I Timothy 4
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
Our text says that the Spirit of God speaks very clearly on this matter. In the latter days, the time preceding the Lord's return, there will be a departing from sound Bible doctrine. Included in this departure is the mention of lying.
Can I give you just a few things?
The matters covered in our text definitely speak of what is taught by Roman Catholicism, with the celibacy of the priesthood, and the practice of only fish on Friday. But also mentioned is the matter of lying.
Roman Catholicism gave us the day of December 25th for the birth of Christ. There isn't space here to show that he was born in late September or early October, but some Bible study will show this. To say that he was born on December 25th is a lie. Our text says many are departing from what is right and are speaking lies. If you know the Lord Jesus as Saviour, and you know about the birth of Christ not being in December, why would you go along with this lie?
So, Christian, if you are telling the lie about Christ and December 25th, the Bible calls you a hypocrite. My Baptist brethren didn't go along with this lie for the first 1900 years after Christ ascended, and for those 1900 years over 50 million were put to death for the faith. They stood boldly against anything that was connected to Roman Catholicism. But now most Christians have joined hands with Rome to celebrate what was originally called "the Mass of Christ", later to be called "Christmass", and then the 's' dropped to just be known as Christmas.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Not one
It was mentioned on another blog that my five year old daughter does not like trees. (http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/diamondsintherough/634305/) That attitude comes from living in the desert. We don't have any trees in our yard. Now that is not that strange. But what I love to point out is that we don't have any grass. Not one blade of grass. Not one. No need for the lawn mower, no need for the tree trimmer, no need for a rake. No need for sprinkler systems. Not one of those items here. It also needs to be mentioned, no snow shovel. Count your blessings, see what God hath done. What a beautiful place, the desert.
Soon we will be back to Ephesians 4 for those of you paying attention to our theological entries.
Soon we will be back to Ephesians 4 for those of you paying attention to our theological entries.
Monday, December 15, 2008
One wife
The qualifications of a pastor are given in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1. We don't call them suggestions, but rather qualifications, for the scriptures say, "A bishop then must..."
The most controversial one listed deals with the marital status. It says in both accounts that the pastor is to be the husband of one wife. Now the liberal minded comes along and says that means one at a time. Remember, the pastor is to be an example to the believer. While many in our society have gone through the terrible heartache of divorce, it isn't God's will. If God's preachers were allowed to divorce and remarry and continue to pastor the Lord's church, that would surely negate the plain statement of the Lord Jesus when he said in Mark 10
6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
I would also direct you to Romans 7:2,3 which tell us that if you marry another while the one you married first is still alive, you have committed adultery.
2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
A man who married, then later is divorced, and then remarries while his first wife is alive is an adulterer. He has disqualified himself from the ministry, though he will give account to the Lord for the ministry he did not fulfill, as the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. And no matter how you try to justify it, he has two wives, and he may be supporting both of them also (alimony). What a mess. That is what goes on in the world constantly, but is not to be the example that the man of God sets forth in a N.T. Baptist church.
The most controversial one listed deals with the marital status. It says in both accounts that the pastor is to be the husband of one wife. Now the liberal minded comes along and says that means one at a time. Remember, the pastor is to be an example to the believer. While many in our society have gone through the terrible heartache of divorce, it isn't God's will. If God's preachers were allowed to divorce and remarry and continue to pastor the Lord's church, that would surely negate the plain statement of the Lord Jesus when he said in Mark 10
6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
I would also direct you to Romans 7:2,3 which tell us that if you marry another while the one you married first is still alive, you have committed adultery.
2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
A man who married, then later is divorced, and then remarries while his first wife is alive is an adulterer. He has disqualified himself from the ministry, though he will give account to the Lord for the ministry he did not fulfill, as the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. And no matter how you try to justify it, he has two wives, and he may be supporting both of them also (alimony). What a mess. That is what goes on in the world constantly, but is not to be the example that the man of God sets forth in a N.T. Baptist church.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Average of one
Well this blogging stuff gets on that to do list, and easily pushed down the list for other activities. But I did notice I am averaging 1 comment per post, well a little more than one, more like 1.5 That's great, keeps with the number one theme. So all one you commenting out there, thanks.
Check back in one day, there may be more.
Check back in one day, there may be more.
Monday, December 8, 2008
One Spirit
Ephesians 4:4
"There is one body, and one Spirit..."
Let's continue from what we started two posts back.
The doctrine concerning the Holy Spirit also is a rather controversial matter amongst professing Christians. But the Bible warns us that some might receive another spirit.
II Cor 11
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Simply put, the charismatic movement speaks of a spirit that is not in accordance with what the Bible says. They claim that the Holy Spirit baptizes one into an invisible body, thus perverting the doctrine of the church, and perverting the promise the Lord made in Acts 1:5:
"For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."
And that was fulfilled in Acts 2, when the first church in Jerusalem was empowered to do the work they were called to do, the great commission. The signs given were proof of this, and the results also bore witness to the fact.
Peter preached the Lord Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead, and the Holy Spirit drew men unto the Lord. That was not the start of some movement making much of the Spirit of God, but rather fulfilling what the Lord had said.
John 16
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
That is the one Spirit of Ephesians 4, briefly shown to you in his work in the New Testament. He is the third person in the Trinity, God Almighty.
"There is one body, and one Spirit..."
Let's continue from what we started two posts back.
The doctrine concerning the Holy Spirit also is a rather controversial matter amongst professing Christians. But the Bible warns us that some might receive another spirit.
II Cor 11
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Simply put, the charismatic movement speaks of a spirit that is not in accordance with what the Bible says. They claim that the Holy Spirit baptizes one into an invisible body, thus perverting the doctrine of the church, and perverting the promise the Lord made in Acts 1:5:
"For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."
And that was fulfilled in Acts 2, when the first church in Jerusalem was empowered to do the work they were called to do, the great commission. The signs given were proof of this, and the results also bore witness to the fact.
Peter preached the Lord Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead, and the Holy Spirit drew men unto the Lord. That was not the start of some movement making much of the Spirit of God, but rather fulfilling what the Lord had said.
John 16
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
That is the one Spirit of Ephesians 4, briefly shown to you in his work in the New Testament. He is the third person in the Trinity, God Almighty.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
One out of 75
Well that is what I was on November 4th. In Mohave County, which is located in the northwest corner of Arizona, 75 citizens cast their vote for Chuck Baldwin of the Constitutional Party. No it was not a wasted vote just because he did not win. You could say a vote for John McCain was wasted since he did not win. But it was rather a vote for a man that stood for the constitution of the United States. No longer will I be drawn in to those silly arguments of voting for the lesser of two evils. Both major party candidates showed themselves to be socialists as they voted for the government hand out of tax payer money to failing companies.
Now I ask you, why do we reward failures? Car companies are having trouble, so instead of rewarding those that are making a profit in some way, the elected officials are trying to figure a way to give money to companies that are failing to make money. Banks are failing, so reward the failing banks with more money. When it appears they were unable to handle what was already entrusted to their care, why would you give them more, especially billions more? It makes no sense, but it is also unconstitutional. Please read the 10th Amendment.
Maybe in the next election some will have dusted off the constitution, and after reading it, they will see that most of the elected officials have really no idea of what ought to be taking place in government. Then vote them out of office, and elect some that do understand.
But then I fear that most of our nation's citizens are also becoming socialists, and sadly don't even realize it.
Now I ask you, why do we reward failures? Car companies are having trouble, so instead of rewarding those that are making a profit in some way, the elected officials are trying to figure a way to give money to companies that are failing to make money. Banks are failing, so reward the failing banks with more money. When it appears they were unable to handle what was already entrusted to their care, why would you give them more, especially billions more? It makes no sense, but it is also unconstitutional. Please read the 10th Amendment.
Maybe in the next election some will have dusted off the constitution, and after reading it, they will see that most of the elected officials have really no idea of what ought to be taking place in government. Then vote them out of office, and elect some that do understand.
But then I fear that most of our nation's citizens are also becoming socialists, and sadly don't even realize it.
Friday, November 28, 2008
One body - Ephesians 4
Getting this right will help you have your Bible doctrine correct in other areas of study.
The one body is the assembly of scripturally baptized believers that gather together at a specific location. It is called the church. Preaching takes place, hymns and songs are sung, an offering is taken, and the two ordinances are observed. Its members have the responsibility of preaching the gospel to every creature.
Now for those that have trouble with that definition, lets look at the scriptures.
Col 1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
And the church is shown clearly to be a visible, local assembly in
I Timothy 3:15
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
So the body is the church and the church is a place where your behavior is addressed in the scriptures. Therefore the one body is the N.T. church.
In case you were wondering, there is no such thing as the universal, invisible, body or church. For there is only one body, we have just defined it, don't go trying to find a second body, the Bible said there is only one.
The one body is the assembly of scripturally baptized believers that gather together at a specific location. It is called the church. Preaching takes place, hymns and songs are sung, an offering is taken, and the two ordinances are observed. Its members have the responsibility of preaching the gospel to every creature.
Now for those that have trouble with that definition, lets look at the scriptures.
Col 1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
And the church is shown clearly to be a visible, local assembly in
I Timothy 3:15
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
So the body is the church and the church is a place where your behavior is addressed in the scriptures. Therefore the one body is the N.T. church.
In case you were wondering, there is no such thing as the universal, invisible, body or church. For there is only one body, we have just defined it, don't go trying to find a second body, the Bible said there is only one.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
One according to the scriptures
Ephesians 4
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Get ready, here comes controversy. But there need not be, these three verses are very simple. They state that there is only one of each of the seven points that are listed. So stick around, we will look at each one, showing from the scriptures why there is only one of each of these that is listed.
But first an intermission, as we depart for new trails over the Thanksgiving Day break.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Get ready, here comes controversy. But there need not be, these three verses are very simple. They state that there is only one of each of the seven points that are listed. So stick around, we will look at each one, showing from the scriptures why there is only one of each of these that is listed.
But first an intermission, as we depart for new trails over the Thanksgiving Day break.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
This one thing I know
Jesus healed a blind man in John 9. When the blind man was confronted about it by the religious leaders of this day, he simply gave this response.
"One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see."
Salvation is compared in this account to the giving of sight to a blind man. That sight is dealing with spiritual matters. That sight allows one to see what the Lord is saying in the Bible, while those that are blinded cannot understand Bible truth.
I Cor 2
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
You can give all kinds of excuses for why you don't understand the Bible, and therefore don't read it, but the real excuse is the fact that it is spiritual blindness. That is a blindness caused by your sins.
The Lord Jesus can take away those sins, and save your soul, and give sight to the blind.
In Luke 4:18, Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised."
I may not know a lot, but as that blind man said, I was spiritually blind, but now because of the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, I can see.
John 3
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
"One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see."
Salvation is compared in this account to the giving of sight to a blind man. That sight is dealing with spiritual matters. That sight allows one to see what the Lord is saying in the Bible, while those that are blinded cannot understand Bible truth.
I Cor 2
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
You can give all kinds of excuses for why you don't understand the Bible, and therefore don't read it, but the real excuse is the fact that it is spiritual blindness. That is a blindness caused by your sins.
The Lord Jesus can take away those sins, and save your soul, and give sight to the blind.
In Luke 4:18, Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised."
I may not know a lot, but as that blind man said, I was spiritually blind, but now because of the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, I can see.
John 3
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Am I the only ONE who is not impressed?
I read today that the U.S. Postal Service is $2.7 billion in the red. Add their billions in losses to the billions on Wall Street, the billions in mortgage banks, the billions in the auto industry, the billions in.... what will be next to announce? I assume that the leaders in these industries are not teenagers fresh out of high school. I assume they have much experience in the field they are working. I assume that the CEOs of these companies have more than a freshmen level understanding of economics and business. So why is the situation so serious across the board?
I know the reason. There is only one.
I Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
"The root of all evil" the scriptures say.
What is going on around our country, is the fruit of a couple of generations that have bailed out their children every time they had some difficulty, rather than simply let them toughen it out and eat beans, drive an old beater, and live some undesirable rental property. Now these same "bailed out children" are running major companies, and assuming someone can just bail them out. In enters big (or should we say gigantic) government, and just like mommy and daddy have done in the past, bails them out, and keeps them from having to suffer in the least.
I for one, see through it, a bunch of spoiled brats in the highest places of commerce and government.
So how do you line up?
Are you in the red or in the black?
Do you feel someone else should step in and fix your problems? Or will you toughen it up, eat some beans, and do what it takes to make it in difficult times. Even if everyone else is becoming a socialist, and wanting everyone to share their wealth with them.
More important to ask.
Are you in debt with your sins?
This area though is where you can't fix the problem on your own. No amount of good works will ever appease God Almighty. No church regardless of its size, name, or history can help you with your sin debt.
That is why Jesus Christ died for your sins. He took them upon himself, and suffered the wrath of God in your place.
The trade is offered to you. Your sins for the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
II Cor 5
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Rather that standing before God in your sins, you can stand before God clothed in the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.
It is only available to those repent of their sins and place saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus said in Mark 1:15
"repent ye, and believe the gospel."
I know the reason. There is only one.
I Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
"The root of all evil" the scriptures say.
What is going on around our country, is the fruit of a couple of generations that have bailed out their children every time they had some difficulty, rather than simply let them toughen it out and eat beans, drive an old beater, and live some undesirable rental property. Now these same "bailed out children" are running major companies, and assuming someone can just bail them out. In enters big (or should we say gigantic) government, and just like mommy and daddy have done in the past, bails them out, and keeps them from having to suffer in the least.
I for one, see through it, a bunch of spoiled brats in the highest places of commerce and government.
So how do you line up?
Are you in the red or in the black?
Do you feel someone else should step in and fix your problems? Or will you toughen it up, eat some beans, and do what it takes to make it in difficult times. Even if everyone else is becoming a socialist, and wanting everyone to share their wealth with them.
More important to ask.
Are you in debt with your sins?
This area though is where you can't fix the problem on your own. No amount of good works will ever appease God Almighty. No church regardless of its size, name, or history can help you with your sin debt.
That is why Jesus Christ died for your sins. He took them upon himself, and suffered the wrath of God in your place.
The trade is offered to you. Your sins for the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
II Cor 5
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Rather that standing before God in your sins, you can stand before God clothed in the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.
It is only available to those repent of their sins and place saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus said in Mark 1:15
"repent ye, and believe the gospel."
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The one rule all cyclists need to remember
I don't know how many of my readers also ride a bicycle.
But when the trail gets rough, remember this-
Brakes slow you down, but breaks stop you from riding at all.
Now that isn't too spiritual, but you could apply it your life. Maybe some of you could comment on that and give some examples.
But when the trail gets rough, remember this-
Brakes slow you down, but breaks stop you from riding at all.
Now that isn't too spiritual, but you could apply it your life. Maybe some of you could comment on that and give some examples.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
I have one verse for those events....
I have one verse for those events that do not go the way I had hoped, wished, or planned on.
Psalm 34:1
"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
For I am still saved, still have my King James Bible, and I am still a member of one of the Lord's churches. Heaven is my home, my soul is washed clean, and I have some treasures in heaven.
As Job said in the 19th chapter of his book,
25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
While the USA is rapidly sinking, the Kingdom of God is still glorious, and the events of this world are pointing towards the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Psalm 34:1
"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
For I am still saved, still have my King James Bible, and I am still a member of one of the Lord's churches. Heaven is my home, my soul is washed clean, and I have some treasures in heaven.
As Job said in the 19th chapter of his book,
25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
While the USA is rapidly sinking, the Kingdom of God is still glorious, and the events of this world are pointing towards the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Only one will win
In every election only one will win. Many started out in this presidential election hoping to be elected, but due to a variety of reasons, only a few are still in the race. The hope is that the voter will accept their campaign promises, and go along with their slogans rather than the competitor(s).
With God only one is accepted. That one is the Lord Jesus Christ. All others are rejected. For this matter is shown clearly by what the Lord Jesus said in John 8:29
"for I do always those things that please him."
Can that be said of you? You would be lying if you said yes. In fact the Bible says the opposite. "There is none that doeth good, no not one."
Therefore to be on the "winning side" with God is to be with the Lord Jesus Christ.
The book of Ephesians tells us the place that God' children have, "he hath made us accepted in the beloved". So are you one of God's children? You enter the family of God by a spiritual birth. "Ye must be born again." "Repent ye, and believe the gospel".
With God only one is accepted. That one is the Lord Jesus Christ. All others are rejected. For this matter is shown clearly by what the Lord Jesus said in John 8:29
"for I do always those things that please him."
Can that be said of you? You would be lying if you said yes. In fact the Bible says the opposite. "There is none that doeth good, no not one."
Therefore to be on the "winning side" with God is to be with the Lord Jesus Christ.
The book of Ephesians tells us the place that God' children have, "he hath made us accepted in the beloved". So are you one of God's children? You enter the family of God by a spiritual birth. "Ye must be born again." "Repent ye, and believe the gospel".
Friday, October 31, 2008
Would you like to try this once?
Almost 6 weeks ago I injured my leg. Here is a picture at the two week mark. My leg had gotten infected, and this a week after the wound was cleaned out.
If you have read my first post, you understand I like to ride bicycles. It has been a long time healing, waiting to be able to get back in action. Finally in the past 10 days I have started to do some riding, easy at first, but adding more miles each time.
Well, out west we have the hills, and they make for some challenging riding.
Here is some riding that will test your manliness:
Could you tell which one was me?
If you have read my first post, you understand I like to ride bicycles. It has been a long time healing, waiting to be able to get back in action. Finally in the past 10 days I have started to do some riding, easy at first, but adding more miles each time.
Well, out west we have the hills, and they make for some challenging riding.
Here is some riding that will test your manliness:
Could you tell which one was me?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Lets start with something elementary
Can there be more than one final authority?
If there is, there isn't a final authority.
Do you hold to one Bible, or do you prefer many versions?
Do you take one Bible as being right in all matters of faith and practice, or do you look through many, trying to find the one that best fits the point you want to make?
Do you feel the need to "run to the Greek" to better teach a passage?
Who truly is the final authority, you or the scriptures?
Is there a final authority you will be judged by sometime in eternity?
John 12
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
What will that be?
The NIV?
The NASV?
"Good News for Modern Man", "The Letter", the ESV, some Greek manuscript or text?
Better hold to one, or it isn't the final authority, although I have never heard of any holding to any other book than the Authorized Version, commonly known as the King James Bible, as being the final authority.
They all can't be the final authority, for they all don't agree. That study is for another post down the road.
If there is, there isn't a final authority.
Do you hold to one Bible, or do you prefer many versions?
Do you take one Bible as being right in all matters of faith and practice, or do you look through many, trying to find the one that best fits the point you want to make?
Do you feel the need to "run to the Greek" to better teach a passage?
Who truly is the final authority, you or the scriptures?
Is there a final authority you will be judged by sometime in eternity?
John 12
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
What will that be?
The NIV?
The NASV?
"Good News for Modern Man", "The Letter", the ESV, some Greek manuscript or text?
Better hold to one, or it isn't the final authority, although I have never heard of any holding to any other book than the Authorized Version, commonly known as the King James Bible, as being the final authority.
They all can't be the final authority, for they all don't agree. That study is for another post down the road.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
One is a lonely number
Do you monocog? (See first post)
People like to have options, variety, and the choice to make changes. How many men want only one tool? How many women want only one pair of shoes? Would you go to a store that has only one choice for each item you are interested in purchasing? In fact you are probably rather suspicious if on the shelf is only one choice, what went wrong here? I don’t want to be the only one using this product. When I am riding the Monocog, there is no option to change, no other gear to use when encountering a steeper grade for the next 6 miles of climbing, no higher gear to move faster on the flats. I have one gear, just one lonely cog in the back. No choices for the chain to make, should it ride on the bigger cogs, or work its way down to the smaller. And so I monocog. It almost becomes a conviction for some. Some “singlespeeders” are so passionate that they will never ride a bicycle with multiple gears.
One thinks of the scripure verse that says,
"meddle not with them that are given to change"
Thankfully, the Lord never changes. Ever faithful, ever kind to his children, ever willing to save sinners.
Let us in the weeks, and months ahead, look at the lonely number one. For that is what the Monocog blog is all about.
Do you monocog?
People like to have options, variety, and the choice to make changes. How many men want only one tool? How many women want only one pair of shoes? Would you go to a store that has only one choice for each item you are interested in purchasing? In fact you are probably rather suspicious if on the shelf is only one choice, what went wrong here? I don’t want to be the only one using this product. When I am riding the Monocog, there is no option to change, no other gear to use when encountering a steeper grade for the next 6 miles of climbing, no higher gear to move faster on the flats. I have one gear, just one lonely cog in the back. No choices for the chain to make, should it ride on the bigger cogs, or work its way down to the smaller. And so I monocog. It almost becomes a conviction for some. Some “singlespeeders” are so passionate that they will never ride a bicycle with multiple gears.
One thinks of the scripure verse that says,
"meddle not with them that are given to change"
Thankfully, the Lord never changes. Ever faithful, ever kind to his children, ever willing to save sinners.
Let us in the weeks, and months ahead, look at the lonely number one. For that is what the Monocog blog is all about.
Do you monocog?
Friday, October 24, 2008
Nothing else like it
That can be said of any thing that is a one of a kind. Maybe that rare custom made item you have.
The Lord has something coming up that is nothing like anything else. There has never been a time where numerous people simply disappear off the face of the earth.
The Bible calls this a mystery. It says it will take place in a moment. The Bible very clearly says that those who are spiritually alive will be caught up to meet the Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds, and forever will they be with the Lord. (read I Thess. 4:13-18)
Now what is surprising is the lack of expectancy for this event to happen shortly. Many of God's children seem to be caught up in so many things that have taken their mind off the great event of their Lord's return. We are living in exciting times. The leaders of the world are calling for a new monetary system, and a world government to oversee this. China recently called for a world currency. The French president and EU president are at the forefront leading the charge for all of this. The book of Revelation is very clear, there will be a one world government, and a one world monetary system. It will also be a terrible time for the inhabitants of planet earth.
Isaiah 13
11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.
But before these terrible seven years take place, the Lord Jesus will catch up those that are spiritually alive. It will only happen once. There is nothing else like it. You must be in the kingdom of God to be part of that group going up.
Jesus said, "Ye must be born again". Are you?
The Lord has something coming up that is nothing like anything else. There has never been a time where numerous people simply disappear off the face of the earth.
The Bible calls this a mystery. It says it will take place in a moment. The Bible very clearly says that those who are spiritually alive will be caught up to meet the Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds, and forever will they be with the Lord. (read I Thess. 4:13-18)
Now what is surprising is the lack of expectancy for this event to happen shortly. Many of God's children seem to be caught up in so many things that have taken their mind off the great event of their Lord's return. We are living in exciting times. The leaders of the world are calling for a new monetary system, and a world government to oversee this. China recently called for a world currency. The French president and EU president are at the forefront leading the charge for all of this. The book of Revelation is very clear, there will be a one world government, and a one world monetary system. It will also be a terrible time for the inhabitants of planet earth.
Isaiah 13
11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.
But before these terrible seven years take place, the Lord Jesus will catch up those that are spiritually alive. It will only happen once. There is nothing else like it. You must be in the kingdom of God to be part of that group going up.
Jesus said, "Ye must be born again". Are you?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
One does not leave room for any other
The number one shows us a singular entity to the exclusion of any other.
As I stated before, on my bicycle there is only one cog. Therefore there are not any others, in fact not only are they excluded, they would serve no purpose, as once the chain tension is set up, another cog would throw that off, and would cause the bicycle to be rendered useless to use in that condition.
Now concerning deity, the Bible is clear.
Deut. 6
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Before we show who that one God is, we understand, there is only one to the exclusion of all others that would make the claim of deity. As you read the Bible, you see that if there could be another God, he would serve no purpose, the God of the Bible is sufficient in all things, and needs no assistance from any other.
Who is the God of the Bible?
Isaiah 45
22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
Along with Acts 16:31 makes this very clear
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Stick around as our list for the number one will continue to grow.
As I stated before, on my bicycle there is only one cog. Therefore there are not any others, in fact not only are they excluded, they would serve no purpose, as once the chain tension is set up, another cog would throw that off, and would cause the bicycle to be rendered useless to use in that condition.
Now concerning deity, the Bible is clear.
Deut. 6
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Before we show who that one God is, we understand, there is only one to the exclusion of all others that would make the claim of deity. As you read the Bible, you see that if there could be another God, he would serve no purpose, the God of the Bible is sufficient in all things, and needs no assistance from any other.
Who is the God of the Bible?
Isaiah 45
22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
Along with Acts 16:31 makes this very clear
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Stick around as our list for the number one will continue to grow.
Monday, October 20, 2008
A few years back I saw that my brother in law had a bike with out gears. No derailleur, no shifter, no cables stretching from front to back. Just a bike, wheels, chain, pedals and brakes. I commented to him about his one speed bike. “Singlespeed” he commented back. Now it was a fat, knobby tired bicycle, one you take off road in the hills. I thought, “what a way to torture yourself”. Go ahead in time. I now own a Redline Monocog. I have had that bicycle for over 3 years. Off road, in the hills, no shifting, just ride it, or sometimes walk it, if the trail is too steep. But there is where we get the name for this blog, and as the title says, it’s all about one. Do you monocog? New words are invented for new activities. What exactly does it mean to ‘monocog’? Stick around and you may just find out.
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