Tag: God

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 13 -Love love love…..

Posted on by Christy Petty

1 Corinthians 12 :27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. …….. 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

The greater gifts- faith, hope LOVE.  To be had, to be achieved. To be used. To be only through God

13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.  First ,Paul IS NOT saying he does speak in language of angels, nor understand all mysteries or have all knowledge or is able to move mountains with his faith. He has sacrificed his needs for his ministry, but that is not the point.  What Paul is saying is if he was the clone of Jesus Christ all he ‘did’ would be worthless if he did not have ‘love’. Love is God. God is love. Then to the ‘works’ of ministry it is all for naught, if it does not come from the Spirit of Love- Christ.  

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.    1John 4:16  God is love, and he who abides in love abides inGod, and God in him.  1John 4:8He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.  Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.   1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.   Man on his own is incapable of having, doing, living, knowing ‘Love’ unless he is possessed with ‘Love’ – God,Jesus Christ-Holy Spirit. We can not be without envy. We are prideful. We are rude. We seek to serve ourselves before others, we are selfish. We react with anger, defensively. We contemplate murder and thievery. We are drawn to the muck of the world, Vegas Baby!.  Without Love/God we are incapable of withstanding the death and hurt and illness and attacks from this world. There is no hope, with out God/Love. With Love/God we do endure, beyond human ability. 

8 Love never fails.  God NEVER fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.  Everything MAN does even if the man be a prophet of God, it will eventually fail, or end, because it is at least ‘tainted’ by man.  10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.  Christ has come and someday, all the ‘man’ mistakes will be gone

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.  We have no idea how little we know, how far we have to go.As a believer we learn more, get better vision of what we are to be everyday.  When we are with God, we will have all understanding.  We don’t need to MAKE it happen now, because we can not.

13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.  Abide: stay,continue, dwell, be present, remain, stand- with faith,and hope love– A choice to have. 

We read chapter 13 at weddings, this is the LOVE chapter.  The perfect recipe on loving each other. People use this Love ‘is’ patient, forgiving,not rude, not proud and say rebuking and confronting, disagreeing with others, especially fellows in church is being unloving. Many use these verses to say the only way to be ‘loving is to accept anything and everything others do, turn the other cheek, always. Many say love God, love others, meaning be ‘accepting’ of everything from everyone to show your love for God.   I think we miss the point Paul was trying to make about ‘love’. 
Remember how Paul started this letter, the reprimand, the revealing of the sins, the misconduct, the pious attitude these ‘believers’ at Corinth have.  Paul spoke earlier in this same letter of their removing a man or members from their fellowship for not abiding, for being WRONG with God. Where is the ‘love’ in that? Or what WE define love to be?
I say we can not love others without the LOVE/ God in us. We cannot love with out God.  
What we define as ‘love’ is NOT the love of God. God’s love is truth. God’s love hates evil. Psalm 97:10 you who love the Lord, hate evil!God’s love condemns evil eternally away from Him. God’s love has no fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind  God’s love does not compromise. God’s love is unconditional. God is love.  The love Paul is speaking that we must have is God. We do rebuke, confront, exhort, chastise, minister,give, judge,disagree, oppose evil/wrong all in the name of God/Love. 2 Timothy 2:24 And ca servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 fin humility correcting those who are in opposition, gif God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. To tell someone they are wrong, they are going the wrong way is love. God tells us that all through His word God loved David and let him suffer the consequence of his disobedience to God, David’s child died because of his disobedience. God loved Moses and Moses did not enter the promised land a consequence of letting his anger trump God’s commands.
God’s love is NOT in every person  John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.41 “I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.  Paul warns to disassociate with false teachers with those in fellowship who are actually not believers but have come to destroy. These are people within the ‘church’ . It is NOT loving, it is NOT of God to associate with evil.  2 Thessalonians 3:14 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Posted in 1 Corinthians

1Corinthians 12

Posted on by Christy Petty

12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: Ignorant is not knowing. You are an idiot if you choose to stay ignorant after told the truth.  2 You know that you were Gentiles,  unbelievers and or uneducated of the TRUE God carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.   Today we have ‘maybe’ believers being led away by dumb idols, who are men/preachers/false prophets (i.e. Dallas Willard, Rob Bell,Leonard Sweet )who think they have a better ‘way’ other than the ONLY WAY to eternal life with God. Many now say, if we,mere men, love people enough, we can ‘save’ people with our perfect love from God. WE ,mere men, can excuse all the sins, because we love, love ,love the ‘unbeliever’.The unbeliever will be saved eternally, even without his believing in Jesus as the ONLY Way, because after physical death, their ‘Aha’ moment of seeing believer’s with God eternally, will save them. The dumb idols have also figured out that a loving God would not ever condemn sin. Mere men have redefined God and His word, His TRUTH, so that no one will ever be excluded from God eternally. These dumb idols have called Jesus accursed, by His sacrifice not being needed  for eternal life with God. Man just loving and being loved by God is enough.  By this scripture those that speak this heresy, are not speaking by the Holy Spirit. It is NOT for me to say, nor interpret,  that the dumb idols, or even those who believe the dumb idols, are not believers and the Holy Spirit is not with them, only that when they believe anything other than the Truth, they are not following the Holy Spirit, they are not abiding. 

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. No one person is used the same by God. But the same God is the ruler of all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,  12:8

The word of wisdom -From   A power of understanding and explaining the  wisdom of God in the truth of gospel salvation.

The word of knowledge – different from ‘wisdom’, maybe the  ability to understand and explain and apply the Old Testament types and prophecies.

9 to another faith by the same Spirit, ultimate trust in God in ALL circumstances, knowing in the end God is there, nothing to fear, even physical death. 

to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, not just healing diseases with a word or a touch as Jesus and disciples did, but  also apply to those physicians, nurses,(Clara Barton) mothers ;), gluten free queens (Me), scientists,(Pastuer), midwives (Sandy)  that seem to ‘know , where natural remedies are applied; and it maybe this blessed gift, not superior skill, which makes some more ‘healing’ than others.

10 to another the working of miracles, removing demons, moving mountains killing fig trees, water from rocks, God does all, and still does, He just does them all by himself now, everyday.

to another prophecy, NOT predicting the future like ESP, but interpreting God’s word, His actions to explain what God intends to bring about.

to another discerning of spirits,  the ability to know  if men are acting from God’s spirit, and evil spirit or a human spirit. To be able to distinguish between the truth of Scriptures and deceptive doctrines.  

different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.  Given ability to speak in different language to those who need to hear The Word in their language, and ability to hear someone who speaks different language inquiring of God’s word. 1

1 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.  God gives these gifts through the Holy Spirit, and as God decides. I believe every believer receives the Holy Spirit and thus gifts. Gifts are not magical powers, they are abilities God gives us to do his work. I think we may receive one specifically, but all as needed, in our ‘race’ to the goal. 

12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.  All believers are of the ‘body’ of Christ, we become ‘attached’ by the Holy Spirit, Christ is our head.  15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?  This is a finger wagging also, remember how Paul already reprimanded some of them of thinking they were better than because of prestige, baptism regions etc?  No gift is of more importance. All are under the head. Wrist bone is connected to the arm bone arm bone is connected to the elbow, etc. 20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” If the eye sees a danger it withdraws the hand. If the hand becomes angry with the eye and want’s it removed for pointing out a danger, should the eye be plucked or the hand cut off? 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. They say we lose all balance if the big toe is cut off 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.  Paul is emphasizing there is no one greater, in the body. If an important part has issue with what is considered unimportant it is to be assumed the ‘unimportant’ is probably right, and NOT the important . 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Pretty self  (or non self) explanatory  27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. We are a body WITH Christ. BUT we are also individuals, responsible for our actions.

28 And God has appointed these in the church:  Paul now gives the ‘jobs’ of the church, to go with the 9 gifts previously spoken of.  One not more important than the other. I still see a bit of finger wagging. All positions in the church are necessary and none any more important. An apostle needs a teacher.

first apostles,- Men sent to preach the Gospel they have ‘Wisdom’. But aren’t we ALL called to preach the Gospel? So those that discern, help, heal, etc. their gifts allow them to posses, for a bit, the gift of Wisdom, to preach. 

second prophets,- Speak words given by Holy Spirit, to explain God’s word, to apply it to today and tomorrow. To Prophesy.  Knowledge. Discern. 

third teachers,- To teach the truth, -Discern and explain the Truth , Knowledge of the scriptures. Wisdom of The Word.

after that miracles,- to’work’ God’s miracles. Healing, Faith of, helps

then gifts of healings, – To heal, to teach of healing. Helps,Faith,Discern

helps,- Faith, Healing,miracles,

administrations,  – Discernment, wisdom, knowledge 

varieties of tongues.- speaking and interpreting tongues. Knowledge, wisdom discernment.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?  30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?  Not all who discern teach, and not all who have faith help etc. Your gift does not box you into a certain ‘job’ for the Lord. Each individual is blessed to use their gift in what ever ministry they are called to.  Sorry Tim, Herman,Fred, I disagree with doing only what my ‘Rainbow’ tells me to. I discern so I actually do know 😉31 But earnestly desire the best gifts.Want for ALL the gifts and these to come. WANT Choose.  And yet I show you a more excellent way.– There are BETTER gifts than mentioned and WE are to desire, to possess— Next chapter

Posted in 50 in 50 days

46 days to 50- Age Old Question

Posted on by Christy Petty

What is my purpose in life? This is a wonder I think we all have at some point in our lives.

The  happenings of life,struggles, success’, trials,births, failures, tragedies,  deaths, interventions, blessings, the ‘Wonder Why?” of lives. 50 years of wonder has given me answer. 50 years of wonder has given me the reason for my happenings. To make purpose of me.IMG_1635

The purpose of life is to glorify God.Isaiah 43:77 Everyone who is called by My name,Whom I have created for My glory;I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”I do that by becoming what He intends me to be.  He is the potter I am the clay. Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.  The happenings; His hands on my life, my yeilding, or not, to His molding, the water, the temperature, the air flow, the glaze, the firing,all of this is what makes me. The difference in me and clay, I have a choice to conform-Believe,obey,abide.

The Negatives and positives happenings are necessary to make our purpose.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

It is Satan that brings our doubt. Satan/the world has taught us that no good can come from the bad. This is not true.This leads to hopelessness.  We have to put away that way of thinking ,that doubt   Ephesians 4: 22 to oput off pyour old self,6 which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through qdeceitful desires, 23 and rto be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on sthe new self, tcreated after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. And once we remove the doubt we can literally do all things.

 Matthew 21:21So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.

My being adopted is a happening,God purposed to make me me.  Satan has used it to throw (wonder)doubt of my need for existence.

Why didn’t my bio mother keep me? Why did I have to be ‘abandoned’? Why do I exist, since my own did not want me? Am I an accident to even God? If I am then I was not intended to be. What purpose is there in me, in my being born, if no one wanted me anyway?

What a bunch of crap Satan has dished out in doubt!!  God planned me even if my bio’s did not. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

God created me on purpose Psalm 139:13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

For purpose Colossians 1:16b all things were created by him and for him Ephesians 2:10 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them

My adoption has shown the purpose for 50 years.  I can preach the value of, the meaning of unconditional love, because I received that from my parents, my family. I know what that is.  I know what it is to be adopted to become what you were not born of. I understand the relation  believers have with our adoption from sin/Satan to our Father God.  I have witnessed the mighty hand of God in His reaching past mans laws and choices to bring my bio’s and me together. I know reconciliation as the prodigal son. I know faith hope and grace because of my adoption happening.

Trial happenings in : Evan  born with congenital deformity, and more. Kirk dying 6 weeks later. These trials added to the at least monthly dashes to the hospital with Brian’s ‘attacks’ from, what we years later found were, esophagus spasms from ulcers from untreated celiac. The  question “Why does God do bad things to us?”  was presented to me sometime in the midst of this. Had it not been for the happenings of great mentors (Mamaw, Mamie, Dad) and teachings from God in the past  I would not have known the answer. God does not do these bad things. God does not cause the ‘bad’ on purpose, but he does make purpose out of it all.

Evan. He has purpose, is purpose, gave me purpose. He was predicted to be exceptional even before he was born, none expected that included him being ‘less than perfect’ by the worlds standards.  That lack of worldly perfection has shown me, and others God measures perfection by different standards than we. I learned God speaks audibly, I just have to listen. God speaks, sometimes I just don’t understand. That does not make God wrong, nor me. I just need to learn to understand. What he says, like Evan is not always what I expect, but it is right. Evan asphyxiated and died and was brought back to life, 3 months after his cleft was repaired. I was on my knees in my home, as the paramedics were trying to find an airway, I cried out “ You just gave him back, why are you taking him.” God responded as loudly as those calling out from the bedroom, that they had an airway “ I am not TAKING him, he is always mine.” God speaks, in volumes. This statement meant more than Evan was now breathing.

Kirk dying at such a young age, was not what God desired for him. But ,choices made, led Kirk’s physical life to end here.  God saw the whole picture, Kirk reached his purpose with God. Kirk is eternalScan 125, the love he had from and of God will exist in his art, his music, our hearts, his daughter and grandchildren. John 10:27 nMy sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 oI give them eternal life, and pthey will never perish, and qno one will snatch them out of my hand  My fears of death were relieved as I mourned my brother, and wondered if my 6 week old son would survive.  God makes a purpose OF our tragedy.

The happenings of my children. Gives me purpose.  God showed me his purpose for me and my existence, his perfect purpose and design for my children,  in each conception. There was opportunity, before marriage for me to have become pregnant, I had ‘unprotected’ sex before I was married.  My son’s were each conceived through 1 ‘try’ without protection. With each pregnancy a prayer was for each to have exceptionally beautiful eyes. Each do, and each exceptional. Lee has almost black eyes deep and always smiling,IMG_3186 Brian has hazel eyes, huge with gorgeous lashes, brian and his 3Evan has  blue eyes framed by dark black lashes.DSCF3014  I prayed for my third baby to have O blood, not wanting him to suffer through the ABO factor my other two did, because their being A and myself O. Evan has O blood. My happenings have taught me prayers are answered no matter how small. Ask and I shall receive.

The Celiac/gluten intolerant gene that courses through our blood, a happening that has effects for myself, my son, my family and everyone that I can reach. The years of searching for a diagnosis and cure, strengthened our faith in God. We learned we could not, should not depend on man to heal, the great healer is God and the doctors only a tool. I see the miracle in Brian’s health and growth in spite of horrible illness The strength and courage God placed in that little boy was inspiring.  God gave me the desire and will to accept this life change, as a positive, for us all. We have been given many opportunity to share and support. Lives will be changed, maybe even saved, because we have been blessed with gluten intolerance.  John 15:16–1716 You did not choose me, but zI chose you and appointed you that you should go and abear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that bwhatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

The house that God built. Building our house happened. We were given the opportunity, the resources to build the house beyond our dreams. God placed the idea in our hearts. He educated us in Financial Peace. We learned to rely on God for everything; the sell, the profit, the workers we hired, the weather,the 5th wheel we found comfort in for a year, the design of the home, the materials we bought. I literally stand on the firm foundation everyday and know HE is my Provider, my Rock.

Life could have happened differently. Bio’s could have married and kept me. Mom and Dad could have ‘taken me back’ at the 6 month trial time. Kirk could have laid on the couch instead of going outside and falling in drive. We could have ignored Brian’s illness, and just pumped him with meds. I could have skipped giving Evan the food he choked on. But that is not how it happened. God knew that before it began. God knew the wrong decisions I would make, the few right ones too He knew the hurts I would suffer. God has provided the fixes and strengths all the while to make me a vessel for Him.

The ultimate strength, the major happening,  is the snoring lump I wake up next to every day. I would not be without him. He really does complete me and I him. fall 1980Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.  16 years into my creation, the Potter added Keith, at the lake in cowboy boots and a swimming suit.  I was weak and mushy making all kinds of bad decisions and pretty much alone, I needed someone, I needed direction, I needed strength, so God added Keith, the polymer to my clay. Of all of the happenings in my life Keith is the only one that would not have happened differently. Maybe a different time or place, but I know Keith and I were planned by God specifically. Eve for Adam, Sarah for Abraham, Rebekah for Isaac Christy for Keith… all planned specifically by God, for God.IMG_2315 My purpose on this earth is to be Keith’s, his lover, his helper, his irritant, his support, his adored, all for the glory of God. Ephesians 5:23 (23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its SaviorDSCF3002

PURPOSE: the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists

The REASON God threw me on that wheel 50 years ago?

Ephesians 14 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.

Posted in Adoption, Exhort Pray Praise...

She(I)Wont Back Down

Posted on by Christy Petty

An amazing Godly, woman, in my life spoke out with God’s truth. 2nd Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. cConvince, drebuke, eexhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

The movie, October Baby, had convicted her of a truth she already knew, she was compelled to speak out. Abortion is wrong.  Matthew 10:27 Whatever I (Jesus/God) tell you in the dark.  speak in the light and what you hear in the ear preach on the housetops.

It would have been easier, to have just kept this truth, so many others already take a stand. Making it public, stating on Facebook, sharing in groups, her belief in the TRUTH, took courage.  Matthew 10:38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

But she knew God’s word and knows she is commissioned to share, for the hope of others. 2nd Timothy 3 16 uAll Scripture is given by inspiration of God, vand is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for 3instruction in righteousness, 17 wthat the man of God may be complete, xthoroughly equipped for every good work.

Knowing that possibly family and friends who are not believers even believers who aren’t willing to stand for truth, may turn their backs on her. For standing and speaking for God’s truth. Matthew 10: 37 He who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

Standing up speaking truth convicts those not in truth, and so many will attack the messenger of truth.Matthew 10:22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.  But he who endures to end will be saved.

She stood for those who can not speak for themselves. Proverbs 3:88 gOpen your mouth for the speechless,In the cause of all who are 2appointed to die.9 Open your mouth, hjudge righteously,And iplead the cause of the poor and needy

Abortion is wrong. Killing a child is wrong. Retribution is expected, by God for injury to a child in the womb. Exodus 21:2222 “If men 4fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that 5she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman’s husband imposes on him; and he shall spay as the judges determine. 23 But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, 24 teye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

God does not say IF. God does not say there are extenuating circumstances. God says DO NOT .Exodus 20:13 s“You shall not murder.

Proclaiming truth, in this world,  is not easy.  She was accused. She was attacked. She was told it is only her ‘opinion’. John 8 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.

Those that can not hear, that attacked her, that condemned her, believe the LIE. They would rather not hear, rather attack one they love, They accuse her of being unkind. What if this causes someone to not believe because of the condemnation they feel now. John 8 43 eWhy do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. Satan is  the father of lies,  and really good at it, most don’t even know they are listening to him.

She does not back down. She stands and repeats the truth, stands against the opposition. Risks attack again. She does not compromise for the sake of the lie. Matthew 10:28  And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

She knows among those who will not hear, there are some who need the truth Matthew 10:6 Go rather to the lost sheep, …..

She will not despair over those who choose to not hear. She has obeyed. John10:14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.

You can not hear from someone you do not listen to.. John 8 47 jHe who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”

They would rather be of this world belonging to the world and the ‘comforts’ of it. The Liar is their god. John 8 44 You  are of your father the devil, and the gdesires of your  father you  want to hdo. He was a murderer from the beginning, and idoes not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him

Truth is Jesus. Truth is God. Truth is The Word. She knows, through Him. She is sharing the truth, in love. John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

She does not compromise in order to keep relationships with ‘man’. Those who have believed the lie of the TRUTH must be watered down, are believing in the lie.Jeremiah 17:5 Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength whose heart departs from the lord

 She did not let peer pressure change her, nor stop her from doing what God asked of her. Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ

 Even when they attacked her character. Matthew 10: 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.

Because she knew  Mathew 10:32 Therefore whoever confesses me before men him I will also confesses  before my Father who is in heaven

And she knows Mark 9:37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”

 To abort a child, is to forbid a child a life.Mark 10:14 He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

Never, for the sake of peace and quiet deny your own experience or convictions  Dag Hammarskold

Matthew 10:34 Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.  I did not come to bring peace but a sword.

By Tom PettyWell I won’t back down, no I won’t back down
You could stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won’t back downGonna stand my ground, won’t be turned around
And I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down
Gonna stand my ground and I won’t back downChorus
Hey baby, there ain’t no easy way out
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won’t back downWell I know what’s right, I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around
But I’ll stand my ground and I won’t back downHey baby there ain’t no easy way out
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won’t back down
Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 10

Posted on by Christy Petty

10 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware(ignorant) that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

Even though  you are now believers, and it is okay to not be bound by ‘THE LAW’ this does not mean you are ‘all good’ to God, and won’t stumble. The Israelites had God present with them day and night working miracles for them day and night, feeding them literally physically. They were rescued by God, yet they strayed, they turned their back on God and worshiped idols, disobeyed God, and God left ‘MOST” of them.  I think this is ‘Don’t get cocky, you may not be as ‘saved’ as you think. “

6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. The Israelites desert tour is for believers to glean from. The consequences they suffered for their disobedience are a warning to us.  7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”] 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt provoke Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.  Complained that what God gave them, freedom, food, protection was not enough-. They were DESTROYED by Satan. Satan is the instigator of our sinning, so we will be destroyed. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. God told us of the Israelites disobedience and consequences so we can learn from them. 1st we can understand that to believe is to abide, the Isrealites were led by God, freed by God, cared for by God, yet they did not but their trust in Him and obey, they turned to their own way, and they were destroyed, separated from God. 2nd to understand is being child of God, an Isrealite, a believer does not MAKE us right, we have to chose to not be sexually immoral, not worship idols, not provoke God, not fall into the temptations of the destroyer.

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.   All believers need to know they are fallible, the LAW was given so we can govern our selves. Believers can ‘fall’ dishonor God, sin, then will have consequences, God will judge ALL sin.  God gave us instruction to protect. Believers are to apply their belief in God with obedience and rely on Him and not their own strength. God allows, not produces, temptation. God will allow it to refine us, even to the point of physical death, in order to retain our souls. 

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I will digress some here, Paul does I think 😉  The question presented in 8:10 of eating of things offered to idols,I THINK, is still being discussed by Pau,l as well as being obedient to THE LAW for man’s sake. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. Yeah right! Paul is appealing to what he is trying to convince them to be, wise.  16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.  Poetic? Believers are all one body, through Christ. Christ blood is blessing, poured out. Bread, Christ’s body, broken.  The ‘body’ of Corinthian church is broken with dissension, and back biting and accusations are flowing from the church, instead of blessings

18 Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? The sacrifices made to altar is food for the priests, caretakers of the temple. It is their ‘pay‘ 19 What am I saying then?.  That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? NO 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. Those that make sacrifices to idols are making sacrifices to demons, they know it that is why they do it. Don’t have anything to do with the people, the food is not the issue.  21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. You can not do as the worldly, associate with the worldly and serve God. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?  An unspoken reprimand here is to these Corinthians who are wagging their fingers at the silliness of those who are telling them they are bad for eating sacrifices made to idols. These Corinthians have just admitted they are associating with idolaters and being in the presence of their idols and worship, because they are eating their sacrifice food.  

This is convicting to ME, a Thai restaurant in town has ‘idols’ with glasses of water and apples etc in presence. These make me a bit uncomfortable, I have wondered if it is wrong of me to patron this restaurant, as a matter of principle. I have my answer

23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.   So even though the Pud Thai and Basil Chicken is the best, it does nothing to glorify God for myself, nor those who I am to example.

25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; 26 for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”   Asian restaurants with no visible idol worship are fine to do business with. Don’t ask don’t tell policy 😉

27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake;[f] for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”[g] 29 “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? 30 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks?   What you don’t know won’t hurt you. It is not the food, no curse is on the food. IT IS the knowledge of sin and compromising for it that will hurt you, and others.

31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

 THEREFORE, to answer these questions, these issues you have brought to me:  Bear with my imagination of the questions ‘they’ may have presented to Paul. My theory, based on the answers Paul gives
  • Who is best based on whom they were baptized by?1:10-3:21
  • The smarter, richer and more educated a believer, the more Holy? Right? 4
  • Should someone like you Paul receive payment for their work for God? 4:11 9:1-27
  • Those of the body in sin, are okay, because they are of the body, especially the important ones. We will overlook, or even compromise the Word for them. 5:3-9
  • Jo Blow and Who Zit are going to court, to settle a dispute. 6:1
  • Since we are believers and saved by grace, we can really do what ever we want, right? Like we don’t have to abide to all the silly sex with spouse rules right?. 6:12
  • Mr. Pius has not had sex with anyone so he is really really special dude, he even has a fiancé, but is not ‘taking’ her, shouldn’t every follow his example? She on the other hand wants to have a real marriage, so is considering leaving him to marry another, she is wrong, right? 7:1-17
  • Pete suggests everyone be circumcised to show they are really believers. 7:19
  • Virgins are way better than everyone else, right? A good father keeps his daughter from ever marrying, right? 7:25
  • There are some believers who have problems with other believers who eat food that has been sacrifice to idols. This is pure silliness isn’t it?  8-9
  • OR Mrs. Accuser says she saw you eating at the Jones’s and it is known they always get their meat from the butcher who gets his meat from idolworshipers.com. We thought you should know that we know you did such a thing. 8-9
In all of the things you do, do it to the Lord. Know that the Law did not save you Christ did, and because of that you should want to abide to the commandments of our God, in the hopes to bring even more to choose Christ.  It is a small thing to ask, after all, He gave his life for YOU.
Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 9

Posted on by Christy Petty

8:9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

 

These first few lines I think are linked to 8, remember this is all one letter, Paul is not writing chapter and verse, he is writing a letter.  9 Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? Paul does not have to ‘abide’ to man rules or superstition, because he is ‘Free’ a believer, his salvation is not based on pleasing of man, he is making this point to say- I do ‘comply’ to the weakness of these people because it doesn’t matter, it is not a MY way versus THEIR way.  2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. Here I wonder also if Paul is not answering another question from the Corinthians? 3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? I think now Paul is moving on to make some more points, using the previous as the way to approach.  6 Or is it only Barnabas and Iwho have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?  It sounds like Paul is defending their being able to receive pay, expenses, meals, gifts, on their mission. 

8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses,“You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.”  Let the ox eat as he works, benefit from his efforts. Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. God did not tell us this in his word to make sure the ox were treated humanely, it was an analogy.  11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? The Corinthians should share, and allow the missionaries to receive. Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. Paul does not ask for pay, nor demand it, or set a fee. If they did then people may not hear, because they only see this as a business for Paul- i.e. televangelists.  13 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, Priests and such ate the offerings given to temple and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? 14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.15 But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. Paul deserves to benefit, but he does not take, so that it does not take away from the teaching of God, in people’s eyes. 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! Paul preaches Gods word because GOD has him do it, the spirit leads him to, it is not because he wants the credit or pay.   17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. If Paul does his ministry for THE pay it no longer a ministry, but a job.  18 What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ[ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.  Paul is not saying don’t give to us, he already said others receive and God even says to give to the ‘ox’ , what he is saying he does not set a ‘price’ to his work, an hourly charge, he gives the gospel free, and IF someone should want to give to him that is to give to him, because he asked for it.9 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; Paul is not ’employed’ to anyone, nor slave to anyone. He does not HAVE to comply to any persons wishes, he chose to be a servant of God, and thus putting himself in the place to serve all mankind.  20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law,[c] that I might win those who are under the law; Paul takes on his ‘Jewishness’ in order to relate to Jew’s , to present the gospel so they may hear.  21 to those who are without law,  as without law Paul does NOT abide to Jewish law for the sake of the ‘Jews’, not a slave to it. He is not entangled by the law, so he can speak with those who are not ‘Jewish’.(not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), The law is still ‘obeyed’ because it is still what is desired by God, that we be ‘morally correct’. We obey the law not to be ‘saved’ but because we are saved. that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. This is what he spoke of before of those afraid to eat certain foods, ‘weak’ in faith, he does not lord over them, I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Paul ‘uses’ all the experiences, knowledge, God gave him so he can relate to those he presents the Gospel to  That I may save SOME, Paul does NOT say ALL.  23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.  Paul does this, gospel giving with no pay, because he wants salvation for all, not just himself. 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Here in this world, only 1st place wins.  Run in such a way that you may obtain it. When you race you race to win 1st place, live your life as a believer, so you can reach, win, that 1st place.  25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.When a ‘runner’ in a race you are conditioned, you train, you eat correctly, you live ‘right’, in order to win Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown,In the world we get a trophy, it gets dusty and rusty and eventually sold in garage sale. but we for an imperishable crown. We believers are racing for a trophy that does not go away, ever.    26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Run, live your life with the certainty of knowing you will/have obtained that crown. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.  Paul hits his mark, not a swing miss, he knows what he battles; sin, enemies of the gospel, evil27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. This is reasoning of why Paul strives to not cause others to stumble, to put his needs aside, to humble himself, to abide to the law (not for sake of law but Christ) so that those who he preaches gospel to, are not blinded by his ‘sins’ and they miss their mark, because of him.  Paul says ‘discipline my body’, Paul has to make himself do correctly, even Paul, an apostle, one so obviously ‘chosen’ by God to preach the word, he has to discipline himself to do, what he should. Paul is practicing what he just preached he is showing the weak he too is weak. 
Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 6

Posted on by Christy Petty

5:12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”   Paul is continuing to explain that is not only ‘OK’ to judge and expel one within the church, but it why it is….6 If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people?  Why would you go to someone who does not believe in God nor his law to make decisions for you?2 Or do you not know that the Lord’s people believers will judge the world? be in a place of superiority over the ‘worldly’ unbeleivers, possibly the example for. And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?Believers have the wisdom of God, the leading of God3 Do you not know that we will judge angels?  the unbeliever angels, the evil angels, believers are superior to. Also Christ did not die for angels, he died for man.  How much more the things of this life!  If we have a future of being with God, so important that we are chosen and received by God, then shouldn’t believers be able to rely on wisdom from God to solve problems? 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church? Why go to someone with no knowledge, mere worldly knowledge with problems?  5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? Paul is really pointing out how stupid they are being, accepting the sexually deviant, the liars, the ‘powerful’ and not judging right from wrong themselves. 6 But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers!7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already Not only are they not standing for what is right, they are suing each other over issues. All issues CAN be solved with the truth and believing the truth and standing on THE TRUTH, you can not debate the truth . Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. They, the believers, are cheating, lying, manipulating not being TRUTHFUl so they can get their worldly way. Have you ever stretched the truth, omitted some facts,(truth) in order to get a ‘good‘ thing, to oppose evil? All in the name of God? That is cheating, That is doing wrong. Paul is talking to church goers, admonishing for their lying 9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God?Pretty black and white, many do not want this to say, will not get to inherit the kingdom of God, but that is what I read.  Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.I did not write this, nor say this, Paul did as a spokesman for God, it is in God’s Word, THE TRUTH. Paul is speaking the truth,in love, just as he is telling all believers to.  And that is what some of you were. (sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanders, swindlers) I can not think of anyone, myself included who can not claim one of these titles.  But you (those who know they are these, sinners, and accept Jesus Christ as their only WAY)were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. When you believed, that became who you WERE and not who your ARE.

12 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. Paul is speaking to the ‘believers’ arguments for salvation, their belief in Christ, is their excuse to NOT be a slave to the ‘law’, they are saved by grace so they can be as immoral as they like.13 You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will hasn’t happened yet raise us also. We truly only exist for God. God has saved us, for after this world life.  15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? This statement puts far more meaning into sex, even what we consider non meaning, no ‘love’ involved sexual encounter, BINDS two. For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Believers become a part of Christ, Holy Spirit dwells within a believer.

18 Flee from sexual immorality. Remember this stems from and adulterous affair a step son(we hope) is having with his step mother, and the church turning a blind eye to it, because of the people involved.  All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Satan tells us it is our body, if it feels good do it, and IF it hurts anyone it is just ourself. WRONG.  19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? Believers in Christ, HAVE received the Holy Spirit, God gave us this. You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price.  I was bought at a huge price, I am not worth that price. The body of THE perfect Man, Jesus, God with us, was destroyed for me. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

THEREFORE  HONOR   GOD   WITH  YOUR   BODIES. 

Don’t eat wheat. Exercise. Cut back on carbs. Cut back on sugar. Self Discipline. Sleep. Sex with your husband/wife. Relax. No Drugs. Dress well. Read the label, if you can’t pronounce it don’t put it in. Don’t get drunk. Get a great haircut. Get a massage. Smile. Pray. Honor God.