Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Changing the world Part II

Continuing …..Sub topic: changing the world. What the Lord has done through a people that for 1500 yrs did not even have their own copies of his word to read.

Man eaters, barbarians were converted to the faith.

Human sacrifice as normal to all human religions was ended in the west.

States/Kings, rich and poor, saw themselves as under the same law.

The state having limitations on it, as a part of Gods order.

Slavery as basic to life was ended.

Torture which had always been a normal tool of any state was ended.

Basic human dignity came to be known, as all were made in the image of God.

Hospitals.

Orphanages

The pagan viewpoint ( greek/roman, among others) that an elite should rule was replaced by a most rudimentary understading of representative government. Along the lines of “choose from among you men….”

The sparing of non combatants from warfare, women and children, etc.

All honest labor was seen as dignified and of glory to God.

Basic human liberties and religious liberties as in the church being free and apart from the state.

Science as we understand it burst on the scene. etc etc etc

Women elevated as co-heirs in Christ

Today we let the world get away with saying, of course, of course everyone agrees with these things. But when Christ came and started his church none of this was even thought of.

This all arose from a people, who made disciples. It came out of communities, societies, cultures that took serious the call to be sure of biblical doctrines and saw no limit on the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Yes, tons of it was half baked .

On this last Sunday I tried to stress to men and women alike, that in any area of life where we endeavor to do anything for the glory of God, changing diapers, schooling, training, giving understanding, Deut 6 basic discipling we are talking about, then the Kingdom of God advances. If you have a family, this is your calling. Fully understand what God calls for here, and you are then ready to disciple nations.

But that doesnt seems like we are doing enough for our God, does it? That’s what my mind says.

But Gods word says…. "If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15

…. and He said to them: "Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe--all the words of this law. 47 For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess." Deut 32:46-47

This has been Gods way to change the world. It has been on hold for a long time while many try to fill their lives with an expression that they think is worthy of God. But what sayeth the scriptures?

…So Samuel said: "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 1 Sam 15:22

Are you willing to work a crop that may not harvest until after you are long dead and gone? It isnt splashy, it isnt sensational, it just calls for you to daily die to yourself to do it right. All Abraham got to see was one son.

....For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life.....

The reality of Jesus and how it changed the world

While Rob played hooky, My Christmas message at Legacy was that the baby Jesus, was sent without big fanfare and marching armies, but the next phase of the battle was on. The Same conflict Augustine recognized, the city of man verses the city of God.

….” For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7

Nothing can keep Gods hand from accomplishing his purposes, He is Soveriegn….

The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, "Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, And as I have purposed, so it shall stand: Isaiah 14:24


This is the purpose that is purposed against the whole earth, And this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. 27 For the Lord of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?" Isaiah 14:26-27 (NKJV)


It was declared that the gates of hell will not prevail against this kingdom and its citizens were told to go make disciples...... And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt 28:18-20

So even though all around us we might see things falling apart, situations that get worse and worse, it is important to realize what we are looking at. Namely that it is the city of man and its futile thinking that is cratering. It….is built on sand. It is confusing to us, because Christians have gone along with the whole Americana thing and for the most part we have been part and parcel to it. We are not watching a Christian society and biblical Churchs cracking up and failing.

Rather we are just beginning to pick up the ball again after 150-200 yrs of navel gazing, in the name of loving Jesus.

Therefore my people have gone into captivity, Because they have no knowledge; Their honorable men are famished, And their multitude dried up with thirst. Isaiah 5:13

After my message I had one father that asked for some help to see what I was saying, that the Kingdom of God will prevail against the gates of hell. So for 4 weeks(?) I have been giving 5-10 minute thumbnail sketchs of how much the Kingdom of God has advanced since He sent them out.

…..But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 7 Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king--Jesus." Acts 17:6-7

….” The rabble rousers in Thessalonia had quickly grasped the implications of Christianity: another King, another law, a freedom from the state as the ultimate authority, and a freedom to live under God primarily, not under the state…..” Rushdoony

Monday, February 8, 2010

Far as the curse is found

Mans problem is sin. The answer for sin is the gospel in all of its fullness and glory.

As we sang today from Joy to the World ( good news has been brought)....Far as the curse is found.... far as the curse is found...the affects of the curse are found everywhere. but the gospel is the solution to every trace of the curse, where ever it is found!

One of the areas cursed because of sinful men is economics.

Education has been controlled by the state. The state does not recognize anyone coming down from a mountain with the truth written on stone tablets. So with a blind faith in its own wisdom and ability, it decided what was important for the next generation to know for life. Surprise, they haven’t had a clue. I make that statement based on what Gods word says is important for life.

Most of what I was taught a crock. What I was taught concerning Government and Economics were not lies, but damn lies.

Here is a short 35 minute talk on Economics in American history from the Mises Institute.

There are just some great observations from this message. Because we have all been trained to think incorrectly, It is easy to manipulate most Christians into supporting horrible legislation in the name of fixing problems. But sin problems cannot be fixed by legislating. They need the gospel to be resolved.

This talk reveals some big myths from history. The author I do not think is Christian he has a good sense of humor and a fast paced delivery. There is much to be gleaned from this message and I think most will find it helpful or at least may it cause us to pause and reflect on what we have may have thought was the truth.It also brings a perspective to Dominion taking, and what that can look like, if you have eyes and ears to hear it.

listen or download the mp3

Flip out, at the name of Jesus

We are convinced a majority, a consensus among caring, loving Christians is what God looks at , that this type of behavior, in most minds, is in its essence, biblical.

With the world, they can flip out at the name of Jesus, but even the world can adore a Jesus that is separated from his word. The battle is over His word and all the more so in the church. Is the word a sharp sword or is it hidden in the mist, (Yoda....ooohhhh, very cloudy it is) Is there a standard or not?

....If God’s truths and definitions are universal, then people cannot define concepts in their own way....

Rob has already shared of losing a long deep friendship with someone because his lifestyle spoke volumes in a contrarian fashion, verses what is the status quo in the church. His friend did not show from scripture why Rob is in error, he just knows its wrong and broke off the friendship. I still think that just being around Robs family was too convicting. It was easier to say goodbye to a friend then to change a world view.

I have much respect for Paul Washer who after just being in the ministry a few yrs and stumbling over the things voddie talks about could confess to himself that everything he thought he knew was wrong . It took me at least 6 yrs to come to that place and it was line upon line on subjects, one topic at a time. I am not sure I could of quickly, like Washer accepted how large the error was. I think I would’ve just chased Rob out of my house and quickly bought some sandals so I could shake the dust off of them. Heretic.

I recently had someone go on for over a page on a long rant on me.....

..something in it just really rubs me the wrong way...

....Your exigesis is shoddy at best and is frankly more like prooftexting and isegesis....

...You are misquoting passages all over the place and are ripping them out of context...

...you are imposing your beliefs on the scriptures...

...wicked abuses of God’s word....

But by the end of it he never pointed out my error. He was very upset, he just knows I am wrong all over the place but he couldnt tell me where.

I wrote back and asked....For my edification, could you show me the proposition I asserted, that is contrary to either the historical Christian understanding, or contrary to the bible? I continue to get the cricket treatment.

Make sure you are always contending for the word. "Can you show me from the word?" Did you come to this position becasue of what the bible teaches? This is where the sound of the guns are, and have always been! As at the very beginning.....And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said....Gen 3:1.... and at the very end.......And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev 12:17

Has God Said? Indeed He has!

More, Who says? How do you know?

Does the modern Christian have a reference point for something being biblical. I am thinking being biblical has no real, tangible meaning. We have functioned more from a position of, if a Christian does it, it is defacto good.

Because we partake of something , because Christ is in us, its all good. And if you have an entire community, united in the love of Christ, who can be against us? Not even the devil himself can bring charges against us! Send the kids to Sunday school, sister Mary is gonna preach. Liberty.

Like the global warming community. Its not what does science show, but what is the majority consensus? And its called science? We are convinced a majority, a consensus among caring, loving Christians is what God looks at , that this type of behavior, in most minds, is in its essence, biblical.

Voddie, mentioned in the Q and A that he has had three (3) different men tell him that "God told me to leave my wife!" This was part of him warning about mystascism in the church today. Where things other than the Bible are the reference point for what we do or don’t do.

We are called to tear down every thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. I know I need more grace to tear false things down, without tearing down the person.

May God grant us more wisdom in using the sword of his word, to divide down to the bone and marrow. A gracious way to convey that someone is building a house on shifting sand.

Voddie, purity of our kids

Kayla taught Nathan to put his hand on his chest and say "Im the man." If my two year old is saying it, we have no excuse. Grab Gods truth and repeat it to our families and the community. Man up! Come, let us play the part of the man well! (yes if its about you, its prideful. If you are boldly repeating back, what God has said about His creation then in that area you are a witness!)

From Sermon index again. The sin of sodomy in America, Voddie Bachum

www.sermonindex
As is usual with voddie he swerves across the road in this message to deliberately run over some of the myths/lies that spring up to cloud what God has said.

Awesome. What is almost better is seeing how he draws from the text and Gods word, wisdom that most of us would miss. Which results is Liberty on our part, its up to us, becasue the word is silent. not.

In this case it is about 5 minutes he spends on purity. This area,. where you can clearly see how God protects us, God doesnt defile us, even as he communicates everything we need to know about evil and wickedness. Us modernists are blind in this area. We will watch and expose ourselves to so many things becasue....."Its so realistic"...."Our kids need to know the truth" blah blah blah. The wisdom of man. This is another area where if someone is trying to speak some wisdom about it, you can bet many believers knee jerk into the "thats legalism". We are so thick. This part alone makes the talk worth while. If God will not defile you, you had better not defile your children! We are to protect and shelter with a capitol S! We will have to poke at this more.

Gary and Marie Ezzo have a talk about purity for our kids which I thought was great and fits in here well. Gods ways are not our ways, there is a way to man that seem right....but its death. America does not need Christians that function as really nice humanists.

2nd thing, at the end of the talk Voddie shows why divorce is always wrong, this is his churchs stance. Your eyebrow went up on that one, huh.

3rdly He shows how the sodomites have manipilated oppinions of Americans. (You do not need to target the Christians in Amerca for disinformation. Just decieve the community at large and you will have us believers too. We can practice paganism in a way thats puts the pagans to shame. We do it with all of our might, as unto the Lord. Hah! )

Gods law is the antidote. If you will embrace God as the authority for right and wrong,ethics. His law as the perfect revealed way, from a perfect God. Then God's truth can be seen, in between the verses. He who has, more will be given. If you reject this, God hides himself. Paul Washer says something to the affect that this is Gods wrath. He hides himself. ( we are left to our own reasoning, what a heavy blow! ouch! No lord, have mercy on us!)

Man up, this nation and your family needs a bigger, more faithful, remnant.
David

What happened to the universities?

I was only going to send this to Rob so he would have something to read during his wee hr restlessness. But It might be helpful (enjoyable) to others.

Here are two posting from Wilson where he notes…. You need to understand the world before finding your place in it.

He makes some observations on why our universities became what they are, and when it took place. Mid 1800’s One side was getting ready to take a nap and the other side was trying to take everyone else’s thoughts captive.

These are both very good to nibble on, but one place I differ with Wilson is wrapped up in this sentence….. And on top of that, when someone proposes that their older student attend a liberal arts school that is seeking self-consciously to reestablish the old tradition, the parental (and Marxist) objection is often that "want their kid to be able to get a job." But before we think about getting a job, we need to train the next generation how to get a life.

On this point I see that, biblically, it is within the family, that the next generation should be trained to get a life. It should be from within the Christian family, with the church showing families how Gods word is more than sufficient! And when we do not do this, we have families with every member doing his or her own thing, you will watch your kids become sullen, directionless teenagers. Whoa to us, if we turn our backs on Gods reformation that is being played out right in front of us!

I learn a lot from Wilson but he has a soft spot in his heart for Christian schools that I do not share.

College as a Counter-Revolution

Topic: Education

Four Years to GoTopic: Education

Viewing the State

For your prayerful consideration.

Here are two articles that fit together. I bet neither author was aware of what the other was writing. They both address an area that is desperate for us Christians to understand in the light of Gods word.

That the church has, on purpose said for generations, ”that this be nothing having to do with our Lord ...so forget it.” Came not from exegeting the Word, but laziness at best.

One is from Douglas Wilson.....

.....So I want to urge the reader to think through everything that is said. This is a very difficult subject, and we cannot just give voice to our grievances. God will not bless the envious mutterings of slaves, but He promises to bless their prayers and labors. So we encourage the reader to make sure to think through everything that is said, and then pursue it in wisdom beyond the specific situations discussed here.

How should we as Christians, corporately gathered together in the Church, understand the modern state? How should we understand what is occurring around us? The evening news spits information at us night after night; how are we to process it in the light of God’s Word? We are not to take our signals from the right wing, or the left wing, or from some moderate (and very squishy) position in the middle. We are to seek to understand everything that occurs according to the ultimate authority of Scripture.....

Sweet Defiance

Then from Gary North is a probably the shortest and most consise explanation of something that is happening on a macro scale around us. Governments and their unbiblical economic systems that are tottering on the brink of being recognized by their citizens as impotent frauds. It is longer, 23 pages, but they are narrow pages so its not that bad . For the topic matter, as wide and complex as it is, I think this is an amazing job on Gary’s part to separate the carefully crafted cover, and reveal what is happening, and can happen....


…..The Establishments of the world are losing legitimacy. The public no longer trusts their judgment or their character. This is the biggest threat the American Establishments control. Even the Federal Reserve System -- at the heart of the Establishment's system of control -- is losing legitimacy….

I have good news and bad news. The government is going to default in my lifetime. That's the good news. The bad news is that tens of millions of people who have trusted the government's promises will be ruined. When this happens, they will be ready to listen to reasons as to why the system went bust.

When things are going smoothly, people won't change. Things are not going to go smoothly.

Digits and Revolution by Gary North

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Voddie,the Law of God

I find it very helpful to hear from as many as I can when I am overturning those wrong paradigms in my brain.

On the sermon index page here Voddie lets fly on how Gods Law is perfect. It was not a mistake. It didnt need improving. Spends time on some objections, real legalism, and most fun, uses the sermon on the mount as a thesis for understanding the Law.

This talk has a point where he uses one of those areas from the law where we moderns all choke " that just cannot be right..." and shows the beauty behind it. Adds another helpful aspect to biblical womanhood. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.....

The Law of God in Light of the Kingdom by Voddie Baucham

Description: Christians constantly wrestle with the question of the Law of God. Is the Law relevant to the Christian? What laws must I keep? Where does legalism come into play? Matthew 5:17-20 is the key to understanding the Law of God in light of the reality of the Kingdom. The Law of God is perfect, timeless, relevant, and yet insufficient to save. Grasping these truths transforms the way we view the Law.

Ft Hood

Last week just days before the fort hood terrorist shooting, errr…. I mean accidental firearm malfunction. We heard from one of our fellowship, who had just been deployed for duty in the armed forces at a stateside military Base. He was asking for wisdom on the topic of, how as a soldier, he was not supposed to have a firearm, even in his car, on base. Kind of like wearing pants with no underwear. I don’t like commando style.

I could mail him my sword cane, but along with sharpened pencils, they are probably not allowed either.

We disarm the men at fort Hood, and we have a women, (and mother!) to defend them. God is holding up a mirror to his church that we might see we are naked, wretched and poor.

Lord, please grant us Reformation in the church. The soldiers might be disarmed, but it was the church that first started putting rubber tips on Gods word.

Bondslaves

In Voddies Titus message, he comes out and says he would argue that the segregated church model violates scripture. He notes…You cannot follow the directions from titus when you split it all up. I can hear the teachers and defenders of this modern tradition of man saying…but he didn’t say we were sinning, right?….

I heard most of his a families guide to the church today, which is a awesome compannion to his Titus message.

Who, are you? What is your Identity?

.....And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, Phil2:8,9


It was his obedience that results in his exaltation. The very son of God showed the way and Paul identifies himself with it....For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Phil 1:21 We modernists as Americans have had the notion of "no body can tell us what to do" ingrained in us....The Pastor is meddling again....


It is hard to unravel our pride and I think that I start from a position that the bible would liken more to a "Hireling" than that of a "bondservant" ....I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free Ex 21:5 The hireling must be told, (and might just say, forget it, I am not gonna do that) But the Bondservant loves his master will move in a proactive manner that does not concern himself. The Idea of his own rights and freedom,s will be foreign to his thinking. As a bondservant, he was given his freedom and he has turned it down, because he loves his master.


This is a paradigm shift….. Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Or For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Phil 1:21

When Paul says in Phil 3:12 …but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.... It is hard for us, in our me centered culture, to grasp that God saved us for purposes beyond ourselves. We are all for just moving into our Thomas Kinkade cabin, hanging out with Jesus, and enjoying the glow of his glory. But that is not why he redeemed us…. but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

In Romans we are told that the lost…. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, Romans 1:18-2

If the unsaved , who maybe have never seen a bible, will be told “you are without excuse” then will not we, who have been redeemed! And have Gods revealed word! and His Holy Spirit! will we be able to say in his presence… “well your word just wasn’t that clear”…Master, I couldn’t really tell what you wanted done.”

How many times did Jesus say “to him who has ears to hear, let him hear”

Are you moving in fellowship with those who agree that, His law is exceedingly broad, (Psalms) or do you prefer the company of those who think that Gods word leaves so many things, kind of fuzzy?

Because He IS Lord! Over heaven and earth, over the eternal and the temporal, I expect His word to be a lamp unto my feet, for everything! Psalm119

If he has said, we should take every thought captive , then we should expect to find enough guidance from his word, to use as the standard, so we know if we are doing it. When you open his word, what are you expecting?

Who do you spend your time with? You will be fully like your teachers the bible says.

When I get the time, I listen and read those who believe that there is no area of life where God has not spoken too, at least principally. I want to be discipled, by men like that. I want my children to sit under a pastor who thinks this way, even if he cannot see it all, and no one, will get it all. I want it to be like a constant rain falling around my children…what sayeth the scriptures!

How many times have you seen, where scripture clearly collides with some sacred cow of ours and you then try and find a way to dismiss Gods Word. Not overtly of course,….there probably is some greek tense here that changes the meaning…


Understanding, comprehension. The word says, if you are faithful with a little, more will be given.

Who does this guy think he is? No one, except a poor example of a bondservant, who for too long, has been way too concerned about his Christian liberties. But I did have Mexican food tonight.

Being Thankful

Its been a yr since heading out on the self employed trail. Very time consuming. That and the holiday season leaves me way behind here.

Our family has been feasting, celebrating what God has done this last year. The business grows and the bills get paid. I eat breakfast and lunch with my family! Glory!

Glory to God for every good gift.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.III

third thing...On what exegetical basis, would we, as servants, of the most high, come to understand that, for the first time in 2000 years, part of honoring the wishes of our master would be to split up the families as a part of worshipping Him? How is it that they should not partake in hearing those very things that they should be trained up into? ....." son what did the pastor mean when he talked of such and such?"....Dad, what does this_____ mean?

Voddie has thrown out the challenge again and again to "show me" why should the family be split up?

(sound of crickets chriping)

Yes! we must judge and discern what others do and advocate, No! we do not despise them. But rather, in the biblical example and manner of our sweet loving savior, we respond as he responded to the defenders and teachers of the man made traditions of His day!

Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'[ Matt 15:7-9 ….and…. …. He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? Matt 15:3

Or in Pauls example, and yes, even Jesus, ridicule them….“why don’t you just split up the family the rest of the week too? Better yet! Just let Caesar teach your kids!" (Doug Wilson has mentioned that these are hard times for a satirist.)

Then His disciples came and said to Him, "Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" 13 But He answered and said, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch." Matt 15:12-14 that is a good one! (If anyone ever asks…” did Jesus make fun of people?” … you can start here.)

And is not "So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." Romans 14:19, in context, talking about ….."Hey, whats to eat?"

So no more smoothie jokes. But its always open season on coffee, “where’s Rob…..”

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: Titus 2:1

each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.II

Second thing… what should be our Perspective? Are we free agents?

Proverbs says about a wife who loves her husband… “that his heart trusts safely in her” so she is out doing business transactions left and right and he safely trusts in her. My wife pays attention to me and will do things for me or in my place and nails it most of the time and can say …” I knew you would like that” If she was concerned that her “growth as a women” was being stunted, or wondering if she is missing out on “Liberty” by being focused on her husband she would instead say…” I just did what I, thought was best.”

We are the bride of Christ, no?

I recently noted that we are to have the mind of Christ and take every thought captive as servants etc etc. Additionally consider:…

If you understand that you have been bought and paid for…if you realize that you are no longer your own…if you are now a bondservant like James, Paul and John…if you want to do your masters will because you love him and owe him everything, including your next breath…If you want to be like Jesus, doing only what he see’s the father doing and saying only what the father says….if you are trying to study the ways of God so that you can be a good servant … then when you come upon ….a list of examples that would show a pattern….. from your master whom you love with all your heart, should we ponder…..but does this constitute command?

If you really Desire God, with all your heart, would you consider it, optional wisdom? Or would you as a loving servant say, “Master, I wasn’t sure, but I did what I thought would be pleasing to you.”

We, for the most part, do not understand how vast and broad the first commandment is.
Christian liberty is real! And has a place. It should not be driving the bus.

continued....

each one should be fully convinced in his own mind

How does Romans 14 and its Verse 5 "each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." format or change how churchs should be ordered.Family integrated or any old which way as people may prefer?

This will be one of three emails to keep it smaller and make it easier. All three emails form the completed responce.

We have not been asking questions and we need to. This is thrown out to think over, Amen!

First thing.....This passage is about food. Did God intend for what is said here, about food, ( and days) to then be applied and even override clear instruction elsewhere?

We only have to go to chpt 15 to see Paul say...... Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God Romans 15:14-15

On the area of food Paul says...." each one should be fully convinced in his own mind..." But he is in other areas admonishing and writing more boldly and in those cases he is not saying .....each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. I noticed that the preceding chapters are totally devoid of any notion of .... each one should be fully convinced in his own mind...

The church at large has taken this.... each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.... and made it the standard De jour for everything! It is a contextual mugging of scripture. This is a lynchpin verse for a lot of "liberty in Christ" which neuters what you said.....We are also restored to our proper position as servants of the Most High God.

Voddies intro talk at Heritage, ( download it!) where he uses Titus to show that there is just oodles of direction given, concerning discipling and body life, that runs crossgrain to our modernist individual way we see things. God left lots of directions for His servants, how else can they serve their master? Between the convention itself and on Sunday Voddie, whether in the body of his talks, but especially during the question and answer portions, pretty much demolished, (with exegetical skill that was a delight to watch) the notion that the God is silent on what he wants going on in the family, education and the Church, by His servants.

Showing just how much biblical principle must be ignored, so that most of the modern Chuch can stand on the neutral island and say....each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.....on these issues.

The same Paul; who in Romans 12:18 said.... If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Also says in Romans 16:17 ... Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. (division over doctines?) This will take judgment and discernment ( gasp)

To be continued..