Tag Archives: hear

Christian

Earwax and Cataracts

Matthew 13:12-15 KJV For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. [13] Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. [14] And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: [15] For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

I have often wondered what makes some people deaf to all or even part of the word of God. I have conjectured that it requires increased faith to increase knowledge. Being baptized, one is introduced to the family of God. Are some deaf to the truth because they have not yet been baptized? Perhaps being part of the family of God clears ears and open eyes. Honestly though, one must have a certain amount of faith and understanding just to be baptized. The baptizee must repent of their sins and know Jesus is the Christ.

From my own experience it seems that there are levels of truth that people can accept. For example, the Church of Christ can accept nine of the Ten Commandments, but they can’t accept the Sabbath law. They can accept miracles then, but not now, despite the promises in James.

Jesus said in John 8:47 KJV, He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

What then if they hear some of God’s word, but not all of it. It is a dangerous and precarious position. Indeed, even what you have may be taken away. I believe this is the cause of much of the strange doctrine out there. Rather than growing in faith and understanding these once true believers are drawn aside to half truths and whims of fancy rather than the God given knowledge they once possessed.

Romans 10:17 KJV says, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

If you hear the word of God, take it to heart. Pray for faith. Pray also for wisdom and understanding. Be careful both to hear and do the Word, lest what you have is taken away.

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Christian

Study and Verify

I believe the best way to learn God’s law is to read about it in the Holy Bible King James Version yourself. You can even pray for guidance and understanding as you read and study. James 1:5

When a preacher or teacher says, “the Bible says…”, you are better prepared having read the Bible to verify that statement. Don’t be afraid after Church to ask for a direct verse if you have a question about one of your pastor’s points. Send an email or make a phone call. They may even appreciate your interest.

There is a lot of errant doctrine out there and ultimately you are responsible for your own salvation.

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Christian, Inspirational

Defining Behavior

People define God’s law as they see fit. Instead of stretching definitions to suit our own benefit, what if we strictly defined the law in accordance with God’s original intent.

Exodus 20:13 KJV Thou shalt not kill. Seems clear enough, but man changes it to thou shalt not murder. We search out excuses. It’s okay in war, it’s okay in self defense, it’s okay if someone breaks into your home, it might be okay if adultery was involved, maybe there are extenuating circumstances, maybe it’s only manslaughter.

Exodus 20:9-10 KJV …thou shalt not do any work,… Yet, man says it’s not work if it was necessary. It’s not work if you wanted to do it. Even if it was work, surely God won’t hold it against me.

If you’ve never read Corinthians you may skip this paragraph. For those of you desirous of learning and keeping the law, keep reading. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 seems pretty clear. The only question is what is Church. Is it a building? Is it a time? Is it a combination of the two? Is it whenever and wherever two or more are gathered together in Christ’s name? This like all of God’s law depends on the heart of the listener.

When you read or hear the law seek understanding. When you have understanding seek strength. When you find yourself seeking excuses – you should know you are definitely walking in the wrong direction.

When you realize your walking in the wrong direction, there remains 1 John 1:9. Turn and define (live) the law favorably within God’s original intent. Why? Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14 KJV

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Christian, Inspirational

Did He Really Say That?

I’ve heard this said or asked about the teachings of Jesus Christ. Or phrased another way, did he really mean that?

If it’s in the Holy Bible KJV, my resounding answer is YES.

The hearer is having difficulty with a hard teaching of our Lord. You may find a rabbi or a preacher who changes the meaning by misinterpretation or softens it so that it is of little effect, but the Truth is the Truth.

Cut off your hand. Pluck out your eye. If they offend, it is better to enter life maimed than to burn in Hell. Matthew 18:8-9.

Matthew 10:34 KJV
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Luke 12:51-53 KJV
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: [52] For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. [53] The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

And many other teachings.

If Jesus said it, he meant it, and unless it was a parable he was generally very clear about it.

1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

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