1 Corinthians 13
Love, The Most Excellent Way
And the end of chapter 12, Paul said to desire the higher gifts. Then, he said he would show a still more excellent way, more excellent than even the higher gifts.
131-3 Love Or Nothing
13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, [1] but have not love, I gain nothing.
You are nothing, and your gift is nothing, if you do not have love.
3 words for love: Eros, Philia, Agapao
The command to love is not new: greatest commandment in Matt. 22:34-40 and John 15:12-13.
13:4-6 What Love Is
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Not defined by feelings, but by its traits.
Patient = long tempered, not quick to take offense or retaliate
Kind = related to patient, it is gentle and merciful. It does good to those who do harm. You need this if you have or work with kids.
Does not envy = not jealous or having wrong feelings about others. In Luke 9:46, disciples argue over who is the greatest. 1 Corinthians 12:26-suffering and rejoicing together.
Does not boast\is not arrogant or proud = proud person is hard to be around. Luke 18:9-14, Pharisee and tax collector.
Not rude – Christians should be the most considerate and well mannered people.
Does not insist on its own way – willing to let others have their own way-church is a group of people and you won’t always be able to get your own way and your way will not always be best
Not irritable
Not resentful
Does not rejoice in wrong doing (committed by others)
Rejoices with the truth-in contrast to wrong doing
Bears all things-annoyances and troubles
Believes all things-is not suspicious, gives the benefit of the doubt, never loses faith
Hopes all things-always hopes, or hopes in all circumstances
Endures all things-perseveres in persecution, suffering and adversity.
13:8-13 Love is the Eternal Theme
8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Spiritual gifts will end. They are given for a purpose, and when that purpose is fulfilled, they will cease. We may argue about when that will be, when the Bible came or when Jesus comes, but they will cease.
Paul listed prophecy, tongues and knowledge as all ceasing. When we are with the Lord, we will know and understand all we need to, so we will not need to prophesy for we will know him. In heaven, the curse of Babel will be removed and we will all be able to communicate without the need of tongues.
Starting in verse 11, Paul gives some analogies. The first is children. They are cute in their childish thinking, but childish thinking and acting is not cute in an adult. The lesser is put away in favor of the greater. The analogy is that we are like children now, in a state of immaturity. But, when Christ comes, we will be mature, so we will not need the gifts.
The, he speaks of seeing dimly in a mirror. Mirrors were not as clear then as today, and you did not get a perfect image. But, face to face, you see someone clearly. Today we might make the comparison to a video screen that is far away, or has a fuzzy picture. When Christ comes, we will be like him, because we will see him as he is. There is again an analogy of moving from the imperfect to the perfect, doing away with the need for the gifts.
Love, however, will last forever. Love is eternal. It has always existed because God is love. The Father loves the Son. Francis Schaeffer said:
God could create by a free act of the will because before creation there was the Father who loved the Son and there was also the Holy Spirit to love and be loved. In other words, God had someone face-to-face with Himself in the three Persons of the Trinity. (Francis A. Schaeffer, Genesis In Time and Space, Ch. 1)
So, in heaven, the Father will continue to love the Son, the Son will love the Father, they will both love us, and we will love each other.
APPLICATION
The context of this passage is the operation of the church. We are to love each other in the body of Christ with this unselfish kind of love. What would that look like? How would you start this today?
Also apply it in your other relationships, such as your marriage. How would that work?
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
DARWIN'S GRAVE
Did you know Charles Darwin is buried in Westminister Abbey? If you are an American, you might not realize that it is a church. It is where the most important Christians are buried in England. Regardless of whether you believe that should even be done, why would the church honor in burial someone whose beliefs run counter to the Bible?
No wonder The Church of England has trouble finding its way.
Hat tip to Reformation Theology.
Did you know Charles Darwin is buried in Westminister Abbey? If you are an American, you might not realize that it is a church. It is where the most important Christians are buried in England. Regardless of whether you believe that should even be done, why would the church honor in burial someone whose beliefs run counter to the Bible?
No wonder The Church of England has trouble finding its way.
Hat tip to Reformation Theology.
LISTEN, DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET?
Al Mohler noted in his blog a similarity between Left Behind and The Da Vinci Code. He was referring to an editorial in Christian Century. The commonality: they both trade on the idea of a secret; secret knowledge that only the few figure out and know. That has been the basis for nearly every cult, hasn't it? David Koresh and the Branch Davidians "figured out" the end, the same claim as Tim LaHaye.
Joseph Smith said the churches were corrupt and he got the special revelation from the angel man, Moroni. Mohammed said religion was corrupt and he got the news in a cave. It goes on and on.
Let's stay with what we know and what the church has known, what the early church knew, what the Reformers knew, not what someone new dreamed up.
Even if they sold a lot of books doing it.
Al Mohler noted in his blog a similarity between Left Behind and The Da Vinci Code. He was referring to an editorial in Christian Century. The commonality: they both trade on the idea of a secret; secret knowledge that only the few figure out and know. That has been the basis for nearly every cult, hasn't it? David Koresh and the Branch Davidians "figured out" the end, the same claim as Tim LaHaye.
Joseph Smith said the churches were corrupt and he got the special revelation from the angel man, Moroni. Mohammed said religion was corrupt and he got the news in a cave. It goes on and on.
Let's stay with what we know and what the church has known, what the early church knew, what the Reformers knew, not what someone new dreamed up.
Even if they sold a lot of books doing it.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Monday, May 22, 2006
Elementary, My Dear Watson
Happy birthday, Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes got me through a lonely summer. I guess by now, even after all your study of spiritism, you've become convinced there is no contact between this world and the next. So, you can't read this. So, this post is largely pointless.
I'm going to bed now.
Happy birthday, Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes got me through a lonely summer. I guess by now, even after all your study of spiritism, you've become convinced there is no contact between this world and the next. So, you can't read this. So, this post is largely pointless.
I'm going to bed now.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
1 CORINTHIANS 12
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
12:1-3 The Test of Speaking in the Spirit
1Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
As Paul dealt with the imperfections of the church in Corinth, he sought to correct problems with their worship. He discussed head coverings and the Lord’s Supper. Now he moves to the expression of spiritual gifts. The gift that will be discussed the most will be that of speaking in tongues. Paul’s discussion on spiritual gifts will stretch through chapters 12, 13, and 14, and will all be in the context of appropriate worship and life in the body of Christ.
Paul does not want the Corinthians to be ignorant, or uninformed, about spiritual gifts. They had been led astray to idol worship before, and he does not want them led into error now. This is a good instruction for all of us, but especially for those today who embrace every weird phenomena as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, the weirder the more spiritual.
It is evident that the Corinthian church members were speaking in tongues and had questions about it. Paul’s first instruction is about limits on speaking in tongues and judging if it is really an exercise of the spiritual gift. He said no one can say Jesus be cursed and claim to be speaking by the Holy Spirit or using his spiritual gift. This is a sort of statement on the Trinity. The persons of the Trinity are in perfect harmony. One will not degrade the other. The Holy Spirit will not lead you to do anything that dishonors Jesus. So, if you ever have that urge, you can know it is not from the Holy Spirit. In John 15:26, Jesus said “when the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the father, the Spirit of Truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.” In John 16:14, Jesus said “he will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.”
So, if you hear someone standing and speaking in tongues and bringing dishonor to Christ, rather than honor, he or she is not exercising a spiritual gift, but is being used by some other spirit.
12:4-6 Many Gifts, One Spirit
4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
There are many gifts, there are different kinds of service and there are different kinds of working. We see this all the time. Some have the gift of prophecy, but not all. Some have the gift of discernment or faith, others do not.
But there is one Holy Spirit. Different gifts do not come from different spirits. There are many ways to serve, but we all serve one lord, Jesus Christ. Three are many ways to work, but there is one God working in men and women. Notice again the Trinitarian statement.
A DIGRESSION ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
Joel 2:28 prophesied the pouring out of the Spirit. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit. See John 14:16-17, 26; 16:7-15; Acts 1:5, 8.
The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost. See Acts 2:1-4. Notice here that the speaking in tongues, or languages, allowed the people to hear the mighty works of God in their own tongues, according to verse 11.
In Acts 2:17, Peter applied the prophecy of Joel 2:28 to this event.
But, remember that the Holy Spirit did not come into existence at this time. The Holy Spirit is God, an equal member of the Trinity, existing for all eternity. Genesis 1:2 tells us that, in the beginning of the world, the Spirit was there. The Old Testament records several instances of the Spirit being upon a person and Exodus 31:3 speaks of the Spirit filling a man.
Romans 8:9 tells us that all believers have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.
12:7-11 Describing The Gifts
7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
First, we see that each believer is given a gift as the manifestation of the Spirit. It is not just a few privileged ones who get a gift. There are those in the Pentecostal camp who say that speaking in tongues is the manifestation of the Spirit, but this does not seem to be the case, since Paul goes on to list several different gifts.
The Assemblies of God take this position in their statement of fundamental truths:
8. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance.
Acts 2:4 [KJV/NIV]
The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues, but is different in purpose and use.
1 Corinthians 12:4-10 [KJV/NIV]
1 Corinthians 12:28 [KJV/NIV]
This comes from the 2nd chapter of Acts, where the apostles spoke in tongues when they received the Holy Spirit. This is repeated in Acts 10:46, after peter preached to the men with Cornelius the centurion. The Jewish believers were astonished that Gentile believers received the Holy Spirit, as they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. There is one other example, in Acts 19:1-7. Paul came to Ephesus and found disciples who had received only John’s baptism. Paul preached Jesus to them and they were baptized into the name of Jesus. Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
It is not, however, in the description of the activities of the early church in Acts 2:42-47. Paul does not tie speaking in tongues to salvation in his letters, either.
The gifts are given for the common good. That is, the Spirit distributes gifts for the benefit of the church, not the individual. It is not so that you can be famous, it is so the body can be built up. Ephesians 4:11-12 say this clearly. [Read it.]
Definition: A spiritual gift is the God-given capacity of every Christian to carry out his function in the body of Christ.
Here is the list:
1. the message of wisdom;
2. the message of knowledge;
3. faith;
4. healing;
5. miraculous powers;
6. prophecy;
7. the ability to distinguish between spirits;
8. the ability to speak in different kinds of tongues; and
9. the interpretation of tongues.
Wisdom – spiritual insight
Knowledge – an acquaintance with sacred things (Calvin)
Faith – beyond ordinary faith, that produces miracles (Calvin); the supernatural ability to trust God (Deffinbaugh)
Healing
Miraculous powers – Calvin thought this applied to defeating demons
Prophecy – unfolding the secret will of God
Distinguishing spirits
Tongues – speaking in another language
interpretation of tongues – interpreting a foreign language into the native language
In verse 11, he reiterates that the one Spirit gives all the gifts and He determines who will get them. We do not determine it. The Spirit is sovereign, as are the other members of the Godhead.
12:12-13 One Body
Paul used the human body to illustrate the Body of Christ. The human body is one living organism composed of many parts. The parts do not exist independently. If you don’t believe, cut off a body part and watch it die.
Because there is one Holy Spirit into whom all believers are baptized, we become one body. It does not matter what race we are, what gender, what national origin. Once you receive Christ, you become part of his one body with everyone else. This is even true of Jews and Gentiles. They are one. There is not one body for Jews and one for non-Jews. There is one body.
Galatians 3:26-29 says “for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.” (ESV)
Romans 12:4 says “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
This is yet another call for unity, as Paul began in chapter 1. Divisions and disunity and selfishness are blemishes on the bride of Christ.
12:14-21 Many Parts
The body is one organism, in unity through the Spirit, but it is composed of many parts. Those parts are the individual believers. You don’t get to choose this, by the way. Verse 15 tells us a believer cannot say “I am not part of the body” because he does not play the part he wants. The fact that you say “I am not part of the body” does not make it so. You are a part of the body if you are a believer. You may be a non- dis-or malfunctioning part, but you are a part.
The body needs all its parts. The body of Christ needs you! You are needed. You may not feel it, see it or believe it, but it is so.
Remember, this is within the context of gifts. God has given you a “gift”, which is an ability to serve the body of Christ in a certain way, and the body\church needs you, your gift and your service.
Just as you can’t say I don’t need the body, I am not part of it, the other members of the body cannot say they don’t need you. The really noticeable parts cannot tell the less noticeable parts they are not needed. They are needed. Paul uses the image of the eye telling the hand it is not needed. The gift of prophecy cannot tell the gift of service it is not needed. It is. God said so.
John 15, using the image of the vine and the branches, taught us that we must be connected to Christ to produce a fruit. Now, 1 Corinthians 12 teaches us that we must be connected to each other if we are to function as God designed and intended us to.
12:22-24 Honor to the Less Honorable
Verse 22 tells us that we may see the more spectacular appearing gifts as being more necessary, but, in fact, those gifts that appear “weaker” or more discrete are given more honor. The Corinthians put a great value on tongues speaking. It was showy, flamboyant and noticeable. But, Paul said the less showy gifts were indispensable. You cannot get much done without those who serve or give or encourage.
Baptists don’t do much with speaking in tongues. But, we give great honor to singers and preachers. Yet, the scripture tells us those gifts are not more honorable than the less noticeable ones.
Verse 24 tells us that God composed the body. We saw earlier that the Spirit gave out the gifts as he willed. God gave greater honor to the parts of the body we might not honor. I think this is especially true with the gifts that bring about service that people don’t notice. God honors it greatly.
12:25-26 Caring For Each Other
God wants no divisions in the body, but all having the same care for each other. We don’t get this done very well in our human nature. But, Paul said we suffer together, receive honor together and rejoice together. If you hurt, I hurt. If you rejoice, I rejoice. We are in the same boat.
12:27-31 More Gifts
Paul restates the gifts, some of which sound like offices. Some seem new, others seem to be re-listed. They are:
10. apostles
11. prophets
12. teachers
13. miracles
14. helping
15. administrating
16. tongues.
We do not all have the same gifts. We are to desire the higher gifts, though he does not say what those are.
In summary, all believers are given gifts by Christ through the Holy Spirit.
-we do not all have the same gift
-the gifts are used in service
-the gifts are used to build up the body and continue Christ’s ministry
-as we serve, our gifts will be recognized by the body and by ourselves
Even so, Paul will teach us a more excellent way than desiring gifts, and that is in chapter 13.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
12:1-3 The Test of Speaking in the Spirit
1Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
As Paul dealt with the imperfections of the church in Corinth, he sought to correct problems with their worship. He discussed head coverings and the Lord’s Supper. Now he moves to the expression of spiritual gifts. The gift that will be discussed the most will be that of speaking in tongues. Paul’s discussion on spiritual gifts will stretch through chapters 12, 13, and 14, and will all be in the context of appropriate worship and life in the body of Christ.
Paul does not want the Corinthians to be ignorant, or uninformed, about spiritual gifts. They had been led astray to idol worship before, and he does not want them led into error now. This is a good instruction for all of us, but especially for those today who embrace every weird phenomena as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, the weirder the more spiritual.
It is evident that the Corinthian church members were speaking in tongues and had questions about it. Paul’s first instruction is about limits on speaking in tongues and judging if it is really an exercise of the spiritual gift. He said no one can say Jesus be cursed and claim to be speaking by the Holy Spirit or using his spiritual gift. This is a sort of statement on the Trinity. The persons of the Trinity are in perfect harmony. One will not degrade the other. The Holy Spirit will not lead you to do anything that dishonors Jesus. So, if you ever have that urge, you can know it is not from the Holy Spirit. In John 15:26, Jesus said “when the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the father, the Spirit of Truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.” In John 16:14, Jesus said “he will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.”
So, if you hear someone standing and speaking in tongues and bringing dishonor to Christ, rather than honor, he or she is not exercising a spiritual gift, but is being used by some other spirit.
12:4-6 Many Gifts, One Spirit
4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.
There are many gifts, there are different kinds of service and there are different kinds of working. We see this all the time. Some have the gift of prophecy, but not all. Some have the gift of discernment or faith, others do not.
But there is one Holy Spirit. Different gifts do not come from different spirits. There are many ways to serve, but we all serve one lord, Jesus Christ. Three are many ways to work, but there is one God working in men and women. Notice again the Trinitarian statement.
A DIGRESSION ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
Joel 2:28 prophesied the pouring out of the Spirit. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit. See John 14:16-17, 26; 16:7-15; Acts 1:5, 8.
The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost. See Acts 2:1-4. Notice here that the speaking in tongues, or languages, allowed the people to hear the mighty works of God in their own tongues, according to verse 11.
In Acts 2:17, Peter applied the prophecy of Joel 2:28 to this event.
But, remember that the Holy Spirit did not come into existence at this time. The Holy Spirit is God, an equal member of the Trinity, existing for all eternity. Genesis 1:2 tells us that, in the beginning of the world, the Spirit was there. The Old Testament records several instances of the Spirit being upon a person and Exodus 31:3 speaks of the Spirit filling a man.
Romans 8:9 tells us that all believers have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.
12:7-11 Describing The Gifts
7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
First, we see that each believer is given a gift as the manifestation of the Spirit. It is not just a few privileged ones who get a gift. There are those in the Pentecostal camp who say that speaking in tongues is the manifestation of the Spirit, but this does not seem to be the case, since Paul goes on to list several different gifts.
The Assemblies of God take this position in their statement of fundamental truths:
8. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance.
Acts 2:4 [KJV/NIV]
The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues, but is different in purpose and use.
1 Corinthians 12:4-10 [KJV/NIV]
1 Corinthians 12:28 [KJV/NIV]
This comes from the 2nd chapter of Acts, where the apostles spoke in tongues when they received the Holy Spirit. This is repeated in Acts 10:46, after peter preached to the men with Cornelius the centurion. The Jewish believers were astonished that Gentile believers received the Holy Spirit, as they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. There is one other example, in Acts 19:1-7. Paul came to Ephesus and found disciples who had received only John’s baptism. Paul preached Jesus to them and they were baptized into the name of Jesus. Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
It is not, however, in the description of the activities of the early church in Acts 2:42-47. Paul does not tie speaking in tongues to salvation in his letters, either.
The gifts are given for the common good. That is, the Spirit distributes gifts for the benefit of the church, not the individual. It is not so that you can be famous, it is so the body can be built up. Ephesians 4:11-12 say this clearly. [Read it.]
Definition: A spiritual gift is the God-given capacity of every Christian to carry out his function in the body of Christ.
Here is the list:
1. the message of wisdom;
2. the message of knowledge;
3. faith;
4. healing;
5. miraculous powers;
6. prophecy;
7. the ability to distinguish between spirits;
8. the ability to speak in different kinds of tongues; and
9. the interpretation of tongues.
Wisdom – spiritual insight
Knowledge – an acquaintance with sacred things (Calvin)
Faith – beyond ordinary faith, that produces miracles (Calvin); the supernatural ability to trust God (Deffinbaugh)
Healing
Miraculous powers – Calvin thought this applied to defeating demons
Prophecy – unfolding the secret will of God
Distinguishing spirits
Tongues – speaking in another language
interpretation of tongues – interpreting a foreign language into the native language
In verse 11, he reiterates that the one Spirit gives all the gifts and He determines who will get them. We do not determine it. The Spirit is sovereign, as are the other members of the Godhead.
12:12-13 One Body
Paul used the human body to illustrate the Body of Christ. The human body is one living organism composed of many parts. The parts do not exist independently. If you don’t believe, cut off a body part and watch it die.
Because there is one Holy Spirit into whom all believers are baptized, we become one body. It does not matter what race we are, what gender, what national origin. Once you receive Christ, you become part of his one body with everyone else. This is even true of Jews and Gentiles. They are one. There is not one body for Jews and one for non-Jews. There is one body.
Galatians 3:26-29 says “for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.” (ESV)
Romans 12:4 says “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
This is yet another call for unity, as Paul began in chapter 1. Divisions and disunity and selfishness are blemishes on the bride of Christ.
12:14-21 Many Parts
The body is one organism, in unity through the Spirit, but it is composed of many parts. Those parts are the individual believers. You don’t get to choose this, by the way. Verse 15 tells us a believer cannot say “I am not part of the body” because he does not play the part he wants. The fact that you say “I am not part of the body” does not make it so. You are a part of the body if you are a believer. You may be a non- dis-or malfunctioning part, but you are a part.
The body needs all its parts. The body of Christ needs you! You are needed. You may not feel it, see it or believe it, but it is so.
Remember, this is within the context of gifts. God has given you a “gift”, which is an ability to serve the body of Christ in a certain way, and the body\church needs you, your gift and your service.
Just as you can’t say I don’t need the body, I am not part of it, the other members of the body cannot say they don’t need you. The really noticeable parts cannot tell the less noticeable parts they are not needed. They are needed. Paul uses the image of the eye telling the hand it is not needed. The gift of prophecy cannot tell the gift of service it is not needed. It is. God said so.
John 15, using the image of the vine and the branches, taught us that we must be connected to Christ to produce a fruit. Now, 1 Corinthians 12 teaches us that we must be connected to each other if we are to function as God designed and intended us to.
12:22-24 Honor to the Less Honorable
Verse 22 tells us that we may see the more spectacular appearing gifts as being more necessary, but, in fact, those gifts that appear “weaker” or more discrete are given more honor. The Corinthians put a great value on tongues speaking. It was showy, flamboyant and noticeable. But, Paul said the less showy gifts were indispensable. You cannot get much done without those who serve or give or encourage.
Baptists don’t do much with speaking in tongues. But, we give great honor to singers and preachers. Yet, the scripture tells us those gifts are not more honorable than the less noticeable ones.
Verse 24 tells us that God composed the body. We saw earlier that the Spirit gave out the gifts as he willed. God gave greater honor to the parts of the body we might not honor. I think this is especially true with the gifts that bring about service that people don’t notice. God honors it greatly.
12:25-26 Caring For Each Other
God wants no divisions in the body, but all having the same care for each other. We don’t get this done very well in our human nature. But, Paul said we suffer together, receive honor together and rejoice together. If you hurt, I hurt. If you rejoice, I rejoice. We are in the same boat.
12:27-31 More Gifts
Paul restates the gifts, some of which sound like offices. Some seem new, others seem to be re-listed. They are:
10. apostles
11. prophets
12. teachers
13. miracles
14. helping
15. administrating
16. tongues.
We do not all have the same gifts. We are to desire the higher gifts, though he does not say what those are.
In summary, all believers are given gifts by Christ through the Holy Spirit.
-we do not all have the same gift
-the gifts are used in service
-the gifts are used to build up the body and continue Christ’s ministry
-as we serve, our gifts will be recognized by the body and by ourselves
Even so, Paul will teach us a more excellent way than desiring gifts, and that is in chapter 13.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
CHUCK SMITH AND THE END OF THE WORLD
Smith wrote that the generation related to the "generation that was living in May of 1948 shall not pass until the second coming of Jesus Christ takes place and the kingdom of God be established upon the earth. Snatched Away, 1976.
"I believe that the generation of 1948 is the last generation. Since a generation of judgment is forty years and the Tribulation period lasts seven years, I believe the Lord could come back for His Church any time before the Tribulation starts, which would mean any time before 1981. (1948 + 40 - 7 = 1981)." Chuck Smith, End Times (1978)
"We're the generation that saw the fig tree bud forth, as Israel became a nation again in 1948. As a rule, a generation in the Bible lasts 40 years. ... Forty years after 1948 would bring us to 1988."
"From my understanding of biblical prophecies, I'm convinced that the Lord is coming for His Church before the end of 1981. I could be wrong, but its a deep conviction in my heart, and all my plans are predicated upon that belief...The Lord said that towards the end of the Tribulation period the sun would scorch men who dwell upon the face of the earth. (Rev. 16). The year 1986 would fit just about right. " Chuck Smith, Future Survival 1978
You could wonder, if he was wrong about this, what else is he wrong about? Maybe there won't be a rapture, just a second coming at the end of all things.
Smith wrote that the generation related to the "generation that was living in May of 1948 shall not pass until the second coming of Jesus Christ takes place and the kingdom of God be established upon the earth. Snatched Away, 1976.
"I believe that the generation of 1948 is the last generation. Since a generation of judgment is forty years and the Tribulation period lasts seven years, I believe the Lord could come back for His Church any time before the Tribulation starts, which would mean any time before 1981. (1948 + 40 - 7 = 1981)." Chuck Smith, End Times (1978)
"We're the generation that saw the fig tree bud forth, as Israel became a nation again in 1948. As a rule, a generation in the Bible lasts 40 years. ... Forty years after 1948 would bring us to 1988."
"From my understanding of biblical prophecies, I'm convinced that the Lord is coming for His Church before the end of 1981. I could be wrong, but its a deep conviction in my heart, and all my plans are predicated upon that belief...The Lord said that towards the end of the Tribulation period the sun would scorch men who dwell upon the face of the earth. (Rev. 16). The year 1986 would fit just about right. " Chuck Smith, Future Survival 1978
You could wonder, if he was wrong about this, what else is he wrong about? Maybe there won't be a rapture, just a second coming at the end of all things.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
In contrast to Dr. Patterson, who has endorsed the putative candidate for SBC president, Morris Chapman, a former president, takes the opposite approach. On his blog, Chapman speaks of returning to the policy that called for picking the president as a matter of prayer rather than politics.
Here is the money quote in my opinion:
Today political strategies, agendas, and power politics threaten to distract us from empowered possibilities of a people who rely solely upon God's guidance. We are drawn to do things as the world does them. To lose power from above all too often drives us to generate artificial power of our own making. We can intellectualize the Word of God 'til the cows come home and Christ reigns supreme upon the earth, but the more we attempt to do in our own power, the less we shall know the power of God. Our strength pales in comparison to the Christ who arose from the grave and ascended to the right hand of the Father.
The use of power politics has jaded the laity of the SBC. Most do not feel they have any input into the policies of the convention and that their leaders do not really care about them. They see the politics. If the Band of Brothers that controls the presidency does not give them credit for being smart enough to see the politics, they are delusional. When you throw in the recent events of trying to silence a member of a board for dissent and the abuse of funds, Baptists find their leadership the equivalent of much of the national political leadership: corrupt, selfish, myopic.
There is still time to avoid a cataclysm in the convention, but not much time. Younger pastors are revolting and the laity has lost respect for most of the current leadership. It is time to repent of wordliness and devote time to spiritual, scriptural leadership.
You won't do this, of course. But at least I can say I told you so.
Here is the money quote in my opinion:
Today political strategies, agendas, and power politics threaten to distract us from empowered possibilities of a people who rely solely upon God's guidance. We are drawn to do things as the world does them. To lose power from above all too often drives us to generate artificial power of our own making. We can intellectualize the Word of God 'til the cows come home and Christ reigns supreme upon the earth, but the more we attempt to do in our own power, the less we shall know the power of God. Our strength pales in comparison to the Christ who arose from the grave and ascended to the right hand of the Father.
The use of power politics has jaded the laity of the SBC. Most do not feel they have any input into the policies of the convention and that their leaders do not really care about them. They see the politics. If the Band of Brothers that controls the presidency does not give them credit for being smart enough to see the politics, they are delusional. When you throw in the recent events of trying to silence a member of a board for dissent and the abuse of funds, Baptists find their leadership the equivalent of much of the national political leadership: corrupt, selfish, myopic.
There is still time to avoid a cataclysm in the convention, but not much time. Younger pastors are revolting and the laity has lost respect for most of the current leadership. It is time to repent of wordliness and devote time to spiritual, scriptural leadership.
You won't do this, of course. But at least I can say I told you so.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT
Ronnie Floyd has turned down an interview with blogger Tad no relation Thompson and will not answer questions.
Ronnie Floyd has turned down an interview with blogger Tad no relation Thompson and will not answer questions.
SPEAKING OUT OF BOTH SIDES OF HIS MOUTH - AGAIN
Paige Patterson has endorsed Ronnie Floyd for president of the SBC, despite calling this method of baptism blasphemy. PP is know for speaking out of both sides of his mouth, making contradictory statements, so that should come as no surprise. It is interesting, though, that he would endorse a man whose church gives less than 1% of its receipts to the cooperative program, since the seminary which PP leads is dependent on CP gifts.
It is also interesting how politics has taken over for prayer. At one time, the president was nominated at the convention, people prayed and voted. Now, the political machine gears up in advance, picks a candidate, and lines up other convention big dogs to endorse him. It is just like secular politics.
So, PP will endorse an inerrantist, even if he is a blasphemous non-supporter of the cooperative program.
My daddy used to say "politics makes strange bed fellows". And Paige and Ronnie are a good example that Daddy was right.
Paige Patterson has endorsed Ronnie Floyd for president of the SBC, despite calling this method of baptism blasphemy. PP is know for speaking out of both sides of his mouth, making contradictory statements, so that should come as no surprise. It is interesting, though, that he would endorse a man whose church gives less than 1% of its receipts to the cooperative program, since the seminary which PP leads is dependent on CP gifts.
It is also interesting how politics has taken over for prayer. At one time, the president was nominated at the convention, people prayed and voted. Now, the political machine gears up in advance, picks a candidate, and lines up other convention big dogs to endorse him. It is just like secular politics.
So, PP will endorse an inerrantist, even if he is a blasphemous non-supporter of the cooperative program.
My daddy used to say "politics makes strange bed fellows". And Paige and Ronnie are a good example that Daddy was right.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
HOWARD DEAN: HOMOPHOBE OR JUST PLAIN CRAZY?
Howard Dean appeared on the 700 Club and was interviewed by Pat Robertson. That in itself is pretty crazy. Could two people be further apart on the political spectrum? The one thing they have in common is that they both foam at the mouth regularly, and usually in the main stream media.
The more interesting thing is Dean said the Democratic platform of 2004 defined marriage as between a man and a woman. First of all, that is not really what it says. It specifically advocates protecting the rights of gay and lesbian families. That can hardly be sung to the tune of "When a Man Loves A Woman".
Maybe the more interesting question is, why did he say it? Dean is certainly known to flip flop, but he certainly has been the poster boy for the left wing of the Democratic party, which caters to the homosexual movement. For him to offend them means he has changed his agenda in recognition that the party needs to move to the center to win an election. Or, it means he is crazy. I think he is crazy, but maybe that is just me. I think he will say anything at any given time, with no regard to fact or truth, and only his mind contains the rationale. In short, he is a few french fries short of a happy meal.
Maybe we should elect him. Could you imagine him having a conversation wit the president of Iran? The are both crazy. Would they communicate like inmates in an asylum, or try to kill each other. One thing is certain, you would need a lot of towels to dry up the foam.
America is an interesting place. Too interesting sometimes. And Howard "Mad Dog" Dean is one of the reasons why.
Unfortunately.
Howard Dean appeared on the 700 Club and was interviewed by Pat Robertson. That in itself is pretty crazy. Could two people be further apart on the political spectrum? The one thing they have in common is that they both foam at the mouth regularly, and usually in the main stream media.
The more interesting thing is Dean said the Democratic platform of 2004 defined marriage as between a man and a woman. First of all, that is not really what it says. It specifically advocates protecting the rights of gay and lesbian families. That can hardly be sung to the tune of "When a Man Loves A Woman".
Maybe the more interesting question is, why did he say it? Dean is certainly known to flip flop, but he certainly has been the poster boy for the left wing of the Democratic party, which caters to the homosexual movement. For him to offend them means he has changed his agenda in recognition that the party needs to move to the center to win an election. Or, it means he is crazy. I think he is crazy, but maybe that is just me. I think he will say anything at any given time, with no regard to fact or truth, and only his mind contains the rationale. In short, he is a few french fries short of a happy meal.
Maybe we should elect him. Could you imagine him having a conversation wit the president of Iran? The are both crazy. Would they communicate like inmates in an asylum, or try to kill each other. One thing is certain, you would need a lot of towels to dry up the foam.
America is an interesting place. Too interesting sometimes. And Howard "Mad Dog" Dean is one of the reasons why.
Unfortunately.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
PATTERSON SPEAKS OUT
Tom Ascol, over at the Founders Blog, has unearthed an interview of Paige Patterson by Mark Dever. In it, Dever asked Patterson about a church that baptizes children in a baptistry made to look like a fire truck and shoots fireworks when a kid is baptized. Dever could not remember the name of the church. Patterson responded that it was, I kid you not, "blasphemous".
Ascol has researched and found out that the church is none other than that pastored by the putative nominee for SBC president!
Whoa.
Tom Ascol, over at the Founders Blog, has unearthed an interview of Paige Patterson by Mark Dever. In it, Dever asked Patterson about a church that baptizes children in a baptistry made to look like a fire truck and shoots fireworks when a kid is baptized. Dever could not remember the name of the church. Patterson responded that it was, I kid you not, "blasphemous".
Ascol has researched and found out that the church is none other than that pastored by the putative nominee for SBC president!
Whoa.
LAWYER JOKE
The lawyer is led into a room, and the Devil says "There are different things we do here. Tell me about your life." After the lawyer talks about his life the Devil says "I'll need some money to get the ball rolling." The lawyer gives him some money. The Devil says "Okay, you can go outside for awhile. I'll let you know when they make a decision on what to do with you."
The lawyer waits several weeks. He calls, but the Devil is not in, so he leaves a message. No one responds, so a few weeks later he calls again. The Devil's secretary says the lawyer needs to send more money, so he does.
Several weeks later the lawyer calls again. The Devil is in conference, so the lawyer leaves a message. Several weeks later he calls again. The Devil is on a long distance call. The secretary says to send more money, so he does.
Several weeks later ...
The lawyer is led into a room, and the Devil says "There are different things we do here. Tell me about your life." After the lawyer talks about his life the Devil says "I'll need some money to get the ball rolling." The lawyer gives him some money. The Devil says "Okay, you can go outside for awhile. I'll let you know when they make a decision on what to do with you."
The lawyer waits several weeks. He calls, but the Devil is not in, so he leaves a message. No one responds, so a few weeks later he calls again. The Devil's secretary says the lawyer needs to send more money, so he does.
Several weeks later the lawyer calls again. The Devil is in conference, so the lawyer leaves a message. Several weeks later he calls again. The Devil is on a long distance call. The secretary says to send more money, so he does.
Several weeks later ...
FLOYD SPEAKS
Mr. Floyd has issued a statement about his pending nomination as president of the SBC on his website.
Mr. Floyd has issued a statement about his pending nomination as president of the SBC on his website.
SBC ELECTIONS
Like many Southern Baptists, you may not care, but the election for president of the convention has been thrown into an uncertainty not seen in years. With a month to go before the annual embarrassment fest known as the Southern Baptist Convention, the conservative oligarchs do not have a unanimous candidate.
The heir apparent, until recently, was Georgia pastor Johnny Hunt. As usual, the oligarchy met and announced their nominee, assuming everyone would fall into lock step. However, that was not the case, as many younger pastors expressed their lack of support. Hunt, faced with a possible contested race, announced he would not run.
Now, it appears the gang will nominate Arkansas pastor Ronnie Floyd, pictured above.
Another problem is the do as I say not as I do mentality of many of the leaders of big, conservative SBC churches. Notably, although they come to the leadership of all the agencies supported by the cooperative program, their churches do not support the cooperative program very well. One SBC panel has called for the officers to be elected from churches that give at least 10 percent of their undesignated receipts to the cooperative program.
This would have knocked out Mr. Hunt, whose church gave about 2.2 percent of the churches undesignated receipts. Floyd may face the same criticism. His church gives about 3.6 percent of undesignated receipts.
The other interesting factor for this year is the growth of the number of the SBC's Calvinists. Rumor has it that Mark Dever, pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., will be nominated for first vice president. Dever is a Calvinist and speaks at seminars with John Piper, John McArthur, R. C. Sproul and others.
This will give the oligarchs food for thought and a decision to make. Will they enlarge the tent of leadership or try to keep their death grip by only offering nominees from their own circle of friends? Will they put their money where their mouth is by only nominating someone who supports the cooperative program in a significant way, whether at 10 percent or some other number.
Finally, will they tolerate, embrace or shun the Calvinists.
What started as a blah year in SBC politics may have turned into a pivotal year. Like the song says "the whole world's watching". Will our leaders make us proud? Or, will they return to the thrilling days of yesteryear when you could count on the convention for embarassing headlines.
Remember, fewer people admit being Southern Baptist at convention time than any other.
Like many Southern Baptists, you may not care, but the election for president of the convention has been thrown into an uncertainty not seen in years. With a month to go before the annual embarrassment fest known as the Southern Baptist Convention, the conservative oligarchs do not have a unanimous candidate.
The heir apparent, until recently, was Georgia pastor Johnny Hunt. As usual, the oligarchy met and announced their nominee, assuming everyone would fall into lock step. However, that was not the case, as many younger pastors expressed their lack of support. Hunt, faced with a possible contested race, announced he would not run.
Now, it appears the gang will nominate Arkansas pastor Ronnie Floyd, pictured above.
Another problem is the do as I say not as I do mentality of many of the leaders of big, conservative SBC churches. Notably, although they come to the leadership of all the agencies supported by the cooperative program, their churches do not support the cooperative program very well. One SBC panel has called for the officers to be elected from churches that give at least 10 percent of their undesignated receipts to the cooperative program.
This would have knocked out Mr. Hunt, whose church gave about 2.2 percent of the churches undesignated receipts. Floyd may face the same criticism. His church gives about 3.6 percent of undesignated receipts.
The other interesting factor for this year is the growth of the number of the SBC's Calvinists. Rumor has it that Mark Dever, pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., will be nominated for first vice president. Dever is a Calvinist and speaks at seminars with John Piper, John McArthur, R. C. Sproul and others.
This will give the oligarchs food for thought and a decision to make. Will they enlarge the tent of leadership or try to keep their death grip by only offering nominees from their own circle of friends? Will they put their money where their mouth is by only nominating someone who supports the cooperative program in a significant way, whether at 10 percent or some other number.
Finally, will they tolerate, embrace or shun the Calvinists.
What started as a blah year in SBC politics may have turned into a pivotal year. Like the song says "the whole world's watching". Will our leaders make us proud? Or, will they return to the thrilling days of yesteryear when you could count on the convention for embarassing headlines.
Remember, fewer people admit being Southern Baptist at convention time than any other.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“A philosopher is a blind man in a dark cellar at midnight looking for a black cat that isn't there. He is distinguished from a theologian, in that the theologian finds the cat. He is also distinguished from a lawyer, who smuggles in a cat in his overcoat pocket, and emerges to produce it in triumph.”
-- William L. Prosser, "My Philosophy of Law," Cornell Law Quarterly, 1942
“A philosopher is a blind man in a dark cellar at midnight looking for a black cat that isn't there. He is distinguished from a theologian, in that the theologian finds the cat. He is also distinguished from a lawyer, who smuggles in a cat in his overcoat pocket, and emerges to produce it in triumph.”
-- William L. Prosser, "My Philosophy of Law," Cornell Law Quarterly, 1942
Saturday, May 06, 2006
ISLAM IN THE BACK SEAT
"When one views the historical roles of the religions on their journey through the world, the relationship is as follows: Christianity is the actual proprietor who sits in the carriage; Judaism is the coach-man; Muhammadanism is a groom, who does not sit with the coachman, but behind." Soren Kierkegaard 1839.
So, the Danish cartoons are not their first denigration of the prophet.
"When one views the historical roles of the religions on their journey through the world, the relationship is as follows: Christianity is the actual proprietor who sits in the carriage; Judaism is the coach-man; Muhammadanism is a groom, who does not sit with the coachman, but behind." Soren Kierkegaard 1839.
So, the Danish cartoons are not their first denigration of the prophet.
NEW BLOG TO READ
Try out Coloratura Christian, by an interesting Christian woman. She has several posts on the marriage of Jonathan and Sara Edwards. I admit my bias. Anything about Jonathan Edwards is edifying.
Try out Coloratura Christian, by an interesting Christian woman. She has several posts on the marriage of Jonathan and Sara Edwards. I admit my bias. Anything about Jonathan Edwards is edifying.
FAITH AND COMMUNITY
The American Enterprise has a good article on faith and a unifying factor in national community. The faith under review is Christianity.
The American Enterprise has a good article on faith and a unifying factor in national community. The faith under review is Christianity.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
KING OF THE HILL GOES TO MEGACHURCH
Watch the video. My favorite line: you're Reverend Neely. I recognize you from the bus benches.
Watch the video. My favorite line: you're Reverend Neely. I recognize you from the bus benches.
PAGAN SACRIFICE
Jon Anderson confessed to killing Natasha Miller, a 19 year old in Milford, Michigan. Why? He told police it was part of a pagan ritual. Anderson claimed to be a druid. He he had to dispose of Miller's body by fire, earth or water, so he dumped her body in a lake.
Some things never change. God told the Israelites in Leviticus not to sacrifice their children to the pagan god Molech. Centuries later, we have pagan sacrifice right here in the good ole USA.
It kind of makes you long for the days of prayer in schools, doesn't it?
Jon Anderson confessed to killing Natasha Miller, a 19 year old in Milford, Michigan. Why? He told police it was part of a pagan ritual. Anderson claimed to be a druid. He he had to dispose of Miller's body by fire, earth or water, so he dumped her body in a lake.
Some things never change. God told the Israelites in Leviticus not to sacrifice their children to the pagan god Molech. Centuries later, we have pagan sacrifice right here in the good ole USA.
It kind of makes you long for the days of prayer in schools, doesn't it?
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
666
Tim LaHaye will join the crowd of Satan inspired literature by releasing his new book on 6/6/06.
LaHaye's book is called "The Rapture". What else? Who has made more money off the rapture theory than Tim LaHaye? I guess 63 million copies is not enough to sell on the Rapture. He wants more! And, I'm sure he wants to continue to use fiction to popularize a theory he can't prove from the scripture.
Tim LaHaye will join the crowd of Satan inspired literature by releasing his new book on 6/6/06.
LaHaye's book is called "The Rapture". What else? Who has made more money off the rapture theory than Tim LaHaye? I guess 63 million copies is not enough to sell on the Rapture. He wants more! And, I'm sure he wants to continue to use fiction to popularize a theory he can't prove from the scripture.
Monday, May 01, 2006
ANOTHER NIGERIAN WANTS TO MAKE ME RICH!
From Mr Justin Briggs
Union Bank Plc Nigeria Branch
15 Marina Street Lagos State
Nigeria.
Dear Friend.
I got your contact From the Chambers Of Commerce .
My name is Mr.Justin Briggs.The Operations Control
Officer Of Union Bank Plc Nigeria Branch.
I am a Nigerian By Birth 40years of age and married
with three children . Although i am not comfortable to
send this proposal to you because of increase in SCAM
and FRAUD especially in the net ,I have packaged a
financial transaction that will benefit both of us.
As the Operations Controller of the bank, it is my duty
to send financial reports to my head office in the
capital city of Accra Ghana. On the course of the last
year 2005 end of the year's report, i discovered that
my branch in which i am the Controller ,made seven million
dollars. ( 7 million ) of which my head office is not aware and will never be aware of it. I have since then PLACED this fund in an ESCROW CALL
ACCOUNT without a beneficiary. I cannot be directly connected to this
Money thus, i am impelled to request for your assistance to receive this money into your bank account.
I intend to part 25% of this fund to you while 10% is for
the expenses that will be incured during the transfer and the Rest for me
I do need to assure you that there are no risk involved in this Business.
It’s going to be a Bank-to-Bank transfer . All i need From you is to stand as the original depositor of this fund. If you accept this offer, i will appreciate your timely response and then we shall discuss on how
you will keep our share . reply to my alternate email:
jurist20022001@yahoo.com
Best Regards
Justin Briggs
NB: Your early reply is highly welcomed and attach
your profiles,such as your name and adress,and also
your contact telephone number for easy means of
communication.
Man, those Nigerians are generous!
From Mr Justin Briggs
Union Bank Plc Nigeria Branch
15 Marina Street Lagos State
Nigeria.
Dear Friend.
I got your contact From the Chambers Of Commerce .
My name is Mr.Justin Briggs.The Operations Control
Officer Of Union Bank Plc Nigeria Branch.
I am a Nigerian By Birth 40years of age and married
with three children . Although i am not comfortable to
send this proposal to you because of increase in SCAM
and FRAUD especially in the net ,I have packaged a
financial transaction that will benefit both of us.
As the Operations Controller of the bank, it is my duty
to send financial reports to my head office in the
capital city of Accra Ghana. On the course of the last
year 2005 end of the year's report, i discovered that
my branch in which i am the Controller ,made seven million
dollars. ( 7 million ) of which my head office is not aware and will never be aware of it. I have since then PLACED this fund in an ESCROW CALL
ACCOUNT without a beneficiary. I cannot be directly connected to this
Money thus, i am impelled to request for your assistance to receive this money into your bank account.
I intend to part 25% of this fund to you while 10% is for
the expenses that will be incured during the transfer and the Rest for me
I do need to assure you that there are no risk involved in this Business.
It’s going to be a Bank-to-Bank transfer . All i need From you is to stand as the original depositor of this fund. If you accept this offer, i will appreciate your timely response and then we shall discuss on how
you will keep our share . reply to my alternate email:
jurist20022001@yahoo.com
Best Regards
Justin Briggs
NB: Your early reply is highly welcomed and attach
your profiles,such as your name and adress,and also
your contact telephone number for easy means of
communication.
Man, those Nigerians are generous!
RENDER UNTO CAESAR
In an article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram entitled “High court to decide if woman can sue pastor”, By Max B. Baker, it is reported that the Texas Supreme Court is reviewing a lower court decision that would allow a woman to sue her pastor for divulging details from marriage counseling to the congregation. The Court has already heard oral arguments.
The woman and her husband had counseled with the pastor about their marital problems. They also attended a group counseling the pastor set up. Despite the counseling, the wife decided to divorce. Oddly enough, given his later actions, the pastor recommended an attorney for her.
The wife then resigned as a member of the church. She evidently did this to avoid church discipline that was set out in the church bylaws. Despite her resignation and further despite the pastor’s referral of an attorney, the pastor discussed the matter with the elders of the church. He then wrote and sent a letter to church members about the divorce. The letter revealed the wife’s relationship with another man and accused the wife of failing to respond in repentance. The pastor went on to suggest “shunning” of the wife, even though she had resigned.
Although this case has quite a few church related folks concerned, there is an additional twist that complicates the matter. The pastor was also a licensed professional counselor and touted that fact. The wife originally sued the church and the elders, but dropped them from the suit to focus on the suit against the pastor as a licensed counselor.
Some church leaders say this creates a risk that pastors can be sued more freely if they are both pastors and licensed counselors. But, why should a pastor be exempt from the law regulating licensed counselors, yet be able to tout that they are licensed counselors? Pastors have to choose whom they will serve, as we all do.
They can be pastors and counsel and do their church work with relative immunity to suit. But, when they get the license, they are asking the State, not God, to give them extra credibility by declaring them a licensee. The price for this is obeying the rules of licensure, like everyone else has to do. Call it “rendering unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s”.
In an article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram entitled “High court to decide if woman can sue pastor”, By Max B. Baker, it is reported that the Texas Supreme Court is reviewing a lower court decision that would allow a woman to sue her pastor for divulging details from marriage counseling to the congregation. The Court has already heard oral arguments.
The woman and her husband had counseled with the pastor about their marital problems. They also attended a group counseling the pastor set up. Despite the counseling, the wife decided to divorce. Oddly enough, given his later actions, the pastor recommended an attorney for her.
The wife then resigned as a member of the church. She evidently did this to avoid church discipline that was set out in the church bylaws. Despite her resignation and further despite the pastor’s referral of an attorney, the pastor discussed the matter with the elders of the church. He then wrote and sent a letter to church members about the divorce. The letter revealed the wife’s relationship with another man and accused the wife of failing to respond in repentance. The pastor went on to suggest “shunning” of the wife, even though she had resigned.
Although this case has quite a few church related folks concerned, there is an additional twist that complicates the matter. The pastor was also a licensed professional counselor and touted that fact. The wife originally sued the church and the elders, but dropped them from the suit to focus on the suit against the pastor as a licensed counselor.
Some church leaders say this creates a risk that pastors can be sued more freely if they are both pastors and licensed counselors. But, why should a pastor be exempt from the law regulating licensed counselors, yet be able to tout that they are licensed counselors? Pastors have to choose whom they will serve, as we all do.
They can be pastors and counsel and do their church work with relative immunity to suit. But, when they get the license, they are asking the State, not God, to give them extra credibility by declaring them a licensee. The price for this is obeying the rules of licensure, like everyone else has to do. Call it “rendering unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s”.
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