disagree in peace

From '80 to '83 I was a proud co-owner of one of the most popular restaurants in  Brazos  County, Rebels Restaurant and Bar.  The theme was the South of the Civil War era and the business was festooned with all types of memorabilia: coins, flags, hats, pictures and swords.  We did not celebrate or tolerate any type of racism or bigotry in our establishment.  It was a theme, a decor, a gimmick and we were visited by and employed all types of folks from every race in the area.  Only once did I receive a comment that it was racist, and after a long and pleasant conversation with the lady, we agreed to disagree in peace.

I was proud of that business then and I am proud of our accomplishments now. 
We employed over 75 full and part time people and were a solid member of the B/CS community.  We were all having a good time and enriching each other's lives.

My family and friends, customers and hoards of Aggies wore our t-shirts and hats.  Anyone that thinks I have,  or ever had, a racist bone in my body clearly does not know me.

That being said, I was reminded the other day by a dear friend of a comment our Pastor is reported to have made recently, "Why would any believer (follower of Jesus) fly a flag that offends even one brother or sister in Christ.  I agree.

I count many ethnicities in my circle of beloved brothers and sisters and I shudder to think I have ever caused even one to question my integrity or my love for them.

The Confederacy belongs in the history books, not forgotten, but not used to offend even one.  We look to our past for lessons so that we might not repeat our mistakes.  Let's all agree to live in peace.

This is America and we are enjoined to have a higher ideal.

My beautiful daughter reminded me that it has only been two generations since black Americans  were segregated publicly in America, and segregation does still exist today.  Let us not fall to the pandering of politicians, activists, ignorance and pettiness to the detriment of our society or of ourselves.

“For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.”  1 Corinthians 8:10-12 NASB

blind eyes opened by the Spirit of God

"I try to explain to you the joy of following Christ: the thrill, the excitement, the exhilaration—knowing where I’ve come from, why I’m here, where I’m going! There’s a reason for existence. There’s a reason for getting up every morning of the year. I try to tell you what I’ve found in Jesus Christ, and in studying the Scriptures and walking with Him, and you say, “I can’t see that!” Of course, you can’t. You are blind. Try to explain television to a blind man. He can understand a little of it, but it doesn’t make sense to him. Try to explain a sunset to him. He’s blind to it. The scales must be removed from your eyes, and only Christ can do that. He can remove them right now and you can start living and seeing a whole new world that you never knew existed, if you will let Him open your spiritual eyes."  ~ Billy Graham

The blind cannot see that which is just before them.  It simply is not possible.  So it is with the things of God. 

"But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised."  1 Corinthians 2:14

We waste our time in trying to convince a natural man of the things of God; he is simply not able to see through natural eyes and with a natural mind.  Evangelism is a tool to announce the Word, using the Word and preceded and followed by prayer.  We tell them what we know and we faithfully wait for the Holy Spirit to open their eyes.

"And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.  And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way."  Mark 10:51-52

In the interim, we try not to become jaded, frustrated, angered, rejected or dejected by the darkness of the world around us.  It is what it is, the blind leading the blind.


"Stay away from those Pharisees! They are like blind people leading other blind people, and all of them will fall into a ditch."  Matthew 15:14 

Vote for unbelieving judges?

As a follower of Jesus, shall I cast a vote for anyone who does not also follow Him as Lord?

At every level of government, we place men and women who create and enforce laws.  Shall I vote for anyone who does not follow after God and profess Jesus as Lord?

1 Corinthians 6:4-6 NASB

So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church? I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren, but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers?

The Holy Spirit removes our blinders ...

Sometimes I get to just look at myself and laugh! I grabbed a new pair of reading glasses off my counter and put them on to do a little reading and was confused that the vision before me was more blurry than without the spectacles.  I pulled them off and put them back on a couple of times with no improvement.

Thinking that the glasses  must have been mislabeled in the store, I put on another pair to check the label on the frame, only then noting that there was a plastic cover on both lenses!  It took one pair of glasses to see the need to remove the cover off the next pair of glasses.

The Holy Spirit works like this in those who have come into a redeemed relationship with our Lord, Jesus.  The Bible shows us that it is only by the Spirit of the Lord, that we are able to discern the deep secrets in His Word.

"So he said, "You have been given knowledge about the secrets of the kingdom of God. But to others they are given in parables, so that 'they might look but not see, and they might listen but not understand.'"    Luke 8:10

"But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"—  these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.   For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.   Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.   And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.   The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned."  1 Corinthians 2:9-14 (ESV)


The Holy Spirit has removed my blinders, and maybe yours as well.  The rest of life is picking up the glasses, putting them on and searching for deeper things.

Triablogue: "Do Christians still receive spiritual gifts?"

Triablogue: "Do Christians still receive spiritual gifts?": By Dominic Bnonn Tennant:

looking and finding answers

As "Christians", we sometimes stay in too small circles and allow our world view to be penetrated by thoughts, ideas and perceptions that fly in the face of our stated beliefs in God's Word and our disposition to follow Jesus.

Lately, in particular, I have been humbled and reminded of two important (Oh, so important) tenants of the Christian faith by my currently unbelieving daughter.

Gen 1:26  Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;

1Co 13:4-7  Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,  does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,   does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

We all would do well to remember and practice loving all the Image Bearers of God.

knighted with a mission

My daughter recently completed an essay for a class assignment that touched my heart and sparked a reminder of who we are, as believers, as followers of our Lord Jesus.  I asked her if I could share it with you.

They Will Know Us

Modern Christians possess the same responsibilities as they did centuries ago. Amazingly, Paul and Timothy, first century Christians, frequently and wholeheartedly took the time to encourage others, humble themselves, use their gifts, and they were cautious not to judge other people. Doing those kind and inspiring actions while faced with persecution and under the threat of death requires a person who has a strong relationship with God. It takes someone who cares. In today’s world, Christians often forget what others have suffered in the past to make it so they could worship and serve the Lord freely in the present.

 Why would Christians all those years ago do that? Along with wanting to be strong in God, was there another reason?  As many responsibilities as there are they all point back to loving others.  Paul and Timothy had a mission to save people, which allowed them to know about what kind of life they could have with God after their Earthly life was over. Shouldn't all Christians have that same mission? In order to do this, they don’t have to leave their cities or the countries they live in. Leaving their house and just helping someone is already taking the steps to begin that mission. If Christians don’t at least try, how will others know them?

Because of new perspectives and life experiences, it becomes increasingly difficult to love others as you grow older yet it is a momentous and crucial duty of a Christian. Genuine love is explained plainly and unapologetically in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 by Paul, who wanted it to be clear to the church in Corinth:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

In the New Testament is definitely not the only place to find verses that discuss love. Proverbs 25:21-22, two of the most well known verses speak of loving your neighbors can be found in the Old Testament.

"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; If he is thirsty, give him water to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, And the Lord will reward you."

Actually, the first time a person reads this, they may think that they’re not exceptionally nice verses. On the contrary, it means that if you are kind and loving to someone that does not think well of you, they will realize you know something they don’t. Should we take heed? For Christians, this can mean leading someone to becoming a believer, but love should not be used for that sole purpose. Ministering to others is important, of course, but loving people and never hating others will also help a Christian’s relationship with God, and ultimately, make them a better and more compassionate person.

In addition to loving others, a significant responsibility for a Christian is using your spiritual gifts. At the time of your salvation, when the Holy Spirit enters you, you receive a gift that is meant to be used as a way to minister and witness to others. In Romans, Paul writes to the people of Rome about it, penning:

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." (Romans 12:6-8)


Naturally and purposefully, God gave people their gifts to expand His kingdom. It is definitely your most important purpose. As J. Hampton Keathley III, who authored ABCs for Christian Growth, points out, “In addition to these, however, there are many natural and developed talents that people have and can use in exercise of these spiritual gifts.” If someone has a love for politics or public speaking; they could use their spiritual gift of speaking, teaching, serving, or even words of wisdom.

There are numerous talents and spiritual gifts that go hand in hand and are valuable when used together. Expanding on the subject, Keathley has yet another point, “A spiritual gift is not a particular specialty or method of ministry. The gifts of teaching may be used through radio or through writing or through the classroom.” No one should be discouraged if they do not know yet what their gift is. It is something that will be discovered as they grow in the Word and form a deeper and meaningful relationship with God. Once you understand and appreciate what you can do with the Holy Spirit, you should not just be happy about the fact you know what it is. A responsibility of a Christian is to exercise their talents and not let them go to waste! As Paul wrote Timothy, his ‘true son in faith’, “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” (1 Timothy 4:14)  Now, while it may not be extremely relatable, maybe you do not have the gift of prophesying or you did not receive your gift in that specific way, the first part of the message is clear and should be held in the hearts of Christians. Do not neglect your gift. Clearly, using your spiritual gift once you have begun to learn about it is a vital responsibility of a Christian.

Judgemental. Unforgiving. Close-minded. This perception of modern day Christianity stems from our lack of humility and love toward “the world”. Sadly, when humility is brought up or discussed in a sermon or Bible study, it seems to be quickly dismissed. Many forget how essential being humble is to being a “good” Christian and to furthering your relationship with God and with others. After King Solomon finished constructing and dedicating the temple, as written in 2 Chronicles, the Lord appeared to him once again. In Chapter Seven, verse fourteen (7:14), God clearly states, “… if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” People forget that they are no better than anyone else. There are three definitions of the adjective ‘humble’ in the Encarta Dictionary, the first being modest; modest and unassuming in attitude and behavior; the second - respectful; feeling or showing respect and deference toward other people, and the last -lowly; relatively low in rank and without pretensions.

 It should be known, without having to point it out, that people called by God should act respectful, modest, and even lowly, “valuing others above yourself” (Philippians 2:3). Along with humbleness, Christians should remember not to judge those around them. While it is not much of a secret that average secular people think Christians are judgmental and only want others to change their ways, not all Christians act that way. Judging, however, is not ‘loving your neighbor as yourself’ no matter how much someone thinks that they are graciously and positively helping. Paul writes to the Rome in Romans 2:1-4, lettering,

"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who have pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?"

Undoubtedly, a large responsibility of a Christian is being humble, but judging people should be left up to God.

Encouraging others goes hand in hand with being humble, using your gifts, and loving your neighbor. When you love, doesn’t that include supporting people and cheering them on? When you’re humble, won’t it bring you closer to understanding someone else and being capable of heartening them? When you use your gifts to encourage someone, isn’t that what a Christian, exercising compassion should do? Yes. In 1st Thessalonians Chapter five, Verse eleven (5:11), Paul once again writes to people, trying to encourage them, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Constantly, the people of Thessalonica, which is now known as Thessaloniki and is the second-largest city in Greece, had been true to God despite substantial , unspeakable suffering and despair but were worried for other Christians. Paul wrote them a letter, beginning the heartfelt correspondence with an earnest greeting, “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father you work produced by faith, you labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” With these words, we immediately and sensitively begin to understand that the Christians of Thessalonica were strong in their faith. It is also apparent that they still needed encouragement since they were anxious. The sturdiest believer requires support and prayer, even if they don’t seem to. Several times in the New Testament Paul and a companion travel somewhere with the sole purpose of offering prayer and assistance; if a Christian so close to God travels great distances to encourage others, doesn’t that mean it is something that modern day Christians should focus on more? Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” It becomes clear that encouragement is just as important as any other responsibility, and is truthfully needed to continue being a strong Christian.

Every person who calls themselves a Christian should understand or at least having a basic idea of the responsibilities of being a Christian. Christians should think about why the responsibilities are their responsibilities? Why would God appoint us with these duties without a purpose? There is a purpose. The people of the world that follow Christ, which means following God as well, are knighted with the mission of spreading the Word of God. Expecting a person to devote and spend their lives ministering to non-Christians as foreign missionaries is not realistic, although there are those that do. Even the average Christian is capable of witnessing though, especially in their own community. In loving others, Christians can find an emotional and amazing way to minister and serve their neighbors. Truthfully, that is why love is the most important responsibility, not much of a duty once a person thinks about it, but a privilege instead; a perfect, personal privilege that should not be taken lightly nor carelessly. While love is the most significant, no one should forget about humility, their spiritual gifts, or encouragement, as each responsibility balances each other and is helpful in this world we live and love in. Hence, it is easy to see how others will know Christians. They will know us by our love.

Bibliography
Forster, Pam. For Instructions In Righteousness, A Topical Reference Guide for Biblical Child-Training; Gaston, OR. ; Doorposts Publishing; 1993.
Keathley, J. Hampton III. ABCs for Christian Growth; Biblical Studies Press; 1996
The Holy Bible; New International Version Bible; Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; 2011

taking sexual sin lightly is a trap

Pastor Rocks Church With Sexual Sins Sermon

I've never heard it put like this, and he draws a great comparison.

"Noble said he has been studying homosexuality for a year and emphasized that it is never endorsed in the Scriptures. "Anytime it's mentioned ... it's always condemned." He also pointed out that he doesn't disagree with homosexuals who say they were born this way.  "I believe it," he said. "Because the Bible says that we were all born sinners." Heterosexuals were born into heterosexual sin, the pastor added.

"I was born with a desire to have sex with every pretty girl that would let me have sex with her and so was every man," he said. "Just because you were born that way doesn't make it right for you to act on the way you were born."
  
The temptations we are born into, the sinful acts are a choice, and it doesn't matter which side of the fence you're leaning on.  Homosexual sin and Heterosexual sin fall into the exact same bucket, according to the God who loves us.

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."  ~ 1 Cornthians 10:13

It always has been and always will be about choice.  Our "pro-choice" God makes it clears to us.


"Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.   "If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."   Joshua 24:14-15


It is time for the "Christian" community to stop throwing rocks at the homosexual community.  Should we tolerate and make allowances for them?  No.  Should we stop speaking the Truth of God, in love?  No.  Should we stand our ground against the wave of "tolerant" legislation penned to make intolerance of sin a "hate crime"?  Absolutely.  If the homosexual community chooses to wage a battle of for "gay rights" in the public arena then we must also stand for our rights in this same arena, but only in the same manner that we would in the battle against the legalization of all sin, be it abortion or the promotion of sexual freedom to our children in the school system; in truth and in love. Not one of us shall carry the "first stone" of aggression but we all must stand in defense of righteousness.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.   Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.   For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.   Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.   Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,  and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.   And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."  ~ Ephesians 6:10-17

I take exception with a point Pastor Noble makes, "For those who take sexual sins lightly, he made it clear to them: "You're not saved.".

Its not up to one man to make a declaration to another of the state of one's salvation.  That's up to God.  God gives us a way to become righteous in His eyes; through Jesus and Jesus alone.  The style of sin we choose to struggle with is between us and Him alone.

When I stand in church on Sunday morning and seek to worship God in corporate fellowship my mind should be on him and on my own sinful state, not on the state of the man, woman or child standing next to me.  We all seek Him for restoration and we will all need to continue to seek restoration on a daily basis until the day of our home going.

home for the holiday

Yep, it's that time again; for some it's pretty new clothes for the ladies, egg hunts, bunnies, chicks and  peeps, ham dinners and the semi-annual trip to church.

For Christendom, the day marks a special observance.  No, it's not the actual anniversary of Jesus' resurrection, and it's not a biblical holy day, but it is a day of gathering, a unique day of  observance for those who are called by His name.

We observe and reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us and His triumphal return, the vanquishing of physical death and His glorious return to the right hand of the Father in heaven.

"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O  DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"  ~ 1 Corinthians 15:55

We are reminded, if need be, that this physical life is temporary, temporal, short term.  We are reminded that Jesus waits for us, that He paved the way on that cross to our return to God as well.  We are reminded that we who are called by His name are aliens, strangers in a strange land, once destined for a second death but now born again and  looking forward to a new life with Him who is our Lord.


Born once, die twice; born twice, die once.

We raise our hands in church and sing "Hallelujah" but i'ts more than that; i'ts the quiet reflection of our position in His family, of His glorious love for us and, through His love, our ability to love one another.

I confess, my church attendance has been poor lately and I am sore in need of renewed fellowship, but it's not about church and i'ts not about pomp and ceremony.   It's about the power of concerted, purposeful prayer and the gathering of sincere hearts to praise, to worship, to cry out His name and, in doing, to partake of restoration, of peaceful gathering, of the deafening serenity of His presence among us.

Yes, where ever and whenever we are in mindful communication with Him, there He is, but, oh, what a time when we are joined together in synchronous praise!  Hallelujah indeed!

"Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse.   Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.  Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre.   Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.   Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals."  ~ Psalm 150

delusional?

It's not uncommon to hear lost folks refer to saved folks as "delusional"; the irony does not escape us.

1Co 1:18  For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

So often I wish that I could easily explain the concepts of God, the reality of our world, the inescapable truths to those who can not begin to understand, as I also could not before, in a manner that would be quickly understood, believed and accepted.

Each time I watch "The Matrix" I ponder the similarities between this fictional "reality" and the same unreality that exists here for those who are not lined up with God's Holy Spirit.

How do you explain to the "Neo's" of this world, that there is another existence, more real than can be imagined, but not attainable until one lets go of "reality" and steps out in faith to receive the unimaginable existence that is God's grace unfolding?

How do we get them to "take the blue pill"?

We don't.  We just tell them what we know to be true, prayerfully and with tenderness, and allow the Holy Spirit do His job, warming the heart and mind of those who are called.  We know He will, because He did the same for each of us in His family.

Awakened, reborn, alive.

1Co 13:12  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

to veil or not to veil

Recently a friend asked for an explanation of these verses. 

     "(3) Now I want you to know that Christ is the head over all men, and a man is the head over a woman. But God is the head over Christ.  (4) This means that any man who prays or prophesies with something on his head brings shame to his head.   (5) But any woman who prays or prophesies without something on her head brings shame to her head. In fact, she may as well shave her head.  (6)  A woman should wear something on her head. It is a disgrace for a woman to shave her head or cut her hair. But if she refuses to wear something on her head, let her cut off her hair.   (7) Men were created to be like God and to bring honor to God. This means that a man should not wear anything on his head. Women were created to bring honor to men.
     (8) It was the woman who was made from a man, and not the man who was made from a woman.   (9) He wasn't created for her. She was created for him.   (10) And so, because of this, and also because of the angels, a woman ought to wear something on her head, as a sign of her authority.
     (11) As far as the Lord is concerned, men and women need each other.  (12)  It is true that the first woman came from a man, but all other men have been given birth by women. Yet God is the one who created everything.
     (13) Ask yourselves if it is proper for a woman to pray without something on her head.  (14)  Isn't it unnatural and disgraceful for men to have long hair?  (15) But long hair is a beautiful way for a woman to cover her head.   (16) This is how things are done in all of God's churches, and that's why none of you should argue about what I have said." ~ 1 Corinthians 11:3-16

God created man in His order, for His purposes.  He created man first and then woman, to be a partner, a mate, a counterpart.

"(18) And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.  (19)  And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.   (20)  And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.   (21)  And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;  (22)  And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.  (23)  And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.   (24)  Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. "  ~ Genesis 2:18-24

In 1 Cornthins 11:4-7, Paul tells us that man was created to "be like God"; the head covering is a customary sign of authority.  God has no authority over Him and man, by this custom, should stand like God, uncovered.  Woman, under man's authority, wears the customary covering as a sign of man's authority over her.

Should a modern woman cling to verse five as a requirement that she should keep her head covered while praying?   In my opinion, no; I believe this is a reflection of the customs of the Jewish peoples and is not a mandate for today.  That being said, I could be wrong, and, as in all things, it must be decided between each person and God.

Our focus of these verses, in my opinion, should be on 11 & 12.  "(11) As far as the Lord is concerned, men and women need each other.  (12)  It is true that the first woman came from a man, but all other men have been given birth by women. Yet God is the one who created everything."

On another note, verse 14 seems to debunk all modern depictions of Jesus.

vs 1-2 actually are an ending to chapter 10.
vs 3 God's order
vs 4 & 7 man not to let anything come between him and God, stand uncovered
vs 5,6,10 head covering is a customary sign of man's authority over woman
vs 8-10 God's order
vs 11-12 key verses for all of us
vs 13-16 customs of the time
vs 14 debunks all modern paintings of Jesus with long hair
 
Summation: God created a natural order of man in authority over woman; the head covering of a woman is a customary sign of respect to man, in that time. Our focus of these verses, in my opinion, should be on 11 & 12.

Also read Ephesians 5
 

Enjoy the Word!

get in line

1 Corinthians 15:34a

[HCSB] Become right-minded and stop sinning
[ASV] Awake to soberness righteously, and sin not
[CEV] Be sensible and stop sinning
[DRB] Awake, ye just, and sin not
[ESV] Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning
[GNB] Come back to your right senses and stop your sinful ways
[GW] Come back to the right point of view, and stop sinning
[ISV] Come back to your senses as you should, and stop sinning
[KJV] Awake to righteousness, and sin not
[YLT] awake up, as is right, and sin not
[MKJV] Be righteously awake, and sin not

"For I know the plans I have for you"--this is the LORD's declaration-- plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." ~  Jeremiah 29:11 (HCSB)

"be imitators of me"

I sometimes have to cringe when I consider that my wife and children are observing and noting my "dad" behavior, my "husband" behavior and especially my "man of God" behavior.  There are many times when I am not the best example and I  certainly hear from them or see in them when my example falls short of what God intends for me.

The scariest part though, is when I see them imitating my failures, picking up my "bads" and walking in my crooked steps.  Leading by example, we all lead, even when we are not aware and even when we don't intend.

I want to be a better example and I'm working hard to straighten my steps, for God and for family.  I want to be imitated, for Him and to Him, in Jesus' name.

Check out this lesson from Mark Roberts, Be Imitators of Me?

Scripture references:
1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
1 Thessalonians 1:5-6

william barclay

Corinth, a city of wealth, perversion and iniquity, harbored early Christians living amidst the corruption of the time. How did they "walk the walk" through the myriad temptations, cultural icons and sexual beckonings considered "normal" in their society? How shall I do it today? William Barclay takes us through the journey of faith and sometimes folloy facing early Corinthian believers.

from "The Letters To the Corinthians", William Barclay, 1954

"The proof of Christianity lay in its power.  It could take the dregs of humanity and make them into men.  It could take men lost to shame and make them sons of God."  re: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

"Men judge a message by the life and character of the man who brings it ... "  re: 1 Corinthians 9:1-14

"The man who can never see anything but his own point of view and who never makes any attempt to understand the mind and heart of others, will never make a pastor or an evangelist or even a friend"  re: 1 Corinthians 9:15-23

"We have to discipline our minds; it is one of the tragedies of life that men may refuse to think until they become incapable of thinking."  re: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

fellowship of the saints

1 Corinthians 1:1-10 (HCSB) Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, and our brother Sosthenes: To God's church at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord--theirs and ours.  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I always thank my God for you because of God's grace given to you in Christ Jesus,  that by Him you were made rich in everything--in all speaking and all knowledge-- as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all say the same thing, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction.

We miss quite abit when we lack the fellowship of the saints.  God ordained that, as the body of Christ, we  "do not lack any spiritual gift ".   As the body united, we are able to achieve, by the uniting of the gifts of the spirit, much more than we can alone.

Rom 12:4-8 (HCSB) "Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of faith; if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness."

more to come (gotta go to work)

Chuck Swindoll mentions 1 Corinthians 16:13 as a charge to men, to dads.

Verses 13 and 14 state, "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.".

This is a man in the faith, alert, standing rock solid, not confused about who he is, strong and unwavering, uncompromisingly filled with the love of God for those around him.

I want to be like this. Father God, help me to be like this.

Help me to keep my mind, my eyes, my ears open to the truth and to not be misled in any thing, by anyone. Help me keep watch over my family and friends.

Help me keep my feet firmly planted on The Rock. The Truth has set me free, hold me up that I may not waver in any direction.

Father, I want to be the man You designed me to be, confirmed in You.

Give me the strength to endure the trials that beset me and to give a solid arm to those who need the same from me.

Help me to love, my God, with a pure and undefiled passion that overflows of Your love. Help me to be slow to anger and quick to forgive. Help me show my wife and my children You, working in me.

Help me Lord, to be a man.