Textual Criticism
The necessity of applying textual criticism to the books of the New Testament arises from two circumstances: none of the original documents is extant, and the existing copies differ from one another. The textual critic seeks to ascertain from the divergent copies which form of the text should be regarded as most nearly conforming to the original.The New Testament has been preserved in three major manuscript traditions:
1.the 4th century AD Alexandrian text-type;
2.the Western text-type, also very early but prone to paraphrase and other corruptions;
3.and the Byzantine text-type, which makes up around 95% of all manuscripts, the majority comparatively very late in the tradition.
Scholars regard the Alexandrian text-type as generally more authoritative and closest to the original when treating textual variations. Modern translations of the New Testament are based on these copies.
Distribution of Greek manuscripts by century: New Testament Manuscripts
Lectionaries
Papyri
Uncials
Minuscules
Uncials
Minuscules
QUESTION
IN WHAT YEAR THE PAPER WAS INVENTED?
20.11.08
James chapter 5 with VPP
5:1, Unsaved rich men, who do not put their trust in God, there are troubles ahead! Repent! They have mistreated the poor! And they can smile and be merry, and they continue to collect money and tolls from the poor to put into their pocket, they are greedy, and they are the kings and leaders on earth, God’s judgment will fall on each one of them.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Look, where is justice in our society? Even some believers, said there is no justice on earth, so do not look for this justice on earth! Not even in the church. They said do not cry for or pray for justice, keep quiet, and suffer and serve the Lord!
Are the Christians not called to show the poor what is God’s love? Is there any misery among the poor? But we show favoritism! Discriminations! We lived in luxury! We have fattened our heart with money and food! Did we know that the glory of God had left us long before after we covet money more than suffering for the Lord! We cannot serve two masters!
We have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing us! We have all stumble in many ways! Richness is not a merry making thing! James denounces utter destruction to the wicked and profane rich men, and such as is drowned in their riotousness, mocking their foolish confidence when there is nothing indeed vainer than such things.
5:4, but the Lord of Sabaoth, God see the injustice!
5:7, we who put our trust in the Lord, if we are living under the wicked men, we must patiently wait for the Lord, wait and pray until He come to help us, like a farmer waiting and waiting until the harvest. Do not be double minded! Be single minded! Why we judge the poor and the weak among us? Every one of us is living like a vapor! Gone like a wind, like a grass wither. Do not live like a viper!
5:9, The Lord is coming soon, He is at the door, and there is judgment ahead! Why in the time of prayer and waiting for His return, we quarrel and fight among ourselves?
We are waiting for Him like the ten virgin. Mt 25:1, then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Mt 25:2, and five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Mt 25:3, they that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
Do not be a fool virgin! We must prepare “oil,” what is that word “oil” mean? We can argue with anyone about the word “oil,” we may argue about the purity of the oil, we can argue with any one what type of oil is, olive oil, animal oil, palm oil, grape seed oil, and so on, and we can argue about the meaning of the word of “oil” until no end, and split the fellowship, we profit no one, unless I wanted to open a oil company, so much so I have to study only this word “oil” no other word! But the church need to know what is the whole picture of this parable given to us?
And at last, what happened, if we continue to argue and fight over the word “oil,” we do not know the meaning of the whole parable of 10 virgins, forgot how to wait upon the Lord for his returning is imminent, we must know the meaning of the word, “oil” “bridegroom,” “fool,” “wise……..” Do not just argue without end about the word “oil,” you must understand the whole picture.
Why the virgin must prepare “oil.” It is because they need light! The lamp is for the light, not just oil. Why they need light, because it is in darkness night the Lord will returned! Application is Christian is to be light of this darkness world and be prepared to meet our God. See what the fool virgins had said in Matthew 25:8 “And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.” This shows the consternation of those who are not ready to meet Christ at his coming. It is not safe to rely on outward professions as evidence of piety, nor upon any thing which does not imply supreme love to God and real good-will to men. All had made some preparation, but that of the foolish five had been insufficient. Their glory began to depart, and their light waned into darkness at the approach of the bridegroom. The parable of the ten virgin is to remind us to be prepared for the coming of the Lord, it does not encourage us to fight over a few words!
Hear what the Lord declared in Matthew 4:4, But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Not just a few words here and there in Psalm 12:1-7. This psalm also must be studied correctly. Do not just study only these few words here and there in Westminster Confession! Westminster Confession is not God’s Word; you should not take this Westminster Confession until to be same level with CUV, KJV, and NKJV! Westminster Confession is a good confession, but it is not God’s Word! This is a very serious mistake done in making the confession as God’s Word!
The Bible is without errors, in the first hand writing, in the original languages in their autograph, those copies mistakes we find are not the errors, they are the copies mistakes made by human when they were copying the scriptures!
The Bible is authentically preserved to us, so that we can firmly lift up our Bible and say, “I believe in God, and also believe the Bible is sacred, and the Bible is without error, and in the Bible I come to believe the Lord Jesus. May God forgive those who had done the copy mistakes unintentionally, Amen.”
But the theologians who taught VPP have misinterpreted Matthew 4:4! And here we are fighting over the meaning a few “words” and “a personal view,” quoting the Psalm 12 and Westminster Confession. And we fight until the congregation split because of our tongue and wisdom! We needed the wisdom from above. All these arguments are going to pass away. (Matthew 7:1) God’s Word will not pass away! Those endure to the end will be saved.
The Lord Jesus said no just a few words we have to study, but every word! The whole picture is more important than these few verses. We want all of the Bible verses to be understand, not just one or two, here and there! But we must try to understand the truth in totality, preach the whole counsel of God, especially those crucially doctrines! Who is he, and he said this words, Acts 20:27 for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
What is this all counsel of God? It means here the will or purpose of God, as revealed in regard to the salvation of men. Paul had made a full statement of that plan--of the guilt of men, of the claims of the law, of the need of a Savior, of the provisions of mercy, and of the state of future rewards and punishments. Ministers ought to declare all that counsel, because God commands it; because it is needful for the salvation of men; and because the message is not theirs, but God's, and they have no right to change, to disguise, or to withhold it. And if it is the duty of ministers to declare that counsel, it is the duty of a people to listen to it with respect and candour, and with a desire to know the truth, and to be saved by it. Declaring the counsel of God will do no good, unless it is received into honest and humble hearts, and with a disposition to know what God has revealed for salvation. The doctrine of the apostles is most perfect and absolute. Do you see, CUV and NKJV have all the council of God? How can you say they are corrupted!
5:10, James said rather learn to be persevered the suffering, be patient, some of the prophets were killed.
5:11, in the trials and difficulties, faith is increased, His grace is sufficient for us, until the day of the Lord.
5:12 do not swear falsely! (Matthew 5:33-37) Do not use God’s name in swearing for a personal view! (Exodus 20:7) We will be judged strictly. Do not boast about the earthly wisdom! If yes say yes, of no say no. Do not be many masters. Let many to be our master!
5:14, Praying by faith, it is God, who heals!
5:15, Historical evidence confirms the facts that God does heal people miraculously, but Paul was praying for his healing, but sometimes it is not God’s will to heal Paul. Healing is not promise to every one, we only can say “if God is willing.” And Timothy was advice to drink some wine. And sometimes, oil was applied on the wound for the Samaritan. The medical science in 21st century is good enough; do we need prayer, oil and wine? Think about this with clear mind. Yahweh-Rapha.
5:16, confessing our sin has good therapeutic potential. The prodigal son confesses I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father; I have sinned against heaven, and before thee.
5:17, Elijah prayed, 3 years there will be no rain! A sign to encourage us to continue in prayer. Nothing lies beyond the power of God to change, and prayer is the divinely ordained method.
Even Jesus Christ prayed, and he said, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
5:19, there are brothers, wander from the truth, these are those who fall in errors and sins. Heals the sick and also leads those who are broken hearted, those who are falling, those who are cold hearted, we must lead them back to one hold, this is our responsibility, and then they will be saved from condemnation. Someone has slipped into an error VPP, in daily life or doctrine; we are called to restoring those brothers to the truth.
5:20, if we can love one another, we can avoid quarrels, avoid further trials and temptations! May God bless us, so that we may not become like “Only talk no walk!”
Assignment:
1.What is the meaning “every word”
2.What is the meaning “full counsel”
3.Pray without end!
4.CUV, KJV, NKJV, and the full counsel of God.
5.Talk and walk of a Christian
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Look, where is justice in our society? Even some believers, said there is no justice on earth, so do not look for this justice on earth! Not even in the church. They said do not cry for or pray for justice, keep quiet, and suffer and serve the Lord!
Are the Christians not called to show the poor what is God’s love? Is there any misery among the poor? But we show favoritism! Discriminations! We lived in luxury! We have fattened our heart with money and food! Did we know that the glory of God had left us long before after we covet money more than suffering for the Lord! We cannot serve two masters!
We have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing us! We have all stumble in many ways! Richness is not a merry making thing! James denounces utter destruction to the wicked and profane rich men, and such as is drowned in their riotousness, mocking their foolish confidence when there is nothing indeed vainer than such things.
5:4, but the Lord of Sabaoth, God see the injustice!
5:7, we who put our trust in the Lord, if we are living under the wicked men, we must patiently wait for the Lord, wait and pray until He come to help us, like a farmer waiting and waiting until the harvest. Do not be double minded! Be single minded! Why we judge the poor and the weak among us? Every one of us is living like a vapor! Gone like a wind, like a grass wither. Do not live like a viper!
5:9, The Lord is coming soon, He is at the door, and there is judgment ahead! Why in the time of prayer and waiting for His return, we quarrel and fight among ourselves?
We are waiting for Him like the ten virgin. Mt 25:1, then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Mt 25:2, and five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Mt 25:3, they that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
Do not be a fool virgin! We must prepare “oil,” what is that word “oil” mean? We can argue with anyone about the word “oil,” we may argue about the purity of the oil, we can argue with any one what type of oil is, olive oil, animal oil, palm oil, grape seed oil, and so on, and we can argue about the meaning of the word of “oil” until no end, and split the fellowship, we profit no one, unless I wanted to open a oil company, so much so I have to study only this word “oil” no other word! But the church need to know what is the whole picture of this parable given to us?
And at last, what happened, if we continue to argue and fight over the word “oil,” we do not know the meaning of the whole parable of 10 virgins, forgot how to wait upon the Lord for his returning is imminent, we must know the meaning of the word, “oil” “bridegroom,” “fool,” “wise……..” Do not just argue without end about the word “oil,” you must understand the whole picture.
Why the virgin must prepare “oil.” It is because they need light! The lamp is for the light, not just oil. Why they need light, because it is in darkness night the Lord will returned! Application is Christian is to be light of this darkness world and be prepared to meet our God. See what the fool virgins had said in Matthew 25:8 “And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.” This shows the consternation of those who are not ready to meet Christ at his coming. It is not safe to rely on outward professions as evidence of piety, nor upon any thing which does not imply supreme love to God and real good-will to men. All had made some preparation, but that of the foolish five had been insufficient. Their glory began to depart, and their light waned into darkness at the approach of the bridegroom. The parable of the ten virgin is to remind us to be prepared for the coming of the Lord, it does not encourage us to fight over a few words!
Hear what the Lord declared in Matthew 4:4, But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Not just a few words here and there in Psalm 12:1-7. This psalm also must be studied correctly. Do not just study only these few words here and there in Westminster Confession! Westminster Confession is not God’s Word; you should not take this Westminster Confession until to be same level with CUV, KJV, and NKJV! Westminster Confession is a good confession, but it is not God’s Word! This is a very serious mistake done in making the confession as God’s Word!
The Bible is without errors, in the first hand writing, in the original languages in their autograph, those copies mistakes we find are not the errors, they are the copies mistakes made by human when they were copying the scriptures!
The Bible is authentically preserved to us, so that we can firmly lift up our Bible and say, “I believe in God, and also believe the Bible is sacred, and the Bible is without error, and in the Bible I come to believe the Lord Jesus. May God forgive those who had done the copy mistakes unintentionally, Amen.”
But the theologians who taught VPP have misinterpreted Matthew 4:4! And here we are fighting over the meaning a few “words” and “a personal view,” quoting the Psalm 12 and Westminster Confession. And we fight until the congregation split because of our tongue and wisdom! We needed the wisdom from above. All these arguments are going to pass away. (Matthew 7:1) God’s Word will not pass away! Those endure to the end will be saved.
The Lord Jesus said no just a few words we have to study, but every word! The whole picture is more important than these few verses. We want all of the Bible verses to be understand, not just one or two, here and there! But we must try to understand the truth in totality, preach the whole counsel of God, especially those crucially doctrines! Who is he, and he said this words, Acts 20:27 for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
What is this all counsel of God? It means here the will or purpose of God, as revealed in regard to the salvation of men. Paul had made a full statement of that plan--of the guilt of men, of the claims of the law, of the need of a Savior, of the provisions of mercy, and of the state of future rewards and punishments. Ministers ought to declare all that counsel, because God commands it; because it is needful for the salvation of men; and because the message is not theirs, but God's, and they have no right to change, to disguise, or to withhold it. And if it is the duty of ministers to declare that counsel, it is the duty of a people to listen to it with respect and candour, and with a desire to know the truth, and to be saved by it. Declaring the counsel of God will do no good, unless it is received into honest and humble hearts, and with a disposition to know what God has revealed for salvation. The doctrine of the apostles is most perfect and absolute. Do you see, CUV and NKJV have all the council of God? How can you say they are corrupted!
5:10, James said rather learn to be persevered the suffering, be patient, some of the prophets were killed.
5:11, in the trials and difficulties, faith is increased, His grace is sufficient for us, until the day of the Lord.
5:12 do not swear falsely! (Matthew 5:33-37) Do not use God’s name in swearing for a personal view! (Exodus 20:7) We will be judged strictly. Do not boast about the earthly wisdom! If yes say yes, of no say no. Do not be many masters. Let many to be our master!
5:14, Praying by faith, it is God, who heals!
5:15, Historical evidence confirms the facts that God does heal people miraculously, but Paul was praying for his healing, but sometimes it is not God’s will to heal Paul. Healing is not promise to every one, we only can say “if God is willing.” And Timothy was advice to drink some wine. And sometimes, oil was applied on the wound for the Samaritan. The medical science in 21st century is good enough; do we need prayer, oil and wine? Think about this with clear mind. Yahweh-Rapha.
5:16, confessing our sin has good therapeutic potential. The prodigal son confesses I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father; I have sinned against heaven, and before thee.
5:17, Elijah prayed, 3 years there will be no rain! A sign to encourage us to continue in prayer. Nothing lies beyond the power of God to change, and prayer is the divinely ordained method.
Even Jesus Christ prayed, and he said, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
5:19, there are brothers, wander from the truth, these are those who fall in errors and sins. Heals the sick and also leads those who are broken hearted, those who are falling, those who are cold hearted, we must lead them back to one hold, this is our responsibility, and then they will be saved from condemnation. Someone has slipped into an error VPP, in daily life or doctrine; we are called to restoring those brothers to the truth.
5:20, if we can love one another, we can avoid quarrels, avoid further trials and temptations! May God bless us, so that we may not become like “Only talk no walk!”
Assignment:
1.What is the meaning “every word”
2.What is the meaning “full counsel”
3.Pray without end!
4.CUV, KJV, NKJV, and the full counsel of God.
5.Talk and walk of a Christian
18.11.08
James chapter 4 with VPP
No one can tame the tongue, the tongue can only be tamed by the Holy Spirit, by the help of God, every thing is possible.
4:1-2, What cause our fight and quarrels? There is a reason for these fight and quarrels. It is not doctrinal issue involved, but VPP also involved the lust. VPP brings many into fight and quarrels, so what cause those quarrels and fights? Lust! The word would equally comprehend the spirit-which leads to a brawl in the street, and that which prompted to the conquests of Alexander, Caesar, or Napoleon. All this is the same spirit evinced on a larger or smaller scale.
Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Do not let our desire take control our spirit! Let fulfill the church’s desire, in using the KJV and CUV and continue in same heart and same mind, the church needs the unity, treasure this unity, it comes not easily. My friends!
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Justice, equity, the fear of God, the spirit of true religion, never originated any war, but the corrupt passions of men have made the earth one great battle-field. If true religion existed among all men, there would be no more war. War always supposes that wrong has been done on one side or the other, and that one party or the other, or both, is indisposed to do right. The spirit of justice, equity, and truth, which the religion of Christ would implant in the human heart, would put an end. to war for ever.
4:2, You kill! Murderer! Why you kill, why a Christian kill? Because you hate! Why you hate, because you say you have the “truth,” and you had misquoted many Bible verses to support the VPP, you said you had the perfect text, but that is wrong. And you say you have the perfect Bible! There is war and fighting for VPP? Why? We had neglect the prayer, showing the reason why we did not have the things which were necessary. If ye prayed, there would be no "wars and fightings."!
The Bible says, Spirit must control our desire. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Why we let our desire run wild? Are we not learned yet, we cannot tame our tongue, and now we cannot tame our desire, let use our desire to edify other and bring benefit to the congregation.
4:3, you asked for a perfect Bible, but with what motives! Where is that perfect underlying text, God may grant us that? Let clean our heart! God will answer us. Esteem other, God will esteem us, why boast for a perfect TR, even tomorrow you also do not know what will happened next, be content with the Bible version we had in our hands. It is not enough problems in out church and society?
James said, It is not enough to ask for good things, but we must ask with a good spirit and intention. "Ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it, your object of prayer, upon your lusts, not that ye may have the things you need for the service of God. Contrast Jas 1:5; Mt 6:31-32. If ye prayed aright, all your proper wants would be supplied; the improper cravings which produce "wars and fightings" would then cease. Even believers' prayers are often best answered when their desires are most opposed.
4:4, you adulterous people! Ask God for wisdom! Be a doer of the Word of God.
It is a deeper crime to be unfaithful to God than to any created being; and it will yet be seen that even the violation of the marriage contract, great as is the sin, is a slight offence compared with unfaithfulness towards God!
The sin of adultery stands here as the embodiment of all the fleshly lusts in which these unworthy professors of Christianity indulged. The same sin is charged by the apostles Peter and Jude upon the false teachers and their followers, 2Pe 2:10,14,18; Jude 1:25,25,25. The world; the men of the world, with all the worldly objects to which they devote themselves, "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." Compare 1 John 2:15-16.
4:7-11, James wrote a proverb for them, 8 sentences! Wisdom from above!
1.surrender to God.
2.resist the devils.
3.come near to God.
4.wash your hands.
5.purify your heart.
6.grieve, mourn and wail, you rich people.
7.Humble before God.
8.Do not slander one and another.
4:11, should we love one another? Should not we respect one and another? Should not we love our brothers? Are we called to hate our brother? Are we higher than the law? There is evil of VPP, referred to is that of talking against others---against their actions, their motives, their manner of living, their families, etc. Few things are more common in the world; nothing is more decidedly against the true spirit of religion.
Our business in religion is not to make laws, or to declare what they should have been, or to amend those that are made; it is simply to obey those which are appointed, and to allow others to do the same, as they understand them. It would be well for all individual Christians. and Christian denominations, to learn this, and to imbibe the spirit of charity to which it would prompt.
James 4:12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
4:13-17, God do preserve His people, and he advice us do not be many master! We must tame our tongue! Children of God do not worry about life, do not worry for tomorrow, do not worry about what we eat, and what we wear, surely God will provide for us His daily food and providence, surely God will provide His Words for His children, we live on the every word that proceed from the mouth of God. Why you quarrel about word? Are God not giving His Word for his children?
What is your life? It is but a vapour! For he remembered that they were but flesh. A wind that passeth away and that cometh not again. (Ps 78:39.)
Received text has no old authority! Do not boast about the perfect Text! Boast about our future is a sin! We must do the good when we know it!
We better said, “If the Lord will!” This is proper, because we are wholly dependent on Him for life, and as dependent on Him for success, He alone can keep us, and He only can make our plans prosperous. In a thousand ways He can thwart our best-laid schemes, for all things are under His control. We need not travel far in life to see how completely all that we have is in the hands of God, or to learn how easily He can frustrate us if He pleases. There is nothing on which the success of our plans depends over which we have absolute control; there is nothing, therefore, on which we can base the assurance of success but His favour.
But now ye rejoice in your boastings in VPP. That is, probably, in your boastings of what you can do; your reliance on your own skill and sagacity. You form your plans for the future as if with consummate wisdom, and are confident of success. You do not anticipate a failure; you do not see how plans so skilfully formed can fail. You form them as if you were certain that you would live; as if secure from the numberless casualties which may defeat your schemes.
All such rejoicing is evil. It is founded on a wrong view of yourselves and of what may occur. It shows a spirit forgetful of our dependence on God; forgetful of the uncertainty of life; forgetful of the many ways by which the best-laid plans may be defeated. We should never boast of any wisdom or skill in regard to the future. A day, an hour may defeat our best-concerted plans, and show us that we have not the slightest power to control coming events.It is foolish, and it is hurtful, to boast of worldly things and aspiring projects; it will bring great disappointment, and will prove destruction in the end.
The conclusion of all the former treatise.James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. We are always to depend on the will of God. Our times are not in our own hands, but at the disposal of God. Our heads may be filled with cares and contrivances for ourselves, or our families, or our friends; but Providence often throws our plans into confusion. All we design, and all we do, should be with submissive dependence on God.
4:1-2, What cause our fight and quarrels? There is a reason for these fight and quarrels. It is not doctrinal issue involved, but VPP also involved the lust. VPP brings many into fight and quarrels, so what cause those quarrels and fights? Lust! The word would equally comprehend the spirit-which leads to a brawl in the street, and that which prompted to the conquests of Alexander, Caesar, or Napoleon. All this is the same spirit evinced on a larger or smaller scale.
Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Do not let our desire take control our spirit! Let fulfill the church’s desire, in using the KJV and CUV and continue in same heart and same mind, the church needs the unity, treasure this unity, it comes not easily. My friends!
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Justice, equity, the fear of God, the spirit of true religion, never originated any war, but the corrupt passions of men have made the earth one great battle-field. If true religion existed among all men, there would be no more war. War always supposes that wrong has been done on one side or the other, and that one party or the other, or both, is indisposed to do right. The spirit of justice, equity, and truth, which the religion of Christ would implant in the human heart, would put an end. to war for ever.
4:2, You kill! Murderer! Why you kill, why a Christian kill? Because you hate! Why you hate, because you say you have the “truth,” and you had misquoted many Bible verses to support the VPP, you said you had the perfect text, but that is wrong. And you say you have the perfect Bible! There is war and fighting for VPP? Why? We had neglect the prayer, showing the reason why we did not have the things which were necessary. If ye prayed, there would be no "wars and fightings."!
The Bible says, Spirit must control our desire. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Why we let our desire run wild? Are we not learned yet, we cannot tame our tongue, and now we cannot tame our desire, let use our desire to edify other and bring benefit to the congregation.
4:3, you asked for a perfect Bible, but with what motives! Where is that perfect underlying text, God may grant us that? Let clean our heart! God will answer us. Esteem other, God will esteem us, why boast for a perfect TR, even tomorrow you also do not know what will happened next, be content with the Bible version we had in our hands. It is not enough problems in out church and society?
James said, It is not enough to ask for good things, but we must ask with a good spirit and intention. "Ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it, your object of prayer, upon your lusts, not that ye may have the things you need for the service of God. Contrast Jas 1:5; Mt 6:31-32. If ye prayed aright, all your proper wants would be supplied; the improper cravings which produce "wars and fightings" would then cease. Even believers' prayers are often best answered when their desires are most opposed.
4:4, you adulterous people! Ask God for wisdom! Be a doer of the Word of God.
It is a deeper crime to be unfaithful to God than to any created being; and it will yet be seen that even the violation of the marriage contract, great as is the sin, is a slight offence compared with unfaithfulness towards God!
The sin of adultery stands here as the embodiment of all the fleshly lusts in which these unworthy professors of Christianity indulged. The same sin is charged by the apostles Peter and Jude upon the false teachers and their followers, 2Pe 2:10,14,18; Jude 1:25,25,25. The world; the men of the world, with all the worldly objects to which they devote themselves, "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." Compare 1 John 2:15-16.
4:7-11, James wrote a proverb for them, 8 sentences! Wisdom from above!
1.surrender to God.
2.resist the devils.
3.come near to God.
4.wash your hands.
5.purify your heart.
6.grieve, mourn and wail, you rich people.
7.Humble before God.
8.Do not slander one and another.
4:11, should we love one another? Should not we respect one and another? Should not we love our brothers? Are we called to hate our brother? Are we higher than the law? There is evil of VPP, referred to is that of talking against others---against their actions, their motives, their manner of living, their families, etc. Few things are more common in the world; nothing is more decidedly against the true spirit of religion.
Our business in religion is not to make laws, or to declare what they should have been, or to amend those that are made; it is simply to obey those which are appointed, and to allow others to do the same, as they understand them. It would be well for all individual Christians. and Christian denominations, to learn this, and to imbibe the spirit of charity to which it would prompt.
James 4:12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
4:13-17, God do preserve His people, and he advice us do not be many master! We must tame our tongue! Children of God do not worry about life, do not worry for tomorrow, do not worry about what we eat, and what we wear, surely God will provide for us His daily food and providence, surely God will provide His Words for His children, we live on the every word that proceed from the mouth of God. Why you quarrel about word? Are God not giving His Word for his children?
What is your life? It is but a vapour! For he remembered that they were but flesh. A wind that passeth away and that cometh not again. (Ps 78:39.)
Received text has no old authority! Do not boast about the perfect Text! Boast about our future is a sin! We must do the good when we know it!
We better said, “If the Lord will!” This is proper, because we are wholly dependent on Him for life, and as dependent on Him for success, He alone can keep us, and He only can make our plans prosperous. In a thousand ways He can thwart our best-laid schemes, for all things are under His control. We need not travel far in life to see how completely all that we have is in the hands of God, or to learn how easily He can frustrate us if He pleases. There is nothing on which the success of our plans depends over which we have absolute control; there is nothing, therefore, on which we can base the assurance of success but His favour.
But now ye rejoice in your boastings in VPP. That is, probably, in your boastings of what you can do; your reliance on your own skill and sagacity. You form your plans for the future as if with consummate wisdom, and are confident of success. You do not anticipate a failure; you do not see how plans so skilfully formed can fail. You form them as if you were certain that you would live; as if secure from the numberless casualties which may defeat your schemes.
All such rejoicing is evil. It is founded on a wrong view of yourselves and of what may occur. It shows a spirit forgetful of our dependence on God; forgetful of the uncertainty of life; forgetful of the many ways by which the best-laid plans may be defeated. We should never boast of any wisdom or skill in regard to the future. A day, an hour may defeat our best-concerted plans, and show us that we have not the slightest power to control coming events.It is foolish, and it is hurtful, to boast of worldly things and aspiring projects; it will bring great disappointment, and will prove destruction in the end.
The conclusion of all the former treatise.James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. We are always to depend on the will of God. Our times are not in our own hands, but at the disposal of God. Our heads may be filled with cares and contrivances for ourselves, or our families, or our friends; but Providence often throws our plans into confusion. All we design, and all we do, should be with submissive dependence on God.
17.11.08
James chapter 3 with VPP
3:1, there are teachers in the church; this is an important task in the church. The scriptures want us not to judge other, who are we to judge others, but why we judge theologians who teach VPP, because VPP is a wrong doctrine, we cannot tolerant it, because it is like a gangrene, it is like a leaven, we must study and critic VPP, test the spirit and test the teaching of VPP. Where does this teaching of VPP comes from, we must know VPP is doctrine of God or what? What spirit that working behind this doctrine, and furthermore, did this doctrine bring any benefit for the church, no, it is a chastisement for those God loved, God has allowed this doctrine to be tool to chastise the children.
3:2, the tongue is hard to tame, but James wanted his listener to control their tongue, we have to be blameless in our speech! In this we can be a perfect man, a perfect Christian, but it is seemly impossible! James said no one can tame the tongue. We are tempted, even in our speech, and continue from false speech to become a lust, and that lust continue become to a sin, and sin continue becoming a death, and at last the fire of hell is kindled in us. The tongue is full of evil! Be careful for how we talk, every word will be judged at the end!
James 3:6 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.
It is better to plea for a perfect man with a perfect tongue, than plea for a perfect Bible! James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Goodness is from God, thanking God, for goodness. James 3:6, those wicked words proceed from our mouth, where they came from! Surely James explained they came from the devils and demons! (John 8:44) Not from God, the evil words are from the devils! Beware! Even, devils and demons also believe in one God! But they tremble, how about us?
3:7-8, so we must tame our heart, before we can tame our tongue. (Proverbs 16:32)
3:9, man is a living creature, created by God, those who curse a man, is actually cursing God who created them! Can a fountain gives two kinds of water, sweet and bitter, no! Can our mouth bless and curse at the same time. No!
3:11-18, God is good, there is no darkness in God, if a man has a good heart, and he is kind, and he has the wisdom from God, there is mercy, there is cleanliness and peaceable, no envy and do not quarrel about words, if “yes” say yes, if “no” say no, do not like VPP, it is confusing, so pray about this, there is a strife about the VPP, where this come from?
It is from earthly, unspiritual, of the devil! If it is confusing and qarrelling! God do not confuse the Christian!
James 3:15 this wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
Devilish. Demoniacal, such as the demons exhibit. There may be indeed talent in it, but there is the intermingling of malignant passions, and "it leads to contentions, strifes, divisions, and "every evil work."
devilish--in its origin (from "hell," Jas 3:6; not from God, the Giver of true wisdom, Jas 1:5), and also in its character, which accords with its origin. Earthly, sensual, and devilish, answer to the three spiritual foes of man, the world, the flesh, and the devil.
属地的人，是属这“世界的王＂(约一四：30 一六：11)辖制；那位王并不是仁慈的统治者，主耶稣给他清楚的画像，是满有私欲，“从起初是杀人的，不守真理，因他心里没有真理；他说谎是出于自己，因他本来是说谎的，也是说谎之人的父。＂(约八：44) 这是说，世界的王撒但，是众恶的源头，包括凶杀，虚谎。要跟他谋求和平，岂只是缘木求鱼，简直是与虎谋皮!
There are people belongs to the earth, they are control by and belong to the “king of the world” (John 14:30, 16:11). The king is not a kind ruler, the Lord Jesus gave a clear picture about Satan, it is full of lust, “John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
This means, the king of this world, the Satan, it is the source of many kinds of wickedness, include the murders, lies. It is impossible to be peace with Satan, it is ridiculous!
异端的析视
圣经的权威
在试探耶稣的时候，撒但并没有否认圣经，它只是照其意思，选取一部分的经文来利用，以达到自己的目的。主耶稣怎么说？ 说：“人活着，不是单靠食物，乃是靠神口中所出的一切话。＂ ( 见太四：1-10 路四：1-13) 。“一切话＂，就是全部的话，不是局部的真理。
现代人都听说过“哲学为主义服务＂，连逻辑也是为甚么服务，把理论当作了工具，并不是想追求真理。不幸，受了那种教导熏染的人，影响了治学作人的态度：先定下结论，再找根据。为了生产他所要的结论，就贬抑圣经的权威，把神的话当作他的筹码。曾有人说：“神给中国人另有旧约，就是先圣的启示。＂又亵渎的说：“我们要用自己的血另立新约。＂这是多么的荒唐！
还有人高举自己的经验，以代替神启示的圣经。更有的谬讲神给他甚么启示，是在圣经以外的启示，要僭夺神的权威，并且要信徒跟从他，顺服他。这是非常危险的事，显明是撒但的工作。因为主耶稣说：“有了我的命令又遵守的，这人就是爱我的；爱我的，必蒙我父爱他，我也要爱他，并且要向他显现 ... 并且我们要到他那里去，与他同住。＂( 约一四：21,23)如果有人说，他另有甚么“启示＂，而与圣经真理不合，必须要防备：那就是异端！
异端的析视
归根结柢，异端的背后，是受邪灵的操纵：“顺服空中掌权者的首领，就是现今在悖逆之子心中运行的灵＂ ( 弗二：2) 。因为未重生的人人，心里有私欲，就很容易受它的利用。使徒彼得说到那些假师傅，“私自引进陷害人的异端... 他们因有贪心，要用捏造的言语，在你们身上取利。＂( 彼后二：1-3)
因为是背逆的，所以他们反对神，反对神的话，只高举他自己。他们贪财取利，引诱人。表面看来很热心，却并不是诚实，是另有存心，用诡诈的方法，以达到他们的目的。他们的路变迁不定，至终却引到灭亡 ( 箴五：6) 。
谨防假师傅
我们不要误会，以为假师傅都是形貌怪异，头上生角，像是中世纪所画出来的鬼魔那样。实际上，他们常是外貌温文，言词油滑动听，才会叫人容易受骗。那么，我们怎能认出他们来呢？主耶稣说得很清楚：“凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来。＂ ( 太七：20) 你看各样的树，不能立即知道，但过了一个季节，结果子的时候到了，就可以显出其本性来。还有一件更奇怪的事：传讲异端的人，常说所有的人都不对，惟有他们是对的；甚或自称他们是唯一得救的门路，不入其门，不行其路的人，都“必然灭亡＂！这样，就恫吓人作他们的同路人，结果正是一同陷入灭亡。这不仅显示他们缺乏谦卑与自知，更明白宣告，他们是与主耶稣反对的：因为主是唯一的道路；而我们知道主是正确的，是诚信真实的。
圣经警诫信徒：
凡越过基督教训，不常守着的，就没有神；常守这教训的，就有父又有子。若有人到你们那里不是传这教训，
不要接他到家里，也不要问他的安；因为问他安的，就在他的恶行上有分。 ( 约贰：9-11)
在现今的华人教会，更有一个特殊的问题，就是有一些甚么权威的人，把他们的“帽子＂也带进教会来，有些人不询其端，不求其末，而承认甚至崇拜他们，对他们所说所写的完全接受：这是很危险的。其实，我们应该分别：宣传家不一定是学者，学者不一定是神学家，神学家不一定是属灵人；只有真正重生得救的人，为主所选召，差遣，才会有从主来的属天信息，能使人得生命，跟从他才是安全的。圣经说，没有圣灵的人，不认识真理，绝不能引人进入真理，只能陷入谬误。
同时，防备异端最基本的道路，还是“要在至圣的真道上造就自己，在圣灵里祷告，保守自己常在神的爱中，仰望我们主耶稣基督的怜悯直到永生。＂ ( 犹：20,21) 必须先明白圣经至圣的真道，才可以知道甚么是假道异端；并且要恒切祷告，与主内肢体在爱中团契，互相爱顾，靠主站立得住。阿们。
在试探耶稣的时候，撒但并没有否认圣经，它只是照其意思，选取一部分的经文来利用，以达到自己的目的。主耶稣怎么说？ 说：“人活着，不是单靠食物，乃是靠神口中所出的一切话。＂ ( 见太四：1-10 路四：1-13) 。“一切话＂，就是全部的话，不是局部的真理。
现代人都听说过“哲学为主义服务＂，连逻辑也是为甚么服务，把理论当作了工具，并不是想追求真理。不幸，受了那种教导熏染的人，影响了治学作人的态度：先定下结论，再找根据。为了生产他所要的结论，就贬抑圣经的权威，把神的话当作他的筹码。曾有人说：“神给中国人另有旧约，就是先圣的启示。＂又亵渎的说：“我们要用自己的血另立新约。＂这是多么的荒唐！
还有人高举自己的经验，以代替神启示的圣经。更有的谬讲神给他甚么启示，是在圣经以外的启示，要僭夺神的权威，并且要信徒跟从他，顺服他。这是非常危险的事，显明是撒但的工作。因为主耶稣说：“有了我的命令又遵守的，这人就是爱我的；爱我的，必蒙我父爱他，我也要爱他，并且要向他显现 ... 并且我们要到他那里去，与他同住。＂( 约一四：21,23)如果有人说，他另有甚么“启示＂，而与圣经真理不合，必须要防备：那就是异端！
异端的析视
归根结柢，异端的背后，是受邪灵的操纵：“顺服空中掌权者的首领，就是现今在悖逆之子心中运行的灵＂ ( 弗二：2) 。因为未重生的人人，心里有私欲，就很容易受它的利用。使徒彼得说到那些假师傅，“私自引进陷害人的异端... 他们因有贪心，要用捏造的言语，在你们身上取利。＂( 彼后二：1-3)
因为是背逆的，所以他们反对神，反对神的话，只高举他自己。他们贪财取利，引诱人。表面看来很热心，却并不是诚实，是另有存心，用诡诈的方法，以达到他们的目的。他们的路变迁不定，至终却引到灭亡 ( 箴五：6) 。
谨防假师傅
我们不要误会，以为假师傅都是形貌怪异，头上生角，像是中世纪所画出来的鬼魔那样。实际上，他们常是外貌温文，言词油滑动听，才会叫人容易受骗。那么，我们怎能认出他们来呢？主耶稣说得很清楚：“凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来。＂ ( 太七：20) 你看各样的树，不能立即知道，但过了一个季节，结果子的时候到了，就可以显出其本性来。还有一件更奇怪的事：传讲异端的人，常说所有的人都不对，惟有他们是对的；甚或自称他们是唯一得救的门路，不入其门，不行其路的人，都“必然灭亡＂！这样，就恫吓人作他们的同路人，结果正是一同陷入灭亡。这不仅显示他们缺乏谦卑与自知，更明白宣告，他们是与主耶稣反对的：因为主是唯一的道路；而我们知道主是正确的，是诚信真实的。
圣经警诫信徒：
凡越过基督教训，不常守着的，就没有神；常守这教训的，就有父又有子。若有人到你们那里不是传这教训，
不要接他到家里，也不要问他的安；因为问他安的，就在他的恶行上有分。 ( 约贰：9-11)
在现今的华人教会，更有一个特殊的问题，就是有一些甚么权威的人，把他们的“帽子＂也带进教会来，有些人不询其端，不求其末，而承认甚至崇拜他们，对他们所说所写的完全接受：这是很危险的。其实，我们应该分别：宣传家不一定是学者，学者不一定是神学家，神学家不一定是属灵人；只有真正重生得救的人，为主所选召，差遣，才会有从主来的属天信息，能使人得生命，跟从他才是安全的。圣经说，没有圣灵的人，不认识真理，绝不能引人进入真理，只能陷入谬误。
同时，防备异端最基本的道路，还是“要在至圣的真道上造就自己，在圣灵里祷告，保守自己常在神的爱中，仰望我们主耶稣基督的怜悯直到永生。＂ ( 犹：20,21) 必须先明白圣经至圣的真道，才可以知道甚么是假道异端；并且要恒切祷告，与主内肢体在爱中团契，互相爱顾，靠主站立得住。阿们。
16.11.08
James chapter 2 with VPP
James 2:1, James wrote that Christian should not be a racist. No distinctions like poor and rich apply in Christ. Bible nowhere allows for distinctions among believers based on position, power, race, color, wealth, or popularity. Favoritism is a sinful, it is not a work from God, this is why James writes this chapter to rebuke it!
2:2-4, In James’ time, the early churches were brothers in Christ, but then there was discrimination on the poor. The problem was so serious James had to openly rebuke those rich. Like today, those live in luxury home and drives big cars, and spend money like water, they were the doctors and lawyer, powerful men and women on earth, well respected, with degrees and highly wanted jobs, some even called themselves Christians, pastors and preachers, and so even called themselves “elders,” but they look down to the poor and favor the rich. This is not new, and do not envy the rich!
One day a slave met an elder of a church, called Dr H, the slave thought he is a medical doctor, so the slave, told the doctor he is unwell, but the doctor just keep quite and smiles a bit. After the slave finished his talk to the doctor, the doctor explained to the slave, that he is not a medical doctor, he is just a teacher, and he has a doctorate in business administration! He cannot help the slave in his sickness. That is why he just smiles away! This elder runs a church like a company, and he is the CEO in the church! Church is like a business! Christian business runs for the rich and the learned. Do not envy, this is normal, because the CEO of the church is a doctor!
2:5, the world look for the powerful, the wise, those first level society, but what the Lord is looking for? Those poor in spirit, the poor is blessed, the kingdom of God is for them.
2:6, James said there were some bullies in the church, they are the rich, and they had bullied the poor in the church! I try to expound and expose this, the bullies may say publicly to the poor and their friends, “You think we can bully Mr. Poor? You think he can let us bully him, you think he is weak, you think he is not strong, you think he can be bullied, you think we can bullied him? No, no one can bully him. We are friend, we take care of each other, we are inter-dependant!” they proclaimed this in front of the public, but they talked wickedly behind the poor man and laughed in their heart, these rich bullies continue to oppress those poor men! It happened actually in public eyes, do not fool by the rich and the powerful, pray for a good government so that they will not oppress the poor. By the way, do not forget brothers in India, they needed the gospel and many prayers.
2:8-9, Love other as yourself, do not just love money and fulfills you own desire! Do not forget to fulfill the desire of poor! Love is a command from the King of kings. (Read Lev 19:15 KJV)
What young men have learned in the Bible College? Studying the scripture, to show that they are a servant approved, for a position or for a good name? What is the purpose of that study, a piece of paper? A degree? No, forbid that, what we must learn in a school is this, “learning, so that we may know how to learn…...” Learning until we may know how to “learn,” meaning is “do not stop learning, even after we had graduated from the school.” Pray for wisdom! Knowledge puffs up! Beware!
2:10, James said, since they were all sinner, James said, let some to mourn, the rich, let cry! In the end, our money rusted, do not grumble to one another, how about Job, he was suffering, at last he was comforted, and do not swear at all, do not swear for VPP, let pray about it, sing when you are merry, but remember we are all sinner, so admit we are sinners. We are sad, let pray. Life is hard, harder for the poor. We had breach the whole law, when we breach one small insignificant law, this small favoritism about the KJV and the rich!
2:12-13, Christians are merciful! You said sure and off course! Christian! Be merciful onto the poor!
2:14, Paul said, the just is justified by faith, so faith is an inward act, James said that faith is produced outwardly in works, so work is outward act, faith and work are connected! A new man is changed inwardly and outwardly!
2:19, there is one God, we believe, but we must work, works produced in speech and behavior, and helps to the poor, in believing God there are works. What is our work for the poor today? You are looking down the poor, the Chinese said, “3 feet up your head, there is God.” You believe or not?
2:20, faith motivates us for good works. How we speak to our friends and family last week? How we had spoken to our brothers in Christ about the perfect Bible, did we say something, which offended those who read the CUV, NKJV, NIV, ESV? How we control our tongue, we need wisdom!
2:21, Abraham’s work, proven his faith is genuine. What we had done for our church? Any sacrifices for the church, or the church sacrifice for us! Works follow regeneration! Should the whole church sacrifice for us, for our personal view about VPP, should the poor mourned because a perfect Bible?
2:24, faith must stand with work! Faith alone is not faith, but genuine faith must produce work! Where is that truth? The just shall live by faith, not by sight? James asked a question, “Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?” Yes or no?
Sermon Topic
1.Christian shall not has Favoritism.
2.Discrimination on the poor is wrong.
3.The poor in spirit and the kingdom of God.
4.Learning to learn
5.Do not swear at all?
6.Justified by faith.
7.Works follow regeneration
8.The rich is a blessed man
9.Tongue, blessing and cursing, the power!
10.A perfect man
13.11.08
Book of Proverbs Chapter 7- chapter 13
Assignment:
Book of Proverbs Chapter 7- chapter 13
1.Give me 4 characters that God hates.
a.Explain what is the meaning of a perverse mouth?
2.What is the Lord’s way to inherit wealth and treasure?
3.Pride will lead you to (a)…………….(b)……………..
4.What causes depression in the book of Proverbs?
5.Discuss Proverbs 12:4
6.How should you use your tongue in conversation according to the book of Proverbs?
箴 言 Proverbs 7-13
1.写出四种神所憎恨的行为和态度。
a.解析“乖 谬的口”的意思。
2.什么是神的方法，使我们可继承财产和财富？
3.骄傲会领你到（A）…………..(B）……………
4.箴言书里有指出,什么原因引起忧抑？
5.讨论箴言12：4
6.按照箴言书，我们应该怎样使用我们的舌头来与人交谈？
Write a paper about : Proverb and depression:
8:13 敬 畏 耶 和 华 ， 在 乎 恨 恶 邪 恶 。 那 骄 傲 ， 狂 妄 ， 并 恶 道 ， 以 及 乖 谬 的 口 ， 都 为 我 所 恨 恶 。
8:21
使 爱 我 的 承 受 货 财 ， 并 充 满 他 们 的 府 库 。
Psalms 38:6 I am depressed; I am bowed down beyond measure; I go mourning all the day.
12:4
才 德 的 妇 人 ， 是 丈 夫 的 冠 冕 。 贻 羞 的 妇 人 ， 如 同 朽 烂 在 他 丈 夫 的 骨 中 。
Pro 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Book of Proverbs Chapter 7- chapter 13
1.Give me 4 characters that God hates.
a.Explain what is the meaning of a perverse mouth?
2.What is the Lord’s way to inherit wealth and treasure?
3.Pride will lead you to (a)…………….(b)……………..
4.What causes depression in the book of Proverbs?
5.Discuss Proverbs 12:4
6.How should you use your tongue in conversation according to the book of Proverbs?
箴 言 Proverbs 7-13
1.写出四种神所憎恨的行为和态度。
a.解析“乖 谬的口”的意思。
2.什么是神的方法，使我们可继承财产和财富？
3.骄傲会领你到（A）…………..(B）……………
4.箴言书里有指出,什么原因引起忧抑？
5.讨论箴言12：4
6.按照箴言书，我们应该怎样使用我们的舌头来与人交谈？
Write a paper about : Proverb and depression:
8:13 敬 畏 耶 和 华 ， 在 乎 恨 恶 邪 恶 。 那 骄 傲 ， 狂 妄 ， 并 恶 道 ， 以 及 乖 谬 的 口 ， 都 为 我 所 恨 恶 。
8:21
使 爱 我 的 承 受 货 财 ， 并 充 满 他 们 的 府 库 。
Psalms 38:6 I am depressed; I am bowed down beyond measure; I go mourning all the day.
12:4
才 德 的 妇 人 ， 是 丈 夫 的 冠 冕 。 贻 羞 的 妇 人 ， 如 同 朽 烂 在 他 丈 夫 的 骨 中 。
Pro 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
James chapter 1 and VPP
The wordings of James were written smoothly and powerfully. To the Jew in dispersion, it is a proverb in NT. The writer is the brother of Jesus Christ, a well respected man. In this book there is teaching how the Christian should live their life. Probably at AD45, it was written, it is the first book in NT.
Some scholars were doubtful about the teaching of faith and work (2:14-26), James’ teaching is different with what Paul had taught. But actually, James did not teach against the teaching of “justified by faith” he is not teaching man is “justified by work” alone.
James’ purpose is to rebuke those day Judaism, they had a wrong idea, that if a man is “justified by faith,” it means a man just had to accept a set of teachings in their head and mind, and they have no need to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior. And then no works were produced, even after “justified by faith.” James purpose is to correct that wrong perception.
James, rebuke them sharply, that true faith must produce good works, if “justified by faith” cannot produce good works, then weather that “faith” is genuine or not it may be in question mark.
Faith cannot be alone, faith must produce good works. Faith will produce fruits. James said that the works is the proof that that “faith” is genuine. Weather a man is obeying God in life or not, maybe become a proof that man is having a genuine faith. He gave an example, Abraham, was justified by faith, he later done a good work, he sacrificed his son Isaac as God’s commandment.
1:2, James wrote that our daily life is full with all kinds of testing, trials and temptations, life is hard, some of them even were persecuted, they had “peirasmos,” temptations and testing, there are some thing in our hearts that tempting us to fall in sin. James wanted them to rejoice even in troubles, like（Matthew 5:10-12)
1:3-4, those pressure, testing, persecutions, the hardship in life, are all for the training a man, to establish faith in God. Like Job, he was tested, later he was comforted. After all the training, they will more like Christ, lovingly love and being loved, more humble, more mature, become a new man, for all these achievement, we must rejoice!
1:5-6, we must have wisdom, they must know which thing is suitable, which is the will of God. This wisdom must know how to choose morally, to know which is right and which is wrong. VPP is right or wrong? If a man lack of wisdom, he or she may ask from God. Since God is good, kind, abundant, by faith and by the will of God, he may received what wisdom he or she is needed. (Matthew 7:7) Wisdom is a gift of God and should be prayed for! Pray by faith, first, VPP later!
1:8, we must not ask half heartedly. Concentrate our heart! (Matthew 6:24)
1:9-10, James wrote about wealthy and poverty, those who are poor, they are facing another kind of testing, so they also rejoice; those who are rich, they also may face testing when their business lose or bankrupt, they also must rejoice. They must rejoice in Christ.
Even rich pastors oppress and bully the poor pastors, they join with unbelievers and politician to enpower their oppression, the poor must keep silent, this is injustice!
1:12, a crown of life, John wrote to the church of Smyrna:
Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Crown of life is not reserved only for the theologians, the pastors, the teachers, the rich, the doctors, the lawyers, the head of a state, a king on earth, but the humblest believers are also entitled to it.
1:13-15, a fountain cannot give two kinds of water, neither sweet nor bitter, but God gave us goodness, God is holy. Man is tempted by his our desire, Satan tempted man to fall into sins, and entangled man to follow it. Satan is the great tempter. May God deliver us from the evil, lead us not into temptation.
1:17, God is light, in Him there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). God is the author and the fountain of all good.
1:18, He born us in His Word, man is born again after believing the Lord. Truth may refer to Gospel.
1:19-20, so do not angry, God will sure judge (Matthew 5:22) we need good behavior to glorified God (Matthew 5:16) so we must take care of our tongue (James 1:26; 3:8), it is better we can become a listener in anger, anger may cause us to sin (Eph 4:26) Justified by faith, we must know how to talk.
1:25 do not continue to become a listener, but a doer! Do the Ten Commandments, we must obey! Christian must produce work according to Ten Commandments!
1:26, outward devotion is useless! It is like those idol worshiper. Ecumenical movement is heading uniting every idol worshipers, if this is the case, we cannot join with this ecumenical movement, God wanted to be united in love and truth, truth of the gospel!
3 tests for true faith:
1.self-control,
2.charity,
3.Keeping oneself unspotted from the world.
1:27, worldly means self centered, pursuing money, statues, power and authority, they worship God with their lips, but their heart is far away from God, their hearts have no God, full with sins. True devotion is seen in doing good works, self-ratification, living in holiness; in love and truth, in obeying the commandment of God.
Look what Peter said in polemic? in 1 Peter 2:1, sin blocks love from fellowship, sin cannot let us love one another; put away this bitterness so that our spiritual life may grow!
1 Peter 2:4, we are the house of God, Christ is the ROCK.
1 Peter 2:5, we are the holy priests.
May God grant us wisdom in reading His sacred word! VPP is wrong or not, may God grant us wisdom!
Discussions
1.How to live our Christian life?
2.What kind of victory and trials in our life?
3.What is the peril of wealth?
4.What is the source of sin?
5.What is the source of God’s goodness?
6.What is hearing?
7.What is doing?
8.How to talk when we are under persecution and opression?
11.11.08
Christianity in 2008
Christianity has lost attraction in some places like US, why?
There is one explanation, the modernist trend, some have refuse to follow God, and they said no one is caring that truth is absolute, they said that there is no absolute truth! Tolerance become license, so there were a lot of various of ideas, value blooming. This causing gray area, there is confuse of right and wrong, confusion of black and white. Those who are holding the truth become a scamp of the society, this explanation maybe true.
There is another explanation, most of the fundamentalist and evangelical, they are legalistic, they felt they are "better than you," they have this "holy than you," mindset, so they like to rebuke, like to blame other, like to point finger, nothing they do, they actually do not obey and live in Jesus' commandment and teaching, they did not really care for the weaker group, suffering people, those sick community, they did not show that they really love other with love!
So that is why "Emerging Church" is well accepted by the young men and youth now a day. Most of them were hurt in the traditional fundamental churches, so that is why they are looking for reality, a better Christlike, better accepted experience, so they are more open for those strange and new teachings!
We have to blame the legalistic?
My dear friends, do not show your face like a fierce parents anymore to these young men! We wanted to show them we are the BOSS, we felt we are the representative of the fundamentalists, we represent the truth! Please humbly live with the young!
Dialogue with young men is needed! Let us have more zeal to those young man, do not just point fingers! Did You say you want 21th century reformation! Now you wanted the perfect Bible so much! May God grant us the Bible and also the harvest!
There is one explanation, the modernist trend, some have refuse to follow God, and they said no one is caring that truth is absolute, they said that there is no absolute truth! Tolerance become license, so there were a lot of various of ideas, value blooming. This causing gray area, there is confuse of right and wrong, confusion of black and white. Those who are holding the truth become a scamp of the society, this explanation maybe true.
There is another explanation, most of the fundamentalist and evangelical, they are legalistic, they felt they are "better than you," they have this "holy than you," mindset, so they like to rebuke, like to blame other, like to point finger, nothing they do, they actually do not obey and live in Jesus' commandment and teaching, they did not really care for the weaker group, suffering people, those sick community, they did not show that they really love other with love!
So that is why "Emerging Church" is well accepted by the young men and youth now a day. Most of them were hurt in the traditional fundamental churches, so that is why they are looking for reality, a better Christlike, better accepted experience, so they are more open for those strange and new teachings!
We have to blame the legalistic?
My dear friends, do not show your face like a fierce parents anymore to these young men! We wanted to show them we are the BOSS, we felt we are the representative of the fundamentalists, we represent the truth! Please humbly live with the young!
Dialogue with young men is needed! Let us have more zeal to those young man, do not just point fingers! Did You say you want 21th century reformation! Now you wanted the perfect Bible so much! May God grant us the Bible and also the harvest!
Is there any error in the Bible?
Is there any error in the Bible? There is a few scholars had proven that the Bible has errors, then how can the Bible is inspired?
Answer: We all knew, our Bible in our hand today, is not the Bible writer’s original autograph, the Bible was copied many times, recopies, and then translated.
We all believe the first hand written Bible, the original text, the autograph is without error, but sad to say the original texts were not preserved, they were lost. In these few thousands years, they may had rotten and and expired, so today, the Bible in our hand, is handed down to us, through 2 thousand years of copying and copying, and in the process of copying, there are errors, by human mistake, mistakes made, in the process of copying, this is reasonable, and we can imagine this will happened.
But, there are people attacking the integrity of the Bible, they said that the Bible has errors, after researches, most of the errors were misunderstandings:
1.The archaeologist and manuscripts find that a lot of errors are copy errors, so it is not errors.
2.Some errors are jot and title, some are numbers errors. We knew that the old manuscripts were written on the skin, due to ware and tear, some of letters were erased, so they read wrongly, so they person who copy them will copy them wrongly. But those copy errors in numbers and places are not significant, all important truth were not affected.
3.Some errors, were due to ignorance of those who were attacking the Bible, these critical places later were deeply expounded and explained by some Bible scholars, so the problems solved.
4.There were many New Testament writers, when they quote the Old Testament, we may find errors in wording, the Old Testament were not quoted verbatim, but sometimes they were quoted loosely. The New Testament writer use dynamic equivalent in translating the Old Testaments.
5.And then there were places seem like errors, but they were not errors, it is because the New Testament writers use different angle to descript a event, like the four Gospel, because Matthew descript Jesus as King and Lord, Mark descript the Lord as a Servant, Luke descript Jesus as Son of Man, John descript Jesus as Son of God, so the four Gospel appeared to use different stress, materials, and styles.
6.And then there were errors in historical facts, but later we find that there were people who were attacking the Bible, compared the historical facts in the Bible with the wrong historical facts in the world. The Bible is without error!
Excluded from above conditions, the Bible never appeared to have errors! There may have a few places where we further explanation, but they are all secondary importance, we find that all grant and crucial doctrines and truth have not defect or touched. They were preserved! Those little copies errors were not affecting the teaching of the truth! The Bible is authentically preserved for all these years, thank God.
We truly believe that, through archeology finding, the study of the meaning of the word, and comparing the old manuscripts, and continue in studying the original languages, those insignificant errors one day will be truly explained and expounded, because the Lord said, “heaven and earth will pass away, but.... my Word will not pass away!”
This is what most of Chinese Churches believe in the Bible, and we can surely said that the Bible in our hand in the Word of God! No doubt about this!
Answer: We all knew, our Bible in our hand today, is not the Bible writer’s original autograph, the Bible was copied many times, recopies, and then translated.
We all believe the first hand written Bible, the original text, the autograph is without error, but sad to say the original texts were not preserved, they were lost. In these few thousands years, they may had rotten and and expired, so today, the Bible in our hand, is handed down to us, through 2 thousand years of copying and copying, and in the process of copying, there are errors, by human mistake, mistakes made, in the process of copying, this is reasonable, and we can imagine this will happened.
But, there are people attacking the integrity of the Bible, they said that the Bible has errors, after researches, most of the errors were misunderstandings:
1.The archaeologist and manuscripts find that a lot of errors are copy errors, so it is not errors.
2.Some errors are jot and title, some are numbers errors. We knew that the old manuscripts were written on the skin, due to ware and tear, some of letters were erased, so they read wrongly, so they person who copy them will copy them wrongly. But those copy errors in numbers and places are not significant, all important truth were not affected.
3.Some errors, were due to ignorance of those who were attacking the Bible, these critical places later were deeply expounded and explained by some Bible scholars, so the problems solved.
4.There were many New Testament writers, when they quote the Old Testament, we may find errors in wording, the Old Testament were not quoted verbatim, but sometimes they were quoted loosely. The New Testament writer use dynamic equivalent in translating the Old Testaments.
5.And then there were places seem like errors, but they were not errors, it is because the New Testament writers use different angle to descript a event, like the four Gospel, because Matthew descript Jesus as King and Lord, Mark descript the Lord as a Servant, Luke descript Jesus as Son of Man, John descript Jesus as Son of God, so the four Gospel appeared to use different stress, materials, and styles.
6.And then there were errors in historical facts, but later we find that there were people who were attacking the Bible, compared the historical facts in the Bible with the wrong historical facts in the world. The Bible is without error!
Excluded from above conditions, the Bible never appeared to have errors! There may have a few places where we further explanation, but they are all secondary importance, we find that all grant and crucial doctrines and truth have not defect or touched. They were preserved! Those little copies errors were not affecting the teaching of the truth! The Bible is authentically preserved for all these years, thank God.
We truly believe that, through archeology finding, the study of the meaning of the word, and comparing the old manuscripts, and continue in studying the original languages, those insignificant errors one day will be truly explained and expounded, because the Lord said, “heaven and earth will pass away, but.... my Word will not pass away!”
This is what most of Chinese Churches believe in the Bible, and we can surely said that the Bible in our hand in the Word of God! No doubt about this!
10.11.08
the destruction of the flesh
1 Corinthians 5:5 to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
2 Corinthians 11:14 and no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
1 Timothy 1:20 of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Who is this Satan, the Greek word “sat-an-as,” means !”the accuser.” i.e. the devil.
Some theologians change the application for this word; they taught that this word can be employed on any one including the believers, they encourage believers to be a satan!
To deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh. They taught that someone can become a “Satan” to destroy the enemies, they see it is fit. In conventional warfare, the enemies must be eliminated by all means, likewise in spiritual warfare in the churches.
They taught, if you dislike someone in the churches, because he “accused” you, or he oppose your teaching or he disturb your reputation, someone become a “Satan” to you, become your enemy, you become “Satan’ to him, by all means. These theologians taught their doctors like this! Chilling!
Furthermore, if you hate him, the theologians say, you also find him to be a weak and sick, and the enemies became you treat, opposer, next, the theologian said it is all right to destroy the enemy’s body, all means to defeat him, use all method, use all toxic you may use onto the enemy! To destroy the enemy, destroy the flesh, for the destruction of the flesh, to defeat them, the body must be destroyed they said! And the believers can use this mandate to destroy someone in the Christian Fellowship!
The false teachers taught that “believer can become the author of bodily diseases.” of some bodily evil, this means the flesh may be tamed , so that that offender or enemy would be subject to corporal inflictions by the agency of these “Satan” employed. These false teachers taught that it was designed for the government of the church! They will send out secret workers, to destroy the body of an enemy, to destroy those they disliked. They destroyed even those who are weak in faith, those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, they destroyed the poor in spirit, and they continue to destroy the whole church!
This is the doctrine of the devils! Beza, and the Latin Fathers, suppose that this is only an expression of excommunication. Cast out. But these theologians taught that they must be excommunicated and destroyed the body all together by human effort, with poison or toxic! Whatsoever, the enemy must be silent! This is cruelty. We are living in the end time! End time!
My friends what I mean, is even with “word” we may killed and destroy a man, so becareful for what we say, what we talked! “Word” is poison and toxic when a man curse, all these words are coming from the devils, word without peace, is not from God, peaceable wisdom is from above, so with "word" they destroy, and destroy!
James 3:6 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.
And the theologians even called other denominations and those opposed their teaching as the “churches of the devil.” Quoting the scriptures below,
Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
And Revelation 12:9 and the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Satan is our enemy! Not our friend! But do not try to be one of them! False teachers like some, are doing destruction! Giving false witness about the scripture, and destroy the good image of God! The theologians destroy more than building up the faith of the congregation!
2 Corinthians 11:14 and no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
1 Timothy 1:20 of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Who is this Satan, the Greek word “sat-an-as,” means !”the accuser.” i.e. the devil.
Some theologians change the application for this word; they taught that this word can be employed on any one including the believers, they encourage believers to be a satan!
To deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh. They taught that someone can become a “Satan” to destroy the enemies, they see it is fit. In conventional warfare, the enemies must be eliminated by all means, likewise in spiritual warfare in the churches.
They taught, if you dislike someone in the churches, because he “accused” you, or he oppose your teaching or he disturb your reputation, someone become a “Satan” to you, become your enemy, you become “Satan’ to him, by all means. These theologians taught their doctors like this! Chilling!
Furthermore, if you hate him, the theologians say, you also find him to be a weak and sick, and the enemies became you treat, opposer, next, the theologian said it is all right to destroy the enemy’s body, all means to defeat him, use all method, use all toxic you may use onto the enemy! To destroy the enemy, destroy the flesh, for the destruction of the flesh, to defeat them, the body must be destroyed they said! And the believers can use this mandate to destroy someone in the Christian Fellowship!
The false teachers taught that “believer can become the author of bodily diseases.” of some bodily evil, this means the flesh may be tamed , so that that offender or enemy would be subject to corporal inflictions by the agency of these “Satan” employed. These false teachers taught that it was designed for the government of the church! They will send out secret workers, to destroy the body of an enemy, to destroy those they disliked. They destroyed even those who are weak in faith, those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, they destroyed the poor in spirit, and they continue to destroy the whole church!
This is the doctrine of the devils! Beza, and the Latin Fathers, suppose that this is only an expression of excommunication. Cast out. But these theologians taught that they must be excommunicated and destroyed the body all together by human effort, with poison or toxic! Whatsoever, the enemy must be silent! This is cruelty. We are living in the end time! End time!
My friends what I mean, is even with “word” we may killed and destroy a man, so becareful for what we say, what we talked! “Word” is poison and toxic when a man curse, all these words are coming from the devils, word without peace, is not from God, peaceable wisdom is from above, so with "word" they destroy, and destroy!
James 3:6 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.
And the theologians even called other denominations and those opposed their teaching as the “churches of the devil.” Quoting the scriptures below,
Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
And Revelation 12:9 and the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Satan is our enemy! Not our friend! But do not try to be one of them! False teachers like some, are doing destruction! Giving false witness about the scripture, and destroy the good image of God! The theologians destroy more than building up the faith of the congregation!
9.11.08
Sermon Summary
Same heart in the Lord
Paul wrote 3 letters to the churches when he was in prison, in the letter to Ephesians, he says the church is the body of Christ, in the letter to Colossians, he said Christ is the head of the church, and in the letter to Philippians, he wrote that the church must live like Christ.
It is sad to see the church, before the church is starting to fight the enemies, the church splits. Brothers became enemy! They had depression. It is hurtful. So that is why Paul wanted the Philippians to rejoice in Christ, because they were sad. The church had problems even in the beginning.
Paul remembered them, day and night, and he prayed for them. And he wrote there is one way to rejoice. There is only one way, it is to return to the Lord, focus only on Him. Without Him, we cannot rejoice.
There were chaos and confusions in the church. When the body of Christ, had problems, they are not small problems, but they had the most terrible problem in the world, sins, and they, the sinner lived together, and they had prayed, and they had taught the truth, and then they had believed the truth, but there was still the problem of sin.
The Lord wanted the whole church, not one or two leaders, who are serving the Lord. The church is not just of the leaders, one or two theologians, but the whole body is the body of Christ. When we had the problems, we must look to the Lord.
There are some theologians who taught doctrines, but beyond that, they gave impression that degree is everything in serving the Lord, not so, the training is a part of training, but there is another important part in the training, the heart.
What kind of the theologians had in them, then what kind of hearts they will produce in theirs follower. Lord looked heavily on the witness. But Christ must live in our hearts. Not just degree, but heart in Christ, Christ living in our heart or not?
God never withheld any spiritual goodness for His children. He never withheld any of the perfect Word from His children. There were the good words the Lord had given to His children, and they lived by every word proceed from the mouth of God.
It is very sad, to see that the theologians are doubting the Word of God, even come to put doubt in the heart of the young believers about the CUV, and they are pursuing the perfect underlying text, and they step on the good witness of the church. And they forget that the church is one, the one body of Christ. Dear friend, one day, the Lord will come, to receive, the bride, the church.
Rev 1:8
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and
which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Rev 1:11
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in
a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus,
and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto
Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Rev 21:6
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the
fountain of the water of life freely.
Rev 22:13
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Christ is the Alpha and Omega, these two letters of Greek speaks louder than all the doctrines those theologians put together! Alpha and Omega! 2 perfect words stand forever, Amen, Amen, Amen!
Alpha is the first, Omega the last, letter of the Greek alphabet, and as such they enclose all the rest. Christ calling himself the first and the last, that is, the first cause and the last end, (as nothing began before him, so nothing can outlast him,) he does hereby discover his divinity to us.
All begins with God and he closes the drama of earthly history.
And then, at the end of the earth, not just pastors and theologians, the church is not only friends, but brothers.
The fellowship in the Gospel, must have same heart and same mind, believing the same gospel.
Philippians 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
They must have same heart and same mind in preaching Christ, telling the salvation for the sinners, saying forgiveness for sins. This not about a company, but Paul said they are a fellowship.
A Fellowship in Christ is better than a Bible College which is teaching wrong doctrines!
Paul wanted them to know what is right and what is wrong?
He prayed, Philippians 1:10, That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
3 things for us to start to work on in the fellowship, let us be united in the fellowship of the Gospel.
1. Loving the truth is very important.
2. Loving those things are good,
3. Living in a blameless life, this is the hardest part.
There are people getting famous because the achievement and wealth they have, and the Lord said they had received the rewards.
Matthew 6: 2, 5,16.
Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before
thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that
they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their
reward.
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for
they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of
the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They
have their reward. Moreover when ye fast, be not, as
the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their
faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you,
They have their reward.
We are called to bear fruit by connecting to Christ. Before we can bear any fruit we must grow up first, if we can bear fruit, then God will be glorified. Pursue this life changing, life growing, fruit bearing life, and lastly we have the glorifying life.
I hope the Lord may grant us joy and power in our life. Amen.
The Lord is Alpha and Omega !
Paul wrote 3 letters to the churches when he was in prison, in the letter to Ephesians, he says the church is the body of Christ, in the letter to Colossians, he said Christ is the head of the church, and in the letter to Philippians, he wrote that the church must live like Christ.
It is sad to see the church, before the church is starting to fight the enemies, the church splits. Brothers became enemy! They had depression. It is hurtful. So that is why Paul wanted the Philippians to rejoice in Christ, because they were sad. The church had problems even in the beginning.
Paul remembered them, day and night, and he prayed for them. And he wrote there is one way to rejoice. There is only one way, it is to return to the Lord, focus only on Him. Without Him, we cannot rejoice.
There were chaos and confusions in the church. When the body of Christ, had problems, they are not small problems, but they had the most terrible problem in the world, sins, and they, the sinner lived together, and they had prayed, and they had taught the truth, and then they had believed the truth, but there was still the problem of sin.
The Lord wanted the whole church, not one or two leaders, who are serving the Lord. The church is not just of the leaders, one or two theologians, but the whole body is the body of Christ. When we had the problems, we must look to the Lord.
There are some theologians who taught doctrines, but beyond that, they gave impression that degree is everything in serving the Lord, not so, the training is a part of training, but there is another important part in the training, the heart.
What kind of the theologians had in them, then what kind of hearts they will produce in theirs follower. Lord looked heavily on the witness. But Christ must live in our hearts. Not just degree, but heart in Christ, Christ living in our heart or not?
God never withheld any spiritual goodness for His children. He never withheld any of the perfect Word from His children. There were the good words the Lord had given to His children, and they lived by every word proceed from the mouth of God.
It is very sad, to see that the theologians are doubting the Word of God, even come to put doubt in the heart of the young believers about the CUV, and they are pursuing the perfect underlying text, and they step on the good witness of the church. And they forget that the church is one, the one body of Christ. Dear friend, one day, the Lord will come, to receive, the bride, the church.
Rev 1:8
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and
which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Rev 1:11
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in
a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus,
and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto
Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Rev 21:6
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the
fountain of the water of life freely.
Rev 22:13
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Christ is the Alpha and Omega, these two letters of Greek speaks louder than all the doctrines those theologians put together! Alpha and Omega! 2 perfect words stand forever, Amen, Amen, Amen!
Alpha is the first, Omega the last, letter of the Greek alphabet, and as such they enclose all the rest. Christ calling himself the first and the last, that is, the first cause and the last end, (as nothing began before him, so nothing can outlast him,) he does hereby discover his divinity to us.
All begins with God and he closes the drama of earthly history.
And then, at the end of the earth, not just pastors and theologians, the church is not only friends, but brothers.
The fellowship in the Gospel, must have same heart and same mind, believing the same gospel.
Philippians 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
They must have same heart and same mind in preaching Christ, telling the salvation for the sinners, saying forgiveness for sins. This not about a company, but Paul said they are a fellowship.
A Fellowship in Christ is better than a Bible College which is teaching wrong doctrines!
Paul wanted them to know what is right and what is wrong?
He prayed, Philippians 1:10, That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
3 things for us to start to work on in the fellowship, let us be united in the fellowship of the Gospel.
1. Loving the truth is very important.
2. Loving those things are good,
3. Living in a blameless life, this is the hardest part.
There are people getting famous because the achievement and wealth they have, and the Lord said they had received the rewards.
Matthew 6: 2, 5,16.
Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before
thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that
they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their
reward.
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for
they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of
the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They
have their reward. Moreover when ye fast, be not, as
the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their
faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you,
They have their reward.
We are called to bear fruit by connecting to Christ. Before we can bear any fruit we must grow up first, if we can bear fruit, then God will be glorified. Pursue this life changing, life growing, fruit bearing life, and lastly we have the glorifying life.
I hope the Lord may grant us joy and power in our life. Amen.
The Lord is Alpha and Omega !
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