"Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.'"
2 Timothy 2:19
We've been having quite a bit of snow this year here in the mountains of NC. We've had at least three "inchers" and some places of the county saw up to eight inches (along the TN border). It's been nice. We're supposed to get freezing rain today, and another inch of snow tonight.
I've been thinking: there is rain, snow, freezing rain, hail and sleet. How are they all formed? What conditions have to be present for hail versus sleet, for example? Or snow versus freezing rain? I'm sure it has to do with the atmospheric conditions high and low, but how does that explain five different varieties of precipitation?
Anyways, we're going to Louisville for Thanksgiving. We're leaving Wednesday and coming back Saturday. We're all quite excited about it. Thanksgiving is...like...the best holiday ever. And my mom is driving down from Chicago. She hasn't seen Jason (who is 18 months) or Lydia. The last time we saw her was Jenna's first birthday, and she's three now!
I was going to work Thanksgiving Day, as I normally do Thursdays, then just feast with the family on Saturday. Last week, however, I got an email from my boss, asking if I could switch those two days. I replied "No problem" before I even looked at the calendar. I was giving up holiday pay (time and a half) and changing my family's plans without even realizing what week it was. On the schedule, they've got someone working overtime to cover Thursday! I have no idea why they switched it. That extra money would have been very helpful, too, especially since I went home sick yesterday and missed five hours of pay.
I ran into your father in law a little while back at a gospel meeting and he told me you guys were doing well. Tell the misses I said hi and good to see you on here I hope we can share some ideas through that group
Hey there! It seems I had forgotten you and your book cover. Actually, I had a couple of other projects that I had already started and got behind working on yours. I'll let you know when I am going to send it. Hope you guys are well!
I'm preaching a gospel meeting this weekend in Asheville. I'll be preaching tonight at 7PM, Saturday at 6PM and three times on Sunday. Joe Hickman is the one who preaches for the Asheville church of Christ, and I know him really well. He's an "A-1" guy. I'm really looking forward to the weekend. My lesson tonight will be on salvation, and the rest of the lessons this weekend will focus on inner transformation and the importance of attitude. Asheville is only about an hour and fifteen minutes away from Spruce Pine, so I'll be driving back and forth.
Lydia Katherine is doing well, as are the other children. I feel bad, though, because I was changing Jenna's clothes two nights ago (she is three now), and I was pulling her shirt off and sprained her wrist. It was a tight, long-sleeve shirt, and it was stubborn coming off, but how in the world I sprained her wrist, I don't know. Anyways, she is wearing a temporary cast, but she's taking it all well.
As far as the recent presidential election, I must admit that I am disappointed and somewhat concerned about what will happen in the next four years. But at the same time, Obama will be my president, and I will honor him and pray for him. Ultimately, God is in control, and I must trust Him. My responsibilities as a Christian remain the same whether the president is liberal or conservative. We'll see what happens in the next four years. I'm interested to see how Obama does.
Thanksgiving is coming up, which is without a doubt, my favorite holiday of the year. We're going to be in Louisville this year at my Grandmother's house. I'm looking forward to it.
A preacher friend of my parents was once wrestling with his little boy, pinned him, and in so doing accidentally dislocated his arms! Naturally, he felt horrible about the whole thing. Unfortunately, he was investigated by Child Protective Services. Wouldn't you be a little suspicious if a guy showed up at the ER with his son's arms dislocated and he tried to convince you they were just playing? Yikes! Be glad that didn't happen to you.
QUESTION: Is human forgiveness conditional? Are we only required to forgive someone who sins against us when they repent to us? Is there a contradiction between Luke 17:3-4 and Luke 23:34?
My thoughts are that it is important for people to ask for forgiveness. However, what kind of attitude would it be for a Christian to hold back forgiveness till people ask. If you have this attitude chances are that you have bitterness in your heart toward the person. A good example of someone forgiving people when they did not even aski is Stephen.
God holds back forgiveness until we repent and confess. Are we expected to hold to a higher degree of forgiveness than even God? I'm not saying that we are permitted to be bitter or rude (as so many are today). Of course, we are to remain loving and willing to forgive, but as far as the act of forgiveness and the restoration of the relationship, I conclude that it is conditional.
I agree, Casey. Can any man be more merciful than God? Does our mercy excel even His? Obviously not. We know that God desires the salvation of all, but we know just as well that His forgiveness is conditional. Likewise, we can be free from animosity, with hearts full of love, yet withhold forgiveness for the simple reason that the sinner has yet to repent. Forgiving the one who hasn't repented does that one a grave disservice by implying he has no need to repent. It could damn his soul.
Did Stephen forgive his murderers or ask that God do so? Isn't there a difference? And, didn't Jesus utter the same request when He was dying? Were Jesus' murderers forgiven before they even finished the job? Later, they were told to repent and be baptized and some did. I see a difference between forgiving an unrepentant sinner and asking that God do so, understanding that He is willing if the sinner will repent.
Good point, Curtis. There is actually a verse in Psalms that speaks of God being ready to forgive. We need to always be ready, as well. In fact, we should not only be ready to forgive, we should be anxious to do so!
Matthew 6:12, Matthew 18:15-35, and Luke 23:34 just about say it all.
"Forgive us our debts." Our debt to God is our life (Romans 3:23). Because we disobeyed God's Law, we are deserving of death, a spiritual death in Hell which is an eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:10-15). We ask God to forgive our debt to Him.
"As we forgive our debtors." If we are to ask God to forgive us of the autrocious sins we have committed against His holiness, then we better be ready to forgive those of us who have sinned against our "unholiness."
Matthew 18 really sheds a lot of light on the subject. First, Jesus says that if someone sins against you, it is your responsibility to go to them and inform them. They might not even be aware of their sin. God did the same thing for us (bringing His Word to us) which is why we are to spread the Gospel (so no one can say, "I didn't know." Matthew 7:21-23) However, if you have told them and they refuse to repent, then you bring others to prove the validity of your point. If they continue to not repent, it is on their heads. You were trying to forgive them and they wouldn't accept it because they didn't think they were wrong.
In Matthew 18:21-35 and Luke 23:34, we can see the extent to which we are to forgive others: as much as they request it and even to a sacrificial position on our part.
Our lectureship with Dr. Stan Bullington begins today and runs through October 19. Dr. Bullington is the author of the book "Solomon On Wealth" and will be presented lessons this weekend which are focused on money-management, debt, the dangers and benefits of wealth, the virtuous wife: her money and her family and MUCH more. He will be using mainly the works of Solomon to make these points. This material, as you know is desparately needed in modern times and I am hoping that we have a great turnout.
Come if you can. We're meeting tonight at 7PM, Saturday morning at 10 and 11, and then Sunday at our regular times, 10, 11 and 6:30. Call (828)467-1463 if you have any questions or need directions, or visit our website, www.LookingToJesus.com.
Sounds like a worthwhile series. Will there be outlines posted on the congregation's website? Do you think it wise to refer to him as "Dr.", rather than just "brother" (Matthew 23:1-12)? In the context of his professional field, I understand using his applicable title, but when a church is announcing an opportunity to hear the word preached, isn't that the kind of elevation Jesus criticized? Please give it some thought. Thanks.
I don't think there's anything wrong with it. The only point is to try to draw visitors. I used the title above only out of habit, not as an elevating title.
I'm so sorry...I miscalculated on things this week and got setback a little. I'm almost finished with it and have tomorrow and Friday off work, so I should be sending it by Friday afternoon. Sorry to keep you waiting! I'll leave you a message when I send it so you can expect it. THanks!
thanks for the head's up...I guess anybody can make a mistake, and I will be on greater lookout for the creeping in of that erroneous doctrine. Thanks, brother!
Sharon (Amber's mom) arrived this evening, and it is my understanding that she will be here for a few weeks. She is what we call "Reinforcements!" YES! Now the number of adults equals the number of children. As far as the new one, Lydia is doing really well. She is gaining weight and her jaundice is slowly but surely going away. The other children love her and constantly want to kiss and hug her. They are all so sweet.
Amber and I just watched a movie tonight called "Obsession." It was mailed to us as a free DVD. Apparently it was aired on CNN and FoxNews some time ago. It is about the threat of radical Islam. Very enlightening, and scary, movie. Have you seen it?
I've been reading "The Pearl of Great Price" this week, which is one of the Mormons' doctrinal books. It is really interesting, especially the first chapter on Enoch. It basically "fills in some of the gaps" of the Bible story. For example, the work of Enoch as a prophet, the reason Abraham left Ur for Haran, and the reason he went into Canaan, and what Moses was doing up there on the mountain (Sinai). Obviously, it contradicts the Bible in a number of ways.
The Spruce Pine church of Christ (where I preach) is having a weekend lectureship October 17-19 on wealth, debt and money management. The speaker will be Dr. Stan Bullington, author of the book "Solomon on Wealth." For more information, go to our website, www.LookingToJesus.com. I'm really excited about it.
