Romans 3:1-18 My personalization & role playing of these scriptures:
Why would Paul rhetorically ask what advantage there was in being a Jew or even being circumcised? Why would a Jew ask "so what's my advantage in being a Jew" considering what was said at the end of chapter 2?
So some people have been trying to push the idea that "if you are not real faithful, then God's not faithful." We can't trust God when we see "God-followers" that are failing. Is that a correct statement?
Another arguement people were pushing was "hey, if I don't do right, then I create a large contrast to show how God does do things right. Since my misbehavior makes you notice how right God is, I should be mad at God for punishing my wrong, correct? "Let us do evil that good may result."
So, I'm not a Jew and I don't come up with those stupid ideas thinking that if I do bad, I prove God is good. I should think a lot about myself because I'm not like them, right? Nope! Verses 9-18 say "we", non-Jews, are on par with Jews in the truth that we are "unrighteous by our own merit".
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Romans 3
I've read chapter three (several times) and will comment more about it tomorrow. I get so frustrated because I read and read and read and comprehend NOTHING!!!!!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
0
That is the number of days that I have sat down this week to study my Bible. I am truly embarrassed to admit that I don't even take time to read God's word.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Daily Bible Reading
We want to read everyday. So lets keep track of how many days this coming week we read God's word. It does not have to be a bunch. It just has to be more than just flipping a coin or opening up somewhere. The goal is reading 7 days of course. We're studying Romans so rereading that is just fine. Keep track okay! Next Sunday we can report our numbers. Have a great week.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Hi Yall!! I'm new to this one, but I'm glad to be here. ----Jennifer your question. . . . . worship isn't about us. It is only about God. The reason that we go and do it together is because we are required to do so. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:19-25. We have been washed (baptized into Christ ---we make that decision when we are ready to do so for the remission of our sins) so we've got to come together in love and good deeds so that we can ENCOURAGE one another. Again, worship is not about us!! It's about what we can do for God, how we can praise him, and how we can build others up (by our presence, song, words, actions, and sincerity). It is not about us! It's only about GOD!
If there is a church that's not following the Bible's firm and unwavering guidelines. . . then either correct it ---in love. Or, get the heck outta Dodge. Shaking the dust off of your feet. Luke 9. . .when Jesus sent out his disciples to work with the people.
It really gets under my skin sometimes when people think that this group has more fun or this group does this. .. . or this group sings better. . . . SO what!!! Do we think for 1 minute that this will be the thing that God looks for and asks for?
Who makes the rules? I don't. . . but I know who does. And I will follow them to get to where I need to go. What about the rest of us?
If there is a church that's not following the Bible's firm and unwavering guidelines. . . then either correct it ---in love. Or, get the heck outta Dodge. Shaking the dust off of your feet. Luke 9. . .when Jesus sent out his disciples to work with the people.
It really gets under my skin sometimes when people think that this group has more fun or this group does this. .. . or this group sings better. . . . SO what!!! Do we think for 1 minute that this will be the thing that God looks for and asks for?
Who makes the rules? I don't. . . but I know who does. And I will follow them to get to where I need to go. What about the rest of us?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Sidetracked
If Jorge's too long winded then I get side tracked too much. I appreciate your long-windedness, Jorge.
So, here is my sidetracked question...Is it okay to not go to a church just because you don't like it? Micah and I have been to several that were good churches, but we decided not to worship there just because we didn't like it there. Is that okay? Also, what if you go to a church, agree with most things that are taught, but not everything. Should you stay worshipping there or should you leave? We don't have any of these problems at the church we are currently at, but we have had them in the past and know people who have had some of these same problems. We are talking about unity in our Wednesday night class, so that has brought up some of these questions amongst Micah and I. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Romans Chapter 2 Part 2
I understand the NIV easier for this second half.
V 24 is a powerful verse. Verses 17-23 go into detail comparing your pride to your actions and seeing if you are genuine. The hypocrisy was so bad that even the “pagan” Gentiles saw how “vile” the Jews actually were. The Gentiles were like “why the heck would I want to be a Jew in faith and follow God? Obviously, God isn’t benefiting those guys. What the heck are they learning in that Mosaic Law that I’m really missing out on? I am actually doing better than them without God.” In fact, the Jews were the best case against Judaism. Likewise, today, many have said that the best case against Christianity is Christians! We are in a greenhouse being evaluated at all times. The crazy thing is that many times it is the ungodly that are evaluating us and when they see us in the wrong, they discount God’s power & wisdom. Just listen to what is said about Christians on TV. People that have no clue about scripture are judging us & God.
V 25 If you go back and read about when circumcision started…not when Moses came around…but before when God found favor with Abraham, we read in Genesis 17 that this circumcision was a physical representation of a emotional commitment. You were stating that “God is my Lord; he is who I answer to.” You were telling others that this was an enduring commitment until death. The amazing thing is that parents would dedicate their children to God via circumcision but the rest was up to the kid. So Paul says, “so what!” to being circumcised (pledged to God) if you are sinning & acting like you aren’t circumcised (pledged to God). As verse 26 says, you can point to your circumcised body but will not be regarded as circumcised because there is no obeying. Incredibly the guy who isn’t circumcised but does what is right (the Gentile from verse 14 who obeys instinctively) will condemn you (not as in them being God but as in them being used as the standard to measure you up against).
How furious would a Jew be that a Gentile would be their standard?
V 28 “A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.”
If you read Genesis 17 and pieces of chapters 18-21, you will see that these promises God was making Abraham were based on a condition. Many of God’s promises are conditional. Conditional on us doing our part! Most definitely, circumcision was a physical action initiated by an emotional/mental response. Abraham had to do a gut check and accept that God would lead him in every aspect of his life. That is what God was demanding via circumcision.
V 29 "No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God."
Your heart has to be in to it. Your parents may have devoted you to God but as you grew up, you had to come to grips with the reality that it was up to you to fulfill the pact created with God. Now how do we tell whether the devotion is really there and growing…we see the fruit. Just like James says that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks, out of the overflow of the heart, you obey. This devout person will be satisfied if his God is happy with him and will be able to battle on through even though the rest of the world ridicules him.
Oh and although circumcision was part of the Law of Moses, it did not originate there. It originated with Abraham, hundreds of years before. A pact between God and his descendants.
Now in all this talk of circumcision, replace the word circumcision with immersion, Jew with Christian, Gentile with unbeliever and see if that isn’t a hard pill to swallow. Here we are pointing to our immersion but Paul is saying there better be some hard proof that your heart is in it. Like Brother Wilkey says, there has to be a line when you broke from the pack and said God is first for me, everyone else is last.
When did you cross the line?
I believe whole-heartedly that I and other New Testament Christians crossed the line when I let myself be immersed into Christ’s death and was brought up into the resurrection of Christ.
V 24 is a powerful verse. Verses 17-23 go into detail comparing your pride to your actions and seeing if you are genuine. The hypocrisy was so bad that even the “pagan” Gentiles saw how “vile” the Jews actually were. The Gentiles were like “why the heck would I want to be a Jew in faith and follow God? Obviously, God isn’t benefiting those guys. What the heck are they learning in that Mosaic Law that I’m really missing out on? I am actually doing better than them without God.” In fact, the Jews were the best case against Judaism. Likewise, today, many have said that the best case against Christianity is Christians! We are in a greenhouse being evaluated at all times. The crazy thing is that many times it is the ungodly that are evaluating us and when they see us in the wrong, they discount God’s power & wisdom. Just listen to what is said about Christians on TV. People that have no clue about scripture are judging us & God.
V 25 If you go back and read about when circumcision started…not when Moses came around…but before when God found favor with Abraham, we read in Genesis 17 that this circumcision was a physical representation of a emotional commitment. You were stating that “God is my Lord; he is who I answer to.” You were telling others that this was an enduring commitment until death. The amazing thing is that parents would dedicate their children to God via circumcision but the rest was up to the kid. So Paul says, “so what!” to being circumcised (pledged to God) if you are sinning & acting like you aren’t circumcised (pledged to God). As verse 26 says, you can point to your circumcised body but will not be regarded as circumcised because there is no obeying. Incredibly the guy who isn’t circumcised but does what is right (the Gentile from verse 14 who obeys instinctively) will condemn you (not as in them being God but as in them being used as the standard to measure you up against).
How furious would a Jew be that a Gentile would be their standard?
V 28 “A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.”
If you read Genesis 17 and pieces of chapters 18-21, you will see that these promises God was making Abraham were based on a condition. Many of God’s promises are conditional. Conditional on us doing our part! Most definitely, circumcision was a physical action initiated by an emotional/mental response. Abraham had to do a gut check and accept that God would lead him in every aspect of his life. That is what God was demanding via circumcision.
V 29 "No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God."
Your heart has to be in to it. Your parents may have devoted you to God but as you grew up, you had to come to grips with the reality that it was up to you to fulfill the pact created with God. Now how do we tell whether the devotion is really there and growing…we see the fruit. Just like James says that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks, out of the overflow of the heart, you obey. This devout person will be satisfied if his God is happy with him and will be able to battle on through even though the rest of the world ridicules him.
Oh and although circumcision was part of the Law of Moses, it did not originate there. It originated with Abraham, hundreds of years before. A pact between God and his descendants.
Now in all this talk of circumcision, replace the word circumcision with immersion, Jew with Christian, Gentile with unbeliever and see if that isn’t a hard pill to swallow. Here we are pointing to our immersion but Paul is saying there better be some hard proof that your heart is in it. Like Brother Wilkey says, there has to be a line when you broke from the pack and said God is first for me, everyone else is last.
When did you cross the line?
I believe whole-heartedly that I and other New Testament Christians crossed the line when I let myself be immersed into Christ’s death and was brought up into the resurrection of Christ.
Romans Chapter 2 Part 1 (sorry)
V3 “you, a mere man, pass judgment…think you will escape God’s judgment” NIV
This clearly mocks us in our attempts to play God and act like our opinion can actually sentence someone to punishment
V4 “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” NASB
I think Paul is telling us that we should not take away value from God’s kindness, tolerance, & patience. We need to remember that we did evil also but that God was able to bring us to repentance. The same could happen to the one whom you are judging. If you are wanting to be judge & the one who sentences, then you are writing off someone as “going to hell” even though God has not yet stopped giving them chances to change. IS THIS WHAT Y’ALL THINK?
V6-8 These verses express the same idea as judging a tree by its fruit and he who loves his life will lose it and he who hates his life will gain eternal life. God is just and since he does not show favoritism (v11), he will reward those who showed him love (if you love me, follow my commandments) and condemn those who demonstrated hate towards God by not following his commandments. That is His sole standard measuring stick for each of us. Of course, we have 1 Jn 1:7-10 to help us when we, Christians, are faithful but slip up. Also, v7 states “seek glory, honor & immortality” while v8 states “self-seeking & who reject the truth & follow evil”. This talks about our “motives” for our actions.
V 12 For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law;
This is the NASB version. The use of “without” I think coincides with the talk about the Gentiles in v 14 “who do not have the Law.” Now v 12 talks about someone who Sins. It seems as though there is some benefit to being a sinner that had the Law. I am thinking maybe the benefit is the use of sacrifices to atone for sins. I am not sure but I would think that would be an advantage over someone that has no guidance as to what to do once they sin. Although, if someone (without the Law) recognizes that they sin, guilt could lead them to ask for forgiveness. I have no clue how this would be handled by God since the Law actually helps understand that repentance is necessary & that sacrifices are a means to regain fellowship with God. It seems like v 14-15 help fill in the gaps on the process.
v 13 for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.
This is talking about the Jewish law and how you had to “do” what it said to be counted justified. This same type of idea is used by James chapter 1 verse 20 or 21. Don’t be just a hearer of the word, be a doer. There James was referring to the Christian law. This is such a challenge for people because it feels so great to think that we can just hear and believe, to the extent that we make a pledge to God, and that God will forgive. The OT & NT state that “Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” I agree with that. We just need to understand that the word “believe” in that sentence has the meaning of “hearing, believing, & acting on it.” That is another discussion that we will have to tackle sometime, the difference between believe and believe. The “believers” that will go to heaven are the ones that “hear, believe, & act on it”. The “act on it” includes repentance, public confession, immersion, & proving to God that those things have initiated a change in you.
v 14 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, 16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.
Here is how I think those who did not have the Mosaic Law in the past & even those who do not have the Christian Law now will be judged. They will be judged by how closely they followed God’s desire using their own natural intuition. Most humans without “religionizing” them know that you should not mess with another man or woman who is married, stealing is wrong, killing is wrong, insulting others is wrong, sexual assault is wrong, not sharing is not cool, hard work is good, being honest is good, respecting authority is good, life is precious, children are innocent treasures, etc. We see this in even the most rudimentary of tribes on the National Geographic channel.
When you wonder about all the billions of people that were not of the people of Israel, or were nowhere near Israel to hear about God and maybe become a proselyte, or who today still haven’t heard of Jesus in the slightest, you ask what will happen to them. How will they be judged? I believe (from Romans 2) they will be judged with how closely their conscience aligned with God’s. The standard will be the level of moral excellence that they know of and how closely they were to that standard. Their “Law” is on their hearts. Their conscience knows when they sinned or did well. That conscience will be judged by God through Christ Jesus. This is definitely an interesting subject that we of course do not fall under but those who do not have availability of the Bible do fall under.
I will get to the rest of the chapter soon.
Read Mark 7:24-30. Think of "children" as the Jews and "dogs" as the Gentiles. I believe Jesus was stating that Jews still had first crack at the promise of a Savior. Gentiles were second in line because he knew the Jews would reject Jesus. (to the Jew first, then the Gentile) What do you think?
This clearly mocks us in our attempts to play God and act like our opinion can actually sentence someone to punishment
V4 “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” NASB
I think Paul is telling us that we should not take away value from God’s kindness, tolerance, & patience. We need to remember that we did evil also but that God was able to bring us to repentance. The same could happen to the one whom you are judging. If you are wanting to be judge & the one who sentences, then you are writing off someone as “going to hell” even though God has not yet stopped giving them chances to change. IS THIS WHAT Y’ALL THINK?
V6-8 These verses express the same idea as judging a tree by its fruit and he who loves his life will lose it and he who hates his life will gain eternal life. God is just and since he does not show favoritism (v11), he will reward those who showed him love (if you love me, follow my commandments) and condemn those who demonstrated hate towards God by not following his commandments. That is His sole standard measuring stick for each of us. Of course, we have 1 Jn 1:7-10 to help us when we, Christians, are faithful but slip up. Also, v7 states “seek glory, honor & immortality” while v8 states “self-seeking & who reject the truth & follow evil”. This talks about our “motives” for our actions.
V 12 For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law;
This is the NASB version. The use of “without” I think coincides with the talk about the Gentiles in v 14 “who do not have the Law.” Now v 12 talks about someone who Sins. It seems as though there is some benefit to being a sinner that had the Law. I am thinking maybe the benefit is the use of sacrifices to atone for sins. I am not sure but I would think that would be an advantage over someone that has no guidance as to what to do once they sin. Although, if someone (without the Law) recognizes that they sin, guilt could lead them to ask for forgiveness. I have no clue how this would be handled by God since the Law actually helps understand that repentance is necessary & that sacrifices are a means to regain fellowship with God. It seems like v 14-15 help fill in the gaps on the process.
v 13 for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.
This is talking about the Jewish law and how you had to “do” what it said to be counted justified. This same type of idea is used by James chapter 1 verse 20 or 21. Don’t be just a hearer of the word, be a doer. There James was referring to the Christian law. This is such a challenge for people because it feels so great to think that we can just hear and believe, to the extent that we make a pledge to God, and that God will forgive. The OT & NT state that “Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” I agree with that. We just need to understand that the word “believe” in that sentence has the meaning of “hearing, believing, & acting on it.” That is another discussion that we will have to tackle sometime, the difference between believe and believe. The “believers” that will go to heaven are the ones that “hear, believe, & act on it”. The “act on it” includes repentance, public confession, immersion, & proving to God that those things have initiated a change in you.
v 14 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, 16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.
Here is how I think those who did not have the Mosaic Law in the past & even those who do not have the Christian Law now will be judged. They will be judged by how closely they followed God’s desire using their own natural intuition. Most humans without “religionizing” them know that you should not mess with another man or woman who is married, stealing is wrong, killing is wrong, insulting others is wrong, sexual assault is wrong, not sharing is not cool, hard work is good, being honest is good, respecting authority is good, life is precious, children are innocent treasures, etc. We see this in even the most rudimentary of tribes on the National Geographic channel.
When you wonder about all the billions of people that were not of the people of Israel, or were nowhere near Israel to hear about God and maybe become a proselyte, or who today still haven’t heard of Jesus in the slightest, you ask what will happen to them. How will they be judged? I believe (from Romans 2) they will be judged with how closely their conscience aligned with God’s. The standard will be the level of moral excellence that they know of and how closely they were to that standard. Their “Law” is on their hearts. Their conscience knows when they sinned or did well. That conscience will be judged by God through Christ Jesus. This is definitely an interesting subject that we of course do not fall under but those who do not have availability of the Bible do fall under.
I will get to the rest of the chapter soon.
Read Mark 7:24-30. Think of "children" as the Jews and "dogs" as the Gentiles. I believe Jesus was stating that Jews still had first crack at the promise of a Savior. Gentiles were second in line because he knew the Jews would reject Jesus. (to the Jew first, then the Gentile) What do you think?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
My Take on Chapter 2
Okay, we're slacking off here, at least I am. It's taken almost three weeks to read two chapters! Not that great. I am reading the chapters over and over and over, but still...
Anyways, here is my take on chapter 2. I'm kinda a big picture person, so let me know if I'm missing out on something or if I'm misunderstanding something!
All the judgement stuff...between what I've read and what Jorge has put up here, my understanding is that we are going to make judgements, or draw conclusions, about people based on their actions. We have to remember, though, that whatever standard we hold others to, however harshly we judge them, we will also be judged. And it is not for us to condemn others because of their actions, only God can do that.
Our actions are very important. They give the world an insight into our hearts. We can't teach one thing and do another, or judge people for something while we ourselves are doing it. In verses 25 and following, Paul says that a Jew is not necessarily just someone who is circumsized, but those who are a Jew inwardly in their hearts. I think he is trying to tell people that you don't have to be a Jew to inherit Heaven, anyone can who follows God's laws and does His will and does so because that is what God wants, not to impress men.
My question for this chapter: He always says, "to the Jew first and also to the Greek" then later he says that you are not necessarily a "Jew" because the world views you as one. Is there a connection between these two things? Is he being literal with the "Jew first and also to the Greek" or is he being figurative? Don't know if my question makes any sense.
I look forward to seeing your takes on chapter 2. Amy, are you still unable to get on the blog?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
News from the Philippines
Yesterday I received The Messenger from Cebu City, Philippines. The Messenger is published bi-monthly by missionaries of the Bible Study Center (www.BibleStudyCenter.net). We know the missionaries as Barry & Shari Murrell, Jon & Gena Murrell, and Clint & Rachael Robinstein. I was so excited to read about all their great work. Their family is continuing to grow. Clint & Rachael just had a baby boy, Andrew, on January 16th. Jon & Gina are expecting a baby sometime soon. The Murrell's will be in the states March 16 to June 16th. I would love to see them while they are in the states. Anyway, I just thought you all would like to check out the website. They have free material and some great studies. It may be fun to complete one of their studies. Here are a few questions they had in their newsletter.
1. How many "wise men" went to visit baby Jesus when he was born in Jerusalem?
a. we are not told
b. none
c. three
2. Which member of the Apostle Peter's family was healed by Jesus?
a. his wife
b. his sister
c. his mother-in-law
3. Which one of the first four books of the New Testament (Gospels) does not record any of the PARABLES of Jesus?
a. Matthew
b. John
c. Luke
4. In the Old Testament, who was the prophet whose donkey talked to him?
a. Shrek
b. Samuel
c. Balaam
5. According to the New Testament, what is the root of all evil?
a. Money
b. The lack of Money
c. The love of Money
They will post the answers in their next letter. Post your answers. I only knew one off the top of my head. I will post my answers when I get them all looked up.
1. How many "wise men" went to visit baby Jesus when he was born in Jerusalem?
a. we are not told
b. none
c. three
2. Which member of the Apostle Peter's family was healed by Jesus?
a. his wife
b. his sister
c. his mother-in-law
3. Which one of the first four books of the New Testament (Gospels) does not record any of the PARABLES of Jesus?
a. Matthew
b. John
c. Luke
4. In the Old Testament, who was the prophet whose donkey talked to him?
a. Shrek
b. Samuel
c. Balaam
5. According to the New Testament, what is the root of all evil?
a. Money
b. The lack of Money
c. The love of Money
They will post the answers in their next letter. Post your answers. I only knew one off the top of my head. I will post my answers when I get them all looked up.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
What I would like all of us to do.
So below, I've listed lots of examples that I think can help us wrap our minds around what I think are the various meanings of the words judge & judgment. Please provide comments to what you think the meaning is for each passage. This discussion is a good one, one that will definitely help us clear doubt.
Judge the Tree
Matthew 7:15-20
15"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
15"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
17"So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
18"A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
19"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20"So then, you will know them by their fruits.
Pointing the finger
1 Corinthians 5:9-13
9I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people;
10I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world.
11But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one.
12For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church?
13But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.
From Romans
Romans 14:1-15
1Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.
1Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.
2One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only.
3The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.
4Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.
6He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God.
7For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;
8for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
9For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
10But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
11For it is written,
"AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME,
AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD."
12So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.
13Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this--not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
14I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.
Again
Acts 16:14-15
14A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.
14A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.
15And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us.
And more judging
John 3:17-19
17"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
17"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
18"He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19"This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.
How about here?
John 6:36 -38
36"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
36"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.
38"Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
What does Judging mean here?
Matt 7:1-5
1"Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
2"For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
3"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
4"Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye?
5"You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
1"Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
2"For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
3"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
4"Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye?
5"You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Judgement
Okay, so I want to discuss verses 1-16 of Romans 2. I have read this several times, and I get bogged down by the first few verses and all the judgement stuff. So, what I need to know is: what is judgement? What does it mean to judge someone else? I'm pretty sure I'm judgemental of others, but it is a hard concept for me to understand because it seems to me that so many other Christians are judgemental, also (I know that's an excuse, and probably a judgmental statement, too). I guess I don't have an example of someone who doesn't judge others, or maybe I do, I just don't know it. So, if someone could tell me what it means to judge others, I think that will help me understand this chapter.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Romans 2
I am loving seeing what everyone is writing. It helps me so much because different people bring out different things. I often read and don't comprehend much...that's where I'm at with Romans 2. I've read it twice, and I don't know what I've read yet. I'm going to tackle it again today.
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