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Charity

Discussion in '2003 Archive' started by Refreshed, Dec 27, 2002.

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  1. Refreshed

    Refreshed Member
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    1Co:13:1: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
    1Co:13:2: And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
    1Co:13:3: And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

    I've been thinking lately, there are a lot of ways to preach a sermon (I've been called to preach), but there is one thing often missing from sermons that I hear, and that is love. I'm not a lovey-dovey type guy, and Jude does say that some are saved by hell-fire and brimstone messages (although still they should be preached in love) and others by compassion, but a sermon preached without love is not going to be blessed.

    I guess the same thing could be said about our postings on this board. I am KJV only, as many know or didn't know, and I know that many people think I am wrong about this. If I do get into a discussion with someone about it, they aren't going to be convinced toward my side if I am not charitable. The same could be said about lost folks (I'm not equating being lost to using a modern version).

    I think, as fundamentalists, we can do much more in the area of "love" and "charity," especially to those we disagree with. There are times to be righteously indignant, but you better be sure of your footing.

    I really don't mean to preach, but as a fundamentalist, it hurts my heart to see other fundamentalists lacking the very thing that makes our preaching effectual...the charity.
     
    #1 Refreshed, Dec 27, 2002
  2. Wisdom Seeker

    Wisdom Seeker New Member

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    Ooooh, that was good!!! [​IMG]

    You preach like that...and it will be good for whomever you are preaching to. Yes, you are right...love is often not a "hot topic" but I agree...it's a big part of what people should know and try to do.

    I'm not sure what your using a King James Bible has to do with why you posted this topic...I'm a King James Bible user too... Sometimes that can be a bone of contention among believers...I'm not sure why...but then anything people get upset about... won't always make sense to everyone. I love my King James Bible...but I've read others too...when I was newly saved, a young girl of 13, The Living Bible was so enjoyable for me...but now when I try to read it...it doesn't feel the same. For me...using the King James Version puts my Bible reading in a different plane... It seems more reverant. But that's just my preference. I know why I use it...that is not the only reason...but everyone has to make decisions like this personally.

    Love...the two commandments that were added later...Love God....and Love your neighbor as yourself...paraphrased. Thank you for reminding all of us... I like to be reminded...it's edifying. ;)
     
    #2 Wisdom Seeker, Jan 1, 2003
  3. Molly

    Molly New Member

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    One imporatant thing to remember...love rejoices in the Truth....love is not a sentimental feeling based on circumstances....it is a loyalty to Truth,a bond God develops from likemindedness and christain faith....Loving others is declaring truth at the same time as exhorting them,chalenging them,and caring for their needs. Actually I think that is more loving than being all mushy,lovey,happy,empty,flaterring others with words kind of thing. So,love others and allow God's love to be in all you do...but remember God is love and under that umbrella is all of his characteristics...He is a God of wrath towards sin and sinnners...He stands for all that is true and right,He is sovereign and in complete control of all things....he disciplines those he LOVES. He shows forbearance,mercy and grace....but He does punish the wicked....I think sometimes we don't like to know that about God....but all of these things are what love is.
     
    #3 Molly, Jan 1, 2003
  4. Helen

    Helen <img src =/Helen2.gif>

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    Love is based on the truth, but love itself is caring for another over and above one's own comfort. When we read that God so loved the world that He gave... we are reading of an action of love that cost God pain and anguish.

    Feelings tag along with love as does firey light with a comet, but the heart of the comet is not fire, but rock and ice. The heart of love is not the up and down emotions that come with it, but the commitment of one to another.

    When we are told to love our neighbors as ourselves, I think that means that we should care for the people God has put in our immediate lives even more than we care for ourselves. This can take so many forms! It depends on the person being cared for. When the Holy Spirit directed Philip to the Ethiopian, His directions were simply to walk alongside. And that should be a good guide for us, too. To become a friend can be a long and sometimes difficult journey. But people trust their friends, and if a person trusts me, then what I say on any subject will have more credibility with him than what a stranger says. And if I live my life exhibiting Christ's character of love and concern for him or her, then he or she will ask the questions that I am told to always have an answer for.

    Thus, for me, in my off[computer]screen life, the gospel is first presented in my life. Words I say will be confirmed or denied by my life itself, so the witness of my life is quite important. Thus, when I love my neighbor, walk alongside, care for him or her, keep an eye out for what is needed but don't be intrusive, then I am presenting the effect of the Gospel and Christ Himself in my life.

    Seeing the effect, I pray that those around me will not only ask the questions, but that the Lord will prepare me to give the answers they will understand in their world, in language they will understand.

    [ January 01, 2003, 02:37 PM: Message edited by: Helen ]
     
    #4 Helen, Jan 1, 2003
  5. Scott J

    Scott J Active Member
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    Love and truth do go hand in hand. That is why I personally debate as hard as I do on the versions forum. Not because I hate anyone but because I genuinely believe that KJVOnlyism is a threat to fundamentalism. I believe it is untrue and unbiblical and that those who follow that path may be led astray in other areas in the future based on the unique wording of the KJV coupled with the changes in our language.

    As fundamentalists, we believe in an intelligent faith. Our faith while superceding that which can be definitively proven is none the less in harmony with that which can be proven. When something contradicts known facts, a fundamentalist must ignore tradition, emotional attachments, and even the opinions of those they respect but instead seek the truth whereever it leads. Change of opinion is hard... and should be. We shouldn't bounce all over the place but we should never be hard-headed or hard-hearted about what we believe either.

    The bottom line is what does the Bible say or, when it is silent, what are the facts.

    I reject KJVOnlyism but embrace the KJV. I reject KJVOnlyism but embrace many who only use the KJV. My pastor says he is not KJVO but rather only KJV. We don't have perfect agreement on the issue but I love him like a brother.
     
    #5 Scott J, Jan 2, 2003
  6. Refreshed

    Refreshed Member
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    Thank you all for your replies, Wisdomseeker, Molly, and Scott J.

    I think if we will just remember who God is, and who we are, that will put it all in perspective. Nobody has a monopoly on the truth, but we sure do get a good idea of what God wants us to do from the Bible.

    One of these days, God will set us all straight (in every issue, not just KJV/MV), and we'll have eternity to fellowship. In the meantime, we would do well loving God with everything we have, and loving our neighbor as ourselves, and being earnest to keep the truth.

    Wisdomseeker - I was saved from a NIV, so I know exactly what you are saying about the LB.

    Jason
     
    #6 Refreshed, Jan 3, 2003
  7. Wisdom Seeker

    Wisdom Seeker New Member

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    Amen....When we get to heaven all things will be made clear. I'm looking forward to understanding everything...and seeing what truth really is.
     
    #7 Wisdom Seeker, Jan 3, 2003
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