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June 18, 2006

Drinking

Filed under: Bible Studies,Old & New Testament — Adam Osborne @ 9:00 pm

 

 

Drinking

A bible study by

Adam Osborne, Jr.


Author’s comments: This is a highly debatable topic. While drinking in moderation is allowed in numerous Christian denominations, other denominations totally forbid it and consider it a sin. It would be “safest” for me to just avoid this topic totally because no matter what I say in this bible study, I will most certainly offend someone. However, that never stopped Paul so I guess it shouldn’t stop me as long as I am quoting true scripture. 

I ventured into this bible study seeking the truth. I have always heard different opinions from the different denominations, so I wanted to know what God’s Word truly said.

As you will read, I most certainly formed my own opinion this bible study. My prayer is that I don’t misquote or misinterpret the scriptures… or… cause another brother or sister to stumble. But in reverent humility to our Lord and Savior, I submit the following bible study.

Don’t make another brother or sister stumble

Rom 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

If drinking offends your brother or sister in Christ, you shouldn’t do it. If it makes someone stumble, you shouldn’t do it. If it makes them weak, you shouldn’t do it. This is also talking about YOU, just not thy brother. If your actions (drinking) keeps you from “growing in Christ”, or slows your development with Christ, or makes you weak, it is a sin to do it.

Let’s take this discussion one step further. If you are a member of a denomination that just doesn’t believe in drinking at all (example: Southern Baptist) what would happen if it was discovered that you, a Deacon and a Sunday School Teacher, drank? Would it cause some developing Christians in your Sunday School class to stumble?

 

 

Don’t get drunk, stay “sober”

What is “sober?” The definition is: Possessing or characterized by properly controlled faculties: well-balanced. Not under the influence of an intoxicant; not drunk. Moderate or abstinent, especially in the use of intoxicating drink.

Ephesians 5-18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the spirit;

1 Thess 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. (7) For they that sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. (8) But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.

Titus 1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

1 Timothy 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanders, sober, faithful in all things

Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

Titus 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, that the word of God not be blasphemed.

Titus 2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be soberminded

Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world

1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

1 Timothy 2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

Why stay sober? Why is getting “drunk” bad?

Roman 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

There are a lot of reasons God demands that you stay sober. Anything that takes you away from serving God is a sin.

Genesis 19:32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. (33) And they made their father drink wine that night: (34) And it came to pass on the morrow, that the first born said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. (35) And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

There are countless people, Godly people, who have fallen away from the grace of God due to alcohol. In the above scripture the girls, knowing the persuasive power of alcohol were using it to get what they wanted. Isn’t it true, in today’s society, in yesterday’s society, that thousands, hundreds of thousands, have been led astray by the effects of alcohol?

Alcohol can get you in trouble. If taken to excess, alcohol opens a huge door for the devil to step through. That’s exactly why the bible emphasizes sobriety. It is smart to reduce the chances of allowing Satan a step into your heart and life.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour;

Can you be “vigilant”, on your guard, avoiding the devil in a drunken state? The Devil will devour weak, ungodly men.

 

 

Preachers, Teachers, Deacons, Bishops

Luke 1:15 For he shall be great, in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost..

For he shall be great, in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost..

This scripture was talking about the coming of John the Baptist, a true man used of God. Notice how it said he won’t drink any alcohol. He was a human man, just like you and I. Notice in this scripture, and the ones below, how when God talks about his servants that “teach, preach, and serve” to spread the gospel, he demands a certain standard.

1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, (3) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

  • -bishop 1985 = elders, overseers, sometimes used in conjunction with deacons

 

In summary, I believe that wine/alcohol isn’t a SIN if taken in moderation. Jesus and his disciples drank wine. But remember, Jesus was (is) God. We are sinful humans that are easily led astray. Additionally, there are schooled ministers of the bible that state that the wine of Jesus’ day isn’t the same as the alcohol of today. There is most likely some truth to that. 

Remember however, alcohol can and has on thousands occasions, ruined many a godly man and woman. Also, if it causes another to stumble, it’s a sin. A glass of wine a day isn’t a sin in my opinion, but one must be very careful. Anything that can “tempt” you the way drinking can is inherently dangerous and can lead to the Devil taking control of your life. 

Mormons: What They Believe. Witnessing to a Mormon

Filed under: Bible Studies,Old & New Testament — Adam Osborne @ 8:58 pm

WITNESSING TO MORMANS

A Bible Study by Adam Osborne, JR.

12 June 2006

 

 

  

WHAT MORMONS REALLY TEACH

 
Polytheism  

 

 God was once a man  

 
Sin was necessary  

 

 Polygamy is right  

 
Jesus had three wives  

 

 Man works his way to heaven  

 

1. WHAT DOES THE MORMON BELIEVE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND OTHER DOCUMENTS?First of all, when you start to quote scripture to a Mormon they will tell you that there are errors in our bible (King James…. NIV…etc.) so that is why they say that the Mormons had to re-write some of the text.First of all, when you start to quote scripture to a Mormon they will tell you that there are errors in our bible (King James…. NIV…etc.) so that is why they say that the Mormons had to re-write some of the text.

First of all, when you start to quote scripture to a Mormon they will tell you that there are errors in our bible (King James…. NIV…etc.) so that is why they say that the Mormons had to re-write some of the text.

  • The Mormons believe in 4 books:
    • The King James Bible, as far as it is translated correctly. The Mormons believe that the Bible has been severely corrupted by scribes and translators.
    • The Book of Mormon (reported to be historically accurate work about Jewish people in Central America from the 6th Century BC to the 15th Century AD)
    • The Doctrine and Covenants (138 revelations reportedly given directly to Joseph Smith)
    • The Pearl of Great Price (a collection of 5 documents).

THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE:

  • Ask the Mormon to show historical evidence outside of the Book of Mormon for the places, people and nations mentioned in The Book of Mormon.
    • They can’t. No archaeology has ever turned up anything.
  • Ask the Mormon if it bothers them that there is NO clear and convincing evidence to support the claims of the Book of Mormon, while every other ancient document gives thousands of pieces of evidence to support the King James Bible.
  • The book of Mormon has been proven incorrect by archaeologists, anthropologists and bible scholars.
  • The Mormons believe that God is not powerful enough, is not competent enough, to keep his bible from being corrupted. If that was so, then he is not all powerful, not omnipresent, and no god at all. That would make the entire bible a lie, not worthy of study or belief.

 

 

Christians believe that the Bible, given by God’s Spirit is complete in itself and needs no additions. In fact, additions to the Bible are forbidden.  

     

  • Deuteronomy 4:2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.

    • Deuteronomy 12:32 See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.
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        • Proverbs 30:5-6 “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

          • Galatians 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!
                  

              • Revelations 22:18-19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

 Mormons believe that they have “new Scripture” and that the writings of Joseph Smith are divinely inspired revelations – God’s nineteenth century additions to the Bible.  

that they have “new Scripture” and that the writings of Joseph Smith are divinely inspired revelations – God’s nineteenth century additions to the Bible.

that they have “new Scripture” and that the writings of Joseph Smith are divinely inspired revelations – God’s nineteenth century additions to the Bible.

that they have “new Scripture” and that the writings of Joseph Smith are divinely inspired revelations – God’s nineteenth century additions to the Bible.

2. WHAT DOES THE MORMON BELIEVE ABOUT GOD?Mormons believe:

  • God is an exalted man named Elohim with a physical body of flesh and bone.
  • He didn’t create anything from nothing, he just “organized” everything.
  • His knowledge is great, but limited, it keeps growing as He turns less man and more god.
  • He has not always existed but was derived from another great god.
  • That God is a material creature who was once a man as we are now men.
  • They say men can finally achieve godhood and that there are many gods.

 

 

Christians believe that God is uniquely eternal and all-powerful, the only God – and that He is a Spirit.  

      

  • Psalms 145:13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

    • Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

    Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

    Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

      

  • Isaiah 57:15 For this is what the high and lofty One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

    • For this is what the high and lofty One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

    For this is what the high and lofty One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

    For this is what the high and lofty One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

      

  • John 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”
        

    • 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
          

      • 1 Tim 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

        • Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

        Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

        Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

          

      • Jude 1: 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

        • to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

        to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

        to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

       

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that God is uniquely eternal and all-powerful, the only God – and that He is a Spirit.

that God is uniquely eternal and all-powerful, the only God – and that He is a Spirit.

that God is uniquely eternal and all-powerful, the only God – and that He is a Spirit.

 Mormons believe that God is a material creature who was once a man as we are now men. They say men can finally achieve godhood and that there are many gods.  

that God is a material creature who was once a man as we are now men. They say men can finally achieve godhood and that there are many gods.

that God is a material creature who was once a man as we are now men. They say men can finally achieve godhood and that there are many gods.

that God is a material creature who was once a man as we are now men. They say men can finally achieve godhood and that there are many gods.

3. WHAT DOES THE MORMON BELIEVE ABOUT SIN? 

 

Christians believe that man is not godlike, but sinful and separated from God. Man can only have a relationship with God through faith in Christ. Man, apart from Christ is lost.  

      

  • Romans 5:12-19 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned– 13 for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come. 15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16 Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
        

    • Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

      • For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

      For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

      For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

        

    • Ephesians 2:1,3 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
          

      • John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

        • The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

        The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

        The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

          

      • Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

        • Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

        Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

        Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

       

      • As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,

      As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,

      As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,

     

    • Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned–

    Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned–

    Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned–

that man is not godlike, but sinful and separated from God. Man can only have a relationship with God through faith in Christ. Man, apart from Christ is lost.

that man is not godlike, but sinful and separated from God. Man can only have a relationship with God through faith in Christ. Man, apart from Christ is lost.

that man is not godlike, but sinful and separated from God. Man can only have a relationship with God through faith in Christ. Man, apart from Christ is lost.

 Mormons believe that salvation comes by works and that all men will spend eternity on some level of a multistoried heaven. The level will be determined by the scope of each man’s good works.  

that salvation comes by works and that all men will spend eternity on some level of a multistoried heaven. The level will be determined by the scope of each man’s good works.

that salvation comes by works and that all men will spend eternity on some level of a multistoried heaven. The level will be determined by the scope of each man’s good works.

that salvation comes by works and that all men will spend eternity on some level of a multistoried heaven. The level will be determined by the scope of each man’s good works.

4. WHAT DOES THE MORMON BELIEVE ABOUT SALVATION? 

 

Christians believe that salvation is a free gift provided by grace (unmerited love) of God for all who believe and accept His plan.  

      

  • Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
        

    • John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
          

      • John 14:1-3, 6 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
            

        • 1 John 3:1,2 1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

          •  

         

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      •  

     

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that salvation is a free gift provided by grace (unmerited love) of God for all who believe and accept His plan.

that salvation is a free gift provided by grace (unmerited love) of God for all who believe and accept His plan.

that salvation is a free gift provided by grace (unmerited love) of God for all who believe and accept His plan.

 Mormons believe  

  • Not totally a work of God through Christ on the cross.
  • Jesus’ prayers and suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, on the cross, and through the resurrection, immortality has been granted to everyone, regardless of belief.
  • Salvation comes through gaining enough merit to secure the greatest type of salvation.
  • This highest salvation can be gained by those who are already dead through the prayers of the living.
  • The fullest kind of Mormon salvation is exaltation (godhood). It is only available to Mormons.

 

WEB SITES:

http://www.lifeafter.org/Christian_Mormons.asp

Is Jesus God?

Mormonism – Mormons hold that Jesus is not God and was in fact created, not creator. What’s more, Mormon teaching asserts that Jesus and Satan are brothers. “The appointment of Jesus to be the Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer–this spirit-brother of Jesus desperately tried to become the Savior of mankind.” Milton R. Hunter, The Gospel Through the Ages, p. 15.Christianity - The REAL Jesus is the only begotten Son (in the Hebrew “begotten” means heir, not off-spring) and He is God the Son. John 1:1 reads “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” John 1:14 goes onto say “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Clearly the Bible, particularly the Gospel According to John, is telling us the story of Jesus. Jesus is described as the “Word.” The “Word” is called God. Not “A God” but God! The Gospel of John then says that this God, known as the “Word” became flesh, real, temporal and tangible and lived among us. We know Jesus did this and this is afterall, the Gospel of Christ according to John. More evidence shows that Jesus called Himself God and the Jews tried to stone him for it, John 10:30-33. “We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” Clearly the Jews understood Jesus’ meaning, else why would they attempt to stone Him? Is. 44:6, God of the Old Testiment says “I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.” Rev. 1:18, Jesus says, “I am the Alpha and Omega the First and the Last.” Which of the two is lying? They both can’t be first and last unless they are one in the same. Is. 43:10 God says, “Before me there were no gods formed, nor will there be after.” If Jesus is “A” God, then this scripture would have to be wrong because Jesus’ very existence, given the Mormon position that Jesus is A god but not Father God, would be evidence of another God. Therefore, God was wrong that there would be no other gods. And being wrong would make Him imperfect. And if He is imperfect, He is therefore not God. By contrast, if Jesus “IS” God, then this scripture remains true and consistent with his claims of deity in John 10, Rev. 1 and the claims of Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Savior in Is. 9:6 where Isaiah calls him “Wonderful, Counselor, All Mighty God, the Everlasting FATHER, the Prince of Peace.” NOTE: This scripture was the basis of Handel’s Messiah sung every Christmas by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City. Finally, only God can forgive sins and yet on several occasions in the gospels we see Jesus forgiving sin. Matt. 9:2, Lk. 7:48.The contention that Mormons are Christians is troubling to say the least. CHRIST-ians believe that Christ IS God. To believe otherwise is fine if that’s what you wish, but don’t call yourself a Christian. A Christian believes that “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him” Col. 1:16. Christians believe Christ IS God.

Gods or God?

Mormonism – “In the beginning the head of Gods called a council of the Gods; and they came together and concocted a plan to create the world and people on it…in all congregations when I have preached on the subiect of the Deity, it has been the plurality of Gods.” Joseph Smith, History of the (Mormon) Church, Vol. 6, pp.308, 474.- “In the beginning the head of Gods called a council of the Gods; and they came together and concocted a plan to create the world and people on it…in all congregations when I have preached on the subiect of the Deity, it has been the plurality of Gods.” Joseph Smith, History of the (Mormon) Church, Vol. 6, pp.308, 474.Christianity - “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Gen. 1:1. “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.” Is. 43:10-11.The two positions above are in complete opposition to each other. Yet when pressed, the best Mormons can offer is that since it’s written in what they consider sacred texts (which the bible may or may not belong depending on who you talk to), it’s a fact. Of course when asked to reconcile that God cannot lie and in light of the fact that the Bible came first, and the Book of Mormon says something different — implying God lied or changed His mind — the best the Mormons can offer is mere shrug saying “What can I tell you, you’re not ready to believe.”

Is there a Mrs. God?

Mormomism – “In the heaven where our spirits were born, there are many Gods, each of whom has a wife or wives, which were given to him…while yet in a mortal state.” Orson Pratt, (Apostle), The Seer, pg. 37. “The doctrine that there is a Mother in Heaven was affirmed in all plainness by the First Presidency of the Church.” Bruce R. McConkie (Apostle), Mormon Doctrine, p. 516.Christianity – There is absolutely no mention of any wives of God. ” Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” Matt. 22:29-30.- There is absolutely no mention of any wives of God.Again, the best any Mormon can do is turn to Mormon texts to back up his argument. If faced with an insistant Christian requiring he back up his claims with biblical scripture, the Mormon will always provide you with one of two solutions: 1) a misinterpreted, taken-out-of-context scripture or 2) a shrug and say “I don’t know what to tell you, I guess you’re not ready to believe.”

Is anything Impossible for God?

Mormonism – “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s,” Doctrine and Covenents, 130:22. “If God possesses a form, that form is of necessity of definite proportions, and therefore of limited extention and space. It is impossible for Him to occupy at one time more than one space of such limits.” James Talmage, Articles of Faith, page 43.

Christianity – Christians believe God is not limited by a temporal body, He knows everything immediately without benefit of sensory organs, and sustains the existence of all that exists. It follows that He is in some sense present everywhere. Certainly it is the Bible’s explicit teaching that God is omnipresent (Psalm 139:3-10, 1 Kings 8:27, Jer. 23:23-24, Acts 17:24-27, Matt 18:20), belief that Mormons do not hold. Mormons know that if God is omnipresent, he can’t be flesh and bone. Lastly, John 4:24 says, “God is Spirit.” This is what Christians believe because it is IN scripture. Mormons contend that God is as Talmage taught, a god of flesh and bones. Despite the evidence of scripture, Mormons tell Christians they are wrong and point to extra-bible Mormon writings as evidence. Despite lacking what Christians can present in the form of Biblical evidence, Mormons still contend that they are right and Christians are wrong. So if Christians are wrong, why would Mormons now wish to call themselves Christians?- Christians believe God is not limited by a temporal body, He knows everything immediately without benefit of sensory organs, and sustains the existence of all that exists. It follows that He is in some sense present everywhere. Certainly it is the Bible’s explicit teaching that God is omnipresent (Psalm 139:3-10, 1 Kings 8:27, Jer. 23:23-24, Acts 17:24-27, Matt 18:20), belief that Mormons do not hold. Mormons know that if God is omnipresent, he can’t be flesh and bone. Lastly, John 4:24 says, “God is Spirit.” This is what Christians believe because it is IN scripture. Mormons contend that God is as Talmage taught, a god of flesh and bones. Despite the evidence of scripture, Mormons tell Christians are wrong and point to extra-bible Mormon writings as evidence. Despite lacking what Christians can present in the form of Biblical evidence, Mormons still contend that they are right and Christians are wrong. So Once again, the differences between the Christian God and the Mormon god are indisputable. Given the verses shown above, it is mindboggling to this Christian how Mormons can keep a straight face and preach this kind of ‘gospel.’ We have contended on several occasions, it is Mormons and Mormons alone who put limits on God. Note that Talmage reads into God’s nature based on the teachings of Joseph Smith, that God is as Joseph taught. Talmage says God is limited. He also says that something is impossible for God. Chrsitians believe that all things exist because of God and therefore nothing is impossible for the author of all things.http://www.truthinlovetomormons.com/site_map.htmhttp://www.livingwaters.com/witnessingtool/howtowitnesstomormons.shtml

http://www.mrm.org/multimedia/text/2john10.html

http://www.thechristiandefense.com/weblog_entry.php?e=138

http://ateam.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2005/12/30/1554958.html

Words from Billy Graham regarding “cults”….

The basic mark of any cult, however, is that it rejects the divinity of Jesus. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ was God in human flesh—that He alone was both fully man and fully God. Cults, however, deny this, and often confuse people who aren’t familiar with the Bible by twisting its meaning.

Satan Personalities

Filed under: Bible Studies,Old & New Testament — Adam Osborne @ 8:54 pm

Satan’s Personality

A bible study by Adam Osborne, JR*

18 June, 2006

Satan’s Personality

 

Deceiver

  • Acts 13:10 (NIV) “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?
  • Matt 24:24 (NIV) For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect–if that were possible.
       

    • 2 Cor 11:14 (NIV) And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
      • 2 Thess 2:9-10 (NIV) The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
      • Gen 3:1 (NIV) Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
      • Matt 13:19 (NIV) When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

Sinful

  • 1 John 3:8 (NIV) He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.

Liar

  • Luke 4:6 (NIV) And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.

  • John 8:44 (NIV) You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Tempts us

  • Gen 3:4-5 (NIV) “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Inflicts disease

  • Job 2:7 (NIV) So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

Peverts the scriptures

  • Matt 4:6 (NIV) “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

 

Satan’s Power:

Prince of this world:

  • John 12:31 (NIV) Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
       

    • John 14: 30 (NIV) I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me,
         

      • John 16:11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

God of this world (KJV); God of this age (NIV):

  • 2 Cor 4:4 (NIV) The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Ruler of the kingdom of the air:

  • Eph 2:2 (NIV) in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

Can get in your way and hinder you from doing good deeds:

  • 1 Thess 2:18 (NIV) For we wanted to come to you–certainly I, Paul, did, again and again–but Satan stopped us.

Contends with the saints:

  • Eph 6:12 (NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

  • 2 Cor 2:11 (NIV) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

 

Is permitted to afflict the righteous

  • 12 Job 1:12 (NIV) The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

Job 1:12 (NIV) The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

Job 1:12 (NIV) The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

  • 2 Cor 12:7 (NIV) To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

 

Opposes the righteous

  • Zech 3:1 (NIV)1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him.

Satan has dominion over the sinful

  • Acts 26:18 (NIV) to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
       

    • Acts 5:3 (NIV) Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?

      •  

      Preys upon men

      • 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

      • Rev 2:10 (NIV) Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Satan’s plan:

His place of activity is in the mind:

  • John 13:2 & 27 (NIV)The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus…. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. “What you are about to do, do quickly,” Jesus told him.
    • Acts 5:3 (NIV) Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
    • Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.

    His program of activity is against our mind

    • Job 1:6-11 (NIV) One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.” 8 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” 9 “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. 10 “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

Satan’s future:

Satan is cursed by God::

:

  • Gen 3:14 (NIV) So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.

God can control Satan:

  • Rev 20:2 (NIV) He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.

  • John 12:31 (NIV) Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
       

    • 2 Thess 2:8 (NIV) And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.

      •  

      Satan will lose in the end:

      • Rev 20:10 (NIV) And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

      • Heb 2:14 (NIV) Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil.
      • Luke 10:18 (NIV) He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
           

        • Rev 12:9 (NIV) The great dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

More names of Satan

  • Rev 9:11 (NIV) They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon.
  • Rev 12:10 (NIV) Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.
    • 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
    • 2 Cor 6:15 (NIV) What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
    • Matt 12:24 (NIV) But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”
    • Matt 4:11 (NIV) Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
    • Eph 6:12 (KJV) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
    • Matt 4:3 (KJV) And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
    • Matt 12:43 (KJV)43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
         

      • Matt 13:19 (KJV) When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.


    *Note: Some of the notes on this bible study were taken from a sermon preached by Dr. Greg Wrigley, Orange Avenue Baptist Church, Green Cove Springs, FL. Other comments have been added by the author…..Adam 

     

June 5, 2006

Spiritual Gifts

Filed under: Bible Studies,Old & New Testament — Adam Osborne @ 1:27 pm

Spiritual Gifts

A bible study by Adam Osborne, Jr.

21May2006

The “Survival Kit, Five Keys to Effective Spiritual Growth” book by Ralph W. Neighbour, JR and Bill Latham makes the following statement on page 32:

“The second truth is that God adds gifts as you mature spiritually.”

The scriptural references used for this statement is Romans 12:1-8; 1Peter 1:13-16; and lastly 1 Corinthians 12:4-18, 28-30.This bible study is an attempt to validate, or invalidate, that particular statement listed above. This study will discuss (a) if there is actually scripture evidence where it says that God will give you “more” spiritual gifts to match your spiritual maturity….OR.. (b) if a Christian will use their God given gifts more effectively as their spiritual maturity deepens. Option (b) would assume that God gives you all the spiritual gifts that he has planned for you all at the same time when you first became a Christian, and your spiritual growth, or lack of spiritual growth, would determine what level of effectiveness you could use these gifts.

Romans 12:1-8 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 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. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 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. 

Matthew Henry’s Commentary:

  • All the saints make up one body in Christ, who is the Head of the body, and the common Center of their unity. In the spiritual body, some are fitted for and called to one sort of work; others for another sort of work. We are to do all the good we can, one to another, and for the common benefit. If we duly thought about the powers we have, and how far we fail properly to improve them, it would humble us. But as we must not be proud of our talents, so we must take heed lest, under pretence of humility and self-denial, we are slothful in laying out ourselves for the good of others. We must not say, I am nothing, therefore I will sit still, and do nothing; but, I am nothing in myself, and therefore I will lay out myself to the utmost, in the strength of the grace of Christ. Whatever our gifts or situations may be, let us try to employ ourselves humbly, diligently, cheerfully, and in simplicity; not seeking our own credit or profit, but the good of many, for this world and that which is to come.
  • Adam’s comments: Matthew Henry’s use of the word “improve” here would seem to mean to me “spiritual growth” instead of God actually giving more gifts. Also, I checked numerous other commentaries including Scofield, Spurgeon, Spiros Zodhiates and Adam Clarke. None of those commentaries provided any additional insight for this particular scripture.

 

Eph 4:11-16 (NIV) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 

Through the New Testament, Vernon McGee:

  • Christ’s purpose in giving men with different gifts to the church is to develop believers from babyhood to full maturity. ….. Believers are not to remain children, but rather that in “speaking the truth in love, [they] may grow up into him in all things.”
  • Adam’s comments: Seems to indicate “growth” not “additional giving of gifts”.

Matthew Henry (Uncondensed):

 

  • Unto every one of us Christians is given grace, some gift of grace, in some kind or degree or other, for the mutual help of one another. Unto every one of us ministers is given grace; to some a greater measure of gifts, to others a less measure. The different gifts of Christ’s ministers proved a great occasion of contention among the first Christians: one was for Paul, and another for Apollos. The apostle shows that they had no reason to quarrel about them, but all the reason in the world to agree in the joint use of them, for common edification; because all was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ, in such a measure as seemed best to Christ to bestow upon every one. Observe, all the ministers, and all the members of Christ, owe all the gifts and graces that they are possessed of to him; and this is a good reason why we should love one another, because to every one of us is given grace. All to whom Christ has given grace, and on whom he has bestowed his gifts (though they are of different sizes, different names, and different sentiments, yet), ought to love one another.
  • How kind is Christ to his church! How careful of it and of its edification! When he ascended, he procured the gift of the Holy Ghost; and the gifts of the Holy Ghost are various: some have greater, others have less measures; but all for the good of the body.
  • The gifts and offices (some of them) which have been spoken of are to continue in the church till the saints be perfected, which will not be till they all come in the unity of the faith (till all true believers meet together, by means of the same precious faith) and of the knowledge of the Son of God, by which we are to understand, not a bare speculative knowledge, or the acknowledging of Christ to be the Son of God and the great Mediator, but such as is attended with appropriation and affection, with all due honour, trust, and obedience. Unto a perfect man, to our full growth of gifts and graces, free from those childish infirmities that we are subject to in the present world. Unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so as to be Christians of a full maturity and ripeness in all the graces derived from Christ’s fullness: or, according to the measure of that stature which is to make up the fullness of Christ, which is to complete his mystical body. Now we shall never come to the perfect man, till we come to the perfect world. There is a fullness in Christ, and a fullness to be derived from him; and a certain stature of that fullness, and a measure of that stature, are assigned in the counsel of God to every believer, and we never come to that measure till we come to heaven. God’s children, as long as they are in this world, are growing.
  • We should grow up towards maturity, which is opposed to being children. Those are improving Christians who grow up into Christ. The more we grow into an acquaintance with Christ, faith in him, love to him, dependence upon him, the more we shall flourish in every grace. He is the head; and we should thus grow, that we may thereby honour our head. The Christian’s growth tends to the glory of Christ.
1 Cor 12:4-18 (NIV) There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free–and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 

Spiros Zodhiates (Hebrew Greek Study Bible

 

  • The word used for “gifts” is charismata, the plural of charisma. The word is derived from charis, “grace,” God’s unmerited favor for man. The suffix ma after charis makes it the result of grace, thus the result of God’s grace in man.
  • Every Christian, irrespective of his spiritual standing and because of the indwelling of Christ’s grace within him, has the potential of a demonstration of that grace in any gift, charisma.
  • This is the fundamental thing for us to realize. The whole tenor of Paul’s Epistle to the Corinthians is that they should not seek the results of grace, but grace itself, and then that grace can exercise itself as the One who gives it discerns the need for that demonstration. The demonstration of grace is not to be activated by the individual, but by the Giver of Grace, God Himself.
  • A definition of a spiritual gift as a result of the study of this entire chapter could be stated as an instantaneous enablement by God in the power of the Holy Spirit to do or say something beyond one’s natural ability in order to fulfill a specific purpose of God in the time-frame in which God permits it. These charismata are not permanent acquisitions or talents. They may be specific enablements of accomplishments within the periphery of the talents which were given by God in the first place.

Matthew Henry (Uncondensed):

 

  • Whatever gifts God confers on any man, he confers them that he may do good with them, whether they be common or spiritual. The outward gifts of his bounty are to be improved for his glory, and employed in doing good to others. No man has them merely for himself. They are a trust put into his hands, to profit withal; and the more he profits others with them, the more abundantly will they turn to his account in the end, Phil. 4:17. Spiritual gifts are bestowed, that men may with them profit the church and promote Christianity. They are not given for show, but for service; not for pomp and ostentation, but for edification; not to magnify those that have them, but to edify others. The measure and proportion in which they are given: All these worketh one and the same Spirit, dividing to every man as he will. It is according to the sovereign pleasure of the donor. What more free than a gift? And shall not the Spirit of God do what he will with his own? May he not give to what persons he pleases, and in what proportion he pleases; one gift to one man, and another to another; to one more, and another fewer, as he thinks fit? Is he not the best judge how his own purpose shall be served, and his own donatives bestowed? It is not as men will, nor as they may think fit, but as the Spirit pleases. Note, The Holy Ghost is a divine person. He works divine effects and divides divine gifts a he will, by his own power, and according to his own pleasure, without dependence or control. But though he distributes these gifts freely and uncontrollably, they are intended by him, not for private honour and advantage, but for public benefit, for the edification of the body, the church.
1 Cor 12:28-31 (NIV) And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. 

Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible New Testament

 

  • Although the Holy Spirit is sovereign in bestowing gifts, we have the right to ask God for the gift we want. He says we are to “covet earnestly the best gifts.” Not having been brought up in a Christian home, I had no Christian training at all. When I went away to seminary, I didn’t even know the books of the Bible. I had graduated from a college where the emphasis was placed on the intellectual and the philosophical, and I was trying to be that kind of preacher. Then I heard Dr. Harry Ironside speak. He explained Scripture in a simple manner. And I heard him make the statement, “Put cookies on the bottom shelf so the kiddies can get them.” And I remembered that my Lord had said, “Feed my sheep” (see John 21:16). He hadn’t said, “Feed my giraffes.” So I went to God and prayed, “Lord, I want to be that kind of preacher.” Later, I substituted for Dr. Ironside at Dallas Theological Seminary, and when he passed on, the seminary’s president, Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, called me on the phone. He asked, “Would you take Dr. Ironside’s lectures here at the seminary?” I could hardly answer him clearly, and I almost rudely hung up the phone. I dropped to my knees, and I confess that I wept as I thanked God. I said, “Lord I prayed that You would let me teach like Dr. Ironside, and You have answered my prayer!” I coveted earnestly the best gift, and He answered my prayer. Although I am no Dr. Ironside, how I thrill today at the experience and the privilege of teaching the Word of God! My friend, you have the right to ask God for the best gift.
  • Regardless of the gift God gives to you, the purpose of it is to be helpful to other believers, other members of the body.
  • Adam’s comments: Vernon McGee’s thoughts of asking for the better gift….It is unclear to me as to if this means “a new gift” or spiritual growth to better utilize the existing gift that God gave you.

Matthew Henry, Uncondensed:

 

  • An advice to covet the best gifts, either the most valuable in themselves or the most serviceable to others; and these are, in truth, most valuable in themselves, though men may be apt to esteem those most that will raise their fame and esteem highest. Those are truly best by which God will be most honoured and his church edified. Such gifts should be most earnestly coveted. Note, We should desire that most which is best, and most worth. Grace is therefore to be preferred before gifts; and, of gifts, those are to be preferred which are of greatest use.
  • Adam’s comments: Mathew Henry’s thoughts coveting the better gift….It is unclear to me as to if this means “a new gift” or spiritual growth to better utilize the existing gift that God gave you.
Adam’s closing comments: I find no scriptural evidence that God will give “new gifts” as you spiritually mature. I personally believe that God gives you all the gifts that he has planned for you all at the same time. As you spiritually mature then God uses those talents for the edification of the church. 

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