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Author Topic: Christ's Ways  (Read 10834 times)

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Olde Tymer

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Re: Christ's Ways
« Reply #299 on: November 16, 2019, 12:42:13 pm »
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1Tim 3:2a . . An overseer must be above reproach

The Greek word for "overseer" is episkopos (ep-is'-kop-os) which means: a superintendent; viz: church officers.

Why must they be above reproach? Because the work they do is a "good" work (1Tim 3:1) but much good can be ruined by even a little wickedness.

"Dead insects will cause even a bottle of perfume to stink! Yes, an ounce of foolishness can outweigh a pound of wisdom and honor." (Ecc 10:1)

Before the wonders of modern chemistry, perfumes were made (and many still are) from animal and vegetable sources. Those, being 100% organic in a time when chemical preservatives didn't exists, could spoil if the perfumer wasn't careful to keep his product protected from exposure to temperature, insects, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants. All the skills and patience and knowledge exercised in the making of expensive ointments could be completely annulled by simply forgetting to put the cap (or the cork; whatever) back on a jar.

Anyway, Ecc 10:1 certainly rings true in this day and age as Christendom's credibility steadily diminishes because of its ongoing morality scandals, embezzling, and deplorable cover-ups.
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Olde Tymer

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Re: Christ's Ways
« Reply #300 on: November 17, 2019, 07:25:40 am »
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1Tim 3:2b . . the husband of one wife

That directive is a bit ambiguous. Some feel it says that a church officer can have only one wife at a time; viz: not a polygamist; while others feel it says he can be married only once in a lifetime; viz: not a widower or a divorced man.

I tend to think it means one wife at a time. If so; then this passage, and Titus 1:5-6 have the distinction of being the only places in the entire Bible prohibiting polygamy.

However; the rule is very narrow. It specifically regulates the home life of church officers, so it would be wrong to use those passages to justify forcing monogamy upon the rank and file. But, if polygamy conflicts with the laws of one's State of residence, or one's church covenant, then of course their State and/or their church has the final say in that regard. (cf. Rom 13:1-5, Heb 13:17)
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« Last Edit: November 17, 2019, 07:29:12 am by Olde Tymer »

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Re: Christ's Ways
« Reply #301 on: November 17, 2019, 07:51:24 pm »
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1Tim 3:2b . . the husband of one wife

That directive is a bit ambiguous. Some feel it says that a church officer can have only one wife at a time; viz: not a polygamist; while others feel it says he can be married only once in a lifetime; viz: not a widower or a divorced man.

I tend to think it means one wife at a time. If so; then this passage, and Titus 1:5-6 have the distinction of being the only places in the entire Bible prohibiting polygamy.

However; the rule is very narrow. It specifically regulates the home life of church officers, so it would be wrong to use those passages to justify forcing monogamy upon the rank and file. But, if polygamy conflicts with the laws of one's State of residence, or one's church covenant, then of course their State and/or their church has the final say in that regard. (cf. Rom 13:1-5, Heb 13:17)
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Here we disagree again...You are changing the meanings of GOD's LAW!

a "Husband of One wife."....Wife being a Female (not another male)..and in GOD's world, Husband of One Wife does not have anything to do with a Divorce....The only way under GOD's Law for a Husband to have two wives would be if the previous wife died.

This is HIS LAW not mine and you like others are telling everyone it is ok to get a divorce (Man's Law) and be a pastor(Bishop,Elder) are the same time.   God did not intend this to happen yet, I am sure He already knew it would happen....Like He knows about your preaching.

Blade


Olde Tymer

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Re: Christ's Ways
« Reply #302 on: November 18, 2019, 09:13:33 am »
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An overseer must also be:

1Tim 3:2c . . temperate

This kind of temperance relates to a personality that's self controlled, sensible, disciplined, levelheaded, avoiding extremes of behavior or expression: observing reasonable limits.

1Tim 3:2d . . prudent

The Greek word for "prudent" is sophron (so'-frone) which means: having a sound mind; viz: rational, reasonable, and sensible as opposed to emotional and reactive.

1Tim 3:2e . . respectable

The word for "respectable" is kosmios (kos'-mee-os) which means: orderly, viz: decorous.

Webster's defines decorous as marked by propriety; viz: correct; and exhibiting good taste in conduct, language, or appearance. A decorous person is-- among other things --neat, tidy, well-mannered, well-groomed, and polite. They bathe often too.

1Tim 3:2f . . hospitable

The word for "hospitable" is philoxenos (fil-ox'-en-os) which means: fond of guests.

In other words, church officers shouldn't be hermit types, or friendless loners preferring solitude. Not that there's anything wrong with hermits and loners; it's just that church officers are supposed to be shepherds, which requires them to associate with the sheep entrusted to their care. A man who doesn't mingle easily and comfortably really should consider taking a position in church where he doesn't have to sit on a board or meet the public.

1Tim 3:2g . . apt to teach

"apt to teach" is from the word didaktikos (did-ak-tik-os') which means: instructive ("didactic")

That word is tricky. It's sometimes translated "able to teach". That's okay I guess, but I suspect didaktikos actually refers to role models, i.e. people whose manner of life exemplifies Christianity. In other words; their teaching is in shoe leather rather than only in a classroom.

1Tim 3:3a . . not addicted to wine

Church officers aren't forbidden alcohol; just too much alcohol.

"No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments." (1Tim 5:23)

A "little" wine can lead to a lot for someone with a predilection to over imbibe. For people like that, it's best to avoid wine altogether rather than risk becoming a candidate for AA.

For church officers with health issues, I suggest consulting a doctor because there are much better treatments available in our day than there were back then.

1Tim 3:3b . . not pugnacious

Webster's defines pugnacious as: militant, defensive, warlike, combative, pushy, assertive, scrappy, and belligerent. Some men are natural-born bullies and others are ready to "take it outside" at every challenge. With them, turning the other cheek is not an option. Well; you sure don't want personalities like that on the board of your church and/or helming a pulpit. Heaven forbid!!!

1Tim 3:3c . . gentle, non contentious

A good church officer isn't what might be called shrinking; but rather, he's an affable, courageous man who selects his conflicts carefully.

For some people, every disagreement is an act of war: they're assertive, demanding, reactive, defensive, and confrontational not just some of the time; but all the time. A gentle man is not so quick to draw his guns at the slightest provocation.

A gentle, non contentious man is a good choice to chair a Sunday school class because there's always at least one or more hecklers, fault-finders, and/or know-it-all kibitzers in the room that are sure to try his patience.
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Olde Tymer

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Re: Christ's Ways
« Reply #303 on: November 19, 2019, 08:16:25 am »
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An overseer must also be:

1Tim 3:3d . . free from the love of money.

L.Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, started out as an author of pulp science fiction novels for a penny per word. One day he came to the conclusion that the real money was in religion, especially if it had a non-profit tax exemption.

Well; today, the net worth of just the top three of Scientology's upwards of thirty entities-- Scientology International, the Flag Service Organization, and the Church Of Spiritual Technology --is in the neighborhood of 1.5 billion dollars. The personal net worth of David Miscavige, Scientology's current head, is rumored to be somewhere around 50 million. It's very curious how a supposedly non-profit church, and it's head, amassed such fortunes.

Back in 1988-99, a tel-evangelist named James Orsen Bakker was sentenced to 45 years in Federal prison (later reduced to 8) for embezzling millions of dollars from his own ministry and using some of the money to construct an extravagant mansion-- complete with gold plumbing --for he and wife Tammy, and a luxurious kennel for their pet dog.

I would highly recommend that a prospective church officer's background be checked before proceeding with the interview process. Is his credit good? Does he have gambling debts? Does he prefer gourmet foods and restaurants? Does he wear Armani suits, hand-made shoes, a Cartier wrist watch, and drive a new Lexus SUV? What's his current home worth? What part of town does he live in?

There are men out there seeking careers in the business of religion, and are very good at finding ways to get their fingers in a church's treasury-- and not a few are looking for lucrative wage and benefit packages instead of an opportunity to serve Christ faithfully, loyally, and effectively; and to look out for his best interests instead of their own.
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Olde Tymer

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Re: Christ's Ways
« Reply #304 on: November 20, 2019, 08:37:04 am »
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An overseer must also:

1Tim 3:4-5 . . Manage his own family well, and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)

There's respect, and then there's "proper" respect; which has to be nurtured because a father cannot get proper respect by force; which instead earns fear, suspicion, mistrust, and dread. Tyranny might be good Machiavellian management, but should never be construed as good Christian management.
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Olde Tymer

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Re: Christ's Ways
« Reply #305 on: November 21, 2019, 07:59:47 am »
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An overseer must also:

1Tim 3:6 . . Not be a novice, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the Devil.

Conceited people are usually infected with a superiority complex; which can be roughly defined as a sort of master-race mentality.

If an inexperienced Christian is advanced too soon in church, they could easily become so proud of themselves that they regard their position as an achievement instead of a sacred trust. When someone is promoted to a position in church they ought not celebrate as if they won valedictorian in their senior graduating class; no; they really ought to be scared because God is holding them to a higher standard than the rank and file.
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Olde Tymer

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Re: Christ's Ways
« Reply #306 on: November 22, 2019, 07:31:37 am »
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An overseer must also:

1Tim 3:7 . . Have a good reputation with outsiders

Paul lists that qualification as a must, as opposed to merely a good idea.

You know; that's all a church needs is to install a new church officer only to find out later he's the classic neighbor from Hell.

The new guy might be a one-eyed Jack in church, but the kids on his street, and the people whose property adjoins his, the post man, the convenience store, the gas station, the super market, the department store, the drive-up at McDonald's, the trick-or-treaters, the bank, the paperboy, etc, have all seen the other side of his face. It had better match the one he's shown you or your church's overall influence in the community will be in the tank; and you will have a man in a key spot whom Christ does not approve, and with whom he does not care to associate.
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Olde Tymer

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Re: Christ's Ways
« Reply #307 on: November 23, 2019, 07:23:40 am »
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1Tim 4:7a . . Have nothing to do with the worldly fantasies of withered old women.

Paul isn't speaking of action comics and/or pulp novels that can be purchased at venders like Barnes & Noble and Borders; but rather, of the religious traditions that the seniors of every generation customarily pass down to the young; thus perpetuating non Christian beliefs and practices.

The USA's indigenous cultural traditions would be a good example of this. When a Native American becomes a Christian, the Bible's God expects them to disown portions of their spiritual heritage, and let them go; not entirely of course; but certain elements like contacting the spirits of one's deceased ancestors would have to be scrubbed for sure.

This is a very sensitive issue and one where non-native Christians, unschooled in Indigenous culture, seriously need to tread lightly. The White Man's early attempts to completely wipe out everything Native American was a terrible mistake that today's non-native Christians have got to be extra careful not to repeat.
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Olde Tymer

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Re: Christ's Ways
« Reply #308 on: November 24, 2019, 08:37:10 am »
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1Tim 4:7b-8 . .Train yourself to be pious. For physical training is of some value, but piety has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Webster's defines piety as devoutness, i.e. committed or devoted to religion or to religious duties or exercises; also: devoted to a pursuit, belief, or mode of behavior.

James wrote that faith without works is dead, and encouraged his readers to put Christ's ways into practice rather than just study them in Sunday school. (Jas 1:22-25)

I'm pretty sure that one of the things "promise for the present life" refers to is providence, which works to our best advantage when we're pious rather than worldly. (John 14:21-23, 1John 1:6)
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Re: Christ's Ways
« Reply #309 on: November 24, 2019, 07:07:43 pm »
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1Tim 4:7b-8 . .Train yourself to be pious. For physical training is of some value, but piety has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Webster's defines piety as devoutness, i.e. committed or devoted to religion or to religious duties or exercises; also: devoted to a pursuit, belief, or mode of behavior.

James wrote that faith without works is dead, and encouraged his readers to put Christ's ways into practice rather than just study them in Sunday school. (Jas 1:22-25)

I'm pretty sure that one of the things "promise for the present life" refers to is providence, which works to our best advantage when we're pious rather than worldly. (John 14:21-23, 1John 1:6)
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Olde Tymer

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Re: Christ's Ways
« Reply #310 on: November 25, 2019, 08:23:03 am »
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NOTE: Quite a bit of the material in the apostle Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus contain written instructions for church officers; but as his instructions are very likely of interest to seminary students on a path towards becoming church officers; they bear repeating on the internet just in case one or more wanna-bees happen to be looking in. If so, then please consider my comments merely a primer, i.e. a taste of the really good stuff available from seminary faculties

1Tim 4:12 . . Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

It's commonly assumed that Paul's instructions were in reference to Timothy's age; but I suspect it had more to do with his looks.

Some men age well; for instance the actor Rob Lowe. As of today, he's 55 years old; but honestly doesn't look it. Rob is one of those lucky guys who seem to be forever 21.

I think Timothy may have been like that. He just didn't look old enough to take the reins of a church, let alone an entire diocese. In other words: is could be that Timothy didn't look the part so he was going to have to really mean business if he was to win people's respect.
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Olde Tymer

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Re: Christ's Ways
« Reply #311 on: November 26, 2019, 11:21:03 am »
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1Tim 4:13 . . Focus upon the public reading of scripture, and to preaching and teaching.

Public reading was necessary because of the scarcity of Bibles in those days. All were hand-written; none were mass-produced like now. But even with the ease of access to Bibles nowadays, the danger lies in Christians becoming self-taught if church officers neglect to preach and teach. (cf. Eph 4:11-16)

Scripture in those days would have been pretty much limited to the Old Testament since the New Testament's canon had not yet been compiled. The Old Testament is very important because it is impossible for believers to obtain a full understanding of The Lord's mission and purpose without a comprehensive knowledge of the Old Testament.

"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures." (Luke 24:44-45)

The Old Testament is also very useful for other purposes too.

"The holy scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2Tim 3:15-17)

"For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope." (Rom 15:4)
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