Who Said?

I don't know if this word has been mention yet but it just drives me nuts when I hear it pronounced this way. Am-ba-lance rather than Amb"u"lance.

Ebonics at work I suppose.

 

Sometimes the white shirt is dirty; other times the shirt is white and somebody just needs to clean their glasses.

 

The bema seat in the Olympics is where the awards are given. For the Bema Seat of Christ: see Romans 14:10-12; II Cor 5:10; 2 Tim 2:5. This is where the awards for Christian stewardship are given--crowns are handed out. This is not the white throne judgement; the white throne is for the lost. The word is: thronas. There are no saved at the white throne judgement. Run bema through an analytical gk. lexicon for more information.

Peace,

Bro. James

 

I'm proud my white shirt is whiter than yours..
In fact.. my white shirt is soooo white......it makes all my brother's and sister's shirts look beige....


Sarcasm off...

Actually I don't care how white my shirt is.. because I am clothed in Jesus' righteousness... and that is snow white... that's all that matters...

Shame on people for looking at other's undershirts to compare stains.

 

Watchman Nee said:

Most soulish believers assume an attitude of self-righteousness, though often it is scarcely detectable. They hold tenaciously to their minute opinions. We ought to lay aside the small differences and pursue the common objective.

I don't like foul language, and foul language is that which offends another. I was born in Alabama, and raised by a Southern lady who washed our mouths out with soap if we didn't say "ma'am" or "sir" when we replied to an elder's questions. I was taught that a nice person doesn't say things that offend others, and since you don't always know what will offend, you really have to watch your words, or they will come back to bite you.

Blasphemy is using the name of the Lord in vain. Foul language is derogatory in nature and is the next level down from blasphemy.

 

Some people mistake cultural refinement for snobbery.

The Bible is clear that we are not to use offensive language, whether it's determined by culture, society, or a person's preference or whatever.

 

I think the only thing to concern oneself when they are about to use a word for poop, for example, is this:

Will this use of this word offend this person or hinder my ability to witness.

If the answer is- YES- then don't do it for the weaker brother principle and the desire to maintain a good testimony.

If the answer is- NO- then there is liberty.

Saying "crap" or "crud" or "mess" or any other word is not in and of itself wrong in any way.

The only thing that ever makes ANYTHING sin is the heart behind it.

Anyone who preaches that there are certain words we cannot say is preaching extra-biblically.

There are certain things we cannot DO with our words- blaspheme, gossip, offend, etc...

But there are no words that are in and of themselves- sin.

Someone will say, "But what about taking God's name in vain!?"
That would be DOING something with your words that Scripture has condemned.

Someone will say, "But g.d. is ALWAYS sin."
Yes. Because it is blasphemy.

However, if the same pronunciation is used by someone who speaks a different language and in their tongue that exact same pronunciation means "peaches"- guess what? It is not sin.

When we start applying moral value to objects, sounds, etc... we are treading on dangerous ground in my opinion.

 

Silence is golden

Not sure who started this: " Usually it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool; than to speak and remove all doubt."

James Ch. 3: the whole chapter; especially Vs. 6: " And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."

How much time do we spend in rumor, malicious gossip, inuendo and prittle prattle? Sorry, I forgot judgement of others.

Father, forgive us, we know not what we do. We pray for more spiritual discernment.

Peace,

Bro. James

 

Perhaps we should ask ourselves, does the world use this sort of language. If the answer is, yes, then perhaps we should ask ourselves if we should be like the world.

If I may give a word of personal testimony, before I was saved I was, to my shame, very given to bad language and afterwards I found it very hard to stop using it. I found rude words coming out in front of my elders and worst of all, when I was applying to do a part-time theology course, one popped out in front of the guy interviewing me! [Dave Lamb will know who this is!] He was too gracious to mention it, but I was covered in confusion and embarrassment.

At that point, I did some serious praying, asking God to deliver me from this sinful habit and I'm pleased to say that He has graciously done so. It was a great joy when a friend I was witnessing to said he was prepared to listen to me because he had seen the change in my life since my conversion, particularly exemplified in my ceasing to use bad language.

Steve

 

There is a spirit of profanity which has an affect on many believers in varying degrees. Controlling this can be like controlling the lust of the flesh--very difficult--like adultery in the heart. We may not think it noticeable; but the world can easily see through a carnal Christian's facade. Result: an ineffective testimony.

The process of sanctification is difficult and it does not necessarily happen quickly. Satan usually redoubles his distractions the more we try to submit to God's Will.

Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

God help us to be faithful witnesses.

Peace,

Bro. James

 

A few of many: James 1:26; 3:10-12; Matthew 12:36.

A bridled tongue is an integral part of a faithful witness--even unto death we should be praising God and blessing them that curse us. The Lord uses this to convince and call the lost sheep back to the fold. See: the stoning of Stephen and the conversion of Saul. The witness of Stephen ought to make us weep about our lack of consecration. Carnal Christianity is at an all time high. Many "Christians" seem to think that conformity to the world is a means of winning the lost to Christ. The Scripture plainly teaches otherwise.

Lord help us to straighten our walk and our talk.

Peace,

Bro. James

 

Can we also become too puffed up? Will God count it against us if in certain settings our being direct, and precise in what we say? Trying to be perfect in everyone's sight weighs heavily on that person.

Agree it is progressive on our part, but we'll never be perfect. SanctificationOn the other hand we have instantly been sanctified for He is our sanctification. Will the Seal be broken if we curse, just as some Godly men?