Monthly Archives: April 2012

Question of the Day – What is considered the truth?

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Just what is the basis of truth?  How can anyone really know that they are reading and hearing the truth when they go to church or open a Bible? What and/or how do we measure the truth?  These are all vital questions and there are answers!

In the Christian faith, the standard of truth sets on the Bible.  We know this because Jesus Christ Himself quoted the Scriptures throughout His ministry.  In fact, He said:

~John 10:35b … the scripture cannot be broken;

Christ laid the foundation for truth to His disciples and pointed them to it.  He was qualified to do so because He was the Word of God, made flesh, so He could convey those words to man.  Throughout Christ’s ministry, those words were revealed and recorded by men through the power of His Holy Spirit.

~John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Christ also prayed that His disciples would be set apart and grounded in this truth then pointed them to what was considered to be the truth.

~John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

God’s Word not only is the truth but it contains the only truth for anyone who wishes to find it.  It is our plum line – our standard – our tool for measuring everything we hear.  The Scriptures are the inspired words of God.

~2 Pet 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

The Bible alone is our ultimate authority.  Jesus Christ quoted it repeatedly to correct the Pharisees.  He also quoted Scriptures when He was tempted of the devil in the wilderness.  Christ used the Scriptures to ostracize the Pharisees and He also used the Scriptures to battle Satan in the desert.  The Bible is the final judge for all of man’s thinking and all of man’s traditions.

Because the Scriptures are the very words of God, we are commanded not to add to it or take away from it.  To do so opens the door to error because sinful man is in charge of the change.

~Proverbs 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

~Revelations 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.

Our Bible is the final authority – the ultimate authority of God and it meets all of the Christian’s needs in his walk.  All we encounter in life can be measured according to God’s Word.

~2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

In the early church, man-made traditions became the standard for the “religious” and the Word of God lost its place as the only measuring stick.  But just as Jesus Christ rebuked the Pharisees for putting tradition on equal ground as the Scriptures, so does God’s Word rebuke those religions today of the same thing.

~Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

This is found in many religions but most prevalent in the Catholic Church where it teaches “Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, then, are bound closely together and communicate one with the other … And [Holy] Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God, which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit.  … As a result the [Catholic] Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone. Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence”.

Jesus Christ said that God’s Word is made ineffectual through tradition.  There isn’t any tradition that can overpower what the Holy Spirit conveyed through the Holy Scriptures.  (2 Peter 1:29) He is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17, John 15:26, John 16:13) and He conveyed God’s words through the Scriptures.  Because the Holy Spirit is God, there is no one more qualified to write the truth.  Because the Holy Spirit wrote this truth, He is more than qualified to teach this truth to believers – He is the ultimate authority.  That is another one of the Holy Spirit’s missions.

~John 16:13-15 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. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.

Popular religions of the world have their own “standards,” and some even place that standard on their leader.  Leaders are all sinners (Romans 3:23), unlike Jesus Christ who knew no sin.  (2 Corinthians 5:21)  The sinless Saviour used the Scriptures as His plum line to instruct, correct, and lead.  Unfortunately, those religions who place their standard on a leader will be sincerely disappointed.  These same leaders in church history  passed laws/rules which were later dismissed by their current leader.  Where is the plum line?  What is used to prevent error?  How can the common man trust leaders who negate what a leader in history said was from God?  Why isn’t it “from God” now?  Did their leader from years ago make a mistake?  How could he if he was considered infallible?  Man cannot and must not be used to BE the standard or the plum line because man is sinful.

~Psalm 14:3 They are all gone aside, they are [all] together become filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.

~Psalm 53:3 Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.

~Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

~Romans 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Only God is qualified to BE our plumb line and standard for truth because He is truth.  The Scriptures contain the truth and it is by this truth that we will be judged.

~Psalm 12:6 The words of the LORD [are] pure words: [as] silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

~Psalm 33:4 For the word of the LORD [is] right; and all his works [are done] in truth.

~Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

~Proverbs 22:21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

~Ecclesiastes 12:10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and [that which was] written [was] upright, [even] words of truth.

~Isaiah 39:8 Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good [is] the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days.

~John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

~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.

~John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

~2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

~Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

~Colossians 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

~1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

~2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

~James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

It is this truth, God’s Word, that Christianity must base all doctrine.  Not traditions of men.  If there are questions as to whether or not a certain “tradition” be of God, seek the truth in His Word because all truth is contained therein and it is our plumb line.

~Romans 3:4 … yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, …

 

Question of the Day – How can God love and hate sinners?

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~Psalm 5:5 — “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.”

~Psalm 11:5 — “The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.”

~John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

I’m sure this sounds “contradictory” but it really isn’t when you view it as God hates the sin but loves the “person.”  God could not possible hate the sinner because it would contradict:

~Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

If God hated sinners, He would not have sent Christ to die for us “while we were yet sinners.” However, I believe it is quite clear in the above text that God does hate those who are wicked, work iniquity and love violence.  God doesn’t have any problem with casting those into the lake of fire unless they repent and believe on the Lord Jesus!  (Acts 16:31)

It is still man’s choice to go to Hell, not God’s.  Man can choose to continue being wicked, continue working iniquity and continue to love violence.  It is these types of sinners that God hates.  God is omniscient (all knowing), therefore, He knows if this sinner will come to repentance or not.  Once man chooses not to repent, then God in His righteousness must judge that sinner.

God’s love is so great that He sent His own Son to take on the penalty of man’s sin.  How great is that love?!  Would you give up your own child for the same of someone else?

Question of the Day – What is the Trinity

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I don’t claim to have all the answers – especially to a foundational doctrine such as this. However, what I can do is to provide and point you to the Scriptures, which will help to explain what the Scriptures have to say about the Trinity.

The Scriptures teach there is one God (Ephesians 4:6). However, God shows Himself to us in different ways: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

~Matthew 3:16-17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

~Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

There are so many verses which point to a Trinity.  We are not left to imagination or invention:

~2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen.

~1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

~Jude 1:20-21 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

One of the best verses, in my opinion, which portrays the Trinity is found in the King James Bible.  All other versions skip right over this verse and make a comment that it is not found in the “originals.” How convenient! Satan has attempted to corrupt the word of God since the Garden of Eden and hasn’t quit yet.

~1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

I once heard a message on this topic which really helped me to understand the concept of the Trinity. Just as I have a body, soul and spirit, I am still one person. I have three roles, I am a daughter, I am a mother and I am a grandmother. However, I am still one person. Another good example is water. Water contains two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. When water is exposed to high temperatures, it becomes steam. When it is exposed to low temperatures, it becomes ice. All three have two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen, right? All three are water – some form of water but yet each has a different role.

So is the Trinity. There is one God: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is referred to as the Son. He is God manifested (1 John 4:9) in the flesh to be our redeemer. In this manifestation, Christ was also referred as the Word of God (John 1:1). Christ brought God’s words to man kind by becoming man.  He brought mankind salvation through His birth, life, death, and resurrection!

When Christ left this earth, the Father sent us His Holy Spirit to dwell amongst us (John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:7). It is this Holy Spirit who dwells within the born-again Christian – He teaches us – He comforts us – He reveals God’s will to us – He prays to the Father for us when we can’t seem to find the words!  He is with us always and never leaves us!

Was the Trinity present in the Old Testament? I respond with an emphatic YES! Genesis 1:26 reveals this in “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness”! Genesis 3:22 also reveals this “Behold, the man is become as one of us”. Another is Genesis 11:7 “Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language”. Isaiah 6:8 reveals “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”

So many verses reveal God’s triune nature.  We may not fully understand but we can believe by faith. (Romans 1:17) The Bible leads us to the truth – then it’s up to us to believe by faith.

Question of the Day – How can a loving God send people to hell?

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~Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

A common statement heard today is that “If God is such a loving God, how can He send someone to hell?”  Today’s text is a wonderful depiction of God’s love.  He didn’t wait until we “cleaned up our lives.”  He knew that if Israel could not live by the Law, neither would we.  In fact, if we could clean up our lives, Christ’s death would not have been needed.

Hell was not originally created for mankind.  It was created for Satan and his angels

~Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

God’s love for His creation went so far that He provided a way to Heaven for mankind.  He went to great lengths, as a matter of fact.

~John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

~John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

~1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

~1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

These verses provide man with a choice to make:  (1) he that believeth on Christ and (2) he that believeth not.  It is plain and simple and quite obvious that God loves His creation and provides a choice for them to make.  He won’t force Himself on us.  God gave us a free will with the ability to seek things out and decide for ourselves.

By not accepting Christ, one has chosen to go to hell – he has made his choice and, therefore, is responsible for sending himself to hell.

~John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

So in closing, God is a loving God and He does not choose to send anyone to hell.  He leaves that choice up to us.  He provided a way for us to avoid punishment for our sin through His precious Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour.  The rest is up to us.  It is a choice! It is our choice!

responsible for sending them there.

Question of the Day – What does it mean to overcome the flesh?

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~Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

The flesh contains no good thing, according to Paul.  We are born sinners and we do not need to be taught how to sin.  Look at any toddler and you will see the evidence of this statement.

~Romans 7:18a For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: 

The first step is to be able to recognize these things in our lives. How can one recognize them if one is knee-deep in the world? I have seen what allowing the world into one’s life can do to a person. I know someone personally who use to live right. Somehow the devil has gotten compromise in this brother’s life and now he is doing things I never dreamed I’d ever see him do. He still goes to his church and serves in different ministries there. The sad thing is he no longer views these compromises as sin but as his “right” and “liberty” in Christ! It grieves me to see someone use Christianity as an excuse to do whatever they want. (Romans 6:1-2) There’s no consideration given to the weaker brother who is watching and may be pushed right into sin because of the poor testimony displayed by this man.

I find this type of worldly behavior by Christians as immature. They are like toddlers who keep saying, “Mine!” “Give me!” “I want!” “Don’t tell me what to do!” A human being’s growth from baby to adult is very much like the spiritual life of a Christian. A dear friend wrote the following and I’ve used it a few times in my blog.  However, it is so relevant to this topic I thought it was worth repeating!

Spiritual Growth Chart

Babies

Pacifier – Always needing to feel like you are eating but happy with just going through the motions and not really having to swallow anything or digest any truth. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (Hebrews 5:13)

Diaper Changes – Making messes uncontrollably that must be cleaned up by other more mature people. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Crying for attention – Crying not because of pain or hunger, cold or hot, or any other discomfort but because you want attention. Babies lie to get attention! Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Philippians 4:11)

Thoughts – They know that they exist and they begin to learn. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: (Psalms 139:23)

Toddlers

Banging Heads – They see what they want and plunge in after it but they never see any danger. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. (Proverbs 4:19)

Poison – They will put anything in their mouths But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14)

Falls – They will walk right off of the edge or trip over the most obvious hazards. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. (John 11:10)

Undisciplined – This is the age where discipline must be taught, this is where we learn what no means. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. (Proverbs 13:24)

Learning – Begin to learn the first hard lessons of life usually the hard way. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. (Psalms 25:4)

Childhood

Newness – Everything is new and must be discovered. This is where the greatest learning takes place. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)

Recognition – We begin to recognize what causes sickness and pain, joy and pleasure. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. (Psalms 119:7)

Socialization – We learn to play with others and learn from someone other than our parents. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Independence – We can feed ourselves and maintain ourselves with only a little help and nudging. We begin to make decisions. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. (1 John 2:14)

Education – The beginning of a formal education they learn the basics from adults. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. (Psalms 111:10)

Pre-Teen – Teen

Assertion – We begin to assert ourselves as individuals and demand some control over our lives. Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. (Deuteronomy 8:6)

Rebellion – We rebel against the authority of others over our life. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. (1 Samuel 15:23)

Individuality – We begin to show our individuality and uniqueness. But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (1 Corinthians 12:18 )

Abilities – We now have the ability to do constructive work or to destroy the work of others. If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? (1 Corinthians 12:17)

Pride – We gain pride thus reaching the age of accountability. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18 )

Self centered – The world is there to serve us. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (Philippians 2:4)

Knowledge – Begins to become knowledgeable of the deeper things of the World around them. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

Adult

Responsibility – Takes responsibility for his own actions good or bad. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. (1 John 2:10)

Wisdom – Understands truth and his own limitations thus reverences the Creator.

The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. (Proverbs 16:31)

Service – Works for the benefit of others and not just for self. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (2 Timothy 2:24) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; (2 Timothy 2:25) And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2 Timothy 2:26)

Sacrifice – Gives of themselves for their family and the ones that they love. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

Diligence – Does the routine things and the things that are expected of them. Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. (Proverbs 22:29)

Higher Education – They can now gain that higher knowledge of the mysterious things of creation and beyond. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. (Psalms 143:10)

So, my friend, where are you in the Spiritual Growth Chart? Are you as far away from the stench of worldliness or have you hung around it long enough that the “scent” is all over you? This need not be your story. Paul said you can turn it around by living soberly, righteously, and godly. Get in the word of God, Christian. Stop quenching the Holy Spirit of God and allow Him to prick your heart and point out the areas of compromise and worldliness you to need to work on. It’s never too late to turn your life around and be at peace once again. If you were to be totally honest, you cannot say that your worldly life has brought you any true peace. Won’t you turn today and serve the Lord again?

Question of the Day – Why are our words compared to apples of gold?

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~Proverbs 25:1  A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. 

Don’t you love Solomon’s style of writing? Can you just picture in your mind’s eye what apples of gold in pictures of silver look like? No matter what it looks like, it appears “regal.”  But what’s the true meaning behind it? How can our words be compared to apples of gold?

The whole point of this Proverb is to bring your attention to a word that is fitly spoken and its value. These apples apparently have much value in God’s eyes and, therefore, must be referencing valuable words. I believe these valuable words reference the Christian who guards his tongue and makes sure that he always has the words of hope and kindness ready for all to hear.

There are surely various scenarios in life but each requires that words be fitly spoken. The first scenario I think of is during an argument.

~Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. 

I’m sure you’ll agree that this soft answer qualified as a word fitly spoken. Speaking kindness also qualifies in this category.

~Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

How about speaking the blessed Gospel to the lost? Oh, how fitly spoken are they?

~1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

But wherever you see something referencing what God loves, you don’t have to go too far in your reading before you find what the world loves. The world’s apples are quite the opposite. The wicked are known for their tongue. 

~Proverbs 50:19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.

~Psalm 10:7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.

~Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. 

Where do your words fit? Are they apples of gold or apples with worms? As disgusting as that sounds, I’m sure our Heavenly Father looks upon His children’s unfit words much in the same way.

Which would you rather be known for? Someone who spoke kind and uplifting words which the Lord likens to apples of gold? Or someone whose words are unkind, venomous, and filled with worms? We have the words of life for a dying and lost world.  We have the words that change lives for those who are going in the wrong direction.  This is an awesome responsibility and one not to be taken lightly.

Question of the Day – What does it mean to be clamorous?

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~Proverbs 9:13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

Proverbs is such a great book – full of instruction and wisdom! Why don’t more people heed to its precious instructions? What is in this proverb that can be applied to our own lives?

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary’s definition is way more than what I thought clamorous meant! I thought it meant “noisy.”

CLAMOROUS, a. Speaking and repeating loud words; noisy; vociferous; loud; turbulent.

Now that it’s put that way, can you imagine living with someone like this? Do you recognize this in your own life?

Unfortunately, clamorous women probably have no clue that they are this way – or they probably don’t care. Solomon says that these women are not only loud but repetitious! That means they are naggers and complainers and they do it loudly! I don’t know about you but I truly do not want to be known as a clamorous woman! Nor do I think a man would want to live with one either.

Solomon goes on to say that the clamorous woman is simple and knows nothing. Noah Webster defined “simple” as being weak in intellect.  This person is not wise in God’s word but simple.  James says that this type of person’s ‘wisdom’ does not come from above but is devilish.

~James 3:14-16 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

I believe Solomon means that the clamorous woman is simple in the word of God. You can “know” an instruction but it does not mean that you have applied it to your life. Any believer who spends daily time in the Bible seeking the Holy Spirit’s will is going to be convicted of sin in their lives. So, obviously, this woman does not make the Scriptures part of her daily life. If she does, she is reading for the sake of reading and not for the sake of growing spiritually.  She is most certainly quenching the Holy Spirit.

I surely feel badly for the man who is married to such a woman.

~Proverbs 25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

How sad it is when a women is so prideful that she does not allow the Holy Spirit to work in her life.  She prefers to dwell in a home filled with strife!

The Lord has much reward in store for the woman who can be taught. Let’s look at the flip side.

~Proverbs 9:13 A prudent woman is quiet: she is wise, and knoweth the will of God.” 

This woman’s wisdom produces the fruit of the Spirit.  She puts into action what God’s word has revealed to her and yields herself to the work of the Holy Spirit in her life.

~James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Women are not the only ones who can be clamorous.  I personally know men who are this way.  It is an equal opportunity sin and one that fills a home with strife.  No one wants to come home to this type of environment.  Instead, a home filled with peace, gentleness and evidence of good spiritual fruit is a home that brings joy!

 

Question of the Day – How can I learn to control my mouth?

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~Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

The tongue is such a small member according to the Apostle James.

~James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 

It’s amazing how such a small member can wreak so much havoc one moment and yet be sweet as honey the next. Should this be the normal way of life for a believer? Absolutely not! The believer who is being led by the Holy Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit, does not struggle with his tongue but has command over it. He has learned to control the sin of gossip.

The weak minded believer, however, does not share in this. Not only is this weak minded believer allowing the devil to control him, he does not have the sense to get into the word of God and allow the Scriptures to keep him from sin.

~Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 

Instead, this weak minded believer relies on what is in his heart to guide him. If the heart is ruled by sin, it won’t guide this person to anything but trouble.

How can a heart filled with gossip allow the tongue to speak gracious words? The weak minded believer thinks he can fool those in his church by pretending to be a good Christian but then gossip and strife come out of his mouth only to reveal his true colors. God’s word says that this is wrong!

~James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

This gossip stirs up strife and sows discord. I’ve yet to meet a gossip who has not caused much problems. How can the church have a sweet spirit when there’s a gossip in its midst? How can a church attract visitors when there’s a gossip in its midst? A busy body does so much damage to everyone she comes in contact with!

That gossip not only hurts people with his tongue, but he is also known as a sower of discord! If you want to see just how God feels about a gossip, a sower of discord, all you have to do is search for verses with the words “God, hate” and it will be an eye opener! God hates the sower of discord! It does not say He hates the sin – but he hates the one who sows discord. In fact, it is an abomination to Him.

~Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,  A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. 

A gossip is not only a liar but that gossip is also one that sows discord among the brethren (meaning in church).

~James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

James continues to say that the tongue is like a fire! Fire destroys and kills. This little member of the body can do so much destruction if it is allowed to continue. We cannot sweep a sower of discord’s actions under the rug. It must be dealt with, swiftly, or the church body will be destroyed. What better testimony for the devil than to allow this sower in the church! This should not be so. What a sad day it is when families are destroyed by this person! This gossip and sower of discord is at war with everyone around him, except other gossips. Darkness fellowships with darkness.

~Psalm 55:21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. 

I have witnessed this gossip in action. I have witnessed this sower of discord in action. These “supposed” Christians have allowed the devil to rule in their lives. Yes, the devil can rule in a Christian’s life. Even Jesus had to rebuke Peter and tell him that the devil was ruling.

~Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Jesus was not saying that Peter was possessed by a devil. Jesus was stating that Peter was allowing the devil to rule in his life and Peter’s words were evidence of it. Jesus did not mince words. He did not sweep Peter’s conduct under the rug. Instead, Jesus brought it out and exposed it.

The words of a gossip are wicked, wicked, wicked! There is no life in them but only destruction. Guard your tongue, oh Christian. Be careful what you expose your heart to. What is in your heart will come out of your mouth.

~Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 

So, what is considered gossip? If you want to steer away from even the appearance of evil on this one, consider gossip as anything that is said about someone that is not gracious and kind. Many disguise their gossip with statements like, “Bless her heart, she just doesn’t have enough money to buy a dress that would cover her whole body!” My friend, don’t be fooled.

You can’t Febreeze a skunk – it will still be a skunk and it will still stink! Don’t allow the devil rule over your mouth. Yes, I said “allow”! It is our choice to gossip. Recognize the sin of gossip … repent … confess it … seek forgivness from those you have hurt … forsake it. Then fill your heart with the precious Scriptures and allow it to cleanse you, keep you clean, (Psalm 119:9) and prevent you from falling.

Question of the Day – What does it mean to be fruitful?

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~2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

When we buy our fruit in the grocery store, we don’t stop to think about where the fruit came from or the work it took the fruit farmer to get that fruit to us. A tree can only produce plenty of fruit – good fruit – when it is properly cared for and has all the right “ingredients.” It needs the right amount of sunshine, rain, fertilizer and pruning. A healthy tree produces a good crop of fruit.

It is the same with our Christian lives. Without the Son-shine in our lives, we cannot bear fruit. One must be born again to produce spiritual fruit. Without Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we cannot possibly be fruitful nor can we make it without Him. Without getting to know Him better through the word of God, we cannot grow.

~John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

At times we need pruning so we can be more fruitful. Pruning comes in various ways – through trials, through the Scriptures, and through the preaching. God uses multiple things in our lives to get our attention if we are being disobedient to His word. A tree doesn’t have much choice but to be pruned. But we do! We don’t have to be pruned by the Lord. We can resist the devil (James 4:7) and the temptations by removing ourselves from the situation that is tempting us.  God provides us with a way to escape temptation so we do not fall.  (1 Corinthians 10:13) However, when we don’t, we can be sure we will not grow properly. This is why we won’t produce the fruit we could produce.

~Psalm 1:2-3, But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Notice that verse 3 says that his leaf shall not wither. If I water my plants regularly, they stay looking nice. If I miss a week or two, however, the leaves start to droop and they “scream” for water. So should Christians scream for the living water of the Word. Daily reading, studying and submitting to God’s word is what will produce good fruit.

~John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 

Don’t allow yourself to go one day without gleaning from the Scriptures.  This is our spiritual food which will produce good fruit.  One cannot walk away from the Scriptures without being changed.  The word of God is the fertilizer that every Christian needs to be fruitful!

Question of the Day – Why shouldn’t Christians concentrate on self esteem?

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~Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. 

I truly believe that the worse “new teaching” from the world today is the one of self esteem. This teaching is definitely not scriptural and it has done so much damage to the Christian. It is not a new teaching but it is certainly more prevalent in today’s world than in the past. Everyone is focused on me, myself and I. What’s in it for me? You offended me! You hurt my feelings. You’re no better than I am. Don’t tell Johnny, who’s in the tenth grade, that he is reading at fifth grade level, you’ll ruin his self esteem! No where in God’s word does it say that we should esteem ourselves! Why do you think people are conceited and full of themselves? Why do you think there is so much concentration in the church to “feel good about themselves”? They have been “self esteemed” ad nauseum!

Noah Webster’s definition of the word esteem is SO very different from today’s.

1. To set a value on, whether high or low; to estimate; to value. Then he forsook God who made him, and lightly esteemed the rock of his salvation. Deu 32. They that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 1 Sam 2.

2. To prize; to set a high value on; to regard with reverence, respect or friendship. When our minds are not biased, we always esteem the industrious, the generous, the brave, the virtuous, and the learned. Will he esteem thy riches? Job 36.

Merriam-Webster’s definition 

is the regard in which one is held; especially : high regard

Merriam’s definition is quite diluted, isn’t it? What things in God’s Word are we to esteem? Job 23 12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. Psalm 119:28 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.  God’s word should be esteemed. If you were to place the emphasis of Merriam’s definition for esteem to God’s word, you would not be totally convinced that it deserved such a high rating, right? But if you put Noah’s definition, you see that the Bible is to be prized and reverenced. This is a much different viewpoint! No wonder the worldly Christians do not look to the Word of God to change them. They don’t revere it, therefore, it’s impact on their lives is minimal.

Does God regard esteem as sin? Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (emphasis mine) God considers it an abomination if you esteem that which is ungodly.

Whom should we esteem? Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  and 1 Thessalonians 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. We should esteem the brethren better than ourselves and we should esteem those who are over us – our deacons and our Pastors. No where in my of salvation have I ever read in God’s 1ord that I should think highly of myself. If I love the brethren, they will always take precedence over me. 1 Corinthians 3:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Paul says that our love for each other will cause us to be longsuffering with each other, be kind to each other, not envy one another, and not think highly of ourselves. Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 

My friend, these are not the Bible verses encouraging us to have self esteem! These verses are encouraging us to be humble, meek and low in pride. What will happen to the one who thinks highly of himself?

~Job 40:11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.

~Ezekiel 21:26 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. 

~Daniel 4:37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. 

~Matthew 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. 

~Luke 14:11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 

~Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 

None of these verses sound like words from a support group for self-esteem. Quite the opposite. We should humble and be promoted to the front of the line by the Lord than to think more of ourselves rather than have Him tell us to get to the back of the line. If anyone had reason for self-esteem, it was the Lord Jesus Christ. But He humbled Himself to the point of dying for you and I. If we are to walk in His footsteps, how can we possibly have self-esteem and say that it comes from God? This is hypocrisy – we should do well to learn from the account of the Pharisee and the Publican.