What are his commandments?

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149» 2Cor 9:7 . . Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to
give, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver.

Towards what end is the giving spoken of in the New Testament? To finance
ambitious building programs? Well; Christians back then met in homes. Did
their contributions go towards obtaining more homes to meet in? No.

Within the context of the New Testament, giving in the early church was
charitable. It met needs rather than expenses; and those needs were
typically congregational rather than universal; viz: their charity went
towards those amongst themselves and/or other congregations that were
hungry, sick, injured, homeless, alone, helpless, missionaries, full-time
church officers, orphans, widows, abandoned, and/or oppressed, etc.

** it's my guess that right about now the Christians in Ukraine could use
help from America's churches.
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150» 2Cor 10:7 . . If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he
should reconsider that we belong to Christ just as much as he.

It's amazing that any Christian's ego would be so inflated as to think
themselves holier than an apostle, however, there are some people out
there infected with a pretty bad case of conceit who are up to it.
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151» 2Cor 13:5 . . Examine yourselves, whether you're in the faith; test
your own selves. Don't you know of your own selves, how that Jesus Christ
is in you, unless you're all reprobates?

The only proof-positive way for individuals to know for sure whether Christ is
in them is by getting it from the horse's mouth.

● Rom 8:15 . .The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's
children.

The Greek word translated "testifies" means to corroborate; defined by
Webster's as: to support or help prove (a statement, theory, etc.) by
providing information or evidence.

This kind of support usually isn't public: it's private. In other words: it's one
on one, spirit to spirit, heart to heart. Needless to say then, this kind of
corroboration is supernatural rather than academic which is why Paul said to
test "your own selves" rather than others because no one but you and God
together can do this for you.

Smokey the Bear says: Only you can prevent forest fires, whereas scripture
says: Only you can know whether Christ is in you.
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152» Gal 1:8 . . But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other
gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be
accursed.

The Greek word for "accursed" in that passage basically has to do with
banishment and/or disassociation.

An application of this, within the epistle to Galatians, is 5:4 where it says:

"You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ;
you have fallen away from grace."

Whenever Paul spoke of "law" he was usually referring to the five books of
Moses per Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. So, in a
nutshell; the anathema clearly applies to people who insist that it's
necessary to comply with the Ten Commandments to get to Heaven, e.g.
Acts 15:5.
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153» Gal 5:1 . . Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath
made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

The yoke of bondage about which Paul wrote pertains to the covenant that
Moses' people agreed upon with God per Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and
Deuteronomy; which is described by Acts 15:10 as "neither our fathers, nor
are we, able to bear"

A very serious problem with that covenant is that it allows neither pardon nor
atonement for willful disobedience.

● Num 15:30-31 . . Anyone who sins defiantly, whether native-born or alien,
blasphemes The Lord, and that person must be cut off from his people.
Because he has despised The Lord's word and broken His commands, that
person must surely be cut off; his guilt remains on him.
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154» Gal 5:2-3 . . Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be
circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every
man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole
law.

The Greek word for "man" in the above passage is anthropos (anth' ro-pos)
a common word in the New Testament for humans of either gender. The
specific word for males is arrhen (ar'-hrane) and/or arsen (ar' sane).

Modern females undergo conversion to Judaism by means of a ritual bathing
called Mikveh; which, for them, is equivalent to male circumcision. The exact
process by which females in the Old Testament underwent conversion-- e.g.
Ruth --is unknown, but for certain, covenanted circumcision is specifically a
requirement for Jewish men. (Gen 17:9-14)

I think it safe to assume that the circumcision Paul warned against was a
nondescript label that included not only the male kind but also by whatever
means that females in his day underwent conversion to Judaism.

Seeing as how the covenant that Moses' people agreed upon per Exodus,
Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy doesn't specify a God-given
procedure for female conversion to Judaism, then I'd guess that just about
any method would be sufficient so long as the ritual is conducted by
someone authorized to do so.

The primary "value" of Christ that's lost by conversion to Judaism is access
to God via Jesus' high priesthood. Judaism's high priesthood gets no closer
to heaven's ear than the inner sanctum in the back of the Temple down here
on the ground; and even that's only once a year on Yom Kippur; whereas
Christ's high priesthood is seated in heaven at God's right hand 24/7/365;
which of course is far and away superior to Judaism's access to God.
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155» Gal 5:13a . . You, my brethren, were called to be free. But do not use
your liberty to indulge the base nature.

Christ's followers are sometimes accused of practicing a religion that gives
people a license to steal, so to speak. Well; that's true to a certain extent
because his followers do have immunity from any, and all, of the curses that
the Old Testament imposes on scofflaws per Lev 26:3-38, Deut 27:15-26,
and Deut 28:1-69 because their association with God is via a different covenant
wherein are no curses specified for non compliance.

So then; for sure there's a bit of a "moral hazard" within Christianity. However,
God prefers that people dead to Old Testament law not allow human nature be
the dominant force in their lives. (e.g. Rom 6:1-13 and Col 3:1-17)
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156» Gal 5:16 . . I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the
lust of the base nature.

Some years ago, in a boatyard where I was employed on Shelter Island in
San Diego, I was listening to a young Christian boast of his dedication to
Christ. So I asked him: What about the command to walk in the Spirit? How
are you doing with that one?

Well, the brash, pleased-with-himself youngster admitted he didn't even
know what that meant, let alone how to do it. (chuckle) In regards to
"dedication" Mr. Super Saint hadn't even got to first base yet. (judging by
the fact that was on a third marriage the last time we spoke, I'd have to say
he never did get the hang of it.)

Anyway, there's nothing mystical about this. Walking in the Spirit is just
simply complying with Christ's instructions rather than letting your natural
impulses and/or your own thinking control your conduct all the time.

For example: "Abstain from food tainted by idols, from promiscuity, from the
meat of strangled animals, and from blood." When a Christian complies with
those instructions; they're walking in the Spirit, but when they're
indiscriminately eating whatever, drinking whatever, and sleeping around
without regard for God's feelings about it; then they're fulfilling the desires
of the base nature. It's that simple.

NOTE: The Greek word translated "lusts" can refer to bad lusts as well as
good. For example:

"And he said to them: I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you
before I suffer." (Luke 22:15)

Christ's eager desire is translated from the same Greek word as the lusts
spoken of in Gal 5:16
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157» Gal 5:25-26 . . Since we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the
Spirit. Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

The sentient consciousness we have as our normal selves is dried up, i.e. it's
decrepit and infertile. (John 6:53 & Eph 2:1) whereas regeneration gives folks
something viable and sustainable. (John 3:3-8 & John 4:10-14)

Webster's defines "conceit" as excessive self-appreciation of one's own worth
or virtue.

To my knowledge, there's nothing intrinsically wrong with having strong core
values and/or believing in yourself, but if you should find yourself somewhat
indignant and/or resentful when others don't believe in you, or when they
think very little of your core values; then watch out because that's a
symptom of conceit, and it will hinder you from complying with The Lord's
instructions in regard to getting along with fellow believers.

The Greek word translated "provoke" basically means to challenge; viz: to
get in somebody's face in an obnoxious, assertive, militant manner.

The Greek word for "envy" basically means hostile toward a rival, or towards
someone believed to enjoy an advantage. In other words: we're talking
about a competitive spirit-- not the good-natured, friendly kind but a
malicious kind of competitive spirit that resents others doing better than
itself, or more popular than itself, or more recognized than itself, or more
admired than itself; viz: it's all about self.

Rivalry is a very destructive passion. It got Abel slain by his own brother,
and it got Christ slain by his own people. Rivalry makes otherwise sensible
people behave contrary to their own better judgment, and gets them
embroiled in oftentimes unnecessary vendettas; e.g. gender rivalry, political
rivalry, financial rivalry, and racial rivalry. Those kinds of rivalries are very
destructive influences.
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158a» Gal 6:1a . . Brethren, even if someone is caught in the very act of
any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of
gentleness;

The Greek word for "trespass" is interesting. It can refer to willful
misconduct and/or to unintentional misconduct. Seeing as how willful
misconduct is dealt with harshly and summarily per 1Cor 5:1-13, whereas
in this situation gently, then I'd say Gal 6:1 is referring to unintentional
misconduct; which doesn't merit a public flogging; but rather a quiet talk;
and the more private the better in order to avoid embarrassing the
unintentional offender.

Restoration does not apply to visitors; only to members on a church's roles;
i.e. the congregation. The visitors' business is none of our business so don't
go sticking your nose in it.

The Greek word for "restore" basically means to repair or adjust, viz:
restoration applies to maladjusted Christians, i.e. the ones whose
misconduct is habitual, and quite possibly detrimental to a church's overall
health.

A spirit of gentleness precludes the use of bullying, intimidation, rage.
yelling, demeaning comments, lecturing, scolding, biting sarcasm, ugly
remarks, carping criticism, brow beating, and such. Those kinds of behaviors
aren't gentle, no, they're cruel and abusive. They're also unwarranted when
the accused has committed an unintentional trespass.

NOTE: The instructions given in Gal 6:1 pertain only to spiritual Christians.
The garden variety, rank and file pew warmers-- viz: marginal Christians -
need not concern themselves with it.

In churches where people are conceited, assertive, confrontational,
embroiled in petty rivalries, debating, quarrelling, and maybe even jostling
for notoriety; the spiritual ones are obviously going to be as scarce as
California Condors.

158b» Gal 6:1b . . . each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.

The Greek word for "tempted" is somewhat ambiguous. It primarily means
to test; but can also mean endeavor, scrutinize, entice, and/or discipline.

I think what the restorers are being cautioned against is going about a right
thing in a wrong way so that they themselves wind up taken to task for
conduct unbecoming. In some people's minds, the end justifies the means so
long as it benefits the so-called greater good. But that's Machiavellian
thinking rather than Christian thinking.

In other words: the restorers need to tread lightly because if they go after
an alleged offender like a lynch mob; then they themselves should expect to
be seen by others as a toxic menace and a threat to congregational peace,
trust, and cohesion.
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159» Gal 6:2 . . Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of
Christ.

It's human nature to shun people with problems as if they were lepers so
they don't drag us into a world of inconvenience and/or negativity. But that
is not what I call fulfilling the law of Christ; which reads like this:

● John 13:34-35 . . A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have
loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you
are my disciples, if you love one another.

The love that is defined by "As I have loved you" is a kind of love willing to
suffer inconvenience, shame, humiliation, embarrassment, and disgrace for
the sake of another. Christ's love isn't a fault-finding attitude; it's a
supportive virtue: it doesn't only feel your pain, it gets involved in your pain.

Church can be the loneliest place on earth when nobody cares enough about
you to get involved in your pain; but instead would just as soon not know
about it. Sadly, there is about as much love for one another in modern
churches as there is amongst an audience of strangers at the movies. I
sincerely believe that a lot of that indifference has to do with modern
churches just simply being too big, too busy, and too complex; where
individuals are as anonymous and inconspicuous as a drop of pigment in a
bucket of paint.
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160» Gal 6:6 . . And let the one who is taught the word, share all good
things with him who teaches.

I suspect that this is a bit different than 1Cor 9:11-14 and 1Tim 5:17-18
where it's required that full-time church officers be compensated for their
work.

The Greek of the verse above is vague, but seems to focus upon ordinary
laymen-- likely both men and women --who voluntarily teach Sunday school
classes and/or speak to Wednesday night prayer meetings. These non
professional leaders appreciate feed-back, i.e. reports from their students
and listeners how the information they've received improves their lives; and
quite possibly corrects their thinking.
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[TMS]

The 10 commandments would be a good place to start.

Love God and love your neighbour.

Many commandments throughout the Bible and God doesn't make mistakes or faulty commands.

Man is quick to justify not keeping the commands because that might mean surrender of self.

God knows each heart.

 

[JaumeJ]

Guilty.
I love our Father's Big Ten, but I find myself chiding myself at times for not quite living up to them all. I will endeavor, as do we all. All love and blessings to the family first, and to the rest always.

 

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161» Gal 6:7a . . Don't be deceived into thinking God is a silly old fool.

A silly old fool is a senior citizen that people know they can mistreat and/or
take advantage of without fear of complaint, resistance, or reprisal.

People in our day and age are easily persuaded that God is harmless and
that the Old Testament's version of God is obsolete, i.e. no longer someone
to fear since Jesus came along. But as God was capable of withholding
blessing for conduct unbecoming back then; He still is.
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162» Gal 6:10 . . So then, whenever we have opportunity, let us do good to
all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

Good can take any number of forms but I think a useful description we could
apply here is "beneficial".

Jesus did good (Acts 10:30) i.e. he was very definitely beneficial; not just on
the cross or by his teachings, but in non practical ways too.

Those who are of the "household of the faith" are actually kin; viz: siblings;
and like they say: charity begins at home.

Some churches have what they call a deacon's fund; to assist members who
are down and out and/or in dire straits.

And don't overlook your church's senior citizens. Some may be getting up in
years and finding it difficult to even maintain their own homes and yards
anymore. Chores may not seem all that spiritual; but pitch in anyway if for
no other reason than your assistance is beneficial.
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163» Eph 2:11-22 . .Therefore, remember that formerly you who are
Gentiles by birth and called uncircumcised by those who call themselves the
circumcision-- that done in the body by the hands of men --remember that
at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in
Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and
without God in the world.

. . . But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought
near through the blood of Christ. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners
and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's
household

Gentiles are prone to forget; and one of the things they forget is that their
religion didn't begin with the Roman Catholic Church; no, it began with
Abraham; and the purpose of Gentiles hearing the gospel is not so they can
replace the Jews as God's chosen people, but rather, so they can join them
and share in their blessings.

● Rom 11:17-18 . . If some of the branches have been broken off, and you,
though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now
share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, don't boast over those
branches. If you do, consider this: You don't support the root, but the root
supports you.

● Isa 49:5-6 . . And now says The Lord, who formed me from the womb to
be his servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, in order that Israel might be
gathered to Him (For I am honored in the sight of The Lord, and my God is
my strength). He says: It is too small a thing that you should be My servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I
will also make you a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to
the end of the earth."

● John 4:22 . . Salvation is of the Jews.
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164» Eph 4:1 . . As a prisoner for The Lord, then, I urge you to live a life
worthy of the calling you have received.

Some time long ago, a pastor in Arizona utilized a highway billboard to poll
people's opinion not of Christianity, rather; what people think of Christians.
Here's the gist of his message:

DESCRIBE CHRISTIANS WITH ONE WORD
Text Me @ xxxxxx-1152 (full number withheld for privacy considerations)

The results of the poll were open to view at iamlandonmacdonald on
Instagram.

Some responses:

Hateful
Gullible
Ignorant
Satanist
Judgmental
Hypocritical

Not everybody despises Christians, but for sure everybody despises a phony.
i.e. Christians don't have to live the life of a saint to become a saint, but3
they do have to life the life of a saint in order to merit the respect their
religion deserves.
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165» Eph 4:2 . . Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, putting up
with another in love.

The Greek word translated "love" in that passage is agápee which is
fortunate because it doesn't necessarily speak of affection like the Greek
word phileo. It mostly pertains to personal conduct, e.g. civility, courtesy,
sympathy, thoughtfulness, tolerance, charity, kindness, lenience,
understanding, diplomacy, tact, etc. which are common social skills that
even the most insensitive clod on earth can practice if they put their mind to
it.

Humility is relative to humbleness of mind, viz: modesty; defined by
Webster's as free from conceit and/or vanity. Humility is one of those virtues
that people love to talk about; but rarely ever seem to exemplify.

Conceit is defined as excessive appreciation of one's own worth or virtue,
viz: arrogance, i.e. a superiority complex and/or a master-race mentality. (A
conceited supervisor was a very key factor in the Chernobyl disaster. Had he
been more reasonable, and less arrogant, the disaster might've been easily
averted.)

Vanity is defined as inflated pride in oneself, viz: narcissism and/or self
adoration. Cosmetics and figure-shaping undergarments don't really qualify
as the kind of vanity that Paul is talking about; which goes way beyond just
trying to look your best.

Vanity is an ugly creature. It's self aggrandizing and it isn't gentle either, on
the contrary; vanity can be quite cruel and competitive, caring only what's
best for itself. Vanity abhors associating with people whose station in life is
decidedly below its own; and God forbid someone below themselves should
have the nerve to correct either their conduct or their knowledge.

Patience"is defined as the power, or capacity, to endure without complaint
something and/or someone difficult or disagreeable; especially when it
comes to certain folk who seem to have a knack for getting on people's
nerves.
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166» Eph 4:3 . . Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through
the bond of peace.

The Spirit is the one thing that all born-again Christians have in common
regardless of their denominational affiliation. The Spirit keeps them
combined in a fraternity held together with stronger force than a labor
union.

* Unity isn't necessarily achieved by conformity. Folks can still be unified
even when in disagreement. For example the USA is a hot bed of advise,
dissent, for and against, and indifference; yet we remain a cohesive nation.
Dictators, despots, and tyrants achieve cohesion by means of enforced
conformity, fear, and brute force; but here we achieve it by working
together.

Peace can be roughly defined as the absence of strife, e.g. hostility,
grudging, quarrelling, and rivalry, etc.

The Spirit has much to say in regard to Christian social skills; and if each
and every believer would listen to Him, the natural result is going to be
harmony wherever and whenever they associate with one another.
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