Category: Exhort Pray Praise…

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Who Will Stand?

Posted on by Christy Petty

All who labor for Corporation United Body receive security from the corporation for a job well done. From the top administrator to the least laborer, they are rewarded for their deeds. 

 Mr Imuphere is an administrator of the corporation. He is deemed, by himself and some society, as superior to those lower in the hierarchy  of the corporation. He is corrupt. He is devious. He is evil. He is a sycophant, this is how he has reached this position of power .  

Mr. Imuphere has a servile group of minions, they too are sycophants, but only to him. They are his puppets. They will do his bidding. He has manipulated them into believing his lying and manipulating and immoral actions are true and good. This was an easy task for Mr. I, the minions being sycophants too, They reap from the benefits of his unjust rewards. 

In production, which Mr. Imuphere rules, the corporation has managers. These managers have integrity and are of good character, upright and moral.Those that they guide, train and direct , who  are least in the hierarchy and labor for the corporation.

The minions have tried to influence the managers to become as debased as they are. To exalt and obey Mr. Imuphere and turn away from the Cooperation UB principles.  First the managers explained the wrong and dangers in these practices.  The managers stand on truth and honor and will not compromise their belief, nor the security of those working in the lower ranks, nor the integrity of the corporation. The evil superiors began to harass the managers, in the attempt to frighten them into silence or to cause them to quit the corporation.  They began spreading lies and defaming the managers. 

 The managers for the sake of the Corporation UB are disclosed to  the corporation authorities of the corruption that was occurring . The minions accused the managers of defying authority and threatened to destroy them. Also they devised malicious lies to defame the managers trying to shift the blame, . The managers continued perform their duties for the corporation, with integrity,and never neglected their responsibility, thus proving their innocence.  The managers have hopes that not only the corporation be protected from the evil, but also the minions and Mr. Imuphere, realize their wrongs and are remorseful and turn from their evil ways.

 The truth is finally being revealed, the corruption is being realized, the managers are being heard and commended  for their integrity and standing firm in the face of adversity, for  truth. The minions corruption has been revealed and they have been removed from the security of Corporation UB, some realizing their mistakes and some are blind to their wrongs. It has not been confirmed that Mr. Imuphere has any part in this deception, he has been reprimanded for not monitoring his staff. He has convinced many, through his sycophant manipulations, he was completely ignorant of his minions diabolical plan. 

The managers acted responsibly when they reported the corruption. They saved the corporation and their fellow co workers a great deal of loss. The Managers did what they were obligated to do. They put aside their fears and risked their jobs and did the right thing.

Lets change the environment up a bit:

  • Mr. Imuphere is the President of the United States.
  • The managers are the congress and senate others who have ‘jobs’ in the government..
  •  The workers, who receive security are -We the People.  (which also includes the managers)
  • Minions: the party of the president , the media, anyone paid off.

Is the congress and senate right to oppose the President when he is committing crimes? Going against our Constitution (creed)What about Ed Snowden?

What if the President of the US said we must accept something that directly disobeys or disagrees with our Creator, God’s Word, doctrine/creed/? Such as, making a law that says two men living together and have sex with each other are ‘married’ . Or that annihilating a person with a beating heart is not murder, as long as that person resides in another body.

If a government leader decides to  demand  payment, infringes on our source of income, removes our personal choice of home, protection, food and education, medical care. Would you oppose, would your rebel? Would it be ‘right’ ? In the eyes of God?

Lets change it up some more.

  • Mr. Imuphere is an elder, or pastor, or bishop of the church.
  •  His minions are other elders, or men of power and prestige in the church.
  • The managers are deacons, teachers, leaders of the congregation,
  • The congregation is the people, the people who are vested in the church.

The elders/pastor offense is apostasy.  They have turned away from the true Gospel and are teaching heresy. They are false teachers.  Some may be benefitting a bit too much from the giving.

The Managers,those that have not strayed and fallen prey to the false teaching,  are confronting the elders on their sin. The elders  and minions  (false teachers) are accusing those not in agreement with them ,of being unloving and stirring dimension and going against God’s word by not submitting to authority.

Is it right to confront those in authority in our government? In our churches?

I have heard too many say believers  MUST submit to all those in authoritative positions Because all those in ruling positions are appointed by God.Usually,  this argument for the subjects to submit, is dictated by those in supremacy. They seem to have these scriptures etched in their brains:

Romans 13 Let every soul be asubject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists bthe authority resists the ordinance of God,

 1 Peter3 pTherefore submit yourselves to every 3ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.

I agree I should submit to the position of authority. I am subject to those positions that rank higher than mine. God is a God of order. He did establish a hierarchy for us to function with. We do have laws and ordinance’s that protect. Speed limits, health codes, death penalty.  I disagree to  submitting to a lie, a false teaching an evil power, man made law. if my submission causes me to compromise the truth and character God expects me or all people to have. If it goes against God, I am free to rebel against authority.

Matt 23:1-5 “Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men.”

If I  compromise, so I can convince those who would label me  disobedient and unloving to man that I am loving and obedient, by their standards.  I am blind to what God has told ME to do. I become blind being led by a blind leader. Matt 15:14   Not to mention I would not be a servant of Christ . Gal 1:10 

Jesus opposed leadership through His whole ministry. He was sent to oppose them, because He loved them.  The Pharisees, Sadducees and High priest were all Rulers of the Jewish society. They made the rules ,they enforced the rules ,they threw people in jail and crucified them for breaking law. They demanded respect and honor.  Jesus called them names of dishonor, Whitewashed tombs, brood of vipers, foolish, hypocrites. Jesus contradicted authority, when He pointed out their ignorance of God’s Word over and over again. Jesus exposed their prejudice and elitist attitude towards the people. Jesus defied their power by  resisting arrest on a couple of occasions.

Some may say we can’t compare ourselves to Jesus, cause Jesus is allowed to oppose authority because technically He IS the guy who made all  the rules.. So lets talk about some regular folk;  Daniel and his three fire walking compadre’s. They would not eat the food sat before them by the king, a huge disobedience.  Shad Me and Abe refused to worship the idol as commanded. Daniels prayed to God, with his window open,  when a mandate went out to not pray to God. They had ‘man consequence’ but God saved them from it all.  Then there are the midwives that had orders from the Pharaoh  to kill baby boys as they were born. The midwives  did not obey AND lied to the Pharaoh about it. God rewarded them. Rahab hid the Hebrew ‘scouts’ from the king of Jericho and lied about it. She is rewarded as righteous, AND is a great great great .. of Jesus.

This new movement of love love love, don’t oppose the rulers, the government, be accepting of all people, love them as you would love yourself , turn the  other cheek, again, and again, give hand outs, conform to the world, lets just all get along because God tells you to, because that is how Jesus is, God is love and loves all man, and no one is going to Hell, except you because you oppose authority,  is a lie. Those of the world,(which belongs to Satan)  live in lies and are trying to get the righteous to join them.  Not everyone is acceptable to God

Revelation 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

2 Peter 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction

It is up to We who will not compromise the truth to Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil  and 2 Timothy 2:15Do our best to present ourselves to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. For 1 John 2:6 Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

So lets walk like Jesus. With our head up, our shoulders back, with the authority WE have in Him.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

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Posted in Exhort Pray Praise...

The Pyrenees and the Hare

Posted on by Christy Petty

This is Gauge, actually 12 Gauge is his full name. Count the back toes. 6 on each paw, he has extra dew claws,  he is half Pyrenees. The animal shelter only told us he was part Australian Shepherd. I think it is only a small part.   I suspected he was of big heritage when  my 12 week old sized puppy only had 4 teeth, and had to gum his food until he grew a full set. Then those extra dew claws, gave my vet and myself the clue that he was a Pyrenees

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Gauge grew into our suspicions, in ways other than just size. He hoarded treasures as a pup, he is protective of his domain/ and herd (people and cats and other dogs, horses) in a passive aggressive way. His domain goes as far as he can go, he respects fences IF they are there. Gauge possesses his herd, by sitting on us, laying his paw on us ( a hint to pet). Gauge does not like intruders, of the animal kind.  He is ok with other people, as long as he can keep an eye on them. But animals, birds, dogs passing by, packrats, rabbits, he does not like them on his house, in his trees, under his piles of junk, running across his ten acres.  He will lay in wait for the morning dove to dare to light on the roof top, then bark for an hour until she flies away, he convinced it is because he accomplished his duties. He will spend days ripping through the trashed fence panels to get to the pack rat he heard scurrying underneath. He allowed a neighbors dog to spend the day with us, until she dared walk into his pen, and rubbed against me for a pet, then all hell broke loose.

A few months ago Gauge was barking and barking and barking and barking at a 7 ft piece of PVC pipe laying in the field. it had been laying beside the well house. I thought the wind must have really been bad for it to have ‘flown’ out there. I hollered at Guage to ‘Shut UP’.  He did, for 5 minutes. I decided he had a packrat trapped. There really are not any other critters around here, with the overabundance of coyotes, hawks and the drought. I walked out in the field to investigate and stop the barking.  My idea was to pick up the pipe and dump out the rat, and Gauge would catch it in one gulp (he has done this as I flipped up wood stacks for him) This worked perfectly, except a cottontail fell out instead of a packrat. Packrats, he can eat but not bunnies. I screamed at Gauge to drop it, and he just bit harder, the rabbit squealed. I screamed again. Gauge turned and ran away from me, to go eat in peace. I hollered my apologies to the rabbit and went in the house, mortified.   I will flip my car before I hit a rabbit in the road. This day, I served one to be eaten alive by a giant canine. 

Day before yesterday, Gauge started barking at the PVC ,in the morning.I wondered if it was a packrat or a rabbit. We could be getting rabbits now that we got a bit of rain. In the evening when I fed, I had to call Gauge up from the pipe, where he had been peering in all day. I figured the critter would bolt out as soon as it sensed the enemy leaving. It didn’t.  Just before dark, I notice Gauge back at the pipe, peering in. He had not forgotten his mission. He wasn’t hungry, just had to get rid of the intruder. Stupid rabbit, or rat it should have ran when it had it’s chance!  Yesterday morning, I saw Gauge had drug the pipe about 100 yards, and was peering in it still. I can’t believe the critter is still in it, Gauge must be keeping a 24 hour watch, he is obsessed. At noon  Gauge is still with the pipe, picking up the end of it and dragging it in circles, kind of comical, and smart of him, he will shake it out, since I won’t. I forget about the rabbit or pack rat and Gauge, till feeding time, and again I have to call him from the pipe. Surely the thing will run out now.  At midnight last night, I realize it has not, Gauge is barking as he as been all day previous.  DSCF3074

This morning I look out and Gauge is asleep at the end of the pipe, which has moved another 50 feet at least .  He won’t come when I call him. The other two dogs run to him and try to convince him to come play. He can’t , he is focused, he has lost focus on his real purpose, he is obsessed with this pipe and it’s content, nothing else. He has chewed the end of the pipe trying to get his prey DSCF3075

I decide to go and end this.  I am going to look first to see if bunny or rat. I am thinking of where to dump if  it is a rabbit. To not be an accessory to murder again. I then think how rude/mean/ it is to Gauge who has been so diligent to watch and wait.  I get to the pipe and try to look in, Gauge literally pushes me away. He is totally obsessed, controlled by the thing in the pipe, he can’t see me as his master anymore. I tell him to back away, he won’t obey. I go to the other end as he pokes his nose in the end I just tried, I catch a glimpse of the bunny ear silhouette before Gauge comes and shoves his nose in this end. I realize now I will be helping Gauge, by removing this obsession. I run to the other end stick the camera in and snap

DSCF3076

I run to the other end as Guage is running to steal my place again, I catch a glimpse of the cotton tail and flash another picture.  Gauge pulls his head out of the opposite end, blinking from the flash. HADSCF3077

Knowing a nasty sneaky rat will not run out on my arm, I pick up the pipe. The 3 dogs are now dancing around, sure I am going to treat them as I did before.  I take it to the fence and drop one end over and shake. Nothing comes out.  I pound a bit. Nothing. I then think ,it has been a couple of days, maybe it is dead and bloated in there.  I shake a bit harder, I hear a scratching of nails, it’s hanging on for dear life.. It does not know that bright light now means freedom , it has been so long seeing the face of death in that light.  Finally I shake hard enough and it can’t hang on, it drops from the pipe.  I thought it would dart off. It did not. It  sits there wet and dirty from it’s own urine (fear). Barely moving. Not laying in shock, just sitting, and creeping, smelling fresh air. Gauge is on the other side of the fence, still obsessed, ready to pounce. The rabbit is just feet away, I could reach through the fence and touch it. Instead I run for my camera, that I left behind when I picked up the pipe.  By the time I turn it on and it digitizes, the bunny is becoming aware he is free, and starts to hop some, slowly.

DSCF3079  Objects appear further and dryer than they actually are.

The more the rabbit moves the more aggressive Gauge becomes, he runs the fence, throws dirt and leaps around.  I wonder if he will decide he is capable of jumping the fence (he actually can if he wanted to). The rabbit gains speed and sense as Gauge’s frenzy grows, the rabbit disappears in the brush, and Gauge stares at attention for a few minutes.

I and the other two dogs pick up the pipe and move towards the house.  By the time I reach the well house, and prop the pipe up there, hopefully so another rabbit won’t take up refuge there, Gauge has joined us. All the dogs smell the fear seeping out of the pipe still. Gauge sniffs, I tell him to leave it.I start towards the water trough, the two female dogs run ahead to show me they need me to fill it, Gauge starts to walk beside me, leaning on me. He hasn’t been paying attention to me in days, I realize, and he does too.  I bend to turn on the water, he leans on me.  He is relaxing, he has forgotten his obsession, he reaches out to his master, lays his paw on me to pet him. I do. I take a picture of him as he looks into my face. I see the wound on his nose from his focusing on the wrong thing. Focusing on his want, and not his need. Forgetting his purpose.

DSCF3084

I have been praying for job position that Keith put in for within his company.  It is  bigger, more powerful, more responsibility, more bucks,(but maybe relocation or lots of travel at least),  it would be above those that are now above him.  For him to have that position would solve a lot of problems for he and his colleagues. The job he has now is itself, great, it is great pay, good hours, good benefits, exactly what he(we) have prayed for, for years, it provides all we need. There are some problems, it could be better, and my prayer was for the better. I have prayed and prayed for the ‘bad’ to go away, that this higher position be Keith’s so he could MAKE the bad go away for himself.  He recently got notice that he would not be chosen for that position.  He was fine with it, said the company does not promote up that many steps, ever, even if he is qualified. I was disappointed, mostly with God for not answering my prayer. I had prayed, believing, knowing He would give me/we what we wanted. No one would be hurt by this, more than likely people would be helped, Keith really really is qualified and knows the way to resolve the problems….But instead God, just let it go, did not give it to Keith.Yesterday I was disappointed.  I had diligently prayed for this.

Today  I read in Mark 11 of  Jesus killing the fig tree, then explaining to the disciples whatever they ask for with faith, they will have, even if it be moving mountains. I read the same in Mathew a week ago. A week ago I was obsessed to get what I wanted, I have not been paying attention to my Master, I just saw my want.  This morning, I knew my ‘want’ was not given to me, (us) I read of moving mountains, again, it means something different today.  I prayed and cried, because my faith obviously is not enough. I quit looking at my want, and looked back to my Master. What is in the way? Mark 11:25 If you have anything against anyone, forgive him…. Mark 9:23 If your can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.   The job, the position may still be a possibility for Keith, yet what he has now is all we need. God is answering prayers to get rid of the ‘bad’, just not my way.  Mountains will move, fig trees will die.  I have been Gauge, obsessed with MY want, and forgetting all my needs supplied by my master.  I have been the rabbit, clinging for dear life, covered in my own filth, not seeing freedom is mine if I just let go.

I am forever amazed at how close and active God is in my life, always.  Yet I still cry out “Lord I believe; help my unbelief!”Mark 9:24

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 16 -DONE

Posted on by Christy Petty

I am getting er done!! Obviously I am the only one that enjoyed this study, since only I participated, it really was fun! 

This all began with Paul having to straighten out the WRONG WRONG WRONG thinking of the Corinthians, now he is closing the letter, taking care of the regular business as if they were not screwing up.  16 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.   Take up offerings now so we don’t have to do it when I get there. 5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.  Travel plans 8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.  Be nice to Timothy, don’t run him off. 12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time. Apollos won’t come visit, and I assume he does not want to associate with such a messed up group of people, his choice, and seems Paul agrees with him. 

13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— 16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.  I think Paul is telling them yet again BE NICE because they have a tendency not to be. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. Lacking on your part seems to be pointing out that where they are failing spiritually to build up and help these others did so. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.20 All the brethren greet you.Greet one another with a holy kiss.21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.O Lord, come! Pretty black and white. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Gods Word is alive today, it pertains to today.  Hebrews 4:1212 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.The Corinthians were full of pride and had changed the Word of God to meet their needs and to dismiss those they did not approve of. I do not know if all the Corinthians were believers. I don’t think so. I do not think all who ‘practice’ Christianity are believers.   Today is not different than the day Paul wrote the letter. Ecc. 1:19 That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun.   It would do us all well to abide to God’s Word, lest we be accursed. 

 
Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 15

Posted on by Christy Petty

This Bible ‘study’ has not progressed as I intended. I have not stuck with it weekly as I intended. I am sorry.  And I had  hoped there would be more (some)discussion between myself and my followers, but  nooooooooo. I have had a few likes and some follows, following each Corinthians post, so maybe my hopes don’t align with God’s plan.  After 15, there is just one more book of 1 Corinthians, so this will end this ‘study’.  I do have another in plan, but more on that when it comes! Thanks for hanging with me here!!

In 14 Paul was explaining to the ‘believers’ ‘church goers’ how to have productive services. The service is not about them and how much they know or think they know. Chapter 15 he seems to be telling specifically what the purpose of church meetings is. 

15 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.  There is no need to discuss whose gift is better, if someone more important than another, when you have The Gospel of Christ to discuss.  Paul never runs out of ‘material to teach on, it is THE GOSPEL. That is what believing is about, that is why believers gather together . Christ. His life. His Death. His Resurrection. His purpose.  IF this is not why you gather, you believe then you missed the point, and possibly the boat 😉 T

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.  A quick Gospel, reminder of what it is they should be focusing on.  What they should be sharing with ALL others.

9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.  Paul is not one of the 12 apostles that walked with Jesus in the flesh. Yet he does the work of the apostles and Jesus, bringing all the Good News, transforming lives. Paul admits he is not the same as one of the 12, that he actually has little right to call himself that because of his own persecution of Christians. (He held the cloaks of those who stoned Stephen). Paul proclaims the miracle of God’s grace, the intervention that turned Paul into a possibly ‘louder’ voice than any of the 12 ever were for Christ. 

12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  Some Sadducees must have infiltrated the Corinthians. 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.  15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. Paul is arguing that they can not have both beliefs, dead not resurrected and Christ resurrected because it is not logical. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Mans false doctrine is interfering with the Truth.  18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. Christ’s resurrection is a necessary of Gods plan for us

20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, all man dies physically and spiritually because of sin. even so in Christ all shall be made alive. In the resurrection of Christ, His ‘making’ it happen, allows for those that believe in that to ‘BE’ that.

 

CONFUSING!!! : The ‘But’ belongs to all(believers) shall be made alive23 But each one in his own order:  I think this is a list of the ‘order’.

1)Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 

2) 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 

3 )2 For He must reign  till He has put all enemies under His feet. A5ll those that are against Him/God are enemies, unbelievers, demons, Satan.

4)  26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. Physical death and eternal separation from God

27 For “He has put all things under His feet.”But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself Jesus will also be subject to Him God who put all things under Him Jesus, that God may be all in all.

29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? I think he is pointing out the inconsistency of their beliefs/doctrine. IF there is no resurrection, then Christ can’t be salvation. And if dead don’t resurrect why are you doing this ritual of being baptized for those who have died and were not baptized before death. If you believe no resurrection it does dead not good.   30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” This is a bit like my argument against the new(old) universalist thinking, IF everyone eventually believes and is reunited with God, even after physical death, what is the point of telling Gospel and living a righteous life? “Eat drink be merry, die and get a bit burned in hell but you get out so go for it”….

33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.  Don’t listen to the lies!! Don’t associate with those who are false teachers, elders included. You don’t become like those you don’t hang around with. 

35 But someone will say, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” What if someone is cremated? 36 Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 37 And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. The seed of an apple is basically from a ‘dead’ fruit, and it produces a massive tree. 38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.  What I become after physical death will be what ever God makes me to be- I will be awesome!

39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.  Biology, spiritology, science. God created all, in their own form

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.  Man is flawed by sin of this world, our ‘new’ selves will be glorious 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being Human/Man the top of the family tree.” The last Adam Christ became a life-giving spirit.

46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man Adam was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man Jesus is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Our sinful selves don’t get to ‘be’.  51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”  Those who believe in Christ, His birth, His death His resurrection His purpose. Get to ‘BE” made new and continue with God. At the second coming those believers will not experience physical death

55 “O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.  57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Our spirits/souls exist forever. It is where that forever is spent that we must decide. Do we go our own way, choose our own path, ignore the truth or change it to fit our comfort zone? Deny Christ and His resurrection and be stung by Death and reside in Hades? Or do we choose God, His Way, His Light, knowing that Jesus’ victory over death is ours for eternity with Him. 

Posted in Exhort Pray Praise...

Hey Batter Batter

Posted on by Christy Petty

“But God can throw us curve balls.” This was added to a text from a friend as she was explaining her hope for good test results.

Too many times I hear statements like this of our Father. Believers making God the reason for all things that happen in this world, good, bad and otherwise. God being the one responsible for the trials we face, because He orchestrates everything. God is our Creator. God is our Father. God is our Savior. God is not our destroyer.

God does not throw curve balls. God is not in the position of trying to get us out of the game. God is not on the opposing team.  God is not playing with us, nor competing with us. To put God in the place of the pitcher or an opposing team player we bring Him down to our level. God is not equal to man, we are not equal to Him. We sin. We fail. We get hurt. We compete to get on top, for our glory.

In the baseball analogy, God would be the commissioner. ( and a bit more, the inventor of the game and not elected by man and never makes mistakes). God makes up the rules, He explains the rules, in His Word. The rules explain how to play the game.  The commissioner  sets the standards of being on The Team. God applies the consequence to offenses. He creates justice.  God is over the coaches and teams, even the one opposing coach and team.  There are two teams. The opposing team and the believing team. The Believing team’s coach is the Holy Spirit, who happens to be really close to the Commissioner.  Those who don’t believe in the rules and regulations of the Commissioner, are just spectators. Those spectators have opportunity to join the eternal game, anytime, but they have to abide to the rules and believe in the Commissioner.

The commissioner is not subject to the powers of an owner, nor a coach. The description of the baseball commissioner on Baseball Almanac can describe our God well.Beyond the obvious jobs of coaches and players, there are countless support and administrative personnel facilitating the “behind the scenes” aspects of the sport. Since its inception, professional baseball has appointed one top executive, the Commissioner of Baseball, to oversee the entire operation and maintain the integrity of the game. Unfortunately, like most public officials, the Commissioner is often forgotten in times of prosperity, yet the first to be blamed when problems arise. It is a job that requires not only a tremendous love for the game, but also an even greater patience for the media.

The curve balls of life are thrown by the opposing team, this sinful world. Satan is coach of this team and he has a damn good pitcher. The balls thrown are illness, physical death, famine, debt, wealth, pride, success.  We are given instruction on how to or if to hit these balls if we have the faith to believe in the instruction and the Commissioner that gave us instruction we know what to do with these pitches. Sometimes we will panic or don’t take the signals from our coach, and swing at balls we aren’t to swing at and we strike out. Not out of the game, but back on the bench for awhile.

The Commissioner is in charge of it all, yet  He does not; throw the balls, catch the flies, swing the bats, yell from the dugout, tell the pitcher what to pitch, hire the umpire, kick the dirt, make bad calls, hit home runs…… God created it all, set it in order, and maintains the integrity of His creation. Unfortunately He is often forgotten in times of prosperity, and is the first to be blamed when problems arise. It is a job that requires not only tremendous love but also greater patience.

Posted in Christy's Concepts, Exhort Pray Praise...

IF …. Then

Posted on by Christy Petty

Consequence. Everything is a consequence. A result, the effect of an action, a choice.    An ingrown hair is a consequence of shaving. A smooth none whiskered face is a consequence of shaving. A consequence of sex can be a child, an abortion of a child, a sexually transmitted disease, intimacy with the other, feelings of guilt and shame. Consequence can be positive or negative. Consequence occurs immediately after a choice, drive through a red light into busy traffic, you get hit. Consequences are inherited from decisions of others, for years and centuries; man was separated from relationship with God with a choice of disobedience from Eve and Adam. Our Celiac and cancers and unstoppable diseases are consequence of genetic flaw and MANipulation of our foods and environment. Some consequence is made by bad decisions of a majority, or a dictator for others. To choose to do nothing, to accept things as they are, is taking action, to take no action. Consequence still occurs If an action is taken, a choice made, then a result occurs.

God tells over and over of IF obedience occurs THEN He will remain, and man will remain His. God also says IF obedience does not occur, IF man choses his way instead of God’s THEN suffering, destruction, death and separation from God will occur. Nations fell, people were enslaved, children were killed, people starved  (and ate their children) as a consequence of choices to turn their backs on God. Leaders, priests, elders, kings would turn from God and His law, and statutes. Man would make his own rules, his own way that would benefit a select few then tell the people to follow them and they would reap the benefits. If they did not follow them the leaders would make life miserable for the people, so they would still turn their trust from God to get themselves a little peace and comfort from other men. God tells his people, his Israelites, to obey, to not follow others, not worship idols, not want for the world, acknowledge Him in all things, HE will provide, HE will protect. But, IF they deny Him, follow others, want what they can do for themselves, let man be their ruler, God will deny them. The consequence is man’s choice.

Our lives, our world, our United States, today is a consequence of mans choices. We have let man be our ruler, our dictator. The false prophets have told us we are to love all man and accommodate all men and put aside God, because all men do not worship the one God.  Our leaders tell us we must rely on them for our lives (Obamacare), our food (food stamps),our income (welfare), trust man, he will care for us when we have trials.  We justify wrong choices by putting the blame guns, unemployment, bad parenting, conservatives, Christians, government, the President.

We do not take responsibility  for the consequences we suffer. It is We the People who have not heeded the ‘IF’. We the People have let go of God, everyone has turned to his own way.  We are believing the lies or going along with the lies of our leaders, because it is easier. We are not willing to suffer at the hand of man, pay the penalty of man. We deny God when we don’t say ‘To Hell with you that don’t want us to mention God, or pray in public’ and we allow temples to other gods to be built, because it is politically correct.   We people are suffering the consequences of our own choice when we have taxes too high and insurance programs too oppressing, because we don’t say ‘No’ to man, (self). 

The woman standing in front of the senate proclaiming God’s fury with man, is called crazy. She was dragged out THEY humiliated her and had her examined for insanity. Jeremiah told God’s people the same, they would be destroyed if they followed the king, the priest’s. They imprisoned him, called him crazy, wanted to kill him. I am being judged by man for proclaiming God’s Word, right now. (you know you are thinking I am some kind of weirdo)  My son(s) and those who believe our government is corrupt and desires to remove our freedom, are called radical and paranoid, by man. Obedience to God is ridiculed, attacked, shunned punished, by man. Obedience to God is rewarded, blessed and called for, by God.

IF we obey and follow God THEN He will protect and bless

IF we disobey and turn to the way of man THEN

Jeremiah 44:7b Why do you commit this great evil against yourselves, to cut off from you man and woman,child and infant, leaving none to remain, in that you provoke Me to wrath with the works of your hands burning incense to other gods, that you may cut yourselves off and be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth?  …. 11I will set My face against you for catastrophe……15. Then all the men and their wives, all the people answered saying :As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we will not listen.”   ….. 22 So the Lord could no longer bear it because of the evil of your doings and because of the abominations which you committed, therefore your land is a desolation an astonishment , a curse. 

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 14

Posted on by Christy Petty

Spiritual gifts are gifts from God. The exist and only through God. I have heard it said that we can possess only one gift, or that God gives one specific, and then will bless with other gifts in times of need.  I am not sure why those teaching on gifts need to set man made rules and interpretation on the gifts from God, I personally do not read God’s Word to say one gift per believer.  In 14:1 it says to desire giftS, especially prophesy. This sounds like it is for us to only ask and want and God will give.  I think the most important thing to know is God does gift us with spiritual gifts, to do HIS work, for HIM. Once a believer, we are given the tools by our Father to walk our walk well. 

14 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. The ‘tongue’ here does lean to being a language for God. IF in this circumstance it is, it is obvious it is not meant to be a bunch of mumbo jumbo BABBLE in front of a bunch of men. It is praying, speaking conversing with God, and I still think in OUR own native language.   3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. To have a gift, such as prophesy, that allows one to tell of God, His Word, the meaning of His Word, is a gift to everyone.  5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.  Paul wants everyone to converse with God, but more so to speak God’s Word to others. 

6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? 7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? 8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? 9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.  First remember the attitude of these people, many think they are ‘better’ than others, because of their prestige, and possibly because they can MAKE themselves speak mumbo jumbo and claim it is ‘God’ speaking through them.  SECOND: IF tongues is ‘God’ speaking, how is that of use to anyone if no one can understand.  So instead of getting attention for yourself by babbeling, speak the TRUE words of God, to explain God’s wants of man. 12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.  Addressing the attitude again, don’t make up a gift blessing that is useless, ask for one that is for others. 

13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.  If you speak in tongues, you need MORE, or you are useless.  Obviously saying there is more than one gift per person. 

18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

 

20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

21 In the law it is written:

“With men of other tongues and other lips
I will speak to this people;
And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,”[b]

says the Lord.

22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.   It seems Paul is saying that tongues is a different language not mumbo jumbo. Seems he has found a nice way of saying you that brag about tongues are faking it. Like a bunch of kids pretending to speak a different language. 23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?  If the Corinthians all stand around and speak mumbo jumbo, and unbeleivers come, they will not hear of God.  If a church denomination gets caught up in their own legalist rules of don’t do this or wear that, instead of just living out God’s true Word, then unbelievers will never hear the Truth.  24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.  Hearing the Truth and nothing but the Truth from those who live the Truth, one can not help but believe in the one true God

26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anythingis revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.   Don’t compete to  be HEARD and seen. This is about GOD not you.  Let ‘new’ interpretations, and ideas be studied between other believers, don’t spout out every worldly thought, this only confuses those who are seeking the truth. 

34 Let your  women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. I HATE this.  I want to believe this is about these Corinthian women being over bearing and needing to find their place.  These Corinthians are messing up EVERYTHING in their church. BUT women, especially ‘church’ women over step their bounds more often than not, I think this pertains today, to all of us. 😦  Just think how much different things would be if Eve had just asked Adam, or if Sarai had discussed her fear of never getting pregnant with Abram, instead of giving him her servant 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.  Shameful? REally Paul?

36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? Don’t know if he is addressing women still.  I think this could be teaching for anyone who has tendency to interpret the Word to fit their agenda. AND to point out to ALL that God speaks the Word, not any MAN, EVER.  37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.  Remember ignorant is to be uneducated, not knowledgable of, it is not being an idiot. 

39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.