• Home Page
• Computer Blog
• Chess Blog
• Exercise & Diet Blog
• Theology Blog
• Islamic Terrorism Blog
• Contact Us

Comment on 1 Corinthians 13 by Neil

Hi Preston,

Good points! Thanks for visiting and commenting.

Comment on Leviticus 16-18 by Problems with pro-gay theology « 4Simpsons Blog - Eternity Matters

[...] have written on a couple specific mistakes pro-gay theologians make regarding Leviticus 1 (”Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.”), another [...]

Comment on Genesis 19 by Problems with pro-gay theology « 4Simpsons Blog - Eternity Matters

[...] myself the Voice of Reason on this issue.  Hey, I was even accused on my Bible Study Blog of dispensing pro-gay theology! I wasn’t, of course, but it shows just how fair and balanced I was being that I could be [...]

Comment on Genesis 19 by Problems with pro-gay theology « 4Simpsons Blog - Eternity Matters

[...] myself the Voice of Reason on this issue.  Hey, I was even accused on my Bible Study Blog of dispensing pro-gay theology! I wasn’t, of course, but it shows just how fair and balanced I was being that I could be [...]

Comment on 1 Corinthians 13 by preston pittman

I think it is awesome how Jesus is pointing out at the end of this teaching about Real Love, the difference between acting like a child and not…
It shows us that this section of scripture is for the mature christian. I love you guys out there and I know that if you are still struggling with many christian issues, its because you are not soaking up what Christ is telling us here in chapter 13.

Comment on 1 Corinthians 13 by preston pittman

Hi my friends. Please bare with me. I Cor 13 is a section of scripture that I can get stuck in for long times. Actually, it should be the most worn section of our bibles based on Mat 22:34-40 and the first three verses of I Cor 13. I fault the church for much of the problem. If love is really the most important thing (and I know it is) then why doesn’t the church structure its teaching accordingly?
Please hang in here with me for a moment.
Look at it this way. If I had first been taught the elements of love.. like, “not even accounting an evil done to me”, then what would I need to sit in a class entitled “Forgiveness” for.

I don’t speak in tonges but in light of the passages I am referring to… why would a church have me go to a class on Tonges before I have learned and even begun to operate in a spirit of Love.
Now, I know there are a lot of loving churches out there… with loving people. And I know they teach about examples of Gods love and even examples of love themselves… but how many of us were taught theses elements of Gods love over other teacher.

Let me put it this way and i’ll quit.
How can I tell by looking at this years teaching lineup in the church, that the greatest thing of “all” is love?

Comment on The Gospel of John movie by preston pittman

When I read John I for the first time after I was saved.. it blew me away.
Before I was saved, I was deep into scientology and unsatisfied. I would pick up a bible and struggle to understand it. But when I became a Christian I suddenly could understand it. In fact… when witnessing to people I could quote scriptures that I had never really put to memory.
Well, when I read John I for the first time it became clear. Jesus is and always been THE WORD. Ok, when I received Christ inside me… therefore I also received His word inside me. Now, when I read the Bible, I am coming into understanding with that which inside me. Before then, it was foreign to me… even hidden from me. That was an awesome revelation to me. Love you.

Comment on Study Bibles by preston pittman

My favorite Bible is The Amplified Bible. Sometimes it is a little lengthy to read ou loud in Sundayschool but it opens the understanding up to you. I mostly love it for its illumination of the one word “Believe”. Every where the word believe is used in the bible, it adds (trusted in and relied upon). Its not actually adding words to the bible… but giving you the original meaning of that word before the King James tranlation came out. The reason I like the amplied version is because a lot of people BELIEVE in God but would never trust in and rely upon Him. Here is the truth my friends in Christ… we must Trust in and Rely Upon Christ to be Saved. That’s my two cents about that. Love you.

Comment on Overview by preston pittman

God’s word (scripture) is like a two-sided billboard that stands at the edge of a great chasm.  On one side. the side pointing out across the great chasm are scriptures that speak to the lost (those people who are on the other side of the chasm from God).  Scriptures that call out to them… pleading and warning His creations to come across and to be saved.   On the other side of the billboard are scriptures that speak to His people (those whom have come across the chasm and are now saved)… Scriptures that strengthen and develop us in our new stance.

Comment on Overview by preston pittman

This Thing Called Love
8/4/2008 4:21:03 PM
(Page 1 of 9)

This is a study of the source; importance; meaning; and application of Gods word concerning Love.

God’s word (scripture) is like a two-sided billboard that stands at the edge of a great chasm.  On one side. the side pointing out across the great chasm are scriptures that speak to the lost (those people who are on the other side of the chasm from God).  Scriptures that call out to them… pleading and warning His creations to come across and to be saved.   On the other side of the billboard are scriptures that speak to His people (those whom have come across the chasm and are now saved)… Scriptures that strengthen and develop us in our new stance.

Note:  This study material is intended for instructing Spirit filled Christians and not suggested for evangelizing or as an out-reach source.

s  The verses from Mat 22:34-40 and the first three verses of I Cor 13 (together) had been on my mind for some time before I attempted to prepare this study.  It seemed like the Lord would not let me rest with the relevance of this subject in relation to the teachings of the church.  While you will find many loving churches that teach subjects relating to love, I do not find many teachings on the actual description of love nor see the priority of it over any other subject available.  If you are interested in this study, I hope you will:

1.      Ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you about this material.

2.      Read the scriptures used in this study yourself and allow Gods word to change whatever pre-conceptions you have about this subject.

3.      Share whatever the Spirit reveals to you when we come back together.

s  Christians struggle with many Biblical issues, such as Forgiveness, Tithing, Fellowship, Outreach, and the list goes on… but most all of these struggles can be linked to our ignorance of God’s central teaching on Love. 

s  Think about this for a moment:  If you never counted a wrong done against you by someone, (which is one of the principles of Love that we will learn), you would not struggle with the issue of forgiveness.  Or, If you were not self-seeking (another principle of Love) when it came time for tithing or fasting, you would not struggle with these either.

s  Applying principles from an understanding of this study will totally change the way we see everything and simplify so many issues that we struggle with in our walk with God.  So let’s begin our study by answering these questions.  “What is the source of love, how important it is, what does love mean, and what is the application of this teaching for us?” 

THE SOURCE OF LOVE

s  Unlike anything else in the universe… love is not something that God created.  In fact, Love is what God is.   Scripture tells us that God is love.  It is because He is love that we were created and it is our inability to love that sets us apart from God.

1 John 4:8
He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.

1 John 4:16
And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him.

s  Love comes to us from God, through the Holy Spirit.  Anything that man believes to be his own form of love is not really love at all but something else… (a contaminated or perverse expression of something he believes or pretends to be love).

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,

IMPORTANCE OF LOVE

s  All of God’s word is important and to learn as much of it as is revealed to us is certainly His will for each of us.  And isn’t it true that there is so much to learn and so much to remember that trying to follow His word in every way can be frustrating at times.  My own life is filled with failed attempts to do this or not do that.  It seams that it would be a lot easier if we knew what the most important thing to God was, and start there.  Well, God loves us so much that He has revealed to us what is most important to Him in the scripture below.

s  What we read toward the end of Matthew, Chapter 22 should urge every Christian to keep Love at the forefront of everything, everyday of their life.  If anything, it should clarify what is most important to God and why we should study “this thing called Love”. 

s  In this passage, we find Jesus surrounded (by what would be considered wise men of His day… by mans’ standards anyway) and one of them asks Him a question.  Jesus answers, and what He tells this Lawyer is the central issue in this study.

Matthew 22:36-40

Teacher, which kind of commandment is great and important (the principal kind) in the Law? [Some commandments are light--which are heavy?]

 And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect).

 This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment.

 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself.

 These two commandments sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets.

s  Here we have Mankind recorded in Gods’ word, asking the Creator of ALL things… “What is the most important thing”?   Jesus, quickly, and simply… tells us exactly what we need to know.  And then, in case we didn’t catch on… He sums it up in verse 40.  Is this not foundational to us?  If anything is revealed to us from this passage, it is that, “to love God and each other”, is the most important thing to God.

s  Now we understand the source of Love and see (through God’s word) that it is not from us, but is actually God and that Love comes from God into us through the Holy Spirit.  Further, we should agree from the passage in Matthew 22 that Love is the most important thing for us to understand.  Now let’s find out what it means to love or what love means.

MEANING OF LOVE

s  So much is said about love and so many sources of information concerning love saturate the world today and yet we live with so much hate, bitterness, strife, and war.  The rate of divorce continues to rise both in the world and among Christians.   Because of the “fallen” nature of man, so his understanding of love is distorted, sorted, and even perverse.  It is also true that even when God’s word concerning love (I Corinthians 13) is referenced, it seldom goes beyond verse 4.   

s  So, let’s look now at God’s definition of Love and pray that He will reveal the true meaning of this important teaching.

1 Corinthians 13

3 Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love (God’s love in me), I gain nothing.

4 Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

7  Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].

s  Well, we really have our work cut out for us in just these few verses before us.  1st, I would like to point out that verse 3 further strengthens the fact that love is most important to God and that He is the true source.  2nd, I should point out that the chapter continues, concerning love, but the definition of Love stops here at verse 8.

s  At first glance, we see the elements of Love are in two forms… What Love is… and what Love is not.  So, let’s list the elements revealed here and look at them together.

WHAT LOVE IS                                                                                    WHAT LOVE IS NOT

Endures Long                                                                                         Never Envious

Patient                                                                                                      Never Boils Over with Jealousy

Kind                                                                                                         Boastful or Vainglorious

Rejoices when Right and Truth Prevail                                              Does Not Display Itself Haughtily

Bears Up Under Anything and Everything That Comes                 Conceited

Ever Ready to Believe the Best of Every Person                           

  Rude and Act Unbecomingly

Hopes are Fadeless Under ALL Circumstances                               Does not Insist on its Own Rights/its Own Way

Endures Everything                                                                               Self-seeking

                                                                                                                  Touchy or Fretful or Resentful

                                                                                                                  Take Account of Evil Done to it
                                                                                                                Does Not Rejoice at Injustice and Unrighteousness

                                &

Never Fails

s  To many of us, God’s definition of Love looks impossible for anyone to achieve.  However, if we have agreed with this study so far, we know that the list before us is the central, most important thing for us (Christians) to understand and apply to our lives.  Each of us is different and so there will be many different ways that each of us will approach getting this information into our daily thoughts and actions.  The purpose of this study is ONLY to bring attention to the truth concerning this subject.  It will take prayer and daily practice using each of the elements above in everything you think, do, or say.

s  Notice that achieving an element from one side of the list, will eliminate one or more element(s) from the other side of the list.  For instance, If we are KIND to the cashier checking us out at the store, we are not being RUDE AND ACTING UNBECOMINGLY.  In the same scene, If we are KIND and say, “I appreciate you helping me”, and we are not concerned whether she or he returns

the compliment, the we are not SELF-SEEKING.  As we act out or exercise these elements of Love each day, it becomes clear why God laid both “is and is not” down in the same teaching.  It is a fact that the more you practice each of these elements of love, the easier they will be achieved.

REMEMBER: How your success or failure to achieve these elements affect your business, marriage, popularity, etc, is not important because you have decided today that this is what is important to God.  Achieving real love on a daily basis because it is important to God is not being SELF-SEEKING.

APPLICATION

s  Let’s finish this study by looking at ways to apply what we have learned in this study to how we live our lives in Christ.  The rest of God’s word concerning Love from I Cor 13 below should set the tone for our approach to applying this study to our lives.

1 Corinthians 13

9 For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).

10 But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded).

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.

12 For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly),

but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God].

13  And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.

s  Every day, we wake up and begin thinking about the world around us, what we have to do, where we will go, who we will see, and we get up and move about the earth accordingly.  As we think about these things we must get into a habit of thinking and acting in a spirit of love.  Use the list from I Cor 13 to measure what you say and do throughout the day.  How can I treat my workmates, husband, wife, sister, salesman, teacher, etc, in a kindly manner?  As I dress today, do I give the appearance of being conceited, boastful, or Self-seeking?  Can I set through

yet another 8 hours of resentment from co-workers without breaking?  Can I be happy for Mr. Johnson, who got the promotion that I was sure was mine?  It’s not going to be easy.  We’ll go through this together and share our experiences together.  But we do it because we see it is critical to becoming who God wants us to be.  It is the most important thing for us to do today!  God bless each of you.  I love you and pray for you.

Comment on 1 Corinthians 16 by Ebby

After reading Russell Earl Kelly’s comment about tithing, I was wondering if anyone was going to address the tithing issue. Sharon, thanks for the link. I’d never heard of Zac Poonen. I listened to his entire message and really enjoyed it. Thank you again for sharing that.

Any other thoughts about tithing, anyone?

Comment on 1 Corinthians 16 by Sharon Wilkinson

What did Paul want to say about tithing?
If you want to know more listen to a prophetic word by Zac Poonen about tithing
http://www.cfcindia.net/through_bible/48.%201%20Corinthians-1.mp3

Comment on 2 Samuel 11-12 by Psalm 51 « Bible Study Blog - Eternity Matters

[...] after he sinned with Bathsheba and had her husband killed.  The prophet Nathan rebuked him (see 2 Samuel 12) and he [...]

Comment on 1 Corinthians 16 by Russell Earl Kelly

There is not a shred of evidence which says that God expected the “poor Israelite to tithe.”

Although money was common even in Genesis and was required for worship it was never included in any of the 16 texts which describe the contents of the tithe. Tithes were always only food from inside Israel and could not come from pagans or pagan lands.

The poor and those who earned their livelihood from non-farm occupations were among tithers.

New Covenant giving after Calvary is: freewill, sacrificial, generous, joyful, regular and motivated by love for man and God. That is sufficient to meet the church’s needs unless the pastor has stopped emphasizing personal evangelism.

Russell Earl Kelly, PHD

Comment on 1 Corinthians 14 by T. R. Cosby

It is very hard to teach or advise on this subject, so I applaud you for sharing with us. The only thing I can say about this is that the experience is REAL. If the Holy Spirit grabs a hold of you when you are praying, and all of a sudden you are “tonguing” it out with the best of them… YOU WILL NEVER DOUBT THE SCRIPTURES AGAIN!

Comment on 1 Corinthians 13 by Neil

Hi Marie - thanks for visiting and commenting! Another blessing from Don’s site.

Hope you enjoy Heaven - the book and especially the place!

Comment on 1 Corinthians 13 by Marie

Hi, I found your cool Bible blog through Don’s. Since nobody’s commented on this entry yet, I figured I’d throw my $0.02 in.

Nothing too deep, really…I was taught to do the same when I was being discipled back in college. Substitute “My Father” for “love” to remember the attributes of God. Actually, I’ve found this a helpful reminder when I’m tempted to think of God as harsh or losing patience with me. It’s all there in black and white - how good and gentle He really is.

I noticed here somewhere you recommended Randy Alcorn’s book on heaven — we are doing that next winter for our women’s Bible study. Looking forward to it!

Comment on 1 Corinthians 10 by Neil

Thanks so much for your comment! Please visit here as often as you like with any comments or questions you have. I praise God that you have committed your life to him!

Do you have a study Bible or a group at church you can study with? Those can be helpful as well.

Comment on 1 Corinthians 10 by Sara

Hi there,

I would like to thank you for your blog. I am new to learning about Religion. I have recently made the decision to commit my life to God.
I find there is much to learn and sometimes when I read the Bible I don’t understand what it is trying to say. I find your blog to be helpful by breaking it down.

So many thanks!
Sara

Comment on 1 Corinthians 7 by Yes, they really argue this way � 4Simpsons Blog - Eternity Matters

[...] this way Posted on July 22, 2008 by Neil The following is a comment thread from a post on 1 Corinthians 7 from my Bible Study Blog.� I had noted a comment about marriage being between one man and one [...]

Comment on 1 Corinthians 7 by Stuart

To Reid - if you study scripture you will find that it is sexual immorality, not solely in homosexual behavior but also in heterosexual behavior, that is inconsistant with caring love that brings fullness to a person’s life. Sexual immorality is mercenary and for the purpose of self gratification - lust appears attractive and appealing from a distance but upon close intimacy it is cruel and unmerciful.

Reid, throwing stones and judging people is different than trying to compassionately intervene on a spiritually condemning practice. If someone addresses another out of hatred or hypocrisy, then they too are drinking from a deadly well. Jesus loves sinners - whether they are prideful hypocrites or filled with lust - it’s just that they aren’t able to bond and love in return - it is that spiritual and loving connection that saves - I know. I no longer desire to condone, perpetrate promote or enable a practice when I know a better Way exists. There is no condemnation in Christ, but in the world, if one does not possess the ability to meet the standard of acceptance, they are rejected.

Reid, I don’t see any evidence that Neil is acting out of bias or bigotry here - your verbal attack inspires a protective spirit in me - for Neil and also for you.

Comment on 1 Corinthians 7 by Neil

How eloquent of you. Normally I’d delete your comments, but they reveal your heart so clearly that I thought others might see and learn from them.

I ask for your reasoning and I get that in reply? Hmmmm . . . maybe you don’t have any reasoning? But don’t the skeptics usually say that Christians are the ones with blind faith?

Seriously, feel free to come back if you ever want a serious dialogue.

Comment on 1 Corinthians 7 by reid

ps eat shit

Comment on 1 Corinthians 7 by reid

sounds flood you Christian homo. Your blog is a waste of your time and everyone elses. The word of god says you and all of your judgemental friends are already in hell. So enjoy, you scripture humper.

Comment on 1 Corinthians 7 by Neil

Hi Reid,

Who said I had a problem with homosexuals? I get along great with them.

Your argument is what is called an ad hominem attack, which means attacking the person instead of the argument. Instead of dealing with my reasoning you try to attack my character. Whether Ted Haggard had homosexual tendencies is irrelevant to what God’s word says about the behavior.

I am merely noting what the Bible says. If you think I have misinterpreted it, feel free to point out where and why.

Otherwise, your argument is with God. If you want to accuse him of having homosexual tendencies for making his word so abundantly clear, then good luck with that.

Comment on 1 Corinthians 7 by Reid

The fact that you have a problem with homosexuals might mean that you have homosexual tendencies. Have you thought about that? Pastor Ted Haggard.

Comment on 1 Corinthians 6 by Neil

Yep. And fornication as well.

Comment on 1 Corinthians 6 by totaltransformation

“Paul took it very seriously when anything got in the way of presenting the Gospel, and we should, too. ”

If only we could do something to tackle the problem of divorce within the church.

Comment on 1 Corinthians 2 by Neil

Thanks, Kris. That is sort of what it has turned into. Many days I don’t have much to say, but this has been a good discipline to slow down just a bit and read a little more closely. I figure that when I’m done I can always go back and add more as I learn new things, like electronic notes in my Bible.

Comment on 1 Corinthians 2 by kris

neil,

great stuff. i, too, have looked at verse 9 the wrong way. verse 10 does spell it out. you are kinda writing your own commentary. i went to 1 yr of Bible college and my semester project was to write a commentary on Galations. it’s not easy, but you do it well.

kw

Comment on Psalm 27 by Jayleigh

Wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing.

Comment on Psalm 47 by pray4israel

You have a great blog! Jill

Comment on Numbers 31-32 by 14 tribes

[...] will be gathered to your people.??? 3 So Moses said to the people, ???Arm some of your men to go thttp://bible1.wordpress.com/2008/06/19/numbers-31-32/Body art struts in museum CNN.comBALTIMORE, Maryland AP — For one night, at least, tattoos — and [...]

Comment on Leviticus overview by Haywood Chavez

offishness tysonite roman coffinless rasceta screwiness cerement engarment
SSA’s Dallas Region
http://www.bottomlineind.com/

Comment on Numbers 17-18 by Neil

Hi Russell,

I didn’t “forget.” I don’t attempt to cover every verse. Others are invited to fill in their own analysis.

I would be the first to say that giving in churches is, on average, an embarrassment.

But to be technical, I don’t buy the tithing thing for the NT. It is only mentioned once in the NT and that was in criticism of the Pharisees doing it legalistically. The instructions are quite clear in that we should not give under compulsion or reluctantly. I think people should give more than 10% but I don’t want to put that on people as a burden. They should give generously and what they have decided in their own heart to give (2 Cor. 9).

Comment on Numbers 17-18 by Russell Earl Kelly

You forgot to teach verses 20 and 24 where those who received the tithe were not allowed to own or inherit land. Actually there are 25 tithing principles in the Bible and the Church follows NONE of them.

Comment on Isaiah 49-50 by Rebecca V.

49:6 - The Great Commission of the Old Testament.

Comment on Isaiah 41-42 by Neil

Thanks, Rebecca. Great to have you comment again!

Comment on Isaiah 41-42 by Rebecca V.

42:1-4…Jesus Christ is “Israel” in its ideal form (49:3). The nation was to be a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6), but the Messiah would be the high priest who would atone for the sins of the world (53:4-12). Cyrus was introduced in ch. 41 as a deliverer from Babylon, but the servant would deliver the world from the prison of sin (v. 7).

Comment on Isaiah 37-38 by Rebecca V.

17 …you have put all my sins behind your back. - God not only puts our sins out of sight; He also puts them out of reach (Micah 7:19; Psalm 103:12), out of mind (Jeremiah 31:34) and out of existence (Isaiah 43:25; 44:22; Psalm 51:1,9; Acts 3:19).