way to live, and we must stop to reflect frequently.</span> We will either spend eternity in <b><span style="color: red;">Heaven </span></b>or<b><span style="color: red;"> Hell</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 6:23; Romans 14:10</span></b>). The truth is that since <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God raised Jesus from the grave, He has given us the assurance that God will make mankind accountable on that Final Day of Judgment</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 17:31</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">So, Heaven and Hell are real. This is not some theorized possibility or folktale.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">God wants all men to be with Him in Heaven</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Tim. 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #660000;">Y</span><span style="color: #660000;">et, Jesus has stated that most of mankind will end up in Hell</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 7:13-14</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Hell will be forever, and man does not have to go there.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">However, they must obey God now! Why? </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Because there is a deadline, the Day of Judgment</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Peter 3:10-12</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The eternal home of our soul and the souls of men is at stake!!</span></b></i> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Therefore, we must endeavor to be watchful and ready for that final deadline.</span> There will be a day when each of us will be <b><span style="color: red;">audited and called upon</span></b> to answer for our life (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 14:11-12; Matt. 25:31-46</span></b>). On that day, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” </span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eccl. 12:14</span></b>) <i><b><span style="color: red;">How will you stand on that day? Are you prepared for the final deadline?</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>CONCLUSION</u></b>: </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Christians must remember that the primary work of the church is to save souls.</span> Every Christian must try to save souls, teaching them the Truth and persuading them to obey the Gospel to save their souls from the wrath of God.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>God has issued a divine verdict. </li><li>He has declared a divine plan. </li><li>He has sent forth a divine warning. </li><li>He has warned all men everywhere. </li><li>God has extended a divine invitation (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 11:28-30</span></b>). </li><li>He has already provided security and care (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 10:10, 27, 28</span></b>). </li><li>He has already proclaimed a divine commission (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 28:19-20</span></b>). </li></ul><div><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">How many people examine their lives and come to the conclusion that they are headed for hell? </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">I am sure the number is small.</span> Yet, Jesus our Lord taught that many are traveling <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">the broad road that leads to destruction</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 7:13</span></b>). </div><div><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">It is a terrible thing to think that you are saved when you are not! </span></b></i>Many deceive themselves, believing they are saved and don’t consider themselves to be lost.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">There is no middle ground between lost and saved! </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">If one is not saved, then he is lost.</span> Some are convinced <b><span style="color: #660000;">they are saved, having accepted the doctrines of men.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">They teach that salvation is obtained by accepting Jesus as their personal savior and confessing His name.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Word of God does not teach that doctrine of salvation!</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 6:17</span></b>) <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Jesus has given us many warnings about the false doctrines we must avoid</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 15:8-9; Rev. 2:15</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">When one accepts error, especially concerning salvation, he will be lost eternally</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gal. 1:6-9</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">God's plan of salvation is easy and is found in the New Testament.</span> It involves <b><span style="color: red;">faith, confession, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Acts 2:38</span></b>). </div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">My prayer is that if you haven't gotten your life right with our Lord yet, that you would please consider obeying the Gospel today!!!</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Knowing that someday <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">we all will die</span></b> unless our Lord comes before we die, and knowing that <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">we will face the most excellent Judge of all men</span></b>, <i><b><span style="color: red;">are you ready to face God? Are you prepared for Judgment Day? </span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Remember, we only get one chance at life. Don't blow it!!!</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>May we not miss Heaven, the grandest and most glorious place ever conceived. May we be found faithful and profitable servants by our Lord and not be cast into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. May we teach the lost the Gospel of salvation that they may obey the Truth and be ready for Judgment Day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our beloved song, <i><b><span style="color: red;">"There’s A Great Day Coming," </span></b></i>compels us to be ready, for every one of us shall appear before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of himself to God.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">There’s a great day coming, a great day coming,</div><div style="text-align: center;">There’s a great day coming by and by,</div><div style="text-align: center;">When the saints and the sinners shall be parted right and left;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you ready for that day to come?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There’s a bright day coming, a bright day coming,</div><div style="text-align: center;">There’s a bright day coming by and by.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But its brightness shall only come to them that love the Lord;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you ready for that day to come?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There’s a sad day coming, a sad day coming,</div><div style="text-align: center;">There’s a sad day coming by and by,</div><div style="text-align: center;">When the sinner shall hear his doom, ‘Depart, I know ye not;’</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you ready for that day to come?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Chorus,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you ready, are you ready, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you ready for that day to come?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you ready, are you ready, </div><div style="text-align: center;">For the judgment day?</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KVNo2oR5k-c" width="320" youtube-src-id="KVNo2oR5k-c"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Luci</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-12145067589601215972022-01-30T22:18:00.684-06:002022-03-26T14:57:50.199-05:00HAVE THINE OWN WAY, LORD <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RYuSjJE0T1p45PrUK8ZnmOEp0LzU7WBV_LBJBkYPzx7PmaOaCQafVuluNVOfuIVHe0R0OB22wOTbFJeJUPhR2tA3TqRSYTS9vjjOrPKM43ZxE2v8Uo0LKQTpuN_0Im5X0oWnLP9ej6QtfSMTINn_YpRwSU8N2fgGOickuLUxm_5sM8bxI66V6k7N6A/s640/potter-working-with-clay.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RYuSjJE0T1p45PrUK8ZnmOEp0LzU7WBV_LBJBkYPzx7PmaOaCQafVuluNVOfuIVHe0R0OB22wOTbFJeJUPhR2tA3TqRSYTS9vjjOrPKM43ZxE2v8Uo0LKQTpuN_0Im5X0oWnLP9ej6QtfSMTINn_YpRwSU8N2fgGOickuLUxm_5sM8bxI66V6k7N6A/w400-h267/potter-working-with-clay.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"We are the clay, and Thou our potter; and we shall be the work of Thy hand." </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Isaiah 64:8</span></b></div><p> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">What can you do with a hardened heart? </span></b></i>A hardened heart cost Pharaoh his kingdom in the days of Moses. It kept the Jews from following their long-awaited Messiah. However, Jesus' disciples were molded and shaped into powerful spokesmen because they were pliable in His hands. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The Lord patiently shaped them as a potter might fashion a lump of clay into a vessel of beauty, righteousness, and usefulness.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">When our hearts are easy to mold, God can do great things through us! </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our lovely song, <i><b><span style="color: red;">"Have Thine Own Way, Lord,"</span></b></i> is one of my all-time favorites. Our beautiful song speaks of the relationship between the <b><span style="color: red;">clay (ourselves) and God the Potter.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?" </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 9:21</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Isn't it amazing what God can do through us if our heart is pliable!</i> </span></b> We have the hope of being molded into what He wants us to be and not stuck in our old ways of living, the unrefined old man of sin. Our God does the <b><span style="color: red;">refining, molding, and reshaping</span></b>. This process of <b><span style="color: red;">metamorphosis or transformation</span></b> can only be accomplished through His Word. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God's<span> Word ca</span></span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">n pierce our soul and spirit and judge our hearts' thoughts and intentions.</span> Our <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Master Potter</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">can take us as a lump of clay and change us into something beautiful and new.</span> However, the <b><span style="color: red;">"clay" </span></b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">must humble themselves, be willing to yield </span>and realize that God can transform them into the likeness of Christ as they<b><span style="color: #990000;"> submit to Him, the Potter</span></b>. The Potter has the power to fix and mend us. The clay must be humble enough to see themselves as<b><span style="color: red;"> broken vessels </span></b><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">needing the Master Potter to fix them.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness."</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 6:13-18</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><b>The clay must humbly look to God to cleanse them from sin.</b></span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 'Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear[a] my words.' 3 So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. 4 And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6 'O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. 7 If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8 and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. 9 And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, 10 and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it. 11 Now, therefore, say to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: ‘Thus says the Lord, Behold, I am shaping disaster against you and devising a plan against you. Return, every one from his evil way, and amend your ways and your deeds.’ 12 'But they say, ‘That is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.''" </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah 18:1-12</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Potter can cleanse the clay from <b><span style="color: red;">impurities (sin) </span></b>when the clay humbly bows before Him in complete submission (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Phil 2:20</span></b>). The clay must allow the Potter to rule their hearts. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">A heart that is willing to yield, be molded, and shaped by the Master Potter is exemplified by the plea,</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">"Have Thine Own Way, Lord." </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">J</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">eremiah 18:1-3</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">God is pictured as the Potter and man as the clay.</span> God commanded the prophet <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah </span></b>to go to the house of a potter (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah 18:1-12</span></b>). By Jeremiah going to the <b><span style="color: red;">potter's house</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">he would hear the message that God would give him and also have it illustrated before him. </span> God uses <b><span style="color: red;">physical things, common things</span></b>, to illustrate and convey His message as in this case. The prophet <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah</span></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">goes to the potter's house and notices that the potter is making something at the wheel.</span> As Jeremiah was watching the potter working at the wheel, he noticed that <b><span style="color: red;">the vessel made of clay</span></b> was <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">marred or ruined in the hand of the potter.</span> The vessel was not suitable. It could not be used for the purpose it was intended. So, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah</span></b> watched as <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">the potter carefully took the clay and began remolding it in his hands to form a vessel that would be useful and suitable for its intended purpose.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><div>In His mercy, our Lord and Savior looks for humble souls that will allow Him <b><span style="color: red;">to shape and mold them</span></b> into <b><span style="color: red;">instruments of righteousness</span></b>. God can mold us into whatever instruments of service that He and the Body of Christ need and require. As <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">clay in the hands of our Potter</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">our Father</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">we are totally pliable to our Creator's will, subject to his acts of creation, desiring to be the product of a great Creator.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">God is the Potter who shapes and molds. </b> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">God is in control and knows what He is making.</span> Indeed, God can make something <b><span style="color: red;">useful and suitable</span></b> for His purpose. <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">He doesn't toss the clay, but rather He remolds it.</span> And just as the potter in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">patiently began remolding the clay, our God is doing the same with us, the clay.</span> <b><span style="color: #660000;">We are clay in the hands of a mighty God.</span></b> God, the Potter, knows what kind of <b><span style="color: red;">vessel</span></b> He intends for us to be. The Master Potter wants useful and suitable vessels for His service. Thus, we must allow the Potter <b><span style="color: red;">to mold us </span></b>to His glory (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Isaiah 64:8</span></b>).</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">The clay must be soft and pliable, willing to develop and thrive in the potter's hands. </b></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">However, when the clay begins to harden, it cannot develop properly, the way the Potter needs it to be to continue working on us.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">How wonderful it is that the Potter is willing to shape us and reshape us if we humbly allow Him to have His own way with us!! </span></b></i> Our God wants <b><span style="color: red;">to reform the clay</span></b> to be fit and useful for Him. <i><b><span style="color: red;">We are the work of the Potter's mighty hands!</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">How wonderful it is that our Master Potter will not throw away the marred clay, but He will continue to make the clay that is soft and pliable into a suitable and acceptable vessel! </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><b>Are you willing to become that servant, be humble, and meet the needs within the Body of Christ as clay? </b></i></li><li><i><b>Are you willing to become that servant when our Lord needs zeal and enthusiasm? </b></i></li><li><i><b>Will you allow the Master Potter to make you and mold you into what He wants you to be? </b></i></li><li><i><b>Will you allow God, the Master Potter, to make you and mold you into a vessel of honor, useful to Him and prepared for every good work? (<span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:20-22</span>). </b></i></li><li><i><b>Or will you prefer to remain as vessels of dishonor, comfortable in their marred state of selfishness and sinfulness? </b></i></li></ul><div><br /></div>For the <b><span style="color: red;">Master Potter </span></b>to <b><span style="color: #990000;">reshape you,</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">you must be willing to yield and let Him push you away from your comfort zone of pleasure and sin.</span> <b><span style="color: #990000;">Our Lord wants useful, holy vessels, and He will find them.</span></b> </div><div><br /></div><div><div>And though the process of being <b><span style="color: red;">shaped and molded</span></b> is not an easy task, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">the Master Potter is willing to make a beautiful masterpiece of the clay, though it will take time and effort.</span> However, God, the Potter, is willing to do it. <i><b><span style="color: red;">Are you?</span></b></i></div></div><div><blockquote><i>"Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?' declares the Lord. 'Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.'" </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jeremiah 18:6</span></b>)</blockquote></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">May we humbly allow our Master to have His own way with us, the clay.</span> May we, the clay, allow Him to mold and refine us into vessels of righteousness. May we be submissive, pliable, and moldable clay in the mighty hands of our Mater Potter. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope the lovely words of our beautiful song, <i><b><span style="color: red;">"Have Thine Own Way, Lord,"</span></b></i> stir your soul the way it does mine.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Have Thine own way, Lord</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have Thine own way!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thou art the potter I am the clay. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Mold me and make me after Thy will,</div><div style="text-align: center;">While I am waiting yielded and still</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have Thine own way, Lord</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have Thine own way!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Search me and try me, Master today!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whiter than snow Lord wash me just now,</div><div style="text-align: center;">As in Thy presence humbly I bow.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have Thine own way, Lord, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Have Thine own way! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Wounded and weary, Help me, I pray!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Power, all power, Surely is Thine! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have Thine own way, Lord</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have Thine own way!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hold o'er my being absolute sway!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Filled with Thy Spirit till all shall see</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christ only always living in me.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tDwrdRlIbIU" width="320" youtube-src-id="tDwrdRlIbIU"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Luci</div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-42333448715401604532022-01-24T18:30:00.344-06:002022-03-24T13:07:12.993-05:00"YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN"<div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSqECQdoNMq7QclYQKPe0usvNYpvzeOYFJfrOV4wKYUsWKG_AMIvaN-NdGR7noo5Vv1qA75YOpxjRs4oQIvQ231y507mPTPWmz6d62upKXNENvptMZOqkQLxT00eT_o1VIWYQgNB_16872QeZZlVQtuD-FfZ_v2TfexEr_F0oe3gB3ruND0_BQ_sIog/s1024/Conscience-37-1024x512.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSqECQdoNMq7QclYQKPe0usvNYpvzeOYFJfrOV4wKYUsWKG_AMIvaN-NdGR7noo5Vv1qA75YOpxjRs4oQIvQ231y507mPTPWmz6d62upKXNENvptMZOqkQLxT00eT_o1VIWYQgNB_16872QeZZlVQtuD-FfZ_v2TfexEr_F0oe3gB3ruND0_BQ_sIog/w400-h200/Conscience-37-1024x512.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” </span></b></i></div></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 3:3</span></b></div><p><br /></p><p>Few ideas grip the imagination like the image of a worm transforming into a butterfly. The apostle Paul said, <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” and he used the word for “metamorphosis.” </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 12:1-2</span></b>) <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">You can become what you are not!</span></b></i> Jesus said you must be <b><span style="color: red;">“born again.”</span></b> The power that brings that about is <b><span style="color: red;">the power of the Gospel message</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 1:16</span></b>).</p><p></p><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">"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. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"</blockquote><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The beloved song, <i style="font-style: italic;"><b><span style="color: red;">“Ye Must Be Born Again,”</span></b></i><i> </i>stresses the need to be born again. Our song recounts the conversation between <b><span style="color: #990000;">Jesus and Nicodemus</span></b>, a ruler of the Jews who came to Jesus by night<i> </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 3:1-2</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Nicodemus recognized Jesus as a teacher who came from God.</span><span><span> He was about to ask Jesus abou</span><span style="font-style: normal;">t His message, but Jesus stopped him with these words, </span><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: red;">“you must be born again”</span></b></span><i> </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 3:4-5</span></b>). </div><p></p><p></p><blockquote><i>"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, 'Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.' 3 Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.' 4 Nicodemus said to him, 'How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?' 5 Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.'"</i></blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jesus’ message to him applies to all<b><span style="color: red;"> “children of men” </span></b>(humanity) because all have sinned (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Romans 3:23</span></b>). </div><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">All humanity must attend to Jesus’ Word, for they will be judged according to that Word.</span></p><blockquote><p><i>"The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day"</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 12:48</span></b>). </p><p></p></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">The message of His Word is that we all must be born again by the Gospel.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel" </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 4:15-16</span></b>). </blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Thus, all humanity is compelled to respond to the Gospel message of Christ to be saved.</span> Those who wish to have <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">eternal life must be born of God.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><div><i>"And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life"</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 2:25</span></b>).</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God"</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 John 4:4-6</span></b>). </div></blockquote><div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">There is a glorious rest for those born of God.</span></div><div><blockquote><i>"Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.[a] 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, 'As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’ although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: 'And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.' 5 And again in this passage he said, 'They shall not enter my rest.' 6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, 'Today,' saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.' 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.'"</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 4:1-10</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The ransomed will sing the song of blest.</span></div><div><blockquote><i>"And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.'" </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Revelation 5:8-10</span></b>) </blockquote></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Those who respond to the <b><span style="color: red;">Gospel Message</span></b> and are thus <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">born again by the incorruptible seed will receive their final reward.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>"Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for 'All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.' And this word is the good news that was preached to you.'" </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pet. 1:22-25</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">This is the hope for those who the precious blood of Jesus has ransomed. </span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thus, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Ye must be born again, Ye must be born again; I verily, verily, say unto thee, Ye must be born again.” </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Sadly, many call themselves Christians but misunderstand the concept of being born again.</span> Jesus stresses the need for<b><span style="color: red;"> regeneration </span></b>to enter the <b><span style="color: red;">kingdom of God</span></b> by saying, <b><span style="color: red;">“</span></b><i><b><span style="color: red;">Ye Must Be Born Again.”</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">To be born again, one must obey the Gospel, God’s terms of pardon.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>It is widely taught that one is <b><span style="color: red;">“born again” </span></b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">before and without baptism.</span> The problem with this teaching is that Jesus clearly taught that <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">one cannot be born again without obeying the true Gospel of Christ.</span> Peter calls it <b><span style="color: red;">the imperishable seed</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Peter 1:22-23</span></b>). <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 3:3-7 </span></b>says that to enter the kingdom of God, he must be born again. <i><b><span style="color: red;">So what does that new birth include?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Simply two essential elements: one must be born of water and of the Spirit to become a child of God.</span> Those who disregard what Jesus taught on this matter <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">are not abiding in the doctrine of Christ and do not have God and are thus misleading many into error.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">They are teaching the doctrines and commandments of men!</span></b></i> They are blind guides misleading and deceiving many souls to their own destruction (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 John 9-11; Gal. 1:8,9; Matt. 15:9,14; etc.</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">New birth and radical transformation must happen for Jesus to heal us of our sins.</span> We can only have a relationship with Him when we look to Him, desiring to do His will. </div><div><br /></div><div>Through Jesus, the <b><span style="color: red;">new birth and radical transformation </span></b>are possible, for He can heal us of our sins when we seek Him by faith, following Him and doing His will, and pursuing a sincere relationship with Him. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Through the blood of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins is available to all.</span> The <b><span style="color: red;">new birth, the new life</span></b>, is “<i><b><span style="color: #990000;">in Christ”</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 4:15; 15:22; 2 Cor. 5:17</span></b>). We are <b><span style="color: red;">“born again”</span></b> by the incorruptible seed, which is God’s Word, the Gospel preached to us (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Peter 1:22-25</span></b>). The new birth is the product of the seed planted (<b><span style="color: red;">the Gospel, the Word of God</span></b>) and then germinates and produces abundant fruit. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">We become children of God through His Word</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 8:11</span></b>) that is planted in the hearts of men when they hear the Gospel. The s<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">incere heart heeds the words of Jesus, believes them, and obeys them, thus becoming “born again” as Christians, experiencing the new birth, the new life in Christ</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Cf. James 1:18; 1 Cor. 4:15</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">The seed reproduces after its kind</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Galatians 6:7</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">So we must make sure that the seed, the Message, that we teach for others to hear is the true Gospel!</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;"> Why? </span></b></i>Because we can plant the wrong seed in God’s Garden and not be able to grow the kind of plant that God wants. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">We cannot be born again when we accept a different Gospel.</span></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">May we teach those living in darkness how to enter the kingdom of God and be born again. May they understand that to be born again, they must obey the proper seed, the Gospel, to become a child of God and be in His kingdom. May we grow in grace and knowledge as those who have been born again of water and the Spirit. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A ruler once came to Jesus by night </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">To ask Him the way of salvation and light;</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Master made answer in words true and plain, </div></div><div style="text-align: center;">‘Ye must be born again.’</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ye children of men, attend to the Word, </div><div style="text-align: center;">So solemnly uttered by Jesus the Lord; </div><div style="text-align: center;">And let not this message to you be in vain,</div><div style="text-align: center;">‘Ye must be born again.’</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">O ye who would enter that glorious rest, </div><div style="text-align: center;">And sing with the ransomed the song of the blest, </div><div style="text-align: center;">The life everlasting if ye would obtain, </div><div style="text-align: center;">‘Ye must be born again.’</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chorus,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Ye must be born again, Ye must be born again;</div><div style="text-align: center;">I verily, verily, say unto thee, Ye must be born again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Luci</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-23065303235572417192022-01-19T10:37:00.521-06:002023-06-12T16:17:20.061-05:00THE DUTIES OF THE NEW WAY<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-xVmB6DEQFrzsI1HaJDjWsiNOfHgoZSYCm1JF00cuzsTphriE7paPvfYkRwki1QgEJZbfOU4ilkIYV0PlJJsNKqx0pprqRoRwL05tIRBGH6I1pJ33fSEVzzIzTH9fDX7VvbgdggPr2b9t37qv5WpAnVmT-sbsdU4X4KH3gyOXURIOoEG6WytAMmruA/s1451/IMG_1021%20Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="1170" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-xVmB6DEQFrzsI1HaJDjWsiNOfHgoZSYCm1JF00cuzsTphriE7paPvfYkRwki1QgEJZbfOU4ilkIYV0PlJJsNKqx0pprqRoRwL05tIRBGH6I1pJ33fSEVzzIzTH9fDX7VvbgdggPr2b9t37qv5WpAnVmT-sbsdU4X4KH3gyOXURIOoEG6WytAMmruA/w323-h400/IMG_1021%20Copy.JPG" width="323" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Corinthians 5:17</span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When the apostle Paul says that we become a new creation in Christ, he does not mean that we are automatically given a new state of being as if by miracle. His point is that we MUST become a new creation. We must live the life that Jesus taught. If we do that, if we truly listen and learn how to live, then we become something new. It is a deliberate transformation from old habits into new ones.</div><div><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Christians have moral responsibilities before God toward those around them.</span> All disciples of Christ have responsibilities given and commanded by Him. Jesus has taught us how to live our lives to please Him. When we obey the Gospel, we become new creatures of righteousness, striving to do the will of God as we remove all our old ways, bad habits, and sins from our lives. In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 4:17-24</span></b>, the apostle Paul declares,</div><div><i><blockquote>"Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."</blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The apostle Paul urges Christians to put off the old man and put on the new man.</span> The Lord commands us to remove from our lives all that hinders us from walking in <b><span style="color: red;">righteousness and holiness</span></b>, doing the will of the Father. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>"<i>Therefore, having put away <b>falsehood</b>, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be <b>angry and do not sin</b>; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief <b>no longer steal</b>, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let <b>no corrupting talk </b>come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And <b>do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God</b>, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all <b>bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slande</b>r be put away from you, along with all <b>malice</b>. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But <b>sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness</b> must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be <b>no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking</b>, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, t<b>hat everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God</b>. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore <b>do not become partners with them</b>." </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 4:25-5:7</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 4:25-5:7</span></b>, the apostle gives us a list of things that <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">we must remove from our lives:</span> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Lying.</li><li> Sinful anger.</li><li> Stealing.</li><li> Corrupt speech.</li><li> Bitterness.</li><li> Malice.</li><li>Wrath.</li><li>Clamor.</li><li>Slander</li><li>Sexual immorality.</li><li>Impurity.</li><li>Covetousness</li><li>Filthiness.</li><li>Foolish talk.</li><li>Crude joking.</li><li>And many sins such as these that make us stumble. </li></ol><div><br /></div>Those who walk in newness of life must not engage in any of these sins, for it is a shame to even speak of those things they do in secret. Instead, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">we’re urged to be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving, walking in love, being imitators of Christ.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Paul stresses some things we must cleanse from our lives to please God. For example, he commands women to wear modest apparel that reflects godliness (1 Timothy 2:8-10). </span><i><b><span style="color: red;">Why?</span></b></i> Because we are now new creatures, who walk in <b><span style="color: red;">righteousness</span></b> in Christ, refusing to walk in darkness or do the will of the prince of darkness. </div><div><i><blockquote>"I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in <b>respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control</b>, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women <b>who profess godliness</b>—with good works."</blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Galatians 5:19-21</span></b>, he gives us another list of <b><span style="color: red;">works of the flesh</span></b> that we must avoid in our walk with Christ: </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Adultery.</li><li>Fornication.</li><li>Uncleanness.</li><li>Lewdness. </li><li>Idolatry. </li><li>Sorcery.</li><li>Hatred. </li><li>Contentions.</li><li>Jealousies. </li><li>Outbursts of wrath. </li><li>Selfish ambitions. </li><li>Dissensions. </li><li>Heresies. </li><li>Envy. </li><li>Murders. </li><li>Drunkenness. </li><li>Revelries, and the like. </li></ol><div><br /></div>Those who have <b><span style="color: red;">not learned this new life have not learned Christ.</span></b> They must be concerned because <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">no one who practices such things will inherit the kingdom of God.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">It’s </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">amazing how many warnings our Lord has given us! </span></b></i> Another one is found in 1<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> Corinthians 6:9-11</span></b>. </div><div><i><blockquote>"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."</blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Take heed! </span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">We must cease to practice these sins. </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 5:22-23</span></b>, we learn that <span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><b>Christians are responsible for behaving in a new way with their families: husbands, wives, and children.</b></span> </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: red;">Wives </span></b>must submit to the husband’s headship as unto the Lord (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 5:22-24</span></b>). </li><li><b><span style="color: red;">Husbands </span></b>must love their wives just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify and cleanse her (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 5:25-29</span></b>). </li><li><b><span style="color: red;">Children </span></b>must honor their father and mother, that it may be well with them, and that they may live long on the earth (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 6:1-3</span></b>). They must obey their parents and respect them while being trained at home.</li><li><b><span style="color: red;">Fathers </span></b>must not provoke their children to wrath but raise them in the fear of the Lord (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ephesians 6:4</span></b>).</li></ul><div><br /></div><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Christians also have responsibilities to Christ and the church.</b> </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="color: red;">Prayer </span></b>is another significant responsibility the Lord gives (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Colossians 4:2-4; Thessalonians 5:17-18; Philippians 4:6-7</span></b>).</li><li>We must devote ourselves to serious <b><span style="color: red;">Bible study</span></b> to present ourselves as approved of God, rightly dividing the Word of God, that He not put us to shame (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Timothy 2:15</span></b>). We must spend more time in <b><span style="color: red;">Bible reading and studying in-depth</span></b>, even if we think we know enough. </li><li>We must also <b><span style="color: red;">meet together every first day of the week</span></b>, for it’s commanded (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 10:22-26</span></b>). We hold fast to the confession of our hope when we exhort one another to love and good works on Sundays. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">We must not neglect the assembling of the saints.</span> </li><li>When we come together, we fulfill our <b><span style="color: red;">duty to partake of the Lord’s Supper</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Acts 20:7</span></b>). </li><li>We must give the Lord a portion of what He has prospered us with, <b><span style="color: red;">giving with a cheerful heart</span></b> to the Lord (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:5-7</span></b>). </li><li>Christians must <b><span style="color: red;">teach others the good news, the Gospel</span></b>, always defending our hope with meekness and fear (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Peter 3:15 Colossians 4:5; Acts 8:3-4; and Hebrews 5:11-14</span></b>). </li><li>We’re commanded <b><span style="color: red;">to grow in the Lord in grace and knowledge</span></b> and teach what we learn to others so that they may know God and be saved from the guilt and practice of sin. </li><li>Finally, we’ve been given the <b><span style="color: red;">most critical responsibility:</span></b> t<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">o put God first in everything we do</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 6:31-34; Luke 14:15-24, 33</span></b>). There is no room for excuses in the life of a Christian, for we must put God first to be faithful disciples of Jesus. He must take priority even over our families (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 10:37</span></b>). </li></ul><div><br /></div>All these duties or responsibilities are commands given by God. We must fulfill them since He showed us so much mercy and grace when He sent His Son to die for us and redeem us. </div><div><br /></div><div>May we never allow ourselves to become hardened in sin. May we live the life that Jesus taught. May we always strive to do God’s will to please Him. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Luci</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-8054503100903830842021-12-30T19:55:00.418-06:002023-05-15T17:08:56.150-05:00NONE OF SELF AND ALL OF THEE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuHabnD5MsyoyTUAF7pmUVDTB28gq4WtTYpHhVseJ_tqqjhy75fmhCX1YSkl23m19jM7NLwR_T4SD5q4fjubX_mNMSD1MnIeGX56m0LIb8RgkOcVVBMh6jwo7Y_AIFrwiOPSAIsd6SGqev2Bt5frnUAPAzTAA83icVIsh_HkcsUHiS070hOakI0KdMew=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="800" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuHabnD5MsyoyTUAF7pmUVDTB28gq4WtTYpHhVseJ_tqqjhy75fmhCX1YSkl23m19jM7NLwR_T4SD5q4fjubX_mNMSD1MnIeGX56m0LIb8RgkOcVVBMh6jwo7Y_AIFrwiOPSAIsd6SGqev2Bt5frnUAPAzTAA83icVIsh_HkcsUHiS070hOakI0KdMew=w640-h334" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">"Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mark 8:34</span></b></div><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="background-color: #fcff01; color: #cc0000;">HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY BRETHREN AND FRIENDS FROM THE PARTAINS!</span></b></i></div><p>Indeed, <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2021</span></b> has been another challenging and painful year for many of us. It has been a season of sorrows, tears, and burdens. <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">So many are hurting because of their losses! </span></b></i>I’m praying for them. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">However, we have learned many helpful lessons along the way. </span>Despite the pain and challenges we have had to endure, there are many reasons for which we must still be <b><span style="color: red;">thankful to God</span></b>. We must be <b><span style="color: red;">mindful</span></b> of His many <b><span style="color: red;">blessings</span></b> toward us,<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> even when life seems difficult and we struggle.</span> </p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Even amid our troubling and dark times, God shows His goodness and kindness toward us.</span> As the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">New Year 2022</span></b> quickly approaches, I am sure we are ready to bid farewell to <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2021</span></b>. I hope that as <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2022</span></b> arrives, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">it will bring hope for a better year and a clean slate to write a new chapter in our lives. </span>Every year at this time, <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">we wonder what the Lord will have in store for us in the coming year. </span>Despite the <b><span style="color: red;">circumstances</span></b>, we are pleased with what our God has accomplished through us in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2021</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We are grateful to God for the glories He has shown us despite our trials and sufferings! </span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Isn't it exciting and wonderful to imagine that God has no limits to what He might do in our lives?! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Our hope for our brethren and friends this coming year is that you have a year full of wonder and Grace. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Every new year we have new hope and a second chance. </span><b><span style="color: #660000;">No matter how badly we failed this year, we still have a second chance to do things better in the new year. </span></b><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">When our Lord pardons our faults, He gives us the hope that tomorrow will be better and more fruitful. </span>As we come to the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">end of this year and the beginning of a new one</span></b>, let us <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">examine ourselves and reflect</span> on how we have used the past year, <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">choosing to do better and make better and wiser use of the time the Lord has granted us. </span>The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to make <b><span style="color: red;">changes</span></b> that can make a huge eternal difference in our lives.<i><b><span style="color: red;"> There is no greater need in one’s life than maintaining a good relationship with our Creator!</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">We must make a change to improve our relationship with God. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">My focus for the New Year shall be</span> <b><span style="color: red;">"None of Self and All of Thee."</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I. <u>NONE OF SELF AND ALL OF THEE</u>:</span></b></div><p>As the new year approaches, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">let us refocus on those things most essential and recommit ourselves completely to God. </span>Let me suggest a few:</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Let us have <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">less of self and more of Him.</span> </li><li>Let us <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">put the will of our Lord Jesus Christ first in our lives.</span> </li><li>Let us <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">redeem the time </span>and not allow anything or anyone to distract us from serving our Lord and His kingdom of righteousness. </li><li>Let us p<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">ut ourselves to death. </span>When we crucify ourselves with Christ, we no longer live, but Christ lives in us (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gal. 2:20</span></b>). <i><b><span style="color: red;">Let us strive to live for Christ and not ourselves! </span></b></i></li><li>Let us <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mk. 8:34</span></b>).</li><li>Let us strive t<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">o know God better and walk in a manner worthy of His calling.</span></li><li>Let us <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">bear abundant fruit</span> to God’s glory. </li><li>Let us <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">examine our hearts,</span> look back at our lives, and devote ourselves entirely to God (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Pet. 4:1-2</span></b>). </li><li>Let us aim to become <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">poorer in spirit </span>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 5:3</span></b>).</li><li><i><b><span style="color: red;">Let us bolster our faith! </span></b></i></li><li>Let us <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">grow in Grace and strengthen our faith </span>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mk. 4:26-28</span></b>). As our faith grows and develops, we start having none of self and all of God. We begin to fathom the width, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Eph. 3:18-19</span></b>). Christ can only conquer our hearts when we give up ourselves and surrender to Him completely (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 5:5</span></b>). </li><li>Let us s<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">erve God better and more faithfully</span>. Let us use the gifts the Lord has given us to serve Him abundantly. </li><li>Let us be <span style="background-color: #01ffff;">more active in evangelism and start saving souls,</span> for they are precious to God, our Creator. </li><li>Let us be <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">more zealous for the Lord and not be afraid and lukewarm. </span> </li><li>Let us have more l<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">ove and kindness.</span> </li><li>Let us be <span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">more disciplined and have self-control.</span> </li><li>Let us <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">not be ashamed of Jesus and the Gospel,</span> pull back, and neglect our gifts to further God’s kingdom. </li><li>Let us<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> not be ashamed or afraid </span>to talk to people who do not know the remedy for sin. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Do not be ashamed of Him who has saved us, even though the outcome of our faith may cause hardship and troubles! </span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: red;">Should we be ashamed of Jesus, or should He be ashamed of us?! </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hebrews 2:11; Mark 8:38</span></b>) <span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Should we be ashamed of our Rescuer?! Should we be ashamed of our hope?! Should we be ashamed of the life that Jesus has brought to us?!</span><span> </span><i><b><span style="background-color: #01ffff; color: red;">Let us not have a silent faith! </span></b></i> </li><li><i><b><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: red;">Let us fight for our faith and hope like good soldiers of Christ! </span></b></i>A brave and good soldier is not distracted on the battlefield. He is not entangled with other things. He is focused on doing what his Commander says to do. A good soldier acknowledges that distractions will keep him from serving and pleasing the one who enlisted him. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">He is single-minded, focused, and not distracted by daily affairs (everyday life, our country, sports, entertainment, social media, cultural problems, politics, jobs, hobbies, and devices). </span><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Remember, a good soldier pleases the Lord and is not distracted, for he is focused on God’s kingdom of righteousness! Let us be good soldiers of Christ! </span></b></i></li><li><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Finally, let us be good athletes who compete by the rules to win. </span><i><b><span style="color: red;">Which rules? </span></b></i>Those sufferings that require us to take up our cross to follow our Lord (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 1:8; 2:3</span></b>). The <b><span style="color: red;">rule for the athlete</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">is not to avoid difficulties but to be willing to take up his cross, follow Jesus and suffer for Him</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matthew 16:24</span></b>). <span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The good athlete competes by the rules. He is willing to suffer shame, pain, rejection, and death. His reward is the crown of life forever!</span><span> </span><i><b><span style="color: red;">God will exalt him to His right hand! </span></b></i><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">The rules of this race require us to die to ourselves, not save our lives at any cost.</span></li></ul></div><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>:</span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Let us purpose in our hearts this year and for the rest of our lives not to fear and be ashamed of our Lord and His kingdom of righteousness. </span><i><b><span style="color: red;">Let us proclaim Him and His Message to the world of darkness! </span></b></i>Let us be f<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">aithful and endure that we might reign with Him.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #660000;"><span>But to accompl</span><span>ish that, we m</span></span><span style="color: #660000;">ust not be ashamed and give up! We must be willing to suffer, lose our lives, be faithful, and stand up for Him! </span></b></i>Moreover, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">let us be strengthened by the Grace in Christ to be more merciful, compassionate, loving, and forgiving. </span><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Remember Jesus and the Grace found in Him! </span></b></i> </p><p><span style="color: red; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The truth is that this might be the last year for many of us!</span><span> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Will we be one of those who will stand before God this coming year, or will we live to see many more years?</span><span> </span><i><b><span style="color: red;">Only God knows!</span></b></i> </p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Thus, let us choose to serve our God better. While we still have the breath to live, let us be grateful to our Creator and bear much fruit to His glory. </span>Let us show our <b><span style="color: red;">gratefulness </span></b>by our devotion and service to Him as <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">good soldiers who endure until the end and are approved of God, receiving their great reward </span>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 2:14-26</span></b>). Let us be <b><span style="color: red;">instruments for honorable use</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">2 Tim. 2:20-21</span></b>). To be <b><span style="color: red;">honorable instruments</span></b> to God, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">we must cleanse ourselves from the things of this world, dishonorable things, and start purifying our lives from the filth that stains us. </span>To be an <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">instrument for honorable use to our God</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">we must run from the passions and lusts of the flesh and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace from a pure heart. </span><i><b><span style="color: red;">There is no other way to be useful to our Master and be ready for every good work! </span></b></i> </p><p><span style="color: red;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Let us make an inventory within our hearts to get out of the mud and be clean!</b> </span><i><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Let the world watch in awe as they see our sincere faith and devotion to our Lord! </b></i> </p><p>May we further our service in God’s kingdom this year and each day of our walk with Him. May we evaluate our <b><span style="color: red;">strengths and weaknesses </span></b>to fulfill God’s purpose. </p><p><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></b></i></p><blockquote><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Col. 3:23</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I want to encourage each of us with the song, <i><b><span style="color: red;">“None of Self And All of Thee,” </span></b></i>to put the will of Christ first in our lives, giving ourselves up and thus committing ourselves completely to Him. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">O, the bitter pain and sorrow That at time could ever be,</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I proudly said to Jesus, ‘All of self, and none of Thee.’</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Yet He found me; I beheld Him Bleeding on th’accursed tree,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And my wistful heart said faintly, ‘Some of self, and some of Thee.’</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Day by day His tender mercy, Healing, helping, full and free,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brought me lower while I whispered, ‘Less of self, and more of Thee.’</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Higher than the highest heavens, Deeper than the deepest sea,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, Thy love at last has conquered: ‘None of self, and all of Thee.’</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8xzkO4Z_R48" width="320" youtube-src-id="8xzkO4Z_R48"></iframe></div><div><br /></div>Luci<p></p><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-12886437215489735662021-11-28T20:38:00.362-06:002022-02-10T18:40:08.413-06:00HARVEST TIME<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy-xAEFg9Gn64yVg5IpfXymN4Aba3ieRPX6q0GYse6Q6Qplja8h7DIxcQbhR2-PCH1982C5sePasgGOHcKB0FVCsplpqXCU0JiQ59nIHnUUnuucxatA6eTOHprfXvAtMSEcn8fj16gFByqSl9okVE66WvrJC1-grk6VDQRW9WbyqoZ8Urej5DECvWMKA=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1920" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy-xAEFg9Gn64yVg5IpfXymN4Aba3ieRPX6q0GYse6Q6Qplja8h7DIxcQbhR2-PCH1982C5sePasgGOHcKB0FVCsplpqXCU0JiQ59nIHnUUnuucxatA6eTOHprfXvAtMSEcn8fj16gFByqSl9okVE66WvrJC1-grk6VDQRW9WbyqoZ8Urej5DECvWMKA=w640-h274" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">"Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 4:35</span></b></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our lovely song, <i><b><span style="color: red;">“Harvest Time,”</span></b></i> is a Gospel song that compels us to look on <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">the white fields that are ready to harvest.</span> Jesus sees the <b><span style="color: red;">world of humanity as hopelessly destroyed</span></b> by bad behavior, lost like sheep without a shepherd. However, He also sees our world as a <b><span style="color: red;">wheat field ready for harvest</span></b>. The song before us <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">urges Christians to get engaged in reaping the Lord’s harvest. </span> Jesus tells us we need to participate in His harvest, the <b><span style="color: red;">reaping of souls</span></b> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 20:1-7</span></b>). He wants <b><span style="color: red;">devoted volunteers</span></b> who will gather far and near. The Lord wants us to labor in His harvest and not sit or stand idle (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 13:38</span></b>). The world is the field He has called us to labor. He wants us to seek those souls who don’t know Him and lead them from the ways of sin. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jesus urges us to be involved in His harvest, reaping souls who have gone astray like sheep that need to be sought and rescued</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lk. 15:4-7</span></b>). Our Lord and Master, the owner of the harvest, has promised to reward us if we serve others the way He wants us to serve Him (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 25:34-40</span></b>). </div><p></p><blockquote><i>"For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.'" </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 20:1-7</span></b>)</blockquote><p></p><blockquote><i>"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.'" </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lk. 15:4-7</span></b>)</blockquote><p> </p><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">I. <u>“LIFT YOUR EYES UPON THE HARVEST”</u></span></b></p><p></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“… Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Jn. 4:35</span></b>)</div></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Each Christian must go out into the hedges and highways to bring the lost to the Lord.</span></p><p></p><blockquote><i>"But he said to him, 'A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to</i> the <i>highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.'" </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Lk. 14:16-23</span></b>) </blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">The Lord has already given us the Message of the Gospel that we must preach to all nations under heaven</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mk. 16:15-16</span></b>). That <b><span style="color: red;">Message</span></b> tells the world of the <b><span style="color: red;">Savior’s love</span></b> shown by His death on Calvary (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 5:8</span></b>). The <b><span style="color: red;">Gospel Message</span></b> proclaims full and free salvation to everyone who accepts it (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Rom. 1:16-17</span></b>). </p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>"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. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.' 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.'"</i></blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">God wants us to look upon the fields and notice that they are white and ready for reaping.</span> He is urging us to lift up our eyes upon <b><span style="color: red;">the harvest</span></b>. He commands us to be <b><span style="color: red;">reapers in His harvest</span></b>. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The fields are ripened with souls that are just waiting to be harvested! </span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">There is fruit over all the land. Thus, we must pray to God to send laborers to His harvest</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 9:37-38</span></b>). Those who have labored patiently and diligently in God’s fields will produce fruit as they plant and water. God will give the increase (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Cor. 3:6</span></b>). </p><p><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The Lord’s work must be done before the night of life falls</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 9:4)</span></b>. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Death is the time when the reaper’s work is done </span></b>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Heb. 9:27</span></b>). Knowing this truth, let us use the time that God has granted us t<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">o bring in the sheaves</span> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ps. 126:6</span></b>). <i><b> <span style="background-color: #01ffff;">Wake up!</span> <span style="color: red;">The Master is calling us, the reapers, to be diligent workers in His vineyard! </span></b></i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 20:6-7</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Many precious souls need to hear the calling of the Lord, the Gospel Message, and respond so that their souls may be rescued from sin.</span> Of course, <b><span style="color: red;">the ultimate harvest time</span></b> will be the end of the world when the final reckoning is made (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Matt. 13:39</span></b>). <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">The reapers on that day will be God's holy angels.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><br /></u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>:</span></b> </div><p><b><span style="color: red;">God is urging the reapers,</span></b> all true Christians, to see <b><span style="color: red;">the importance</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">of looking at the ripened grain ready for reaping.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lift your eyes upon the fields! </span></b></i> <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">T</span><span style="color: #660000;">he golden grain is bending low. Let us not waste one ripe kernel of that grain. To the harvest of souls, we must go!</span></i></b></p><p><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God’s Word is the seed. The seed is planted through the preaching of the Gospel in the soil of people’s hearts. </span> Let us <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">preach the Gospel</span></b> to this dark world of sin and water the seed of God’s Word through continued teaching and gather a mighty harvest of people, lost souls, as they obey the Truth. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Every Christian must be engaged in this process of harvesting souls. </span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">The Lord is compelling us to lift our eyes upon the harvest! <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></b></i></p><p><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">So let us get busy working for the Lord as soon as possible.</b> Let us <b><span style="color: red;">wake up and labor diligently</span></b> for the Master and Lord in His <b><span style="color: red;">“Harvest Time.” </span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Let us see the harvest as Jesus saw it so that we may win souls to Christ effectively. </span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jesus saw the harvest as lost souls dying and facing judgment (condemnation) eternally.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Jesus saw the harvest as plentiful, precious, harassed, helpless, hopeless, and perishing. For all of these reasons, He saw them as His priority.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">There are many lost souls everywhere!</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #660000;">Are you able to see them? Are you doing anything today to teach them the Good News of salvation? Or are you wasting your time on something else rather than proclaiming the Gospel to the lost?</span></b></i></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><blockquote><span style="color: #660000;"><i>"Arise! Arise! The Master calls for thee; Arise! Arise! A faithful reaper be. Arise!</i><br /><i>The field is white, and days are going by; Awake, awake, And answer, ‘Here am I.'"</i></span></blockquote></b></div><p><br /></p><p>May we pray that God send forth laborers to reap a great and mighty harvest of souls for His glory. May Christians arise and hear the Master’s call. May we be faithful reapers, for the field is white and ready to be harvested. May we proclaim the Gospel Message to every soul that needs to be saved, for they are precious to the Master and Lord of the harvest.</p><p>We have a song that stirs us to enter the harvest with joy and join the volunteers who are daily growing everywhere. The title is <i><b><span style="color: red;">"Harvest Time." </span></b></i> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Arise! The Master calls for thee, The harvest days are here!</div><div style="text-align: center;">No longer sit with folded hands, But gather far and near.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The noble ranks of volunteers Are daily growing everywhere,</div><div style="text-align: center;">But still there’s work for millions more! Then for the fields prepare.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Go seek the lost and erring ones Who never knew the Lord;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Go lead them from the ways of sin, And thou shalt have reward.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Go out into the hedges where The careless drift upon the tide,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And from the highways bring them in–Let no one be denied.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">The message bear to distant lands Beyond the rolling sea;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Go tell them of a Savior’s love–The Lamb of Calvary.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Arise! The Master calls for thee! Salvation full and free proclaim,</div><div style="text-align: center;">‘Til every kindred, tribe, and tongue Exalt the Savior’s name!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chorus:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Arise! Arise! The Master calls for thee; Arise! Arise! A faithful reaper be. Arise!</div><div>The field is white, and days are going by; Awake, awake, And answer, ‘Here am I.’</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/owEfngjBBbA" width="320" youtube-src-id="owEfngjBBbA"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Luci</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7403312386495442315.post-59207939633085770352021-11-24T16:05:00.002-06:002021-11-24T17:15:16.949-06:00OVERFLOWING WITH THANKSGIVING<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ounh2-N5nidMJMLggNDeMSyaEI43HmvdzA5SXy8Uf7i7Aj6JRtdqvKU_Uje1PcHU5FWDmXOBNN5oHn1GmTg2JxikjrU0zTsiwnbsgq0MB-y6h6CNuYoHpje1hfcAXMEqCWKDgLYjqUNl/s600/riversoflivingwater.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="600" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ounh2-N5nidMJMLggNDeMSyaEI43HmvdzA5SXy8Uf7i7Aj6JRtdqvKU_Uje1PcHU5FWDmXOBNN5oHn1GmTg2JxikjrU0zTsiwnbsgq0MB-y6h6CNuYoHpje1hfcAXMEqCWKDgLYjqUNl/w400-h264/riversoflivingwater.gif" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.’” </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">John 7:37-39</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The last year and a half has been a time of loss and grief for us. We are coming up on the season of Thanksgiving, and it is a struggle for us to imagine what we might be thankful for. By the <b><span style="color: red;">Grace of God</span></b>, our hearts are enlarged to see the greater picture and <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">bow before our great and loving God to say thank you again every day for the beautiful things that He has done for us</span>. Let us consider a lesson from the Gospels that shows the<b><span style="color: red;"> power of gratitude</span></b> in an unlikely soul.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Jesus says that those who believe in Him will have rivers of living water flowing from their hearts.</span> When we come to Jesus and drink the <b><span style="color: red;">living water</span></b> that He offers, <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">the living water can flow from us to others.</span> So my question is, <i><b><span style="color: red;">what flows from your heart and life?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;"> Can others see what’s flowing from our hearts?</span></b></i> This week many of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving. It is the time of the year when we pause, meditate, and give thanks for what we have. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">I know this year and last year have been challenging for many of us.</span> It might be a little more<b><span style="color: red;"> challenging</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">to be thankful due to our losses and trials.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Indeed, this year has been rough! </span></b></i> Yet despite what’s <b><span style="color: #990000;">negative in our lives</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God wants us to overflow with thankfulness or thanksgiving, even in a rough year like this.</span> Listen to Paul’s words.</div><div><blockquote><i>“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</span></b>) </blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">How can one be thankful, even amid trials and sorrows?</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;"> How can one overflow with thanksgiving?</span></b></i> Let’s read God’s Word in the <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gospel of Luke 17:11-19</span></b>. Let’s consider Jesus’ teaching for a little help with <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">thanksgiving that overflows.</span></div><blockquote><div><i>“On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.’ 14 When he saw them he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ 19 And he said to him, ‘Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.’”</i></div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> I. <u>GRATEFUL HEARTS THAT OVERFLOW WITH THANKSGIVING</u>:</span></b></div><div><blockquote><i>“On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.’” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 17:11-13</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">The Condition and Cry of Ten Lepers:</b></li></ul></div><div>When Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">He entered a village where ten lepers met Him, though they stood far away</span> because the <span style="color: red;"><b>Law of Moses</b> </span>commanded it. Hear what the Law said regarding those who had <b><span style="color: red;">leprosy</span></b>. </div><div><blockquote><i>“The leprous person who has the disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head hang loose, and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean.’ 46 He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp.’” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Leviticus 13:45-46</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">This reminds me of those who test positive for COVID. I’ve been there.</span> We must stay far away. Limit any interaction with others and remain in quarantine for 14 days. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><i><b>Imagine living that way, not for 14 days but in life? </b></i></li><li><i><b>Imagine not allowing anyone to come near you for years or the rest of your life? </b></i></li><li><i><b>Imagine living alone, separated from society and technology while you’re leprous? </b></i></li><li><i><b>How terrible it is to be cut off from the world! </b></i></li></ul></ul><div><br /></div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">We must understand that those who had leprosy did not have a normal life like yours and mine.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: red;">Going back to our story.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The ten lepers were standing at a distance because the Law commanded it.</span> And though they were obeying the Law, they still cried out to Jesus, yelling. <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">These ten acknowledged that Jesus had the power to change their lives.</span> They did not regard Jesus as just <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">another teacher</span></b>. They did not see Jesus as just a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">rabbi</span></b>, teaching good things about God. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">They acknowledged that Jesus had the power to heal them.</span> Thus they cried out to Him with loud voices as<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> they stood at a far distance from Jesus. </span></b><i><b><span style="color: #990000;">They knew the Master would have mercy on them! Master, have mercy on us!</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Healing:</b></li></ul></div><div><i></i><blockquote><i>“When he saw them he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went they were cleansed.’” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 17:14</span></b>)</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">It is strange what Jesus said and did.</span></b> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Because He told these ten lepers to go and show themselves to the priests.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why must they show themselves to the priests?</span></b></i> Because they had been <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">healed from their leprosy, and the priests had to verify their cleanness to be allowed back into society.</span> <span style="color: #990000;"><b>When Jesus commanded these lepers to go and see the priests, they still had the skin condition, and it did not make any sense. But these ten lepers did what Jesus commanded.</b></span> They are on their way to see <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">the priests in whatever city they might be found and, as they were going, they were cleansed.</span> We find some powerful words in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 14</span></b>. </div><div><i><blockquote>“And as they went they were cleansed.” </blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">Jesus Asked An Important Question:</b></li></ul></div><div><i></i></div><blockquote><div><i>“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, 'Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” </i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 17:15-18</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Notice that in <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verses 15-16</span></b>,<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> one of the ten lepers turned back to praise God with a loud voice and fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving thanks to Him when he saw he was healed from his leprosy.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">This grateful leper was on the ground thanking Jesus!</span> </b></i> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">I can only imagine the gratitude of this leper’s heart and the praises he was offering to God! </span><span style="color: red;"> This man had just gotten his life back! </span></b></i></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>He was destined to die, but Jesus gave him life. </li><li>He was destined to remain an outcast, but Jesus restored him to society. </li><li>He was destined to be alone, but Jesus brought him back into society. </li></ul></ul><div><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">What a beautiful picture of gratitude in this man’s heart! It moves us deeply! </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">But Jesus asked a critical question in</span> <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 17</span></b>. </div><div><i><blockquote>“Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?” </blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">Where is everyone else? </span></b></i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Verse 18</span></b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">gives us the answer.</span></div><div><i><blockquote>“Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”</blockquote></i></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><i><b>Didn’t any of the other nine lepers return to give God the glory except this foreigner? </b></i></li><li><i><b>Would no one else come back and give thanks to God? </b></i></li><li><i><b>Was no one else going to come back to praise God? </b></i></li><li><i><b>Why didn’t all ten of them return?</b></i></li></ul></ul></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Let’s pause for a moment and think about what happened.</span> </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><i><b>Do you think that if we were to ask the other nine lepers if they were grateful for being healed, they would say that they truly were grateful? </b></i></li><li><i><b>Could you believe that they were overflowing with gratitude now that they no longer had this terrible skin disease? </b></i></li><li><i><b>Do you think they would admit they were thankful for what Jesus did? </b></i></li></ul></ul><div><br /></div><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Yes! Of course, they would! Sadly, they did not express it! </span></b></i> </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>They did not come back to thank Jesus and let Him know how grateful they were. </li><li>They did not praise God for being healed of such a terrible disease. </li></ul></ul><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">You see, this is what Jesus was pointing out as their main problem.</span> We may think in our hearts that we are<b><span style="color: red;"> grateful</span></b> to God, <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">but if we do not express our thankfulness, we are not thankful at all.</span> Instead, we show ourselves <b><span style="color: red;">ungrateful</span></b>. That is exactly what’s happening here in this story. And though the other <b><span style="color: red;">nine lepers</span></b> might have been <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">grateful for Jesus healing them, they did not thank Him, nor did they draw close to Him with thankful hearts.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">They did not praise God or surrender completely to Him</span></b>. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">The Result:</b></li></ul></div><div><i></i></div><blockquote><div><i>“And he said to him, ‘Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”</i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 17:19</span></b>)</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">One of the ten lepers returned to Jesus, and it would be life-changing.</span> In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">verse 19</span></b>, Jesus told this <b><span style="color: red;">one leper </span></b>who returned to thank Him, </div><blockquote><div><i>“Get up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you” </i>(<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">CSB</span></b>). </div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Another Bible translation says,</span> </div><div><i><blockquote>“Your faith has made you well.” </blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">But notice that the Greek literally is,</span></div><div><i><blockquote>“Your faith has saved you.” </blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">I believe this is the correct translation.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Why? </span></b></i> Because <b><span style="color: red;">one out of ten lepers</span></b> who were healed <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">came back to Jesus and was saved.</span> This one-man <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">experienced </span></b>something much greater than what the other nine did. And though all <b><span style="color: red;">ten were healed,</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">only one experienced much more because he came back to thank Jesus with a grateful heart.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>CONCLUSION</u>:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: red;">So What Is Jesus Teaching Us?</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Jesus is teaching us that it is not enough to feel grateful.</span> It was<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> not enough</span></b> for the ten lepers to feel how great it was to be healed. It was <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">not enough </span></b>to just believe they were thankful. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Jesus is teaching us that gratitude or thankfulness must be expressed, not merely felt.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">We must tell others that we are thankful for them.</span> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We must tell others that we are grateful for having them in our lives and what they mean to us.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Have you noticed how the apostle Paul started almost every letter he wrote in the scriptures?</span></b></i></div><div><blockquote> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">“I give thanks to my God always for you…”</span></b></i> (<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">1 Corinthians 1:4</span></b>). </blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Paul was not hesitant to tell others how thankful he was to the Lord for them, the brethren.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Thinking it was not enough. Feeling it was not enough. </span></b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Paul always expressed his thankfulness or gratitude to others.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">How will others know we are thankful for them if we fail to express our gratitude and appreciation?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Sadly, they will never know. Our lack of words will express our lack of gratitude or appreciation.</span> You see, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">God’s children must overflow with thankfulness, and that means we must express it in words to others.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">We must express our gratitude and thankfulness to our Lord for all He does, has done, and will do in our lives.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">We must be grateful to God, and we must express such gratitude to Him!</span></b></i> It is <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">disturbing</span></b> to me that <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">only one out of ten lepers returned to Jesus to thank Him.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">It is hard to fathom how only one came back to Jesus with a grateful heart considering what He did for them!</span></b></i> <i><b><span style="color: red;">Don’t you think that after being sick, cast away from society, and then being healed by Jesus would have made these ten lepers overflow with thanksgiving and grateful hearts?</span></b></i> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Only when we realize our desperate condition will we appreciate and express our gratitude to God.</span> We must <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">see ourselves as the lepers in this story</span></b>. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We Christians were once cut off from God, living alone, and destined for death.</span> But because of <b><span style="color: red;">God’s goodness and mercy</span></b> (<b><span style="color: red;">Grace</span></b>), <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">He sent Jesus to free us from our sins.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">So, what will we do next?</span></b></i> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">What we do next is everything, according to Jesus.</span> <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Ten are healed, but only one is saved.</span> We can be <b><span style="color: red;">healed</span></b>, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">but we are missing out when we refuse to return to Jesus, expressing our sincere gratitude and praises to Him.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">It is so easy to fall into this trap and take what Jesus has done for us for granted!</span></b></i> God has given us many <b><span style="color: red;">reasons and memorials</span></b> so that we might not forget, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">but continue to be grateful every day for what Jesus did for us.</span> Our <b><span style="color: red;">lack of gratitude</span></b> keeps us from having a relationship with God. </div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Luke 17:19</span></b>, Jesus said,</div><div><i><blockquote>“Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” </blockquote></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Jesus declared that this one leper returned with a thankful heart to express his faith.</span> <i><b><span style="color: red;">How was his faith expressed?</span></b></i> This<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> leper expressed his faith</span></b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">when he returned to Jesus with a grateful heart that overflowed with thanksgiving.</span> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The faith of the other nine was shallow and superficial.</span></b> And though they got what they wanted from Jesus, <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">they missed out on so much more. They missed out on worshiping God and praising Him.</span> However, the <b><span style="color: red;">returning leper</span></b> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">came back glorifying and praising God because he truly loved and believed in Jesus.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">What a contrast! </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Grateful hearts overflow with thanksgiving because they acknowledge they’re not worthy of such blessings.</span> <b><span style="color: red;">Ungrateful hearts show a lack of salvation.</span></b> <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Hearts that overflow with thanksgiving express their gratitude by the way they live.</span> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">They express their gratitude by the way they worship God, and they do it daily.</span> <b><span style="color: red;">Saving faith is an expression of giving thanks to God.</span></b> </div><div><blockquote><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Even amid so much grief and trials, there is so much for which we must be thankful to God in our lives!</span></b></i> </blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">We must be grateful and overflow with thanksgiving until our last breath for what Jesus did for us.</span> We were <b><span style="color: red;">destined to death</span></b>, but because of what Jesus did, <b><span style="color: red;">we now have the hope of eternal life.</span></b> Thus <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">we must be grateful every day of our lives to Him and praise Him.</span> <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jesus gave us our life back!!</span></b></i> </div><div><br /></div><div>May we thank Him for what He did for us, giving us our lives back, with every breath we take. May we always be thankful for His steadfast love and for not abandoning us. May we always have a heart of gratitude and never take the innumerable blessings we have through Christ Jesus for granted. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>I commend to you the words of the song <i><b><span style="color: red;">“Thank you, Lord!” </span></b></i> It is a touching way for us <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">to express our gratitude to God.</span> I hope you find it useful for your own <b><span style="color: red;">expression of gratitude or thanksgiving</span></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For all that You’ve done, I will thank You, </div><div style="text-align: center;">For all that You’re going to do. </div><div style="text-align: center;">For all that You’ve promised and all that You are </div><div style="text-align: center;">Is all that has carried me thru, Jesus, I thank You!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chorus: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I thank You, thank You, Lord, </div><div style="text-align: center;">And I thank You, thank You, Lord! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for loving and setting me free. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank You for giving Your life just for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">How I thank You, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus, I thank You, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Gratefully thank You. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank You.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oLHMTEo48WM" width="320" youtube-src-id="oLHMTEo48WM"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Luci</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"> </div>Lucia Yamila Partainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492339744298621255noreply@blogger.com0