More silliness from 1st John

This time through the New Testament God has really opened my eyes to some of the silly stuff that the disciples have written.  I am in 1st John 4 today.  First let's talk about some advice that I think is very valuable.  Then I'm gonna make fun of some advice that I think is silly. 

First the good stuff.

1 John 4:1-3(NKJV)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 

By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 

and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

Great advice in my opinion.  Test the spirits that try to influence you.  Do the profess or deny that Jesus came in the flesh and was of God?  If they deny it then they are not of God.

One of my favorite examples of this principal is those who advocate for Chrislam.  Those who believe that Christians and Muslims worship the same God.  According to the Scripture above, that can not be true!  Why?  Because Muslims deny that Jesus was the Son of God.  Scripture tells us directly that they cannot be of God with that belief.  Case closed.

Now for the silliness.

1 John 4:7-16(NKJV)

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 

In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 

By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 

And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

Think it through.  "…for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." 

Really?  Muslims love their families.  Do they know God and are they of God just because they love?  1st John 4:1-3 tells us that isn't true.  Hitler loved the German people.  Does that mean he knew God?   Atheists love their families.  But to claim they know God just because they love is absurd because they specifically reject God.

I could go on and on with examples but you get the point.  Simply loving does not in any way indicate that you know God. 

Just another example of why you need discernment as you read Scripture in my opinion. 

Really??? I disagree.

I find these verses suspect.  Especially the last part.  It seems more like an effort to manipulate and control people through guilt than anything else.  Read it and I'll explain. 

1 John 3:4-6(NKJV)

Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 

And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 

Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

We are told that even when we accept Jesus we will still occasionally sin and need forgiveness.  If that is true and I think it is, then to have one of the disciples come back later and say if we sin at all then it is proof that don't know Jesus. I call BS on that one. 

In my opinion it goes back to what Jesus called "a heart issue".  In other words if we are doing our best to stay focused on Jesus and to follow Jesus and we stumble, that is totally different than someone who totally rejects Jesus and sins purposely.   

We all know that we serve a just God.  I believe that God takes into account our intent and judges accordingly.  Make sense?

So is it a new commandment or not???

Double talk like this drives me nuts but it is why I believe we have to have discernment and rely on the Holy Spirit when we study Scriptures.

1 John 2:7-8(NKJV)

Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 

Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.

Which is it?????

What are some of the here and now benefits of being a Christian?

One of my goals in writing my blog is to talk about the everyday benefits of believing in Jesus.  Salvation is important but for many people, especially those who are younger, salvation is so far in the future that it isn't really tangible.  However there are many everyday benefits that I think a lot of people overlook.  Here is one example.

1 John 1:1-4(NKJV)

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—

the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—

that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 

And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

First off, I love how John starts this chapter.  He makes it clear that he is giving a first person testimony.  He is saying "if was there.  I witnessed this with my own eyes".  I love that.  Now you can chose to believe him or not, but at least you know where he is coming from. 

Now back to my point.  At the end of the passage above John tells us why he is writing this testimony.  "…that your joy may be full".  Being a Christian should be a joyful experience.  Now does that mean we are happy every second of every day?  Of course not.  But it does mean that if we are truly following our faith, we will be joyful when many around us see no reason for us to be joyful at all. 

Why are we joyful when others see no reason for it?  Because we are standing on the promises of God and we have total faith that God comes through.  Now one might ask, why do you have faith like that?  I can only answer for me.  I have seen too many times in my life where God has come through when nobody else could see a way out.  So I have personally experienced it….and you can too!

How?  You start by asking Jesus to guide your life.  Have a conversation with Jesus.  Let Him know where you are at and what you need.  Then just trust Him to lead you there.  Don't put it off.  Talk to Jesus now.  "Dear Jesus….."

After that then get into God's word on a daily basis.  It may not make sense at first but again, just have faith.  God has promised His helper, the Holy Spirit, to guide us in our understanding of Scripture.  The more you read it the more you will get it.

And finally, put what you read into action.  Action is the physical proof of our faith.  As an example Scripture tells us to "glory in our tribulations".  Why?  Because smiling in the face of adversity is an outward manifestation of our inner faith.  It let's God know we have been paying attention and that we get it. 

So back to the text above.  "…that your joy may be full."  One of the benefits of following Jesus is that you will have joy in your life no matter what the other circumstances are.  It's that peace that surpasses all understanding that Scripture tells us about.  Want to experience that peace?  Then follow Jesus!

"By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words"

2 Peter 2:2-3(NKJV)

And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 

By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

2 Peter 2:14-15(NKJV)

having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. 

They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 

Hmm.  Interesting warning. 

I'm going to write about something that I have not written about before.  I try not to be controversial here and I try to keep my politics and religion separate as much as I can but I'm just feeling moved to write about this.  So here goes.

It just seems to me that one of the main themes of Liberalism/Socialism/Communism is covetousness.  "Look what "they" have that "you" don't have.  It ain't fair!" 

So let's look again at the Scriptures.  "By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words".  God's warning us that one of the easiest tools to use to lead people astray is an appeal to their greed which is what covetousness is. 

But look what God says about people who use covetousness to lead others astray.  "They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children".    
 

Wow!  I didn't say it, God did!

"A spirit of Power, and Love, and a Sound Mind" Why did Jesus choose those three attributes?

This is one of my foundational verses.  As Christians we know from Scripture that we are made in the image of God.  So why do so many Christians spend so much of their lives living in fear?  This Scripture tells us quite plainly that God didn't give us the spirit of fear.  So doesn't that mean that when we are living in fear we are being controlled by an unholy spirit?  So how are we to live instead?

2 Timothy 1:7(NKJV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

The rest of this verse gives us the answer.  God has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.  But what does that mean exactly?  Let me take a stab at that.

Power-We are made in the image of God.  Is God powerful?  Yes.  Does that mean we have the powers of God?  No…and yes.  Can we create the universe and everything in it like God?  Of course not.  But can we live secure in the knowledge that with God's help we can plan our own destinies?  Absolutely!  Does that mean everything will always go according to plan?  Nope.  But it does mean that we can confidently plan and attack each day knowing that God has our backs.  We have God's power behind us.

Love-A spirit of love.  God has given us the spirit to love.  I think it is one of the emotions that separate us from the animals.  Love can be a powerful emotion.  Love has motived people throughout history to achieve incredible things!  That love can be harnessed in different ways.  In fact another way to say it is that God has given us the power of passion.

I think most people would associate the power of love with loving people.  While that is certainly one aspect of it I think it goes beyond that.  I think it can also include the love or passion for an ideal or goal.  For example the love and passion for science and research has led to some incredible discoveries over the years. 

Sound mind-Proverbs talks a lot about knowledge, wisdom, and understanding; and how they are keys to life.  We are to always seek them.  That would be kind of hard to do without a sound mind wouldn't it?  Scripture also tells us that we need to be able to discern things.  That would be pretty hard to do without a sound mind wouldn't it? 

For me the message here is don't wait for God to do it all.  Don't wait on God expecting that he is like a leprechaun waiting to magically change your life.  God gave us a brain and he expects us to use it.  It's the sound mind, along with the Holy Spirit, that helps us draw guidance and wisdom from Scripture.  It's the sound mind that reads Scripture and then develops plans to do what we read in Scripture.  For example, reading that we need to seek knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is one thing.  Actually going out and doing so is another.  It is our sound mind that evaluates whether we are implementing God's Word in our lives or not. 

Wow, this is pretty cool.  God just laid another interpretation on me.  Check this out.

Giving us the spirits of power, love, and a sound mind are the tools we need to rebuke and defeat the unholy spirit of fear.  It is our choice.  We can live in fear or we can take control and rebuke and defeat the unholy spirit by invoking God's power.  We know from Scripture that when we rebuke Satan in Jesus name that Satan is powerless against us.

It's the power of God's love that gives us confidence that God will always fulfill his promises to us.  That is why we can have total confidence in our victory over unholy spirits when we invoke God's power. 

And it is our sound mind that reads Scripture and finds God's promises…and then remembers them so we can stand on them. 

That you Lord for that bit of revelation wisdom!    

What a great promise!!!

Scripture tells us that we will all be tested for God.  So why would we volunteer to go through that?  One of the reasons is the promise contained in the Scripture below.

1 Peter 5:10(NKJV)

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 

Because after we have been tested, if we pass the test, God will "establish, strengthen, and settle us.".  What a great promise!!!

Don't wait until you are "ready".

1 Peter 4:11(NKJV)

If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

We are all given different gifts with which we need to serve God.  One of the dangers though is some folks recognize their gifts but never use them.  Their excuse is they want to be really good at their gift, they want to perfect it so to speak, before they deploy that gift for God.

That is a mistake in my opinion.  Couple reasons.  First, it is the epitome of relying on your own abilities instead of relying on God.   In addition notice the part that I highlighted says "if anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies,…". 

Now I think you can substitute any gift that you use, not just the gift of ministry there.  Whatever you do for God, start now and do it with the imperfect tools that you were given.  Then let God take care of the rest.  He will give you the additional tools and abilities as you need them…once He sees you using the tools he already gave you.  And more importantly you are reallying on God instead of your own abilities.  Makes it a whole lot easier to give all the credit and glory to God.  Make sense?

Honor all people? Really?

That's what Saint Peter says.

1 Peter 2:17(NKJV)

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Really?  Even those who reject Christ and declare themselves enemies of God?  Do you think God really wants us to honor them? 

Are you willing to be tested for Jesus?

The reason I ask that question is that Scripture tells us we will be tested.

1 Peter 1:6-7(NKJV)

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 

People sometimes ask, why do bad things happen to good people?  How can a loving God allow that?

Well the above Scripture is one part of the answer.  Our faith will be tested.  Good times don't test our faith.  Our faith is only tested through tribulations.  Therefore bad things have to happen occasionally, even to good people to fulfill God's plan.  Does that make sense?

You see its really easy for people to talk the talk.  But only through testing do we find if those people are able to walk the walk.

So how do we make sure that our faith survives the test?  Build a relationship with Jesus.  That starts by asking Jesus to come into your life.  Have you done that yet?  If not why not do it right now?  Have a conversation with Jesus.  "Dear Jesus…."

Once you have accepted Jesus then start building that relationship.  Try to be in the Word on a very consistent basis.  I try for 5 days a week.  Sometimes life gets in the way but that is the goal.  Then go to God in prayer.  Prayer isn't just babbling at God.  Take time to just sit there quietly and listen for what God has to say to you.  The more you do it the more you will hear God speaking to you.

By doing these things, when you are tested, you will have a very real, close relationship with Jesus which will make it way easier to stand with Jesus in faith!!!

Maybe I'm too literal but this kind of stuff drives me nuts!

I believe that one of the reasons that we need discernment is to be able to tell folksy human beliefs from actual Scriptural principals.  Here is an example.

James 5:19-20(NKJV)

Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 

let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

OK, I get the concept but it isn't true Scripturally.  Leading people to Christ doesn't cover a multitude of sins.  It doesn't even cover 1 sin.  The only thing that covers our sins is the blood that Jesus shed on our behalf.  Scripture is very clear on that point.

Once we are saved, leading others to Christ will increase our rewards in Heaven but it does absolutely nothing to cover our sins. 

Once again, who you gonna listen to, Jesus or James?

Here is what James said about judging.  Notice his statement is an absolute.  No nuance.  Simply do not judge others period.

James 4:12(NKJV)

There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?

Now compare that to what Jesus said.  Here are a couple of verses from Matthew.  I could come up with several more in the rest of the Gospel

Matthew 10:11(NKJV)

“Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 

Matthew 10:13-14(NKJV)

If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 

And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 

To decide if a "household is worthy" requires a judgment does it not?  And notice that Jesus even takes it a step further.  Jesus says that if in your judgment the household is not worthy then you should withhold your peace from that household. 

So once again when you have a direct contradiction like this, who you going to listen to, Jesus or James?

I choose Jesus!

The power of the tongue!

James chapter 3 is about the power of the tongue.  While I could nit pick some of the examples used, I do agree with the bigger point being made.  That there is great power in the tongue to both raise up or destroy.

I would like to touch on something that I don't think was covered in this chapter.  That is the power of self talk; to build up or destroy ourselves.

We are hung by the tongue, snared by the words of our mouths.  If we tell ourselves we can then we can and if we tell our selves we can't, we will be correct about that as well.  I hate to sound simplistic but it really is that simple and true.

I believe our self talk is more responsible for what we achieve in life than anything else except God's guidance.  Learn to eliminate all limiting self talk from your life.  It takes a while to become conscious of it but then it becomes second nature. 

Would Jesus agree with what His apostles wrote? Sometimes I wonder.

As I have been reading through the New Testament again I am struck by some of the contradictions between what Jesus said and what some of the disciples wrote.  In the 2nd chapter of James this struck me as a contradiction.

James 2:1-4(NKJV)

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 

For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 

and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” 

have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

Yes they have shown partiality and no that doesn't mean they have become judges with evil thoughts. 

Remember the Wedding banquet analogy that Jesus used?  Here is the salient point.

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless.

13 “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

14 “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22&version=NIV>

There was a guy in attendance that was poorly or not appropriately dressed and what happened to him?  He was thrown out.  And notice that Jesus didn't condemn this action when He told the parable.  So based on Jesus' parable it is apparent that sometimes it is OK, maybe even good that we make distinctions like that and there is nothing evil about it.

Let's take it a step further.  We know that we are all saved by faith so that none may boast, but that our rewards in Heaven are based on the amount of service we provide to God.  Those who are rich in service to God will be rewarded more and recognized more than those who will be poor in service to God.  We even know that there will be seats of honor in Heaven. 

Remember where the mother of James and John asked Jesus to have her sons placed on the right and left hand of God.  What did Jesus say?  "Woman, those honors are not mine to give".  Jesus acknowledged that there will be seats of honor and notice that He didn't condemn that fact that some will be shown partiality by getting seats of honor.

Is James suggesting that God is evil for rewarding and recognizing and being partial to people for outperforming others? 

Jesus or James, who you gonna listen too?