Sunday, March 8, 2015
Stop Watching the Clock Mark 13:23
Stop Watching the Clock |
So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time. (Mark 13:23 NIV). Go deeper: Leviticus 14; Mark 13:1-31; Psalm 30:8-12
I once had a summer job in a California insurance company as their permanent “girl Friday.” I moved from department to department filling in for vacationers. Many days I worked eight hours in the typing pool on an IBM Selectric typewriter. Employees prepared documents or dictated letters; we typed them. Not the most challenging job, but honest summer work for a college student.
It was easy to distinguish between who just had a job and who was seeking advancement. As the day wore on, the typing pool girls perked up. It was an amazing evolution. Around 4:00 PM, the clock magnetically attracted them with concerned diligence. 5:00 PM was quitting time. When I say quitting time, that’s what I mean. In utter astonishment I watched girls lift their hands from the typewriter at 4:55, leave a letter in the carriage, turn off the machine, put on the cover, and walk out the door. Amazing!
Jesus understood this thing of “clock watching.” We are curious. We want to know when, who, how, and why. Jesus taught that matters of the last days are His department and under His control. No one knows the day or time of His return. We are to concentrate on our purpose and leave His purpose to Him. And what’s our purpose? He said it: “Be on your guard!”
Jesus reminds us that there is enough to do just to keep on our toes and be on guard. The exact day and hour of His return are irrelevant. There will be persecution and distress and famine and peril. We must be ready. He’s saying to us what a supervisor might have said to my friends in the typing pool: “You want a promotion? Do your job and do it well? Keep your eyes on your work and off the clock. I’m watching and there are rewards to those who faithfully serve.”
What’s your business? Mind it.
 
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Sunday, March 1, 2015
2000 Years Spiritual Warfare AWESOME Spiritual Warfare Highly Recommended BOOK!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aag/main/ref=olp_merch_name_6?ie=UTF8&asin=1505579015&isAmazonFulfilled=0&seller=AB4BYMN7739LL
Throughout history mankind has always believed in an invisible race of beings that influenced the world around us. Since the time of the Renaissance the Western world has adopted a skeptical attitude towards this kind of phenomena. Demons are now explained away by science and said to have only existed in the imaginations of man. But what does history and experience teach us? Jesus claimed that his followers would demonstrate power over the demons (Mk 16:17) and from his time until the present his followers have done this, demonstrating the reality of an invisible spiritual world. Within this book are recorded accounts of demonic manifestations, exorcisms and analysis of spiritual warfare episodes throughout history, demonstrating that not only do demons exist but they bow down to the Name of Jesus.
Throughout history mankind has always believed in an invisible race of beings that influenced the world around us. Since the time of the Renaissance the Western world has adopted a skeptical attitude towards this kind of phenomena. Demons are now explained away by science and said to have only existed in the imaginations of man. But what does history and experience teach us? Jesus claimed that his followers would demonstrate power over the demons (Mk 16:17) and from his time until the present his followers have done this, demonstrating the reality of an invisible spiritual world. Within this book are recorded accounts of demonic manifestations, exorcisms and analysis of spiritual warfare episodes throughout history, demonstrating that not only do demons exist but they bow down to the Name of Jesus.
Hes looking for a Bride without Spot nor Wrinkle AMEN!!
Hes looking for a Bride without Spot nor Wrinkle AMEN!!
Its NOT nor NEVER too late for those who are still Standing EVEN after a Re-marriage (for their 1st marriage Cov mates). What am I not understanding here (reading between the lines)? I am watching many others now fall down into the pit of sin making divorce acceptable in the eyes of the modern day church. (after their partners fell first where they should still be standing and obeying the Lord serving fully and complete surrender). **God doesn't ever change His mind about a Cov. Marriage. He wants those to turn back to Him first and then back to their Wives or Husbands of their Youth. Its Biblical and elementary without ANY confusion of a modern day "Escape Clause". There is never an escape clause and we as Leaders will also be held accountable for what we DO or DON'T say. I wanted to post this on my Ministry page (thinking twice due to the undertones of them perhaps thinking that they are off God's hook). I'm however NOT GOD yet I do know that His Word "never changes". Amen ..."Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well". "For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 3:8-13). The word translated "deacon" in this passage is the same Greek word "diakoneo" as is used in Acts 6:2, and therefore we know we are talking about the same office". Too much of this is happening and the Church has changed to Worldview instead of Christ view. Amen I'm healed and yet so heartbroken over folks waywardness to His unchanging truth. www.Marriagedivorce.com
If you need MORE Info On Biblically Standing please feel free to Message Me Sharon.n@live.com
Or Someone on the Boards @ www.Marriagedivorce.com EYES BE OPEN and Lord, Let them have a repented heart and EARS TO HEAR YOUR VOICE! Amen
Its NOT nor NEVER too late for those who are still Standing EVEN after a Re-marriage (for their 1st marriage Cov mates). What am I not understanding here (reading between the lines)? I am watching many others now fall down into the pit of sin making divorce acceptable in the eyes of the modern day church. (after their partners fell first where they should still be standing and obeying the Lord serving fully and complete surrender). **God doesn't ever change His mind about a Cov. Marriage. He wants those to turn back to Him first and then back to their Wives or Husbands of their Youth. Its Biblical and elementary without ANY confusion of a modern day "Escape Clause". There is never an escape clause and we as Leaders will also be held accountable for what we DO or DON'T say. I wanted to post this on my Ministry page (thinking twice due to the undertones of them perhaps thinking that they are off God's hook). I'm however NOT GOD yet I do know that His Word "never changes". Amen ..."Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well". "For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 3:8-13). The word translated "deacon" in this passage is the same Greek word "diakoneo" as is used in Acts 6:2, and therefore we know we are talking about the same office". Too much of this is happening and the Church has changed to Worldview instead of Christ view. Amen I'm healed and yet so heartbroken over folks waywardness to His unchanging truth. www.Marriagedivorce.com
If you need MORE Info On Biblically Standing please feel free to Message Me Sharon.n@live.com
Or Someone on the Boards @ www.Marriagedivorce.com EYES BE OPEN and Lord, Let them have a repented heart and EARS TO HEAR YOUR VOICE! Amen
What are the qualifications of elders and deacons?
The qualifications of a deacon are similar to those of a bishop/elder/pastor. "Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 3:8-13). The word translated "deacon" in this passage is the same Greek word "diakoneo" as is used inActs 6:2, and therefore we know we are talking about the same office.
There is no ambiguity about these qualifications. Rather, they are simple, straightforward statements. Both the deacon and the bishop/elder/pastor should be a male, the husband of one wife, of sterling character and one who rules his own home in a biblical way. These qualifications also presuppose that one seeking such an office is a born-again believer and walks in submission to God's Word. Being faithful to the Word enables these men to be able to exhort and to teach or convince others of God's truth.
These are not offices to be taken lightly. The Lord Jesus Himself is called the "Shepherd and Bishop of our souls" (1 Peter 2:25). The two words used here are interesting. The word "Shepherd" is the Greek word "poimen," and it is also translated "pastor" (Ephesians 4:11). This poimen is one who tends herds or flocks and is used metaphorically of Christian pastors because pastors should guide as well as feed the flock the bread of life, the Word of God. The word translated "bishop" is the same word, "episkopos," used by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy and in Titus. Paul also instructs Timothy on the things that exemplify the walk of a good minister. Beginning in1 Timothy 4:11through 6:2, Paul gives Timothy 12 things that he should "command and teach."
Clearly, these are important offices in the church. The New Testament office of the bishop/elder/pastor seems to replace the office of the prophet and priest of the Old Testament. The office of the prophet was that in which the Lord gave to the prophet and the prophet gave to the people (Numbers 12:6). Therefore, the prophet stood facing the people and represented God. The priest, on the other hand, represented the people before the Lord (Leviticus 1:5-8). Therefore, the priest stood facing God and represented the spiritual needs of the people by offering their sacrifices. Since the canon of Scripture is filled, we have the complete word of God (Revelation 22:18-19). The bishop/elder/pastor holds a dual role. This man not only gives God's word to the people in his congregation, but he is charged with the oversight of the spiritual growth of that congregation. That is a very sobering thing for a man to take on, and it should never be done lightly. Therefore, a biblically unqualified individual should not occupy either the office of a bishop/elder/pastor or a deacon in the body of born-again believers.
Reference Cited: http://www.gotquestions.org/qualifications-elders-deacons.html
Question: "What are the qualifications of elders and deacons?"
Answer:The Bible has a very clear set of qualifications for a deacon and an elder and their positions in the body of believers. There is a difference between these two terms even though in our society they are quite often used interchangeably. We first see the word that is translated "deacon" used in Acts, although it is veiled. "Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables" (Acts 6:2). The word "serve" is the Greek word "diakoneo," and it comes from a word that means an attendant, a waiter, or one who ministers to another, and it is from this word that we get the word “deacon.” The context here is that there was a dispute in the church in Acts about the way the pooled resources were being allocated, and the apostles were being called upon to arbitrate, and it was a distraction from their ability to give out the gospel. Therefore, a group of seven men were appointed to take care of this task. A deacon, therefore, is one who serves others and especially in the body of born-again believers that make up a local congregation.
The Apostle Paul gives us the qualifications of the bishop or elder in his first letter to Timothy. The Greek word that is used for the office of a bishop or elder is "episkope," and the word used for the one who holds the office is "episkopos." The bishop himself is the superintendent or the officer in general charge or the overseer of the congregation. Our English word "Episcopal" has its basis in the Greek root, which means "knowledge gained by inspection, or seeking out, to look on or to exercise oversight of." Therefore, the bishop or elder was one who was the overseer in charge of the oversight of the local body of believers. This is what we might call a pastor or minister today.
The qualifications of the bishop/elder/pastor are found in1 Timothy 3:1-7: "This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."
The Apostle Paul repeats these qualifications of a bishop/elder/pastor (the same Greek word "episkopos" is used) in his letter to Titus. "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict." (Titus 1:5-9).
The qualifications of a deacon are similar to those of a bishop/elder/pastor. "Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 3:8-13). The word translated "deacon" in this passage is the same Greek word "diakoneo" as is used in Acts 6:2, and therefore we know we are talking about the same office.
Reference Cited: http://www.gotquestions.org/qualifications-elders-deacons.html
There is no ambiguity about these qualifications. Rather, they are simple, straightforward statements. Both the deacon and the bishop/elder/pastor should be a male, the husband of one wife, of sterling character and one who rules his own home in a biblical way. These qualifications also presuppose that one seeking such an office is a born-again believer and walks in submission to God's Word. Being faithful to the Word enables these men to be able to exhort and to teach or convince others of God's truth.
These are not offices to be taken lightly. The Lord Jesus Himself is called the "Shepherd and Bishop of our souls" (1 Peter 2:25). The two words used here are interesting. The word "Shepherd" is the Greek word "poimen," and it is also translated "pastor" (Ephesians 4:11). This poimen is one who tends herds or flocks and is used metaphorically of Christian pastors because pastors should guide as well as feed the flock the bread of life, the Word of God. The word translated "bishop" is the same word, "episkopos," used by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy and in Titus. Paul also instructs Timothy on the things that exemplify the walk of a good minister. Beginning in1 Timothy 4:11through 6:2, Paul gives Timothy 12 things that he should "command and teach."
Clearly, these are important offices in the church. The New Testament office of the bishop/elder/pastor seems to replace the office of the prophet and priest of the Old Testament. The office of the prophet was that in which the Lord gave to the prophet and the prophet gave to the people (Numbers 12:6). Therefore, the prophet stood facing the people and represented God. The priest, on the other hand, represented the people before the Lord (Leviticus 1:5-8). Therefore, the priest stood facing God and represented the spiritual needs of the people by offering their sacrifices. Since the canon of Scripture is filled, we have the complete word of God (Revelation 22:18-19). The bishop/elder/pastor holds a dual role. This man not only gives God's word to the people in his congregation, but he is charged with the oversight of the spiritual growth of that congregation. That is a very sobering thing for a man to take on, and it should never be done lightly. Therefore, a biblically unqualified individual should not occupy either the office of a bishop/elder/pastor or a deacon in the body of born-again believers.
Reference Cited: http://www.gotquestions.org/qualifications-elders-deacons.html
Question: "What are the qualifications of elders and deacons?"
Answer:The Bible has a very clear set of qualifications for a deacon and an elder and their positions in the body of believers. There is a difference between these two terms even though in our society they are quite often used interchangeably. We first see the word that is translated "deacon" used in Acts, although it is veiled. "Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables" (Acts 6:2). The word "serve" is the Greek word "diakoneo," and it comes from a word that means an attendant, a waiter, or one who ministers to another, and it is from this word that we get the word “deacon.” The context here is that there was a dispute in the church in Acts about the way the pooled resources were being allocated, and the apostles were being called upon to arbitrate, and it was a distraction from their ability to give out the gospel. Therefore, a group of seven men were appointed to take care of this task. A deacon, therefore, is one who serves others and especially in the body of born-again believers that make up a local congregation.
The Apostle Paul gives us the qualifications of the bishop or elder in his first letter to Timothy. The Greek word that is used for the office of a bishop or elder is "episkope," and the word used for the one who holds the office is "episkopos." The bishop himself is the superintendent or the officer in general charge or the overseer of the congregation. Our English word "Episcopal" has its basis in the Greek root, which means "knowledge gained by inspection, or seeking out, to look on or to exercise oversight of." Therefore, the bishop or elder was one who was the overseer in charge of the oversight of the local body of believers. This is what we might call a pastor or minister today.
The qualifications of the bishop/elder/pastor are found in1 Timothy 3:1-7: "This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."
The Apostle Paul repeats these qualifications of a bishop/elder/pastor (the same Greek word "episkopos" is used) in his letter to Titus. "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict." (Titus 1:5-9).
The qualifications of a deacon are similar to those of a bishop/elder/pastor. "Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 3:8-13). The word translated "deacon" in this passage is the same Greek word "diakoneo" as is used in Acts 6:2, and therefore we know we are talking about the same office.
Reference Cited: http://www.gotquestions.org/qualifications-elders-deacons.html
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