tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61047383992661189882024-03-05T23:54:59.971-05:00Abraham InetianborLife - Christianity - Politics - DiscriminationAbraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-40105761489815010182023-01-21T01:28:00.002-05:002023-05-27T14:47:23.864-04:00The POWER of the MIND Game - WOKE?<p><br /></p><p>Ask yourself, who is WOKE?</p><p>1. Is it the oppressed who never stopped crying for help, but decided to cry louder, just to be heard?</p><p>OR</p><p>2. The oppressor, who is trying to silence the cry and pretending like there is nothing to see here?</p><p><br /></p><p>I will leave you to answer this question for yourself, to show more about who you are, as a human being. </p><p><br /></p><p>THE MIND GAME:</p><p>This name-calling movement of "woke" is all a mind game by the oppressor. If you've ever heard of the word "HACKED" or know someone who lost control of their computer device to a hacker, it will be very easy for you to understand this mind game. The reason a hacker will remotely access your phone, computer or any other device, without your consent, is mostly because they don't have the ability to physically take it from you. Some also do not want to be caught in the act of stealing. So, they manipulate the process by compromising your computer or device. They make you believe that something like a phishing link with virus or malware, is real and authentic. Then entice you to click on it. This is just one of many ways a hacker can steal and own your device, without physically having the device in their possession.</p><p><br /></p><p>To be clear, when I say "THEY": this means anyone who fits the bill.</p><p>They (the bullies, racists and their accomplices) want you (the victim) to remain their physical slave, if possible. When they cannot have you physically, just like the computer hacker, then they find other ways to own you. This is called "Mental" slavery, which is a manipulated process of accessing your mind. They fill it up with lies (virus). They load conspiracy theories inside your brain (malware).. Then they take control of your thoughts, beliefs and especially your decision making. You think you are smart, know the truth and part of a movement. Instead, you are simply acting based on the corrupt mindset, which was fed to you by these conspiracy theorists.</p><p><br /></p><p>It's the same way the devil makes evil look good, so we can become slaves to sin. Bob Marley once said to "Emancipate" or to free yourself from "mental slavery." Physical and mental slavery are conducted to achieve the same goal, which is to make a fellow human being less of a person. Physical slavery may have been made popular based on skin color and/or economic status, but MENTAL slavery has no color preference because anyone can be trapped. No one, at least to my knowledge, is calling these "Christians" Woke, especially for fighting a fake fight in the name of God.</p><p><br /></p><p>However, when colored people ask for basic humane treatment and fight against racism, these same Christians are quick to call them Woke Mob, especially in states like Florida, Tennessee and Texas. This is all part of the trumpism movement. Just a quick note; being rude, loud, obnoxious, unkind and a bully, does not make you tough. It makes you look very small, super insecure, very weak, sadly insufficient, so afraid, and if I may add, very, very foolish. The "Real Donald Trump Junior" a.k.a Ron Desantes, is well known for using the word Woke. He's in love with the word, like a kid screaming chocolate in the candy store. His loyalists enjoy throwing the word around without having any clue about what it really means.</p><p><br /></p><p>Finally, to those of you, especially Christians, who keep acting like the only way to solve the problem of sin in the world is to force people into Christianity, why don't you start with your own household or relatives? Start with your kids, your parents, your spouse, your aunts and uncles. Force them into Christianity before you start picking meaningless fights with other people of the world, simply for political gains. When you were in the world, did someone persecute or force you to become a child of God or did they preach the gospel to you? If you were forced, then your confession of Jesus as the Son of God was coerced too, and not voluntarily made.</p><p><br /></p><p>To those who are fighting the fight for justice and basic human decency, listen. When foolish people, yes foolish indeed, call you WOKE for doing the right thing, their goal is to discourage you. Don't let them HACK your MIND for their own benefit. SPEAK UP!!! The Church in Galatia thought a few Christians, who were following the New Testament way, were "woke" (if I may use the word to paraphrase), and the twisted minds of those foolish Galatians, made them believe they had all the answers. The Galatians stuck to the Old Testament ways, which led to their mindset of physical Israel <b>Nationalism</b>. Paul, the Apostle called them foolish for this reason.</p><p><br /></p><p>Always remember, the real Christians are not the ones calling people woke mob, simply for seeking justice and humane treatment. I am "WOKE" and I am very, very, very proud to be described as Woke by those in the trumpism movement. On a different note, if you want to be set free from the bondage of sin, you can check out video #7 on my video page or <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/12/how-to-become-child-of-god.html" target="_blank">READ HERE</a></b>. Stay Blessed and Stay physically and spiritually Woke My Friends.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiiiAREHS6hmbrnMwmi_oMW7VNr9BZCNRZAPqVhTYHGV8FRlLs8iZoVbgit9dm1OtPWh6vLfEhioV7phEXXqrZlIysfwjZhMYPjwS45A2yW9F1ugsO3RAjcmrrYajhjeDnRHuGv2QeP07PlHSo21xL0qdAe7CHPI1l6InmTNz0_miacQ4bjL5UEnjAg/s923/Webp.net-resizeimage.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="923" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiiiAREHS6hmbrnMwmi_oMW7VNr9BZCNRZAPqVhTYHGV8FRlLs8iZoVbgit9dm1OtPWh6vLfEhioV7phEXXqrZlIysfwjZhMYPjwS45A2yW9F1ugsO3RAjcmrrYajhjeDnRHuGv2QeP07PlHSo21xL0qdAe7CHPI1l6InmTNz0_miacQ4bjL5UEnjAg/s320/Webp.net-resizeimage.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-37894218496379281112022-08-31T17:36:00.003-04:002022-09-03T12:28:41.396-04:00Yes, The Bible Separates CHURCH and STATE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Op315BtD4a0" width="320" youtube-src-id="Op315BtD4a0"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p>The CHURCH - is a Holy Nation or The Kingdom of Light with a different set of laws.</p><p><br /></p><p>The STATE - is a Worldly Establishment or The Kingdom of Darkness with a different set of laws.</p><p><br /></p><p>The Church is NOT allowed, I repeat, NOT allowed to make laws for itself, let alone make laws for the State. Even the most popular bible verse (John 3:16) says <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/the-power-to-choose.html" target="_blank">WE HAVE A CHOICE</a></b> to be obedient to God's truth because it's not by force. Paul acknowledged that there are different sets of laws, which people can choose to be obedient to, and yes, it's a choice. In his letter to the Church in Ephesus, he made it clear that the Children should be obedient to their parents ONLY in accordance with God's law (Ephesians 6:1). This is an acknowledgment that there are other man-made laws by the "State" or the establishment, which may look or sound good and legal but are contrary to God's law. Read the entire letter to get the full picture.</p><p><br /></p><p>Paul, the apostle, through the Holy Spirit, called the Church in Galatia "FOOLISH" simply because they had an obsession with the law of the land. This is the same "law of the land" that Jesus was accused of breaking, when he was arrested for blasphemy. The old Jewish law is what the Galatians wouldn't let go. They didn't want to acknowledge the difference between the old and the new. They saw the old law as "binding" because it had some <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2022/06/selfish-christianity-is-costing-us-big.html" target="_blank">similar commands</a></b> as the New Testament laws. Today, some so-called Christians treat the United States constitution like it's the bible because it condemns one or two acts of sin. Click here to <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2022/06/selfish-christianity-is-costing-us-big.html" target="_blank">READ MORE</a></b> on the Bible and the Constitution.</p><p><br /></p><p>In this piece, I will focus on only four examples of how the bible acknowledges this separation, including God himself making this separation clear in his own words. Let's look at what <b>PETER</b>, <b>PAUL </b>and <b>JESUS</b> said about Separating Church and State. Sometimes, you unintentionally ignore a topic because you think it should be clear as daylight. Then you realize, we live in a different world where liars and conspiracy theorists are glorified in the name of God. Most people are familiar with the Serpent, who practically told Adam and Eve not to believe the truth that they know to be truth. This is exactly the society we live in today.</p><p><br /></p><p>Now, more than ever, there is the need for truth and clarity because minds are being manipulated daily. Worst of all, these conspiracy theorists think that their lies and manipulations are justified simply because they falsely call on the name of God. If you are seeking the truth, you will read through this and then study the bible references on your own, to verify if it's true. But if you are a conspiracy theorist with a made up mind and itchy ears, you will ignore this, turn on one of your news sources like the present day Fox News and then figure out more ways to corrupt your already damaged mindset (2 Timothy 4:3-4).</p><p><br /></p><p>But first, let me clear up a few things before I start quoting Peter, Paul and Jesus himself. Remember, the CHURCH is a group of people and not a building (John 4:23-24). It is often referred to as the Kingdom of Christ, with one King and no boundaries or a map, unlike the four corners of the United States (Acts 17:5-9). On the other hand, the word "STATE" generally means the government or the establishment. But the bible's context of "STATE" generally means anyone outside the Kingdom of Christ including all ungodly establishments. Please, <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/02/did-god-pick-trump-to-be-president.html" target="_blank">DO NOT misinterpret Romans chapter13</a></b> based on what you heard from your pulpit minister or someone else. Just read and study the bible.</p><p><br /></p><p>The process of becoming an American is not the same as the process of becoming a Christian. You can become an American by physical birth or Naturalization. However, anyone anywhere, regardless of birthplace or location, can become a Christian or a part of God's kingdom through spiritual birth (John 3:1-21). The United States of America is NOT the Church that Christ died for (Acts 20:28) or promised in Matthew 16:18. The United States is just one of many physical locations in this world where Christians can be found. So the word, "Church" represents Christians and the word, "State" represents the rest of the world. Christians or the Church, have a Covenant with God, which is the New Testament (Hebrews 9:15-17). But the World or State, have a covenant with the Devil (John 8:44-45).</p><p><br /></p><p><b>PETER, The Apostle</b>: The "CHURCH" is a holy nation of people but the "STATE" is unholy. Wherever God is present is considered holy. In the Old Testament, there was a section of the temple (tabernacle) described as holy because of God's presence (Leviticus 16:1-2). Today, God is present in Christians and Christians make up the CHURCH, which is the spiritual temple (1 Corinthians 6:19). This is why the bible sometimes refers to Christians as a "holy" people (Hebrews 3:1). God was also present at the burning bush when Moses was told to take off his footwear because he was standing on a "holy" ground (Exodus 3:5 and Acts 7:33). Like the old physical temple and today's Christians representing the new spiritual temple, the ground where Moses stood, is not holy in itself. But the presence of God made it holy, set aside and separate from the rest.</p><p><br /></p><p>Peter separated Church and State when he called Christians a "<b>HOLY NATION</b>" in 1 Peter 2:9-10 and the keyword here is Nation. What does this have to do with Church and State? Well, the only reason Peter describes the Church as a "holy nation" is to distinguish the Church as a separate nation from the rest of the world. But wait, God explained this best in Exodus and I'll get to it soon. Christians accepted grace under the New Covenant, which allows God's Spirit to dwell in us (Acts 2:38). A holy nation, also known as God's Country, is not the same as the rest of the world. Peter describes Christians as a "PEOPLE" and specifically called Christians Priests (1 Peter 2:9). This verse shows Peter's familiarity with the Old Testament structure. <b>God himself made it clear that any group of people called "HOLY NATION" are those who belong to his kingdom</b> (Exodus 19:5-6). </p><p><br /></p><p>The "unbelievers" were not considered as part of the "holy nation" and Peter was well aware of these terms. God himself used the same terms in Exodus 19:5-6 when he told the Israelites that they will become a "... kingdom of priests and a holy nation..." if they obey the covenant, which God had with them. God even acknowledged, in the same verse, that he created the world. However, he said his kingdom cannot be one and the same as the rest of the world. This is because there are those who do not want to obey his voice just like it was with the old covenant (John 3:19). This statement from the almighty himself, is even more true today, especially with the kingdom of Christ (Romans 14:17). When the physical Israelites were called God's people, and the Levite tribe as the source of priesthood, they were a separate "people" from the rest of the world. Other nations were considered unholy.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>JESUS, The CHRIST</b>: Jesus separates Church and State when he spoke about <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/01/should-i-pay-my-taxes.html" target="_blank">TAXES</a></b>. When asked a trap question about paying taxes, he didn't say yes or no. Instead, he asked them to look at the coin and tell him whose image was on it. They said Caesar and his response was, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God (Mark 12:13-17). Making such a statement after referencing the image on the coin, is Jesus' way of telling the Pharisees, you are created in God's image just like the coin is created in the image of Caesar. These are two different entities serving two different purposes. </p><p><br /></p><p>The coin may have the image of the leader at the time and belongs to <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/02/did-god-pick-trump-to-be-president.html" target="_blank">the government</a></b> or establishment, but your heart belongs to God. Just as you look at the image on that currency, you should look at your heart too and ask yourself, whose image and likeness is it made after (Ephesians 4:22-25). The amount of taxes you pay; The amount of love you have for the constitution; The amount of love you have for a country, will not make you a child of God.</p><p><br /></p><p>Jesus separates Church and State when his physical family were looking for him and found him. He pointed to his followers as he described who he considered to be his family (Matthew 12:46-50). He doesn't hate his Mom or brothers. He needed everyone to understand that his mission on earth was to establish his kingdom (Matthew 16:18). Anyone who is not onboard or a part of his Kingdom, is simply an outsider.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>PAUL</b>: Paul separates Church and State when he talked about the worldly courts and moral decision making. He said that Christians have no business waiting for the courts to tell Christians what is morally right or wrong. We should know better. This does not mean the bible is against going to court. The point Paul was making to the Corinthians in this context is simple - the bible is our moral guide and not the courts or the constitution. His point is, the Holy Nation (CHURCH) has its ways of dealing with these moral issues and the Courts (STATE) have their own way. </p><p><br /></p><p>This is why you often hear me say, as a Christian, the reason you don't steal is not because the law said so, it's because the bible already said do not steal. Christians who should know moral right from wrong, were taking each other to a worldly court to decide right or wrong for them. Paul was certainly not in agreement with this (1 Corinthians 5 & 6). Paul also said it is not our Christian duty to "police" the world (STATE) because they don't belong in our fellowship (communion). But a Christian who refuses to repent, is a different story. The world already stands condemned and it's our duty to show them the light, not force it on them (1 Corinthians 5:9-13).</p><p><br /></p><p>As previously mentioned, Paul called the Galatians "FOOLISH" simply because they were more concerned about obeying the law of the land rather than the law of Christ. They were accusing other Christians of doing the wrong thing by not following the old law. This is why Paul told them in Chapter 4 that it feels like they needed to be converted again. Two separate laws and platforms cannot be the same and should not be treated as the same. Stay Blessed My Friends.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://abrahaminetianbor.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLMXVYQXVYdomzQ_7c4J75uzqWs15G3gSUvs13FoLFbVY122y4ovUtBt-hYV-Irj_P3zLSzr3hPsDvKMyuHYpzmCPSI-kEiluTqYfIgvrB8UgYx2xm7wbNNit1sJWbWKZNVU4yM1utGY62HW-R7NzvRSlkFGDNk71iFJXLA3A5L5PEZI12fnPb2r1RQ/s320/-%20Abraham%20Inetianbor%20(46).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-24039457965038323832022-06-26T22:50:00.011-04:002022-08-23T09:10:42.290-04:00Selfish Christianity Is Costing Us Big including Our Dignity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/669ifOyUfgw" width="320" youtube-src-id="669ifOyUfgw"></iframe></div><br /><p>This generation of Christians are the most selfish of all time. The selfishness I'm talking about does not have anything to do with monetary or financial behavior. I'm talking about Constitutional Freedom. We seem to love our constitutional freedom more than the freedom we have in Christ. In fact, we love it so much that we are ready to literally fight the people of the world over this. But that fire doesn't burn as much in us, especially when it comes to sharing the freedom we have in Christ with the world.</p><p><br /></p><p>One minute we are singing "this world is not my home, I'm just passing through..." The next minute, we are busy fighting the world about what moral rights they should have under their constitution. I thought our job is to preach the gospel to them on our way home as pilgrims in this world. Instead, our HATRED for those who do not share our Christian values has grown so big, that these people are no longer interested in hearing about the LOVE of Christ.</p><p><br /></p><p>Today's Christians, especially here in America, believe in the freedom provided by the United States constitution but we want the constitutional freedom to apply only to Christians and no one else. Christian want the constitution to ban abortion simply because it's a good political benefit for them. You don't see the same efforts being applied to fornication and adultery, which are the number one cause of unwanted pregnancies. The bible is NOT the Constitution and both will never be the same.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>BIBLE</b> - The New Testament is the PERFECT law of Liberty (James 1:25-26). This is the law of the spirit of life in Christ with no boundaries, which provides the unmatched freedom from the old Jewish territorial law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).</p><p><b>CONSTITUTION</b> - On the other hand, the US constitution is the IMPERFECT law of Liberty. This is the law of the land with boundaries, which provides the sometimes questionable freedom to its citizens. The constitution gets amended or revised from time to time. It's man-made and therefore imperfect.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>BIBLE</b> - The bible does not allow you to plead the fifth. When you lie or steal, you simply admit your wrong and pray for forgiveness.</p><p><b>CONSTITUTION</b> - Under the constitution, you can lie or steal and plead the fifth, and sometimes get away with evil on technicality.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>BIBLE</b> - The bible only allows marriage between a man and a woman. Divorce is optionally permissible, when one of the partners commits adultery.</p><p><b>CONSTITUTION</b> - The United States constitution gives you the freedom to marry or divorce anyone you want, for any reason. If you don't like how your partner sneezes, you can file for divorce and call it "irreconcilable differences" or whatever else you want to call it.</p><p><br /></p><p>The United States constitution is not applicable in Canada, China or the United Kingdom. However, the bible is applicable to ALL Christians around the world, regardless of location. As a Christian, the reason you do not steal, kill, hate etcetera, is NOT because the constitution said you shouldn't. It's simply because the bible said you should not. If you don't know the difference, then you are yet to be converted and your decision to take up the cross to follow Jesus needs to be reconsidered.</p><p><br /></p><p>Some of us Christian parents who spend no time teaching their kids about God at home are busy fighting to have unbelievers teach our kids about God in schools. Many of us are buried in our ungodly way and pray less at home, but we want to kneel and pray on the football field for everyone to see (Matthew 6:5-7). I thought kneeling was a bad gesture because most of these same Christians were highly offended when colored people took a knee during the national anthem to protest racism. </p><p><br /></p><p>The so called "Christian" governors and senators want to pass abortion laws to terminates pregnancy up to fifteen weeks and anything after this is supposedly a bad thing. I guess a fifteen week old is worth less than a sixteen week old. They sign legislatures, which allow many ungodly behaviors like Strip Club or Nightclub permits. They supply condoms to teens in schools and churches. Despite all the tobacco poison fed to people even in grocery stores and the sexual immorality in our churches at all time high, apparently, the only sin they seem to care about, simply for political gains, is abortion clinics. We condemn other countries when they force their popular religion on Christians who live there and yet, we do the same here with no shame.</p><p><br /></p><p>We make the Pharisees of old look like angels with our hypocrisy and we should be ashamed of ourselves. I know some of you are going to send your nasty messages with all the "how dare you" and so on. But the fact remains the fact. There are twenty-seven books in the New Testament and twenty-two of them are written to Christians both individually and collectively. They were not written to unbelievers or the ungodly world. They were written to rebuke, correct and instruct Christians on how to live in this ungodly world, especially how to stop behaving like unbelievers (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Stay Blessed My Friends.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://abrahaminetianbor.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQGeEDbs9uUFuQKHu8iMbZSCfk392d6uhIemK0BpdNWQU_5Z22KjuHptR-Qm5jIFpAxWWbFRILzuAfOHTylO8-aQM1zu-TIyi2mzLEtMbXAwxDjSMFNZefry9pxttDP2GMWrPiTAo84GQ6H9tBUzs3cYzfJr-OTfW3iZWkJhUS9HbxHB0KZzxSlfwtg/s320/All%20we%20have%20to%20do%20today%20is%20match%20it%20up%20with%20the%20Bible%20to%20see%20if%20it's%20true..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-40424765833195354232022-01-06T04:46:00.063-05:002022-03-21T07:48:23.841-04:00The Truth and the Confusion of January 6, 2021<p>On this one year anniversary of the assault on America's democratic process, I think it's important to briefly reflect on what happened a year ago today. Also, the so called Christians who were there to destroy the Capitol and hurt their fellow human beings, based on a lie, need to look deeper within. This action shows how confused some people are in their claim to save "God's country" from the hands of "evil" elected officials.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>THE TRUTH</b>:</p><p>- The same people who condemned others for "denigrating" the American flag when burned overseas or by <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2017/11/to-kneel-or-stand-for-national-anthem.html" target="_blank">kneeling during the anthem</a></b>, were the same people using the flag to assault Police officers and breaking down doors and windows on Jan. 6, 2021. All during an unsuccessful attempt to overturn the result of an election.</p><p><br /></p><p>- The same people who refuse to speak the phrase "<b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2015/06/successful-young-men-black-vs-white.html" target="_blank">Black Lives Matter</a></b>" and instead replaced it with "Blue Lives Matter." These were the same people who assaulted and killed a Police officer, who was trying to protect the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.</p><p><br /></p><p>- The same people who said a "<b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/the-right-way-to-pray-for-your.html" target="_blank">prayer</a></b>" with a bible in their hands as they destroyed the Capitol and sought to kill the former Vice President by hanging, on Jan. 6, 2021; these are the same people, who want you to believe America is the only God's country on earth.</p><p><br /></p><p>- The same people who accepted the results of their elected officials to congress, refused to accept the defeat of their instigator who lost the election on the same ballot. How <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/10/the-fake-commission-that-makes-big.html" target="_blank">convenient</a></b> to validate uncivilized and ungodly behavior simply by using the name of God.</p><p><br /></p><p>I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever, if the tables were turned and the thousands of people who showed up on that day to create damage, were colored people, Washington D.C would have ran out of body bags on that day. Most FOX news anchors would likely have celebrated every bullet that puts a hole in the heads and hearts of those colored people and hail the shooters as heroes for protecting the "sacred" Capitol. The list goes on, yes, here is America; God's Country??? Printing "In God We Trust" on a piece of paper and singing "God Bless America" does not make any place on earth <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2017/12/prayers-in-public-school.html" target="_blank">God's country</a></b>.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>THE CONFUSION</b>:</p><p>This confusion of "fighting for God's country" is actually caused by lack of understanding of what the <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/06/democrats-vs-republicans-vs-christianity.html" target="_blank">TWO MAJOR PARTIES</a></b> truly represent. These "Christians" and Evangelicals also not knowing their place on earth or in the <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2022/01/should-christian-vote-or-run-for-public.html" target="_blank">electoral process</a></b>, makes matters worse. As of today's date - Jan. 6, 2022 there are still two major political parties in the United States of America and other parts of the world. But I will briefly make this portion specific to America.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Majority</b> of Democrats and the left wing media's narrative, is mostly based on facts. And by "majority" I mean, those who are caught up in party loyalty. They are unapologetic about our ungodly culture. They fully accept it as a way of life and see no reason to think otherwise. This is expected because they are of the world and not of Christ, which is exactly what Jesus said to expect from the world. They mostly don't pretend to falsely bring the name of God into an election, just to get votes. They let you know their support for some ungodly lifestyles and base it on the constitution.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Majority</b> of Republicans and the right wing media's narrative, is mostly based on lies, conspiracy theories and plain rhetoric. They complain about our ungodly culture but generally support or praise the same ungodliness when the guilty ones are members of their party or affiliation. They selfishly use and abuse the name of God for political gains and could care less who gets hurt in the process. They enjoy lying in your face even when the truth will be helpful to them in many instances. Most of them remind me of someone smoking a whole pack of cigarette and then telling you, it's bad for you when they see you light one up. Even when you put out your one stick and throw the pack away, they will also condemn you of not being generous enough to let them have it.</p><p><br /></p><p>I can sit here all day typing but the point is, <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/10/the-fake-commission-that-makes-big.html" target="_blank">our job as Children of God</a></b>, is to make sure we do not allow the noise and false narratives around us, to become our bible truth. Stay Blessed My Friends.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://abrahaminetianbor.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2MF0eO7IFpTvueYsapTQJcrZgrUXg_amA-So76LciQ1Og7TPi_F-91gD0B4-suD1GgJrsn68VIXEkjvoi-8uGWHUSff9zk8uVyzZ-6db1zETRg0Q-oWsUsryRO0Lg5ss5ajlGj5k_YlvpSJcnVIIdlZTq4GZv3xx9ccEo9VgasojwUEmAB83usBCLaA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-50520040863502944942022-01-04T21:59:00.027-05:002022-02-23T17:09:44.653-05:00Should a Christian Vote or Run for Public Office?<p>Having a driver's license gives you the right to drive. However, this right to drive doesn't mean you should drive drunk. It also doesn't mean you must own or operate a vehicle if you don't want to. The choice to do so, is fully yours and at your own discretion. Having the right to vote or run for public office doesn't mean you MUST and the choice is solely yours to make at your own discretion.</p><p><br /></p><p>Should a Christian vote in an election or run for public office? This is a common question I've been getting especially after covid19 revealed how deep the divide among Christians has become since the 2016 election. It's clear that holding a public office is like having a regular job, so this is a simple answer. But I will explain what a Christian's mindset should be, when it comes to carrying out the civic duty of voting. Hopefully, you'll see why you are not obligated to vote in an election, if you don't want to vote. Even the <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/the-right-way-to-pray-for-your.html" target="_blank">government</a></b>, who gave you the right to vote, also said no law is broken if you choose to not vote. However, I strongly encourage you to vote whenever you can.</p><p><br /></p><p>Sadly, many Christians have found a way to make others feel guilty for not voting in an election. Some claim, it's the only way to elect "<b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/02/did-god-pick-trump-to-be-president.html" target="_blank">God-fearing Leaders</a></b>" to help give us "<b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/how-to-become-truly-free.html" target="_blank">freedom of worship</a></b>" - both of which are blatantly false. Voting is a civic duty but this does not make it mandatory; not all civic duties are mandatory for Christians to perform. Example: You're a local Preacher with the license to officiate marriages. Do you have to officiate every "marriage" because it's called a marriage? The answer is NO.</p><p> </p><p>God already gave Christians "<b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/the-right-way-to-pray-for-your.html" target="_blank">freedom of worship</a></b>" and the only "<b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/05/who-is-believing-child.html" target="_blank">God-fearing leader's</a></b>" selection process can be found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1:5-9. What God gives, no man can take away. Humans cannot give you a soul and they can't take it away from you. Humans CANNOT give you the freedom of worship and they can't take it away from you (John 1:11-13).</p><p><br /></p><p><b>SOME BASIC FACTS</b>: </p><p>Having comfortable access to a structure or building where worshippers gather, is not a requirement for becoming a Christian because you can only worship God in the Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24). This means wherever two or more Christians are gathered together for worship (Matthew 18:20). The bible truth is not complicated, so don't get it twisted. As I have said on many occasions, we need to stop getting freedom of worship confused with comfort or peaceful environment. Freedom of worship is freely given to you by God on the day you decided to follow Jesus (John 15:18-19). The so called "freedom" allowing people to build a structure where they come together to worship, is different.</p><p><br /></p><p>A government telling you that you have "<b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/the-right-way-to-pray-for-your.html" target="_blank">freedom TO worship</a></b>" wherever and in whatever building you want, is basically making life a little comfortable. But as you can see in John 15 above, Jesus did not promise this comfort. Paul and Silas prayed, sang songs together in prison, behind bars (Acts 16:25-34). Their "freedom" to be comfortable when worshiping, was taken away but NOT their <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/the-right-way-to-pray-for-your.html" target="_blank">freedom of worship</a></b>. They worshiped God wherever and whenever possible as long as they lived. If you find yourself in a hospital bed, where your physical ability and comfort is temporarily taken away, does this mean your "freedom of worship" is taken away? The answer is NO.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>A CHRISTIAN VOTING MINDSET</b>: </p><p>Despite some claiming to be the so called "Christian Party" in America, the actual "Christian party" if you may, is the party of the LAMB - not elephants or donkeys. The members of the "Christian party" belonging to the Lamb, which was slain on mount cavalry, do not care about being labeled a Democrat or Republican. When they perform their <b>optional</b> civic duty to vote in whatever region they live in, their vote is similar to a <b>business decision,</b> which is like selecting a qualified CEO for a company. These people, a.k.a Christians, DO NOT vote based on a false pretense or false promise for freedom of worship, which is something Christians already possess. Christians should vote for who they think is best qualified for the job of a CEO, Mayor, HOA President, Congress, Governor, President, Prime Minister, Judges etc. When none of the candidate is qualified in your personal opinion, then don't vote. This is because the constitution, which will guide their decisions in office is FLAWED and definitely NOT the Bible (James 1:25).</p><p><br /></p><p>You can't bring God's name into everything especially when you know your vote is a choice between two or more ungodly people. Stop quoting Colossians 3:17 because you can't commit fornication or swear in the name of God either. Do you buy a laundry machine because it says "Jesus" on it or do you buy a good laundry machine to wash your clothes because they need to be cleaned? "Whatever" you do or say in worship or in your Christian life, should be done in the name and to the glory of God. Jesus even said, claiming to do something in the name of God doesn't mean it's actually being done in the name of God, so stop the madness (Matthew 7:21-23). Voting in the name of God is like praying for your sports team to win because you think the other team do not have Christian fans.</p><p><br /></p><p>Anyone who tells you they are voting for a candidate because they want <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/the-right-way-to-pray-for-your.html" target="_blank">freedom of worship</a></b>, simply does not understand the meaning of what they are saying. I know a lot of pulpit ministers who deliberately use the pulpit as a political stage to get their party's message across while others are just unintentionally repeating what they heard from the so-called "scholars" who have no right to rewrite the bible. Most of these preachers are often found in what people would describe as "Republican" churches. Hearing something from your pulpit minister or anyone else including me myself and I, does not make it true. This is why I've always encouraged everyone to do their homework by opening their bibles. Don't rely on a celebrated figure or anyone else to be your source for God's truth. Stay Blessed My Friends.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://abrahaminetianbor.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX_oL6Tf5zJ8N2K2aXM_zJ3JsYTlfiPrX14kL5VrZiPbxJaqxBHszAL6cx55Zazfk0HZP0IdzV8fa2NBNNTcWBEHuZNd2ktmH3_c37zcMs2oVDGJnGT_QdNxk9mHG70tPCCpSMUMNUp7fCG6fZ2eK4SI1L4u-gQqSQtXqkLNEUcNt7lilU0fe8v-JcTw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-64779792676647004802021-02-07T06:34:00.001-05:002021-02-08T12:54:40.549-05:00The RED-velation of REVELATION<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'll explain the title listed above called "<b>RED-velation</b>" and then close this piece by giving my thoughts on how best to approach this book of Revelation without getting yourself confused. I titled this piece RED-velation to serve as a constant reminder to us all that: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>1</b>. Jesus Christ is the one speaking directly to John. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>2</b>. It also shows Jesus' <u>repeated</u> and <u>purposeful</u> endorsement of every New Testament book or letters to the churches, as His commandment. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As most of you already know, there are a lot of people in the religious world that are often referred to as "RED letter" Christians. They believe that the words of Jesus, which is often highlighted in red color, is the only commandment that Christians are bound by. You have probably seen these red letters in some New Testament translations. There's absolutely nothing wrong with choosing any color to print. However, these same people do not treat the rest of the New Testament as a "<u><b>MUST DO</b></u>" commandment from Jesus. They see it as optional "advice" from the apostles. This is why they are often called "red letter" Christians. Now, what does this have to do with the book of Revelation? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>"<u><span style="color: red;">Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.</span></u>"</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This statement was made seven(7) times in Revelation Chapters 2 and 3. In Revelation chapter 2 verses <b><span style="color: red;">7, 11, 17 and 29</span></b>. Then in Chapter 3 verses <b><span style="color: red;">6, 13 and 22</span></b>. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Regardless of what generation or planet you live in, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">when it comes to emphasis, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">the fact remains the same. When a word, phrase or sentence is intentionally being repeated over and over again especially with short proximity to each other, it simply means </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">EMPHASIS</b><span style="font-family: verdana;">. This often happens when the writer or speaker really wants you to take something very seriously. In this case, the speaker is Jesus the Christ </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Revelation 1:1)</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now, what is this message from the Spirit to the churches that Jesus didn't want the churches to forget or abandon? (<b><span style="color: red;">Revelation 3:3</span></b>). The simple answer is the <b>INSPIRED LETTERS</b> (epistles), which was delivered to the churches through the apostles. Jesus promised this in <b><span style="color: red;">John 16:7-13</span></b> before ascending into heaven and He</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> ascended into Heaven before the Church was established (Acts 2:1-47)</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">. Therefore, the churches received these messages/letters/epistles after Jesus ascended into heaven and before He appeared to John in Revelation. The Spirit "...will guide you into all the truth..." This warning on hearing what the "Spirit says to the Churches" is further emphasized as seen in chapter 3 above, when Jesus said to "</span><u style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard, hold it fast....</b></u><span style="font-family: verdana;">" </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As seen throught the book, the warning is especially for those leaving the truth to follow false teachings. <u>Therefore, the message in Revelation, could not possibly be the same message from the Spirit that Jesus is accusing these churches of forgetting. This is because they haven't yet received the Revelation being given to John.</u> Jesus constantly referred to "<u><b>what the Spirit says to the churches</b></u>" in a way that suggests these churches already have these instructions and know what to do. But they were not LISTENING or following the instructions they already received (</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Revelation 2:4-5)</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">However, He praises them for the things they were doing right and urged them to continue. Those who refused to follow false teachings were asked to "hold on" to the truth until Christ's return (Revelation 2:25). </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is clear that the churches did, in fact, have the message from the Spirit. Jesus was not just referring to the books often called the <b>GOSPELS</b> (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John); rather, He is reminding us all that the Spirit inspired the gospels and all the epistles(letters) that were written by the apostles to the churches. This should settle the "RED" letters' debate. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>How can you make sure you enjoy reading Revelation without looking confused?</b> The reason most people don't enjoy reading Revelation is because of our fellow human beings who decided to become experts in figurative speech even when such expertise is not needed. There are thousands of explanation out there of what this means and what that means. I'm not just referring to basic stuff like the "number seven" reflecting perfection, I'm talking about manufactured explanations. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The book of Revelation, is one of the easiest books of the bible to read and understand. John made it clear from chapter one that he was writing about </span><u style="font-family: verdana;"><b>what he saw</b></u><span style="font-family: verdana;"> (Revelation 1 verses 2, 11 and 19). This sets the stage for the rest of the book. All you have to do, is try to see things through the eyes of John without adding or subtracting (Revelation 22:18-19). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">When you stop listening to the so called experts and just clear your mind, you will realize that the bible, including the book of Revelation itself, tells you what you need to know about any of those figurative image or languages. As I often say, the bible is its own dictionary. So, if the book or the bible doesn't tell you about what (example) "the horn" means, <b>DO NOT</b> make something up. The book itself said so in Revelation 22:18-19 (Also read: 2 Peter 1:3). </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The only stressful thing about reading the book of Revelation is YOU and I. When we start overreaching for answers to make something out of nothing, then we find ourselves making up stuff in our heads. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Most people who try too hard to "<b><u>make sense</u></b>" of mystical creatures that <b>have nothing to do with life and godliness</b>, usually end up <b>MISSING</b> the focus of the book. This is because they spend so much time trying to look or sound smarter than everyone else. The book of Revelation is better read or listened to, in one stretch with an open mind. It's almost like a scene out of a movie that ties everything together. It's what everyone thinks about when they think about the movie. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">If the Bible is a "movie" (example) then the book of Revelation is what you need to remember every time you think about the Bible. It gives preview, warning, instruction and confirmation. It also describes the past, present and future. Most importantly, it gives HOPE for the Christian journey. It's a constant reminder that the journey is not a lost cause and will one day be rewarded when it all comes to an end. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Red letter or no red letter,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Jesus has spoken loud and clear.</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> The entire New Testament law, including the letters to the churches, are VALID commands. The warning was to us all (Revelation 1:3). You must believe Jesus especially when He's telling you that His commandment is NOT limited to the "red letters" of the New Testament (Revelation 1:1, John 16:13 , 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Revelation 2:7). "<u>Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because <b>through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life</b> has set you free from the life of sin and death.</u>" - Romans 8:1-2. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Stay Blessed My Friends. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/p/blog-page.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-UUMdeQ6aat3MO6H5AZbxaPwxBfuLfx0lN_L6cVawVQrFhBpD1kHl7ueETB7WKhAK2jg4jSeHWjWP1-jwiuNJgk7sj5VQxb9KwC4Di3xKiF5D7uVQDvgNdMaunuW3yaG_VCudMeu48Vr/s0/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%252861%2529.jpg" /></span></a></div><p></p>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-86221744954755617762020-10-03T21:49:00.018-04:002021-01-06T15:58:52.522-05:00Thinking Backwards Like The Church in Rome<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Most armed robbers PRAY to NOT get caught before robbing a bank. Then they "THANK GOD" for a successful mission when they get away with robbery - a.k.a Robin Hood (Ephesians 4:28). A gospel preacher once told me that "you can't take God out of politics because the bible said to do <u>everything</u> in the name of Jesus." - Colossians 3:17. Then I asked, when was the last time he got drunk during communion or told someone to commit fornication or sin, all in the name of Jesus? Taking God's name out of politics simply mean to stop using the name of God in vain. It doesn't mean you can't say God's name when talking about politics. Stop using God as an excuse to vote for one sin but not the other. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In this generation, most Christians are invoking the name of God on any and everything that benefits selfish human behaviors. We want people to think we're doing something in God's name and it's OK, when the opposite is true. Sometimes, it looks like we are too busy trying to create "new godly laws" for the ungodly world and we forget that God already did so. We already have THE BIBLE in our hands - </span><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/10/the-fake-commission-that-makes-big.html" target="_blank">PREACH IT</a></b><span style="font-family: verdana;">. When you change hearts, you won't have to fight too hard to change bad laws. If you really care about "<b><u>stopping abortion</u></b>" as most Christians claim to, maybe our primary focus should be on sexual immorality, which is the cause of almost all pregnancies leading to abortion. Instead, we treat sexual immorality as a normal way of life. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Christians in Rome were actively trying to create laws for the Gentile world and forcing them to believe in circumcision of the flesh. As a Gentile, you can be the WORST of all Gentiles and those Roman Christians were willing to downplay the magnitude of your sins as long as you agreed with the as to the circumcision of the flesh. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The primary focus should have been on the great commission but these Roman Christians had <b>only one agenda</b> (circumcision), which led them to burning down the communication bridge, which is suppose to takes the gospel to the <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/10/the-unforgivable-sin.html" target="_blank">Gentiles</a></b>. They completely ignored the fact that the New Testament Church is built on </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">the blood of Christ and through the circumcision of the heart - not flesh (Romans 2:27-29). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you think this sounds familiar with us today, you are right. Most Christians in America are so locked into </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">one agenda</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> of winning the Supreme Court, which is controlled by human beings, who will not live forever. In today's society, you can be the devil but as long as you agree to call yourself </span><u style="font-family: verdana;">pro-life</u><span style="font-family: verdana;">, most Christians will put a blindfold on to celebrate you and completely ignore your sinful ways just like the Romans did with the battle over circumcision of the flesh. Yes, these are two separate issues but </span><u style="font-family: verdana;"><b>my point is about the ONE AGENDA type of Christianity</b></u><span style="font-family: verdana;">. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/12/how-to-become-child-of-god.html" target="_blank">We are burning bridges</a></b> instead of building them to help us with the great commission. This is not who we are as Christians and God is watching. Calling yourself <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2014/01/morality-vs-legality.html" target="_blank">PRO-LIFE</a></b> and carrying a banner is not going to save you especially if your heart is not right with God. We keep giving the world more reasons to mock God's name (Romans 2:23-24)</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am Pro-Life and very, very, more than proud to be Pro-Life. But one minute, we are busy celebrating the actions of someone who admitted he intentionally lied to cost tens of thousands of innocent lives and unapologetic about forever separating innocent kids from their parents. Next minute we want to carry the big, so called Christianity banner to protest the killing of unborn babies. Unbelievers know we are not perfect but this kind of </span><b style="font-family: verdana;"><u><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/07/the-21st-century-teachers-of-law.html" target="_blank">DELIBERATE</a></u></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> inconsistency for personal or political gain, is the reason why people are sick, sick, sick and tired of listening to what we have to say about morality or the value of LIFE. Our hypocrisy shines way brighter than the lighthouse on a hilltop. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My desire to see the law of the land/world emulate the law of God should NOT take precedent over my desire to share God's truth with the people of the world. Christ and His apostles were ALL </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">charged, tried and/or killed</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> for what the law of the land described as "blasphemy." Not once did you hear them focus on changing the so called law of the land; instead, they focused on expanding on preaching the truth. This is because the Jesus and His apostles knew exactly what the priority was and still is - PREACH. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The reason why people get offended by God's truth is simply because they DON'T KNOW and they DON'T UNDERSTAND God's truth. If the people knew and understood God's truth back in the day, they would have never asked Peter and the rest of the apostles to stop preaching in the name of Jesus or charge them with blasphemy. Our response should always be the same as Peter's - we will rather obey God than man(Acts 5:29). By this statement, Peter is clearly saying he understands that the law of the land considers an act of speaking in the name of Jesus illegal or blasphemy but there is a law that guides Christians forever, and it's called the Word of God. Christians are not to focus on when it matches with the law of the land before preaching it; we just do. If it helps change the minds of those who create the laws of the land, then so be it. If it doesn't, we remain focused on who we are and so be it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have said repeatedly, we get persecuted when we speak God's truth, not when we create self affliction. We MUST expect persecution but we <b><u><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/07/from-persecuted-to-persecutor.html" target="_blank">MUST NOT</a></u></b> become the persecutors. It's not our job to punish those who refused to accept the gospel truth. It's our job to keep preaching and SHOWING them the gospel truth until this life is over. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">God's glory and agenda will </span><b style="font-family: verdana;"><u>NOT</u></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> be "enhanced" through evil (Romans 3:7-8) and we always have to remember we are pilgrims on a journey. The journey is </span><b style="font-family: verdana;"><u><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/05/i-dont-need-church.html" target="_blank">NOT</a></u></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> to win Congress or win the Supreme Court; it is to win souls along the way and let God bring them onboard (Acts 2:48) as we head to our </span><u style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/05/i-dont-need-church.html" target="_blank">DESTINATION</a></b></u><span style="font-family: verdana;">. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The humans that rule on the Supreme Court are as unstable as every human being on earth but God's truth remains the same forever in </span><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/the-right-way-to-pray-for-your.html" target="_blank">every nation</a></b><span style="font-family: verdana;">. The reason you do not steal is not because the Supreme Court said so, it's because the Bible said so. Until we get this simple foundational understanding of prioritizing God and His word over Human laws, we will never have that connection to Christ(The Vine), which we desperately need to finish the Christian race(John 15:1-17). The next United States general election is about a month away. </span><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/02/did-god-pick-trump-to-be-president.html" target="_blank">Vote</a></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> if you can but DO NOT use your vote as an </span><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2016/07/sometimes-excuse-is-all-in-your-head.html" target="_blank">excuse</a></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> to use the name of God in vain or to </span><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/11/the-parable-of-office.html" target="_blank">excuse sin</a></b><span style="font-family: verdana;">. Stay Blessed My Friends. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8G4BwBA3dgqcEhBlCIvxqmVhiTOnYgDpdXZ3uENGe91aSzWJQZVgXaG7ASZV_w32EHMdBR_hN24i4yBUap8y9jAf37eC-XGgAbMlQnjMpWjf-qdAGHpMtQuupFRul-DSUYOwIXTkIxFh/s320/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%252848%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-91612719710150289002020-08-02T12:22:00.000-04:002020-08-06T15:01:57.159-04:00Vainly Bringing The Name of God into a Posture<font face="verdana">The bible did not mandate we close our eyes when we pray, we just do it to focus and avoid as much distractions as possible. Closing your eyes to sleep or take a nap, is not considered "praying." In the same way, a </font><span style="font-family: verdana;">dive in the pool is not baptism and </span><font face="verdana">kneeling is <b>NOT</b> worship. If it was, you will be kneeling in church every Sunday. Amputees with no knees and blind people like my Dad can still worship or pray without kneeling or closing their eyes.</font><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><font face="verdana">The first attempt was to label kneeling as a form of "disrespect" and when it didn't work, some people decided to vainly bring the name of God into the picture. I've heard at least one professional baseball player and a NBA player with the Orlando Magic, citing their "Christian faith" as a reason to not kneel in protest during the national anthem. Standing is <b>ABSOLUTELY OK</b> - just don't use Christianity as an excuse to say, "I can only kneel before God."</font></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><div><font face="verdana"><div>Kneeling to fix your kitchen sink does not mean you are worshiping your kitchen sink. It also, is NOT the same as kneeling to PRAY. <b>The kneeling posture in itself is meaningless because the activity during the posture, is what defines the relevance of the posture</b>. Even king David did not equate kneeling to worship. In Psalm 95:6, he used the words worship, bowing down and kneeling as separate acts: "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!" You can sit, stand, bow or kneel when praying during worship. You can pray while driving without closing your eyes. This is why I often use Stephen as an example. He was praying while being stoned to death (Acts 7:59-60) and Jesus did the same on the cross. The connection to God is always there and it is through the Spirit. This shows that kneeling DURING worship is just an outward act to show respect and/or submission.</div></font><font face="verdana"><div><br /></div><div>"Every Kneel will bow" means to acknowledge with respect that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11, Romans 14:11-12). This would be like Jesus saying on the day of judgement, "<i>I'm gonna make y'all put some respect on my name.</i>" - <b>hypothetically quoting</b> but you get my point. Standing up in a New York City subway train when the seats are all taken, is different from me standing up in a courtroom full of seats, to acknowledge the entrance of the presiding Judge.</div><div><br /></div><div>We MUST all, one day acknowledge, appear, show respect, show up or you can say, "stand before the judgement seat of Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:10). This includes believers and unbelievers. When an unbeliever shows respect by <b>kneeling</b> with a bow, to face judgment or finally acknowledge Jesus as Lord, this act will not be considered as "<b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2020/01/romans-323-is-life-before-christ-not.html" target="_blank">WORSHIP</a></b>." Unbelievers cannot worship God, only the children of God(Christians) have the ability to do so. Unbelievers are short of God's glory because they have not accepted the gospel of Christ, which is NEEDED to be able to come into His presence to worship (John 1:11-14, Romans 3:23-24). They have NO FAITH in Jesus, so it is impossible for them to please God through worship (Hebrews 11:6). If kneeling equates worship, then unbelievers kneeling will equate worshiping to God.</div></font><font face="verdana"><div><br /></div></font></div><div><font face="verdana">Let's not get caught up in man made narratives to confuse ourselves especially on simple topics like these. We need to stop manipulating this issue of kneeling for personal or political gains. I will no longer entertain questions about "kneeling during the national anthem" because I believe I've said enough in at least two to three post relating to this issue. Stay Blessed My Friends.</font></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="994" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZwOFWcik2Wiwt3-FfnifaEKdyp7GmuVsiNRSJ_qWClFFn3j4FvTleUFCxggO3sHtGlARVSV7pBldmOTOaeeQp6AX0pg42YLhBp0yJkIE3QOVChHaKstfi8azCRE_4332E4xs5wygJAAw/w326-h328/Abraham+Inetianbor.jpg" width="326" /></a></div></div>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-62851443332487282402020-06-03T22:06:00.003-04:002021-02-09T10:59:20.075-05:00Just an Honest PLEA<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font face="verdana" size="4"><font color="#222222" face="verdana, sans-serif">When people are suffering from a specific problem that has to do with life and death especially if you have not been in their shoes, listen before you speak. Do not minimize the problem by generalizing the issue simply because it doesn't affect you directly. The sin of racial discrimination will continue to exist and it stinks. </font><span style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana;">You can use all the deodorant or spray all the perfume/cologne you want, at some point, you will need to start washing up with soap on a daily basis. It takes daily actions and continued commitment to reduce the effect of racial discrimination in our lives.</span></font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font color="#222222" face="verdana, sans-serif" size="4"><br /></font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font color="#222222" face="verdana" size="4">When thousands of breast cancer survivors peacefully take to the streets to bring awareness to breast cancer, they are not saying, colon cancer doesn't matter. They are simple creating awareness to encourage others to get checked early and avoid the dangers of late diagnosis, which may lead to death. <b>#BreastCancer</b></font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font color="#222222" face="verdana" size="4"><br /></font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font color="#222222" face="verdana" size="4">When some Christians take to the streets to protest against abortion, they are not saying unborn babies are the only lives that matter. They are simple creating awareness to discourage the sinful act that normalizes purposeful ending of the unborn lives. <b>#Abortion</b></font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font color="#222222" face="verdana" size="4"><br /></font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font color="#222222" face="verdana" size="4">When black people are calling for help due to systemic racism leading to unnecessary abuse and death, which I have experienced on numerous occasions, they are not saying other lives do not matter. We are simply saying, stop treating us like a piece of garbage - consciously or unconsciously <b>#BlackLivesMatter</b></font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font color="#222222" face="verdana" size="4"><br /></font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font color="#222222" face="verdana" size="4">If you are uninformed <b>OR</b> your hatred and pride is over the roof <b>OR</b> you are too afraid to face the truth about racism, then your natural response will be to say that "all lives matter" just to minimize the outcry for help, and defend the indefensible acts of atrocity.</font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font color="#222222" face="verdana" size="4"><br /></font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font color="#222222" face="verdana" size="4">The parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18:10-14 talked about leaving the 99 sheep behind to go find the missing one. Luke 15 talked about the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son, which we often refer to as the prodigal son. Yes, all these parables were primarily focused on repentance and soul saving. But the broader message here is that none is least important or inferior to the other. Jesus didn't say the lives of the 99 sheep doesn't matter or the life of the son who was with his father didn't matter. The point is, the one sheep was in MORE danger and needed to be focused on and rescued. I do not support those who are destroying properties but the peaceful protesters have the right to protest and be heard.</font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font color="#222222" face="verdana, sans-serif" size="4"><br /></font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font face="verdana" size="4"><font color="#222222" face="verdana, sans-serif">Jesus fell on His KNEES to PRAY (Luke 22:41). Voluntary Kneeling is viewed around the world as a form of <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2017/11/to-kneel-or-stand-for-national-anthem.html" target="_blank">respect, PLEA or a show of humility</a></b>, which I clearly explained in my 2017 piece. But one man in the White House, was successfully able to confuse or brainwash some grownups into believing that kneeling is a form of "disrespect" and as such, kneeling during the national anthem automatically became disrespectful in the eyes of his loyalists. When your number one goal is to create division and disrupt the truth; anyone who live such a life and is unrepentant, is described as "like father like son" (John 8:44). </font><font color="#222222" face="verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">It looks like society has engraved an image in our brains to a point where we occasionally forget </font><b style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/05/if-slavery-is-choice.html" target="_blank">COLORED</a></b><font color="#222222" face="verdana, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;"> people are humans too.</font></font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><font color="#222222" face="verdana, sans-serif" size="4"><br /></font></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqu4hGAgO4L8SbUNph8MiiO2lia6FZjZE-5j330oYXa3Mr2a1g5FvcZidJhea1FqUm6OjqHD4cjxSEcGVtqV2L8-h-I652PqX30fZ4MbR2TZog4TmEx4fYR2F66yOfy_RPLi51Gj1HJjX/s1080/zxzx.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><font face="verdana" size="4"><img alt="Kneeling is NOT disrespectful - Abraham Inetianbor" border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1080" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqu4hGAgO4L8SbUNph8MiiO2lia6FZjZE-5j330oYXa3Mr2a1g5FvcZidJhea1FqUm6OjqHD4cjxSEcGVtqV2L8-h-I652PqX30fZ4MbR2TZog4TmEx4fYR2F66yOfy_RPLi51Gj1HJjX/w320-h269/zxzx.jpg" title="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com" width="320" /></font></a><font face="verdana" size="4"><font color="#222222" face="verdana, sans-serif">When you tell </font><span style="font-family: verdana;">people about the abuse you have to endure and the huddles you have to go through just for being black in America, they look at you funny because they assume those days are far gone. We are not asking for preferential treatment, just basic human treatment that is not negatively overshadowed by the color of our skin. There's really not much I can say right now that I haven't already said in the past. It's sad to see that some people, including some church leaders, continue to put a </span><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2015/06/successful-young-men-black-vs-white.html" target="_blank">blind fold on</a></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> and act like nothing is happening. If we can't recognize CLEAR evil when we see it, then we don't deserve to be called Christians. Evil exist for a reason and it's among us every day. </span><b style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/one-dozen-anniversary.html" target="_blank">Our ability</a></b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> to see and call it what it is, separates Christians from those who choose to ignore evil and encourage it or live it as a lifestyle.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Change your thinking and change your actions. Stay Blessed My Friends.</span></font></div></div>
Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comUnited States37.09024 -95.7128918.780006163821156 -130.869141 65.400473836178847 -60.556641tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-5611858585695560602020-04-05T12:56:00.000-04:002020-04-05T14:04:08.452-04:00IT IS WELL<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is very easy to feel isolated like a seed planted in the ground. The seed sees only darkness but with time and care, it springs up into the light. It blossom and looks much better than just a planted seed. The darkness you see around you right now is like being planted. If you <b>ALLOW</b> the word of God to nature you through these times, you are bound to see the light soon, then you will grow and become better than ever (2 Peter 3:18). There is <b>ONLY</b> one positive change that can negate darkness; it's called LIGHT.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have a friend and Savior that does not only bear our sins; He also bears our <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/07/no-condition-is-permanent.html" target="_blank">GRIEF</a></b>. Just like the song says, it's a <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2017/04/prayer-is-master-key.html" target="_blank">PRIVILEGE</a></b> for us to be able to carry everything (including COVID-19) to the almighty God in prayer. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are humans and we occasionally get depressed about certain situation. The burden can sometimes be overwhelming and Jesus knows this as well. He said to put it all on Him and let it go (Matthew 11:29). <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/06/life-and-obstacles.html" target="_blank">B R R R E E E A A A T H</a></b> , smile and take it one day at a time. Life becomes less complicated when we realize how sweet it is to trust in Jesus by taking him at his word.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A tiny sharp razor blade is not for cutting down big trees and a big strong ax is not for shaving or cutting your hair. We all have unique abilities and roles to play in life in general. There's no better time than now to do the best we can and leave the rest to God. This is not the time to be a "tough guy" or to use the "blood of Jesus" in vain. It's <b>OK</b> to be <b>EMOTIONAL</b> during tough times without forgetting about the power of God to get you through it. Remember that Jesus <b>WEPT</b> during a devastating situation but he also did not forget to <b>RELY</b> on the power of God to raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:35-44). Jesus is <b>NOT</b> weak and you are NOT "weak" for showing emotions or being human. People can be rude to you by calling you "weak" or "scared" simply because you show emotions or do the right thing, but being rude does not make them "tough" or "strong" either. Do what is right in the eyes of God even if it makes you look physically weak. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGueqMr0MBxBHlNBOb8YiDP3Gn4XemZgAqv3sQmT-GigwLzsCI3JIFj59v7W-ccCwTzuWMP7auXDpErNTJMACeCofLbtEj1wXydfafnq62UY-eI3gYZZpPcTcj3I32bqLUtIMnRIRYokx/s1600/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%2528161%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Abraham Inetianbor on COVID-19" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGueqMr0MBxBHlNBOb8YiDP3Gn4XemZgAqv3sQmT-GigwLzsCI3JIFj59v7W-ccCwTzuWMP7auXDpErNTJMACeCofLbtEj1wXydfafnq62UY-eI3gYZZpPcTcj3I32bqLUtIMnRIRYokx/s320/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%2528161%2529.jpg" title="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We don't know what the future holds with Covid-19 but we know God holds the future and this will soon pass away. Prayers only work when we </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TRUST, NOT TEST</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> God by standing in the middle of the highway. Life is full of up and downs because </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NO CONDITION</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> is permanent. Things can and will always change for better or worse. The only sure thing in life is to HOLD on to God's unchanging hand (Hebrew 13:5-6). It is well with your soul. Stay blessed, stay safe and stay healthy my friends.</span>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-27202321721162784112020-03-15T20:38:00.000-04:002020-03-29T18:06:28.873-04:00Living in the Moment with a Shallow Mindset - A Lost Church in a Lost Society<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lyrical content once carried a lot of value in some genres of music. These days, if you have one nice drumbeat, you're quickly crowned a rock-star! One hit song with meaningless lyrics, can quickly catapult you into stardom or even a shallow debate about being the greatest artist ever. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are hardworking moms out there who sometimes forget to put make-up on because they are too busy running a business, being a mom, wife and/or an employee. They are not chasing after accolades, they are just doing what they do best. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet, these kind of parents are NOT the first thing that comes to mind when society chooses to crown the mom or dad of the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To win public perception of you or to be considered for "parent of the year" award, all you need to do is post a picture of you and your kid on social media and wait to be celebrated with a lot of emojis. Let's not even talk about the number of shot it takes to get that perfect angle and smile. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No, I'm not saying everyone who post on social media is guilty. But you get my point of what a brainwashed society puts more substance or credibility to. All you need is that one good post or tweet to negate the reality of your failing actions or lack thereof. Then you'll get all the likes and emojis to help blur what you really represent. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is often referred to as "living in the moment" with a shallow mindset and it happened today in a sad way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before I give you an example of selfishly living in the moment that made me roll my eyes today, let me remind you all that the devil quoted the scriptures to Jesus in Matthew 4:6 but </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus REFUSED </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to take the bait. What the devil quoted was NOT wrong but Jesus knew it was </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/10/the-fake-commission-that-makes-big.html" target="_blank">selfish, a test and a manipulation of the truth to gain LOYALTY</a></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jesus did not care about the devil quoting the scriptures correctly because light and darkness simply have NO relationship. "I never knew you..." in Matthew 7:23 does not mean that the creator of the universe doesn't <b>KNOW</b> you exist. It means there is no relationship whatsoever regardless of what you claim to do in His name. So if we choose to mess around with His name for publicity; that's on us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jesus said, a great MESSAGE can become worthless depending on </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2016/12/my-opinion-on-church-decline-part-one.html" target="_blank">who</a></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> you are, and how the receiver perceives the importance of the message based on your actions (Matthew 7:5-6). It's like tossing an expensive pearl to a pig. If you don't value it enough to wear it, why should the pig treat it special? Your action sends a message to the pig that regardless of how priceless the pearl(message) is, it should NOT be received as such. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The current president of the United States tweeted for a "national day of prayer" and some Christians already want to crown him king of kings.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then you realize that more than ninety-five percent of this same twitter account, holds tens of thousands of tweets filled with </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">hate, racism, insults, ungodly, egocentric, misogyny, crafted lies, arrogance, prideful, demeaning, UNrepentant and discriminating</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> messages, which matches the lifestyle of the person behind it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To those who understand Matthew 7:5-6 above, it's very easy to see a classic example of what Jesus was referring to - a great message that is made <b>WORTHLESS</b>, just like a priceless pearl tossed to pigs to be trampled upon. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A tweet goes out declaring today (March 15, 2020) a national day of prayer; then my phone starts flashing like disco lights with calls, emails and messages from some Christians and church goers. As I read, I had to do a double take to make sure the praises going to the man behind the tweet, is not the same as would the Savior of the world. This is how a society s</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">elfishly live in the moment, which can be very dangerous. It creates shallow mindedness and such mindset lacks depth because the reasoning behind it is artificial or temporary. It's like the foolish man that built his house on the sand with no solid foundation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As Christians, it's our RESPONSIBILITY to pray everywhere at all times (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We take instructions from God, not from those using His name in vain or for political gains. <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2017/04/prayer-is-master-key.html" target="_blank">We pray</a></b> because it is the only instructed way to communicate with our Father in heaven b</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ut we don't become hypocrites about it (Matthew 6:5). We do not need the devil, his agents or the government to tell us <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2017/12/prayers-in-public-school.html" target="_blank">when or where</a></b> to pray. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The same people who will not stop lighting up my phone to <b>PRAISE</b> the president and saying "if you are a true Christian" you will "<b>OBEY</b>" this tweet; these are the same people who deliberately choose to ignore everything else about the man's actions and his other tens of thousands of unrepentant tweets. Yet, t</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hey wonder why a <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2016/06/when-human-desire-replaces-what-god.html" target="_blank">homosexual</a></b> presidential candidate recently said that the last person he wants to take "moral advice" from, is this president and his supporters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Conservative movement" is what some Christians call it. However, the deeper you look, the more shallow the so called movement gets. The wider you try to spread your wings around the movement, the less you'll find worthy of conserving. It's more like a "bubble movement" because all you need is one poke to see all the emptiness that keeps it afloat. False News from places like Fox News has become the Bible to some, while others choose to use falsehood from their friends, families and church leaders as A pilar and A ground of <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/07/the-21st-century-teachers-of-law.html" target="_blank">THEIR truth</a></b> (1 Timothy 3:15). Some congregation of the Lord's church can be best described these days as the "lost church" </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">because the truth has disappeared from these congregations, and the devil has found ways to fill the void. People will tell you what to believe but the Bible will tell you who to believe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's great to know that the devil believes there is one God (James 2:19) but you should NOT believe in God simply because the devil does. Stop falling for the human hype to make you feel like you are a part of something big when you're not. Jesus is bigger than any so called movement. Stay blessed my friends.</span>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-58339617383777217122020-03-07T19:25:00.001-05:002022-01-05T14:48:19.366-05:003 Facts About Corona Virus That Will Help Save Your Soul<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"Wash your hands and sanitize them often." This is what you've been hearing in the past few weeks. "THEY" also want you to "wipe down your desk, counter tops and other surfaces. "Do whatever you can to protect yourself and self quarantine if you have to." This is what "they" said. The "they" I'm referring to, are medical professionals and experts, who are also humans. We love and respect them for their guidance in situations as this. Their help cannot be undermined and let's be clear, Corona Virus is real and as as real as it gets. It is NOT a "hoax" like some leaders want you to believe. However, how much do we follow the guidance, which the bible lays out for us on how to avoid getting stained and lost in sin?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda9XBfURFgcoVTSG64oEqWC5-G2GnZI5HKKvBDvf-9XRjdjLZ87EXFDXkwXHvPavh-qVs183ksEFOmDqrX3Zas1c_McsNvAYnOBufjdHgOysJ4uttz9nMeuOBdtxNqaaTvCf1fNerpRy8/s1600/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%2528160%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda9XBfURFgcoVTSG64oEqWC5-G2GnZI5HKKvBDvf-9XRjdjLZ87EXFDXkwXHvPavh-qVs183ksEFOmDqrX3Zas1c_McsNvAYnOBufjdHgOysJ4uttz9nMeuOBdtxNqaaTvCf1fNerpRy8/s320/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%2528160%2529.jpg" title="Abraham Inetianbor post about Corona virus" width="320" /></a></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">I walked in the door a few minutes ago and headed straight to the counter-top to get a squeeze from the bottle of hand sanitizer. We always had a bottle there and around the house - no I'm NOT a "clean freak" so don't get it twisted. However, due to the spread of the Corona virus in the last couple of weeks, I've been using hand sanitizer about four to five times more than I normally would. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Then I thought to myself, this Corona virus "joke" is on us but it's not funny. It's fascinating to see how responsive we as humans can be, when it comes following instructions, which pertain to life and death situations. Even though some are stubborn to believe covid-19 is deadly, majority of people around the world are using common sense to avoid being infected as much as possible. We are good listeners, we follow the rules and we are determined to <b>stay safe</b>. How often do we listen to God through His word? How often do we follow His command? How determined are we to <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/10/the-fake-commission-that-makes-big.html" target="_blank">stay the course</a></b>. Hand Sanitizer kills up to 99.9% of germs. The Blood of Jesus kills 100% of sin. Here are three facts about Corona virus, which you can use for your spiritual motivation.</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b>1</b>. I felt like I have been protecting myself from the deadly Corona virus (COVID-19) in the past few weeks than I've actually been protecting myself from sin. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Viruses like the H1N1, HIV, COVID-19 and many more, can be deadly physically, if not immediately detected and treated. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">This is what scares us as humans.</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> Sin can lead to spiritual death (James 1:15) if not treated with the </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/12/how-to-become-child-of-god.html" target="_blank">BLOOD OF JESUS</a></b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> (Romans 5:9).</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b>2</b>. We all know, at some point, we may still be infected with things like the flu and other illnesses regardless of how much we protect ourselves. But this doesn't mean we should carelessly have our mouth wide open, right in front of someone infected with Corona virus and tell them to cough or sneeze, just so we can take it all in. This will be foolish on our part. When a drop of rain falls on your nice shirt, you don't like it but it's not bad enough for you to change outfit. But when you have no umbrella and carelessly walk in the rain, you may be forced to change that shirt. In the same way, do your best to protect yourself from covid-19. And as Christians. we still sin but we cannot <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2020/01/romans-323-is-life-before-christ-not.html" target="_blank">CONTINUE</a></b> in sin carelessly as a way of life (Romans 6:1).</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b>3</b>. We all get scared of physical death while failing to realize that it's an <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/10/the-unforgivable-sin.html" target="_blank">APPOINTMENT</a></b> that we must one day keep (Hebrews 9:27). </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Imagine if we look at sin and take it as seriously as we do with protecting ourselves against all these viruses like corona virus? We just need to constantly remind ourselves that there is the ALMIGHTY, who can destroy both the physical body and the soul (Matthew 10:28).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DlDQfRRtc1xAHmWtPHyJLzDbh7J0VVUYIUxWcVN-Dp9-eoqO7YZXuu-xv0F2nJ02vxrhyVIfbmQ-gXeAfep9TTyzQWIdK1jJmpkMBcG9E3EddWE1Pod9lRX3StOqfB-wxs5o8satV3oo/s1600/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%252843%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="Abraham Inetianbor" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DlDQfRRtc1xAHmWtPHyJLzDbh7J0VVUYIUxWcVN-Dp9-eoqO7YZXuu-xv0F2nJ02vxrhyVIfbmQ-gXeAfep9TTyzQWIdK1jJmpkMBcG9E3EddWE1Pod9lRX3StOqfB-wxs5o8satV3oo/s320/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%252843%2529.jpg" title="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com" width="320" /></a></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The store shelves are empty of basic necessities like hand sanitizer and face mask, yet, there are copies of the Bible collecting dust on our home shelf. Even the Facebook apps on our smart </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/10/my-favorite-book-chapter-verse.html" target="_blank">phones get more clicks</a></b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> than the Bible app (2 Timothy 2:15). All we need to do is use the same determined survival mindset, direct it towards our spiritual well being and watch the difference it makes. Even if you are already a child of God, there's always room for growth. Conversion is not where it all ends because we need to grow to a point where we are convinced beyond all doubts that Jesus is indeed Lord of our lives. And that He is able to keep our saved soul, safe until the end, as long as we remain in and rely on Him (2 Timothy 1:12). Stay Blessed My Friends! </span>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-68616654822715381052020-01-28T10:07:00.000-05:002020-04-06T09:03:32.705-04:00Romans 3:23 is the Life Before Christ - Not After<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It will help to read and understand the entire book of Romans but you truly do not need to do so for you to understand Romans 3:23 - <b>"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are NOT all "sinners in the <i>same boat</i>" and this is NOT the point Paul was trying to make. But some way some how, people have used and abused Romans 3:23 to the point where it is the "go to" verse whenever we want to cover a multitude of sin with one stroke of the brush. Even some gospel preachers who know the truth about this verse, refuse to change their interpretation. Some have used this verse to justify all kinds of sin including the actions of erring congregations that have fallen away from the New Testament pattern of worship, and others have used it to justify things like same sex marriage in churches, etc. The sad part is, this verse often reminds me of how people misuse John 3:16, to say, all you need to do is believe and you will be saved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some (not all) who do not understand Romans 3:23, will often quote it to tell you that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Or say, we are all sinners in the same boat. This is practically impossible because it means we are all condemned or we are all saved. This interpretation is not only wrong, it is also far from the truth about what the Holy Spirit was actually communicating in this verse, through the mouth of Paul. If Romans 3:23 is true about everyone being in the "same boat" as some claim, then verse 24 can be used in the same manner to say that ALL are justified - so everyone is <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/are-you-predestined-to-be-saved.html" target="_blank">saved regardless</a></b>. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is what I often (respectfully) refer to as the "</span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/07/the-21st-century-teachers-of-law.html" target="_blank">unverified</a></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">" knowledge that some people have, which is knowing what you know without actually verifying it with the scriptures to make sure it is true.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let me make something clear before explaining what the verse actually means. If you are a Christian who left the worldly "boat" to get into the spiritual Ark, then Romans 3:23 only applies to you in the past, not in the present because you are no longer living in sin. It is not a matter of arrogance or pride, rather, it is a matter of understanding your place in Christ (2 Timothy 1:12). As </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Christians, we already have the Savior, who saved us by bridging the gap between us and God. This gap is the reason we <b><i>fell short</i></b> of His glory to begin with, and it started when Adam and Eve fell short in the garden. <b><i>The only way back to the glory of God became through His son, Jesus Christ.</i></b> And when you have His son, you are back to how the human relationship with God was meant to be - IN HIS GLORY. Right now, you are either in His glory or you are not. You are in Christ or you are not. There is no middle ground (Revelation 3:15-16), and no, we are not all in "the same" boat.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYeGIskRn9UeC5w4xfHLC0W5HCxKw3kkrWYZeZQYNqy6EjZPJp9Bakt9OjwPErSQ4Tz5fsN9G6-7GgFvICpR0s0ucWXVbBhv0SGLofmxLo9YovhDZrZM_01HPzq2vGDs5DnUxg7s67sTJ/s1600/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%2528157%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYeGIskRn9UeC5w4xfHLC0W5HCxKw3kkrWYZeZQYNqy6EjZPJp9Bakt9OjwPErSQ4Tz5fsN9G6-7GgFvICpR0s0ucWXVbBhv0SGLofmxLo9YovhDZrZM_01HPzq2vGDs5DnUxg7s67sTJ/s320/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%2528157%2529.jpg" title="Abraham Inetianbor Romans 3:23" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To understand Romans 3:23, you have to understand that Paul was addressing the "self entitled" Jews, who were no different from the unbelieving Gentiles before life in Christ. Some Jews felt like they deserved a free pass to salvation and have no need for the gospel of Christ. Others thought that their Jewish heritage should limit the gospel of Christ to them alone, and no one else. Paul was simply saying that it didn't matter what your <b>HERITAGE</b> is (Jews or Gentiles) because t</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">here is no such thing as a </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">birth rite</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> to salvation through circumcision of the flesh. Why not? It's simple, all </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">humanity have sinned and fallen short of God's glory - period. In the same Romans chapter 3:1, Paul questioned the meaningless advantage of their Jewish heritage through circumcision of the flesh and in verse 10, he made similar statement that NONE is righteous. All humanity, regardless of nations, needed to be reunited with God, which can only be done through Jesus - the circumcision of the heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paul continued his statement in verse 24, saying: "...<i>ALL </i>are justified <i>FREELY</i> by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." So, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ALL humanity that sinned and fell short of God's glory, now have the opportunity to also be saved or JUSTIFIED through God's grace - ONE SAVIOR. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But don't forget the word "FREELY" because this is key to verse 24. This justification or salvation is free for all people. We just need to accept the free gift of salvation, and when we do, we are no longer part of the group that are lacking or "short" of the glory of God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1</b>. Jesus Christ, the Savior, is also described as THE GLORY of God (</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 4:6,</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hebrews 1:3,</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ephesians 1:17,</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 Peter 1:3, John 1:14, Colossians 1:27, Revelation 21:23 and more). You can't be in Christ or put on Christ and still be short of God's glory. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">W</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e are called by and to be in His glory like Peter said. We are now in the light of His dear son. And when you are in this light, you are in His glory. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When you are in Christ, y</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ou are able to approach the glorious throne of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2</b>. Those who believed by seeing Him physically or by faith, have all </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SEEN and are IN His glory. "...we have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only son."</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> (John 1:12-14, John 20:29, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 John 4:4</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">). </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Remember, </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">WITHOUT</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">faith, it is impossible to please God or be in His glorious presence to worship. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">we become justified, through Christ, to be in the presence of God, w</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e are now able to do the <b>IMPOSSIBLE</b> task, which is the ability to please God. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is something that was previously IMPOSSIBLE for ALL humanity who fell short of God's glory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3</b>. If you understand John 3:16, you will understand Romans 3:23. All you need to do is read the verses BEFORE and AFTER. John 3 was focused on being born again (not just believe) even if this wasn't specifically mentioned in verse 16. In the same way, Romans 3 was focused on the life BEFORE Christ (the lost world) even if this wasn't specifically mentioned in verse 23.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4</b>. Those who DO NOT have the Savior, are still "SHORT" of His Glory (John 1:11). They need to be saved by the savior (Mark 16:16) in order to be in His glory. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Those who became the children of God or Christians, regardless of heritage or nationality, now posses faith in Christ, which allows us to be in His glory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lastly, those who already have the Savior, still sin but they no longer LIVE in sin because they already left the world of Romans 3:23 group. They are now part of the Romans 3:24 group because they have been justified, redeemed, purified and made righteous. They are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus (John 1:11-18).</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am a Sinner and I HAVE a Savior (1 John 4:4 , 2 Timothy 1:12) who is also my advocate. He keeps me clean (1 John 2:1) and His name is Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:21). If you are a sinner in NEED of a Savior (Mark 16:16) and you are tired of being short of His glory (Romans 3:23), </span><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/12/how-to-become-child-of-god.html" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><b>CLICK HERE</b></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> or go watch VIDEO #7 on my video page. Stay blessed my friends.</span></div>
Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-60294312008501830782019-10-29T05:47:00.001-04:002021-10-04T12:58:21.048-04:00The Fake Commission that makes the BIG Picture Blurry<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The "<b>great commission</b>" helps us see the "<b>big picture</b>" but the "<b>fake commission</b>" creates a <b>blurry vision</b>. You can't find solution to a problem if the problem is not identified. Just to be clear, there are good folks out there doing their very best to do the right thing. However, s</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">ome Christians p</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">ick ONE moral issue (eg: abortion, money, sexual immorality, etc) and make it a staple while <u>willingly</u> minimizing the gravity of every other sinful act. This is what I call the fake commission because the ONE issue becomes or replaces the great commission. The actual GREAT commission is not fake </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">and it is suppose to dictate how we relate to the rest of the world; sadly, it doesn't anymore. Some critics are going to read this one paragraph and say that I support abortion just like some are already falsely saying I want God <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2017/12/prayers-in-public-school.html" target="_blank">out of schools</a></b> or <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/02/did-god-pick-trump-to-be-president.html" target="_blank">politics</a></b>. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Let me address the bible's definition of the "big picture" for Christians before addressing the great and fake commissions.</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: red;">THE BIG PICTURE</span></b> -</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The big picture that the bible asked Christians to look at, has become blurry over time. This is mostly a result of "evangelicals" and some Christians joining forces to unknowingly create a fake commission to replace the great commission. The bible's </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/right-place-at-right-time.html" target="_blank">BIG PICTURE</a></b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> is as clear as the plan of salvation to heaven.</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">There is only one "big picture" in the Bible, which is what God wants us to look at - HEAVEN.</b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> I think you should read this last sentence ten times before you proceed. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">God's big picture is what kept people like apostle Paul going, no matter what he had to endure (</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">2 Timothy 1:12). Self inflicted pain and suffering is not part of the big picture. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b>The big picture helps you create a mindset of seeing dreadful persecution as a joyful privilege</b> - "...count it all joy..." (James 1:2-4).</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> The big picture starts and ends with:</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">1. Counting the <b>COST</b> of taking the cross and accepting grace - Luke 14:28-33</span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">2. Taking your <b>CROSS</b> and following the path - Matthew 16:24-26</span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">3. Staying on the path to face the <b>PERSECUTION</b> - John 15:18-20</span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">4. <b>ENDURE</b> the persecution by thinking about the big picture - </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">James 1:2-4</span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">5. Be rewarded with the "<b>BIG PICTURE</b>" at the end- 2 Timothy 4:7-8</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">This reward is the big picture that you saw before taking the cross. When you c</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">ount the cost and make the tough decision to carry the cross, which you know will bring persecution, it shows that you see and understand the big picture (</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">1 Corinthians 9:25-27).</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> It's like going home from a long day of work and getting stuck in traffic. Imagine your workplace being the bondage of sin, where Jesus saved you from. You already know there will be bad traffic on the way home and you hate traffic. But you didn't turn around to go back to the workplace (2 Peter 2:18-22). You keep thinking about your destination while getting through the annoying traffic. Yet, you remain hopeful that you will make it home at some point and you continue to stay on the path home. In the spiritual case, we have Jesus to rely on for comfort and guidance as we get through this crazy world without loosing sight of the big picture - heaven. </span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Anything else called a "big picture" is simply a man-made narratives that we use, as humans, to comfort each other. This is usually not a problem until people start reaching for a "big picture" to justify sin like Robin Hood. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Some Christians today cannot tell the difference between self inflicted wound a</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">nd a true persecution because we are blinded by a fake commission. If the world hates you because of what you believe and how you imitate Jesus, then you're being <b>persecuted</b> (John 15:18-25). But when you force your Christian belief on the world, while living a life filled with ungodliness that overshadows Christ-like living, which in turn, causes the world to hate you, it is definitely NOT persecution. Christians get persecuted</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> when we live our lives like Christ (not perfect) and speak the Bible truth without fear but in love.</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: red;">THE GREAT COMMISSION</span></b> - Before Jesus left to go prepare a place for us </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">(John 14:3)</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">, he gave an instruction on what we must do to keep ourselves busy, while staying on the path he created until his return. This instruction is what we often refer to as the great commission -</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> Matthew 28:18-20 - "...go and make disciples of all nation..." The key verse here, as it relates to this discussion, is verse 20. This verse said: "...teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you..." Some versions use the word "everything" in place of "<b>ALL THINGS</b>" and this shows that Jesus was not being selective as we are today. Jesus did not say to go teach one moral issue that we care the most about (abortion) or only focus on something that we can benefit from the most as Christians (freedom of worship). He said "all things" as I have commanded you, which means to let the world know that ALL kinds of wrong is wrong. ALL kinds of sin is the reason Jesus ended up on the cross - not one sin.</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: red;">THE FAKE COMMISSION</span></b> - Sometimes we act like the verse above says: </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"Go into the world and preach abortion. Whosoever agrees with you, will not perish, no matter how evil the rest of their lifestyle may be. Fight the physical battle against the world and send them to hell for not joining your political party. I will be with you always."</b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> - This is an example of what I describe as the FAKE COMMISSION. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">It seems like we can't preach anything else to the lost world except this one topic of abortion, which in most cases has become synonymous with Christianity in America. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The apostles continued to preach the truth about Jesus even when they were told to stop. But they were not going around trying to intimidate people by visibly displaying their sword, guns and riffles at polling places. They were not angrily starring down people on "election day" as they go in and out to cast their votes. They were not carrying "abortion signs" in the middle of a parking space while at the same time excusing every other immorality being committed by those who share their political view.</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Sadly, most unbelievers know more about the topic of </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2014/01/morality-vs-legality.html" target="_blank">ABORTION</a></b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> in America than they do about the </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/09/the-grace-of-god-is-not-what-you-think.html" target="_blank">Grace</a></b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> of God or the </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/10/the-unforgivable-sin.html" target="_blank">Gospel</a></b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">. This is why some politicians are quick to reach for this abortion issue and toss it out like a dog-bone for us to chew on. They mostly assume that our ENTIRE Christianity is based on this one issue and not just a piece or part of it. We can't blame them if they were never given any reason to think otherwise. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Some of us only want to focus on a topic that can score us political points or public cheers to show how tough we are against the sinful world.</span><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">- We have forgotten our first love of winning souls based on how we live our lives and what we teach or preach.</span></div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">- We have developed this "us against the world" mentality in a wrong way that focuses on winning an argument based on how we feel or identify as political affiliates.</span></div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">- We have turned to a man-made commission of false freedom while telling people to look at the "big picture" that doesn't exist.</span></div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">- We need to get back to telling people about the only Truth that can set them free because the Truth is also the Way and the Life that we all need to value the "big picture" (John 14:6).</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">There is a place for the spiritual sword and a separate place for the physical sword. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Our battle has become more physical instead of spiritual. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">This is why Jesus said you can claim to have done these things in his name but he's going to say, on that day: "get away from me, you evil doers." - Matthew 7:23. Even </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Peter, unknowingly wanted to embark on a "physical battle" when he kept trying to protect and fight for Jesus. Peter once told Jesus that he will fight to make sure Jesus is not crucified but the fight Peter choose was a fight that Jesus did not ask for (Matthew 16:23). This kind of thinking was completely against God's plan for salvation. This is why Jesus rebuked Peter and said "get behind me satan" because Peter's statement, though thoughtful and sounds innocent to the human ears, it was satanic in its entirety. It's just like those who always say that they don't care how many mass shootings it takes to end abortion.</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Another example of the fake commission would be: <b>"Go into the world and you will NOT be persecuted. Seek freedom of worship at ALL cost. Whosoever gives it to you, will not perish but deserves your loyalty regardless of what they do."</b> </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Our best bet is to start planting seeds by embracing </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">the ACTUAL great commission while looking at the only big picture that matters. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">When we walk with the Lord (Psalm 23:3) in the light of his word (Psalm 119:105), we are able to understand the big picture of why he had to go prepare a place for us.</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> Keep planting seeds and let God be God. Stay blessed my friends.</span></div>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-83633630001670919382019-10-17T23:27:00.000-04:002019-10-22T19:16:14.479-04:002-in-1 Topic: Who is a Fool? and How many Believing Children should an Elder have?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This was an impromptu video I recorded yesterday so don't critic me on production and style. If you watch the video without reading below, you will miss a lot. I know I open myself up for negative critics to have a field day each time I write or speak on any topic and I also invite the bull's eye be placed on me at the same time. But we will never convert a soul or help people make a positive change if we're waiting to be perfect before speaking or showing God's truth. Now, let's talk about this 2-in-1 topic. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I often describe knowledge as knowing that one plus one is two but understanding is "knowing" why or how one plus one makes two. As promised, I'm going to talk about the video from yesterday. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My concern is not, never was and will never be those who diligently seek knowledge or understanding of God's word. But there are some who choose <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2016/10/our-opinion-vs-gods-truth.html" target="_blank">their opinions</a></b> to prevail over the truth </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(Proverbs 1:7)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> and they will do whatever it takes to make it stick (Proverbs 18:2). This is part of why we have denominations out there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Those who fear God (not a trembling fear) with utmost respect for His wishes, will always make sure that they are doing everything in their power (not perfect) to avoid cutting corners (2 Timothy 2:15) when interpreting God's truth (Jame 3:1, 1 Peter 4:11). This fear or recognition of God as being in charge, is where wisdom starts, which leads to understanding our relationship with God (Proverbs 9:10). And it is this same fear that causes us to choose a different path, away from the world just like Paul told the women of Ephesus to dress like those who have the fear of God and not imitate the way the world chooses to define fashion (1 Timothy 2:9-10). We recognize Him as the creator; love Him as a father who forgives; own it when we cross His boundaries and be thankful for the salvation that was freely given to us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>A FOOL</b> thinks thinks in his heart that there is no God (Psalms 14:1). A fool is also someone who thinks he/she can get away with evil even when they know there is God (Psalm 10:11) but makes no room for God in their heart (Psalm 10:4). Anyone who <b>deliberately</b> chooses to follow the commands of a different law as it pertains to life and godly living (2 Peter 1:3) by ignoring the law of the spirit of life in Christ, that sets us free from the bondage of sin and death (Romans 8:2), is also foolish (Galatians 3:1).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Bible instructs us <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2016/02/simple-way-to-study-bible.html" target="_blank">to study</a></b>, learn or dwell in God's word and grow in His knowledge but this doesn't mean it's a sin if you don't know it all, which no one does. If we know it all then there is no room for growth but we must sincerely give it our all. A new convert may not live to see their first anniversary after becoming a child of God and still go to heaven. This is because we are saved by grace through faith in Christ and we are not expected to know "everything" from Genesis to Revelation. Steadfast love and respect for God and His word is more important than how long you've been on your spiritual journey. Those who choose to do the will of God (Matthew 12:50) the way God wants it done are NOT foolish (Galatians 3:1) or losers like some will say. They are your brothers and sisters (Matthew 12:46-49). Treating them like fools means that you are the one lost in your ways and heading for condemnation unless you make a change</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(Matthew 5:22)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/05/who-is-believing-child.html" target="_blank">BELIEVING CHILDREN</a></b> are Christians - no sugar here. They can be "fine human beings" but not all fine human beings are Christians (Acts 10:1-35). Reputation matters (Proverbs 22:1) and the reputation that comes from an elder having unbelieving children, cannot be underestimated (1 Timothy 3:7, Proverbs 19:26). </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Bible did not say it's OK for some children to be unbelievers, if we're saying it is, what stops the wife from being an unbeliever? </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The church is full of grown people that made the conscious decision to follow Jesus without pressure. This is the same as a man voluntarily leaving his parent to go be married to his wife without being <b>pressured</b>. It is a conscious decision that we make and it is exactly why Paul said in Ephesians 5:32 "...this is a profound mystery but I am talking about Christ and the church." Not kids in diapers or children that will do whatever their parents say just to avoid a time out. <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/05/i-dont-need-church.html" target="_blank">ONE PERSON</a></b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> does not make a church just like <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/02/when-in-spirit-and-in-truth-becomes.html" target="_blank">ONE BRICK</a></b> does not make a house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some bring up the "<b>what if</b>" there was one Christian left on earth, will he or she be a church? I don't deal on hypothetical; I deal with reality and then let God be God because I know that EVERYTHING that pertains to godly living has been revealed. I'm not trying to add or subtract. I can easily ask you what will happen to the guy that believed the gospel on the plane but crashed before landing with no chance to be born again - just saying. We cannot water down God's truth to fit into our lives or overreach just to make a point stick.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>The biggest part that most people are ignoring is this: It takes two or more to be gathered together in God's name for it to be called Church (Matthew 18:20, John 4:24). </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paul's primary focus was NOT the elder or the wife, when this comparison was made.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> If Paul is specifically making a </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">DIRECT</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> comparison of your "believing children" to the "household of God" (the Church):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1</b>. <b>Who</b> are we to say that Paul did not use the word children to mean more than one if the context suggest that they are being equated to the church?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2</b>. <b>How</b> can we say it is OK, if one or more of the children are not Christians when the Church is only made up of Christians and not unbelievers?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3</b>. <b>What</b> kind of a Shepherd (Elder) doesn't value that one or more lost sheep in his own household but wants to lead the house of God?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4</b>. <b>When</b> was the last time anyone practiced "juggling" with just one object and then be ready to successfully conquer the challenge of two or more on the main stage?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>5</b>. <b>Where</b> in the Bible have we heard a "flock" as the church being referred to as a singular person in content or context?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The "logic" of asking a group of parents with one or more kids: "how many of you have children?" and having all of them raise their hands, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">does not apply here</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> because it is simple Math and English. You are talking to a group so you will use the word Children. But when you are addressing one person, it's different. The power is in the "Eldership" but the qualification is for the <b>individual</b> elder and his household. The individual has responsibility to "...his household..." and will not be judged based on someone else's household. Ask a parent, not a group if they have children at home. The person with just one child will make it a point to tell you that they only have one. If we are going to use real life examples, let's make sure it AGREES with the Bible and makes bible sense. Paul was being SPECIFIC to a man, his wife and his household when he said children. To make it stick, Paul (through the Holy Spirit) compared the children (not child) to the Church. Please, don't debate that the church is not perfect and the children should not be perfect. No one is calling for character "perfection" here because we know that imperfect Christians are not unfaithful or unbelievers - unbelievers do not make up a church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As for those using Matthew 19:29 to say all you need is one believing child; any God fearing human being will re-think that application and stay away from it as far as possible because it simply doesn't fit the bill. Someone else can use a different verse to say the word "household" can be made up of just a husband and wife - no children. OR better yet, blindly argue that "wife" is in singular here and can be plural there. Are we now going to say a man who has multiple non-scriptural marriages or wives in different homes but only lives with one of them should qualify as an elder? The reason we don't teach these things, is because we know it cannot be truthfully supported by other parts of the bible. W</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hen our interpretation of a particular verse contradicts other parts of the Bible; it is an incorrect interpretation - simple. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">he word of God is not a competition on who can quote the most book, chapter and verse - our focus should be on getting it right. Y</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ou will almost never see a qualified elder or bishop fighting about why they qualify and should be appointed. It's usually the unqualified ones and their allies that create narratives to fit where it doesn't.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even if Paul didn't mean more than one and let's assume (hypothetically) a household with just one child is good enough, why are we now obsessed about twisting this to mean 1 believing child out of 2 children?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Even if you argue that "children" can be taken as "singular" while ignoring the overall message from Paul, the fact still remains that the children in the household MUST be believers. There was no percentage given by the Holy Spirit and I'm not going to suggest any now. B</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">elieving children in Greek is believing children in English - period.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> But most importantly, it agrees with the context and the rest of the scriptures.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Paul even added (</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">depending on what version you are reading</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">): "having his children in subjection with <b>ALL gravity</b>" or "commanding their respect in <b>EVERY way</b>" or "do so in a manner worthy of <b>FULL respect</b>" ...etc. We know Paul was not talking about them respecting your authority as a rich CEO of a company, rather, as a Shepherd of God's flock. So how does an "unbelieving" or unfaithful child fit into this picture, if Christ and His church is NOT their focus?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We don't get to tell God: "Oh, that guy has two kids so I think one out of two is good enough..." and then turn around to tell someone else, who has 2 believing children out of 10 kids that they do not qualify to be an elder.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When we as humans don't stay within the boundaries of God's interpretation, it creates a never ending domino effect like this one. I agree some of those qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, are for us to use our best judgment based on the information available to us through due diligence. But a believing child is NOT one of those qualifications because we know the difference between a believer and an unbeliever just as we know the difference between sprinkling and immersion. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Churches are dying spiritually but more and more congregations are focused on giving out titles like cookies instead of giving adequate spiritual meals to train and prepare future leaders. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I believe the word "children" was NOT being used figuratively in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 - it simply means more than one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Congregation or local church can be scriptural organized but officially unorganized, which some refer to as "scripturally unorganized" or whatever else we want to call it. The bottom line is, a local body of Christians can go to heaven with or without appointing Elders. This doesn't mean they shouldn't make every effort towards preparing and possibly one day having qualified men for the job. If they worked toward having qualified Elders but didn't have any upon Jesus' return, the church is still heaven bound. So don't force it because the price to pay is too steep for having unqualified men lead any local church. The problem it creates outweighs the burden you may think comes with having meetings were church affairs can be discussed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lastly, I've seen qualified men around the world holding this position of service with respect and dignity. I would hope that we as individuals and collectively as congregations show some respect to these qualified men and especially to God by not rushing into selecting just anyone for selection sake. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I applaud and respect those men who have the qualifications and abilities to get the job done. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stay blessed my friends.</span>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-47579836226164326182019-10-16T13:06:00.002-04:002020-08-26T15:38:38.933-04:00Dear S.E.C<div><span face=""><b><span style="color: red;">UPDATE: Before reading the letter/post below, please, read this update:</span></b> <b>I was notified today, <span style="color: red;">August 26th, 2020</span> that the Security Exchange Commission (S.E.C) expanded the definition of Accredited Investors to include more individuals and entities. I'm especially grateful to Commissioner Hester Peirce (a.k.a Crypto Mom) for her commitment to making positive changes that will help reduce poverty in society. There's a lot of work to be done and the definition needs to be expanded even more. But this is a positive step in the right direction.</b> </span></div><span face=""><div><span face=""><br /></span></div>A young man (a mentee) recently graduated from Harvard University with a job offer as an investment banker. He did his due diligence and would like to invest in a start-up company. But he also knows he can't invest in a "start-up" due to the rule that says only "<b>accredited investors</b>" are allowed. On the other hand, there is a high school dropout, who makes millions of dollars as a star in reality-TV shows. Her best resume for landing roles in networks like Bravo, is her foul mouth, scandalous and provocative lifestyle. She is an "accredited investor" based on her income and the "LEGAL" definition of the phrase. The point here is not to "name-call" people based on their level of education or way of life but if anyone reading this doesn't see something wrong with this picture, they are simply lying to themselves.</span><br />
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<span face=""><span face="">The law won't allow regular people to invest $10 in a startup company but these same regulators will allow people to walk down the street and spend $100 on lotto tickets or scratch-off.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""><b>1</b>. If the goal is to truly "protect the poor" from loosing their money through investments, why not start by ending things like "power-ball" lottery or scratch-off tickets?</span><br />
<span face=""><b>2</b>. Who are we really protecting if things like lotto is heavily promoted to the poor even when we know they have a 99.99 percent chance of loosing the money that they play with?</span><br />
<span face=""><span face=""><b>3</b>. </span>If someone is going to loose money by investing in a legitimate company or business, shouldn't it be their decision to make?</span><br />
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<span face=""><span face="">I guess this explains why <b>liquor and lotto stores</b> are strategically located and mostly zoned in poor or low income neighborhood, making it more accessible to the target audience. </span><span face="">Let's be honest, laws like these are not meant to protect anyone. They are mostly created to make the financially wealthy wealthier while keeping the rest of society blinded from reality. You CAN protect people without these kinds of restrictions. Companies should be able to decide if they want investments from the "big boys" or from the "little guy" through simple avenues like crowd-funding. The title of this piece says: "Dear S.E.C" because regulations like these are championed by the Security Exchange Commission (S.E.C). Yes, they do a great job in regulating our financial system but most of it is geared towards favoring the wealthy. This is why you can easily count in one hand the number of people who happen to be richer than the rest of the country combined. Don't tell me that all of it is from "hard work..." - I happen to know a lot of smart hard working Americans who can't put three meals a day on the table from their salary.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""><span face="">There are people who are trying to make <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2016/05/the-key-to-success-there-is-no-such.html" target="_blank">smart choices</a></b> with their money. This group includes the wealthy, rich and the poor. </span>A startup company like <b>Uber</b> was a no brainer for most "regular people" to invest in because they get it. These folks don't have five Lamborghini sitting in their driveway, so they understood the meaning of ride sharing. If they were allowed to invest $1k in Uber, they'll most likely have about $1Million today. The wealthy among us who reluctantly invested, are now counting their gains. But if you are a business savvy person making regular income like the example of the young man above, you are automatically disqualified from investing in a startup company like Uber; well, only until the early investors are done making more money than they can handle, then you'll be allowed to pick up the crumbs. With this simple "Uber" example, I believe most people will agree that the definition of "accredited" investors needs an amendment. Stock investors speak Portfolio and Crypto investors speak Blockfolio. Regardless of what side you're Holding or HODLing, this piece is for you. It is time to demand a change.</span><br />
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<span face="">A few years ago when Robinhood launched a free trading platform, I said that the "big boys" like Fidelity and E-Trade just met their match. It was only a matter of time before they join the club of eliminating "greedy" unnecessary and meaningless fees. With each of these and more now following Robinhood's footstep by eliminating meaningless trading fees, I hope they will also follow in understanding the digitized world we now live in. Ten years from now when other countries like Switzerland are benefiting from the foundation they are now creating with digital currency, we're going to be pointing fingers saying that they stole from us just like we are pointing fingers at China right now. China was smart enough to realize very early that the world is turning into a global market and they took advantage of it. We sat back and watch just as we are now watching these digital assets from the sideline. But uncle Sam sure loves to cash those checks from digital assets. If <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/using-blockchain-technology-to-explain.html" target="_blank">digital asset</a></b> is as bad as people are being led to believe, why give guidelines on filing taxes on these assets and then cash the checks? Here we are with a chance to capture and lead a new tech but we're having meaningless debates that is aimed at excluding everyday people from benefiting once again.</span><br />
<span face=""><br /></span><span face="">The Key to making progress in whatever you do in life, is knowing when to make inevitable changes for the better. The S.E.C can start the future now instead of chasing the wind. I'm yet to hear a meaningful reason for going after the Gram Token just days before the launch of the open network - Shaking My Head. </span><span face="">Get with the program; make positive changes where need be. Punish the guilty ones and those with bad intents and move forward. But don't loose sight of what the future holds or HODLs because Blockchain technology in the financial industry - a.k.a Crypto is here to stay.</span><br />
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<span face=""><b>Disclaimer</b>: I am not a CPA or your financial adviser. Do not contact me with any financial advise because it will be ignored and/or deleted. I choose to make this post because it falls within the scope of the categories on my website. Any product or services that may have been mentioned is NOT a recommendation and definitely NOT sponsored directly or indirectly by anyone. I have the right to express my opinions based on my experiences and this is exactly what I did in this message to the SEC, who is also well aware of this post.</span>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-30898613222481954192019-08-13T23:41:00.000-04:002019-08-24T10:17:56.126-04:00Should Disciplinary Spanking be Considered Child Abuse?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back to school season is here for those living in the US. Don't let lack of discipline be the reason a good teacher refuses to be your kids teacher. Help them help you by laying the disciplinary foundation for your kids. You've probably heard some group say that the bible encourages child abuse because of the "spare the rod, spoil the child" quote in Proverbs. There is a bible answer to this question of "child discipline" but let me clarify a few things so people don't go wild and misquote me without reading the entire piece. Also, please, save your energy on</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> your state or federal laws. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Freedom of slaves in the United States was "unconstitutional" at one time. Simply because something is in a constitution doesn't make it right. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm talking bible right now but I'll briefly touch on those other laws on this topic if need be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is great to compliment your kids and pat them on the back for encouragement as much as possible. But we need to remember that it takes both rain and sunshine for a plant to grow. Sometimes in life, positive criticism is just as good as a compliment; we need both in our lives, if we want to grow. W</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e also need to remember that abusive WORDS can be worst than spanking a child and the mental scar is invisible. We first need to discipline ourselves if we want our disciplinary actions to be effective in our kids. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I <b>NEVER</b> spanked my kid but the bible is certainly <b>NOT</b> against it. I choose a different forms of discipline that is just as effective but the key was to start practicing early and never let your foot off the peddle. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you wait too long to show your children the right path, you may end up becoming abusive with the "rod" of correction.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> No, I'm not giving parenting advice; I'm just telling you my preference, which is also biblical. Now, let's talk DISCIPLINE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We allow our kids to participate in contact sports like: Karate, Boxing, Football, Soccer etc. and they get hit harder than a spank on the butt. Yet, none of these are considered abuse to the child. Why is it that the CONTACT (spank) from a parent with less physical impact is considered "abuse" to the child? This is because we choose to see what we want to see as humans. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is just another reason why I keep saying to hold your constitution close but HOLD your bible CLOSER. The bible will shape y</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">our p</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">oint of view or how you CHOOSE to see an act, which will determine what you will get out of man made laws. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1</b>. The act of a guy saving a female choking victim, when viewed from the wrong angle can easily be mistaken for something else, which most "adults" understand.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2</b>. A friend jokingly tells you to "shut up" or "get out of here" and you took no offense to it. You understood it to be different from the SAME words being used by a complete stranger during an altercation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3</b>. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Solomon said in </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Proverbs 20:17 that "food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel." - Does this mean we eat sand or gravel? NO, it's simply saying stealing has its CONSEQUENCES.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The bible does</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">NOT</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">encourage child abuse; it encourages and commands discipline. If you cross the line, that's on you and not on God (Ephesians 6:4). </span>Can you DISCIPLINE a child by spanking or other means without being abusive? </span><b>YES.</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <b>ABUSE</b> can occur <b>WITH or WITHOUT spanking. </b></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If a kid needs a friendly tap or whip to get their ATTENTION on what direction to go, it should NOT be considered abuse. Spanking is NOT going to kill them just like the contact sports they play will not kill them (Proverbs 23:13) </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- just don't make this a habit to the point where it becomes your only way of correction and you end up becoming abusive</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. Kids will grow up and surprise you with the wrong choices they will make. But the chances of a child getting back on the right track (God's way), is much better if we choose to live our lives on the right track and show it to them as a priority.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Discipline is to consistently show and direct their path. It should not be mistaken for abuse or turning a kid into a punching bag.</span> Solomon's focus was on directing a path and this is why he often compared </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">HUMILITY</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> and WICKEDNESS; </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">WISDOM</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> and </span>FOOLISHNESS; </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">RICH</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> and </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">POOR; </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">RIGHTEOUS</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> and SINNERS when talking about the parent's responsibility in raising a child. His point was always to choose the right path that will benefit them when they grow up. If this takes a friendly smack in the butt to get their attention, so be it. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 23 says "The Lord is my Shepherd..." because His word is the staff that directs, protect and provides light for our dark path (Psalm 119:105). The word of God is sharper than a double edged sword </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(Hebrews 4:12) </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">that pricks the heart (Acts 2:37) and it is also like a rod of correction that drives out foolishness from the heart of a child (Proverbs 22:15).</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> There is power in the WORD so use it</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain...." in Psalm 127 is not referring to a brick and mortal building. It's talking about God being <b>included</b> as the focal point in the growth of our households or family. You will need to read the entire chapters 127 and 128 to fully understand the power of this quote in Psalms 127:1. If God is not included, then we are definitely building our family in vain. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most people understand how to g</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">uide a herd of cattle with a stick,</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> control a flock of sheep with a staff and g</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ive a friendly WHIP to a horse or rein it in. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We do all these to direct their path. Yet, none of these actions are considered abuse to the pets or animals. This is because we know not to cross the line from training to abuse. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Why can't we guide the path of those precious innocent humans we brought to this world without abusing them? - Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 23:13-14.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The same human laws that see spanking as abusive is not flawless. Someone like Sherry Yvonne Johnson of Tampa, Florida was </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">raped at 8 years old, eventually got pregnant and </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">forced to marry at 11 years old in a court of law.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Scan through all the marriage licences in all 50 states of America and you will see that about a quarter million of those licenses were issued to underage girls by a court of law. They were allowed to get married to older adult male - some in their thirties. In 2018, some states like Florida signed a bill to end such practices. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My point is: <b>human laws</b> will never be perfect because the same human government that didn't have any problem issuing a marriage certificate to underage kids, is quick to pass a laws that equates discipline to abuse in some states.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When we focus on the perfect law of liberty (the bible), we are able to weed out the noise of how WE (the imperfect humans) choose to see <b>RIGHT and WRONG</b>. No one ever said raising a child would be easy so keep on keeping on with prayers. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our primary responsibility when we decide to have a child is to be a parent. Being a parent is more than working to put food on the table. We still have to work even when we are not parents. Work and everything else is mandatory but secondary. It's just part of caring for the child that we decided to be a parent to.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Don't loose hope - when there is life, there is always hope. STAY HOPEFUL MY FRIENDS.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-21441751256117940132019-07-28T22:18:00.000-04:002019-12-05T07:53:00.704-05:00CHURCH FINANCE - Payroll<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Focus on the scriptures; NOT me. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We all should speak God's truth regardless of how it may or may not affect us but people like me are more comfortable talking about topics like these because no one in their right minds can accuse me of preaching it to get paid (Genesis 14:22-23). It's no secret that I continue to keep my website open and FREE </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">despite the never ending and sometimes annoying pressure from advertisers with desire to place product/services on here</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. This DOESN'T mean that those who accept contributions to do the same are wrong to do so. Also, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I "capitalize" and sometimes write things in "<b>bold</b>" for emphasis but some of you mistake it for anger. There will be some here too - be warned. <b>I'm NOT angry</b>. Now let's get to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's almost like a taboo to some when talking about "Church Finance" especially how it should be spent. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It may be one of the very least on my list of one hundred reasons why I will NEVER be an office holder but it certainly is a "top of the list" topic that most Christians are not comfortable talking about. This is because it affects those who <b>GENUINELY</b> serve from their hearts and make them look like they are doing it for the money especially when they ask to be compensated </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(1 Corinthians 9:3-5)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are some congregations that can easily afford a $2M-$5M million dollar cathedral, make fancy questionable additions to the structure, have the best Italian leather chairs up on the stage and make multiple commitments or pledges to other causes with no idea if they will be able to keep those promises. Yet, these are usually the first of many to say they cannot afford to pay those who they "assign" to serve. I'm not one to question individuals on their financial priorities unless they complain but we have the biblical right to question that of the Church especially when lacking in its primary duties.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>INTRODUCTION</b>: Service positions in the Church were created out of necessity (Acts 6:1-7) and the position is filled with those who qualify and have true desire to serve in those capacity (1 Timothy 3:1). T</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">he entire book of first Timothy shows us that there are two main reasons why Paul said someone who aspires to become a Bishop or a Deacon must not be a "lover of money" or "pursue selfish gains" - 1 Timothy 3:3 and verse 8. The first is because these people will be more often than not, in charge of the finances. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The second reason is what I will be addressing later in this piece - not allowing wages that comes from serving be the motivating factor. Although, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 Timothy 6:6 is applicable to us all, Paul was primarily talking to the leaders (elders, teachers, deacons etc.).</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paul was simply telling them that the <b>MINDSET</b> of doing God's work (<b>godliness</b>) without letting money be the motivating factor (<b>contentment</b>) is better than any payment you will receive from the work you do (<b>great gain</b>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In his own words, through and from the Holy Spirit - <b>"godliness and contentment is great gain."</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> This is </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">because a select few saw <b>"godliness"</b> (doing God's work) as <b>"a means to financial gain"</b> (verse 5). It's like a replacement for their "9 to 5" job with <b>ZERO</b> desire to serve (greed). This lack of desire for God's work led some of these leaders/teachers to indulge in meaningless narratives, false teachings, envy and strife </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(1 Timothy 6:4-6)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paul will not be so concerned and talk this much about "wages" for those who sincerely serve, if the <b>salary</b> was not attractive enough to be a <b>motivating factor</b> to some.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> But my focus on this piece will be on WHO should be paid and each congregation can decide on "how much" based on their abilities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The early Church had no choice but to meet and worship at each other's houses and sometimes live together due to persecution (Philemon 1:2). They shared basically everything they owned so the needs of those who served were met too (</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Acts 4:32-37)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. Even as the Church grew and spread to a point where some were able to appoint qualified elders and deacons, the NEEDS of these appointed leaders/servants were met by their local congregations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This brings us to the topic of Church finance and how it should be used. I am obviously not going to address every issue related to this topic and I'm definitely not going into "collection for the saints" issue today. I also understand that there are a lot of common ground on issues like caring for the less fortunate (orphans, widows indeed, etc) among Christians. My focus here will be the the elephant in the room called PAYROLL. Who should be paid monetarily or have their needs met for their work at a local congregation or vineyard? I'll keep my focus on 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy because those two letters were primarily written to correct what was wrong in Corinth and Ephesus at the time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>CHURCH FINANCE</b>: </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ministers, Elders, Deacons, Secretaries, Associates, Assistants and whatever else I'm missing, are ALL Christians but not ALL Christians are assigned by the congregation to <b>mandatory tasks</b>. We are all called to serve by God so they too must do their "Christian Duties" for FREE just like we all should. But we all are not tasked with</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">requirements</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">that intentionally rob us of</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">full or partial ability</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to provide for our households </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(1 Corinthians 9:6)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. Every Christian has an obligation to serve or work in the vineyard of the Lord. If we can't find volunteers for a</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"must-do" task</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, we must plea with qualified individuals to give up their</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">income earning potential (time)</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">for designated services. If they AGREE to do so, then they must be PAID accordingly (1 Corinthians 9:6-12). Paul said it is a direct scriptural <b>command</b> from God and not an opinion (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Simply because we have those who can afford to <b>volunteer and work</b> for free DOES NOT mean we should compel others to do the same (</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 Corinthians 9:15-18</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">). Paul rarely traveled alone and this is why he said "we" in </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 Corinthians 9:4. Although Barnabas was with him on this particular trip, with the focus to serve the needs of the Church at Corinth,</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Paul was not just <b>advocating</b> for himself and Barnabas. He mentioned Peter and the other apostles as an example to make a point that their jobs are similar to his and deserves pay. It didn't matter if the other apostles were selected by Jesus while on earth - <b>just like it doesn't matter if the deacons, minister, secretary serve in the same office capacity as an elder or bishop</b>. Paul's point was focused on the fact that their service to the kingdom <b>deprives</b> them from keeping a "9-5" job to care for themselves and their families. Paul needed other people with him on his mission trips and they needed to be equally cared for. Bishops or elders need deacons and all who are assigned to serve in order to successfully do their duties of overseeing the flock. These people <b>MUST</b> be paid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Refusing to pay them is pushing them towards sin because it is sinful NOT to make provisions for one's household especially when you have the ability to do so (1 Timothy 5:8). When we as a Church take this ability AWAY from someone in the name of serving in the vineyard, we are doing exactly what Paul warned against when he said not to muzzle the Ox (1 Timothy 5:18). This analogy was used by Moses in the old testament: </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>“You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain”</b> (Deuteronomy 25:4) but </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paul also used it at least twice to get his message across. Once to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:9) and then to Timothy in Ephesus as cited above. Back then, people had to tread their grain with an Ox so the analogy of putting a guard around the animal's mouth while it worked, was a familiar example that Paul knew will resonate with them. You cannot work an Ox to death without letting the Ox benefit from where it labors. Those who serve are not our "slaves" and the analogy from Paul shows they must be paid regardless of what capacity they serve in (Ministry, Missions, Clerical, Edification, etc).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes, I understand some congregations may not be able to afford the full salary that these people deserve. If this is the case, then make the best provisions possible for those who are ASSIGNED to mandatory services. Seek more volunteers and prioritize where you spend your money as a Church. One thing you must <b>NOT</b> do is "rob Peter to pay Paul" by paying some and leaving others hanging. The only thing that cannot be shared is something that <b>cannot be divided</b> into meaningful portions. A ten dollar bill can be split into two fives and still work but a teacup cannot. So the excuse of not having enough to go around is baseless and not scriptural. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If it was OK for them to be forced to work for free or getting "peanut" salary, Paul would not be stressing the need to avoid muzzling the Ox, which is almost like a description for slavery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paul also added in 1 Timothy 5:17 that the Elders who serve in their capacity AND also teach consistently are worthy of double pay a.k.a. honor. Honor here is giving them their wages because the following verse 18 clarifies Paul's point with the context still focused on serving well and paying those who serve. Yes, I know those kind of elders may never get "double pay" but the point Paul was making is the importance of making sure we do what is <b>required of us as a Church</b> and then let those who can afford to volunteer be the ones to say "NO" to getting paid. This way, we will NOT be found guilty of "<b>muzzling</b>" the Ox. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Depending on what kind of tractor you have, you need to power it up with gas, diesel or electricity so it can be used to work the farm land.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Why don't we power up the human tractors that we USE in the lord's vineyard?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>CONCLUSION</b>: </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Imagine you have a hungry child in a cold house during winter with no clothes on. You can clearly see that the child is starving to the point of death and yet, you keep pledging and giving your income to your brother to make his "car" payment. You defend your actions by saying you are doing good and cannot afford clothes for your kid. This is what most local congregations are like these days when they REFUSE to pay those who serve. However, they are quick to pledge what they don't have to "questionable" causes to make them look good. They may have some qualified mission minded members in their midst but will choose to find mission workers somewhere else. Not only does this defeat the purpose of the entire chapter 8 of second Corinthians, it also sounds like misplaced priority. I've dealt with a lot of missionaries growing up; did a few work myself and set to do some occasional work in the future - on my dime so don't get it twisted. My point is, I've been on both sides a lot. I can tell you that MAJORITY of congregations may be better of not knowing what they are supporting but they really should because it will help them make better decisions with their finance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Obviously no one is saying don't support mission work or other causes but you start with due diligence and then give out of what you HAVE, not out of NECESSITY. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to somewhat compete with the Macedonian Churches in their support for mission work </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">but he also made it clear that it was NOT a command.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> In the middle of his "pep talk" to get them fired up about support for mission work, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paul still had to remind them </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>NOT</b> to give beyond what they have or can afford to (2 Corinthians 8:10-13). The same is applicable to us today. Stay Blessed My Friends.</span><br />
<br />Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-46570625975819525742019-07-27T08:19:00.000-04:002019-08-01T19:23:12.819-04:00The 21st Century Teachers of the Law<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">When we think of the teachers or leaders of the Pharisees, we almost always equate them to the definition of hypocrites. This is fair enough based on what their main focus was but </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm here to talk about something else. This piece is about their unverified (inaccurate) knowledge, which leads to subconscious belief and teachings. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most of their knowledge were passed on from generations and they did little to nothing for their own good to make sure these teachings that they received were as stated by the prophets of old.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> As a result of their refusal to verify and seek the truth, the Pharisees lacked understanding and rebelled against the truth. I will describe two ways the Pharisees did this and also show how similar we are to the Pharisees of old. Simply put, we are living under the 21st Century "Teachers of the Law" or 21st Century Pharisees.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The prevalence of unverified and incorrect subconscious knowledge as a replacement for the bible truth is becoming a norm in Churches today. It's OK to have subconscious knowledge but it is not OK to treat it like the gospel truth especially if you cannot verify it with the bible. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">O</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ur opinions and traditions should not dominate or take preference over God's truth </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(1 Timothy 6:3-5)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">t usually starts with human knowledge that directly or clearly contradicts God's truth being welcomed into God's house with EASE and not actively challenged. Then it leads to a congregation of passive listeners because we become so deaf to the basic bible truth and start accepting anything that sounds good to the ears or tailored to fit our individual desires just so we can say "Amen."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1</b>. <b>MISUNDERSTANDING and FEAR</b> - Many of the Pharisees who knew what was spoken by the prophets of old, did NOT understand what they knew </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(Matthew 12:1-21). </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They had knowledge of the teachings but lacked understanding (verse 7) and t</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">his contributed largely to their rejection of Jesus</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. The fear of their false teachings being exposed also prevented them from accepting the truth (Matthew 7:15-21). They knew the crowd were starting to notice the difference in the messaging from Jesus and this made them very rebellious (Matthew 7:28-29). </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They chose to stick with what was already embedded in their minds while </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">refusing to let Jesus be in control of God's message.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>TODAY</b> - The fear of God's truth exposing our personal opinions and rigid human traditions is creating the same mindset of refusing the bible truth. We refuse to let go of things we were taught by friends, families, teachers or professors. Our refusal to seek the bible truth is preventing us from seeing how our inaccurate subconscious knowledge clearly contradict the scriptures. We lack understanding because we refuse to let the bible be the only controlling truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4). </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When we control what bible truth we want to teach God's people based on fear of how our friends or family may react, it becomes clear that we're "playing the role of God" by trying to have control over a situation that only God can and should have control over. We preach God's word to clean and lift people up. We should not preach God's word to please and form a "click" of followers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2</b>. <b>PRIDE and SHOWMANSHIP</b> - </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some of these Pharisees knew that Jesus actually met the characteristics of the truth as spoken by the prophets. But they refused to </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">accept Him</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">because He didn't "look the part" that they wanted Him to look like (Luke 20:45-47). </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These prideful teachers or leaders enjoyed being celebrated but Jesus did not put them on a pedestal and this bothered them (Luke 21:1-4).</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Jesus had no fancy robe and mingled with the poor instead of the elite (Mark 2:13-17).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>TODAY</b> - Prideful hearts of knowing it all and the shame of having it wrong, is plaguing Churches these days (2 Timothy 2:15). </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have more "Televangelists" these days than actual "Evangelists" because Christians today crave the same attention that the Pharisees of old did. They want to be celebrated and placed on a pedestal.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> It's almost like a crime for some people to finally see that what they have believed for so long is not what the bible teaches. Instead of correcting it or making a change, they let their pride get in the way and stick to their guts.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Anything that pertains to life and godliness has to reconcile itself with the scriptures or the entire bible becomes meaningless - God forbid. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When we cannot reconcile one bible passage to the rest of the bible, then we need to study it more and not put out false conclusive statements in the minds of others especially our young ones. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The alternative will be to emphasize "as opinion" unless you can use the scriptures to prove otherwise. You can give me the benefit of doubt if I call the color green a "light green" as an opinion. But if I stand my ground and say a black car is definitely white, then it's obvious </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">that something is fishy. It becomes my duty as a teacher to make corrections where needed instead of looking for ways to "sugar-coat" it. The bible talked about those who teach and preach as having a big responsibility to those they teach. Intentionally putting out false teachings is not only dangerous to the person doing so, it is also dangerous to the innocent souls that are being misled. Don't become a spiritual serial killer by purposefully promoting false doctrines or refusing to correct human traditions that clearly contradicts the bible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We can do better by frequently checking the scriptures with an open mind and not relying on our inaccurate subconscious knowledge when teaching others. The only way to replace your inaccurate subconscious knowledge is to verify what you hear and there's a lot of ways to do so. But there is only ONE way that is guaranteed to not fail you and it is by studying the bible through sincere prayers. IT IS WELL my friends.</span><br />
<br />Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-74533459645463399152019-07-26T05:14:00.000-04:002020-04-20T19:42:36.472-04:00CHURCH GROWTH - Plant and Water<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">I know some Christians don't like the phrase "growing the church" because they believe only God can grow the Church. I'll address this mindset later in this piece.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span>Michael Jordan cannot crawl up and down the court with his eyes closed; both hands tied behind his back, get beat in a basketball game by a 5 years old kid and then say "I did my best." </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Growth requires effort but this requirement doesn't mean everyone is going to be exactly like Paul or Peter. It means we need to stop slacking and making excuses for it.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> We can wait till Jesus comes back and ask Him why growth is a necessity - just like the "one talent" guy who refused to put his talent to use, or we can simply start doing the very best we can to grow, by putting one foot in front of the other. Just remember that a seed does not wait until harvest to start growing because growth is a process. Everyone has a </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">responsibility to grow and learn for their own good. This in turn helps with Church growth.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here are two important bible ways of growing a Church and some individual ways to growth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>CHURCH:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1</b>. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our job is to </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">PLANT</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> by preaching the gospel of Christ so God can keep adding those who are being saved to His Church. This creates growth in numbers a.k.a. "PHYSICAL GROWTH" (Acts 2:47).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2</b>. Our job is to <b>WATER</b> correctly by teaching the saved to observe what the Master teacher taught us through the scriptures (Matthew 28:20). This is how God helps us increase in our "SPIRITUAL GROWTH" (2 Peter 1:5-11).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>INDIVIDUALS:</b> </span><br />
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">1</b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. Paul said we "GROW" by "speaking the truth in love" - Ephesians 4:15</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2</b>. Peter said we "GROW" when we "crave pure spiritual milk" - 1 Peter 2:2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3</b>. Jesus said we "GROW" when we remain in Him and "bear fruit" - John 15:1-2</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Growing the Church" occurs both locally and universally. Sadly, some congregation choose competition over co-operation. They forget that they can productively work together while remaining independent. </span><span style="color: #222222;">The first thing that comes to mind about Church growth is usually numerical or physical growth. </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We get excited, as we should be at the end of the year to announce how many baptisms occurred. Everyone cheers for the numbers but nothing is ever mentioned about where these "newborns" are. We may baptize ten but nine left the faith in the first few months and the only one left standing is probably a relative or a child of another member. In some cases, all ten are gone in a matter of weeks or months and no one knows what happened to them.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Christians who do not like to hear the phrase "grow the Church" will respond by saying "only God can grow the Church." They say this by quoting "</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paul planted and Apollos watered but God gave the increase"</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> - 1 Corinthians 3:6. This is very true but it'</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s the same as saying "I am saved by grace so I don't need to do anything." This was the mindset of some early Christians in Hebrews 10, which led the writer to caution them in verse 25. We all know that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God is the ONLY one that adds us to His Church but it's our job to plant and water for this to happen. You cannot expect something to grow without plating and you cannot expect the growth to mature if the proper care like watering is not there. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The contextual fact about this verse is that members of the Church were taking sides and Paul had to quickly remind them that the ONLY side we should be choosing is God's side. We humans make up the Church and we belong to Christ - not Paul or Apollos or anyone else. Paul PLANTED by preaching the truth and Apollos WATERED by teaching the truth. Therefore, choosing sides is ridiculous because we are all humans belonging to one God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Doing my Christian duty is not tattooing a bible verse on my arm, writing a blog like this, posting on Facebook, attending every single worship service or events. Christian duty is doing the very best we can (including those things listed above) WITHOUT looking for a human "pat on the back" and knowing fully well that God knows where your heart is. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Church members are SLACKING these days and continue to not prioritize growth.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Take a survey and you will find out that most Christians show more disappointment for missing a TV show or sports event than they do over missing a worship service or a church event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We can't always get it right but we sure can do better. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The devil is always waiting to pounce so arm yourself the best you can with prayers. Don't be the one who intentionally stands in the middle of the highway and asking God to protect you from oncoming traffic. Take one step at a time and you'll be glad you did. Stay blessed my friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-73380503719795697242019-06-30T23:16:00.000-04:002019-07-15T16:43:42.165-04:00What Bible Translation?<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's the last day of June and as bad of a month June has been it's easy for me to say I can't wait for it to be over. But then I have to remind myself that God is good ALL THE TIME. His goodness knows no boundary of days, weeks, or a specific month. And to you all that reached out with your uplifting messages, thanks much from the bottom of my heart. Now let me briefly talk about this topic of differen</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">t </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">bible translations. I'm not going to address different kinds of Greek and their spellings, nor will I be addressing the Hebrew manuscript. And for those who think you need to know Greek to make studying the bible easier, I will tell you why you don't need to know Greek language to understand the scriptures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. Some translations are almost like commentary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. Most of the translations are just like King James Version in modern English</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. A few of the translations sometimes push the line almost into what I describe as the "human opinion" zone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's a never ending question</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> of "what bible translation do you prefer or recommend." My answer is both specific and broad. Specific because most of my early memory verses were from the King James Version. Broad because I was lucky enough to briefly study Greek at age 19 and by the end of that year, I not only read but studied every available English translations I could lay my hands on. I compared side by side to see if I can figure out why so many English translations. This curiosity</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> was: (a) good by showing that the basic truth about THE GOSPEL was not compromised; (b) bad for me as an individual because this made most of the words of my memorized verses mixed up. It did prove to be beneficial overall by clarifying why understanding the scriptures is way better than just memorizing words - not to discourage memorization of verses by any means.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The biggest take away from it all was that I saw most of these translations like the individual apostles on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. They all spoke in tongues. They spoke God's truth in different languages and everyone understood them in their own languages. The words from their mouth were not exactly the same. The noun, pronouns, verb, adverbs etc may not all have sounded exactly the same. But the ultimate message that mattered the most was understood by all and about 3,000 people responded to it. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is one of the reasons I often talk about using the bible as it's own dictionary or commentary. This way, if your favorite translation seem to have a questionable word, you are able to cross reference other parts of the scriptures to reach a conclusion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>DO I NEED TO KNOW GREEK?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">GREEK is like the highway that gets you there faster and CROSS REFERENCING is like the streets with the traffic lights but still gets you there but may take a few minutes longer. When</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> you have </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">two options to go from point A to B, you would usually want the fastest route. As you already know, the fastest route is not always the shortest route. Example - The highway, interstate or express road may be like 12 miles from point A to B but it may get you to point B faster because there are no traffic lights; thus allowing increased speed limits in designated areas. The regular roads to the same destination with traffic lights may be about 10 miles in distance but slower in arrival time because of the reduced speed limit combined with other possible factors like stops at the red lights. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is the same with choosing between learning Greek or not.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-T3zO6AmeHfj03cRdxqf6Ki_0sLUrouiFad1HC10Sehn_EOK186rbiJVPUhgt-EpRD3FLD4ldkLxuHTRCCZbPBvISd7nqhH-2krxonqkUcnmE3t5HbQyY5e20Am0pbFmgB1W9KNwp8iV/s1600/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%252899%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Abraham Inetianbor" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-T3zO6AmeHfj03cRdxqf6Ki_0sLUrouiFad1HC10Sehn_EOK186rbiJVPUhgt-EpRD3FLD4ldkLxuHTRCCZbPBvISd7nqhH-2krxonqkUcnmE3t5HbQyY5e20Am0pbFmgB1W9KNwp8iV/s320/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%252899%2529.jpg" title="www.abrahaminetianbor.com" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I personally prefer cross referencing the scriptures and it even becomes a faster way to study when you look at the bible from one big picture. Cross referencing (for me) is like knowing the back roads or shortcuts to your local store. You don't rely on a GPS and it comes to a point when you know what traffic lights or streets to avoid in order to get from point A to B in less time. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nothing wrong with knowing Greek or how to use both methods. Greek can be a little "tough" sometimes depending on how well you do with languages that are not native to you. It also creates some disagreement among those who like to pick on little things like the difference in ancient and modern Greek spellings.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Whatever method you choose, your focus should be on being open minded to learn from God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before any bible study (individually or collectively) I always say a short silent prayer that I call my "FIOM" prayer. It works for me and has worked for decades. "FAITH INTACT with OPEN MIND in Jesus name, Amen." The number of times I say this prayer a day is dependent upon the number of times I study, listen or discuss the bible. It's like saying "Lord, bless this food in Jesus name, Amen" before each meal you eat. FIOM to me means more than just the words and it's also the fastest prayer I can pray without missing a bit just in case I walked into a bible discussion already in progress.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">FAITH INTACT = Help me Lord to always have faith in you as the creator of the universe. Show me the wisdom of your ways to keep my soul anchored and steadfast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">OPEN MIND = Help me Lord to have an open mind even if this is the one thousandth </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">time I'm reading or hearing this scripture. But do not let anything, anyone or my open mindedness cause me to deny your </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">existence.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Bible knowledge is for you, not for God. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">Your knowledge of God's word will NOT save you because we are saved by Grace through Faith in Christ. Understanding God's word helps you fight the battle through prayers. The devil is not going to stop trying so Get Equipped!</span><span style="background-color: white;"> If we know it all, then we don't need God but far be it from us. When we give His message as it is written in love, people can take it or leave it. Bible passages have to reconcile themselves or the bible becomes meaningless. This is why cross referencing is VERY important. Sticking with content and context alone can only get you so far with the MILK until you hit the MEAT of the scriptures. I personally prefer to see each verse as a piece of what I call the bible puzzle. It fits in perfectly somewhere but it makes the picture look complete because each verse is connected to something that is also connected to something else.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Always reme</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">mber: "If knowledge is power, Understanding is Superpower." - Abraham Inetianbor</span><br />
Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-73037074180157535652019-06-18T20:44:00.000-04:002019-07-16T16:50:45.561-04:00LIFE and OBSTACLES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A devastating news hits you. You feel numb and yet, the pain is real. Nothing but frustration and anger. Tears running down your cheeks without blinking or saying a word. All kinds of emotions strike from the past to the present. The "why me" - "WHY NOW" and "what did I do to deserve this" grows louder and louder but still in silence. Your sight becomes fuzzy and your thinking gets cloudy. All you can think about is taking the place of someone that you don't want to see in pain. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And just when you think you eyes are getting dry or dehydrated, the replay of the event in your head continues to hit hard and make your face look like a wall of a never ending waterfall.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Then you quickly realize that there is a book of comfort that has carried you through all the dark times. Soon enough, 2 Corinthians 12:9 pops in your head - "...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness..."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"I think the book just made me more angry" - I said to myself. I wanted the manifestation of that power right there and then; not later not tomorrow. Then I realized that someone as great as Apostle Paul didn't get </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">that divine power of intervention to take away his thorn</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> right when he wanted, so who I'm I to make the do it "right now" demands to the almighty God. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Saying that the last 24 hrs felt like an eternity of pain is an understatement. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've all been there and felt like the clouds are turning dark. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I often say, the pain that seems so unbearable right now, will one day look like a "warm up" to you especially when you come across the same situation again.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> But just when you thought you've seen pain in its rawest form before, life throws you a curve ball to remind you that the battle is nev</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">er over until it is over. The available choices become clear, you can either choose to fight or just fold.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Going through the difficult times in life should make us better, not bitter. Both physical and emotional pain is expected to hurt. The hurt should change us for the better. If it doesn't change you, it will hurt more. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">If everything in life is going exactly as planned without bumps on the road, beware, because you may be heading for the edge of a dangerous cliff. Every situation in life is meant to change for good or for bad because no condition is permanent. It's Okay to be concerned but don't let your concern turn into uncontrollable worries. There is never a bad time to pray, however, when you start to worry and feel like the cloud is turning dark, it is definitely time to pray and cast all your burdens on Jesus. He cares and He will make your day brighter.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An obstacle is meant to slow you down but it will stop you from reaching your goal if you let it. The devil, people and things can be IN your way but they are NOT your way. You see them as obstacles and you find your way around obstacles. Moving forward doesn't mean you will not have other set backs before getting to your goal. Your journey may require a detour or be obstructed by things like a red light, which requires you to hit the breaks. However, a SET BACK is not an excuse to STAY BACK. Take the opportunity to re-focus and stay alert for the next "green light" or find an alternate route to your ultimate destination.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Life is like a vapor; here today and gone tomorrow. Sometimes you feel like no one feels your pain - but God does. He lost His one and only son too. The only thing that will permanently take pain away is resurrection unto glory. And the right time to plan for this glorification at the Lord's return is to have peace in Christ right now with oxygen still available to you. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Do not stop climbing and PRESSING ON to HIGHER GROUNDS because the BEST view is usually from the top of the mountain.</span>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-30812031526530203852019-05-30T01:29:00.000-04:002019-07-26T18:54:06.890-04:00Money and Contentment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Contentment is not in the numbers; it is the acceptance of fate while having faith in God. Being content does not mean you should stop earning, growing or learning especially if you have the ability to do so. That's like the one talent guy that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 25:14-30 who was OK with just staying put. You can reshape the way you earn, grow or learn but do not become lazy in the name of false contentment. Being broke does not always mean you are content and contentment is absolute trash without godliness (1 Timothy 6:6-10). The effect that gains and loses have on your relationship with God is how you know if you are content or not (Job 1:21; Philippians 4:11)<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span>The only thing in life that you should be content with having as irreplaceable is God. Be content with having and loosing everything for God's sake. If you can spend 20 hours watching re-runs on TV, you can spend that time earning or learning. Don't talk yourself or let anyone talk you into poverty or laziness in the name of contentment.</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. "It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer - then goes of and boasts about the purchase."</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> (Proverbs 20:13-14).</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">S</span>howing off or spending above your ability just to impress your neighbors instead of focusing on your needs, is simply foolishness. Why show for praise when you can sow for a raise? Your neighbor may not be alive tomorrow to see your new Mercedes Benz that you bought to impress even when you know that you can't afford it. Stop letting people live in your head RENT-FREE and get your money game st</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">raight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here is a summary of ten daily tips you sho</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">uld always remember:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. <b>CHRISTIANS</b> are not poor or rich people. They are just people who love God more than whatever material stuff they may or may not have.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. <b>POVERTY</b> does not guarantee holiness so be careful what you wish for because laziness is just as bad as the love of money.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. <b>WEALTH</b> is not greed and anyone - rich or poor can fall into this category of greed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. <b>GIVING</b> is something that you do and not something that you only tell other people to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. <b>EXPECTATION</b> of a return should not be a motivation when you give because the thought of people owing you a favor is a recipe for a life of disappointments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6. <b>GENEROSITY</b> is measured by the sincerity of the thought behind what you give and not by how much you give.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7. <b>MATERIALISM</b> is a state of mind, which cannot be quantified. This is because your luxury can be someone else's needs. As you may have heard, one man's trash is another man's treasure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8. <b>WASTE</b> of time is like wasting money because time is money. Priority should be your plan for life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">9. <b>SPENDING</b> the money you need for food to buy a fancy plate and then complain about being hungry is like putting your shoes on backwards while complaining that it hurts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10. <b>MONEY</b> is not evil just as temptation is not a sin. The love of Money is root of all evil. Earn it but don't chase it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your material possessions, talent, time, love, soul and health belongs to God (1 Timothy 6:17). You get to decide what to do with your blessings - do good. Just don't forget that these things are all temporary and must not come between you and your God. Use your God-given abilities and talents to earn, grow and learn as much as humanly possible because you can't give something out of nothing </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">(1 Timothy 6:18)</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/05/wealth-does-not-mean-greed.html" target="_blank">Stay Blessed my friends.</a></b></span></div>
Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-81293210284509390812019-05-29T22:54:00.000-04:002019-06-08T18:15:11.947-04:00Wealth does not mean Greed<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In every society, there are different income levels and some people refer to this as the rich and the poor. The rich are often referred to as "greedy" and the poor has many labels from lazy to victims of economic inequality. Yes, there are rich or wealthy people who are "greedy" and there are poor or low income people who are systematically subjected to little to no opportunities for <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/01/should-i-pay-my-taxes.html" target="_blank">economic growth</a></b>. However, greed is a trait that is shared by both the rich and the poor. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wealth is not greed because anyone - rich or poor can fall into the category of greed.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> It would be wrong to describe wealth as greed and every rich person as greedy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Someone who spends 20 hours a week playing video games or watching re-runs on TV is quick to call other people who work an extra 10 hours per week "lovers of money" or <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2018/07/no-condition-is-permanent.html" target="_blank">materialistic</a></b>. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is how twisted our human minds have become.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Job was a rich man (Job 1:3) and God called Job His servant (Job 1:8) - not for what he owns but his mindset towards what he owns. </span>In a place like the US, there are neighborhoods where low income people generally live in. Some refer to these places as "ghetto" or "trailer parks" depending on the color of the skin of those living in these communities. There are several reasons why people live in places like these but I'm only going to list three so I can move on to the subject of greed.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The individual doesn't mind living in such community.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Such community is where their income level forces them to live in.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some have a <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2016/05/the-key-to-success-there-is-no-such.html" target="_blank">strategic plan</a></b> for lower living expenses in order to save up money for future endeavors.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is nothing wrong with anyone living in any low income community for whatever reason(s). At the same time, this doesn't automatically mean that the person living in a low income community is humble or not greedy. It also doesn't give anyone the right to label someone like Bill Gates "greedy" simply because he chose to live in a place that is not only safe for him based on his life accomplishment but he can also easily afford it without breaking the bank. Unless you have substantial proof that someone is selfish and complains a lot about what they don't have while living a life of luxury that they cannot afford, then your claim of greed is baseless. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It just makes you sound weak and uninformed. Like it's often said: Never judge a book by its cover. It is better to read and understand its content before reaching a conclusion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are people in places like New York who pay a monthly rent that is more than a down payment for a mansion in some places like Texas. Not to mention the $20 Million dollar one bedroom studios in New York that is worth twice as much as ten different "million dollar" mansions combined. If someone in Texas owns and can afford five of those mansions as source of income, we are quick to call them greedy. But the New York guy who owns and can't afford his one bedroom worth $20M is given a pass and sometimes pity for "struggling" or trying to catch up.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFESZcjKkbxRnwuWwBlpTyNOMmSX-BZkL81Yr-2KqwNp6PvVkZ4A_E2V3xn5LhVT2KVsmvmVuDEOpkk8feLBFFhwXcWHyXVN8rc3boDhSkJeZR74t2P-gQjQ2gq1ohZN06g71-sNCLHcw/s1600/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%2528135%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Abraham Inetianbor" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFESZcjKkbxRnwuWwBlpTyNOMmSX-BZkL81Yr-2KqwNp6PvVkZ4A_E2V3xn5LhVT2KVsmvmVuDEOpkk8feLBFFhwXcWHyXVN8rc3boDhSkJeZR74t2P-gQjQ2gq1ohZN06g71-sNCLHcw/s320/-+Abraham+Inetianbor+%2528135%2529.jpg" title="www.abrahaminetianbor.com/" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jealous and selfish people like Judas (John 12:5-8) will find a way to demonize what other people do with their money by quoting scriptures that are not applicable. This is done with a covetous mindset because these individuals would rather be the ones to benefit from everything instead of someone else. You can tell from Jesus' rebuke that Jesus knew it was pure greed and not because Judas cared about the poor deep down in his heart. And who is to say that the woman with the expensive oil(perfume) in John chapter 12 did not already give much more to the poor? We can't judge people's generosity or selfishness based on one act. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The sad news is that most of us <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2016/07/sometimes-excuse-is-all-in-your-head.html" target="_blank">hardly remember</a></b> to thank God for His blessings because we don't take the time to count them. We mostly remember to pray when we are in need of God's help. The "Thank You Lord" prayers are rare and sometimes in non-existence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We cannot love God more or less when we have it all. We cannot need Him more or less when we have nothing. Thanksgiving and petition for strength to stay strong should be a daily thing regardless of our circumstances. </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Anything that we value more than God automatically becomes our idol. Things like evil desire, immorality and greed falls into this category of idolatry - Colossians 3:5.</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> The direction of the zeros in your bank account should not determine when to follow the direction of your hero (Jesus) because zeros come and go but Jesus the hero is the same forever. Call on Him in the day of trouble; Call on Him when you have no physical needs or the need to borrow; Call on Him when in sorrow and He will always be your hero.</span>Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104738399266118988.post-49353655682794262822019-05-24T23:19:00.000-04:002019-07-16T15:06:52.376-04:00Who is a Believing Child<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b>BACKGROUND</b> - The Israelite didn't need a king. They wanted a king like other nations (1 Samuel 8:7) and they got a man named Saul. Saul spent his entire reign seeking God's input on what to do but always ignoring the input. Prophet Samuel eventually told Saul that obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22) and informed Saul of God's rejection of him as king. Yet, Saul continued to walk by his own sight and not by faith in God. This behavior led Saul to a shameful and painful death, right after his sons were killed </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(1 Samuel 31)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">. David met God's requirements to become king over Israel and to this day he remains on the list of great men of faith regardless of his many sins. The point is, God's requirement of who He wants to lead His people cannot be modified by humans without consequences. T</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">he only way to avoid putting a choke-hold on God's truth is to have</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> an open mind, regardless of how it may affect us as individuals (Galatians 1:10).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Moses and Aaron were chosen to lead and eventually had their leadership position revoked - Deuteronomy 32:48-52. These were qualified leaders at one point, who failed to continue in the qualities that qualified them in the first place. Yes, we live under the law of grace but our God is the same and gave His requirements for who He wants to lead His people - not in Israel but in His Church. If <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/are-you-predestined-to-be-saved.html" target="_blank">continuity</a></b> in faith doesn't matter, then once an elder should forever be an elder regardless of what they do after being appointed. I'm in no way <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2008/01/practice-does-not-make-perfect.html" target="_blank">preaching perfection</a></b> so don't get it twisted. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are a lot of requirements listed for appointing elders in God's Church </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1) </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">but I'm only going to address ONE (believing or faithful Children) in this piece. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God is not evil to make it difficult for us to understand His word especially when it pertains to life and godliness. The human never ending cravings for selfish gains often leads us to a place where we become comfortable having <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2016/10/our-opinion-vs-gods-truth.html" target="_blank">multiple beliefs</a></b> on a clear truth.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>BELIEVING CHILDREN</b> - </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Speaking of God's truth, </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paul asked a very clear question that if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he manage the house of God (1 Timothy 3:5). This alone is enough for us to conclude that there is NO age limit for your children to remain faithful to God. The house of God is full of grown adults and not babies running around in diapers. My ability to c</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ontrol </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a toddler who has no voice of their own in my household does not qualify me to manage or oversee a bunch of adults in God's house. The true test of a child remaining a believer is shown when they are adults of their own free will. You don't certify the submissiveness of a child when they are voiceless or willing to trade perks or pocket allowances for attending worship services.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> How do I expect the flock made up of grown men and women to trust my ability to Shepard and keep them safe when the flock I raised from childhood is being fed to the wolves and I don't seem to see anything wrong with this?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> believing child does not mean a perfect child. It simply means a God fearing child that refuses to depart from the ways of God, which was shown to him or her in accordance with the scriptures. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paul through the Holy Spirit will be contradicting himself if his intent is to give a certain age when it becomes OK for children to abandon the faith or become unbelievers. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Timothy was a believing child and Paul admired him for not abandoning the ways of the Lord that was shown to him by his Mom and grandmother(2 Timothy 1:3-5).</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I understand Proverbs 22:6 is in the "Old Testament" but when did Ephesians 6:4 become obsolete in relations to how Christians ought to raise their kids? Timothy was already a preacher when Paul acknowledged him as a son to his parents. The reason s</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ome people are called a grandfather or grandmother is because the choice we make to bring a child into this world has no expiration date. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The choices they make later in life does not erase that tie.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In Acts 16:1, Luke described Timothy's Mom as a "believer" or a "believing" Jew, which is a term often used by the apostles to describe those who are followers of Christ. This is the same term Paul used in Titus 1:6 while referring to the children of an elder as being faithful or believing children. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Throughout the bible, "</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">pistēs, </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">pistōn, pista</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">" is used interchangeably when describing Christians as those who believe, believing or believers.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>HOUSEHOLD</b> - </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Husband, wife and kid makes up a household. The same household that the man must manage well (1 Timothy 3:5). </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The world has a powerful influence on anyone of these people that makeup the household including the man. This is not breaking news and will not change until that trumpet sounds. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">People like Noah, Joshua and Lot lived in a corrupt world too, so the excuse of <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/the-power-to-choose.html" target="_blank">worldly influence</a></b> on our kids does not hold water.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> If we are going to use the excuse of the "worldly influence" on our kids to say why the child of an elder does not need to be a believer, we might as well use the same excuse for the wife who is also a member of the household but not an office holder. The wife can become an unbeliever too and it will be OK. Why not take it a step further and make an unbelieving man into an elder in the Lord's Church? Where do we draw the line when interpreting God's plain truth that we don't own?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God called Jesus "My Son" at arou</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nd age thirty (Luke 3:22-23) and Jesus often said He came to do the will of "My Father" (John 6:38-40). </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Noah's sons were over one hundred years old after the flood when God referred to them as "your sons" in Genesis 8:15-16. They were married adults and the bible still referred to them as "sons of Noah." This is because kids do not fall from the sky. They are forever tied to their parents. Not holding a leadership position</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> does not disqualify anyone from being a Christian or going to heaven. It simply means you do not qualify for the leadership position. And if you are a true Christian, you can still perform your Christian duties without holding an "official" position unless there is pride or a personal gain as the motivating factor.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>UNBELIEVING CHILDREN </b>- Paul told Timothy to be an example to the "believers" in 1 Timothy 4:12. In addition to being called believers, Christians were also referred to as saints, trustworthy, faithful or reliable i</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">n 2 Timothy 2:2. Paul clarified in verse 13 of the same chapter two, what it is to be faithful when he described Jesus as "remains faithful" acknowledging Jesus as one who cannot <b><i>disown</i></b> Himself. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The way apostle Paul described faithful or believing children in 1 Timothy 3:4 and Titus 1:6 is the same way </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">faithful Christians or believers were described throughout the New Testament. A believing child is s</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">omeone that is NOT "wild" or blatantly disobedient to their parents and to God. A child that people can generally agree is indeed respectful and a subordinate to his or her parents regardless of age. The opposite of "believing" is UNBELIEVING or rebellious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paul used "</span><span style="color: #552200; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">anypotaktois"</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> in Titus 1:6, Titus 1:10 and 1 Timothy 1:9 to describe a disobedient, insubordinate or rebellious behavior, which is also how the unfaithful Christians and unbelievers are described. When the bible describes unbelievers and the unfaithful as rebellious, who are we to say that "faithful" or "believing children" does not mean a child who is a Christian? </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The only other explanation is to say let's throw the bible away and rely on our own individual interpretation.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>CONCLUSION</b> - No <b><a href="https://www.abrahaminetianbor.com/2019/04/right-place-at-right-time.html" target="_blank">fancy statement</a></b>, blog, book or scholastic interpretation can change the bible truth. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Running a corporation is NOT the same as managing the house of God. The souls in your care needs to be spiritually led and fed and your best resume is your household. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I truly believe that the only thing that is hypothetically worse than sinning is re-writing God's plain truth and making it fit into our lives (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19; 2 Peter 2:1). We should all find ways to help each other make progress in our spiritual journey, not reaching for ways to dilute sin. This requirement of "believing children" is crystal clear and even if it isn't, we are better off erring on the side of caution than looking for ways to force the bible to fit into our lives. Stay Blessed my friends.</span></div>
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Abraham Inetianborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11188879186358563987noreply@blogger.com