Saturday, April 16, 2016

WHAT IS APPROPRIATE? 4/17/16

THE DICTIONARY says; suitable to the occasion; proper, suitable.   The opposite of appropriate is unfit; incongruous, irrelevant and unsuitable!    Recently it came to my attention that those in the world could consider God’s Word as inappropriate on occasion.   Didn’t surprise me but still causes me to ponder when and where God’s Word would be appropriate to the world.
THE WORLD considers everything and everywhere  appropriate for what they subscribe to.   Most Christians do not subscribe to the ads on TV, radios, movies and even in some songs as appropriate.   I always turn them off, amazed that anyone would watch that smut!  But they are out there for all society to see, hear and be bombarded with.  How come the Christian has to be submissive to the worlds desires but the world can complain, ridicule and deem God’s Word as offensive and inappropriate?
I SUPPOSE many would consider this topic, as in-material and even much to do about nothing.    Although  those in power in America have interpreted  the Constitution to say there should be a separation of church and state, however, it was not designed for that reason.   As a matter of fact, that idea is only an interpretation, not fact!    Laws now declare the mere mention of God is inappropriate in the schools, and sign of allegiance in government buildings is forbidden.   No wonder the world considers God’s Word  as being inappropriate on occasion.
“WHOEVER teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching of our religion is swollen with pride and knows nothing.  He has an unhealthy desire to argue and quarrel about words.”   1 Timothy 6:3-4a     The believer does not destroy social and political differences.  Instead of leading others to rebel, it helps to make them better and more faithful.   Christianity changes the attitude of those in charge to become more understanding and even cause them to become a believer too.   Many fight against becoming anything, other than what they deem suitable for themselves alone.  
“DO NOT be afraid of those who can kill  the body but, not the soul; rather be afraid of God, who can destroy both, body and soul in hell!”   Matthew 10:38   I remember the little things kids would say to one another when they were hurt by someone.   “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me!”    That always seemed to sooth our broken spirit.  In my mature years I have discovered that I do not have to shrink back from teaching God’s Word, because it is God’s Word of thought; not mine.   However, I believe that what I believe is real!   Sorry about those who hear but do not have ears to hear!   The teacher does not have to defend God’s Word.   God will do that!   I merely share what I have learned in God’s Word!  
“USE SOUND words that cannot be criticized, so that your adversary’s may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us.”  Titus 2:8    Paul is saying here that we are to rebuke, but do it in a spirit of love and be careful about making rash statements.   Your purpose is to produce a healthy faith in those whom you teach.   God says that even if the world rejects you; you continue to teach my Word to the world!
“FOR THE message about Christ’s death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved, it is God’s power.   So then, where does that leave the wise men? Or the scholars?  Or the skillful debaters of this world?  God has shown that this world’s wisdom is foolishness!   For God, in His wisdom, made it impossible for men to know Him by means of their own folly (wisdom).   1 Corinthians 1:18-21a    People divide themselves into two groups on the basis of Christ.  Those who are being lost make fun of the whole idea.  Those who are being saved believe that God’s Word is medicine for their souls!   The Lord’s love endures forever and ever!   Again, I say Amen!    Jane Ann Crenshaw 4/13/16

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