tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43082468404824423822024-02-06T19:32:22.794-08:00More than Conquering... in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us ~Romans 8:37Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-77255390323478957042013-09-28T16:49:00.001-07:002013-11-19T07:29:04.832-08:00She Changed My Life... and we didn't even know it<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"<span class="text 1Cor-9-24" id="en-ESV-28548">Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28548A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>the prize? So <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28548B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>run that you may obtain it.</span><span class="text 1Cor-9-25" id="en-ESV-28549"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Every <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28549C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28549D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>an imperishable.</span><span class="text 1Cor-9-26" id="en-ESV-28550"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>So I do not run aimlessly; I <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28550E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>do not box as one <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28550F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>beating the air.</span><span class="text 1Cor-9-27" id="en-ESV-28551"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>But I discipline my body and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28551G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>keep it under control, lest after preaching to others <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28551H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>I myself should be <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28551I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>disqualified."</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Run that you may obtain it. I think this blog series is a perfect example of my lack of self-control (how long has it taken me to do? how often do I <i>talk</i> about how long it is taking me?!). I am not good at disciplining myself, especially when I can not see the immediate reward for my hard work. I believe this to be a common problem. What's easier? To spend time at the gym pushing and sweating or to eat those 3 chocolate chip cookies on the counter. They both have a pay off. But one is slow, it will takes weeks to see. The other is quick and delicious and oh so sweet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are a culture that craves instant gratification. Freeways, jet planes, microwaves, iphones, credit cards, drive thrus. But sometimes the pay off doesn't come right away. Sometimes, it's about being faithful in the moment. Doing what the Lord has called you to do. Right. Now. The prize may come in this lifetime or it may be in eternity but, self-control is about doing good in the present and patiently waiting for the pay off. My life was changed decades ago by a woman who was faithful in the right-now and neither of us even knew it... until yesterday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catherine works at Starbucks with me. She is about my mothers age and reminds me so much of her. (Really mom, it makes me miss you a whole lot sometimes) Catherine is kind, hard-working, genuine and encouraging. And, through passing conversations in the midst of chaotic work days, I found out that Catherine loves Jesus. Yesterday, during the extra hour after work that I spent waiting for my paycheck to arrive, Catherine and I began a conversation about church. As she entered the back room, she asked me where I attended (she had never heard of Revolution though) and I asked her the same. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"North West Bible Church," She replied. "OH! I think that's where my husband Jake went to church in high school." I said. After calling Jake to confirm I joyfully told her yes, he did attend. In fact, that is where he got saved. We celebrated that connection together. The beauty of her home church being a huge part of how my husband came to know the Lord. And, a huge part of why he is the man that I was blessed to marry! As the conversation went on Catherine told me that Randy would have been the youth pastor at the time. Now, he has planted his own church here in Tucson. I knew that. Jake had been to coffee with him this year. I explained to Catherine that it was Randy who took an interest in Jake when he first attended North West Bible. He led Jake to Christ. At this she started. "Abigail! My husband and I have been at North West Bible for over thirty years. And it was in our middle school group that my husband and I led <i>Randy</i> to Christ!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WOW! This women, who I barely know, was used by God in a <i>big way</i> to impact my life. What a blessing that He granted us just this little glimpse into His intricate plan. Catherine and I couldn't stop smiling. I mean we were giddy. Because of her faithfulness to the Lord all those years ago, <i>my</i> life was changed. This is the far reaching impact of our momentary acts of obedience. This is self-control, this is discipline in action. These ideas seem so lofty, and honestly, I despair of ever keeping my body under control. But, each day in each moment. Right. Now. I can be faithful to what Christ is calling me to do. What we do doesn't have to be huge but it's impact can extend farther than we will ever know. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I keep thinking about how amazing it is that God gifted Catherine and me with the beauty of this moment. But know that if He hadn't, her obedience would not have resulted in anything less glorious or less good. He uses us in ways we never see. Let this moment be an encouragement to you. You may never meet that girl years later whose life you never knew you changed, but the ripple of your faithfulness is no less actual. And let this story be a charge. We run not to receive and perishable prize but in imperishable. The results of our discipline will never fade. So... what will you do with <i>your </i>right-nows? </span></div>
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Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-71415985052326533502013-07-29T22:06:00.002-07:002013-08-24T09:29:14.959-07:00My "Anniversary" Blog <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One year ago in San Diego, Jake and I became "The Wilhelm's" We had been engaged 8 months. 8 months of planning, preparing and waiting. Our days were filled with the normal engage-y things. Work, school church, time with family and with friends, and no small amount of attention to the details and dreams of the days to come.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our wedding day was beautiful. It went off without a hitch (or at least not one that was noticed by our guests). I wish I could say I remember every detail, but what I do recall is wonderful bliss. The days <i>before </i> the wedding are another story. Many, many things went wrong during that time. We had the rehearsal Friday the 27th and took Saturday as a "day off" to deal the with last minute details and visit family. Jake and I were more<strike> stressed</strike> on edge than ever. Actually, I was a turbulent nut case dragging Jake behind as he stumbled along trying desperately to pick up the pieces. I had a few moments when I thought to myself<i>, "Why are we even doing this?! Eloping could have been so fun!" </i>But, praise God, 24 hours before I would walk down the aisle, Jake and I had a conversation that broke my heart, and built me up and reminded me what all "<i>this</i>" is for.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was Saturday evening Jake and I had spent the last 48 hours together. Running around paying some people, buying gift cards for others (buying replacement gift cards for the one that I lost. <i>How do I do things like that?!). </i>We had caught up with out of town family, finalized details, and then finalized them again. The rehearsal was done and we had driven the 30-45 min drive from Mission Valley to Ramona over and over and over. The tuxes were picked up, the schedules were passed out and the decorations were in place.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We climbed into the car to head to Kaleo Church's evening service. We were moving after the wedding so this would be our last service at our home church. What better way to spend the evening before our wedding than with our family and church family? But at this moment I felt so spent and all I could think about was that the night was not over yet. I heaved a sight of exhaustion and as I looked over at Jake, I felt a twinge of guilt. This man had covered that last few days with so much gentleness and grace, and that <i>still</i> hadn't stopped me from <strike>snapping</strike> lashing out at him multiple times.</span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I'm sorry for how crazy I've been. Thank you for putting up with me." </span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He squeezed my hand and smiled.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"You still want to go through with this?" </i>I ventured (half-joking), "<i>Now that you know what you're getting into..."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Nope." </i>He teased.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>No really, You still have time to get out." </i>I was kidding, but was digging for some affirmation that I had not chased him off in the past 2 days. On the outside I smiled but my mind raced with thoughts of rejection and heartbreak wondering if we could really do this <i>FOREVER... </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few moments of tormenting quiet went by before Jake turned to me with words I hope to never forget.</span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"This is just the dark before the dawn Abigail. There is pain in the night but joy comes in the morning. Think about the joy we will have tomorrow, and it's nothing compared to the joy that waits after this life." </span></i><br />
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The same tears prick my eyes then that do now. I am so blessed by this man. In that moment I remembered that Jake is not just more than I ever <i>thought</i> I wanted in a man. He is everything the Lord knows I<i> need</i>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spent the next few minutes talking excitedly back and forth about our engagement and the wedding that would be tomorrow. And reminding each other of what a beautiful picture we get to be of the gospel. Of the Lord who loves us and binds us to Himself with an eternal covenant. That He will be our God and we will be His people and He will cleanse us from our sin. And our love for one another, my submission, Jake's leadership, and our faithfulness get to be a picture of our Savior and His bride. And in that moment, our betrothal meant more to me than a 8 months to "get through".</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I never thought of my life as an engagement picture before that day. I never thought of it like a waiting period. Like a time when I plan and prepare and work towards a wedding feast. But isn't that true for those of us in the church, the bride of Christ waiting to be united with her bridegroom forever? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I hope that as I go through my days, the Lord reminds me of this conversation with Jake.<i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> There is pain in this life. There are busy days, and fun stuff, and craziness. But joy comes in the morning. And when it is all over, what joy there is to behold! Eternity with my most beloved. My God. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><i>FOREVER! </i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #45818e; font-size: large;">"<i>For His anger is but for a moment and His favor is for a lifetime. </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i>Weeping may tarry for the night, </i></span></span></div>
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Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-55080843653354566702013-07-10T16:10:00.000-07:002013-07-10T16:10:34.903-07:00The Freedom to Become a Slave<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 9:1-23</span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-9-1">Am I not free? <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28525B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>Am I not an apostle? <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28525C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28525D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?</span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-2" id="en-ESV-28526"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28526E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-9-3" id="en-ESV-28527">This is my defense to those who would examine me.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-9-4" id="en-ESV-28528">Do we not have the right to eat and drink?</span><span class="text 1Cor-9-5" id="en-ESV-28529"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28529G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28529H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>the brothers of the Lord and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28529I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>Cephas?</span><span class="text 1Cor-9-6" id="en-ESV-28530"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?</span><span class="text 1Cor-9-7" id="en-ESV-28531"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="versenum" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">....</span></sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-9-19" id="en-ESV-28543"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> (vs19) </sup>For <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28543Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup>though I am free from all, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28543Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup>I have made myself a servant to all, that I might <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28543AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup>win more of them.</span><span class="text 1Cor-9-20" id="en-ESV-28544"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28544AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup>To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.</span><span class="text 1Cor-9-21" id="en-ESV-28545"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>To <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28545AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup>those outside the law I became <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28545AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup>as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28545AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup>under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.</span><span class="text 1Cor-9-22" id="en-ESV-28546"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28546AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup>To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28546AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup>I have become all things to all people, that <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28546AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup>by all means I might save some.</span><span class="text 1Cor-9-23" id="en-ESV-28547"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>I do it all for the sake of the gospel, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28547AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup>that I may share with them in its blessings.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my last post on 1 Corinthians 8 (you can read it <a href="http://abigail-ruth.blogspot.com/2013/04/concerning-food-offered-to-idols.html" target="_blank">here</a>), I discussed the freedom that believers have in Christ and how <i>not </i>to exercise that freedom. Paul continues his theme on freedom in chapter 9. And it is here I believe he gives an example of how we can best use our freedoms to the glory of God. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I get into the part of the passage I would like to highlight today, there is an entire 19 verses I chose to skip. In this part of the passage Paul discusses the rights of life and apostleship that he sets aside to better serve the Corinthian church. Remember this is a church that is divided specifically over their "favorite" teachers. Paul here is reminding them that he does not come to them in order to gain anything, but even to the point of laying aside his own rights, he serves them for the sake of the gospel. It is on this note of service, that we pick up in verse 19. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible"</span> </i>As counter intuitive as it may sound, the correct way to use our freedom in Christ is to make ourselves slaves. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">To those under the law I became like one under the law....to those not having the laws I became like one not having the law..."</span> </i>Paul was no longer held to the Mosiac laws. He could eat what he wanted, work on the Sabbath, wear what he chose. But when around those bound to the law Paul walked according to the law. Likewise, Paul still held to the moral standard of God. But when he was around those who lived according to the world's standards he did <b>not</b> snatch every opportunity to point out their sin but rather lived alongside them as in the world but not of it. He did this not to be fickle or "liked" by everyone but rather he says, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"<i>I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This concept is much easier to picture in some sort of foreign mission field. Do not live in a way that offends the very people you are trying to reach with the gospel. For example when going down to lead a worship service in Mexico, all the girls on the team wore skirts. Even though it is completely except able to wear jean in our church, to the people in that church culture it would have been offensive. And in Thailand when offered a pipe by the head of the household as a show of hospitality my leader would not turn it away because he does not smoke. It would be a massive affront. You and I may not face situations like this every day in the U.S., but how do we walk among our friends? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"I do all this for the sake of gospel, that I may share in its blessings."</span> </i>In 1 Peter 3:18 it says, "<i>For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God" </i>Christ laid down His life to bring His people back to God. To draw us to Himself. The goal of the gospel should change how we handle our freedoms. May we live not for ourselves but for the sake of all men that they would come to know the same freedom we do in Christ. May we use our freedom serve His kingdom for our good and His glory. </span></div>
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Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-43896423334640579002013-04-23T15:18:00.001-07:002013-04-23T15:19:11.086-07:00Concerning Food Offered to Idols <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 8</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text 1Cor-8-1">Now concerning<b> </b>food offered to idols: we know that <span class="Apple-style-span"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28512B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span>“all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” <span class="Apple-style-span"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28512C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span>puffs up, <span class="Apple-style-span"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28512D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span>but love builds up.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-8-2" id="en-ESV-28513">If anyone imagines that he knows something, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28513F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>he does not yet know as he ought to know.</span><span class="text 1Cor-8-3" id="en-ESV-28514"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>But if anyone loves God, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28514G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>he is known by God.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text 1Cor-8-4" id="en-ESV-28515"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28515H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>“an idol has no real existence,” and that <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28515I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>“there is no God but one.”</span><span class="text 1Cor-8-5" id="en-ESV-28516"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For although there may be <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28516J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”—</span> <span class="text 1Cor-8-6" id="en-ESV-28517">yet <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28517K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>for us there is one God, the Father, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28517L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28517M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28517N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>through whom we exist.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text 1Cor-8-7" id="en-ESV-28518"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28518O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28518P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>their conscience, being weak, is defiled.</span><span class="text 1Cor-8-8" id="en-ESV-28519"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28519Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.</span><span class="text 1Cor-8-9" id="en-ESV-28520"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>But take care <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28520R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28520S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>to the weak.</span><span class="text 1Cor-8-10" id="en-ESV-28521"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?</span><span class="text 1Cor-8-11" id="en-ESV-28522"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>And so by your knowledge this weak person is <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28522T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.</span><span class="text 1Cor-8-12" id="en-ESV-28523"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Thus, sinning against your brothers and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28523U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>wounding their conscience when it is weak, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28523V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup>you sin against Christ.</span><span class="text 1Cor-8-13" id="en-ESV-28524"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Therefore, <span class="Apple-style-span"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28524W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup></span>if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love how applicable this passage is to our generation. What?! No way! We don't walk into the grocery store and wonder if it's ok to buy the chicken thighs because the breast may or may not have been sacrificed to Zeus. That's true, but raise your hand if you can tell me who this is: </span></div>
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This is Charles Spurgeon. He was a very famous preacher in Britian in the late 1800's and he is still very popular today. In fact, as the Reformed Movement gains popularity among millennials so does Spurgeon. We love his theology, his poetic word smithing and the example he set preaching to hundreds from a young age. We also love that is no secret that he enjoyed, more than a little, his cigars and his whiskey. He was known to smoke in the lobby before his sermons. "For shame!" some cry. But many exclaim, "Here! Here! Why not?!" Some things that were considered taboo (smoking, drinking, dancing, tattoos) are more commonly being embraced by our generation. That's fantastic! I love a good glass of wine with dinner. But it would seem that food sacrificed and my husband's pipe have more in common than just some smoke. </span><br />
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In 1 Corinthians 8 Paul begins to address a few questions the church has written to him about. One of which, is food sacrificed to idols. They want him to tell them whether or not it is ok to eat it. I picture someone in the congregation, confident in their saintly freedoms, wanting Paul to back up their claim that they can eat whatever they want. Instead, Paul calls us all to walk humbly with each other and seek unity above personal preference. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul begins the discussion with another shot at the pride of the Corinthian church. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"All of us possess knowledge"</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>seems to be a slogan of the life in Corinth. Yet Paul warns,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><i>"T</i><span class="text 1Cor-8-1" style="font-style: italic;">his 'knowledge' puffs up, <span class="Apple-style-span"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28512D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span>but love builds up.</span><i> </i></span><span class="text 1Cor-8-2" id="en-ESV-28513"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><i>If anyone imagines that he knows something, </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28513F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">he does not yet know as he ought to know."</span> </i>We pride ourselves on our knowledge. But it's not what we know or even <i>who </i>we know but <i>WHO </i>knows us.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> "</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">If anyone loves God, he is known by God"</span>. </i>Our standing before God is what makes us something. It is a position that is wrapped up in the person and work of Christ alone. Not anything we did or anything we know. It is because He has known us. Because He, knowing who we are and what we have done, chose to peruse us. Become like us. Live the life we could not live. Die the death we deserved to die and become our substitution. Then God raised Him from the dead and called us to believe in Him. And when we could not do even that on our own, He took our heart of stone and gave us the faith we need to love Him so we can be known by Him. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><i>"'knowledge'</i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> puffs up, but love builds up."</span> </i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In John 7 Jesus states, <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"> </span></i>Likewise, Paul lays out an argument,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> "</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat it, and no better off if we do."</span> </i>The whole point is not about food but instead about who God is. It is not about the pipe or the dancing or the drinking about about our standing before the God of the universe. There are direct commandments given in the Bible. On these topics we do not stand on personal conviction rather, we know what obedience looks like. However, what about the things we are no worse off by not doing and better off by doing. What about the things that do not defile us? Paul goes on to explain the God honoring way to handle such things. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"Take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak." </span></i>Some people have very strong convictions on issues that I might not see as sin. For example a woman I love and respect once told me she was concerned about the fact that I drank wine. Knowing her beliefs (however unfounded i might have believed them to be) it would have been wrong for me to bring a bottle of wine into her home and ask her to drink it with me. Why? <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ"</span> </i>It no longer becomes about my freedom but rather about their conscience. In Romans 14 Paul address this issue again. He speaks of how each person either eats or does not eat <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"in honor of the Lord"</span> </i>and he concludes with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"<i>each of us will give an account of himself to God"</i></span>. May it never be said of me that I asked another to defile their own conscience before Him. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This passage is not about whether or not we have freedoms. It is not about food. Again, it is about the unity of the body. It is about putting others before yourself. Seeing their soul as more important than your luxuries. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"'knowledge' puffs up, but love builds up"</span> </i>May we love one another enough to put our pride aside and lift the needs of other about ourselves. May we come together and seek each others well-being for our good and His glory. </span></div>
Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-66642200288117891162013-03-25T10:38:00.000-07:002013-03-27T12:25:38.516-07:00Remain With God: thoughts on a famous passage about marriage<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 7</span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-7-17"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Only let each person lead the life <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28488T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28488U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>This is my rule in <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28488V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup>all the churches.</span><span class="text 1Cor-7-18" id="en-ESV-28489"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28489W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup>Let him not seek circumcision.</span><span class="text 1Cor-7-19" id="en-ESV-28490"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28490X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup>For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28490Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup>keeping the commandments of God.</span><span class="text 1Cor-7-20" id="en-ESV-28491"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28491Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup>Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.</span><span class="text 1Cor-7-21" id="en-ESV-28492"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) </span><span class="text 1Cor-7-22" id="en-ESV-28493">For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28493AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup>a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28493AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup>a bondservant of Christ.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-7-23" id="en-ESV-28494">You were bought with a price; <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28494AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup>do not become bondservants of men.</span><span class="text 1Cor-7-24" id="en-ESV-28495"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>So, brothers, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28495AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup>in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to my "tie the knot" app I have been married for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">238</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> days,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">20</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> hours and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">6</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> min. People say this first year is the hardest. I have stopped listening to these "people" because I am almost positive that harder times are coming for our marriage. However, there have been some good times, and some hard times and I have learned a bunch during these past 238 days. Here are some examples: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">1)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Like Marian Jordan said "Being married doesn't make you happy. It just makes you married" * Seriously. I am so glad I am married. But there are still some days that I am an unhappy person. Jake can't make that better. Our house, our shared closet or bed, our time together, this ring on my finger, none of it makes me happy all the time. It's just evidence that I'm married all the time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">2)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Being married does not automatically make you wiser or more talented. Raise your hand if you are single and have ever had a married woman talk to you like she knows more than you and has a right to give you advice on all areas of your life just because she said "I do". Right. She is lying to you. I might know more about a few topics due to the fact that I have lived with a boy for the last 8 months but I didn't wake up the next day older, wiser, or suddenly an awesome wife. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">3)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Marriage really is a ton of work. Both interpersonal and practical. It's work to make a home. To begin to build a marriage and to begin to create a comfortable place for us to live life together. Talking, Serving, Spending time together, Cleaning, Cooking, Groceries, Adapting, Decorating, Organizing, Learning, Teaching. It's all work. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">4)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And Marriage is sanctifying. Being with Jake all the time shows me a lot about myself and a lot about him. We work with each other. It comes from constant community. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">5)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Finally, NONE of these things are only learned in marriage. They can be seen from the outside and they can be seen in any community. The first two are givens and the and last two are just a result of living with another person. So... why do people get married? Why get married at all? Should we even get married? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a scene from the movie <i>Pride and Prejudice </i>that I just love! (I love the whole movie but really, i'll spare you an entire review of it). The dreaded cousin, Mr. Collins wants to marry Elizabeth. He comes in to propose and before he expresses his love to her he wants to make her aware of his reasons. <i>"Firstly,"</i> he begins, <i>"I am convinced it will add greatly to my happiness"</i> no matter how many times they are told marriage will not make them happy, people say it will. They really think it will. It won't. <i>"Secondly, it is the duty of a clergyman to set the example for marriage in his parish." </i>People think that it is their christian duty to get married and have a family. They might not say it, but don't they feel like they are less of a believer if they aren't a wife or mother?<i> "Finally, it is at the urging of my esteemed patroness, Lady Deburg, that I select a wife."</i> People feel pressure from their church, friends and family to settle down. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't think these are good reasons to get married. But then again, What is a good reason to get married? I'm not sure. But, I had professor in college tell me,<i> "Run the race hard after God. Set your eyes forward. And if you happen to look around at some point and see there is someone running alongside you, well then you might as well run the race together."</i> ** Maybe that is the key. Headlong after Jesus. Always. Only, sometimes, we get the specific companionship of a spouse.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, getting back to I Corinthians 7. This a famous passage where Paul addresses marriage, divorce and singleness. Remember, he was talking to a church full of self-indulgence and immorality. He as a lot of suggestions for married and single life but the point of all them is to better serve the Lord. I pulled out the versus above because I think that they are relevant to everyone married or single.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"> "</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him."</span> </i>Today you find yourself in a specific place in life. Are you living in that place? Or are you trying to live somewhere else? There are a lot of people that talk about marriage and singleness as gifts. You might have the gift of singleness they say. But instead of worrying about which gift you have what if you lived today where you are. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-7-24" id="en-ESV-28495"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">So, brothers, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28495AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup>in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God"</span>. </i>Remain with God. I love that phrase. Live that moment in that day, with God. I find it so much easier to live with Jake, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or coworkers, or friends, than with God. What would my marriage look like if today I remained with God? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-7-24">Later in verse 35 of the same passage Paul is talking about remaining single and he says, <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I say this for your own benefit,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28506AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord."</span> </i>Paul tells believers that if they are not married it is better for them to stay that way. But he doesn't say it to be restrictive but rather because he is aware that the goal of our lives is undivided devotion to the Lord. That's the point. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does that look like in your life? How are you doing the work of the Kingdom where you are? Depending on where the Lord has placed us, in each season, this looks different. But though our lives may look different, the goal of it remains the same. Serve the Lord. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's so easy to get distracted by our daily lives. Work, kids, groceries, friends, family, marriage, dating, not dating, school. All of it is part of the life the Lord has assigned to us. How are you serving they Lord in these things? Leave a comment for me and share some ways that you are leading the life He has given you for His Kingdom. My prayer for myself and of you is that today we would remain with God, in undivided devotion to the Lord, for our good and His glory.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* From<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Skills-Women-Heartbreak-Full-Blown/dp/0805446702" target="_blank"> </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Skills-Women-Heartbreak-Full-Blown/dp/0805446702" target="_blank">Wilderness Skills for Women: How to Survive Heartbreak and Other Full-Blown Meltdowns</a> </u> (A book I highly recommend for married and single women. Actually I recommend this author. period.) </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">** From a Marriage and Family class taught by Dr. Brian Moulton at San Diego Christian College. Good man of God. </span></span></div>
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Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-25139408638976903472013-03-01T11:46:00.001-08:002013-03-01T11:52:32.609-08:00Feeling CraftyI usually have Saturdays off work. Most of the time, I get up early and make Jake a hot breakfast (this is the only "real" breakfast he gets all week) and then I go about my day, or go back to sleep. This week I decided I would spend the day pampering myself. I was going to take a bath, do my nails, take some real time on my hair etc. It was a great plan! Until I got on Pinterst. Looking at all the great homes, I decided that I really REALLY wanted to craft. I had all these great ideas and I wanted to make them a reality.<br />
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So I told Jake I was going to make a mess of house, but promised it would look pretty when I was done, and I headed out for supplies. Home Depot for some wood, painter's tape and hardware. Michael's for paint and decorative wire. Home Depot was extra special since I measured the space I wanted the piece of wood for, but forgot to measure my car. Seriously, don't forget to measure your car. A 5 ft X 3 ft piece of wood is not going to fit in your little chevy cobalt sedan. Figure it out. Well, I did figure it out and finally got home to get to work. A week later I am now finished with my projects and here are the results:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #45818e;"><b><u>Inspiration: </u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvmPf2h95l_iGzT0R1ELg_hRqlZ0R8AWEJACJgrrRKI1EbLIJ2ayZtm1c9mL4kXSoU8FbgfdhxW1WdoeBtc8j5BU5Kv0jozTX_9TI7HJqlzMZ2xWVq1h1xeQTcXTnI3PvxYuX7TIEU8Y/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvmPf2h95l_iGzT0R1ELg_hRqlZ0R8AWEJACJgrrRKI1EbLIJ2ayZtm1c9mL4kXSoU8FbgfdhxW1WdoeBtc8j5BU5Kv0jozTX_9TI7HJqlzMZ2xWVq1h1xeQTcXTnI3PvxYuX7TIEU8Y/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
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I saw this picture on Pinterest about a week ago and fell in love with it! You can see the full tutorial of this DIY chevron canvas <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/04/diy-chevron-canvas-guest-post-by-blog.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I wanted something a little more uniform though and this is what i came up with. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><b><u>Mine: </u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSayTWJx2cW2x-s4YQaib1SgqlcsNwrnDni0xgmzwYW0EtFpqKzSL38voona4ysGTEUr67A7Lzw4MxnzolD88Npy8W0ttbEN4G-lnQFMstfGSppfmuFNv4lHjNlI-dcMAV98VBzOzWHfE/s1600/100_0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSayTWJx2cW2x-s4YQaib1SgqlcsNwrnDni0xgmzwYW0EtFpqKzSL38voona4ysGTEUr67A7Lzw4MxnzolD88Npy8W0ttbEN4G-lnQFMstfGSppfmuFNv4lHjNlI-dcMAV98VBzOzWHfE/s1600/100_0605.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love how this came out! I used a thing piece of panelling instead of a canvass because it was much cheaper. A 4X8 ft piece was only about $10. They cut it to size and you keep the extra pieces. The hardest part... the taping. For a perfectionist like me, it was a nightmare. It took an entire movie ("The Help" great movie!!!!) just to tape it. I almost gave up but, in the end, I let go and allowed for imperfections. Mixing the paint was an adventure as well. I decided to go with three colors. White, grey, and a teal. The fading isn't perfect but i'm a fan of variety and blue/teal we have in our grey and white bedroom. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><b><u>Taping and Painting: </u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBPvZUuGnhAhozsh_JVFhfzBtCG6FB9WiOVVDdUXfv9lXcEW9AapaSChLKYfMFl3RXyOrLJye5zavaX8jJIloJLqr_B9Ir3o08X4WPg9Y1JfYosRauP83wfg4MsMDGP3Vq40oS1XnFNo/s1600/100_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBPvZUuGnhAhozsh_JVFhfzBtCG6FB9WiOVVDdUXfv9lXcEW9AapaSChLKYfMFl3RXyOrLJye5zavaX8jJIloJLqr_B9Ir3o08X4WPg9Y1JfYosRauP83wfg4MsMDGP3Vq40oS1XnFNo/s1600/100_0590.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVKxAVcBdF-4z7qD7kTegHXbnOdECMkiFTMd8YN_ikJDOArRq6KkjW-qLv7sCMq6M48klSCFE2eZT3ua3gVx343jolQTqvexEc-GZzhZKyn5TF4yVMBo1KRZ-n565Jkw_X9APA85w3KE/s1600/100_0595+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVKxAVcBdF-4z7qD7kTegHXbnOdECMkiFTMd8YN_ikJDOArRq6KkjW-qLv7sCMq6M48klSCFE2eZT3ua3gVx343jolQTqvexEc-GZzhZKyn5TF4yVMBo1KRZ-n565Jkw_X9APA85w3KE/s1600/100_0595+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkP3xUwlkc9FH92equhbxAzjNTLr8ftOF5afYidqrxwqIS0ST9x-xO2YIu5A1Q7qZFUFmAIm4P83nY-sO_65_hPg2dbRYOFDNWxL65KxC4BenrMIyFjnHI3s7R869D4R019oog0pr_Rs/s1600/100_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkP3xUwlkc9FH92equhbxAzjNTLr8ftOF5afYidqrxwqIS0ST9x-xO2YIu5A1Q7qZFUFmAIm4P83nY-sO_65_hPg2dbRYOFDNWxL65KxC4BenrMIyFjnHI3s7R869D4R019oog0pr_Rs/s1600/100_0599.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Still getting used to the Chevron and Floral mix: </span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gnkkYt8LiYFc2KlDw25BcOvabbgUMTcjIuw2va483lY9AjwoJWl3jHSHoomVH5AToHKUkTZAbeww-_18qfanbuiEjQbylMyp9bkVKtdAvP-FGFqmOfqbPe49rk3mOatLbkhmmaVDO4g/s1600/100_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gnkkYt8LiYFc2KlDw25BcOvabbgUMTcjIuw2va483lY9AjwoJWl3jHSHoomVH5AToHKUkTZAbeww-_18qfanbuiEjQbylMyp9bkVKtdAvP-FGFqmOfqbPe49rk3mOatLbkhmmaVDO4g/s1600/100_0608.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipesP07rClGWYIIIbIxTZr4B94twUp_mZgydg9t-7nABwO7wgtiOf0bzLJB7noRpu__VGVrzKDF5G0KIoEKugUXV4HxoSKgLXnuti-1LtqEUP2XXKyXqEGyAujrklkPug0a_viOhu46P4/s1600/100_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipesP07rClGWYIIIbIxTZr4B94twUp_mZgydg9t-7nABwO7wgtiOf0bzLJB7noRpu__VGVrzKDF5G0KIoEKugUXV4HxoSKgLXnuti-1LtqEUP2XXKyXqEGyAujrklkPug0a_viOhu46P4/s1600/100_0614.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next I wanted to make some frames of the living room. We had a large empty frame left over from our wedding and I wanted to do something cool with. So I strung some wire across the empty space and painted clothes pins to add some color. The clothes pins look black here but are actually a deep blue that matches our couch pillows. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><u><b>Hanging above our couch: </b></u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmz569ckDbtMP2X3_BnE-WtDR0sHWmPKvxSkN6w3B9BK1gMKKdNGeED-j-CfO_2uMcaxN6G_od9I5xy8CtAbXQz6NLAE2uB9ypUwtWx7ZNGgcnp2hqvUOhNiHB9tnPVPCtGFuLGIlgAwk/s1600/100_0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmz569ckDbtMP2X3_BnE-WtDR0sHWmPKvxSkN6w3B9BK1gMKKdNGeED-j-CfO_2uMcaxN6G_od9I5xy8CtAbXQz6NLAE2uB9ypUwtWx7ZNGgcnp2hqvUOhNiHB9tnPVPCtGFuLGIlgAwk/s1600/100_0568.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><b><u>That's my god-daughter Emilee Ann. She's perfect: </u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1sJwSkzmFbUNgXrA_lD19vvp0FqcLv69BhdR1qsy5z3l2cMNPd32SbCI5LNlqR4wpa5yk4ifTJPM38qSnaubwYpXi_B-LohXoD6XGjaQMKd7Al-Al_ePQVCbTx7WLjSIgPyc6lz8X2Y/s1600/100_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1sJwSkzmFbUNgXrA_lD19vvp0FqcLv69BhdR1qsy5z3l2cMNPd32SbCI5LNlqR4wpa5yk4ifTJPM38qSnaubwYpXi_B-LohXoD6XGjaQMKd7Al-Al_ePQVCbTx7WLjSIgPyc6lz8X2Y/s1600/100_0571.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm also working some frames to house pictures of our family. The Wilhelm side, The Thomson side and us The newly established Wilhelms. They are a work in progress. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI3riuY495ruRDyVClEp0TT6mxxjtDceB2Ye_ApEkfzWGVKVMuBXKaO8_lNdS1LZFv84Wp6W_j8KRzcUFOObNjufckMIXbkJ5IUigX1PsLAQN12r7x6s7Znh3ydIu_a4jfuExneIWlqY/s1600/100_0589.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI3riuY495ruRDyVClEp0TT6mxxjtDceB2Ye_ApEkfzWGVKVMuBXKaO8_lNdS1LZFv84Wp6W_j8KRzcUFOObNjufckMIXbkJ5IUigX1PsLAQN12r7x6s7Znh3ydIu_a4jfuExneIWlqY/s1600/100_0589.JPG" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIm8TW2HNzVfB3SnT6ACSiIaCNxxlvosgIrITaHONHq48xq4bh3I3SfpLay3YUX_0n_zrs7lP-qBglUy3DhojvpddRuk0tYUieHu2hJNg4eJpTHK8gGPq5BBnHjBZisJLXWFwQyRuJ5s/s1600/100_0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIm8TW2HNzVfB3SnT6ACSiIaCNxxlvosgIrITaHONHq48xq4bh3I3SfpLay3YUX_0n_zrs7lP-qBglUy3DhojvpddRuk0tYUieHu2hJNg4eJpTHK8gGPq5BBnHjBZisJLXWFwQyRuJ5s/s1600/100_0617.JPG" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, I wanted something for the empty call in our dining room. The space has been glaring at me since we moved in and I felt it was time to fix it. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><u><b>A few pretty pieces: </b></u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6ApHTUkQvP24ikwcdVDAKcK-mci9uWPlbLMEaOaBqQFLh5i7OlTDnwplNU51jwBjysMy2ADvWjKQgGXaWe2A_KMsUsaXnH83nOHRZCQMfm1aQNggO8wEbOOEOiAPjuVoGkzvvHlAdXE/s1600/100_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6ApHTUkQvP24ikwcdVDAKcK-mci9uWPlbLMEaOaBqQFLh5i7OlTDnwplNU51jwBjysMy2ADvWjKQgGXaWe2A_KMsUsaXnH83nOHRZCQMfm1aQNggO8wEbOOEOiAPjuVoGkzvvHlAdXE/s1600/100_0591.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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These were inspired by something I saw at Target. I loved the pinwheels and wanted to paint them to match the living room. However, I didn't want to spend the $20 on plastic pieces so I made them from paper instead. They are a mustard yellow, deep blue and gold. The gold is really close in color to the yellow but I love the subtle shine. I cut Trader Joes bags into strips and accordion folded them. Then glued the end to end. Then I fanned them out into a pinwheel. I glued a thumb tack on the back and painted them. ( The paint job is messy. I like that up close you can tell they are painted paper.) Finally, I tacked them to the wall in a pattern I liked. </div>
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Time consuming but worth it: </span></u></b></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhikb_K3KbrWOnk6ZQfKwzXoDx87tQlhK0lZaoSF8jZ32LmTBut8-JO2dYwibJpelxFw2Gz8B43eOKVuZhKyTbsHFtImLVceUE7gr3dJgQnop0ZtpZBJHEBv_8l-medzdTA_tcj06weo/s1600/100_0579.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVORJM2dYd8koslbUCoalc7kywLFbimVl_Bz6uS6udtM6G6D4_YvNR3RzVg2dzxfBZKfvYmgsHQZnIc24qa3gs3G2afXxzu1alEmQ68rO8JAPNoPFKeFAhGqxFDnruVsFRrQb-McHiPI/s1600/100_0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVORJM2dYd8koslbUCoalc7kywLFbimVl_Bz6uS6udtM6G6D4_YvNR3RzVg2dzxfBZKfvYmgsHQZnIc24qa3gs3G2afXxzu1alEmQ68rO8JAPNoPFKeFAhGqxFDnruVsFRrQb-McHiPI/s1600/100_0577.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vFD3Tidjhlr6dFHdHhenUyPSInKE9O1c2biJ_jHjfp-JYNDLrppZWo71o5zJA9nZcZ79jN958OAa2aPnxJIA4mxfxfdWFXnPOI6lEqtLbE6h4w4Ubjm8w32VW96f9sO-8AJzPEXWZZc/s1600/100_0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vFD3Tidjhlr6dFHdHhenUyPSInKE9O1c2biJ_jHjfp-JYNDLrppZWo71o5zJA9nZcZ79jN958OAa2aPnxJIA4mxfxfdWFXnPOI6lEqtLbE6h4w4Ubjm8w32VW96f9sO-8AJzPEXWZZc/s1600/100_0582.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><b><u>Loving the end result: </u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYkN_5z2xDnFI1ptXEMXrBrZ8ID61HaBjOGDmS1VB01HI73_u40cTqQiVtvjZHVoU8UDXwVTof10G7wvGBUVzgsSMvRYz_U2ufVkrtxz6vwZLtazFa3X9jEoBEvz7Bh6o9BTXXlWDu9Y/s1600/100_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYkN_5z2xDnFI1ptXEMXrBrZ8ID61HaBjOGDmS1VB01HI73_u40cTqQiVtvjZHVoU8UDXwVTof10G7wvGBUVzgsSMvRYz_U2ufVkrtxz6vwZLtazFa3X9jEoBEvz7Bh6o9BTXXlWDu9Y/s1600/100_0593.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the end, I'm really happy with how things turned out. I think they add a nice touch to my home. I love having a bit of color in our white apartment. I think that the management might regret telling us we can put holes in the walls. And I<i> know</i> they will be unhappy about the paint spots on the carpet. But I'm happy we can make our small space feel like home. I'm grateful for what we have and pray that we continually use it for our good and His glory. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 6:12-20</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-6-12"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28463A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-6-13" id="en-ESV-28464">“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28464C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28464D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>for the Lord, and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28464E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>the Lord for the body.</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-14" id="en-ESV-28465"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>And <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28465F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>God raised the Lord and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28465G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>will also raise us up <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28465H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>by his power.</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-15" id="en-ESV-28466"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Do you not know that <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28466I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!</span> <span class="text 1Cor-6-16" id="en-ESV-28467"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28467J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>“The two will become one flesh.”</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-17" id="en-ESV-28468"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>But he who is joined to the Lord <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28468K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>becomes one spirit with Him.</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-18" id="en-ESV-28469"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28469L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28469M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>sins against his own body.</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-19" id="en-ESV-28470"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Or <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28470N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28470O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>You are not your own,</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-20" id="en-ESV-28471"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28471P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>for you were bought with a price. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28471Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>So glorify God in your body</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all have idols in our lives. Things that we put in the place of God. We worship them. We are willing to sin in order to have them. We are, in fact, idol factories. Take away one, and more often then not, you will replace it with another. It is a lot easier to point out other people's idols than our own. I bring up this because as I read through this passage, and contemplated what I was going to to write about it, I came to a realization about an idol that plagued the Corinthian church. And no. Not Sex. Control. The Corinthians were just like me. Control Freaks. (You can read about my control issues <a href="http://abigail-ruth.blogspot.com/2011/08/shema.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) They wanted to be in complete control of their surroundings with absolutely no personal accountability. Ask any control freak and they will tell you (if they are self aware) that the harder they try to control the world around them, the less they want to be under control. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is what I'm talking about... what God continues to convict me of: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- We already know from the earlier parts of Paul's letter that the Corinthian church had issues of division and quarreling. And isn't it true that we argue and alienate because we think we know best? We want everyone to live according to our standards and our directions. Paul told the church that <i>"the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men" (1 Cor. 1:25). </i>He wants them to know that no matter what they think of others or how they think the church should be run, sovereignty belongs to God alone. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- </i>We also are being told that for all their desire to tell others what to do, the members of this church don't want <u>anyone</u> to tell them whats up! One commentator suggested the the phrase <i>"All things are lawful for me" </i>was a sort of motto for Corinthian culture. You may know this idea better as "YOLO". These are the words the Corinthian world lived by. NO ONE is my master! I do what I want! All things are lawful for me! But Paul comes back to remind the church <i>"I will not be dominated by anything" </i>and <i>"your bodies are members of Christ". </i>When we live according to our desires we give in to the lie they will satisfy. Then we make our wants our gods, and we are slaves to them rather than being our own masters. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- For me it looks like this: I know how everyone else should live their life. It would glorify the Lord and bring them closer to Him if they would read, pray and do the work that needs to get done today. But I'm so tired and lonely. I think it would make me happy to sit on the couch, binge on Netflix and Oreos and check out Pinterst for oh... about 6 hours. I'm not saying all those things are bad. But they will end one day. And in the moment I am turning to them to satisfy my need for meaning. Only God is everything I need all the time. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok wrapping it up. I see in myself and the Corinthian church a desire to have life on my terms. I know what's best. I know how things <u>should</u> go, but please. OH PLEASE! Do. Not. Try to tell me how to live my life. I will judge the world, but only God will judge me. And you know what? Even then I will give in to whatever desire wants to control me. "<i>You are not your own, for you were bought with a price." </i>The price is the blood of Christ. Shed so that my sin, my stubborn lack of self-control, could be made right before the Holy One. <i>"So glorify God in your body" </i>He paid for my life. He brought me into right relationship with Himself. He promises to be the thing that will satisfy me FOREVER! May I live my life turning from the sins that ensnare me and freely seeking His all-satisfying face... for my good and His glory. </span><br />
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Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-42735919160576968832013-01-29T12:46:00.001-08:002013-02-20T19:04:47.323-08:00Wise Counsel<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 6:1-11</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<span class="text 1Cor-6-1">When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28452A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>instead of the saints?</span> <span class="text 1Cor-6-2" id="en-ESV-28453">Or do you not know that <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28453B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-3" id="en-ESV-28454"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-4" id="en-ESV-28455"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>So if you have such cases, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28455C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church?</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-5" id="en-ESV-28456"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28456D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers,</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-6" id="en-ESV-28457"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers?</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-7" id="en-ESV-28458"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28458E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-8" id="en-ESV-28459"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28459F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>your own brothers!</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-9" id="en-ESV-28460"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28460G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-10" id="en-ESV-28461"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.</span><span class="text 1Cor-6-11" id="en-ESV-28462"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>And <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28462H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>such were some of you. But <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28462I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>you were washed, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28462J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>you were sanctified, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28462K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-6-11" id="en-ESV-28462">I read this passage for weeks, thinking and thinking about what I wanted to say on it, and I came back to one work: WISDOM. As saints, we are blessed with salvation throughout the person and work and Jesus Christ. What's more (yes! incredibly there is more) God also grants us the gift of the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians the Spirit is called a deposit. An evidence of the promise from God to keep and purify us until we are with Him in glory. The Spirit is our helper, our guide, our friend, ever present in times of need. And, the Spirit produces fruit in our lives. We can live a life that honors the Lord because He has given us the ability to do so. WISDOM is one of the characteristics of the Spirit within us. Paul tells the church that they will judge the world and angels and are able to judge each other. The WISDOM to do so does not come from their natural understanding (Paul told them already that none of them are inherently wise) but from the presence of the Spirit within them. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was considering how the passage applies to my life. I have no need to sue anyone. I don't desire to take any of my friends court. I don't need retribution for wrongs or the need for someone to deliver to me what they owe me. But often I find myself in need of guidance. There are so many times that I could use WISDOM on practical matters. Things like how should I respond to my friend? or Jake and I can't decide how to handle this matter in our marriage... or maybe someday it will be how do I discipline my child in this area? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First and foremost the scriptures makes it clear that we should take these questions to the Lord. Ephesians 6: 18 tells us to "<i>pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests". </i> We <i>do</i> have the Holy Spirit within us and have the ability to hear from Him on these matters. BUT I believe it is also important to seek the counsel of others. "<i>The way of the fool seems right but a wise man listens to advice" Proverbs 12:15. </i>The question that this passage in 1 Corinthians addresses so clearly is one of where to seek counsel from. As a proud and stubborn woman, I am guilty of going to the first person who I think will agree with me. Believer or not, I just want someone to take my side. But Paul asks here "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers?" </i> There is a body of believers who are also full of the Spirit of God. Could it be that one of them has been granted by the Spirit wisdom I need in any given area of my life? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My prayer for myself is that I would turn first to the Lord, and then to His people. That would trust the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of others. They may be able to see clearly where I can not. And may these actions bring about in the body of Christ a unity through His Spirit that will work in this world for our good and His glory. </span></div>
Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-139010517934272662012-12-27T09:30:00.000-08:002012-12-27T15:18:54.738-08:00My Big Sister<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my big sister. And today is her birthday. And let me tell you, you all wish you had a big sister like her. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have plenty of stories about Anna. Stories about her hate of spiders, stories about her impeccable fashion sense, stories about driving with her, stories about the epic battles we fought both against and alongside each other. There is the time <i>she</i> got in trouble because<i> I</i> decided to run away. The time she left me in that dark hallway all by myself so that the ghosts would get me while she was safe in the bathroom. I love the one about how she took me down to San Diego when I started college. And I will never forget that she called me up and surprised me the day after I got engaged. She drove 4+ hours just for the chance to celebrate a new a chapter in my life for an evening. We are have not always been the best of friends, but I can tell you, I have learned so much from being Anna Thomson's little sister. (I use the name Thomson because for the majority of our sisterhood we were Thomsons. She is now Quinn and I, Wilhelm. But we are united in the family Thomson) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In tribute to one of the greatest teachers God has given me, I will pass on some of the knowledge that life with Anna imparted.... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Things I learned from Anna: </i></span></div>
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1)</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Going Second is Always Simpler.</span></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you get the chance to see someone else do it first. you follow in their footsteps or take an easier path. i would not have lead the life i did had i been the first born. anna, i am forever in your debt.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you may not always understand why someone is the way they are. but love them. see the good. give grace to the bad. anna has always accepted me the way i am. even when it makes things harder for her. i have never wondered if she loved me. i know she adores me. the love of someone near to you can give you so much confidence in life. just adore them and watch how they will soar. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>3) "Let Your Level of Intimacy Match Your Level of Commitment</u>"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i remember the moment i heard anna say this. laying in bed as we talked about boys. but i carry it with me still. don't give more of your heart than you have committed to that person. or they have committed to you. relationships take time to gain depth. allow that time. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>4) You've Kinda Gotta Roll with the Crazy</u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">life does some insane things. goes places you didn't know it would. it can be beautiful. it can also be hard. very hard. sometimes you go crazy along with it. i have watched my big sister go through some amazing things. she has so much grace for others. i love when she has grace for herself. she lets go and rolls with the punches. crazy looks good on her. and i'm proud of the woman she is. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>5) We're Quite Entertaining</u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if nothing else, i love to laugh with my sisters. i mostly just watch them be entertaining. this kind of goes with the crazy thing. they are nuts. but they are so much fun to be around. i am glad i never experienced one day of my life without my sister anna. she make it so fun! the A-Team would have been lost with out the ring-leader of our circus.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Anna, </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Happy Birthday! I love you so much! Thanks for being my sister. For being one step ahead. Showing me the way. For all you've taught me. For loving me. For laughing with me (and at me). You're pretty much the coolest person I know. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Love, </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Abigail </i> </span><br />
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Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-20759188746308072032012-12-13T10:35:00.002-08:002012-12-13T10:35:45.140-08:00A Hard Conversation<br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-5-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 5:1-12</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-5-1">"It is actually reported that there is <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28439A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28439B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>for a man has his father's wife. </span><span class="text 1Cor-5-2" id="en-ESV-28440">And <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28440C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>you are arrogant! Ought you <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28440D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.</span><span class="text 1Cor-5-3" id="en-ESV-28441"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For though <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28441E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing.</span><span class="text 1Cor-5-4" id="en-ESV-28442"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>When you are assembled <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28442F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus,</span><span class="text 1Cor-5-5" id="en-ESV-28443"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>you are <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28443G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28443H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>that his spirit may be saved <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28443I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>in the day of the Lord.</span><span class="text 1Cor-5-6" id="en-ESV-28444"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28444J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28444K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>a little leaven leavens the whole lump?</span><span class="text 1Cor-5-7" id="en-ESV-28445"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.</span><span class="text 1Cor-5-8" id="en-ESV-28446"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Let us therefore celebrate the festival, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28446L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>not with the old leaven, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28446M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. </span><span class="text 1Cor-5-9" id="en-ESV-28447">I wrote to you in my letter <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28447N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>not to associate with sexually immoral people—</span><span class="text 1Cor-5-10" id="en-ESV-28448"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28448O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>not at all meaning <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28448P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28448Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>since then you would need to go out of the world.</span><span class="text 1Cor-5-11" id="en-ESV-28449"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28449R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.</span><span class="text 1Cor-5-12" id="en-ESV-28450"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For what have I to do with judging <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28450S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>outsiders? <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28450T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-5-12" id="en-ESV-28450">Have you ever had a hard conversation coming with a person and you put it off and put it off and avoided them because you just had no idea what you were going to say? That as been me with this post. I'm sitting down to a conversation with my readers about church discipline. A conversation I have stayed away from because this passage really kicked me in the pants. Even now, as I begin to write, I'm not really sure where this is going to go. But it is getting in the way of moving on. So here we go:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think that it is very hard to ignore the practical application of this passage in corporate worship. What I mean it that, though some churches do not touch this with a thirty-foot-pole, when you read this there is not doubt that a person who is unrepentant of their sin should no longer be allowed to worship as part of the family. Some churches, like the Corinthians, do not like this idea. They would rather love everyone. They would rather be accepting and not judge. They don't want to seem closed minded so they they close their eyes instead. But, I was reminded in a sermon by John Piper that, Christ is not divided. Titus 2:13-14 tell us that "[Jesus]</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Titus-2-14" id="en-ESV-29906"><i> gave himself for us to <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29906AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup>redeem us from all lawlessness and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29906AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup>to </i><b style="font-style: italic;">purify for himself <sup class="crossreference" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29906AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup>a people for his own possession</b><i> who are <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29906AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup>zealous for good works." </i> You can not separate the pardoning of Christ from the His purifying. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now for the hard part. Let's apply our personal life today. In a world of cell phones and social media. Where you don't have to see a person daily to call them friend. You don't have to attend church with them to be aware that they claim to know Christ. You don't have to take communion with them to be their brother. How does this play out? Do we personally cut off association with them, loving them enough to say may God open your eyes? Or do we love them from afar, preaching the gospel when possible as often as possible, hoping the Spirit moves? I don't know. I don't have an answer. I sit here and my heart is like a pendulum. Back and forth. Back and forth. I'm a part of the global church, but how do you carry this out without a local body? I will continue to be in prayer on this one. Maybe I'll have an encouraging update to it soon.... May the Lord reveal His will on this one. For our good and His glory. </span></div>
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Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-55001383736158444552012-11-29T07:52:00.001-08:002013-11-19T07:24:10.382-08:00I love you CaliforniaI want to make it perfectly clear that I am overjoyed with my Arizona life. God has blessed me here with a good husband, a godly church, and a wonderful family. I find myself throughout my day looking around and wondering how I got so lucky. And I am so grateful for the way the Lord has made our simple life here in Tucson such a joy to lead.<br />
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All that to say, today my heart is aching for California. I am happy to jump head long into this life here in AZ provided that I am allowed to leave that not-so-little CA shaped piece of my heart on the coast. A few weeks ago, my big sister, Anna, and her husband came to stay at the Wilhelm home. It was such a pleasure having them here. I love my big sister. She is my hero and always has been. I look up to her because (as I have told many people on multiple occasions) she is basically the coolest person I know. Anna married David. He graduated from USC. Jake loves the U of A. So of course they came out to visit on the weekend USC and U of A football faced off. We went. Arizona won. It was a blast!<br />
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Here, you can see what should have been a harsh rivalry between my sister and I. All morning I stayed true to my husband. I bought the Arizona shirt. I wore it proudly. And for the first quarter of the game I rooted whole heartedly for the home team. Then, USC began to fall behind. The team my family cheered for my whole life was in trouble. And as the U of A running back began to gain some ground, 2 yards... then 5 yards... now 10... heading for 15, I felt my fists clench, my breath caught in my chest and out of my mouth, whispers betrayed me. "Get him... Take him down!". These words came out under my breath, too quiet to be noticed. But Jake doesn't miss a thing. He looked at me as if I were uttering heresies. And, it was at that moment, that we both knew my blood was not blue, but cardinal and gold. GO USC! The rest of the game I tried to straddle the line and cheer both teams on, but I was defeated when Arizona won. My heart belongs to Southern California, it's in my blood. </div>
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I tell this story because today as I sit in my home and I look at pictures and posts of my friends and family getting ready to celebrate Christmas in Cali, I am tearing up. It's not that I want to go back. Or that I wish I was not in AZ. It is simply that I miss you all. I don't think I can ever stop being a California girl. And to my family in Santa Clarita (and Simi) and my friends in San Diego, to the beach, to the sun that shines different over CA, to the food, to the fast pace, and even to the freeways, today I have you on my mind. So, simply put, in truth, I love you California. </div>
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<br />Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-34498451629317595552012-11-27T09:51:00.001-08:002012-11-27T09:51:25.449-08:00The Power of the Cross<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 4:14-21</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became you father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in even church. Some are arrogant, as thought I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a long time since I've written. I've had family visiting for the past two weeks. And on top of that the Lord has been doing some work in my heart. (you can read more about that in the update of <a href="http://abigail-ruth.blogspot.com/2012/09/conquering-revisited.html" target="_blank">Conquering: Revisited</a>) So, in light of the absence, I want to give a quick recap of where the Lord has brought me so far in 1 Corinthians. The majority of these first four chapters have been about opening the eyes of the Corinthians to the divisions they were creating in their church body. These divisions had been caused, mainly, by the peoples' pride. They wanted to make themselves something special by associating with "the best" teacher. So Paul, Apollos, Cephas, even the name of Christ became banners that they tried to raise higher than all the rest. Paul as been reminding them of the need for unity in Christ. He has also been showing them again and again how it is their insignificance that unites them. Not one of us is special. We are all wretched and in need of the same Savior, Christ, so no one can boast. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, we pick up in Chapter 4 Verses 14-21. Paul, is about to get really practical with the church but first he wants them to know what the last four chapters have been for. His goal i s not to shame the church but rather he calls them "<i>beloved children." </i>Paul wants them to know that he writes out of love. And we also know that he writes in love because he continues to point them to the place of change. The Cross. Paul only has the authority to speak to the Corinthians "<i>in Christ Jesus through the gospel". </i>That is the place all our power comes from. Paul says when he comes back to the church he will find out what the arrogant really have to say. In other words, do they just talk or do they have the power to back up their pride. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love to read Oswald Chambers "<i>My Utmost for His Highest". </i>Today's devotion reminded me of this verse. He said:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "We have to concentrate on the great point of spiritual energy- the Cross, to keep in contact with that center where all the power lies, and the energy will be let loose." </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even in the Christian world, we are so likely to be full of arrogant or empty talk. We talk about living good lives, lives that are happy, lives are holy, lives that are free. But if we are not talking about the Cross we have no power to live by. No hope to see change. No joy or blessings. Because it's just talk. "<i>For the Kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power." </i>May we know the power of the Cross daily, and may it change our lives. For our good and His glory. </span>Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-62472070794290797022012-11-09T10:02:00.000-08:002012-11-09T10:02:46.300-08:00What makes you so special? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 4:6-13</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<span class="text 1Cor-4-6" id="en-ESV-28423">I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28423A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>be puffed up in favor of one against another. </span><span class="text 1Cor-4-7" id="en-ESV-28424"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For who sees anything different in you? <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28424B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? </span><span class="text 1Cor-4-8" id="en-ESV-28425">Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you!</span><span class="text 1Cor-4-9" id="en-ESV-28426"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28426C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>like men sentenced to death, because we <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28426D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.</span><span class="text 1Cor-4-10" id="en-ESV-28427"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28427E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>We are fools for Christ's sake, but <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28427F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>you are wise in Christ. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28427G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.</span><span class="text 1Cor-4-11" id="en-ESV-28428"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>To the present hour <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28428H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28428I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>buffeted and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28428J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>homeless,</span> <span class="text 1Cor-4-12" id="en-ESV-28429">and we <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28429K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>labor, working with our own hands. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28429L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>When reviled, we bless; <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28429M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>when persecuted, we endure;</span><span class="text 1Cor-4-13" id="en-ESV-28430"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>when slandered, we entreat. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28430N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28430O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>the refuse of all things."</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's talk about something we ALL deal with. Pride. At first read, you may not understand that pride is what Paul is getting at. I mean, as I first read it, I was really confused. Where was the switch? When did Paul begin to envy the Corinthians? Wasn't he calling them babies a few chapters ago? And now they are wise? Nope! Don't worry. Paul isn't changing his mind. He is just being sarcastic. Or, as Bible commentators call it... ironic. The truth is, Paul is putting the Corinthians on major blast. He is calling them out for walking around like they are the coolest thing ever. Like they have it all together. Like they are kings. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul uses himself and Apollos as examples. Saying that if the Corinthian church really looked at the Word of God and followed the example of the leaders they themselves were elevating, they would not put on such airs. Paul asks them "<i>who sees anything different in you?" T</i>his isn't a challenge to be set apart from the world, it's the Greek way of saying "what makes <b>you </b>so special?!" In the next passage we are reminded of the love God has for us. But for now, what I really want us to get is that nothing we have is by our own merit. "<i>What do you have that you did not receive?" </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, in my study this week, I listened to a message by Alistair Begg. He admonished his listeners to see themselves in light of who God is. God is everything. We are nothing. The more we love who He is, the more we know how little we have. The more we recognize that without His grace we fall so flat. We don't even fall, because we never made it off the ground to fall back to. "W<i>e have become, and are still, the scum of the world". </i>No one likes being called scum. But take a moment to contemplate the <b>perfect holiness</b>, the<b> vast power</b>, the <b>complete justice</b>, the <b>immovable faithfulness</b>, the <b>unconditional love</b>, and the<b> infinite being</b> of <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God</span></b>. Now... tell me... what makes you so special? We are nothing. All we have have been given by grace. Next week I'm so excited to talk about where we get grace. At the cross by the love and power of God. That we would live to praise Him because He is worthy! But today, I am striving to let go of my love of self, for my good and His glory. </span><br />
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<u><br /></u>Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-36088103196137675222012-11-02T11:13:00.001-07:002012-11-02T11:13:37.708-07:00Judging the Faithful<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 4:1-5</span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in the darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hopefully, if you are believer, you are in regular attendance at a church. How did you choose your church? Have you gone there since you were little? Did you check over the doctrinal statement before you came back? Maybe you like the music, or the kids programs, or the stain glass behind the pulpit. Or is it the potluck after each service? Or the coffee in the lobby before? Maybe you like multiple of these things. But I would bet that you could love all of this, but if you did not approve the pastor, you would be gone. Sometimes we're put off by how he speaks, his style, his language, or the length of his messages. Sometimes it's the things he says. I wouldn't have emphasized that verse. I would have said more not that topic. I wish he hadn't used that term to describe that sin. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've talked before about being in college and judging the speakers who came to chapel. There were those who were misinformed (to put it nicely) concerning some major biblical truths. But for the most part, I was just judgmental. I thought I had the right to judge whether or not that speaker (usually a local pastor) should be at the pulpit. Maybe I should have studied this passage before I opened my mouth. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul makes it clear here that the leaders of the church are accountable for their actions. He calls them "<i>stewards" </i>and calls them to be "<i>faithful". </i>He says that they are "<i>of Christ" </i>which more accurately is "<i>belonging to Christ</i>". They have been called to a task by God to handle wisely the "<i>mysteries of God". </i> Not just the gospel but other things that are hidden to the wisdom of man (for example: the mystery of marriage). These men are servants sent to serve the Church. But I love what Alistair Begg said, these men are servants but the church is not their master. Christ is. and Paul reminds us, "<i>It is the Lord who judges me". </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This does not mean that there shouldn't be checks on the pastors of a church. Sin and false doctrine threaten the life of a church and they need to be addressed. But Paul was writing to a church who were divided over teachers. They picked their favorites and raised them up while judging and putting down others. This kind of habitual judging breaks apart the unity God intended for His body. Let's strive to uplift those that Lord has given to us to impart His wisdom. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last verse of this passage reads "<i>each one will receive his commendation from God." </i>Other translations read "<i>his praise from God</i>." When we think of the judgment seat, many of us picture people (and pastors) we take issue with standing before God and the Lord making everyone aware of all the flaws we've noticed in them for so long. But this verse left me wondering, "what praise will God give to the people I've judged so harshly? before the entirety of creation won't He commend them for being a faithful servant?" Those who love the Lord and seek to shepherd His people will not be perfect, but praise God that they strive to faithfully steward His word our good and His glory. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some things I loved while studying this week: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://missionalthoughts.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/before-you-criticize-your-pastor/" target="_blank">Before You Criticize Your Pastor</a> - Post by Josh Reich from Revolution Tucson</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/resources/category/sermons/a/scripture/1+corinthians/P300/#chapter-4" target="_blank">The Call of Ministry </a>- Sermon by Alistair Begg from Truth for Life</span></div>
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Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-30597026154186518842012-11-01T14:42:00.000-07:002012-11-01T14:42:01.481-07:00A Few of My Favorite Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I have had so much fun making a home for Jake and I...</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV3byevN1AYvtZYUjTSnCoYrZE3JDRwhrLfk6voairfeyBWrKxgW8z0AUFXU-GYYIXqOYFB2J0dIA2lNajXcaSEX_d_lsTz51cfiLKWK3FmC3s2V3dFBu28pME8g5KQOmhHUZsvSt1Lg/s1600/100_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV3byevN1AYvtZYUjTSnCoYrZE3JDRwhrLfk6voairfeyBWrKxgW8z0AUFXU-GYYIXqOYFB2J0dIA2lNajXcaSEX_d_lsTz51cfiLKWK3FmC3s2V3dFBu28pME8g5KQOmhHUZsvSt1Lg/s320/100_0436.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to the Wilhelm house. It's a small apartment but we love it!</span></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfo_0CE463MKzHZ0W0phawsk5FYoifthP2sNn5JZIJxCsJFcQXAvt_mxyvyIR4MvxQcOqeG3FaOaqcs6nf8NM9PHx0on6PkEIbUyhyphenhyphenuDy83toeLNa6ixu_Iz-ODNO3s2atucdybOL9TM/s1600/100_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfo_0CE463MKzHZ0W0phawsk5FYoifthP2sNn5JZIJxCsJFcQXAvt_mxyvyIR4MvxQcOqeG3FaOaqcs6nf8NM9PHx0on6PkEIbUyhyphenhyphenuDy83toeLNa6ixu_Iz-ODNO3s2atucdybOL9TM/s320/100_0470.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I love being in my kitchen. The little bits of color make me happy<br /> to be making yummy things. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSYj_Chr7wMeCsoCwGvWSRG0IsaZY21yJ7lGUcEYCOT2Akhyue2RT-ktybbk157IfSKeao8ITh342vWvc8hxwDKeYnKKOUgGtv8EBXsThhRWGXg3TzvDYFFkD4XCQerx9IEQ9rQw-CLw/s1600/100_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSYj_Chr7wMeCsoCwGvWSRG0IsaZY21yJ7lGUcEYCOT2Akhyue2RT-ktybbk157IfSKeao8ITh342vWvc8hxwDKeYnKKOUgGtv8EBXsThhRWGXg3TzvDYFFkD4XCQerx9IEQ9rQw-CLw/s320/100_0446.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Having fresh flowers on our table is a must. It makes the room feel like home.</span><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUptj7gnAarchlfumeuzjgLtvUN3XR8Np20nQvNuwX9eD__kIa3Dk9gS6ZiQdMIzEzqYN8NEkdO3ioBwQlu5DuJ-XiEfyWv37wium3XyO7j52OrqrZNuAQ_p2UxG65T4V85Gh84HZspf4/s1600/100_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUptj7gnAarchlfumeuzjgLtvUN3XR8Np20nQvNuwX9eD__kIa3Dk9gS6ZiQdMIzEzqYN8NEkdO3ioBwQlu5DuJ-XiEfyWv37wium3XyO7j52OrqrZNuAQ_p2UxG65T4V85Gh84HZspf4/s320/100_0454.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We have an orange couch. So, I decided to just go with a fun mix<br />of colors and styles in our living room. </span><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPZ8YNLjrdrC5oAXhqK_-mrttA9DH3HhywYy1J5EHQeEJ90SqGP-Ih2ALE_dzqYssbrPIkOXVp08jezNm8Iri-kfNzQdTXZJEZ7KI8-b9j2gLD6y3lALhYgpauG83Ip4lLXWPVq6dNC4/s1600/100_0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPZ8YNLjrdrC5oAXhqK_-mrttA9DH3HhywYy1J5EHQeEJ90SqGP-Ih2ALE_dzqYssbrPIkOXVp08jezNm8Iri-kfNzQdTXZJEZ7KI8-b9j2gLD6y3lALhYgpauG83Ip4lLXWPVq6dNC4/s320/100_0431.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jake needs a study. I wanted to add a touch of masculinity to the spare room.</span><br /> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH0UF2YVb3foH9LgSDXnaEDBv8OnWRnJeaXHyxA3M18Wa-_ON0C8ETXaJHeg2z8i_WxxUgkYLEsRlBNm0tbazsU3YJUwDt5JMD9H6cKFI0yZZ8niQ97IeU9PgonwjSKfr4pnWG4M_oVs/s1600/100_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH0UF2YVb3foH9LgSDXnaEDBv8OnWRnJeaXHyxA3M18Wa-_ON0C8ETXaJHeg2z8i_WxxUgkYLEsRlBNm0tbazsU3YJUwDt5JMD9H6cKFI0yZZ8niQ97IeU9PgonwjSKfr4pnWG4M_oVs/s320/100_0433.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Our study is also the guest room. I took a plain wood headboard and<br />re-worked it to fit into a more old-world style.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78GxYQFhvhvlrOgFX-vOaFsoVHskrSTfc_mIzERYYA_ij6C7mK7i4oKghkKCwtcHHsYNsNLTjyriKlPFbB3eecBT36LznJMuUKC7x7qdBvXLj-z6wLX_BWYhxFQt202B-RlDeWcviEhE/s1600/100_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78GxYQFhvhvlrOgFX-vOaFsoVHskrSTfc_mIzERYYA_ij6C7mK7i4oKghkKCwtcHHsYNsNLTjyriKlPFbB3eecBT36LznJMuUKC7x7qdBvXLj-z6wLX_BWYhxFQt202B-RlDeWcviEhE/s320/100_0456.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This room might be my favorite haha. But really I feel so pretty here<br />and the colors are so soft. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVC89aQStLZg6dxf6vUMpFyju4KEVERngLpnweEbyYw4fQNRhjHsBvqFdbSPI4I2HvixgM2tpYiUc4b6beqAxV_yurhEEX34V7x6UARaKez-IL_DbP0VIGOaH_NucNowm5Mrg5WLaoMQ/s1600/100_0462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVC89aQStLZg6dxf6vUMpFyju4KEVERngLpnweEbyYw4fQNRhjHsBvqFdbSPI4I2HvixgM2tpYiUc4b6beqAxV_yurhEEX34V7x6UARaKez-IL_DbP0VIGOaH_NucNowm5Mrg5WLaoMQ/s320/100_0462.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Our room is work in progress. But I'm so happy with the end tables<br />and that lamp is chalk so I can write notes and verses for Jake to wake up to.<br /><br />**Thanks for checking out our home. Stay tuned tomorrow I'll be posting on what the Lord is teaching me in 1 Corinthians this week.** </span></td></tr>
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Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-58299726324662533942012-10-30T15:28:00.000-07:002012-10-30T15:30:23.341-07:00Building Blocks<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 3:10-23</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-3-10" id="en-ESV-28404">"According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28404B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>foundation, and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28404C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.</span><span class="text 1Cor-3-11" id="en-ESV-28405"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For no one can lay a <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28405D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>foundation other <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28405E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>than that which is laid, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28405F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>which is Jesus Christ.</span><span class="text 1Cor-3-12" id="en-ESV-28406"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—</span><span class="text 1Cor-3-13" id="en-ESV-28407"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28407G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28407H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>by fire, and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28407I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.</span><span class="text 1Cor-3-14" id="en-ESV-28408"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28408J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>he will receive a reward.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-3-15" id="en-ESV-28409">If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28409K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>but only as through fire. </span><span class="text 1Cor-3-16" id="en-ESV-28410">Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?</span> <span class="text 1Cor-3-17" id="en-ESV-28411">If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28411M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. </span><span class="text 1Cor-3-18" id="en-ESV-28412">Let no one deceive himself. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28412O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.</span><span class="text 1Cor-3-19" id="en-ESV-28413"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28413P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28413Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>“He catches the wise in their craftiness,”</span><span class="text 1Cor-3-20" id="en-ESV-28414"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>and again, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28414R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” </span><span class="text 1Cor-3-21" id="en-ESV-28415"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>So <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28415S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>let no one boast in men. For <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28415T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>all things are yours, </span><span class="text 1Cor-3-22" id="en-ESV-28416">whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours,</span><span class="text 1Cor-3-23" id="en-ESV-28417"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28417U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>you are </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christ's, and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28417V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup>Christ is God's."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last summer a few friends and I lead a program for refugee children in El Cajon. Each morning we would come early to set up and go over the schedule for the day. Then we would pull out some games and wait for the kids to check in. Wes began a morning ritual early in the summer. He would gather all Jenga pieces and build towers. It was his goal to build the tallest tower he could. Of course there were obstacles. An uneven building surface, 5-6 eight-year olds wanting to "help", other kids playing tag in the room knocking against tables, etc. Creating a stable structure out of a bunch of blocks was not easy which made Wes even more proud when he created something that was worthy of having it's picture taken for future bragging rights. This week I read about the image of a temple being built. I'll admit I do not see myself as some who builds much of anything. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, truth is, we are all builders. As members of the church we build upon the firm foundation of Christ. It is our job to build up the body into maturity. But not everyone will build a good structure. That is why Paul warns us, "<i>let each one take care how he builds</i>." It may be easy to disregard this caution, thinking that it does not apply to you. But I loved something that Josh Reich said on Sunday at <a href="http://www.tucsonrevolution.com/" target="_blank">Revolution</a>. He talked about how leadership is defined by influence. We all have a sphere that we influence, that we lead in some way, that we build up. Who are you leading? How are you doing that? This passage tells us that "<i>each one's work will become manifest... it will be revealed by fire." </i>How we build will be judged because each of us has the power to grow the church stronger in unity or to destroy it with quarreling and discord. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, and please don't miss this, I do not think that the judgment of our work is reason enough to build well upon the foundation. We should not work for unity in order to receive a prize. Paul ends this passage with a command. "<i>Let no one boast in men." </i>Do not elevate yourself or others due to pride or a need of control. Because, "<i>all things are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's</i>." This is a blessing. We have been given all things in Christ. We no longer need to strive for recognition or power on earth because we have all things. And still we are all unified in that we are all in Christ. He is the head of the Church and we submit all we have (which is everything) to Him. And we can trust Him because He submits to God the Father. Even unto death, He has proven that He will do the will of the Father to build the Kingdom of God. And so can we, not for a prize or even our own good. But for His glory.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*My sister <a href="http://annakathleenquinn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anna</a> and <a href="http://www.davidmquinn.com/" target="_blank">David</a>, her husband, came to visit this weekend (i'll post about that later) so this is the post that should have been up on 10/26</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">** If you want to go more in depth into this passage I encourage you to listen to John Piper's Sermons on it <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/let-christ-be-all-in-this-building" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/how-much-do-you-own" target="_blank">here</a>. </span> </span></div>
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Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-74458327033070413692012-10-19T08:17:00.000-07:002012-10-19T08:17:57.655-07:00Of Babies and Bean Sprouts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 3:1-9</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready,<span class="verse-num" id="v46003003-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: top;"> </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4308246840482442382" rel="v46003003" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></a>for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?<span class="verse-num" id="v46003004-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: top;"> </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4308246840482442382" rel="v46003004" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></a>For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.<span class="verse-num" id="v46003007-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: top;"> </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4308246840482442382" rel="v46003007" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></a>So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b> </b>He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">When first reading this passage I saw two very different images. The first of a baby needing to be swaddled and fed and taken care of. It is not yet ready for big people food, it still has a lot to learn. The second of a field with workers in it. They are all working for the harvest. Each has an appointed task but the credit for the harvest goes to God. Two very different pictures. But I think there is a link between them. And I believe it is something we need to grasp in order to mature in the Lord. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Neither babies or sprouts stay small for long. They grow and change and develop. They become something that in the end bears only a slight resemblance to the first stages of their life. None of us would argue that the sprout grows itself. It does not plant itself. It does not water itself. It can not produce its own sunlight and it has very little say in the speed it grows or what it grows up to be. We know that God makes plants grow by His grace. In the image of the field we identify more with Paul and Apollos (the workers) than we do with the plants but the reality we (as the Chruch) are the field here. And we are the baby too. And just like the sprout the baby does not grow itself. And that is where the link fits. <i>"God gave the growth"</i>. How often are we ok with the idea that is God that brings us to salvation, but after that, after we are born again we are on our own? It's just not true. We strive so hard to stretch ourselves straining for that inch of growth. But when I look back at my own life, the times I grew the most where when I was resting. When i was simply basking in the light of my God. My God who give growth. He is the one that matures us. It is His goodness that molds us and makes us into spiritual people. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I'm amazed that again my reading has brought me back to the idea that God does these amazing things for me. Salvation. Redemption. Sanctification. Glorification. And it has NOTHING to do with me. Maybe the Lord is trying to drive something home (you think?). I'm excited to keep reading see how He continues to remind me of His unique goodness. I pray that He will use this study to bring growth in my life for my good and His glory. </span></span></div>
Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-15117924562930468602012-10-12T11:52:00.000-07:002012-10-12T11:54:10.083-07:00Mind Blown!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 2:6-16</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">"Yet among t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">he mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">who are doomed to pass away.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="verse-num" id="v46002007-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4308246840482442382" rel="v46002007" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">which God decreed before the ages for our glory.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="verse-num" id="v46002008-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4308246840482442382" rel="v46002008" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">None of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">the rulers of this age understood this, for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">if they had, they would not have crucified </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">the Lord of glory.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="verse-num" id="v46002009-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4308246840482442382" rel="v46002009" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">But, as it is written,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">nor the heart of man imagined, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">what God has prepared for those who love him” </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="verse-num" id="v46002010-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: top;"> </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4308246840482442382" rel="v46002010" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></a>these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.<span class="verse-num" id="v46002011-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: top;"> </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4308246840482442382" rel="v46002011" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></a>For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.<span class="verse-num" id="v46002013-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: top;"> </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4308246840482442382" rel="v46002013" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></a>And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.<span class="verse-num" id="v46002015-1" style="font-weight: bold; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial;"><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4308246840482442382" rel="v46002015" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></a></span>The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ."</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">For almost a month now, I have been studying about the incredible way that God works out salvation in the hearts and minds of man. It's absolutely fantastic the way that He has chooses the foolish and base things to make much of Himself and nothing of the world. The cross, the called and the preachers look ridiculous when seen through the eyes of men. Then, in an amazing twist, when we are saved, the <i>"secret and hidden wisdom of God" </i>is made known to us. One of the things I am most in awe of, is the working of the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of our hearts and teach us the mind of God. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Paul begins this passage by explaining that once a person is saved they begin to be taught wisdom <i>"which God decreed before the ages"</i>. This means that we can now look at scripture and understand the amazing plan God has to redeem the world to Himself. No longer does the Bible seem like a hodgepodge of myths and good teachings. Instead, we can see that God has been working since before the world was made to set into motion a plan for our salvation. That is amazing! He blesses us with a love to magnificent that it literally moves heaven and earth to plot out a path to pursue us. DANG! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">But it get's better. Paul continues, "<i>For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. </i><i style="font-weight: bold;">Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God</i>" Please think about that for a minute. It's fairly easy for me to accept that God knows all my thoughts. It's a bit harder to comprehend how, knowing those evil thoughts of mine, He still loves and accepts me. But, I struggle even more with the thought that He also wants me to understand Him. So much so, that He gives me the Spirit of Himself who comprehends the thoughts of God. And why does He gives us that Spirit? "<i>that we might understand the things freely given us by God." </i> MIND BLOWN! Let that blow your mind for minute. Then consider this: </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">We worry when talking to people about the gospel that they will not accept us. We worry about their judgment of us and of our God. Verse 15 tells us, <i>"the spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one" </i>This is not because suddenly we are better than the world but because, "<i>we have the mind of Christ" </i>If the Spirit within us testifies of the incredible, beautiful, awesome truth of the cross, why worry about what the natural world thinks? We can share boldly about the gospel knowing it is the Spirit who enlightens men. We can step out and proclaim the beauty of Jesus and allow Him to move in the hearts of the hearers. And we can rest in the love of the God who has called us to spread His story for our good and His glory. </span></span></div>
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Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-11806425484729786562012-10-05T11:02:00.000-07:002012-10-05T11:02:29.388-07:00My Weakness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 2:1-5 </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"And I, when I came to you brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message where not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Confession time. This week I have very little desire to post. I slacked on my study in the last few days. I have been really very busy and am tired and would like to sleep. It is finally Friday and I feel it. Usually, when it comes time to post, I have spent at least a few hours preparing: reading, outlining, praying, talking things over with Jake. Usually, I am pretty excited to share (or maybe show off) what the Lord has been teaching me. I feel like I will be well spoken and my words will convict and I will be a blessing to those who read me. It's just like the Lord to bring me to a place where I feel completely inadequate the week I learn about the insignificance of man next to the power of God. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This passage is a continuation from the last chapter. Paul explained how the foolishness of the gospel message makes much of God's wisdom and about how the insignificance of the people God chooses makes into nothing the lofty of the world. Here, Paul remarks on the fact that it is his own weakness that reveals the power of God. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pride is such a simple sin. One minute a preacher can be stoked on how beautiful Jesus is. The next he is trying to think about how best to present that beauty to others. And the next, he is relying on his own eloquence to reveal that beauty to the hearts of man. Men of God through history have had good intentions (saving lost souls) but rely on so many things other than the Spirit to touch the world. Whether it's through fear, logic or even promises of an easy life, we so easily place the burden of salvation on our own shoulders. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul goes in the opposite direction. "<i>I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified". </i> The gospel is wonderful on it's own. It does not need special words to make it powerful. Paul even says that he spoke in words that seemed unwise and impossible so that if people heard and responded it would be "<i>in demonstration of the Spirit and of power". </i>Again this is all for one reason. That in doing so Paul would not be seen at all. That in talking in this way, in laying down his own pride, people would come to see God as He really is. Powerful! The Corinthians found it easy to follow men because of outward style. But we are called for follow God and rest in His power. The only power that calls us, saves us, and seals us for our good and His glory. </span>Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-52334896599375946722012-09-28T11:41:00.000-07:002012-09-28T11:41:54.221-07:00The Foolishness of God<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 1:17-31</span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-1-17" id="en-ESV-28364">"For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28364A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-18">For the word of the cross is <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28365B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>folly to <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28365C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>those who are perishing, but to us <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28365D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>who are being saved it is <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28365E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>the power of God.</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-19" id="en-ESV-28366"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For it is written, </span></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span class="text 1Cor-1-19">'</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will destroy the wisdom of the wise</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-1-19" style="position: relative;">and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.'</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><span class="text 1Cor-1-20" id="en-ESV-28367">Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28367H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-21" id="en-ESV-28368"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-22" id="en-ESV-28369"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28369I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-23" id="en-ESV-28370"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>but we preach Christ <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28370J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-24" id="en-ESV-28371"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28371K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>the power of God and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28371L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>the wisdom of God.</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-25" id="en-ESV-28372"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text 1Cor-1-26" id="en-ESV-28373">For consider your calling, brothers: <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28373M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-27" id="en-ESV-28374"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>But <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28374N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28374O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-28" id="en-ESV-28375"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>God chose what is low and despised in the world, even <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28375P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>things that are not, to <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28375Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>bring to nothing things that are,</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-29" id="en-ESV-28376"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>so <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28376R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>that no human being might boast in the presence of God.</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-30" id="en-ESV-28377"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28377S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>wisdom from God, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28377T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>righteousness and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28377U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>sanctification and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28377V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup>redemption, </span><span class="text 1Cor-1-31" id="en-ESV-28378">so that, as it is written, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28378W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup>“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few years ago I was in a philosophy class about the way people think and how that effects our defense of the Gospel. <u>Epistemology and Apologetics </u> it was called and it was one of the most interesting classes I took at San Diego Christian College. It opened my eyes to the foolishness of the Gospel. We had one student in the class who was convinced that salvation was something you could argue a person to. That if you just answered all their questions and made a more logical presentation, they would have to be converted to your point of view. The rest of the class continually pointed him to this passage in 1 Corinthians, trying to make him see that though apologetics may strengthen the faith of a believer, no eloquent wisdom will ever save anyone. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This passage says that <i>"it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe". </i>The cross does not look like a very sturdy rescue plan to the world. To the Jews who wanted a mighty warrior king for a messiah, Christ crucified becomes a <i>stumbling block</i> (literally translated: scandal.) To the Greeks who loved logic, philosophy and their gods on distant Olympus the cross seemed ridiculous. If Paul was living today this might read: Christ crucified, fantasy to the Scientist and madness to the Atheist or just one path of many to the New Ager. A god who leaves perfection to give his holy life to die a criminal's death for a people who reject him, this rescue mission seems destined to fail. But <i>"to those who are called </i>(I love that word: CALLED)<i>... Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." </i>Our God is so mighty and so ingenious that even what seems like foolishness and weakness to the mind of man is far superior to anything found in our world. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More than all that God, chose to call the most unlikely men to understanding. He could have revealed the genius of His redemptive plan to kings, philosopher, and the most revered minds of the age (which at times He does). But when it came to the Corinthians, Paul reminds them that they are not wise, strong, or anything special. But God chose them (the <i>foolish</i>) for His own purpose. He chose "<i>what is not, to bring to nothing things that are." </i>So that in the salvation of the weak and foolish the world would be put to shame. He also chose them remind them that He saves. He saves us by becoming our <i>wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. </i>We have none of these things on our own but in the greatness of the plan of our God, He gives us the most amazing parts of Himself so that we can be something when on our own we are nothing. He makes us special in Christ Jesus in order that "<i>the one who boasts, boast in the Lord" </i>for our good and His glory. </span></div>
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Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-47302108844172007642012-09-21T09:09:00.001-07:002012-09-21T09:09:48.120-07:00United<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text 1Cor-1-10"><sup class="versenum" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> "</span></i></span></sup><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no <span class="Apple-style-span"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28357A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span>divisions among you, but that you be united <span class="Apple-style-span"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28357B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span>in the same mind and the same judgment.</span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-1-11" id="en-ESV-28358"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28358C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>quarreling among you, my brothers.</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-12" id="en-ESV-28359"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>What I mean is that <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28359D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28359E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>Apollos,” or “I follow <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28359F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”</span> <span class="text 1Cor-1-13" id="en-ESV-28360">Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28360H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>baptized in the name of Paul?</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-14" id="en-ESV-28361"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>I thank God that I baptized none of you except <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28361I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>Crispus and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28361J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>Gaius,</span><span class="text 1Cor-1-15" id="en-ESV-28362"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-1-16" id="en-ESV-28363">(I did baptize also<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28363K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)</span> <span class="text 1Cor-1-17" id="en-ESV-28364">For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and <span class="Apple-style-span"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28364L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup></span>not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I married a Diamondbacks fan... it's not my favorite thing about my husband, but I deal with it. See, I am a Dodger fan. Born and raised. I may not follow them as closely as a diehard fan should, but no matter what state I live in I will proudly sport that beautiful blue (much to the dismay of my husband.) I think that is is fun to be a fanatic. We love to declare our allegiance to a team or a television show or even a pastor. How many times have I heard a person say, "Do you listen to Piper? I love Piper!" only to hear, "Nah... I'm more of a Driscoll person." I mean, I've even heard people get into arguments over that kind of thing. Do you see how this is finally relating to 1 Corinthians? There is something in our human nature that wants something to belong to. The problem here, and so often in our culture, is the Corinthians were raising the wrong banner. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul's plea in this passage is for the church to <i>"be united." </i> He wants them to be of<i> "the same mind and the same judgment."</i> There is so much the church can learn from verse 10. If you want read more in depth about that call to unity, I encourage you to read John Piper's sermon, <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/the-nature-of-the-unity-we-seek" target="_blank">"The Nature of the Unity We Seek"</a>. But the main idea that struck a cord with me is that we, as a body, are to be moving together toward a common goal with a shard purpose. Not only should our direction be the same (our mind), but our reason for that direction as well (our judgment). So often we get so caught up in what God has put right in front of us that we forget He has a global, eternal purpose for the Church. We are a part of the Church. We are a redeemed people through Christ who was crucified for us. The gospel unites us under one purpose which is the Kingdom of God. Along the way the Lord is so good to us. He is teaching individuals different things. He moves us in different directions and little by little convicts us, shaping us into vessels to be used for a specific end. However, if we get tunnel vision about a specific theological camp, or missional mindset, or way of doing ministry, we divide the Church. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I thought about how the Spirit unifies I was reminded of something my pastor, Josh Reich said on Sunday. He was talking specifically about seeking the will of God in our lives, but I think it applies here too. He said, <i>"Anything that moves the mission of God forward, that makes more of Jesus and less of you, that is what the Spirit is all about!"</i> That is the banner we should raise. United. Seeking the Kingdom for our good and His glory. </span></div>
Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-14215282464133651572012-09-14T09:47:00.002-07:002012-09-14T09:48:11.471-07:00God is Faithful<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1 Corinthians 1: 4-9</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in Him in speech and all knowledge - even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you - so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I read this passage my heart stands up inside me and screams "Look at all the AMAZING things God does for you!!! Look at how AWESOME you get to be, and it has NOTHING to do with you!" I feel like that is the basic idea behind what Paul is telling this church. He loves them, he is grateful for them, he thinks they are pretty cool. But, he gives them none of the credit for it. Everything we are is in Christ and everything that we have to be grateful for is because He is faithful.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul lays out their life in Christ. First, he is grateful to God <i>"because of the grace of God that was given (them) in Christ Jesus".</i> He is grateful for their salvation. He is glad that they are saved by the grace of God and that this is His work, not theirs (Eph. 2:8). Paul is also grateful that they are <i>"enriched in Him" </i>and "<i>not lacking in any spiritual gift"</i>. I'm so blown away but this. God doesn't save us and then walk away from us. It's not as if He says, "cool! now I'll see you in 40 years. Good luck with your life, I hope you make me proud. I guess we'll see on that judgment day how you did." No! If He did I don't think any of us would be surprised. I mean the majority of the church walks around as if that is what they believe anyway (I know I do). Instead, He has equipped us with what we need to glorify Him. He as made us lacking in nothing and it is Him that sustains us till the end. It is the Lord who will present us to Himself <i>"guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ"</i>. He saves us, He sanctifies us, He glorifies us. He does it all! Look at all the AMAZING things God does for you!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are some pretty splendid promises. They are massive and our lives depend on them. Paul completes his thanksgiving by remind us why we will not be disappointed. <i>"God is faithful". </i>He is. Always. And the assurance we are given is our salvation. It was by God that you were called to salvation, <i>"into the the fellowship of His Son"</i>. When I look back at my salvation I recognize how much I was running in the opposite direction. But God called me. He was irresistible. He was stubborn. He was faithful to me when I was completely faithless. That is how I know He will do what He says. Because He as already done such amazing things for me. He has already done it all, and He will complete my journey to Himself for my good and His glory.</span>Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-86333638757499150762012-09-07T09:03:00.000-07:002012-09-14T09:48:50.204-07:00And away we go... <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><b>Introduction</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">When it comes the Corinthians, they seem like so many
other prosperous cities in the</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Roman </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Empire. Large due to trade and military.
Corrupt due to a pagan temple. And a</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">church that is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">caught somewhere between the indulgence of the city and the morality of</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">empty religion. I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">think this feels a lot like the world we live in today. But that makes sense.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">There is nothing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">new under the sun. Sin is the same today as it was then. However, so is the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">God we serve. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">He is the one who speaks light into the darkness. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Paul writes to the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Corinthians in response </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">to reports
he has received from the church. He </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">addresses internal</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">issues and answers </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">questions they have about the specifics of Christian </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">life. Something I</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">love
about Paul is that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">he is very thematic. His epistles speak on many </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">different
subjects, but</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">woven through </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">different topics is always one theme that he is
driving </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">home. In this letter,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Paul desires that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">the church be unified. I was
amazed that in the greeting</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">, just the first three</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">verses, Paul is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">already making
clear the oneness of the Church body.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><b>1 Corinthians 1:1-3</b></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">
<span class="text 1Cor-1-1"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">
<span class="text 1Cor-1-1"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial;">Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,</span></i></span></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">
<span class="text 1Cor-1-1"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial;">To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints</span></i></span></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">
<span class="text 1Cor-1-1"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial;">together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both</span></i></span></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">
<span class="text 1Cor-1-1"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial;">their Lord and ours:</span></i></span></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. </span></i></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The word “our” is used 4 times in these 3 verses.
Paul speaks of “<i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">our</b> brother</i>”, “<i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">our</b> Lord</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Jesus</i>”, referring to Him as
“<i>their Lord and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ours</b></i>”, and “<i>God <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">our</b> Father</i>”. Paul is connecting</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">himself
with the church. The God they serve is not theirs, He is ours. He is the thing
that</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">unifies. And He doesn’t just unite Paul and the Corinthian church, He
unites all believers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">everywhere together. The letter is addressed “<i>To the
church of God that is in Corinth….</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Together with all those who in every place
call upon the name of out Lord Jesus Christ</i>,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I read this it struck me
that this letter was written to me as well. We cannot read this</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">letter and
claim it is for another culture in another time. If we call on the name of
Christ, this</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">letter is for us. If we call on the name of Christ, we are united
with this church 2000 years ago</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">through His name.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This unity is <b>through</b> His name and it is <b>for</b> His
name. In John 17:21 Jesus</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">prays, “<i>that they may be one, just as You, Father are
in Me, and I in You, that they also may</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>be in Us, so that the world may believe
that You have sent me.</i>” Our unity is for so much</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">more than brotherhood or solidarity.
It is because when they see our love for our brothers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">and a mutual sacrifice in
order to have harmony, the world will take notice. They will</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">understand
that Christ is who He says He is. I reflected on how many issues I take with</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">God’s </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">people and how much that must grieve the Lord. I have an opportunity when
there is</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">disagreement with a sister to not only preach (through my actions) the
Gospel to that sister,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">but </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">also to the world watching. Christ laid down His
life for me. I can humbly submit to others,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">laying down my right to be right. I
can fight for oneness in the church. I hope, as I join a new</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">church body, I
will make that my goal. As far as I am able, I will fight for oneness for our good</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">and God’s glory.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
<!--EndFragment-->Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-17230873048753752182012-09-01T12:33:00.000-07:002012-11-26T13:33:37.886-08:00Conquering: Revisited <br />
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It has come to my attention that (again) I have been neglecting this blog. Although a crazy work schedule, involvement in my local church, keeping up a social life and planning a wedding may be justification enough for blowing off my blog, all of that is not reason enough to neglect time with the Lord. I have let an inconsistent schedule be my excuse for pushing aside my Bible for the last two years. Now that things are starting to quiet down, I can hear the Lord prompting me to return to His Word and deepen my knowledge of Him. </div>
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As I thought back on school and the sweet times I had in the Word, some of my favorite times were during the course I took on preaching. I loved spreading my books out on the floor of my dorm room and diving deeper into a passage of Scripture. When I began this blog I wanted it to be a reflection of what I was studying. I am determined to do that now. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So... here is the plan. </div>
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Once a week I commit to writing a sermon on the passage I am studying. Not a long one, more of a devotion really. And I am going to post a summary or my favorite thoughts here. Not that I believe I have something to teach the world, but more because I know God has something to teach me. I am motivated by deadlines, so Fridays by noon with be my due date. And the book I will be going through for the next probably year of my life is going to be 1 Corinthians. 1) because I have study materials on it and 2) because I love both the Gospel truth and the life application found in Paul's letters. </div>
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<i>Friday, September 7th will be my first post. An introduction to 1 Corinthians and Paul's greetings to the church.</i> If any of you feels the desire to keep my accountable I would love some gentle (or not so) nagging if I miss my deadline. I am so excited to see what God teaches me. Thanks for supporting me as I study His Word for my good and His glory.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><i><b>UPDATE: </b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><i><b>It's been over 2 months since I began this project. I found out that the deadline, the goal, the study wasn't enough of a motivator for me to be daily in God's Word. But finally I think the Lord is revealing to me my true heart. I have spent so long trying to fill my day with things that I wanted to satisfy me. But none of them were enough. And the more I fill myself with these things, the less room I left of the Spirit to move in me. What is enough to motivate me to change is the Cross. Jesus died so that we could live in Him. He gave His life because only He can satisfy our needs. I'm doing some practical things to help redeem my days. Like organizing my day and week and pulling out my old prayer journals to keep things tangible. But my hope and prayer is the Lord keeps my need for Him ever before my eyes and I would labor after Him first. </b>(updated 11/26/12)</i></span></div>
Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4308246840482442382.post-24874320720551392602012-04-10T08:38:00.000-07:002012-04-10T08:38:41.567-07:00Wiggin' Out"So..." She began with a look of genuine care across her face, "how are you doing with all the changes coming up in your life?" I hadn't been asked that question yet. I'd been asked "where will you live?" "what will you do?" "how are the plans?" but not "how are you doing?" and the answer is pretty simple. "I'm FREAKED!" Yes i am SO stoked to be married! Yes, I can not wait to begin a life with Jake. But in all honesty. I'm wiggin' out on the inside. In four months EVERYTHING changes. My home, my roommate, my job, my family (the part where i gain a new one) my church, my city, even my grocery shopping. Nothing will be the same. I will go from Abigail Thomson, San Diego barista living with 3 friends from college attending Kaleo church and dating the SDCC chaplain to Abigail Ruth Wilhelm. And with the new name will come new everything else.<br />
<br />
That is the intro of a blog I intended to write on how Christ is interceding for my life before the Father. And maybe I'll get to that blog eventually. But suddenly I realized that those last few lines sound like the beginning of an identity crisis. And they are, aren't they? It's only a matter of time and I will no longer be Abigail Thomson San Diego anything. So, if that is what my identity is in I'm in trouble. Desperate, tragic trouble. And i should be wiggin' out that is the only reasonable thing to do. HOWEVER, i want more than that. I want to stand firm, not feel shaken. And I can, Because my true identity is in the one who bought me with His blood. It is as a daughter of the Most High God. I pray He reminds me daily of that for my good and His glory. <br />
<br />
Now... Would you do something for me? Would you comment on this post with verses that remind you of you of your identity in Christ? It would be a HUGE encouragement to me. Thank you for sharing!Abigail Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990507104321878574noreply@blogger.com8