Thursday, March 22, 2012

Is It Right for a Christian to Judge Another Christian?


  
"Who are you to judge me?"

"You call yourself a Christian?  Stop judging me!"

"Do not judge, lest you be judged!"


Ever been told something like that?  I certainly have.  It seems like most people today who claim to be Christian know one single bible verse: "Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matthew 7:1).  And they quote it to you anytime you try to point out something about their life!

Which begs the question, is it right for a Christian to judge another Christian?

(Find the answer by clicking "READ MORE" below)

Friday, March 9, 2012

Revelation 1-11 (Q & A)


QUESTIONS and ANSWERS:

Ch. 1
  1.     Why would we be blessed by reading this book? (v.3)
A.    Because it is all about Christ
B.     Because it provided encouragement to those who were suffering
  2.     What are the “seven spirits”? (v.4)
A.    Fullness of the Holy Spirit (or)
B.     Angels
  3.     What is the “alpha and omega”? (v.8)
A.    The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet
B.     Symbolize eternity
  4.     What is the divine outline of the book? (v.19)
A.    Things which you saw – Jesus Christ (ch.1)
B.     Things which are – seven churches (ch.2-3)
C.     Things after this – future events (ch.4-22)
  5.     Who are these “angels”? (v.20)
A.    They could be angelic beings
B.     They could be pastors
1)    Jesus writes to each angel, not to each church

Ch.2
  1.     Did Jesus say the Ephesians would lose their salvation? (v.5)
A.    No, they would lose their witness as a church
  2.     What is the second death? (v.11)
A.    The first death is the separation of our bodies from our souls/spirits
B.     The second death is the separation of our souls/spirits from God
  3.     What is the hidden manna and white stone? (v.17)
A.    Both symbolic of rewards in heaven
B.     Hidden manna probably refers to the banquet in heaven
C.     White stones could symbolize victory in heaven
  4.     Will the church go through the Tribulation? (v.22)
A.    This is not symbolizing the future
B.     This symbolizes reaping what we sow – sow to the flesh, reap corruption

Friday, March 2, 2012

PROVERBS 31 (PART III)

The Virtuous Woman” Part III
CHARACTER TRAIT COUNTDOWN #9-1

I.                   Intro
1.   This is our last look at the virtuous wife.  She is rare but finding her or becoming her is the greatest gift this world has to offer.  Her worth is far more precious than the treasures of this world.
2.   We’ve already looked at many of her characteristics.  She is good at being trustworthy, she is good to her husband, she is good with her hands, she is good at finding deals, she is good at managing her time, she is good at saving, investing, and earning money, she is good at keeping herself in shape, she is good at hands on skills, and she is good at helping those in need. 
3.     Let’s look at the rest of her character traits...

II.                 Proverbs 31:21-22
1.       “not afraid of snow…clothed with scarlet” (v.21):
A.    Character Trait #9:     She is good about not complaining.  She does not complain about cold weather or about anything else for that matter.  The Hebrew word for ‘scarlet’ might mean ‘double garments,’ which makes more sense.  She makes sure her husband and kids are dressed warmly for the cold season.
B.     Complaining can be a problem for a lot of ladies.  But remember, God does not enjoy complainers.  The children of Israel complained in the wilderness, and it displeased God and His anger was aroused against them.  In the New Testament, Paul wrote to do all things “without complaining or disputing.”  Jude wrote that a characteristic of false teachers was that they complained and grumbled.  Needless to say, the virtuous wife is not a complainer.
2.            “makes tapestry for herself…fine linen and purple” (v.22):
A.    Character Trait #8:     She is good at presenting herself well.  Tapestry usually refers to sheets for a bed, so she was good with interior decorating.  I think all women naturally are good at interior decorating.  I think it’s a gene that all women have.  But the virtuous woman also dresses nicely.  She doesn’t buy all her clothes at thrift stores and Costco, though there is nothing wrong with that.  But the virtuous wife dresses to impress.  She is not vain or shallow; she just wants to make a good impression on others. 

PROVERBS 31 (PART II)

The Virtuous Woman” Part II
CHARACTER TRAIT COUNTDOWN #20-10

I.                   Intro
1.     This is the beginning of the description of the virtuous woman.  We will look at the first half of them today, and the second half next time. 
2.     Ladies, would you rather have a full time career or be a stay at home mom?  Neither one is better than the other.  According to this chapter, the virtuous wife does both.
3.     In that culture, women didn’t work.  The men worked and the women bore and raised children.  That’s why the virtuous wife is so special.  She takes care of the home but she also works!  She is truly a fascinating woman.
4.     Top 20.  That is the number of character traits the virtuous wife has.  Guys, these are the characteristics you want to look for in a wife.  Ladies, these are the characteristics you want to have to obtain a godly husband. 

II.                 Proverbs 31:10
1.     who can find a virtuous wife” (v.10):
A.    First off, finding a virtuous wife is rare.  Her worth is far more than the most precious jewels in the world.  Finding her is finding the greatest gift this world has to offer.
B.     Virtuous can also mean ‘excellent, valiant, noble, and strong.’  Ladies, don’t you want to become that woman?  Guys, don’t you want to find that woman?
C.     In this day and age, it’s hard enough to find a marriage partner who calls themselves a Christian.  And it’s even harder to find a marriage partner who takes their Christian life seriously.  So how much more difficult it is to find that partner who is virtuous, excellent, and valiant?
D.    It can be done.  Ladies, don’t think this is impossible to reach.  It’s just a matter of your will.  Are you willing to become this woman?  Are you willing to let God shape you and mold you into the virtuous wife?