Verses for Life

Words for Christian Living – Being Confident

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“Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”  2 Corinthians 5:6-11 (KJV)

There is much talk of “Self-confidence”, and a little of that goes a long way.  It is not always good.  Too much of it ends in prideful rebellion.

Self-confidence is when you feel good about yourself,  your life, your abilities, talents, and “Life style”.  The confidence of which Paul the apostle writes is a confidence which comes from knowing God; knowing that He holds you in His hands.  Knowing that you are protected from harm; safe under the shelter of His “Wings” as having to do when a hen gathers her chicks for protection from a storm or a fox; or any predator.

The confidence of men;  yours and mine; can fail.  Our confidence in God can become weak; however when we have been with God, and know His heart we can trust Him through every trial and tribulation we enter and we can endure to the end.

As Christians we are confident that if we die we will be at home with Jesus for all eternity.  If we live we live unto the Lord.  We know also that there will come a day when; as Christians; we will stand before the “Judgment seat of Christ” and we will give account of all the things we have done here on earth in our bodies.  What has been done for the glory of the Lord will stand the judgment; what has been done for ourselves will burn in fire.

Because we know the “Terror of the Lord, we persuade men…”  The terror of the Lord is that He hates sin.  The sin debt was paid in full by the blood of Jesus Christ God’s Son, on the cross.  In His burial He carried away the guilt, condemnation, and power of sin.  In His resurrection He proved to all to be whom He said He is – the eternal Son of God. Our Savior.  Our Redeemer. Our Lord.

If your refuse Him you will pay for your own sins; whether you believe you have sinned or not.  Trust Christ and be saved.

Words for Christian Living – A Strong Heart

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“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”  2 Corinthians 4:1-2 (KJV)

There are many people walking around in this world who have been told by their physicians that they have weak or failing hearts.  Some of us have had different types of surgery for their heart from stentz placed in arteries of their heart to what is called “Open heart” surgery.  The “Strong heart” of which I title this does not refer to the physical heart, but to the inner individual.

“…We faint not”  has much to do with having “A Strong Heart”.  The man or woman of God; every Christian; must be committed to being faithful to God and His Word.  That is what Paul the apostle is speaking of.  From the time we become a follower of Jesus Christ we “Renounce the hidden things of dishonesty”; these are the sins of our past.  We have repented, and our lives are changed.

It is a mark of the Christian, too, that we not use tricks, or deceit when it comes to the word of God.  One of the things that angers me is the way I see many a Christian leader using emotion to entice “worship”; then people walk away thinking they have been in the presence of God; they go out the doors of the Church or the stadium, and their lives are left unchanged.  Nothing wrong with emotion if it is not manipulated by deceit and the mishandling of God’s Word.  Be careful Christian that you do not let wrong handling of the word of God lead you astray.

The truth will be all the commendation one needs.  Know the truth.  Keep your heart for God strong.

Words for Christian Living – You Are Changed

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“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”  2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)

We do not have a clear understanding in what all the above verse.  We will not until we see Jesus face to face.  What a day; for the one who is in Christ Jesus; that will be.

Notice if you will that it does not say “…Will change…” as though it were some future event.  It says “…Are changed…” as in presently changed, and continual changing is most likely meant.  Meaning that we are being prepared for that day when we will see Jesus; with “…the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.”

He is working in you to bring you to a complete and finished work (Philippians 1:6;  2 Corinthians 5:17); His glory.  Every Christian desires to be what the Lord wants them to be.

 

Words for Christian Living – Sorrow and Joy

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“But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.”  2 Corinthians 1-4 (KJV)

It is no joy for any Physician to tell their patient that they have cancer; or any other life threatening disease.  The same is true with the apostle Paul.

In his first letter to the Church of Corinth he spends much of the letter rebuking them for their tolerance of sin within the Body of Christ, pride, and their separation from one another.  Paul is hoping when he returns to Corinth he can do so with joy.

Confronting sin in the 21st century is still no easy task.  It is still a necessary task for the preacher, the Christian.  It, however, must be done for the sake of the Body of Christ.  Let us endeavor to live for Christ Jesus by dealing with our own sin first, then we can confront sin when we see it in others.  It is a sorrowful matter to see sin, and to deal with it.  It is a joy to give words of encouragement to the brethren; when we see that they are following the Lord in holiness.

Words for Christian Living – Our Comfort

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“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-6 (KJV)

In times of sorrow from loss of a family member, a friend, or in times of financial chaos; or some other catastrophic event it is an encouragement to a Christian to know that GOD is the one who comforts us.  He is the source of all our comfort.

Of course we need to realize that He comforts us many times through friends, family, neighbors and loved ones.  Sometimes though these may fail us; and it is then that God will give us peace and comfort through His Spirit who abides within and through His Word.

Through our own trials and tribulations we learn to console and comfort others.

Words for Christian Living – Be Brave, Be Strong

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“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity. I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) that ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.”  1 Corinthians 16:13-18 (KJV)

Most men do not like seeing themselves as cowards, nor be called one; and in today’s world neither do women.  It is easy to be a coward.  One who refuses to act with justice, or judgment when they see an injustice is a coward.  Sure there are times when the right thing to do is get the authorities (Police, or whom ever that authority may apply).  Yet there are times the injustice may require an immediate act.

Christians.  We cannot be cowards when it comes to our faith in Jesus Christ.  We cannot be mambe pambe professors in a world that is dark in sin, and rebellion against our GOD and Savior Jesus Christ.

In Paul the apostle’s words above we hear him say, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”  The word “Quit” is “Be brave”. In the day when the government of our nation is refusing to hear the Word of God, and turning on and against the writings of our God, and that of the founding fathers of our nation; it is time for men and women of Christ Jesus to stand without fear, favor or compromise of faith.

Just a note:  I love the United States of America; but I love my GOD and Savior even more.  What He says goes.  What He says is Law.  What He says will come to pass.  That is where I stand.  Try and stop it if you dare.

Jesus Christ died on the cross, shedding His life’s blood to purchase/redeem us; He was buried, and He rose bodily from the grave.  Trust Him as your Lord and Savior, and then you can live without fear.  You will live for Him and His glory.

 

Words for Christian Living – Why We Live

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“Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”  1 Corinthians 15:12-19 (KJV)

There are those who do not believe that life comes from death.  Think about this…  A farmer plants an old dried seed in the ground, and a few weeks, or months later a stalk comes forth out of the ground, and produces a harvest of corn or wheat or barley…  Life does come from death.

So how is it we can have such a hard time believing that God could raise His own dead, buried Son from death?  We live because the holy, Righteous, Son of God shed His blood on the cross of Calvary, was buried, and arose bodily from the grave.  He is alive forevermore.

God created human beings eternal beings.  The death of the body is a result of sin; transgression of God’s laws.  Yet, though the body dies the eternal being lives on, somewhere.  Hell’s fire is what we deserve.  However, God in His Holy, Righteous, Justice and Love sent His Son to die for our sins; taking the wrath that was mine and yours to bear; and bore it for us on His cross.  The bodily resurrection of Jesus is evidence of the truth of the words Jesus spoke while He lived and dwelt among us.  Trusting Jesus and His finished work on the cross is the only means of salvation.

Believe Him and live.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Use Words Wisely

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“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”  Matthew 7:6 (KJV)

When I was a teenage boy, and first got my driver’s license I was probably like a lot of other boys.  I liked to spin my wheels, smoke my tires, stir the dust when I was in the pasture; and such wasteful things as that.

It seems these days many Christians are good at “Spinning their wheels”, “Smoking their tires”, and “Stirring the dust” when it comes to “Debate” or discussing the issues.  Some of those issues; such as the Evolution/Creation debate is one I see as a waste of our time.

The atheist; the non-theists argues for evolution; and I for one can see their argument.  They do not believe in God, and evolution relieves them of any responsibility to the Higher Power.  Many atheist have their minds made up.  Prayerfully many Christians have our minds made up concerning Creation; I know I do.  There is nothing the evolutionist or atheist can say to change it.  I believe the Word of God, and without God or His Word there would be no Science or atheists.  If there was no God, there would be no argument.

The point I want to make is from the verse above.  As Christians we have a calling to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, contend for the faith; but once we have done that, and seeing an individual set on ignoring the Spirit of God, and His Word; we need to move on.  To continue in that “Debate” is fruitless.  Deliver the gospel of Jesus Christ, then leave it in God’s hands, pray for the individual and watch God work.

After all; do you think you are more persuasive than God’s Spirit?

-Tim A. Blankenship

 

Words for Christian Living – Speech that Edifies

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“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.”  1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (KJV)

Someone once said, “It is better to be thought a fool; than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”

In Paul’s writing above he speaks of the spiritual gift of “Tongues” and “Prophecy”.  One of the things I have noticed is that many of  those who claim the “Gift of tongues” want to make it a requirement for the “Baptism of the Spirit”.  Now I am not going to get into that; just saying.  Those may have a bigger problem controlling the tongue, speaking for the glory of God, rather than cursing.

At any rate Paul says Prophesy or Preaching the Word of God for building up, calling for a decision, and comfort is something that will “Edify” the Church; while “Tongues” edifies self.  That is plenty clear to me.

As Christians our speech – the use of our tongues – is to glorify God, build up and encourage, strengthen – by calling for commitment, decision, and trust in the Lord – and comfort the Body of Christ.  Also see James 3:1-12.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Enduring Love

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“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (KJV)

This “Charity” is the love God has for us.  It is love that we as Christians are to have for one another, and others outside the Body of Christ.  How much does God love us?  Enough to give His only begotten Son to die on the cross to pay a debt that was mine and yours to pay.

The charity we show is not selfish; seeking something in return, but the glory of God.  If we will practice this love there would be more marriages that will endure the tests of time.  Practicing this love of God there would be less rejoicing in iniquity; and more rejoicing in the truth.  This love “Endures all things”; but that does not mean we do not pray for change.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Flee Temptation

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“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.  Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 (KJV)

For some reason there are professing Christians who are believing their temptations are who they are.  That temptation is your weakness not your strength.  Flee from every temptation.  Do not make your temptation your idol.

When you say your temptation is who you are; you are making your temptation your idol.  Flee the temptation – flee that idol; and flee to Christ.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – All One Body

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“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.”  1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (KJV)

In our physical body we have had no choice about how we are made.  We may have been made with a weak heart, weak muscles, and even diseased in some way.  We all have body parts that are failing us in one way or another; especially as we age.  It is still our body, and it is one.

Just as we often have no choice with the parts of our physical body we have no choice with who makes up the Body of Christ – Christians.  Only God has made that choice by His grace.  In Jesus Christ we are all the Body of Christ on earth.  Each of us have a part in His Body.  Each is important.  Any one of us who hurts or causes hurt, hurts the whole Body.  Think of that the next time you are tempted to sin.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Show the Lord’s Death

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“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, ‘Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me.’ After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, ‘This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 11:23-27 (KJV)

The Lord’s Supper, or Communion as some refer to it is a special time for the Christian.  It is not a necessary for one’s salvation; that is a gift of God and received by the believer from the grace God gives.  Far too often however I fear that many of us participate flippantly, and do not consider its holy and special meaning.

Paul says we do it, each time we do it, to show the Lord’s death till He comes again.  That means every time we receive the Supper we ought to be reminded of the Lord’s death on the cross for our sins, remember His burial where all our guilt, sin, and condemnation was carried away; and be reminded of His bodily resurrection, because He is returning for His people.

Part of eating and drinking “Unworthily” would certainly be not being reminded that He is coming again.  Lift up your eyes.  He is coming soon.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Our Examples

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“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.’ Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”  1 Corinthians 10:6-12 (KJV)

The Christian has many examples in Scripture to follow.  When there are so many who want to follow the example of our society or culture; let the Christian be the one who says, “I will follow Christ, and live my life for Him, and His glory.  No matter what this culture does I will live for Christ; be pure, clean, and glorify His name.”

Some of you need to repent of the life you have been living; make that turn around today, and make that decision today.

Join with me in making that your declaration, and life today.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Living the Gospel

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“But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.”  1 Corinthians 15:15-18 (KJV)  

The apostle Paul did not seek to improve his stature in the Church.  His mission was to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He had the right to be paid for his labors, yet he asked for nothing.  Far too many times ministers of Christ exalt themselves in ministry.  That is an assault, and an insult against the work of God, the Spirit of God, Christianity, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is free of charge; yet it is not free, because it cost Jesus His life.

-Tim A. Blankenship  

Words for Christian Living – Resurrection

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“For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?  As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up: so man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. O that Thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that Thou wouldest keep me secret, until Thy wrath be past, that Thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer Thee: Thou wilt have a desire to the work of Thine hands.”  Job 14:7-15 (KJV)

Suffering Job was expectant of a resurrection.  He saw it in trees which might be cut down, and they sprouting back to life.  He saw in the oceans never drying up; nor the major rivers of the Middle Eastern areas.  The above is where the question is asked; yet he already knows the answer – “If a man die, shall he live again?”  and his answer is “All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.”

And all those who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ says, “AMEN!”  Amen!  (See 1 Corinthians 15).

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Known of Him

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“Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of Him.”  1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (KJV)

Knowledge is a wonderful thing.  It is a blessing we have received from our Creator.  Paul was speaking to a Church living in a profligate society; and the sad thing is they were also participating in that society; living as where no one could tell the difference from Christian and non-Christian.

To love God is more important than “Knowledge”; and the one who loves God is “Known of Him”.  One can be “Known of Him” only by way of God’s way.  That is the cross of Jesus Christ.  The cross of Christ Jesus is the only way to God; to love God, and to be “Known of Him”.

There will be some who will say, “Well, I thought God knew everyone.”  He knows who you are; He knows your name;  He knows every detail about your life.  However, to be “Known of Him” is an intimate, personal relationship where both God and you walk together.  It is God’s salvation.

“Whosoever shall call  upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Better than Burning

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“Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.”  1 Corinthians 7:1-9   (KJV)

In a day when marriage has been weakened and mocked Christians must learn to love as Christ loved, cherish one another; and enjoy one another in Biblical marriage.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Know When to Go

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“Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, ‘How long wilt thou speak these things, and the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind? Doth God pervert judgment? Or doth the Almighty pervert justice? If thy children have sinned against Him, and He have cast them away for their transgression; if thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty; if thou wert pure and upright; surely now He would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous. Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.”  Job 8:1-7 (KJV)

Job had three friends.  Friends are an important part of living and life.  Job had, and was suffering from loss of children to death, destruction, and loss of all his possessions.  Even his wife had failed to stand with him in faith.  His friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar came thinking they would encourage their friend.  They sat with him for seven days (2:13) without saying a word.  That was good for Job.  Their presence meant more than any words they could speak.

Job spoke, and was just speaking from his pain and grief; and words of faith.  Even though there is a questioning of God’s motives for this from Job’s lips you can still see his faith, believing God.  Why is it that well intentioned people do not know when to be silent.

Bildad, above is basically calling Job a “Windbag”.  “How long wilt thou speak these things, and the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind?”  All I mean to say here is listen when someone is suffering.  Know when to go.  After seven days of silence.  That was enough.  This was so for all three of them.

Know when to go.

Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Not Your Own

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“What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV)

Within the loving climate of the Corinthian Church there was sexual immorality.  Tolerance, love, and peace was the motive of their inaction toward this immorality.  While the name of Christ was blasphemed and the character of Christianity was mocked; the apostle Paul was calling for action.

Christian, our bodies do not belong to us.  We “Are bought with a price”; and that “price” was the precious blood of Jesus.  You and I are His.  Let us glorify God in our spirit and with our bodies.  We are God’s.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Deal With It

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“I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”  1 Corinthians 5:9-13 (KJV)

We hear much about love.  “God is love” we hear; and we forget that there are things God hates.  Yes! God is love.  We are not to love “Love” but God.  The Corinthian Christians above loved the fact that they were loving a man who was in an adulterous life with his “Father’s wife”; and doing nothing about it.

Paul says they are to separate from him, “Not to keep company” and this is with one who calls themselves a “Brother”.  “With such an one no not to eat.”  How are folks who are wrapped up by sin going to get back into fellowship with God if they are not confronted about their sin.

Yes!  We all have sin we must deal with.  The case above is one that was not dealing with it.  Sin in the Church will bring God’s judgment upon it.  Deal with it.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 061813

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“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”  1 Corinthians 4:1-2  (KJV)

It is the stewardship, and accountability of the leadership of the Church to deliver the message of God’s Word without fear or favor; and it is the stewardship and accountability of the people to listen, hear, and do the Word of God along with the leadership.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 061713

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“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”  James 1:5-8 (KJV)

Doubting God, and unbelief are a hazard to prayer.  Double-minded people are unstable.  Seek God’s strength.  Believe God’s Word.  Trust Him to the end.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 061613

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“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”  Ephesians 6:1-4 (KJV)

Remember your earthly father today.  It is Father’s Day.  Even more remember him, honor him every day.  Children it begins with being obedient to the instructions, and direction he gives you.

Fathers be sure to be an encouragement and blessing to your children.  If you constantly berate, belittle, and criticize them you will drive them away.  Nurture them in the love of the LORD.  With the same grace you have received be gracious to your children.

Happy Father’s Day.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living 061513

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“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”  Colossians 3:4-7  (KJV)

The Christian life is a changed life.  The grace of God changes the heart of the one receiving grace.  Love for God, His Son, His cross; the death, burial and resurrection.  God loves you just the way you are.  By His grace He will not leave you the way you are.

-Tim A. Blankenship