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To have a spirit of forgiveness towards others we must be humble. The Lord’s prayer states it very clearly, if we are to ask God to forgive all our sins we must show the same mercy to others. If we’re unforgiving that shows a prideful heart. We have judicial systems in place to bring justice to wrongdoings. They’re not perfect but they help to maintain order in society. Regardless of a judicial system’s effectiveness, vengeance is not ours. We’re called to forgive and trust in God’s ultimate perfect justice.

Most of us hold two aspects of ourselves in tension -- what we "really think," and what we reveal. The goal as Christians is to align our minds (what we really think) with our behavior (how we act toward others). That's a part of what it means truly to love another person. Honor and respect can be outward behaviors incongruent with inward thoughts. We can respectfully refer to someone by a lofty title such as "Mr. President" without truly honoring him as a person or a leader. An honest assessment of the president (that is, what we "really think") should/could lead us to regard certain of his behaviors and values as sinful or at least deficient. If this is the case, than our superficial respect is false. It's a lie. It's not what we really think. We continue to superficially honor and respect him when, inside, we do not highly regard his values and behavior. All values and behaviors are NOT worthy of respect -- that's the false demand of "cultural sensitivity". Some ideas/deeds are just wrong/sinful and others miss the mark. Humility does not demand that we pretend to not see. Humility does not gloss over sin. Humility does not require us to hold in tension what we think and what we let others know we think. One of the most difficult aspects of Jesus's personality and behavior was His seamless merging of what He thought with what He revealed. For example, He exposed the woman at the well with the truth or her adultery, what He really perceived. He turned the money-changers tables over. He called people blind and foolish. Etc. I suppose you could say Jesus didn't respect others because He was harsh in His judgments and wasn't duly worried about hurting other people's feelings, but obviously, this would be untrue. I rather doubt He "respected" the woman at the well, for example, though He did love her. His speech was often insulting, but not in such a way that He "trampled humility." The common vision of "gentle" Jesus as saccharine-tongued or silent-when-persecuted wasn't always the case. In reality, Jesus criticized more than praised, exposed more than looked away. He didn't always pet the soft heads of little children, or even wash the rough feet of dirty disciples; sometimes -- perhaps most of the time -- he saw humanity and individuals with both judgment and pity. He saw us as confused and pathetic. Pretenders of faith. He saw leaders as swine and scum. His judgments cut to the quick and were not designed to protect feelings or allow addled thinking to continue. Perhaps real respect is honesty. Calling things as we see them. Can we minister to people we do not respect without resorting to compensating mental gimmickry that makes us feel that we respect their inner selves or similar nonsense? What do people mean when they say they love the sinner and hate the sin? It sounds so sweet, gentle, non-judgmental and respectful, doesn't it? But, really now, can sin be separated from a sinner? Can silly behaviors be separated from those doing them? Can false beliefs be apart from those with fuzzy minds?

Realizing inner abilities shows your natural tendencies and capabilities, allowing you to align with your path. [url=https://9humantypes.com/9-gifts-of-the-holy-spirit]Techniques to harmonize Christian gifts into your routine[/url] Spiritual gifts are more than just abilities—they are resources for fulfilling your life’s calling. Identifying these strengths begins with knowing their importance in your path and how they benefit others. Each inner talent serves a special role. For example, the gift of guidance enables others to develop and improve, while the trait of healing provides solace and balance. Understanding these gifts that you possess gives understanding about your function in the world. Discovering your inner abilities often includes introspection. Ask yourself, "Which unique traits do I have?" or "What natural talents do I offer to serve others?" The answers can reveal talents like influence, kindness, or understanding. Utilizing these gifts is just as important as finding them. Once you understand your abilities, look for ways to apply them in your relationships. For illustration, if you carry the ability of hospitality, think about offering support to those in your life. At its core, embracing your unique abilities opens the way to a journey of purpose, understanding, and connection. [url=http://comprasventas.mex.tl/?gb=1#top]Steps to identify God-given talents via Bible study[/url] 35aa7_8

Q2. In what ways does taking Jesus’ name on ourselves, or identifying ourselves with him, open us to shame and persecution? The world and worldly want no part of Jesus and truth. Have you seen examples of this in your own experience? Yes. What actions might show that a Christian is ashamed of Jesus? Failure to advance a question seeking an opening to witness, and offer pray for them. Without attempting to open the door to witness we are if no use. What actions might show that a Christian is unashamed of Jesus? Being an active advocate displaying Christian values of blessing not cursing. Being pleasant in adversity. Not taking the worldly portion as acceptable and holding out in faithful prayer for the lost we encounter.

Spiritual gifts are an integral part of your distinctive identity, helping you to approach your journey with clarity and purpose. [url=https://9humantypes.com/challenge-page/online-course]Recognizing spiritual talents for youth[/url] Have you ever asked, "What are my spiritual gifts?" If so, you might be not alone. Many souls are drawn an urge to understand the special abilities that influence their identity. The positive aspect is that signs frequently show these gifts if you are aware where to look. Start by observing your natural talents. Are you a skilled listener who allows others be understood? This might be a indicator of the gift of compassion. Do you see yourself drawn to educating or directing others? These could suggest the strengths of leadership or knowledge. [url=http://forum.selbstmord.com/viewtopic.php?t=10696]Employing God-given talents to enhance the congregation[/url] 35aa3_e

Abstinence is negation -- the setting of a zero limit on a behavior or thought; temperance is accepting a low degree of a behavior or thought that is not intrinsically sinful -- the intentional limitation of a behavior or thought. (It's important to include thoughts, no?) There are things in life that are not sinful, if moderated, but quite damaging, if excessively done. The word "indulgence" comes to mind. Most sins, however, are clearly known. A Christian has a check in his or her spirit about behaviors/thoughts that are not of Him. I think the goal is to glorify God in all thoughts and deeds, even those that are mundane. For many Christians, no drinking, for example, is the best way to glorify God. Drinking, in their mind, is such a potential problem that it should be avoided entirely. For other Christians, moderate drinking such as a glass of wine at dinner, glorifies God in the sense that it enjoys and honors His creation, a part of a good meal. Personally, I do not drink because I came from a family that drank 'liberally' and so turned away from this behavior as a Christian. Still, I do not think less of anyone who drinks in moderation ... drunkenness is sin. Frankly, if something is a temptation, being moderate is probably not a good idea. If it is a temptation, the best way to deal with it is to get rid of it entirely. Just say no. Furthermore, some people have personalities that tend toward overly indulging in certain ideas or obsessive behaviors. For them, it's probably best to avoid certain things entirely, though not because they are sinful. Lastly, even ideas and interests that can be obsessive and therefore need to be moderated. When I'm researching something I tend to think about it constantly and even dream about it. For many years I thought about architecture, for example ... ways of building, structural anomalies, etc. Obviously, it is not sinful to think about architecture, but when these thoughts crowded out other thoughts -- like shopping for dinner -- I pushed them aside so I could think about other things. Even today I have to moderate my many interests and passions. Again, the goal is to glorify God in thought, word and deed. Self-control is self-moderation. It's a limiting practice. Whether the goal is limiting anger, for example, or even drinking, self-control is the act of moderating one's desires and passions. Self-control is the virtue, the internal process. Moderation is the goal of that process.

Drifting away gradual makes it look like you are still following Jesus when you are not. It could also be a subconscious reaction to the situation you are in. When you suddenly give in to a temptation you are fully aware of what you are doing. You can protect yourself from drifting away from the Lord by studying the bible daily, making sure that your friends are Christians, and making sure you have a pastor that is preaching the bible.

Q15.Children are innocent, they are spontaneous , trusting , not devious, and they are humble. They have not yet learned the ways of the world. Jesus tells us that we have to be like children if we want to get into His Kingdom. We must humble ourselves, repent of our sins and learn to be like Him. This is for our lifetime as we continue to grow in maturity , Godliness and humility.

Q14.The Pharisees like to be called ‘Rabbi’ because it sounds important and makes them feel important and superior to those around them. In fact it is their pride that makes them desire adulation and respect from those lesser mortals around them. Lesser in their eyes not in God’s eyes because God created every person equal to one another. It is the human race that think some people are superior to others. We can all fall into the trap of pride by feeling important and superior because we bear a title of some sort. We must remember that whatever title we have whether we have earned it through studying or by having a job title or maybe a title in church, we have that title because God has allowed it to come about. Titles don’t entitle us to be superior or overbearing, we are still subject to God, and we should use our privileges to serve our fellow human beings in humility. By doing this we will honour God. When we feel our achievements are not being noticed, if we feel annoyed, or hurt it is human, but as followers of Jesus we should know that He sees what we do and that should be enough for us. We are working for God and not for man. However to get to this mature way of thinking, it takes complete trust in God, and self discipline not to allow ourselves to start complaining or feeling sorry for ourselves because our work is not being recognised or commended by others. Jesus is the greatest example of humility we have. If we try to follow and emulate His example as much as possible, we would be striving towards humility.

There are many, many non-Christians (seculars) who are generous and do good deeds. Furthermore, they are anonymous and modest as they are generous. So what makes a good deed “good” from a Christian standpoint, is not the deed in itself, but the faith that prompted that deed. Though it is true that faith without deeds is dead, as James wrote, it is also true that good deeds can be without faith. Perhaps the way to look at this is to create the goal of not self-consciously doing good deeds, but rather being a good person (sanctification) whose deeds naturally flow from that inner goodness? Then the deeds would be out of faith, not just prompted by a soft heart as it is with secular people.

I think that the worst sin is that of idolatry. This is a sin against God. The other sins were against man. We can do all the good works and have a lot of accomplishments in the world, but when are flaw shows up, we will always be remembered for that flaw.

I'm not convinced that most conflicts or arguments are caused by pride. Rather, such fighting could be caused by differences in how we look at life as Christians, that is, the way a man, woman or congregation looks at the world through the eyes of faith ... a Christian worldview. Yes, we are all Christian, but it is also the case that we come from wildly varying backgrounds. In the West, we stress the former, our common faith, and then whitewash our differences -- deep inside, however, we know that conflicts will be reduced if we associate with people who look through a lens of faith ground to a similar specification. Conversely, conflict is more likely when Christians are forced to sublimate their particular heritage, worldview, class, theological particularities, language, ways of worshipping or whatever just to "keep the peace." Eventually these differences rise to the surface. When they do it results in conflict. There is nothing sinful about choosing to worship with people of like mind. That's what "church shopping" is about; avoiding contention and strife by seeking a place of worship at which the overwhelming majority of congregants think and worship similarly. The Protestant reformation happened at the point when Christians could no longer deny the impact made by theological and cultural differences between themselves and the dominant, unitary Roman Catholic church. They formed new congregations of like-minded Christians who had the potential, at least, of worshipping in peace. That was the ideal. And it still is. Today, when a congregation splits, we tend to view it as a tragedy. Perhaps we should see it as a sign of strength, that groups who look at the world differently voluntarily create new congregations with a focused identity. I know this is anathema to those who have bought into the idea that faith should be stronger than cultural difference, but maybe -- just maybe -- a peaceful, unstressed, congenial, loving community of faith that "fits" is more important than pretending that cultural conflicts in a group can be dealt with or even avoided. The goal is to worship Him, not to struggle with others. We're here to serve Him, not constantly grate against people who worship the same God but with their own particularities. This is NOT the same as the prideful assertion, "I am right and you are wrong." Not at all. It's merely saying "I don't feel comfortable with the way your group theologizes and worships and would rather not deal with the stress and strain of trying to be part of your congregation when more peaceful options are available." If we can be one Church, indivisible, without knowing each other ... we can One church, though apart, after knowing each other. A unified ecclesia is an abstraction, after all. The nitty-gritty of binding lives together is not abstract. I don't see any value in purposely joining with people with whom I fear I will inevitably conflict . Worshipping with people unlike myself is a Christianized secular value, not a purely Christian one. It's the result of buying into the secular, contemporary notion that "diversity is strength," or other such claptrap. On an individual level, a sorts of limited diversity is valuable ... but on the group level, diversity often creates strife. We must be wise as to which sort we're dealing with. Yes, individual conflicts are inevitable, but a deep and divisive conflict, the sort that cuts to the quick or breaks up a congregation is NOT inevitable. It can be avoided. So, avoid conflict by choosing wisely. The world may be a place of conflict and division but the church, writ small, doesn't have to be. Choose to be in a congregation that has a defined focus, a mission attitude and a culturally similar congregation. A mission attitude means that congregants see other Christians as just that -- OTHER Christians, not lesser ones -- and that the primary division in the world is between Christians and seculars, not Christian v. Christian.

Q4. (Matthew 7:24-27) Does Jesus require obedience of his disciples? (John 15:14). Is there a kind of true Christian who believes, but does not obey? How do you justify Jesus' requirement of obedience with Paul's teaching that salvation is a gift, not because of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-10)? John 15:14 states clearly, "You are my friends if you do what I command." Jesus showed us by His life example exactly what that meant--He only did what the Father directed Him. Matthew 7:19-24 lets us see clearly what Jesus asks of us, "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." James reminds us that we need to look intently into Jesus, not just express faith and walk away. Rather, "whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do." (James 1:25) The wonderful thing about the Ephesians 2:8-10 words is that GOD prepared in advance the good works He wants us to do. His Presence, His Spirit already walked before us in preparation. How much more will He give us His Holy Spirit to enable us to complete the work He commands?

Q3. (Matthew 7:21-23) How is it possible to deceive yourself, so that you presume that you are "doing" when you are only "hearing"? (see James 1:22-25). How might it be possible to prophesy, drive out demons, and perform miracles in Jesus' name and not enter the Kingdom of heaven? I see the presumption of only "hearing" too much, "I thought he was a Christian because he was in my Sunday School class," words actually spoken to me by a pastor!!!!!! I was floored. Jesus holds a MIGHTY Name. Scripture tells us that at His Name EVERY knee will bow. MIGHTY. His Name moves mountains. Unfortunately some of heard of the Name but have no relationship with the Person of Jesus.

Q2. (Matthew 7:15-20) Jesus says that one's inner self will eventually become apparent (Matthew 12:34). What kinds of "fruit" might be clues to a false prophet? Clues to a false prophet are first of all ANYTHING that DOES NOT LINE UP with the Word of God. If that 'leader' will not listen; if that leader will not call sin, sin; if that leader focuses on his self-importance; if a leader spends most of the time judging and casting stones--they are false. Run away. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

To me this is Solomon’s greatest strengths and accomplishments. Numbers 3, 4, 5, 7, 11. These traits are looking outward and not inward. Solomon was so gifted because God gave him that gift.

Q4. How did Jesus' disciples use his name when they healed and cast out demons? They were speaking in the given authorized authority given to them by Jesus to use the lower and authority of his name, Do we have this kind of authority, or was it only for the apostles themselves? Yes we do. In what way does speaking or acting in Jesus' name demonstrate the concept of power of attorney? It is execution of authority in accord with and within the limits given. Why are we sometimes afraid to speak or act in Jesus' name? We are unsure of our mandate in the circumstance. Times when we need to hear the holly spirit guide us. We are sure we should not speak unknowingly into the situation. How might hearing his voice about a particular matter alleviate that fear? In my most memorable correction the Holy Spirit said, “why do you think you can tell me what to do today”. I repented for my incorrect prayer, and began toproclaim what God wanted was absolutely correct not what I had been praying for in someone’s life, family trouble. Within two months the entire family was saved. God had far more in his plan that one persons situation. He healed them from a wrong fonevyears before. Now I try to always listen for the still small voice. Humility comes with corrections.

Q3. What does it mean when you pray "in Jesus' name"? We are accepting by faith our assignment or duty to pray for needs with the authority given. The Navy tradition is “The wishes of a superior are to be interpreted as an order.” If we know Jesus wishes he should not have to direct our every moment. We should be good infantry and be on patrol. Taking charge of our post and all in view. Doing as best we understand our authority to use his name. Do you use the phrase "in Jesus' name" as you pray? Yes. Why or why not? We are told that it is in Jesus authority we speak. In my military time either we had authority and could sign the order. Or we were authorised to act for the one with that authority ‘by direction’ in writing. In that case we would sign our name and include “ by direction”. We speak “In Jesus Name” by his direction. How does praying "in Jesus' name" limit what we will pray for? For me at my current understanding Jesus only did what he saw his father doing, and said what he heard his father saying. I was taught early in my walk that using the spiritual power of our voice to do other than God’s will is as the sin of witchcraft. I often cringe in my heart when I hear a falsehood spoken with a smile, and excused with “I was just joking, that is the way I am”. I believe scripture is clear on the matter.Pro 26:18 Like a madman who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,Pro 26:19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor and then says, Was I not joking? [Eph 5:4] and Eph 5:4 Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God].

Q4. (Philippians 1:20-23) In what way is death "gain" for Paul? (verse 21). He and we shall see clearly the homeland Christ paid the price for us to receive. He will have finished the struggle to find, rescue the lost, stollen, stray and the spiritual battles in prayer to hold onto faith for the promises needing delivery to those is such need of salvation, deliverance, and becoming the head and not the tail in life. Which is better for him? I read to be what equals better.. Better is receiving the reward, work is over. There is joy in service seeing the Lords will be done on earth. But it must have no glory compared to heaven our home. Life or death? (verse 23) Death in the world becomes life in eternity, therefore is the best, where the rewards are set aside for us. How does Paul decide which he prefers -- life vs. death -- according to verses 22-24? The company we will keep with none unbelieving, no one not praising and giving thanks for the glory that is God.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10) Why should appearing before Christ as Judge make us fearful? Was I using the word with power for what I wanted, or was I truly walking as Jesus, doing and saying what the Father, Lord God Almighty purposed each time. Have I matured to be the me I was knit in the womb that God knew from before I was formed. Will Christ recognize the me that stands before him. Or will I appear as nothing like what I was meant to be for Him? Will we be condemned at that judgment? My heart tells me my answer to %1 explains the phrase many will hear, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” Was my heart my own of did I try to serve The Lamb and go after the 100th lamb. What saves us (Romans 8:1; Revelation 20:12)? Being “In Christ”, “according to their works”. My struggle to become righteous in my own doing, known as works, accumulating trophies to self can be one’s greatest sin. Being in Christbis fulfilling the continuance of Christ’s earthly ministry to the pour, afflicted, widows, orphans, and more. As directed by the Holy Spirit. The dream vision was a vine with two beautiful grapes after seeing many blemished, unripe, poor. While reaching for the two very good came the lesson. “Don’t you believe I can make the damaged ones well?” I don’t look for beauty but for God’s choice of the next now. How will our works be judged on that day (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)? How well we have attempted to become the body part we were designed before birth to be. Not how well we did, but what was our heart attitude to service for the master. Did we even try to become rightly fit in place for Him? Have we given up parts of our self, so Holy Spirit could have more room in our life and walk for the work he desires.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 5:8; John 14:2-3) In what ways is heaven like your "home"? Heaven is more than run to my older brother for help now. It is where I go rejoicing for answered request and blessings. And more delighted when I see answers to my prayers done in secret being delivered to those prayed for. Which is eternal? Heaven is truly family home. Retired Navy, I spent many years serving far from home. Ships, foreign nations, small islands. Home though distant was still home full of support and love. Which is temporary? Earth is temporary. It is as being assigned as a migrant worker to pick the crop in season, and know moving on comes quickly. To the next crop or to home at the end of all harvesting seasons. What kind of faith would it take for you to walk or live with this as your belief, rather than holding on to your earthly possessions, status, and life? My earthly posessions are being given, sold, and scrapped. Refrain of ‘Olde Rugged Cross’ “when at last my trophies I lay down” dug deeply. For me it is as the young ruler, “Just what do I have that has more value than the Gospel?” Was the holy spirits question. And within a year of struggle against clinging “stuff”; I find my heart changed from it has value to it blocks my “next” in service to my Lord.

Q1. (2 Timothy 2:3; 3:10-12; 4:7) Why are we quieted so quickly by mild societal disapproval of our witness? We have yet to developer the skills of lawyers in the courtroom and others such that we put forth what is truth, important to the hearer, yet rejected. And being forceful not offensive. My wife was a legal researcher and secretary for a time. I remeber the attorney finishing a telephone call with another lawyer, “Then I will agree that we disagree.” He immediately went on with his next point. What would enduring hardship "like a good soldier of Christ" look like in your life? I am not sure. Currently my situation is clearing out trophies and stuff nolonger if real use to self and in the way of going forward with the gospel. It took some time for monuments to my past to become blockage to more of God’s plan for me. What would it look like to "fight the good fight" for you? Free of worldly entanglements to serve the Lord. Entanglements which are distracting. Stealing my attention and time.

Someone upthread in so many words wrote that humility itself is a gift of God and not something that we can set our minds to be or accomplish. To be humble is to surrender, not to aspire, that is. I think this is wise though the act of submission also seems very fuzzy and unattainable. What exactly am I responsible for? Submitting? Is submitting an act or gift of God? If humility is a consequence of submission, then what is God's role and what is mine, if any at all? It seems like an endless cycle. We must submit to be humble ... to live God's way. But every step here involves Him and His power, not our own determination or goals. Even submission is a gift. Somewhere in this cycle, there has to be an on-ramp, a place where the Christian is responsible for stepping forth ... or back.

Q1. (Matthew 7:13-14) If Jesus' teaching about the narrow gate and the narrow road to life is to be believed, what change would this make in how you conduct your life? What difference would it make to how you witness to your neighbors? How might it affect your acceptance of Universalism? I do believe Jesus' teaching on the narrow gate and narrow road to life. Since I believe this, I do my best to ask, listen, and go where He needs me to go. I do talk with my neighbors a lot. I pray for them and ask them how I can pray for them. Universalism---not a chance. That 'religion' is so wide open that it's ludicrous.

Yes, it is fair to conclude that Solomon was a womanizer because of all the women he had in his lifetime. A womanizer uses the woman and then throws her back to where he got her. The children probably didn’t even see their fathers. Sexual excess is not compatible with Christian discipleship.