Showing posts with label example. Show all posts
Showing posts with label example. Show all posts

Wednesday 17 May 2017

When having taken a new direction in life, having become a Christian

English: Folio 18 recto, beginning of the Epis...
English: Folio 18 recto, beginning of the Epistle to Thessalonians, decorated headpiece (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When the apostle Paul wrote to the churches at Colossa and Thessalonica he felt united with God the Father and the Lord Jeshua Christ.
He knew that in the presence of our God and Father, we never had to forget that our faith should be active, our love working hard, and our confidence in our the master teacher Jeshua enduring. (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

He wants us to continually recall before God our Father the things we have done because of our faith and our work of/from faith. When under Christ, being in the faith, we should not only live in faith for ourselves, but share that faith and share the love of Christ with others. Therefore we should do the work because of our love and our continuing strength because of your hope orendurance of/from hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

In the same way the Thessalonians their faith and way of living became an example to [model for] all the believers in Macedonia [the Roman province in which Thessalonica was located, present-day northern Greece] and Achaia [present-day southern Greece] (1 Thessalonians 1:7) we should become an example too.

Today, people around you have to be able to see how you stopped being of this world and stopped worshipping idols [turned to God from idols] to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom God raised from the dead, and the sent one from God who who rescues us from the coming wrath. (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

To be on the safe site, we have chosen to belong to the body of Christ and work at ourselves, making us holy, i.e. being set apart from the world, having the right godly attitude.

Always we should be keeping alert, and always thanking and praying to God. (Colossians 4:2)

Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that also you have a Master in heaven.
Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.
And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison; (Colossians 4:1-3 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)
Therefore we should act wisely, behaving towards people who are not believers, making the most of every opportunity. When you talk, you should always be kind [gracious] and pleasant [winsome; engaging; or wholesome; seasoned with salt] so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should.
Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity.
Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you]. (Colossians 4:5-6 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)
Since you were in a way raised from the dead, by choosing for Christ and his resurrection, you should also aim at [aspire to; seek after; focus on] what is in heaven [the things above], where the one who did not do his own will but preferred to do the Will of God, is sitting at the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1)

Having come under the grace of God, we should think only about [set our minds on; fix our thoughts on] the things in heaven [above], not the things on earth. Our aim should be to become like Christ, by his nailing at the stake, having nailed our old sinful self to the past and to death. As if we died, and our new life is kept [hidden] with Christ in God.
For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory.
(Colossians 3:3-4 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)
We should know that now having come into a new world, the one of Christ, we have to do our best to put all evil [earthly; worldly] things out of your life [to death]: sexual sinning, doing evil [impurity; defilement], letting evil thoughts control you [lust; passion], wanting things that are evil [selfish desires], and greed, which is ·serving a false god [idolatry]Because of these things, God’s ·judgment [anger; wrath] is coming.

So kill (deaden, [a]deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God).
It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will),(Colossians 3:5-6 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)

It may not always be easy to put the many bad things of the world aside, and to get these things out of your life: anger, bad temper [rage], hatred [malice; evil], saying things to hurt others [slander; blasphemy], and using evil words [abusive/filthy/obscene language] when you talk [from your mouth].
Among whom you also once walked, when you were living in and addicted to [such practices].
But now put away and rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, and foulmouthed abuse and shameful utterances from your lips!
(Colossians 3:7-8 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)
 Let us be glad that we receive the ability to do away of our old self, our old sinful life [self; person; man] and the things we did before [its deeds/practices], now having begun to live the new life [put on the new person/man], in which we are being made new [renewed] in the true knowledge of God and are becoming like [according to the image of] the One who created us [Gen. 1:26–27]

Today we see lots of people who do not like strangers living around them, they forgetting that when they allow them to get themselves to be known, they should not be strangers any more. In our new life there should be no difference between Jews and other believers or unbelievers in God, those who are circumcised and those who are not circumcised, or between people who are foreigners [barbarians], or Scythians [from the northern coast of the Black Sea, considered uncivilized and violent]. There is no difference between slaves and free people. But Christ is all that is important and should be in all believers [all and in all], having those who believe in him sharing the love of Christ with all others.
10 And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect [a]knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it.
11 [In this new creation all distinctions vanish.] There [b]is no room for and there can be neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, [nor difference between nations whether alien] barbarians or Scythians [[c]who are the most savage of all], nor slave or free man; but Christ is all and in all [[d]everything and everywhere, to all men, without distinction of person].
(Colossians 3:10-11Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)
In the knowledge that God loves us and has prepared a body for us, giving us salvation and liberation form slavery and death, we should not enslave others nor bring fear and death over  others. Now we received the ability to become God’s chosen, holy and beloved ones (Ex. 19:6; 1 Pet. 2:9] we should present ourselves to others as "newly clothed" ones full of acceptance and openness, with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with or making allowances for; being patient with each other, and forgiving each other, always letting the peace of Christ control [rule; arbitrate] our thinking [hearts], because we were all called together in one body [the church as the body of Christ] to have peace.
12 Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper].
13 Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].
14 And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].
15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].
(Colossians 3:12-15 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)

Always be thankful and remember that everything you do or say should be done to obey [or as a representative of; in the name of] the Lord Jesus. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus. (Colossians 3:15-17)

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Please do find to read:

  1. Facing our existence every day
  2. Cognizance at the doorstep or at the internet socket 
  3. Looking for wisdom not departing from God’s Word
  4. Outflow of foundational relationship based on acceptance of Jesus
  5. Showing by the scriptures that …
  6. Christian values, traditions, real or false stories, pure and upright belief
  7. When having found faith through the study of the Bible we do need to do works of faith
  8. Thought for those who think it is not necessary to do any works any more 
  9. Leading with Fear: Gathering or Scattering?
  10. Today’s thought “Ability to assemble” (May 14)
  11. Today’s thought “Death by being taken captive” (May 15)
  12. Today’s thought “Clothing yourselves with the right attitude” (May 16)
  13. Today’s thought “Let’s be examples of disciples who spread the word about their Master” (May 17)
  14. Today’s thought by the French elections and right-wing populism in the world 
  15. Human Nature: What does the Bible teach? 
  16. The business of this life 
  17. How to set your mind 
  18. Running away from the past
  19. Establish your hearts blameless in holines 
  20. A race not to swift, nor a battle to the strong
  21. The first on the list of the concerns of the saint   
  22. Unconditional love
  23. Be holy
  24. Doctrine and Conduct Cause and Effect 
  25. The works we have to do according to James 
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Thursday 23 April 2009

A Living Faith #1 Substance of things hoped for


“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb 11:1

This is a well known quote from Paul spelling out the principles of faith. We have never met Abraham, Isaac, or any of the Patriarchs.  We have never met any of the prophets and not even one of the faithful men and women whose lives are recorded in scripture as examples for us. We have never walked the streets of the Jerusalem of David’s day nor witnessed the building of Solomon’s temple.  Unlike the disciples we have never seen the Lord Jesus Christ nor been privileged to hear his words first hand. We have not seen the Kingdom or even a glimpse of the glory and wonder of that time to come. But faith provides substance to the words of scripture and provides evidence of that which is not yet seen.

But faith is not blind; it is not a blind unknowing belief in the insubstantial. Faith is based upon a solid foundation and not on an elusive, flimsy account of a mans dreams. Faith looks up at the heavens and the myriads of stars each in their place and all governed by unchanging physical laws. Faith views nature and sees the myriad forms of life on the earth. Then faith sees in all things, the wonder of life wrought by the hand of an Almighty Creator.

Faith is born out of a knowledge about lives and events that are as real and tangible as any historical account. Faith sees the reality of promises and prophecy already fulfilled, and then concludes that what has not yet come, will equally be fulfilled.

Faith sees substance in the scriptures that paint a wonderful picture about a time to come of peace and safety such as has never been. The world as it is today maybe appears permanent, its roads, vast cities, transport systems and institutions unassailable. Yet the eye of faith sees a vastly changed vista, for faith views amongst many things:

Ø  A time when a vast temple over a mile square will be built as a ‘house of prayer for all nations’.
Ø  A time when ‘the desert will blossom as the rose’
Ø  A time when all shall know the Lord ‘from the least of them to the greatest of them’.

Faith is an essential component of salvation, for Paul writes that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Heb 11:6

Now, there are three key words in that quote from Hebrews, namely faith, substance and evidence.

The word ‘faith’ comes from the Greek word ‘pistis’, meaning assurance, belief, fidelity and faithfulness (the character of one who can be relied on). Faith therefore is a confidence engendered by knowledge, for as we read “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom 10:17

Now the word ‘substance’  comes from the Greek ‘hupostasis’, meaning confidence, substructure or foundation, steadfastness of mind, firmness, courage, resolution, firm trust, assurance. Faith can thus be viewed as an attitude of mind that is convinced of the Truth and which has a firm foundation for hope.

Finally we come to the word ‘evidence’ which comes from the Greek ‘elegchos’ meaning that by which a thing is proved or tested. Faith in that which is to come, has its evidence in the Word, which as Paul writes is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof (‘elegchos’ translated ‘for proof’ Diaglott, conviction YLT )… ..for instruction in righteousness” 2Tim 3:16

You may recall that Jesus once upbraided the disciples for having ‘little faith’.  There they were in a storm on the Sea of Galilee, the waves threatening to sink the boat. Jesus though had calmly fallen asleep in the stern of the boat. His disciples went to him saying:

"Lord, save us! We are perishing!”  His reply: "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?"

With Jesus in that boat it was unsinkable, for his time had not yet come. The disciples had witnessed the expressions of belief and faith of others, particularly the profound faith of the Centurion of whom Jesus had said “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” Matt 8:10. They had witnessed acts of healing and listened to the parables Jesus had told concerning the Kingdom, yet they themselves were chided for having ‘little faith’. I wonder how Jesus would view our level of faith when faced with the storms and the tossing waves of life. Are they viewed as simply time and chance, or do we see the hand of Yahweh at work moulding and shaping our lives? Most certainly the minutiae of life are very often time and chance, but the overall tenor of life is overruled, all things working to our good. Thus do we see trial and tribulation as an opportunity for our characters to develop and faith to be tested?

The term ‘little faith’ comes from the Greek ‘oligopistos’ meaning to be incredulous or lacking confidence.  One of the root words in Greek means puny, small, brief (in extent/duration). The other root word means persuasion, reliance and belief. Therefore having ‘little faith’ implies being little persuaded and lacking in reliance.

Thus a lesson is driven home which in effect says that it is easy to express faith when life is easy, harder when life events get tough.  It is the testing by the trial and tribulations of life that proves the value and depth of faith, plus of course our level of understanding. There are times when the storms and waves in life threaten to swamp our boat, yet Paul writes “no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man”. Therefore, the evidence of faith will recall the promise, “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1Cor 10:13

The disciples once asked Jesus "Lord increase our faith". The reply came:

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree - be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it will obey you" Luke 17:5

Such a small amount of faith could accomplish so much! I wonder what an honest self examination would say about our personal level of faith. Is it as great as a small mustard seed or would Jesus upbraid us for having ‘little faith?


To be continued….A Living Faith #2

Andy Peel.


In this series:

A Living Faith #1 Substance of things hoped for
A living faith #2 State of your faith
A Living Faith #3 Faith put into action
A Living Faith #4 Effort
A Living Faith #5 Perseverance
A Living Faith #6 Sacrifice
A Living faith #7 Prayer
A Living Faith #8 Change
A Living Faith #9 Our Manner of Life
A Living Faith #10: Our manner of Life #2
A Living Faith #11 My place in the body of Christ and my ecclesia
A Living Faith #12 The Love for Jesus

Of interest: >
Faith Requires a Basis

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2016 January update

Wednesday 25 March 2009

There's no thief like a bad book

Dutch version / Nederlands > Er is geen dief als een slecht boek


"There's no thief like a bad book."
- Italian Proverb

"Do not be misled:
'Bad company corrupts good character.'"
1 Corinthians 15:33

"Forsake foolishness and live,
and go in the way of understanding."
Proverbs 9:6

Lord let my family come into contact with the right people.
Let me always be wise enough and making the right choices.
Make sure that I always stay on the straight path
and with my good example others bring to the truth.


Saturday 24 January 2009

No man is capable of self-improvement on his own

"No man is capable of self-improvement if he sees no other model but himself."
- Conrado I. Generoso

"For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you,
leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth."
1 Peter 2:21-22

God, I am thankful that you have given us a beautiful example in Jesus Christ.
Give that I learn from all the holy persons whose works are shown to us in the Bible.